Dance Studio Terms

American Rhythm:
A category of ballroom dance (dancesport) that consists of Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo. Style is most characterized by the dynamic Cuban Hip motion created by timed bending of the knees.

American Smooth:
A category of ballroom dance (dancesport) that is considered to be the "Americanized" version of International Standard. Smooth is most characterized by the couple frequently dancing apart and by the Hollywood flair of the dances, inspired in great part by the great Fred Astaire and other great dancers of that era. The dances in this category are Viennese Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Slow Waltz.

Bossa Nova:
A popular dance of the 1950s that combined samba with American bebop jazz. Movements are similar to samba with gyrating motions.

Cha Cha Cha (Also Cha Cha, American Cha Cha, International Cha Cha):
The Cha Cha is a specific dance found in both International Latin and American Rhythm groups.

Competition:
Competitions are held all over the world. In the USA they consist of all four styles of dance(International Latin, International Standard, American Smooth, and American Rhythm) and they include pro-am competition. Outside of the USA, only the international styles are danced and there is only professional or amateur competition, no pro-am.

Dancesport:
Dancesport refers to competitive ballroom dance. In its modern form, ballroom dance offers the participant a tremendous opportunity to have fun, compete, meet new people and get into shape. By entering into dancesport (competitive ballroom dance) most new dancers will note an immediate benefit to their dancing skills.

Dance Studio (also dance studios):
A space specifically reserved for practicing dance.

Gainey Dance:
Gainey Dance is a Scottsdale Arizona -based dance studio. Our classes are offered at a convenient location on the corner of Scottsdale Road and Thunderbird Ave. We teach Ballroom Dancing to a variety of learners from beginners to seasoned competitors.

International Latin:
A group of ballroom dances comprised of Cha Cha, Rumba, Jive, Paso Doble and Samba.

International Standard:
A group of ballroom dances comprised of Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quick Step and Foxtrot. This style is characterized by the closed frame position of the couple.

Jive:
A quick-stepping dance of the International Latin Ballroom Dance category.

Lindy Hop:
Very active and athletic form of Swing. Made famous by the Harlem (NY), Savoy dancers in the 1930s.

Mambo:
An Afro-Cuban dance similar to Salsa, however, it is danced on "2" instead of on "one" Mambo is one of the dances in the American Rhythm Category.

Professional:
A professional, specifically a dance professional, is a dancer who teaches for compensation and/or competes in professional competition. Please be aware that anyone can call themselves professional, be sure to ask about your teacher's expertise and make sure they are registered with the NDCA.

Salsa (also Salsa Dancing and Salsa Dance):
Salsa is a club dance of Cuban/American/Puerto Rican origin. The dance is immensely popular in the club scene, particularly in the Latin Nightclub scene due in most part to the fact that it is relatively easy to learn, it is versatile and useful, it is sexy and the fact that it is fun.

Scottsdale:
An Arizona city in the Metro Phoenix area. Home to our dance studio.

Swing (Also ? Swing Dancing):
A quick step, swaying dance of the American Rhythm category. The dance is very versatile and can be used in a variety of dance situations, including country, rock, blues, jazz and pop. The two main variants of swing are East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing.