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    Ortiz - 12 - St. Frances INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF BALLROOMS

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    Carlos Antonio Ortiz

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    Ortiz - 12 - St. Frances INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF BALLROOMS

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    Carlos Antonio Ortiz
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    Ortiz - 12 - St. Frances INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF BALLROOMS

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    Ortiz - 12 - St. Frances INTRODUCTION AND HISTORY OF BALLROOMS

    Uploaded by

    Carlos Antonio Ortiz

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    © All Rights Reserved
    Download as DOCX, PDF, TXT or read online from Scribd
    Download as docx, pdf, or txt
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    Ortiz, Carlos Antonio K.

    Ortiz July 23, 2024


    12 – St. Frances
    BALLROOM DANCING

    Definition
    Ballroom dancing is a type of dance practiced in Western territories like Europe
    and the United States. It is a dance that requires a partnership, where a male and
    female dancer are paired. Social and competitive events encompass the environments
    in which ballroom dancing is usually found. These dances focus strongly on posture and
    elegance, creating abstract movements and step-patterns. The dance partners are
    expected to have a high level of coordination and unity with each other’s movements.
    There are four types of dance styles according to the international and American
    style competition dances. Under the international classification according to the World
    Dance Council, two of the styles are called “Standard/Ballroom” and “Latin”. The former
    exemplifies beauty and elegance, utilizing the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot,
    and Quickstep for its dances. The latter employs fast-paced rhythms and passionate
    energy with special attention to detail using dances like the Cha-cha-cha, Samba,
    Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Under American style competitions, the last two styles
    are called “Smooth” and “Rhythm.” The smooth dance style is the American equivalent
    of the standard or ballroom style while rhythm closely resembles the Latin style of
    international ballroom dancing.
    History
    Unlike traditional folk dances, ballroom dancing was always associated with
    higher social classes and elite invitational events. Its origins are tied back to European
    court dances in the 1600s with folk dances modified to fit the royal and majestic
    elegance required for dancing in front of government officials. Slow and fast music was
    alternated and coordinated by the orchestra leader. Family members of the older
    generation were usually the ones teaching the dance steps.
    Ballroom dance started to grow in popularity and started changing in the 19th
    century. Invitationals were becoming more prominent and wealthy families started
    establishing dance schools and professional studios. These families then created the
    association known as the Dance Masters of America in 1884. Books containing tutorials
    and guides for dance steps were also starting to be published.
    In the early 20th century, the competitive ballroom dancing scene was starting to
    emerge. Popular dances among the youth such as rock-and-roll dances, disco dances,
    and breakdances were all assimilated into ballroom dancing in a bid to cultivate interest
    within younger audiences. Competitive ballroom dancing then became more popular
    worldwide in the early 21st century, even being featured in popular culture such as TV
    shows. Despite starting as an art form reserved only for the upper class, it has been
    transformed into an activity that may be enjoyed by the masses.
    Summary
    Ballroom dancing is mostly popular in Europe and the United States. There are
    four types of styles, two of them belonging to the international classification while the
    other two belonging to the American classification. It once started as a recreational
    activity exclusive for well-endowed individuals separate from traditional folk dances. Its
    image shifted into one enjoyed by a large demographic of people with ballroom dancing
    no longer being gatekept by exclusivity and invitationals.

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