These are the hardest ballroom dances to learn. Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re counting down the trickiest, most complicated and intense ballroom dances to learn.
Category
🗞
NewsTranscript
00:00 Let's review the fox trot.
00:02 Yo, I thought we were gonna tango.
00:04 Oh, no, no, no. The tango must be earned.
00:06 You, Mr. Ramos, cannot handle the tango.
00:08 Welcome to Miss Mojo.
00:10 And today we're counting down the trickiest,
00:12 most complicated, and intense ballroom dances to learn.
00:15 Come on, partner!
00:17 What are you waiting for?
00:19 Divine intervention?
00:21 You're a brave man, John Clark.
00:23 Number 10. Waltz.
00:26 It's a three-step, okay? I'll stand next to you.
00:28 Alright.
00:30 So you're gonna go, one, two, three, one, two, three, one, two, three.
00:34 Just like that.
00:36 Merci.
00:38 Yeah, alright.
00:42 The origins of the waltz date back to the late 17th century in Europe,
00:46 evolving from folk dances in Germany and Austria.
00:49 It was initially met with skepticism for its close hold between partners,
00:53 a posture that was considered quite scandalous for its time.
00:57 However, by the early 19th century,
00:59 the waltz had become a sensation across the European aristocracy,
01:04 celebrated for its graceful rotations and flowing movement.
01:08 It's easy. Let's see.
01:10 It's been a long time since I've done this myself.
01:13 But this is how I remember it.
01:16 One, two, three, one, two, three.
01:19 The waltz demands a high degree of musicality
01:22 and an understanding of its distinctive time signature,
01:25 which sets the rhythm for the dancer's steps.
01:28 The dance's characteristic rise and fall motion requires control, balance,
01:32 and the ability to move smoothly across the dance floor in a continuous flow.
01:37 You do waltz divinely, Capfeller.
01:39 Don't start flirting with me. I'm not one of your plantation foes.
01:42 Number nine, cha-cha.
01:44 Let's just take a step back.
01:46 No, I was wrong. I'm sorry. Take a step forward.
01:50 No, take a step back.
01:52 Step forward.
01:54 And a step back.
01:55 And then we're cha-cha.
01:56 Everybody loves to cha-cha.
01:58 This dance has its roots in the early 1950s in Cuba,
02:02 born from the fusion of mambo and the rumba.
02:05 Its name is derived from the sound of the dancer's shoes as they shuffle across the floor.
02:10 So you're going to put those toes on no-release mode.
02:13 This accomplishes two things.
02:15 One, good technique with your feet,
02:17 and two, one hell of a clean floor.
02:20 The cha-cha is characterized by vivacious energy, intricate footwork,
02:24 and the captivating syncopation of its music,
02:27 often presenting a challenge to dancers due to its rapid tempo
02:31 and the precision required in executing its steps.
02:34 The dance demands not only fast-paced staccato movement,
02:38 but also an ability to maintain a fluid hip motion
02:41 and a strong, continuous connection with the dance partner.
02:44 [Music]
02:51 Number 8. Rumba
02:53 The rumba is a vertical expression of a horizontal wish.
02:58 You have to hold her like the skin on her thigh is your reason for living.
03:04 A dance of profound emotion and sensuality,
03:07 the aforementioned rumba traces its origins back to the African rhythms
03:12 and Spanish melodies that converged in Cuba.
03:15 This dance of love is distinguished by its slow, rhythmic pace
03:19 that demands perfect timing and expressive body movements.
03:23 You have to isolate the hips from the rest of the body.
03:26 So the upper body has to stay still, the legs have to stay straight,
03:30 and the hips need to move around very, very fluidly.
03:34 Learning the rumba involves mastering the art of subtlety and control,
03:38 particularly in the hip movements that are central to its character.
03:42 Dancers must also cultivate a deep connection with their partner,
03:46 using nuanced gestures and eye contact to convey the dancer's intimate narrative.
03:51 The challenge in the rumba lies not in the speed of the steps,
03:54 but in the requirement for dancers to execute each movement
03:58 with a combination of smoothness and intensity.
04:01 "Say, why can't you just do it like that?"
04:04 "Anyone else care for a glass of water?"
04:07 Number 7. Jive
04:09 "There's no let up in this routine at all."
