BALLROOM DANCE

ballroom dance, type of social dancing, originally practiced in Europe and the United States,
that is performed by couples and follows prescribed steps. The tradition was historically
distinguished from folk or country dance by its association with the elite social classes and
with invitational dance events. In the 21st century, however, ballroom dance is present in
many parts of the world and has practitioners in virtually all segments of society. It is
performed in various contexts, including invitational and public dance events, professional
dance exhibitions, and formal competitions.

Standard ballroom dances include the waltz and the polka from the 19th century and the fox-
trot, the two-step, and the tango, among others, from the 20th century. Other popular dances
—such as the Charleston, swing dancing, the mambo, the twist, and disco dancing—have also
visited the ballroom repertoire at various points in the tradition’s history. Owing to the social
and stylistic breadth of the ballroom tradition, the term ballroom dance has often been loosely
applied to all sorts of social and popular dancing

History

Ballroom dance is a broad term that encompasses a variety of dance styles that are performed in a ballroom
setting. These styles include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. The history of
ballroom dance can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe, where it was primarily a social activity for
the upper class. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that ballroom dance began to be formalized and
Standardized.

Ballroom Goes Mainstream

Barrie Chase With Fred -One of the most iconic figures in ballroom dance history is Fred Astaire. Astaire
was a Hollywood actor and dancer who appeared in a number of musical films throughout the 1930s and
1940s. He is best known for his partnership with Ginger Rogers, with whom he appeared in 10 films.
Astaire’s smooth, elegant style and ability to make complex dance routines look effortless helped to
popularize ballroom dance in the United States and around the world.

The Ballroom TV Revolution6329Cfb3Edbe7F00190F00A1 -

In the mid-20th century ballroom dance experienced a resurgence in popularity due to its inclusion in popular
culture. The television show “Dancing with the Stars” which started in 2005, has helped to introduce a new
generation to the world of ballroom dance and has made it more accessible to the general public. The show
features celebrities paired with professional dancers, as they compete against each other in a variety of
ballroom dance styles.

In recent years, ballroom dance has also experienced a resurgence in popularity in pop culture, with the
success of films such as “Shall We Dance” and “Mad Hot Ballroom.” These films have helped to introduce
the sport to a new audience and have made it more accessible to the general public.

TYPES OF BALLROOM DANCE

It encompasses two categories, Standard and Latin, each of which consist of five dances—International
Waltz, International Tango, International Viennese Waltz, International Slow Foxtrot, and International
Quickstep in the Standard category and International Samba, International Cha Cha, International Rumba,
International Paso Doble, and International Jive in the Latin category. A "Standard" or "Latin" competition
encompasses all five dances in the respective category, and a "Ten Dance" competition encompasses all
ten dances. The two styles, while differing in technique, rhythm, and costumes, exemplify core elements of
ballroom dancing such as control and cohesiveness.
The 19 Different Types of Ballroom Dance

International Latin Dance Style

1. Cha Cha
A continual, flirtatious game of “cat and mouse” - the International Cha Cha has Cuban roots, and is known
for its breaking action on count “2” (unique to Cha Cha, Rumba, and Mambo) and syncopated action on
counts 4&1 (also counted as “cha cha cha”). Differentiating itself from the American Cha Cha, the
International style is danced with a straight leg action throughout.

2. Samba
The Samba is a ballroom dance is inspired by the Brazilian carnival dances. While Brazilian Samba is
traditionally danced alone, the International Latin Samba derives rhythmic actions and high energy from its
Brazilian ancestry. Samba is notably a “bouncy” dance, known for intricate combinations of timings and beat
values.

3. Rumba
The International Rumba is the slowest International Latin dance in terms of music, however, it showcases
alternating timings to depict fast moments within a slow dance. Known as the dance of love, the Rumba is
crowd favorite, often telling a romantic story between two people. Unlike the American Rumba, the
International style is danced with a straight leg action, likened to the International Cha Cha.

4. Paso Doble
Much to people's surprise, the Paso Doble originated in France, and many named figures within this dance
are in French, such as “apel,” meaning “call to action" (this is a weight replacement that involves articulation
of the entire foot with the ground, typically creating a stomping sound). A captivating dance style, the Paso
Doble is based on the story of the Spanish Bullfight, with partners encapsulating the personalities of the
Spanish Bullfighter (Matador) and either a Matador’s Cape or Spanish Dance

5. Jive
It’s party time! International Latin concludes with the joyful and energetic Jive. The Jive is a dance built from
multiple styles of Swing: East Coast, West Coast, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, and more. Characterized by quick
feet and fun tricks, the Jive often has a crowd on their feet cheering.

International Ballroom Dance Style

6. Waltz
The classic, elegant, International Waltz is the quintessential, “ballroom dance” (think, Cinderella!) Known for
its characteristic “123,” the Waltz is danced in a closed hold (partners do not break their frame and remain
connected) from start to finish. This is a unique element to all International Ballroom dances.

7. Tango
The fiery and passionate Tango features staccato actions and powerful leg movements. Dancers do not
have “body rise” within this dance, so it appears flatter and more linear across the dance floor. These
features, along with a varied dance position and footwork, present interesting technical differences between
the Tango and other International Ballroom dances.

