WE
ARPEN
EACH MONTH WE FOCUS ON A SPECIFIC DANCE OR TWO.
Classes
Weddings
-moms and dads for the first dances
-bridesmaids (make it a fun weekly private party!)
-any wedding guests who really want to enjoy the dance floor
We want to make your wedding dance floor a fun place instead of a place to fear. We recommend contacting us at least 6 months before the wedding to ensure the best results (and the most fun). It's also a great bonding experience for the soon-to-be newlyweds. Stop by or call today to reserve your lessons!
Dances WeTeach
Rumba is slow and romantic and the most sensual of the Latin dances. The Rumba is sometimes referred to as the "Dance of Love" because couples stare deeply into each other's eyes while they dance.
Mambo - Perez Prado in the mid-1950s took the rhythm of the dances performed by the sugar-cane cutters and syncopated it. This dance may be described as a riff or a Rumba with a break on 2 and 4 in 4/4 time.
Cha-Cha - The mid-tempo Cha-Cha is a spin-off of the Rumba and the Mambo. With its two slow steps followed by three quick ones this sensual, energetic dance is extraordinarily popular with old and young alike.
The Fox Trot is a classic dance for wedding receptions and a true American favorite. Fox Trot dancers travel around the room in a counter-clockwise direction in a basic rhythm of slow-slow-quick-quick.
The Waltz was born in the suburbs of Vienna. It gained popularity through the music of Johann Strauss. This easy and flowing dance is still commonly seen at weddings and other social events.
The Tango, a sensual, dramatic dance, originated in Buenos Aires. Widely considered to be the "dancer's dance," it has become even more popular due to its presence in films like "The Scent of a Woman".
The Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. It is known for its liveliness, with a step on every beat, knee action, and wiggles from side to side. It is perfect for small, crowded dance floors.
Viennese Waltz - Born in Vienna, the Viennese Waltz twirls around the dance floor in a fast-paced whirl of elegance. The fast whirling of partners as if locked in an embrace shocked polite Viennese society when it first developed.
Samba - Originally from Brazil, the festive Samba is characterized by a steady bounce achieved by flexing and straightening the knees while weight is transferred from the ball to the flat of the foot. This dance is always fun!
Country Western- You all know what this is, and we love to teach it!
Quickstep - A light, bright, twinkling and happy dance, Quickstep circles the floor in intricate patterns and breathtaking pace, fast and furious. Believe it or not, the Beatles' "Can't Buy Me Love" is a Quickstep.
Swing/Shag - started in the 20s along with the explosion of jazz music. Many different forms of the Swing exist, such as the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Jive, and the Shag. But all of them include turns and intricate hand movements.
Paso Doble - The dance of the matador and his cape, the Paso Doble captures the romance and passion of the bullring, combining a regal stature of pride and dignity for the man and the most fluid and elegant moves for the lady.
West Coast Swing - The sexiest of the Swing style dances, West Coast partners coax and flirt in and out of each other's arms. Natural Man is a West Coast Swing.
Argentine Tango - Trendy and authentic; the Argentine Tango is danced from Buenos Aires to across the world. It can be a life-long obsession, involving intricate patterns, flicks and fans, and excellent partnering skills.
The Hustle has had resurgence in recent years since it was famously (or infamously) danced by John Travolta in the 70s. Fast-paced, the hustle is danced in clubs by experts and novices alike.
Bolero - The most romantic of the Latin dances, Bolero is a sensual interplay between partners. "I Finally Found You" is a current popular bolero.
Salsa is a popular form of social dance that originated in Cuba in 1920. The movements of salsa have origins in Cuban Son, Cha-cha-cha, Mambo and other dance forms.