Romance means something different to a lot of people, even within the theme of ballroom dances. For the woman who has never seen her husband set foot on a dance floor, a basic step in any ballroom dance style (or better yet, a move from her favorite dance) could be the romantic turning point in their relationship.
However, for the sake of creating something more universal, and less subjective, we have compiled 6 Ballroom Dances that are, and will always be, romantic.
1. Rumba
Maybe it's the music, or the sophisticated, yet simple, movements, but we think Rumba is romantic mainly because of what it replaces - the old sway side to side slow dance. The one you did in high school, the one you had to stand and watch that time you were in a wedding party, the Rumba levels up your slow dancing game.
2. Argentine Tango
Tango is a little like a volatile romance. It gets angry, flips out, and makes a big display of its feelings with the traditional Tango. Then it makes up. It calms down, gets romantic, and tries its best to dim the lights, change the mood, and begs you to wear those fishnet stockings again. That is the Argentine Tango.
3. Waltz
There is no dance more stately, elegant, and beautiful than the iconic Waltz. This is not a whimsical, teenage romance type of dance. This is a legendary love affair, a travel to the ends of the Earth to reunite with you type of dance.
4. Foxtrot
For some, Foxtrot hovers on the verge of boring. Those same people may not have an affinity for great music by Dinah Washington, Frank Sinatra, or Rosemary Clooney either. Nevertheless, Foxtrot is the first dance where leaders gain the ability to talk and dance at the same time. Romantically speaking, batting eyelashes, and faster heart rates are all well and good, but being able to speak to your dance partner while moving on the dance floor gives this dance an A+ in the romance department.
5. Bolero
If romantic ballroom dances were the mafia, then meet the head of the family - Don Bolero. This dance is a marriage between Waltz and Rumba, with an unconfirmed affair with the Tango. It is a popular dance known for wide sweeping movements like Waltz, set to a tempo a few notches slower than Rumba, and with a heavy emphasis on staying in close proximity to your dance partner. The Bolero, formerly restricted to the Silver level, is now taught beginning in the Bronze 3 level.
6. Any Dance in Your Kitchen
Did you know that the kitchen is the most romantic dance floor? Why? Just try it. The next time your love is cooking dinner, pouring a glass of wine, or grabbing a snack - make your favorite dance move. There doesn't need to be music, hardwood floors, or mood lighting - just initiative, just have fun dancing and moving your body. We suggest a Rumba, due to the fact that it is built for closed quarters - nothing against your kitchen, but a Waltz may be a bit tricky. Sometimes, the most romantic way to dance is in a place where you'd least expect it.
Final Thought
Notice that before each of the ballroom dances listed there wasn't an ability classification? It didn't say "flawless [Dance Style]" or "perfect Rumba" or "Silver 4 Argentine Tang. The reason is simple: You don't need perfection to create a perfectly romantic moment with your dance partner. Sometimes it's just a basic step between two people, no matter the skill levels, that care for each other that can make the most lasting impact. Do remember that all dance styles above and more are offered at Arthur Murray Dance studios. Just a quick dance advice: It all just begins with the first step and, depending on how long you've been putting off lessons, even that can be pretty romantic.