At a glance, Round Dancing looks like Social or Ballroom Dancing - the dance rhythms and movements are often identical. In Round Dancing, however, each dance has been pre-choreographed using defined (and practiced) figures/steps. The choreography not only includes many more figures/steps in a given dance than dancers would normally use, it also enables couples to focus on each figure without having to decide what figure/pattern to move into next (an advantage appreciated by both ladies and gentlemen!). Not surprisingly, Round Dancing has also become known as Choreographed Ballroom Dancing.

To eliminate the original need for dancers to memorize each dance, "Cuers" now announce each figure as the dance/music progresses (much as a "Caller" guides Square Dancers). This means couples dance in unison, usually in a large circle (hence the name Round Dancing), performing the same figures/steps at the same time. With less likelihood of crossing paths, dancers can move more freely around the dance floor than in Social or Ballroom Dancing.

Round Dancing Classes are available in most cities in Canada, USA, Europe and Japan. ROUNDALAB, the international, non-profit educational organization for Round Dance leaders, has standardized the series of figures/steps, using English terminology, for each dancing rhythm. As well, ROUNDALAB created a Program for the Phases/Levels for advancement of dancers from Beginners to Phase VI that is recognized and followed world-wide.