U C B THE DANCE aka DETROIT BALLROOM

From the eastside of Detroit, Michigan, Capers Tyus, Tyrone Bradley and Linda Harris developed the technique and methods of teaching the “Detroit Ballroom” also known as “Motown Ballroom”. This dance has a soulful flavor and is an extract of International Ballroom. While watching Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers movies as young children, this dynamic trio developed their own style of ballroom dance. Urban Contemporary Ballroom.

This dance takes two, partners, executing steps derived from the cha-cha. Turns, spins, dips and even lifts. This dance has an “urban flavor” with the added smoothness and elegance of each partner.

Capers Tyus taught Urban Contemporary Ballroom to his brother Michael and sisters, Dorothy and Gwen and coached numerous youth and adults that have successfully competed and continue to compete throughout the United States.

Dressed to impress and traveling throughout the United States and Canada, Linda, Tyrone and Capers and little brother Michael, won many dance contests demonstrating and teaching their version of ballroom dance.

In the mid eighties, Capers and Michael relocated to Los Angeles, California. In 1996, Capers Tyus opened the dance studio, "Dance in Motion" in the Leimert Park area of Los Angeles. By this time, thousands of individuals were demonstrating this urban flavored ballroom dance in well known night clubs throughout Detroit and Los Angeles. Hence the name “Club Ballroom”.

Urban Contemporary Ballroom is fun, rejuvenating, relaxing and easy to learn, it is a great forum for meeting new people and exercise. The dance becomes smooth, intimate and sexy. The creativity, intimacy and seduction goes a long way.

Urban Contemporary Ballroom has no barrier on age or size. Students of all ages are learning to master the dance. Once you are introduced to Urban Contemporary Ballroom, the interest immediately takes hold and there is no looking back! No two couples are alike. Urban Contemporary Ballroom enables the dancers to incorporate elements from other popular dances as long as you include "the social" and the basic steps three count moves of Urban Contemporary Ballroom. This allows for extensive creativity and uniqueness. The music breathes life into the dance. It’s the interpretation between two people dancing with grace, elegance and sensuality that makes Urban Contemporary Ballroom a favorite of all.

The admirable contributions of Capers Tyus, Tyrone Bradley and Linda Harris have made the development and growth of this soulful ballroom invaluable assets to the development of Dance Sport.

1950's....Social

1960's....Swing

1970's....Disco.... Chicago Steppin'

1973 - 1974.... Detroit Ballroom

(Three count movement derived from the cha-cha and International Ballroom with a soulful beat.)

1974...Big Boom!! Urban Contemporary Ballroom

By the mid 1970's Detroit Motown Ballroom had taken a hold of Detroit and over 10,000 people were dancing this soulful rhythm.

Capers Tyus

O’Dell (Darryl) Green