Need some help with beats and rhythms

[Susan]

My band is trying to get to a place where the three of us, stringed instruments mostly, and acoustic always, can make people dance.  We need a reference of some sort that will give the rhythm and tempo for traditional dance beats, American touch dancing, etc.  Fox trot, two-step, Lindy...what's the difference between the jig and the reel?  What are the different beats and tempos?  We need to differentiate the beats in our playing, so we need to know what they are.

Any thoughts, friends?  Specific references either in print or on-line would be greatly appreciated!