Recommended Tempo for Dance Music 

Tempo Recommendations for Dance Music

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The tempo recommendations  for various types of dances are listed below. The list includes tempos for International
and American Style Ballroom as well as Latin tempos, Country-Western tempos and some specialty tempos.

Sources:

NDCA (National Dance Council of America)

“ND CA Rule Book” (8/30/11)

USISTD (United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing)

“Syllabi, Step Lists & Tempi”: “ISTD & USISTD Syllabus Lists”

Last updated Sep 3, 2011

ISTD

“Modern Ballroom Dance Society Faculty: Syllabus Outline,” 31 May 2011

National Syllabus May 2011; and

“Latin American Dance Faculty: Syllabus Outline,” 30 Nov. 2011

Latin American Dance Syllabus Outline

WDSF (World DanceSport Federation)

Was ICAD (International Council of Amateur Dancers), then IDSF (International DanceSport Federation)

WDSF COMPETITION RULES

Status: Conclusion of 2011 AGM, Luxembourg, June 19, 2011

USA Dance

3.5 MUSIC TEMPI in “USA Dance: Dancesport 2011A Rulebook,” Edition 13, Jan. 2011 (page 11):

“The tempi for each dance shall be as specified by the IDSF.”

USA Dance = IDSF tempo recommendations

WDC (World Dance Council)

Was ICBD (International Council of Ballroom Dancing)), then WD&DSC (World Dance and DanceSport Council)

WDC Competition Rules – June 2011

UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council)

“The 2011 UCWDC Rules, Contest Procedures and Scoring Format,” Revised 2010

IHDA (International Hustle Dance Association)

      Pro/Am Structure Guidelines for Competing, and Am/Am Structure Guidelines for Competing

Links to Ballroom Dance Organizations

NDCA (National Dance Council of America) www.ndca.org

USISTD (United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) www.usistd.org

WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) www.worlddancesport.org

USA Dance usadance.org

WDC (World Dance Council) www.wdcdance.com

UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) www.ucwdc.org

IHDA (International Hustle Dance Association) – IHDA website could not be found (December 2020)

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Information on this post compiled by Rich Gross

What is a Practice Session?

THE PURPOSE

While the format of a practice session is much like a typical social ballroom
dance, the purpose is different.  As the name implies, the purpose of a practice session is to give dancers a chance to practice on a spacious dance floor.

THE MUSIC

The instructor hosting the practice session will play pre-recorded music he or she has carefully chosen for the correct tempo for each type of dance and for the characteristics that make each dance unique.

Examples: 

• If the session is  titled “International Standard,” music will be played only for waltzes, foxtrots, tangos, quickstep and other “smooth,” usually traveling, dances. The tempo of each song will be the correct tempo for International style dances.

• Likewise, if the session is  titled “American Rhythm,” music will be played for rumba, cha cha, swing and other “rhythm” dances, each dance in the correct tempo for American style.

• If the session is only titled “Open Practice,” expect a variety of dance music to be played.

The host instructor may repeat the same song several times in a row so that competitors have an opportunity to practice their routines. Requests for songs specific to a routine may be taken toward the end of the session.

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

“Open Practice Sessions” means that all dancers are welcome and encouraged to come. You do not have to  be a student of the hosting instructor. You can be at any level of dance experience; you can dance either International or American style. Host instructors are always happy to see dancers take advantage of their sessions.

You can come to just enjoy dancing.  You do not need to have a particular move or routine that you are practicing.  It is a great opportunity to dance on an uncrowded dance floor.

The dancers who frequently attend practice sessions can be very serious dancers. Many routines, especially in traveling dances, have couples moving quickly around the dance floor. Therefore, it is very important to follow the rules of dance etiquette, especially observing the line of dance (moving around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction).

Unlike a social dance, dancers either come with a partner, plan to meet someone there, or plan to practice solo.

THE ROLE OF THE HOST INSTRUCTOR

The host instructor is responsible for the dancing environment of the session, including providing appropriate music.

Instructions/lessons are not included in the practice session. However, instructors hosting the practice session are often pleased to make suggestions when asked.

“Supervised Practice Sessions” means that the hosting instructor will be present in the room, monitoring the music and watching the dancers.

“Practice Sessions with Assistance” means that the hosting instructor is happy to help if you request help.

DATES, DETAILS AND PRICES OF PRACTICE SESSIONS

For dates, details and prices of sessions, check the Calendar.

LINKS

This section is new and we’re hoping for input from our dancers. A ride sharing section is possible if people are interested.
Things you’d like to share? Things you’d like to find out?  Let us know.

NDCA (National Dance Council of America) www.ndca.org

USISTD (United States Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing) www.usistd.org

WDSF (World DanceSport Federation) www.worlddancesport.org

USA Dance usadance.org

WDC (World Dance Council) www.wdcdance.com

UCWDC (United Country Western Dance Council) www.ucwdc.org

IHDA (International Hustle Dance Association) www.i-h-d-a.com

Links related to Music

Tempo Recommendations for Dance Music — A very comprehensive guide for the best tempos for Ballroom Dance music compiled by Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center’s own Rich Gross

Planning Your Reception Size

What size area will you need for your reception?

 
The needed size area of the reception hall depends on the number of guests.

General Guidelines:

If guests are seated, allow at least 14 square feet per guest.
If guests are served cocktail style, allow at least 9 square feet per person.

Optimally, allow 4.3 square feet extra per person for dancing.

For 50 guests:
seated: 700 square feet, with dancing 915 square feet
standing: 450 square feet, with dancing 665 square feet

For 100 guests:
seated: 1400 square feet, with dancing  1830 square feet
standing: 900 square feet, with dancing 1830 sqaure feet 1830

For 150 guests:
seated: 2100 square feet, with dancing 2745  square feet
standing: 1350 square feet, with dancing  1995 square feet

For 200 guests:
seated: 2800 square feet, with dancing 3660 square feet
standing: 1800 square feet, with dancing  2660 square feet

For 250 guests:
seated: 3500 square feet, with dancing 4575 square feet
standing: 2250 square feet, with dancing  3325 square feet

For 300 guests:
seated: 4200 square feet, with dancing 5490 square feet
standing: 2700 square feet, with dancing  3990  square feet

For 350 guests:
seated: 4900 square feet, with dancing 6400 square feet
standing: 3200 square feet, with dancing   4655  square feet

For 400 guests:
seated: 5600 square feet, with dancing 5320 square feet
standing: 3600 square feet, with dancing 7320 square feet

For 450 guests:
seated: 6300 square feet, with dancing 8235 square feet
standing: 4100 square feet, with dancing 5985  square feet

Hollywood Ballroom Dance Center’s large ballroom
is 6,400 square feet.   The ballroom can accommodate over 450
seated guests with space for dancing.

Size of reception hall.  Square footage of reception hall.

Space for 250 guests. Size of dance floor.