The dances

They are doing 13 different dances this season. Some are new, some are old but all are amazing. Here is a list of the types of dances and a little information on each one.

The Argentine Tango : It originated in Buenos Aries, Argentina. It can be very open to very closed or in between. There is really no basic steps that the judges will be looking for.

The Cha Cha Cha : It originated in Cuba and is very lively and "bubbly". it is derived from the Rumba and the Mambo. The judges look for triple steps and rock steps and The dancers should synchronize.

Foxtrot : known because of when Harry Fox appeared in a show by Hammerstein, when people started copying the act they called it "Fox's Trot". It is a very smooth dance also called the Rolls Royce of the standard dancing styles. Judges look for timing along with the weave and the feather step.

The Jive : It's a swing type dance influenced by the boogie, rock and roll, and the Lindy hop. The origins are in New York's Harlem. Also a Latin dance it has kicks, flicks and twirling woman. The judges look for the chassez and the rock step, along with kicks, flips and spins.

Lindy Hop : Named after Lindberg's Atlantic Crossing, the Lindy hop is co-evolved with jazz music and is in the swing dance family. The judges will be looking for solo and partner dancing and the swing out.

Mambo : it is a fusion of swing and Cuban music brought about by Perez Prado. It's first appearance was in a nightclub in Havana. It can create quite the competition between musicians. The steps the judges will look for are quick and staccato steps. It is a very passionate dance so the judges will also look for that as well.

Pasa Doble : this dance focuses on the man and should have a bull fighting atmosphere to it. The woman can take on various role depending on the interpretation. The judges will look for "marching" type steps as well as cape movements. this dance is only done in the ballroom world.

Quickstep : it is a twinkling dance with tricky footwork and a fast pace. Judges will look for the slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick steps/movements. Synchronization and leg tension with the use of ankles.

Rumba : this dance "tells the story of love and eroticism between a man and a woman". look for teasing and withdrawal in this sensual Latin dance. judges will look for that along with hip action and straight legs.

Samba : this dance is a party dance! It originates from Brazil and is made up different S. American dances. It has lots of action to look for, Volta (bounce type step), waist movement and a distinctive climax where it ends with heads back and arms out.

Tango : another dance from Argentina, the gauchos would be wearing stiff chaps, go out to a nightclub, ask a lady to dance and because the gauchos usually had not showered the ladies "kept their distance". The woman would dance in the crook of the mans right arm with her head back and her right hand on his hip looking for money. It is a very flat dance but very emotional. The judges will be looking for that with walks, rock turns and links.

The Viennese Waltz : developed in central Europe from the Austrian dance called the Landler it is a fast whirling of partners. Judges will look for sweeping turns.

The Waltz : considered the mother of present day dances. It originated in Germany and is characterized by the elegant and beautiful patterns. Footing in crucial in this dance.



According to TV Guide Magazine there is two more dances, both new, the Charleston and the Lambada. They were not on the dancing with the stars website. Which would make 15 dances.



http://abc.go.com/shows/dancing-with-the-stars/dances/ThemeGallery/280412