Tijuana Brass Style

(c. 1967)

Introduction

In keeping with the 60s tradition of inventing new dances to fit new music, Art Kalmer invented this style specifically to dance to the music of Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass [AK67].

While it's unclear how many people actually danced these steps, they're an interesting look into the 60s mindset of constant innovation in both music and dance.

The Dance

The Steps

Basic One: Side left (1), touch right next to left (2), in place right (3), in place left (4). Repeat opposite (5, 6, 7, 8) [AK67].

Tijuana Swivel: Same as Basic #1, but with open two hands, swiveling the feet in place on the in place steps. The feet swivel toward the step (swivel left when stepping left and vice versa) [AK67].
Conversation Break: Half of Basic #1 (1, 2, 3, 4), followed by side right (5), touch left next to right (6), and rock step (7, 8) [AK67].

Basic Two: Side (1), close (2), side (3), touch (4). Repeat opposite (5, 6, 7, 8) [AK67].

Basic Two with Kick: Side (1), close (2), side (3), and a low kick to the side (4). Repeat opposite (5, 6, 7, 8) [AK67].

Forward and Back Basic: Forward left (1), touch right next to left (2), rock forward right (3), rock back left (4). Repeat opposite (5, 6, 7, 8) [AK67].

Forward Rock: Forward left (1), touch right next to left (2), rock forward right (3), rock back left (4). Repeat with opposite feet, still moving forward (5, 6, 7, 8) [AK67].

The Music

Art Kalmer notes that these patterns "will fit most Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass records."

Below is a sampling of tunes by Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass that sound most like Art Kalmer's recommended track "Green Peppers."

Sources

AK67 — Art Kalmer. (1967, May). "For Tijuana Brass Style." Ballroom Dance Magaine. New York.

For more dance descriptions, see our three books on dancing:
The Book of Mixers: 100 Easy-Teach Dances for Getting Acquainted (2022) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge,
Cross-Step Waltz: A Dancer's Guide (2019) by Richard Powers and Nick & Melissa Enge, and
Waltzing: A Manual for Dancing and Living (2013) by Richard Powers and Nick Enge.

For full-length teaching videos, visit: University of Dance.

For help crafting a life you love, visit: Project Quartz.

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