Ballroom Dancing How-Tos
How To: Tango (for beginners)
As one of the sexiest, most passionate things you can do while still standing upright, the tango takes romance. It takes drama. And it definitely takes two. You will need a dance partner, patience and melodrama! Did you know? Buenos Aires is credited as the birthplace of tango, and is still a global destination for learning and performing the dance. This is a helpful videos for beginners looking to learn the basics of the tango.
How To: Dance the Tango Double Beat embellishments
This is an instructional video on dancing the Tango, specifically the footwork. This elegant dance instructional goes over the Double Beat embellishments.
How To: Dance the Tango Low Back Boleos
This video shows boleos on ground from back ochos. This is footwork in Tango ballroom dance steps.
How To: Dance the Tango Beat in Front embellishments
This is a common embellishment for back ochos and takes a little practice to work up the speed to do it but once you do you'll find lots of places to fit it in. During back ochos, beat your free foot in front as it passes the other on the "&" count (halfway through the beat), before stepping behind into the next step. (You should feel the achilles tendon at the back of the free leg hit the lower part of the shin of the standing leg, just above the ankle.) Try not to let your legs turn-out as ...
How To: Dance the Tango Double Taps embellishments
This video illustrates tapping more than once during the beat. Possible combination are tapping on '2' + '3', on '3' + '4' or '2' + '4' with the step coming on the '1' always - the downbeat. (Using the system of count '1-2-3-4' for each beat, '1' being the downbeat, '3' being the upbeat or exact middle, and '2' and '4' being the places inbetween or the quarter beats).
How To: Dance the Tango Ochos with Cha Cha Cha embellishments
Ochos with cha cha cha -- it is a '1-2-3, 1' rhythm, as in 'step-2-3, step'. The 2 tiny extra steps are embellishments that the lady can add in as the man leads a back or forward ocho.
How To: Dance the Tango Tap on '3' embellishments
This video illustrates tapping on the '3' or the upbeat (halfway through the beat). Count '1-2-3-4' for each beat. ('1' being the downbeat, '3' being the upbeat or exact middle, and '2' and '4' being the places inbetween or the quarter beats). It is not a synchopated embellishment, as it happens on an even division of the beat.
How To: Dance the Tango with basic small tap embellishments
A small light tap is one of the easiest and most basic embellishments, and is a nice way for the follower to mark and express the double-time ('quick, quick') - or the 'and' count in between the beats - while the leader is leading a step on the whole beat ('slow'). A tap can be done in the middle of virtually any step - back, side, forward, ocho.
How to Dance the Ragtime Dance: Castle Walk
An American Ballroom Companion presents this social dance demonstration from the Library of Congress. Watch this demonstration traditional dance video on the Ragtime Dance: Castle Walk. Not for beginners - this is not an instructional, step by step video. It is an authentic, professional demonstration of the Ragtime Dance: Castle Walk.
How To: Dance the Standard Waltz
This video gives a demonstration of the standard waltz dance. This popular dance style was once used all over the world. Although there are different types of the waltz, this version was most commonly used. Be patient because the video may take a few seconds to download from the Library of Congress.
How to Do the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe (1st Step)
An American Ballroom Companion presents this social dance demonstration from the Library of Congress. Watch this demonstration traditional dance video on the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe (1st Step). Not for beginners - this is not an instructional, step by step video. It is an authentic, professional demonstration of the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe (1st Step). The Maxixe is an Africanized polka or two-step dance, an Afro-Brazilian styling of the polka which was brought to Brazil by European immigr...
How to Do the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe
An American Ballroom Companion presents this social dance demonstration from the Library of Congress. Watch this demonstration traditional dance video on the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe. Not for beginners - this is not an instructional, step by step video. It is an authentic, professional demonstration of the Ragtime Dance: The Maxixe. The Maxixe is an Africanized polka or two-step dance, an Afro-Brazilian styling of the polka which was brought to Brazil by European immigrants.
