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History and Types of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing originated in Europe in the 18th century and was practiced by the upper classes. It grew in popularity in the 19th century among the middle and upper working classes. There are two main categories of ballroom dance: International Standard dances like the waltz, foxtrot, and tango, and International Latin dances like the cha-cha, samba, and rumba. Ballroom dancing involves couples dancing together to music in a predetermined pattern, usually in a formal setting like a ballroom. Proper social etiquette in ballroom dancing includes keeping the man's rhythm, being alert to a partner's lead, maintaining good balance, and not anticipating the partner's lead.

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97 views2 pages

History and Types of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing originated in Europe in the 18th century and was practiced by the upper classes. It grew in popularity in the 19th century among the middle and upper working classes. There are two main categories of ballroom dance: International Standard dances like the waltz, foxtrot, and tango, and International Latin dances like the cha-cha, samba, and rumba. Ballroom dancing involves couples dancing together to music in a predetermined pattern, usually in a formal setting like a ballroom. Proper social etiquette in ballroom dancing includes keeping the man's rhythm, being alert to a partner's lead, maintaining good balance, and not anticipating the partner's lead.

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Grachell Ashley
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© © All Rights Reserved
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OLIVO, ARQUENETTE ZHANDARA G.

BSRT 1-1

RYTHMIC ACTIVITIES

1. History of social or ballroom dancing

Ballroom dancing is originated and practiced in Europe (England) and the United States, which is
performed by couples and follows the prescribed steps. Ballroom dancing contributed to its current
popularity as a recreational and competitive spirit. It is a story of music, culture, social gatherings, and
movement which combined over time. It started in 18th century and 19th century in the courts of the royal
palaces and when it entered cities across Europe by music of Mozart, Haydn and Handel. These dances
are exclusive for only the upper classes and not to lower classes. 
It was popularized in 19th century, when it became a popular pastime for the middle and upper classes or
the working class that attended the public dance balls or so called “popular assemblies”. Competition in
ballroom gained during early 1920’s. In the early 20th century, ballroom dancing was further popularized
by the introduction of the Foxtrot and other dances such as the Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep.

2. Definition of ballroom dancing 


Ballroom dancing sometimes referred to as social or popular dances is a type of partner dancing that is
enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities. It is originated from the word “Ballare” which means “to
dance” It is typically performed in a formal setting, such as a ballroom or dance studio, and involves two
people dancing together in a predetermined pattern.

3. Two categories of ballroom dancing 


Ballroom dancing is generally divided into two categories: International Standard or smooth and
International Latin or the rhythm. International Standard includes dances such as the Waltz, Foxtrot,
Tango, and Quickstep. International Latin includes dances such as the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, and Paso
Doble.

4. Kind of ballroom dancing 


There are so many different kinds of ballroom dancing but the main kinds of ballroom dancing are: 
1. Waltz: A smooth, graceful dance in 3/4 time, usually danced to classical music. 
2. Foxtrot: A smooth, progressive dance in 4/4 time, usually danced to jazz or swing music.
3. Tango: A passionate, dramatic dance in 2/4 time, usually danced to tango music. 
4. Viennese Waltz: A fast-paced, spinning dance in 3/4 time, usually danced to classical music. 5.
Quickstep: A fast-paced, energetic dance in 4/4 time, usually danced to jazz or swing music. 6. Rumba: A
slow, sensual dance in 4/4 time, usually danced to Latin music. 
7. Cha-Cha: A lively, rhythmic dance in 4/4 time, usually danced to Latin music. 
8. Samba: A lively, rhythmic dance in 2/4 time, usually danced to Brazilian music. 
9. Jive: A fast-paced, energetic dance in 4/4 time, usually danced to swing or rock music. 
10. Paso Doble: A dramatic, passionate dance in 2/4 time, usually danced to Spanish music.

5. Give the General rules in following social etiquette in dancing


THE GENERAL RULES ARE THE FF:

1. Keep the man's rhythm


2. Be alert to partner's lead
3. Support one's own weight. Learn to keep good balance when moving backwards.
4. Step straight backward with reaching motion so as to give him room to reach straight ahead.
5. Pass the feet close together.
6. Try not to anticipate partner's lead but move with the action.
7 Become familiar with the basic steps a partner is likely to lead
8. Give careful thought to a proper body alignment and good

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