Keeping romance alive in a relationship takes work. You and your partner need to carve out time to enjoy activities together. Sometimes it can be as simple as a dinner and a show. Other times it’s best to build intimacy with partnered activities.
Dancing has always been a top choice. As Elizabeth Bennet said in Pride and Prejudice, “To be fond of dancing was a certain step towards falling in love.”
What is the most romantic dance?
There’s no correct answer. It purely depends on what you and your partner find romantic. Do you enjoy exchanging heated looks with lots of sensual touching? Or are you an old romantic at heart and love quiet gestures?
Each dance can be romantic in its own way, whether through the shared time and experience, mood, music, close proximity, or physical touch. You are sure to bring much-needed intimacy and excitement to your relationship.
Whether you are new to dancing or want to expand your repertoire, QuickSteps has a wide variety of romantic dances you can explore.
Top 5 most romantic dances throughout history
Waltz
Let’s start with one of the classics, the waltz. The waltz is a standard ballroom dance that follows a 3/4 timing. The couple uses a closed hold, with the leader’s right hand on the follower’s left shoulder blade and the follower’s left hand on the leader’s upper arm. The free hands are clasped together, with both of their elbows wide to the side. The form is quite structured, but light body contact helps with the lead-and-follow.
Everyone’s probably danced a waltz variation during a formal, wedding, or anniversary. The movements are slow, graceful, and elegant–something straight out of a fairytale brought to life with great music and an even better partner.
If you want to share a quiet conversation moving to the sounds of Strauss, Chopin, or Frank Sinatra, then the waltz is for you.
Swing
Now this one might surprise you, but swing can be very romantic! As a social dance, anyone can try it out with a couple of moves and just have fun. If you have a taste for jazz artists like Benny Goodman, Ella Fitzgerald, Dinah Washington, Rosemary Clooney or, for a more modern option, Michael Buble, then this is for you.
Swing is a broad term, and it’s one that is definitely steeped in history. There are several types of Swing dances. You have the Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing, and West Coast Swing, among many others. The earliest iteration of swing dance came about in the ’20s to 30s, a time of silk gloves, well-polished shoes, and proper etiquette. Oh, the romance of it all!
While swing is constantly evolving, there are still places that try to stay true to heart. Here in Adelaide, the swing dance scene is not just about fancy footwork. Watch couples dress up and pretend it was yesteryear. If you love vintage music and vintage fashion, then swing dancing is certainly for you!
Rumba
Rumba originally was a term for party in Cuba, but the music and movements became so popular it is now its own dance style. Known as the “Dance of Love,” the rumba’s slow and sensual movements know how to ignite the passion between two partners. Whether you use a traditionally wide frame or have a more intimate hold, you can’t help but be in the mood for love.
Rumba music is typically slow and the lyrics are all about love and devotion. If you swoon at the sounds of “Can’t Take My Eyes Off of You” by Franki Valli, “Still in Love” by Ricky Jones, or “Si Mañana tu no Estas” by Ismael Miranda–then get ready to rumba!
Bachata
Turn up the heat with bachata. Bachata calls for partners to dance close. Intertwined legs, chests pressed together–personal space, who?
While there are “G” rated ways to dance bachata, the popular movements are definitely more sensual. There are a lot of rolling hips, accentuated curves, and extended arms. The leader often places their hands on the follower’s hips/ ribs, manipulating it into snake-like movements. There’s even a style called “Sensual Bachata” for those who kick things up a notch.
Latin music pairs best with this romantic dance. So try “La Bachata” by Manuel Turizo or“Rechazame” by Prince Royce.
There may be a steep learning curve, but nothing a little practice won’t fix. If you want to learn how to dance the bachata, our QuickSteps studio in Adelaide is more than ready to help you along. Sign up for a trial class today!
Tango or Argentine Tango
Everyone is probably familiar with the tango. It’s often featured in movies during passionate scenes like Morticia and Gomez Addams’ date in Addams Family Values or the Cell Block Tango from Chicago. In fact, this national dance is a part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. One of the common markers for the dance is its snappy movements and strategic pauses.
It’s the ultimate show of teamwork and cooperation. While the tango has a traditional leader-and-follower dynamic, both dancers have a chance to show off. If the bars of “Por Una Cabeza” move you, it’s time to learn how to tango.
So which of these most romantic dances are you interested in? Do you want a slow turn around the ballroom? Or do you want a choreography that is full of heat and romance? There are plenty of dance styles ready to meet you where you are.
How can romantic dance improve your love life?
Connection
Intimacy is one of the things that fall wayside the longer you stay together. With work and other responsibilities, it can be difficult to spend time together. Dancing is a great way to re-establish that connection. An hour on the dance floor pushes you to trust one another and commit to having fun. When you pair this with good food and drink, you are sure to come home feeling extra loved.
Communication
While these romantic dances have a leader-and-follower dynamic, it doesn’t mean one dancer “carries” more. Here, teamwork makes the dream work. As partners, you must communicate consistently, through movement and tension. Both dancers have to learn to listen to each other, especially to what isn’t being said.
Contact
Dancing calls for prolonged touches, and in these couple romantic dances, personal space is practically nonexistent. When you are dancing with your partner, you could leave flirting touches and build tension. You can always turn on the heat with sensual moves or keep things at a light simmer with a promise for more when you get home.
From learning a new dance to performing on the club floor, dancing is a great way to build romance and intimacy. It can even be a great way to develop and improve new relationships. The close proximity, prolonged touches, and unspoken communication keep the passion alive. If you want to create unforgettable memories during date nights or anniversaries, it’s time to find the dance floor.
QuickSteps has classes for ballroom, swing, rumba, bachata, tango, and plenty of other dance styles. Whether you are a beginner or an advanced dancer, our studio can tailor the experience according to your level. So what are you waiting for? Sign up for a class today!