04:13 "And then it goes, one, two, and then we're gonna go faster and faster and faster and faster."
04:21 With its roots deeply embedded in the African American communities of the 20th century,
04:26 jive is a dance that embodies energy, vitality, and a playful attitude.
04:31 It evolved from various dance styles, including the jitterbug and lindy hop,
04:36 and was heavily influenced by the swing music of the 1930s and 1940s.
04:41 The jive became popular in the ballroom scene,
04:44 especially in the competitive circuits, for its fast-paced rhythm and lively movements.
04:49 "Ooh, what's it gonna, what's it gonna be?"
04:52 "Ooh, what's it gonna, what's it gonna be?"
04:55 "Ooh, what's it gonna, what's it gonna be?"
04:57 "Ooh, what they want, what they wanna be."
05:00 It's characterized by high-energy kicks, flicks, and rock steps,
05:04 requiring dancers to maintain a buoyant, bouncy feel throughout.
05:08 The joy of the jive lies in a combination of rapid footwork, clockwork timing,
05:13 and the ability to project an air of effortless fun, despite the physical demands.
05:18 "Rollin', rollin', rollin' on the river."
05:22 Number six, tango.
05:24 "You tango?"
05:26 "No, I wanted to learn once, but..."
05:29 "But?"
05:30 Originating in the late 19th century in the border regions between Argentina and Uruguay,
05:36 the tango is a dance that conveys an intense narrative of passion, drama, and sophistication.
05:42 It evolved from a blend of African, indigenous, and European influences,
05:47 flourishing in the urban melting pot of Buenos Aires,
05:50 where it was embraced by the working-class neighborhoods before captivating the world.
05:55 "Today, if someone really wants to step on the same tiles, the same boards,
06:01 that the milongueros of that time stepped on,
06:04 the only place they can find that is in the marabou."
06:06 The tango is renowned for its distinctive posture, close embrace, and intricate footwork,
06:12 requiring dancers to move in intense connection to their partner.
06:16 It demands a high level of musicality,
06:18 as dancers must interpret the nuanced phrasing and tempo changes in tango music,
06:23 which often features the melancholic sounds of the bandoneon.
06:27 Number 5. Foxtrot
06:33 "Hold is a little bit more casual because it's the slow rhythm."
06:37 "Okay."
06:38 "And it is walk, walk, side, close, slow, slow, quick, quick."
06:44 The foxtrot captivated dancers in the early 20th century
06:48 and is the epitome of elegance and smooth sophistication.
06:52 Popularized by the vaudeville performances of Harry Fox,
06:55 the dance quickly gained popularity in the United States before spreading across the globe,
07:00 becoming a staple in both social and competitive dancing arenas.
07:04 "They took away all of the trotting and the skipping and the hopping steps
07:09 and slowed it right down and made it what it is today."
07:12 Characterized by its smooth, progressive movements and seamless flow across the dance floor,
07:17 the foxtrot embodies grace and style.
07:20 Its complexity arises from the combination of slow and quick steps
07:24 that require dancers to maintain constant fluid motion,
07:27 while appearing effortlessly elegant.
07:30 Doing the foxtrot justice involves a deep understanding of leading and following techniques
07:35 and the ability to execute long, flowing movements and intricate footwork with precision.
07:40 [Music]
07:54 Number 4. Paso Doble
07:56 "The most dramatic of all the Borerman Latin American dancers has got to be the Paso Doble.
08:01 It actually takes place in the bullring."
08:04 Emerging from the Spanish bullfighting tradition,
08:07 the Paso Doble stands out as an arresting and powerful dance.
08:11 It's a theatrical performance that tells a story,
08:14 with the lead taking on the role of the matador
08:16 and the follower often representing the matador's cape, the bull, or even a flamenco dancer.
08:22 The Paso Doble is notable for its strong marching rhythms and poses.
08:27 "Both the man and woman in this particular dance have to have a really strong posture
08:31 with the center being right up between the ribcage.
08:34 It's really important that the hips are moved forward
08:37 and the leg feels like it goes right up to underneath the armpit."
08:40 One of its main challenges lies in its requirement for dancers to project a commanding presence
08:45 and to perform with a level of intensity and passion that matches the dramatic music.
