There are many different dance styles and these styles can change depending on the area of the world. The main styles that folks get taught to dance and the most established styles are Jive, Waltz, Samba, Tango, Cha-cha, Salsa, Foxtrot and Rumba.

So what are these various styles? Well lets break them down.

JIVE - The Jive originated among African-Americans in the early 1940s. It is a variation of a less known style called the Jitterbug. Jive is part of the five International Latin dances. Done acceptably it is typically danced at 176 beats per minute. Due to this rhythm it is known as especially speedy swing music.

WALTZ - When the Waltz was first introduced it shocked many. Around the 1980s the Waltz became the latest thing in Vienna. The waltz, and especially its closed position, became the example for the invention of many other ballroom dances. Subsequently, new types of waltz have developed, including many folk and numerous ballroom dances. It is on the whole danced at 84 - 90 beats per minute and on the whole to a Slow ballad or instrumental music in 3/4 time.

SAMBA - This dance appeared in the 20th century in Rio De Janeirio. It is one of the most popular styles in America. At 100 beats per minute this is a speedy rhythm dance normally with medium rhythm Brazilian Latin music with a strong downbeat.

TANGO - Developed in the late 19th Century it was first seen in Argentina but as they did with many other dances, the Europeans (most notably the English) chose to adopt the Tango and make it their own. The Tango was the result, with big movements, striking gestures, and rapid snaps of the head from one position to another. Danced to 128 - 132 beats per minute and with Medium rhythm orchestral, often march-like this style is not for the faint hearted. This can be a entertaining dance to learn.

Cha-Cha - The cha-cha-cha is a Latin American dance of Cuban foundations. At 128 beats per minute and medium rhythm Latin music. This is one spicy dance to learn.

SALSA - This is a fusion of relaxed dance styles. Developed in the Caribbean but also in Latin America. There is a strong African shape in the music and the dance. Salsa is generally a partner dance, even though there are familiar solo steps and some forms are danced in groups of couples, with recurrent exchanges of partner. This is a great dance to learn since you can learn solo.

FOXTROT - Invented by a man called Harry Fox in 1913 it eventually became the most popular and lasting dance of the twentieth century. Foxtrot is a smooth progressive dance characterized by long, nonstop flowing movements across the dance floor. With 112 - 120 beats per minute it has a basic rhythm of Slow-Quick-Quick.

RUMBA - This is a dance organically related the genre o Afro Cuban music. Throughout the history one may trace several styles of dances called "rumba". Some believe rumba the most erotic and sensual dance, for its rather slow rhythm and the hip movement. Learning this dance can become a steamy affair.

You may well now have an idea about which dance style you may want to learn. Maybe you want to learn them all. So how do you start? The normal method is to find a local class in your area but this could provide a stumbling block. I know when I started to learn I had to travel a long way to my lessons. You could go to your local library and get numerous books on your chosen style but this is not the best idea. You will have learn the theory but lacking professional advice visually how will you spot your mistakes. The suggested option if you cannot make a dance class is to get a DVD course. This alternative is fantastic due to the fact you can dance whenever you feel like it. You will be able to see if you are making that tango step truthful.