Ballroom Dance

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Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed

both socially and competitively around the world, and growing all the more popular in North America.
Because of itsperformance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed
on stage, film, and television.
Ballroom dance may refer, at its widest definition, to almost any type of partner dancing as
recreation. However, with the emergence of dancesport in modern times, the term has become
narrower in scope, and traditionally refers to the five International Standard and five International
Latin style dances (see dance categories below). The two styles, while differing in technique, rhythm
and costumes, exemplify core elements of ballroom dancing such as control and cohesiveness.
Developed in England,[1] the two styles are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC). In the
United States, two additional variations are popular: American Smooth and American Rhythm, which
combine elements of both traditional Latin and Ballroom dances.

History of Ballroom Dance


Ballroom dance refers collectively to a set of partner dances, which originated in
Germany and are now enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Its
performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film,
and on television.
While historically ballroom dance may refer to any form of formal social dancing as
recreation, with the eminence of dancesport in modern times the term has become
much narrower in scope, usually referring specifically to the International Standard
and International Latin style dances (see dance categories below). In the United
States, two additional variations"American Smooth" and "American Rhythm"have
also been popularized and are commonly recognized as styles of "ballroom dance".
Definitions and History
The term "ballroom dancing" is derived from the word ball, which in turn originates
from the Latin word ballare which means "to dance". In times past, ballroom dancing
was "social dancing" for the privileged, leaving "folk dancing" for the lower classes.
These boundaries have since become blurred, and it should be noted even in times
long gone, many "ballroom" dances were really elevated folk dances.
The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era. Balls have featured
Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Pas de Gras, Mazurka, and other popular dances of the
day, which are considered to be historical dances. Today, the term applies to any
one of the several dances in which two individuals, a "leader" and a "follower,"
dance with physical contact through their upper or lower bodies, or simply their
arms depending on the particular variety of dance. Since most social dancing is
unchoreographed, this contact is necessary for the leader to communicate the next
dance move to the follower, and for the follower to respond to this insinuation. This
stands in stark contrast with the style(s) of dance seen in clubs and other social
gatherings where physical contact tends to be optional and the individuals in
question can move freely without any such restraints imposed by firm physical
contact or by the necessity to follow the rhythmic pattern present in the music.
Some knowledge of known step patterns is essential for both the leader as well as
the follower for ballroom dancing. As most ballroom style dances require some

knowledge and practice, they have lessened in popularity among the public in the
recent decades. Dance historians usually mark the appearance of the twist in the
early 1960s as the end of social partner dancing.

Types of Ballroom Dance


1. Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion and energy. The classic "Cuban motion" gives the
Cha Cha its unique style. Partners work together to synchronize each movement in perfect alignment
2. Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that is lots of fun and simple to learn...an excellent dance for beginners. The Foxtrot
is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements across the floor.
3. Jive
Jive is a ballroom dance style that originated in the United States from African-Americans. It is a lively form
of Swing dance, and a variation of the Jitterbug.
4. Lindy Hop
The Lindy Hop is the ballroom dance considered to be the father of all Swing dances. It is known for its unique,
athletic style, and often contains aerial jumps, twists and flips.
5. Mambo
The Mambo is one of the most sensual and emotional Latin American ballroom dances. Swaying hip
movements, facial expressions, arm movements and holds all add to the sensuality of the dance.
6. Paso Doble
The Paso Doble is one of the liveliest ballroom dances, originating in southern France. It is modeled after the sound,
drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight
7. Quickstep
The Quickstep is a quick version of the Foxtrot. It is a ballroom dance comprised of extremely quick stepping,
syncopated feet rhythms, and runs of quick steps. The Quickstep is exciting to watch, but among the most difficult of
all the ballroom dances.
8. Rumba
The Rumba is considered by many to be the most romantic and sensual of all Latin ballroom dances. It is often
referred to as the "Grandfather of the Latin dances."
9. Samba
Possibly the most popular of all Brazilian ballroom dances, the Samba is popular with young people as well as older
generations. The Samba can be performed solo or with a partner.
10. Tango
The Tango is one of the most fascinating of all ballroom dances. This sensual ballroom dance originated in South
America in the early twentieth century.
11. Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz is a quick rotating ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall. It is considered by most to be one
of the most difficult dances to learn. The simple and elegant rotational movement characterizes the Viennese Waltz.
12. Waltz

The Waltz is one of the smoothest ballroom dances. It is a progressive dance marked by long, flowing movements,
continuous turns, and "rise and fall." The dance is so graceful and elegant, Waltz dancers appear to glide around the
floor with almost no effort.
13. Boogie
woogie is a form of swing dance and a form of blues piano playing.

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