USA Dance Logo
Back To Home...
Ballroom Music Tempi

Ballroom dance music is usually categorized by dance and by style, as the tempo and character of the music of each dance varies. CDs made specifically for ballroom dancing will list not only the title and performer, but also the dance and the tempo. The table below lists ballroom dance music tempo for each dance and style.
Note: While we believe this list to be comprehensive and accurate, please check with the appropriate authority for confirmation.

Smooth/Standard
Dance American Style International Style Timing
Foxtrot 30-32 MPM 28-30 MPM 4/4
Peabody 60-62 MPM    
Quickstep   50-52 MPM 4/4
Tango 30-32 MPM 31-33 MPM 2/4
Viennese Waltz 54-58 MPM 58-60 MPM 3/4
Waltz 28-30 MPM 28-30 MPM 3/4
Rythm/Latin
Dance American Style International Style Timing
Bolero 24-26 MPM   4/4
Cha Cha 28-30 MPM 30-32 MPM 4/4
Hustle 28-30 MPM   4/4
Jive   42-44 MPM 4/4
Mambo/Salsa 48-51 MPM   4/4
Merengue 29-32 MPM   4/4
Nightclub 2-Step 30-34 MPM   4/4
Paso Doblé   60-62 MPM 2/4
Polka   60-62 MPM 2/4
Rumba 28-32 MPM 25-27 MPM 4/4
Samba 52-54 MPM 50-52 MPM 2/4
E.C./Triple Swing
Single
34-40 MPM
40+ MPM
  4/4
West Coast Swing 28-32 MPM   4/4
*MPM = Measures per Minute
Compiled by An Ton That

Back To Top     Back To The Archives

Back To Home Website Copyright © 2006 - 2008 USA Dance Willamette Technical Difficulties? E-Mail the Webmaster