How to Do the Ragtime Dance: Argentine Tango
An American Ballroom Companion presents this social dance demonstration from the Library of Congress. Watch this demonstration traditional dance video on the Ragtime Dance: Argentine Tango. Not for beginners - this is not an instructional, step by step video. It is an authentic, professional demonstration of the Ragtime Dance: Argentine Tango. Argentine Tango is a dance which originated in Argentina and then move to Uruguay. In the US it is known as Ballroom Tango.
How To: Do the Ragtime Argentine Tango (1st figure-feet only)
An American Ballroom Companion presents this social dance demonstration from the Library of Congress. Watch this demonstration traditional dance video on the Ragtime Dance: Argentine Tango (1st figure-feet only). Not for beginners - this is not an instructional, step by step video. It is an authentic, professional demonstration of the Ragtime Dance: Argentine Tango (1st figure-feet only). Argentine Tango is a dance which originated in Argentina and then move to Uruguay. In the US it is known ...
How To: Do basic jive dance step for men
Learn basic jive dancing steps for men in this free video dance lesson. Do basic jive dance step for men - Part 1 of 15.
How To: Master simple ballroom dancing and the waltz box step
The pumpkin just turned into a carriage, your glass slippers look fantastic, and the Prince is on his way, but — dammit — you still need to learn how to ballroom dance. You will need a partner, a dance floor, masking tape, and waltz music. This video gives simple advice for dance posture, the basic waltz box step, and simple turns. Learn how to dance the basics of ballroom dancing, like the waltz box step, by watching this video dance instruction tutorial.
How To: Dance sweet moves for prom
Worried about hitting the dance floor at prom? No problem! Get your groove on and boogie down with the basics, and learn some classic moves.
How To: Use slow dance tips for prom
So you can pop it and rock out with the best of 'em, but what happens when the lights dim and the tempo slows down? Take a look at these tips, and do slow-dancing at pro in no time.
How To: Do basic steps for the follower in international Waltz
Basic steps for the follower in the international Waltz. Do you secretly aspire to be the next contestant on a ballroom dancing TV show but just don't have the time to attend classes? Look no further than our guide to mastering the basic steps of the Waltz. Do basic steps for the follower in international Waltz.
How To: Do leader basic steps in the international Waltz
Whether you're preparing for that all important 'first dance' or you simply want to brush up on old skills, then we have the solution. This film teaches you the steps you need to know to master the waltz. Do leader basic steps in the international Waltz.
How To: Perform sacadas with a graceful exit in the Tango
In this video you will learn how to add sacadas to your turns when doing the Argentine Tango and how to have a graceful exit from the step.
How To: Perform ocho cortado & dynamic turns in the Tango
In this tutorial you will learn how to lead for the ocho cortado Tango step and specifically how to lead a dynamic turn to the right in a close embrace. Pay attention to the way to use your feet on the ground, and the way to hold the embrace.
How To: Perform the overturned back sacada Tango move
This video demonstrates how to perform the overturned back sacada. This move is one that the follower does and the key points for success are to focus on the spiral energy of the step and stretch the step. The leader should pay close attention to the line taken.
How To: Brush up your Tango technique
This video is a demonstration of how to brush up your basic Argentine Tango technique. Topics discussed include: posture, energy, the steps, and the hold. Learn from Graciela Heredia, a professional dancer for 20 years. Brush up your Tango technique.
How To: Do beginning Ballroom dancing
In this video clip series, our expert will discuss some popular types of Ballroom dances, including foxtrot and the Rumba. Learn secrets of Ballroom dancing, tips and instructions on steps and holds, demonstrations of each of the dances for men and for women and much more.
How To: Dance the Foxtrot
In this video series learn to dance the Foxtrot from professional dancer and dance instructor Leslie Sack as she demonstrates Foxtrot dance steps such as the Foxtrot walk, basic step for men and ladies, left rock turn, Foxtrot promenade, right rock turn, Foxtrot patterns.