8. Viennese Waltz
Originating in Vienna, Austria, the Viennese Waltz is significantly faster-paced than the Waltz (often referred
to as the “Slow Waltz” for this reason). The Viennese Waltz is only comprised of seven figures, therefore
dancers spend a lot of time focusing on the creation of the same full, voluminous movements that seem to
race around the dance floor.
9. Foxtrot
The jazzy foxtrot takes on a smoother appearance within the International Ballroom style, ebbing and flowing
like waves across the shore. Intricate rise and falls are created by decisive footwork that anecdotally
awarded Foxtrot the title of the most difficult Ballroom dance

10. Quickstep
Leaps, kicks, and running down the floor, all while being connected to another person? In the Quickstep,
dancers seem to play Tetris while dancing and navigating in and out of "traffic" on the floor. It's a true talent.
American Rhythm Dance Style

11. Cha Cha

The American Rhythm Cha Cha is danced from a bent leg to a straight leg, a unique element to the
American style. Figures between the the International and American Cha Chas are similar, but tend have
different names and are danced with a slightly different technique.

12. Rumba
The American Rumba is a mixture of International Cha Cha and Rumba. This dance allows for faster speed
and steps than its International Rumba counterpart. Danced with a bent-to-straight leg action, the American
Rumba is upbeat with strongly accentuated hip actions known as "Cuban Action."

13. East Coat Swing

The American, otherwise known as “East Coast” Swing, originated in the North American East Coast in the
early 20th century. While it is more grounded, slower, and less “bouncy” than the Jive, it has a fun and
invigorating energy, making it a definite crowd pleaser!

14. Bolero
The Bolero is a unique dance that combines aspects of the American Waltz and International Rumba. While
these two dances sound completely different, they meld to create a dance with excellent flow. Think of
Bolero as similar to Rumba, but with rise and fall!

15. Mambo
Time for some Cuban Mambo—which means time for a fiesta! Featuring shimmies and shakes, this dance
usually breaks on count two and is related to Salsa and the Cumbia. When danced within a social dance
setting, there are many interpretations, depending on the country.

American Smooth Dance Style

16. Waltz
The American Style allows dancers to break closed frame position and combines International Styles with
elements of Jazz and Contemporary. The Smooth Waltz moves seamlessly from closed position, to shadow,
to side-by-side, and numerous other proximities and holds, while following the traditional “123” beat.

17. Tango
The eccentric and passionate Smooth Tango merges the International Style with classic Argentinian Tango
elements. Staccato actions, straight lines, sharp changes are typical of this dance.

18. Foxtrot
Made famous by Harry Fox of New York City, the Foxtrot features elements of jazz, smooth transitions, and
charming characters. A slightly faster timing than the International Foxtrot allows for a more upbeat version
of the dance. When thinking about the Smooth Foxtrot, think Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers—bright energy
and enthusiasm!

19. Viennese Waltz

The Smooth Viennese Waltz is a billowy, emotional, and fast-paced dance to round out the four American
Smooth Style dances. Significantly slower than the International Viennese Waltz, it allows dancers to evolve
throughout a multitude of dance positions and styling for optimal storytelling.
How to Dance Cha Cha

Timing
Regardless if you are dancing the International or American style Cha Cha, this dance is known for its
breaking action on count “2” (unique to Cha Cha, Rumba, and Mambo) and syncopated actions on counts 4
& 1 (also counted as “cha cha cha”). This will make more sense as we discuss the breakdown of the basic
step!

Breakdown of Basic Step

As a follower:

1. Start with your weight on your left foot and you right foot free.

2. Step to the side with your right foot.

3. Now step forward with your left foot.

4. Step back onto your right foot.

5. Next, step to the side with your left foot, then close your right foot to the left foot. This is called a side
chassè.

6. Again, step to the side with your left foot.

7. From there, take a step backward with your right foot.

7. Then, step forward onto the left foot and take another side chassè in the opposite direction (right foot to
the side, left foot closes to right foot).

As a leader:

1. Start with your weight on your right foot with your left foot free.

2. Step to the side with your left foot.

3. Next, step backward onto your right foot.

3. Step forward with your left foot.

4. Next, step to the side with your right foot, then close your left foot to the right foot. This is called a side
chassè.

5. Again, step to the side with your right foot.

6. From there, take a forward step with your left foot.

7. Step back onto the right foot and take another side chassè in the opposite direction (left foot to the side,
right foot closes to left foot).
How to dance Tango

Breakdown of Basic Step

Staccato actions, straight lines, sharp changes are typical of this dramatic dance. Learn more about the
characteristics of Tango within our syllabus manuals here.

As a follower:
1.Start with your weight on your left foot with your right foot free.
2.Step back on your right foot.
3.Step back on your left foot.
4.Step back on your right foot.
5.Step side on your left foot.
6.Right foot almost closes to left foot (will walk back with right foot again when you dance the next basic
step).
Begin again!

As a leader:
1.Start with your weight on your right foot with your left foot free.
2.Step forward with your left foot.
3.Step forward on your right foot.
4.Step forward on your left foot.
5.Step side on your right foot.
6.Left foot almost closes to right foot.
Begin again!