“If there is no purpose, there is no reason to do the movement,” says Tony Dovolani. As a competitive ballroom dancer, he won two consecutive World Rhythm championships in the American Rhythm category, which consists of five dances. “Each has its own story,” Dovolani says:

Cha Cha is flirtatious. This is when you first meet someone.

Rumba is the first date. You bring a single rose.

Swing is a party. It’s fun!

Bolero is making love. The music is just right; you slip into something more comfortable.

Mambo is when you go wild.

Photo: Dovolani and partner Elena Grinenko accept their World Rhythm medals (courtesy of T. Dovolani)