Switzerland long has had a distinct cultural identity despite its diversity of German, French, Italian and other ethnicities. Religious and folk music dominated the country until the 17th century, with growth in production of other kinds of music occurring slowly. At the beginning of the 19th century, local players formed ensembles which played dance music for festivals and other celebrations.

Dance rhythms often played in traditional rural Swiss dance music included Vögeli Schottisch (from the bohemian "Strasak"), Varsovienne, Appenzeller, Klatschwalzer, Valse Frapèe "Neubayrischer" Tanz, Marschwalzer, Schottisch, Mazurka, Waltz and Polka, Ländlermusik" (Ländler) is a specific term for rural dance music in animated three-four time.

Into the course of the 19th century, dance forms nationalized themselves and became known all over Europe.

Mr. Felix Chavez, 1991/92 "Feather Award" Winner for "Best Tango Performer/Professor" and world famous latin dance educator lectured and taught for years at Zuerich's Swiss Organization of Ballroom Dancing.

Swiss Ballroom dancers Walter and Marianne Kaiser were the most successful Swiss competitive dancers ever. They were World & European Professional Latin-American Champions and 3-time Professional Blackpool winners. Finalists in 5 European and 7 World Professional Championships from 1961-1965. They were t h e first ever Open British Professional Latin   American   Champions,  Blackpool, European  and

Professional Latin-American Champions in 1964 until they retired undefeated in 1965. Walter and Marianne Kaiser were the first ever Professional Latin American winners in Blackpool in 1962 and 1963, both years held as a tournament.