08:50 [Music]
08:53 Unlike other ballroom dances that focus on fluidity and grace,
08:57 the Paso Doble is about strength, posture, and dramatic expression.
09:02 [Music]
09:15 Number 3. Samba
09:17 "It's cheeky, it's bouncy, but above all, very sexy."
09:21 The vibrant samba stands as a testament to the fusion of African and Brazilian cultures,
09:27 embodying the spirit of Carnival.
09:29 This dance made its transition from the streets of Rio de Janeiro to ballroom floors around the world
09:35 and is famous for its quick, bouncing movements and distinctive syncopation.
09:40 The samba's complexity is further heightened by the requirement for dancers to execute rapid,
09:45 intricate footwork while maintaining the characteristic samba bounce,
09:49 a pulsating action achieved through the bending and straightening of the knees.
09:54 "You get this nice lilt to the samba that makes you feel like you're into the groove of the dance."
09:59 Mastering the samba also involves a deep understanding of its rich musical rhythms,
10:04 which require dancers to exhibit exceptional musicality
10:08 and to capture the essence of samba's celebratory nature,
10:11 with a sense of abandon and joy, all while maintaining technical perfection.
10:16 "And so tonight we say, hip hip, chin chin, the rhythm section."
10:21 Number 2. Viennese Waltz
10:24 "The Viennese Waltz is probably the oldest of all the ballroom dances, and it's very rich in history."
10:30 Hailing from the early 19th century, the Viennese Waltz captures the elegance and grandeur of the Austrian court
10:37 with its swift, swirling movements and romantic flair.
10:40 Distinguished from the slower waltz by its rapid tempo,
10:44 dancers whirl around the floor in a continuous flow of rotations.
10:48 "I always like to tell the dancers and the celebs that when they're moving around the floor,
10:52 to think of it like a racetrack, and it's like a small circle within that racetrack."
10:57 This dance epitomizes classical grace, requiring couples to maintain a close embrace
11:03 while navigating through a series of turns and spins at a brisk pace,
11:07 which can be both exhilarating and challenging for even the most seasoned dancers.
11:12 One of the primary challenges of the Viennese Waltz lies in the ability to sustain the quick, circular motion
11:19 without losing balance or disrupting the rhythm,
11:22 making it essential to have spatial awareness and partnership coordination.
11:26 "You know that you're supposed to lead me, right? Are you prepared?"
11:29 "I'm prepared. I'm a born leader. Let's give it a go."
11:32 "Alright, let's go."
11:33 Before we continue, be sure to subscribe to our channel and ring the bell to get notified about our latest videos.
11:39 You have the option to be notified for occasional videos or all of them.
11:43 If you're on your phone, make sure you go into your settings and switch on notifications.
11:48 Number 1. Quick Step
11:51 "It's gotta be like the body's smooth as silk on top like a swan across the water.
11:55 Underneath, your feet are paddling like mad."
11:57 This combination of the foxtrot, charleston, and other dances is beloved for its lively rhythm and dynamic pace.
12:05 It evolved as dancers sought to incorporate the fast-paced jazz music of its 20th century era,
12:11 resulting in a style characterized by a spirited atmosphere.
12:15 The quick step requires dancers to navigate across the floor with rapid movements, hops, and kicks,
12:21 all while maintaining an appearance of effortless glide and sophistication.
12:25 "Maintaining body contact allows the bottom half to get busy while the upper half stays presentational."
12:32 Getting it right is a formidable challenge due to its fast tempo and the complexity of its patterns,
12:38 which include syncopated rhythms and movements such as the lockstep, chassés, and quarter turns.
12:44 Dancers must maintain a constant flow of motion with precise footwork and body alignment,
12:49 while also embodying a joyful and exuberant vibe.
12:53 "Puttin' on the rhythm!"
13:02 Do you know how to pull off any of these dances? Let us know in the comments!
13:06 "My forefinger and my thumb are gonna start talking to your lower back."
13:12 "It is?" "So I need your lower back to just pay attention, alright?"
13:15 Do you agree with our picks? Check out this other recent clip from Ms. Mojo.
13:19 And be sure to subscribe and ring the bell to be notified about our latest videos.
13:23 [Music]