Tango began in the West Indies, found its way to Argentina and became the rage in 1921 after silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this romantic dance to millions. The tango is considered the “dancers dance” and becomes the favorite of all who learn it. Tango music is usually written in 2/4 or 4/4 timing. The step is slow, slow, quick, quick, slow. Characteristics of Tango, is a staccato action obtained by delaying the follow through of the free leg and foot.

In 1913, Harry Fox, introduced a trot to a ragtime song, which pushed other trots way into the background. It became America’s most popular dance, and remains to this today as the standard of socials dances. Fox Trot music is written to a 2/4 or 4/4timing. The basic components are walking steps, and side steps. The dance is characterized by smooth, gliding steps, and ease of movement, which give the dance an unhurried appearance.

The English version of the Fast Fox Trot, which has skillful, quick hopping steps set in with the smoother gliding figures. It is very popular in Europe as a competition dance. It ranks among the "Big Five," the other three being the Slow Fox Trot, the Waltz, the Tango and the Viennese Waltz. It ranks amongst the most “eye catching” of all Ballroom dances.

The Waltz began in Southern Germany in the seventeenth century. Its popularity grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the twentieth century. Waltz is written in 3/4 time and has a slow to medium tempo. The basic components of Waltz are walking steps and sidesteps with rise and fall, and body sway.

The music of Johann Strauss and the famous ballrooms of Vienna, popularized the faster version of the Waltz, which has come to be known as the Viennese Waltz. This dance is basically Waltz music played at a much quicker tempo. It is usually played in 3/4, but some Viennese Waltz are written in 6/8 time. Characteristics of the dance are sweeping turns that gracefully move around the floor. The Viennese Waltz is known for its beauty, simple elegance, and rotational movement.