What is Ballroom Dancing?

Ballroom dancing is a partnership dance where couples, using step-patterns, move rhythmically, expressing the characteristics of music. Ballroom dancing consists of two styles: the Smooth, or Standard, and the Rhythm, or Latin. The Smooth, Standard style focuses on the elegance, grace and fluidity of movement. Dancers rotate in a counter-clockwise direction, moving around the entire floor. The couple is constantly moving on the dance floor, transitioning from one place to the next in a fixed pattern. The Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz and Quickstep are danced in this manner.

The Rhythm, Latin style focuses on a display of vibrant energy and a personal flair. The couple’s dancing pattern is syncopated to the rhythm of the music. The couple usually dances in one spot of the dance floor. Included in this style are the East Coast Swing, Jive, Rumba, Bolero, Cha Cha, Mambo, and Samba.

Popular dances, such as the Argentine Tango, Salsa, Merengue, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Bachata, Night Club 2-Step and County 2-Step, are more recent additions to the world of Ballroom dance.

The most overlooked part of Ballroom dancing is the how much fun it can be! It’s easy to focus on the social skills, the chance to dress up, and a pleasant evening out with great company. But don’t overlook the good, clean fun on it all! At the Ballroom Dance Club of Fairbanks (Club), we emphasize having a good time from the group lesson to the dance party.

Did we mention Themed Parties? If you like to dress up, or see those who do, you’ll enjoy our themed dance parties. They can be an especially entertaining night out, which we have frequently. 

If the social scene is your favorite, you’re at the right place. Since we are the only Ballroom club in the Borough, we attract dancers from all over Alaska & beyond. For networking, meeting new people, and seeing old friends, the social atmosphere at the Club is great!

So grab your dance shoes and come join us!