Definition:
Tempo is the speed of the music, usually measured in beats per minute (BPM).
In ballroom dance, each style has a recommended tempo range that helps define its characteristic feel.
| Dance Style | Common Tempo Range |
|---|---|
| Waltz (Slow Waltz) | ~ 28–30 bars per minute → ~ 84–90 BPM (3/4 time) |
| American Waltz (Smooth) | ~ 90 BPM |
| Tango (American / International) | ~ 120–132 BPM (or 30–32 bars/min in some divisions) |
| Foxtrot (Slow Foxtrot) | ~ 112–120 BPM or 28–30 bars per minute |
| Viennese Waltz | ~ 160–180 BPM (or ~ 53–60 bars/min depending on style) |
| Quickstep | ~ 192–208 BPM |
Tempo isn’t just about counting faster or slower — it directly reshapes the body’s mechanics:
Step Length vs. Tempo
The faster the music, the less time the body has to complete each stride. Steps naturally shorten at higher tempos, while slower tempos allow for fuller extension and travel.
Rise & Fall vs. Tempo
Rise and fall takes time to develop. Faster music compresses the window, so vertical shaping is shallower and subtler. Slower tempos give dancers the space to use more pronounced rise and fall.
Rotation vs. Tempo
At brisk tempos (Quickstep, Viennese Waltz), turns become lighter and more compact. At slower tempos (Waltz, Slow Foxtrot), there’s time for fuller body rotation and more luxuriant sway.
Balance & Recovery
Quick tempos reduce recovery time — a misstep must be corrected almost instantly. Slow tempos let the dancer "breathe" through balance, using time to stabilize and control motion.
Artistry & Musicality
Faster dances emphasize momentum management: keeping everything smooth despite pace. Slower dances emphasize expression through shaping: drawing out musical phrases with body use.