INTERNATIONAL S-WPS Office

INTERNATIONAL STANDARD DANCE

International style of “Standard” ballroom dancing along with “Latin” was standardized in Europe and
eventually worldwide, popularized by Dancing With The Stars. Mandatory emphasis is placed on the
“closed position” in all figures. Couples may not separate striving for partnership moving together as
one unit at all times.

International Standard dances:

Waltz: The “Waltz” is derived from the old German word “walzen” meaning “to roll, turn”, or “to glide”
Graceful and flowing, the Waltz is characterized by its rise and fall. Often thought of as a royalty dance,
the attitude of this dance can be quite uplifting and romantic or solemn and dramatic depending on the
music.
Tango: Dramatic, passionate and sharp, International style Tango defines its look by its “stop and
go”actions. In 1912 tango was introduced to British audiences, showcased in the successful musical
comedy The Sunshine Girl. Concurrently, the dance became popular elsewhere in Europe, particularly in
Paris and Europeans began to inject their own culture, style and technique into the dance. Initially, the
English dominated the International style tango, but eventually, technicians from other backgrounds,
most notably the Italians, have chipped away at the English standard and created a dynamic style that
continues to raise the competitive bar.
Viennese Waltz: (German: Wiener Walzer) is the genre of a ballroom dance. At least three different
meanings are recognized. In the historically first sense, the name may refer to several versions of the
waltz, including the earliest waltzes done in ballroom dancing, danced to the music of Viennese Waltz.
What is now called the Viennese Waltz is the original form of the waltz. It was the first ballroom dance
performed in the closed hold or “waltz” position. This dance in its nature is faster than “slow waltz” and
characterized by continuous rotary action.
Foxtrot: A smooth, progressive dance, Foxtrot is characterized by its long, continuous flowing
movements across the dance floor. It is danced to big band (usually vocal) music. The dance is similar in
its look to waltz, although the rhythm is in a 4-4 time signature instead of 3-4. Developed in the 1910s,
the foxtrot reached its height of popularity in the 1930’s, and is currently practiced on social and
competitive dance floors worldwide.
Quickstep: A light-hearted member of the standard ballroom dances, the movement of quickstep is fast
and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced
to make it suitable for both formal and informal events. Quickstep was developed in the twenties in New
York and was first danced by Caribbean and African dancers. Its origins are in combination of slow foxtrot
combined with the Charleston, a dance which was one of the precursors to what today is called swing
dancing.
DANCE TYPES – INTERNATIONAL LATIN
Latin dancing is known for its sensual hip action, dramatic movement and sexy flair, gaining major
popularity on dance floors everywhere. Movies about Latin dancing, ones that portray the beauty of the
art of Latin dancing, seem to be favorites among dancers and non-dancers alike. Besides being a staple in
the ballroom, many Latin dances are also being taken to country-western dance floors. Learning Latin
dances can be easy to very challenging depending on how high of a skill level you want to achieve.
Latin Dance Basics:
The term “Latin dance” may be used in two different ways: to denote dances that originated in Latin
America and to name a category of International style ballroom dances.
Many popular dances originated in Latin America, and so are referred to as Latin dances. International
Latin is the name of a category of International style ballroom dances. International Latin consists of the
following five dances: Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive. These dances are now performed
all over the world as Latin-American dances in international DanceSport competitions, as well as being
danced socially.
International Latin Dances:
Cha-Cha: Energetic and sassy, the Cha-Cha is danced to authentic Latin music or Latin Pop. It is an
offshoot of the Mambo.
Rumba: The Rumba is known as the “dance of love.” Danced to romantic, Latin love songs, it is fun and
quite easy to learn.
Samba: Often difficult to master, the Samba is a lively Brazilian dance consisting of many jumps and
turns. The Samba is an extremely fast dance.
Paso Doble: Meaning “two step” in Spanish, Pasa Doble is a lively, march-like dance with significantly less
hip movement.
Jive: A variation of the Swing and Jitterbug, the Jive consists of dance steps derived from country
dancing.
Latin Style:
Compared to the other ballroom dances, Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual, and
have more rhythmic expression. The latin dances are for couples, typically a man and a woman. Partners
sometimes dance in a closed, tight position, and sometimes hold only one hand. Latin dancing, like Latin
music, is sultry and physical. Dynamically paced rhythms and playful movements make the various Latin
dances endlessly entertaining, fun and even breathtaking.
The Latin dances are derived from the music to which they are danced. The component of the music that
most differentiates the dances is their fast, medium or slow tempo.

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INTERNATIONAL STANDARD DANCE

International Standard dances:

Latin Dance Basics:

International Latin Dances:

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