• Learn ballroom dance steps for competition or as a hobby.dibu tango_01. image by torugo from Fotolia.com
  
  Ballroom dancing is a competitive sport for some and a hobby for others. Dance steps are performed to fast-paced Latin music, or dramatic rhythms. Most ballroom dances require a male and female partner to compliment each other’s steps. Dancing helps to keep you healthy and become skilled in coordinated movement.
  
  

Feather Step

• The Foxtrot is a smooth dance with long movements. The feather step is a step technique in the Foxtrot made up of three forward steps to four beats of music. The dancer begins with slow steps and follows with quick steps. The feather step is used for visual appeal in the Foxtrot dance.
  
  

Forward Lock

• The forward lock step allows forward and back movements when dancing the Cha Cha. The feet begin together, and on the fourth beat of the music, the right foot moves forward. Your weight should be on the right foot, crossing the left foot behind. This movement continues back and forth to the international Cha Cha music.
  
  

Side Breaks

• Side Breaks are dance steps performed to the up-tempo Latin music called Mambo. To perform side breaks the right and left legs break apart on four counts. The legs move together on two counts. Then the legs move apart on two more counts. Male and female partners typically perform the Mambo. The male leads by taking a small step to the side with his left foot. The woman then takes a small step to the side with her right foot as the counting begins. Meanwhile, the hips move to the beat of the Mambo music.
  
  

Progressive Rocks

• The Tango is a medium-tempo dance where Progressive Rock steps are performed. Movements are slow and sometimes sharp in the Tango. Steps are performed with drama for full effect. In Progressive Rock steps, the male leads in momentum forward. The woman’s role is to do the opposite and move backwards. The male partner looks ahead moving forward, while the lady focuses over his shoulder and keeps her head out of the way.