American Rhythm

American Rhythm encompasses Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo. Unlike their International Latin counterparts, American Rhythm dances produce hip movement as a natural consequence of the footwork — a more organic, less technically prescribed approach that makes the style feel more immediately accessible to social dancers.

The style is deeply rooted in the Latin music explosion that swept American popular culture from the 1940s through the 1960s. Mambo and Cha Cha arrived from Cuba; Rumba had been evolving in American ballrooms since the 1930s; Bolero drew from the slow, romantic Cuban bolero tradition; and East Coast Swing grew out of the Lindy Hop and big band era. Together they represent a cross-cultural synthesis that is uniquely American.

For wedding dancers and social dancers, American Rhythm is often the most practical starting point. The dances are versatile enough to work with a wide range of popular music, the footwork patterns are learnable in a relatively short time, and the style translates naturally from the dance studio to the wedding reception floor.