What is nightclub dancing?

A simple definition might be social dances that are not usually included in Dancesport competitions, can be danced in small spaces like nightclubs and have regional variations like Hustle, Nightclub Two-Step, West Coast swing, Salsa and Lindy hop.

For a large number of the general public, nightclub dancing refers to different types of dancing depending on one’s perspective. For instance, to many people it might be considered moving and swaying to contemporary top 40 pop music in a crowded nightclub between drinking. 

For social partner dancers, it will conjure up a few different images in their minds including club style dance venues like salsa clubs or club style dances versus competition ballroom dances like Argentine tango, Hustle, Nightclub two-step and the swing dances, although all of these can be found in competition at times

There are a few scattered venues where one might find reggae, 80’s night or country western line dancing. In this article we will consider some possible parameter for defining nightclub dancing and what dance genres might be included in this category.

One possible definition might be the dances that are not normally included in American or International ballroom dance competitions, which can be danced in small spaces like cruise ships, nightclubs, wedding receptions or dance studios.

Also, dance genres that are resistant to standardization and generally are “living dances,” which are dances continue to evolve with contemporary music. A prime example of this is the West Coast swing, which has transformed many times with the music of the era.

Another factor to consideration in the definition of the Nightclub dances is regional influences, which sometimes create hydrids of a dance genre. For instance, in Los Angeles, the Nightclub Two Step starts on count one with a ball flat counted 1 & but in San Diego it has normally started with a side step on count one followed by a ball flat counted 2&. Most of the Country Western dance competitions sanctioned by the United Country Western Dance Council (UCWDC) use the variation used in San Diego. Country Western dance music often has a long emphasized one count that encourages a long sweeping side step on count one rather than a ball flat split note movement.

Some other dance genres that might be considered Nightclub dances are the Argentine tango, Zydeco, Bachata, Merengue, Country Western Two-Step and Polka. These dances fall into the above categories in that they are not a ballroom competition dance genre, they can be danced in nightclubs and have regional variations.

Unfortunately, there are no absolute definitions for nightclub dancing or dances that are universally accepted so the term Nightclub dance means different things to different people. Another term that is frequently used in dance circles is “street dance,” but this is another topic that we can look at in a future Dance Talk article! 

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