Kind of a strange question I think, but helpful in helping me learn what order to learn the different dances in.

Would you all agree this is a good generalization.

At a social dance, about 70% of the songs will be swing, foxtrot and rumba?

Why do I ask? Because I'm trying to figure out what dances to focus on first so that I can comfortably participate at social dances.

Thanks to all who've been helping out. Thank you.

Don't forget the Waltz.

One thing to consider is Social Dancing requires one to lead and follow. (No memorizing only your own part.)

A good male social dancer can get a women through most of these dances.

A lady has a more difficult time if she is trying to help a new male dancer.

Waltz, a little more than rumba.
But otherwise, yes, fox trot and swing are both great to know, especially when you just switch to swing if the fox trot gets too quick.
At our social dances, tango is in the mix as well. But that one, as well as cha-cha and rumba, aren't as commonly well-known by everyone at the dance.
You can't go wrong if you can waltz, fox trot and swing.
These are the core group at wedding receptions, too -- before the younger set gets to hip-hoppin'.

I think the cha cha is a must for social dancing because so much modern music has the cha cha beat. But only if the women at the dance know the cha cha basics. If you want simple and fun, the merengue is a good dance to know. Most women can follow it with very little problems. Waltz and foxtrot are good but again, the women need to know the basics. Swing is great.

Wait a moment...

When I'm at the social dance, I have to worry that there are people that know even less than I do?

??????

I've only been taking lessons for a few months, that thought never really occured to me.