The waltz is the dance to choose for slow ballads or orchestral pieces that do not include percussion. It is a graceful movement performed at a slow tempo in 3/4 meter, as in a 1-2-3, 1-2-3 rhythm. The first beat of each measure receives the emphasis, with the second and third beats being lighter. This popular dance was introduced in the U.S. in the mid-1800s. Although the waltz is characterized by a slow measured pace, it exudes gracefulness and expressiveness.
This passionate dance originated in Buenos Aires in the 19th century among immigrants, which accounts for the African, Indian and Latin influences in the dance. The dance's style evolved from the necessity of dancing on crowded dance floors. The dance is performed in 4/4 meter in a medium tempo, with a quick-quick-slow dance pattern. The movement alternates between steps on the beat and double-time steps. The drama of the tango emanates from the dance's big movements, gyrations and snaps of the head, as well as its many changes in direction.
Implementing a 4/4 meter rhythm, the foxtrot is a medium slow ballroom dance that is suitable for many types of music. The first and third beats receive the accent and the dance pattern is either slow-quick-quick or slow-slow-quick-quick. The foxtrot mixes long, flowing, slower movements with quick, shorter steps called the "trot." One of the secrets to the foxtrot is ensuring that there is no movement above the hips.
One of the more challenging ballroom dances due to the quick pace of the footwork, the quickstep is an up-tempo dance in 4/4 meter that is often chosen for jazz or swing rhythms. The quickstep is performed with light footwork and includes quarter turns, the lock step and the chasses, where the feet are brought together. The quickstep's rhythm is slow-quick-quick and the dance moves anti-clockwise around the floor.