Are you standing there in the dance school, everyone around you seems to know exactly what they’re doing, and you’re just wondering if those band-aids on your heels will last an hour? Believe me, I’ve been there too. Ballroom dancing is that magical mix of sport, elegance, and pure adrenaline, divided into two worlds: the flowing Standard dances (like the English Waltz) and the fiery Latin dances (like Salsa or Cha-Cha-Cha). The secret to that effortless 'pro' look? It’s not just in your hips, but especially in your dance outfit and the right shoes from brands like Rummos or Werner Kern that won't ruin your feet.
What you need to know about Latin & Ballroom
- What is ballroom dancing exactly? (The basics)
- Which ballroom dances are there? (Standard vs Latin)
- Latin dance: Passion, hips, and speed
- Women's dance outfit: What do you wear to your first lesson?
- The holy grail: Shoes that save your feet
- FAQ: Everything you’re afraid to ask
- Related articles for the die-hards
What is ballroom dancing exactly? (The basics)
Girl, when people ask "what is ballroom dancing?", they often think of dusty halls and grandmas in floral dresses. Think again. Ballroom is an elite sport wrapped in glitter. At its core, it is partner dancing where you move across the floor with your dance partner to specific rhythms. It is a language without words. Where does ballroom dance come from? It is a melting pot of European court dance traditions and African/Latin American rhythms that were standardized in England in the early 20th century.
The most important thing I always tell my students: the difference between winning and losing (or just dancing well versus stumbling) lies in the connection with the floor. And yes, for that, you need those specific suede soles. When you start, it feels like you have two left feet, but as soon as you master that first 'box step', you’re hooked. Believe me, that endorphin kick is more addictive than Netflix.
Actionable tip: Don't go for the hardest steps right away. Focus on your posture. Chin up, shoulders low. Even if you forget the steps, with good posture, you already look like a pro.
Which ballroom dances are there? (Standard vs Latin)
In the dance world, we make a clear distinction. You have the ballroom dance types that we call "Standard" and the "Latin American" (Latin) branch. When you sign up for a course, you usually get both, but you will quickly notice which one makes your heart beat faster.
Under the Standard flag are:
- English Waltz: Super romantic, very fluid. Think Disney princess vibes.
- Tango: No, not the passionate Argentine version, but the sharp, almost aggressive ballroom variant. Lots of "staccato" movements.
- Quickstep: My personal favorite for fitness. It’s literally hopping and running across the floor, but elegantly.
- Slow Foxtrot: The most difficult, because you have to move very controlled and slowly.
- Viennese Waltz: Turning, turning, and more turning. Take a paracetamol with you if you get dizzy easily.
Why is this important for your clothing? In Standard dances, you are 'locked' to your partner in a frame. You need space at your shoulders. And your shoes? They must have a closed toe for stability during those long steps. Take a look at the Ballroom & Standard collection for the difference.
Latin dance: Passion, hips, and speed
If the Standard dances are the chic dinner, then the latin dance is the afterparty. Here it’s all about expression, rhythm, and – let’s be honest – a bit of flirting with the jury or your partner. The technique is totally different; you stand much more on the ball of your foot and you use your hips as if they were made of elastic.
The five official Latin dances are:
- Cha-Cha-Cha: Spicy, cheeky, and full of energy.
- Samba: The Rio carnival on the dance floor. Lots of 'bounce'.
- Rumba: The dance of love. Slow, sensual, and technically very challenging.
- Paso Doble: The man is the matador, the woman the cape. Very theatrical.
- Jive: The fast finale. Lots of kicks and flicks. You’re going to sweat, promised.
For these styles, you want ballroom clothing that moves with you. A tight pencil skirt isn't going to work if you have to do a Samba bounce. You want fringes, shorter skirts, and shoes with an open toe (so you can use your toes to grip the floor). Brands like Rummos are kings in this; their soles are so flexible that you can almost fold your foot in half.
Women's dance outfit: What do you wear to your first lesson?
I see it every week: girls coming to their first lesson in jeans. Don't do it! Jeans restrict your freedom of movement and absorb sweat like a sponge. Not sexy, not practical. When we talk about a good women's dance outfit, you are looking for the balance between comfort and "I look like a dancer".
