Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
If you and your partner are new to ballroom dancing, it’s natural to wonder what is the best dance for a couple. As ballroom professionals, we get asked that question a lot. And, it’s a tricky one because new dancers believe you only need to learn one dance to get by on the dance floor. Not so. Music comes in all varieties – slow, fast, Latin, Big Band, etc. For this reason, each type of music gets its own dance.
Ok, next question. “Which one do we learn first?“ Without a doubt, your instructor will explain that you don’t have to learn one dance at a time. As a matter of fact, you can learn 3 or 4 dances in the same amount of time it takes to learn one dance.
There is no one best dance for a couple.
In my opinion, it’s best to get acquainted with a slow dance, a Latin dance, and a fast dance. Check these out:
Waltz
Music: Obviously, Waltzes (Norah Jones has a ton of them on her CD’s), songs by Frank Sinatra and Michael Buble, slow romantic ballads, or anything that’s not heavy with percussion.
Known as the Princess Dance, Waltz whirls and turns and makes you feel like you’re floating on a cloud. I don’t know one woman who doesn’t love to dance the Waltz. Therefore, this a no-brainer.
Rumba
Music: Rumba music can be real Latin songs such as “Besame Mucho”, as well as Pop songs like “Under the Boardwalk”, “Stand By Me”, or “Margaritaville”. It’s a nice, romantic dance for a couple.
Additionally, Rumba and Waltz share the same basic step, the Box Step. The timing and expression are different, but where the feet go – the same. As a result, it’s like getting two dances for the price of one!
Merengue
Music: It’s the perfect choice for music that’s lively with lots of rhythm and drums. You’ll dance Merengue to real Latin music like “Suavemente”. Not only do Swing and Disco music work, but also Hip Hop and Pop songs are fun for Merengue dancers, as well.
Merengue is a handy dance for a couple because it’s very easy to lead and a piece of cake to follow. Ladies like Merengue because it has lots of turns and spins. Leaders like it because it’s fun and easy!
The next question should be, “How do we get started?” Check out this Dance Safari post, “Getting Started with Your Ballroom Dance Lessons“. Have fun!
Have fun!
Thanks!
Getting started is never easy for a couple – therefore much easier for a single (male or female) to learn. The rhythms/timings in the 3 dances you mentioned are definitely each than other rhythms or what is involved with other dances.
Wonderful post! Great advice as always!
Colombian Cumbia is my second favorite. Number first is Finnish Humppa:
Learn Humppa steps
Have a good day!
Thanks for the link. Humppa seems to be a fun dance that is very much like our Peabody and Polka. These are known to be the fastest dances we have. Looks like everyone enjoys it.
Keep dancing!
[…] Speaking of couples, enjoy this Dance Safari post, “What is the Best Dance for a Couple to Learn?“ […]