Ballroom has got two different styles.

On one hand you can find Standar and on the other side, Latino

In total there are ten rhythms.

Let's start with Standar

The first one is

Slow Waltz or English Waltz:

This rhythm appeared in the nineteenth century as a second form of Viennese waltz. A new generation of dancers rebelled against the old Viennese waltzes. Is at this time when composers begin to write slower waltzes, and when the English waltz has its origin, more popularly known as slow waltz.

We are going to tell you a brief legend that explains the birth of the English waltz thanks to Queen Victoria of England, who being enchanted by the Viennese waltz on a trip to Austria, asked her dance teacher to teach her. Because of his limp he had to adapt it, making it slower with what the English waltz would be born. This rhythm has the particularity that the steps must be sliding and with a great displacement. Also it is important to achieve the "waving" that make you fell like if you are floating.

Here a video of Slow Waltz

European Tango:

It is an adaptation, made in Europe of Argentinian tango during the first decades of the 20th century. Tango was introduced in Europe, through the Argentine community of Paris, but not very successfully. Being a rather exotic dance and a sensual creation of the countries of the South, initially Tango did not become accepted by European society.

Tango started  to be danced in the suburbs and that was how it gradually gained popularity. Until 1907 Tango was not accepted in London, it was too erotic and had many opponents. After some changes of style, the tango was accepted in Paris and London and that why the position of the body is different and it is a rhythm that forms Ballroom Dance. 

It has drama and passion. And the steps are coded and are not governed by improvisation. 

Here a video of Tango

Viennese Waltz

This is the oldest rhythm and the mother of the Slow Walts. It appeared for the first time in the state of Tyrol in Austria and conquered its rank of nobility in Vienna in the 18th century when it was introduced in the ballet and operas. It first produced major scandels, because the couples danced interwined. However, it quickly prevailed as the dance of reference society in the international "Ballrooms", evicting the Mazurca or the Polca. This rhythm has as its main peculiarity, in addition to its fast time, that has few steps and is the most  elegant rhythm as long as the posture is maintained.

Here a video of Vinnese Waltz

Foxtrot:

It is a popular American dance, born in 1912 with the first jazz orchestras. Its name means lirerally "fox trot" and refers to the primitive black dances that imitated animal footsteps. The creators, that were mostly african and caribbean were inspired by their ancestor. Quickly, this dance becomes the most popular in the United States.

When the  foxtrot arrives in Europe it finds strong opposition among the more conservative sectors, but nothing could prevent it from becoming popular on the old continent as well.

Here a video of Foxtrot

Quick Step:

It is a dance that was created by Caribbean and African couples in the suburbs of New York in 1920 during the First World War. Its origins were in the combination of foxtrot with charleston, a dance that was one of the  forerunners of what is now called theSwing Dance. It is a very energetic and intensive style.

Here a video of Quick Step