How To: Dance the Mambo
Sarolta Eke & Tamas Kassay teach you how to dance the Mambo in this series of videos. Part 1 of 20 - How to Dance the Mambo.
How To: Dance the German "Blind Man's Bluff"
This video demonstration shows an odd, comedic dance/skit from the 19th Century. In order to perform the "Blind Man's Bluff", a man sits in a chair blind folded while two woman sit in different chairs in front of the blind folded man. The blind folded man must then pick one of the two women sitting in front of him to dance with. However, while the blind folded man is contemplating on which of the women to pick, a different man is placed in one of the woman's seats. Therefore, the blind folded...
How To: Teach beginners to ballroom dance
In this video clip series, our expert will discuss some popular types of ballroom dances, including foxtrot, cha-cha, swing dancing, waltz, tango and more. Learn secrets of ballroom dancing, tips and instructions on steps and holds, demonstrations of each of the dances for men and for women and much more.
How To: Do the Waltz
In this online video series learn how to Waltz from professional ballroom coach Kelly-Anne as she demonstrates Waltz dance steps including: male dance steps, lady dance steps, basic box dance steps for the Waltz, rotating box dance steps, timing for the Waltz, lady turn under the arm, progressive forward and back, the twinkle: lady's and gentleman's dance steps.
How To: Dance the Jive
In this series of video dance lessons you’ll learn the basic steps and moves of Jive dancing. Part 1 of 15 - How to Dance the Jive.
How To: Do the Argentine Tango
In this video series, watch as professional dancers Evan Griffiths & Rebecca Shulman teaches how to dance the Argentine Tango.
How To: Do the Foxtrot
In this video series learn to dance the Foxtrot from professional dancers Teddy Kern, Lou Brockman & Heather Gehring, instructors at Dance Manhattan in New York City, as they demonstrate Foxtrot dance steps such as the Promenade, basic steps for men and ladies, twirls, rock steps and turns, and basic Foxtrot patterns.
How To: Waltz
In this expert video series, Sarolta Eke and Tamas Kassai show you how to dance the popular Waltz. With their instruction, you will learn basic waltzing steps and proper holding techniques. Also, learn more advanced moves like the whisk, progressive walk, and cross hesitation. The underarm waltzing turn is one of the most beautiful waltzing dance steps offered in this series. So, waltz right into our free dance lessons today!
How To: Foxtrot
In this series of video dancing lessons you'll learn how to dance the Foxtrot from professional dancers and dance instructors Sarolta Eke & Tamas Kassay as they demonstrate Foxtrot dance steps such as the Foxtrot walk, basic zig zag step for men and ladies, the rock turn, Foxtrot promenade, backwards lock moves and Foxtrot patterns.
How To: Dance Waltz Variations
This is a video demonstration of the late 19th Century waltz. This waltz is a ballroom and folk dance. The waltz first became fashionable in Vienna around the 1780s, and spread to many other countries in the years that follow. The waltz, and its closed position, became the example for the creation of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and several ballroom dances. This video is only a demonstration, and unfortunately it does not giv...
How To: Dance Waltz and "Loomis' Glide Mazurka"
In this demonstrational video you watch a ballroom full of people dancing the waltz and "Loomis' Glide Mazurka". The maurka is a lively Polish folk dance. This video is only a demonstration, and unfortunately it does not give step by step instructions.
How To: Dance the "The Eugenie" and Waltz Cotillion
This video is of a large group of people dancing "The Eugenie" and Waltz Cotillion in a ballroom. These are both late 19th Century dances. This video is only a demonstration, and unfortunately it does not give step by step instructions.
How To: Dance the Butterfly
This video is of the late 19th Century dance called the Butterfly. The Butterfly is where a woman/man has fake butterfly wings attached to their arms and dances with them on. This video is only a demonstration, and unfortunately it does not give step by step instructions.
How To: Dance the The German (also known as cotillon)
This video is of the German. The German is a combination of comedic games and dancing. This video is only a demonstration, and unfortunately it does not give step by step instructions.