BALLROOM DANCE

A. History - Ballroom dancing is a style of social dancing that was developed in pairs

and was first popularized in Europe and the United States. Due to its historical

associations with wealthy social classes and invitation-only dance occasions, the

tradition was distinguished from folk or country dancing. Ballroom dancing has

its social origins in the court dances of the 17th and 18th centuries in Europe,

while many of the dance steps have been borrowed from folklore. When court

dances first began, it was traditional to face the throne, a tradition known as

"fronting the state," because it was considered improper to turn one's back on a

royal. Dancers were only needed to face the ruler on the most formal occasions or

when they were being presented to the court in the 19th century, however, as

court etiquette eased. Otherwise, participants moved around the ballroom in

squares or circles.The social changes of the early 20th century significantly

altered—and even democratized—ballroom dancing and dance competitions.

B. Styles

1. The smooth, standard movement focus is on grace, elegance, and fluidity.

Around the entire floor, dancers move in a counterclockwise rotation. On

the dance floor, the couple is continually moving, moving in a set sequence

from one area to the next. (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz and

Quickstep)

2. The emphasis of the Latin rhythm style is on showing off one's unique flair

and lively energy. The dance style of the couple is timed to the beat of the

song. Often, the couple sticks to one area of the dance floor. (East Coast

Swing, Jive, Rumba, Bolero, Cha Cha, Mambo, Samba and Paso Doble.)
C. Types

1. Cha cha - The cha-cha is a passionate, playful, and upbeat ballroom dance.

The cha-style cha's comes from the traditional "Cuban motion." Together,

partners synchronize and perfectly align each movement.

2. Foxtrot - The foxtrot is a fun and straightforward to learn ballroom dance,

making it a great choice for beginners. To swing or big-band music, foxtrot

dancers move around the floor in lengthy, fluid motions.

3. Jive - Jive is a type of ballroom dancing that was invented by

African-Americans in the United States. It is a lively form of swing dance

and a variation of the jitterbug.

4. Lindy Hop - The ballroom dance known as the "Lindy Hop" is regarded as

the origin of all swing dances. It has a reputation for being athletic and

frequently incorporates aerial jumps, twists, and flips. It was well-liked in

the 1930s and called after Charles Lindbergh's (Lucky Lindy) transatlantic

voyage.

5. Mambo - One of the most intense Latin American ballroom dances is the

mambo. The dance displays sensuality with swaying hip motions, face

expressions, arm movements, and holds. It was popular in Cuba and New

York during the 1940s and 1950s after being created by Perez Prado.

6. Paso Doble - One of the liveliest ballroom dances, the pasodoble has its

origins in southern France. It is performed to music used in bullfights and

is modeled by the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight.

7. Quickstep - the quickstep is a fast variation of the foxtrot. It is a ballroom

dance that features incredibly rapid steps, runs, and rhythmic foot beats.
Although it is one of the most challenging ballroom dances to master, the

quickstep is exciting to watch.

8. Rumba - Many people believe that the rumba is the most intimate and

romantic of all Latin ballroom dances. The song has a persistent 4/4 pace

and is frequently referred to as the "Grandfather of the Latin dances."

9. Viennese Waltz - A quick-moving ballroom dance with a modest rise and

fall, the waltz is popular in Austria. Most people believe it to be among the

hardest dances to learn. The Viennese waltz is known for its understated

yet sophisticated rotating movement. The steps differ differently from the

slow waltz and it can move up to four times as quickly.

10. Waltz - One of the neatest ballroom dances is the waltz. It is a progressive

dance with rise and fall, continuous spins, and lengthy, flowing motions.

Because of how delicate and fluid the dance is, waltz dancers practically

seem to float across the floor.

D. Classifications

1. Social ballroom dancing frequently takes place in a laid-back setting with

the intention of enjoying oneself and the music and dance.

2. Competitive ballroom dancing is more structured, with a set of specific

steps and techniques that must be followed in order to score points with

the judges.

E. Appropriate clothing - The dress code for social ballroom dancing is often

semi-formal. This often entails a suit or dress shirt and pants for males. It is

suggested that ladies wear dresses or skirts and blouses. The dress code is
normally more formal for competitive ballroom dancing, with males commonly

wearing a tuxedo or tails and ladies wearing a ballgown.

F. Benefits - Both your body and mind will benefit from ballroom dancing. In terms

of the body, it can aid in enhancing flexibility, coordination, balance, and posture.

It can help in enhancing mental clarity, lowering stress levels, and boosting

self-confidence. In addition, it can be a fantastic social activity that gives you a

chance to get to know new people and socialize with