The Ballroom dances are the five standard: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz. They each have a particular technique with set steps in the basic construction and those who wish to study for professional teaching qualifications can obtain the syllabi and technique books from Head Office.

Over the years, these dances have been danced by millions of people for social events, competitions and championships to world class level. They have been covered by many British television programmes, most recently the phenomenally popular “Strictly Come Dancing” and dance programmes are now produced throughout the world. Dance schools generally run classes for children and adults. People can dance for enjoyment, to keep fit, take medal tests or to compete.

The Latin dances are as follows: Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Paso Doble and Jive. These are popular because of their vibrant music and different tempos. They are also covered by technique books for those who wish to go on and teach. In the Latin dances, the ladies’ and gentlemen’s steps may vary and couples do not always dance natural opposite steps.

The lady can dance underarm turns and move towards and away from the gentleman, guided by his hand leads. At a higher level dancers may also dance solo for a few bars before rejoining the partner’s leading handhold. Many people dance for fitness, socially or for competitions as in the ballroom section up to world class level.