Romance means something different to everyone. For the woman who has never seen her husband set foot on a dance floor, a basic step in any ballroom dance style could be the romantic turning point in their relationship.

However, for the sake of creating something more universal (and less subjective), we have compiled six ballroom dances that are, and will always be, romantic.

1. Rumba: The Dance of Love

Maybe it’s the music, or the sophisticated yet simple movements, but we think Rumba is romantic mainly because of what it replaces: the old sway-side-to-side slow dance. The one you did in high school. The one you had to stand and watch that time you were in a wedding party.

Rumba levels up your slow dancing game. Originally from Cuba, this dance features a slow tempo (around 100-108 BPM) that gives couples time to connect. Unlike faster dances where you’re focused on footwork, Rumba gives you time to actually look into your partner’s eyes.

Best songs to try: “At Last” by Etta James, “Unforgettable” by Nat King Cole, “Perfect” by Ed Sheeran

2. Argentine Tango: Passionate and Dramatic

Tango is a little like a volatile romance. It gets angry, flips out, and makes a big display of its feelings. Then it makes up. It calms down, gets romantic, and tries its best to dim the lights and change the mood.

That is the Argentine Tango. Recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage, this dance from Buenos Aires combines close embrace with improvisation. There is no predetermined pattern… just two people responding to each other and the music.

Best songs to try: “Por Una Cabeza” by Carlos Gardel, “Libertango” by Astor Piazzolla

3. Waltz: Timeless Elegance

There is no dance more stately, elegant, and beautiful than the iconic Waltz. This is not a whimsical, teenage romance type of dance. This is a legendary love affair, a travel-to-the-ends-of-the-Earth-to-reunite-with-you type of dance.

The sweeping, flowing movements of Waltz have made it the ballroom dance equivalent of a fairy tale. That three-quarter time signature creates a natural rise and fall that’s been enchanting couples since the 18th century.

Best songs to try: “Moon River” by Andy Williams, “Tennessee Waltz” by Patti Page, “A Thousand Years” by Christina Perri

4. Foxtrot: Conversation on the Dance Floor

For some, Foxtrot hovers on the verge of boring. Those same people may not have an affinity for great music by Dinah Washington, Frank Sinatra, or Rosemary Clooney either.

Nevertheless, Foxtrot is the first dance where leaders gain the ability to talk and dance at the same time. Romantically speaking, batting eyelashes and faster heart rates are all well and good, but being able to speak to your dance partner while moving on the dance floor gives this dance an A+ in the romance department.

Best songs to try: “The Way You Look Tonight” by Frank Sinatra, “Fly Me to the Moon” by Frank Sinatra, “L-O-V-E” by Nat King Cole

5. Bolero: The Romance Champion

If romantic ballroom dances were a family, Bolero would be the head of the household. This dance is a marriage between Waltz and Rumba, with an unconfirmed affair with the Tango.

Bolero is known for wide sweeping movements like Waltz, set to a tempo a few notches slower than Rumba, and with a heavy emphasis on staying in close proximity to your dance partner. Formerly restricted to the Silver level, Bolero is now taught beginning in the Bronze 3 level at Arthur Murray studios.

Best songs to try: “Unchained Melody” by The Righteous Brothers, “Endless Love” by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie

6. The Kitchen Dance: Romance Anywhere

Did you know that the kitchen is the most romantic dance floor? Why? Just try it.

The next time your love is cooking dinner, pouring a glass of wine, or grabbing a snack… make your favorite dance move. There doesn’t need to be music, hardwood floors, or mood lighting. Just initiative. Just fun. Just connection.

We suggest a Rumba, due to the fact that it is built for closed quarters. Nothing against your kitchen, but a Waltz may be a bit tricky. Sometimes, the most romantic way to dance is in a place where you’d least expect it.

You Don’t Need Perfection to Create Romance

Notice that before each of the ballroom dances listed there wasn’t an ability classification? It didn’t say “flawless Waltz” or “perfect Rumba” or “Silver 4 Argentine Tango.” The reason is simple:

You don’t need perfection to create a perfectly romantic moment with your dance partner.

Sometimes it’s just a basic step between two people, no matter the skill levels, that care for each other that can make the most lasting impact. Research from the National Institutes of Health confirms that partner dancing strengthens emotional bonds and increases feelings of connection.

Ready to Add Romance to Your Life?

All dance styles above (and many more) are offered at Arthur Murray Dance Studios. Whether you’re looking to surprise your partner with couples dance lessons, prepare for a wedding first dance, or simply add a new dimension to your relationship… it all begins with the first step. See also our guide to surviving any wedding reception and ideas for adding dance to your date night.

And depending on how long you’ve been putting off lessons, even that first step can be pretty romantic.

Find an Arthur Murray studio near you and discover which romantic dance is right for you.