DWTS Styles: A Comprehensive Guide to Dance Styles on Dancing with the Stars

What "DWTS Styles" Means and Why It Matters

On Dancing with the Stars, the phrase DWTS styles refers to the specific ballroom and Latin dances that form the competition’s core: Cha‑Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, and Contemporary. Each style brings a distinct rhythm, timing, footwork, and visual flavor that influence how couples perform, how judges score, and how audiences connect with the routine. Understanding these styles helps explain scoring patterns, partner choices, and recurring trends across the show’s history.

Standard Dances on DWTS: Definitions and Characteristics

Standard (or Ballroom) dances emphasize control, line, and grounded movement. On DWTS, they often appear in the early weeks to build technique and in showcases that highlight elegance.

Foxtrot

Danced to moderate tempos, the Foxtrot uses long, flowing movements and a smooth, gliding action. It relies on controlled rise and fall, making it a favorite for storytelling in contemporary-themed weeks.

Waltz

Known for its 3/4 time and dramatic rise and fall, the Waltz produces recognizable patterns like the Hesitation and serves as a foundation for many showdance routines.

Tango

Sharp, staccato movements and a dramatic pose define Tango. On DWTS, Tango often showcases strong framing and angular lines, creating striking visual impact.

Viennese Waltz

The fastest of the Standard dances, with natural rotary momentum. The speed makes it both technically challenging and visually exhilarating on television.

Quickstep

A lively, syncopated dance with runs, chasses, and hops. Its upbeat tempo and athletic feel energize competition nights and push footwork precision.

Latin Dances on DWTS: Definitions and Characteristics

Latin dances bring faster tempos, playful hip action, and expressive emotion. They frequently headline finals and fan-favorite performances.

Cha‑Cha

With its syncopated third step and infectious rhythm, Cha‑Cha is accessible and playful. It is often used to highlight personality and humor in routines.

Samba

Bouncy, rhythmic, and featuring playful bounce action, Samba demands strong core control. Its upbeat nature makes it a crowd-pleasing choice for high-energy weeks.

Rumba

Known as the ‘dance of love,’ Rumba emphasizes slow, sensual movement and controlled sway. It tests musicality and emotional connection between partners.

Paso Doble

Modeled after a bullfight, Paso Doble is dramatic, sharp, and stylized. It allows for strong posing, theatrical arm styling, and commanding stage presence.

Jive

A lively, swing-influenced dance with kicks and flicks, Jive brings vintage energy and bounce. It rewards clean footwork and playful timing.

Contemporary and Other Allowed Styles

In addition to the traditional ten dances, DWTS incorporates Contemporary and sometimes Jazz or Broadway numbers. Contemporary on the show emphasizes fluid lines, emotional expression, and flexible technique, often blending elements from ballroom and Latin into modern choreography.

Technical Components Judges Evaluate by Style

Across all DWTS styles, judges assess universal criteria: posture, footwork, timing, hold, and movement quality. However, each style emphasizes different aspects:

• Timing and rhythm accuracy remain fundamental; even small timing errors are noticeable in styles like Cha‑Cha and Quickstep.
• Frame and connection dictate how clearly partners communicate movement in Tango and Viennese Waltz.
• Hip action and isolation appear prominently in Samba and Rumba.
• Power, speed, and controlled momentum define Paso Doble and Jive.
• Line, extension, and controlled rise and fall distinguish Foxtrot and Waltz.

Historical Trends and Notable Style Choices

Over the years, DWTS has balanced classic ballroom and Latin with contemporary storytelling. Early seasons leaned heavily toward traditional dances, while modern adaptations integrate more theatrical Contemporary and Jazz choreography. Certain styles recur in memorable performances: Waltz for emotional tales, Samba for high-energy nights, and Tango for dramatic framing. Understanding these patterns helps explain why certain dances become signature moments in a season.

Quick Reference: Core DWTS Styles at a Glance