One of the best things about ballroom dancing is how many moves there are to explore across different styles. Once you’ve got the basics down, adding a few fun figures keeps your dancing fresh and impressive on the floor. Here’s a roundup of enjoyable ballroom dance moves organized by style to add to your practice.
Waltz and Foxtrot Moves
- Box step with underarm turn
- Promenade walk
- Natural and reverse turns
- Hesitation change
- Twinkle step
Tango Moves
- Corte (dramatic dip and pause)
- Ocho (figure-eight footwork)
- Promenade link
- Rock turn
Latin Moves: Cha Cha and Rumba
- Cha cha basic with hip action
- New Yorker
- Cross body lead
- Spot turns
- Hand-to-hand rumba walks
Swing Moves
- Sugar push
- Underarm turn
- Whip
- Tuck turn
Salsa and Mambo Moves
- Cross-body lead
- Cuban motion basic
- Copa
- Enchufla
Tips for Learning New Moves
When trying new figures, keep these tips in mind:
- Master the basic step and timing before adding turns or flourishes
- Practice with a partner slowly before speeding up to full tempo
- Focus on frame and connection, not just footwork
- Record yourself or use a mirror to check posture and lines
Bringing These Moves to the Floor
Learning new figures is most fun with a partner and an instructor who can spot small technique issues before they become habits. A group class is a great low-pressure environment to try several of these moves in one session.
Ready to put these moves into practice? Find ballroom dance classes by city and start building your repertoire one figure at a time.