Categories

International Latin: Rumba, Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive

American Rhythm: Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, Mambo, and Swing

International Standard: Waltz, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Tango

American Smooth: Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Viennese Waltz (Peabody optional in U.S.I.S.T.D. Syllabus)

Specialty Dances: Salsa (many styles), Merengue, Single time Swing, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Balboa, Jitter Bug, Lindy Hop

Dance Time and Tempo
International Latin
Rumba: 4/4 timing. Tempo 27 bars/minute
Cha Cha Cha: 4/4 timing. 30 bars/minute
Samba: 2/4 timing. Tempo 50 bars/minute
Paso Doble: 2/4 timing. Tempo 62 bars/minute
Jive: 4/4 timing. Tempo 44 bars/minute

American Rhythm
Cha Cha Cha: 4/4 timing. Tempo 30 bars/minute
Rumba: 4/4 timing. Tempo 32-36 bars/minute
Bolero: 4/4 timing. Tempo 24-26 bars/minute
Mambo: 4/4 timing. Tempo 48-51 bars/minute
Swing: 4/4 timing. Tempo 34-36 bars/minute

International Standard
Waltz: ¾ timing. Accent on first beat
Foxtrot: 4/4 timing 28-30 bars/minute. Accent on first and third beat
Quickstep:4/4 timing Accent on first and third beat
Tango: 2/4 timing. Accent on both beats

American Smooth
Foxtrot: 4/4 timing. Accent on first and third beat. Tempo 32-34 bars/minute
Waltz: ¾ timing. Accent on first beat. Tempo 30-32 bars/minute
Tango: 4/4 timing.Accent on first and third beat. Tempo 30-32 bars/minute
Viennese Waltz: ¾ timing. Accent on first beat. Tempo 54 bars/minute

DANCE POSITIONS (Reference ISTD International Latin Manuals)
Closed Position: Facing partner, slightly apart. Holds: Normal, lt to rt hand, rt to left hand, no hold.
Contact position: Facing partner. Light body contact.
Open position: Facing partner. Arms length apart. Lt to Rt hand hold.
Promenade position: Lady on man’s rt side with man’s rt side and lady’s left toward each other and opposite sides farther apart to form "V" shape.
Open promenade position: Promenade position with rt to lt , lt to rt hand hold or no hold. Distance apart varies on figure danced.
Fan position: (used in International Cha Cha Cha and Rumba) Lady at 90 angle to man on his left side on an imaginary line approx. 6 inches in front of him. Lt hand holding lady’s rt hand. Man’s feet apart, wt on rt ft, lady lt ft back, weight on lt ft.
Open counter promenade position: Lady on man’s lt side. Man’s lt side and lady’s rt side towards each other and opposite sides farther apart to form "V" shape.
Right Side Position: Lady on Man’s right side both facing same way.
Left side position: Lady on Man’s left side, both facing the same way.