What type of dance is taught?

The SSBD program focuses on the International Style of ballroom dance, which has a universally recognized, set syllabus that is taught world-wide. This style is a foundation for ballroom and like other forms of dance such as ballet; modern or jazz, emphasis is placed on proper technique, placement and line.

International Style

Standard	Latin
Waltz	Cha-Cha
Tango	Samba
Viennese Waltz	Rumba
Foxtrot	Paso Doble
Quickstep	Jive

Though many professional competitors often focus on just one group (either Latin or Standard), SSBD gives students an opportunity to learn dances from all cultures including– Salsa, Merengue, Two Step, Polka, West Coast Swing etc.

The program is designed not only as a school of etiquette, but as an opportunity for students to receive intensive dance training through which they will develop and strengthen key abilities both in relation to themselves and others. SSBD engages students through the teaching of the dance discipline, emphasizing technique and teamwork.

WHY is dance technique important?

SSBD students will be learning some of the International Style Syllabus steps for each dance. Emphasis should be given to proper technique and placement, with a focus on clear lines and musicality.

…In most dance training, technique is understood as the clear demonstration of the thing being done. There are terms in each dance style, which are instructions for the delivery of individually named movements or steps. All dance styles have their particular requirements; classical ballet’s vertical posture and turn out, DanceSports’s Dance hold, Sway and CBM (contra body movement).

To achieve these specific requirements, practice becomes essential…Practice needs supervision by a teacher, thus we arrive at the concept of “technique training” as the essential learning process.

- International DanceSport Federation

Learning proper technique not only allows dancers to look skilled and aligned while performing, but also prevents injuries from occurring. A student learning the violin would not be expected to produce quality sound without knowing where to place his/or her fingers or how to hold the bow. The same is true for dance, only for dancers, the instrument is their body. Knowing how and where to place this instrument is an important part of the learning process that then enables freedom of expression.