The basics for your training: 1. Leggings or dance pants: Choose a fabric that breathes. Brands like Capezio or Bloch have fantastic basics that aren't see-through when you bend over (very important!). 2. The skirt: For Latin, you want a skirt that swirls. That helps you see your own hip movements better in the mirror. For Standard, a longer skirt is nice, so you learn how not to get tangled in your own fabric. 3. The top: No loose-fitting shirts. Your teacher needs to be able to see your back and shoulders to correct your posture. A fitted bodysuit or top is perfect.
Want to know what the pros wear when they’re not training? Check out this article about Latin Dancewear for Professionals. There we explain why those glitter dresses sometimes cost thousands of euros (spoiler: Swarovski crystals are expensive!).
The holy grail: Shoes that save your feet
Let’s talk about the most important part of your gear. If you go dancing in regular pumps, I swear: after 20 minutes, you’ll hate me. Regular shoes have rubber soles (which are stiff and ruin your knees when turning) or hard plastic soles (which are slippery as ice).
Real dance shoes have a suede sole. This gives you just enough grip not to slip, but allows you to make those spins you’ve always dreamed of.
Which brand should you get? - Werner Kern: The Rolls Royce of dance shoes. They have a built-in cushion under the ball of your foot. I’ve been wearing them for years and can teach for hours in them without pain. - Rummos: If you like extreme flexibility. Their Latin shoes are fantastic for people with narrow to average feet. - Anna Kern: The younger, often slightly trendier sister of Werner Kern. Slightly cheaper, but still top quality. - Portdance: For when you really want to stand out with glitters and trendy designs.
Heel height tip: Don't start at 8 centimeters! Start with a 'flare' heel of 5 or 6 cm. A flare heel widens slightly at the bottom, which gives you much more stability than a stiletto. Believe me, your ankles will thank me. Want to know more about the technology behind the shoe? Then read Ballroom Standard Shoes: Elegance and Technique.
FAQ: Everything you’re afraid to ask
1. Which ballroom dances are there?
There are officially ten. Five Standard dances (English Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep) and five Latin dances (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive). In social dance schools, you often also learn Salsa or Bachata as well.
2. What is ballroom dancing exactly?
It is a standardized form of partner dancing that is taught the same way worldwide. This means you could theoretically dance an English Waltz with a total stranger in Tokyo, because the basic steps are the same everywhere.
3. What is a ballroom dance called?
Each dance has its own name, but they all fall under the heading of 'Ballroom' or 'Latin'. The term "ballroom" comes from the Latin word 'ballare', which simply means to dance.
4. Where does ballroom dance come from?
The roots lie in the European court dances of the 18th and 19th centuries. The Latin dances were added later and find their origin in the rhythms of Cuba, Brazil, and Spain, which were later shaped into a structured format by dance teachers in England.
5. Do I really need special shoes?
Yes. A hundred times yes. Not only for your own comfort but also to protect the dance floor. Street shoes make scratches and bring in dirt that makes the floor slippery for others. Moreover: you dance 200% better with suede soles.
Related articles for the die-hards
Are you as addicted as I am by now? Then also check out these in-depth guides to expand your knowledge (and your wardrobe):
- Tango Shoes: Argentine vs Ballroom - The Guide (2026) - Because yes, there is a huge difference!
- Salsa Shoes Women | Heels, Comfort and Style Tips - For when you want to take those Latin vibes to the salsa club.
- Ballroom Dresses and Costumes: Competition vs Social - What do you wear when?
My final advice for you: Enjoy it. Dancing is falling and getting back up (sometimes literally), but there is nothing more beautiful than the moment the music starts and everything around you disappears for a while. Make sure your feet feel good, wear something you feel beautiful in, and just dance.
Do you have questions about what size Rummos you need or are you doubting between two models from Werner Kern? Send us a message at Miss Salsa. We dance ourselves and would rather help you find the perfect shoe than a bad purchase that gives you blisters.
Will I see you soon on the dance floor?
