How to choose a style of dance

"Ballroom dance" classically refers to the 10 dances of International Standard and International Latin dance.

- International Style

• International Standard: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep
• International Latin: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive

However, you may also hear any of the following categorized as "ballroom dance":

- American Style

• American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
• American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo

- Vintage Dance Styles

• Waltz, Polka, Schottische, Tango, One-Step, Foxtrot

- and of course, the Street Dance Styles

• Nightclub: Two-step, Hustle, Modern Jive, LeRoc, Ceroc, West Coast Swing, East Cost Swing, Carolina Shag, Collegiate Shag
• Latin nightclub: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha cha, Samba
• Brazilian Dances: Forro, Pagode, Samba, Lambada
• Country/Western: C/W Polka, C/W Cha-cha, C/W Two-step, C/W Waltz...
• Cajun Dances: Cajun Jig, Cajun Two Step, Zydeco, Cajun Waltz, Cajun Jitterbug
• and Argentine tango, Peabody and Cabaret

Each style has something unique to offer. International Style is danced throughout the world and is the standard for all International competitions. American Style is danced primarily in the U.S. While the styles are very similar, International is more technical and disciplined. I would suggest starting with either the International Style or the American Style (whichever appeals to you most) as an introduction to ballroom.

You could also choose a style based on the type of music it is danced to. That would make it much more likely that you would enjoy your beginning dance experience. After you get started, you will notice dancing more and if you see something you enjoy watching, you can find someone near you that teaches it.