What Are the 5 Types of Standard and Smooth Dances?

The 5 Standard and Smooth dances — Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep — are the core styles of ballroom dancing. These dances are defined by their formal, elegant style and are performed in a closed hold between partners. 

In this blog, we'll take you through each of the 5 dances, so you can get a better feeling of what each one is like.

 

5 Types of Standard and Smooth Dances

1. Waltz

The Waltz is the most popular ballroom dance. It follows a box step, and once you master weight management, your movements will become Smooth, controlled, and elegant. Its slow tempo and flowing style make it an ideal choice for beginners, especially for those looking for a classic and romantic feel.

Want to master the Waltz? Check out our expert Waltz tips to refine your technique and improve your movement. 

2. Tango

In Tango, movements should be controlled and deliberate, instead of flowing. Each step should be placed with intention as there's always a clear beginning and ending to each move. 

When teaching Tango, we focus on helping students slow down mentally and pay attention to how each step is executed. That’s why we recommend beginner adult dance classes in Ottawa over online learning, as they provide hands-on guidance and immediate feedback. 

3. Foxtrot

The Foxtrot follows a slow-slow, quick-quick. A helpful tip is to count the rhythm out loud while practicing—this helps you stay consistent and avoid rushing the quick steps.

One of the key elements of Foxtrot is continuous movement. Instead of stopping between steps, the focus should be on gliding across the floor. A common mistake we see beginners make is taking steps that are too small or breaking the flow between movements. But with regular ballroom classes in Ottawa, you can overcome all the obstacles.

Here are a few Foxtrot tips to help you get started as a beginner. 

 

4. Viennese Waltz 

The Viennese Waltz is quite similar to the Waltz. They both share the same rhythm, but it’s a bit more energetic. 

The moves involve a lot of turning and there isn’t much room for pause in between movements. It can be a bit overwhelming at first, especially for beginners with little rhythm experience. However, that can be solved easily with practice.

If you’ll be learning the Viennese Waltz at our dance studio in Ottawa, instructors will work with you on footwork, weight management and posture. 

5. Quickstep 

Out of the 5 Standard and Smooth dances, the Quickstep stands out for its playful character. It’s fast-paced and energetic.

Because of its speed, the main challenge in Quickstep is staying controlled while moving fast. The focus should be on keeping the steps light and precise, rather than trying to rush through the choreography. Good posture and strong core control also play a big part.

What we often see is that beginners often struggle with timing and tend to tense up. This can make the movement feel heavy. Starting at a slower tempo and gradually increasing the speed can help build confidence and coordination. 

How Standard and Smooth Dances Are Defined in DanceSport

In competitive ballroom dancing, the 5 Standard dances are officially recognized as part of the Standard discipline. These dances follow strict technical guidelines related to posture, movement, timing, and floorcraft.

Unlike social dancing, competitions place a strong emphasis on precision, and presentation. If your goal is to take your dancing further and eventually compete, learning in a structured environment with proper guidance can make a significant difference in your progress. 

Join Dance Classes in Ottawa At Fred Astaire Dance Studios

At Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Ottawa, we offer private and group sessions, where lessons are built around your pace and goals. We follow a customized curriculum, with opportunities to pursue dance certification.

But you won’t be limited to learning only these 5 Standard and Smooth dances. At our studio, you’ll have access to 25+ social dances!

Whether you want to enroll in wedding dance lessons or you simply need a new hobby to stay fit, check out our introductory specials for new students!