Southern Baptist College

Mlang, Cotabato

College of Liberal Arts

Vision Statement:

An institution Committed to quality Christian Education responsive to the needs of

the nation and the world.

Mission Statement:

The mission of SBC is the total development of the person through relevant
programs in Instruction, Research and Community Extension based on the tenets of
TRUTH, FAITH and SERVICE.

Course: PE 2 – Dance and Sports

Course Description:

Rhythmic activities are combinations of physical movements with sounds,

beat, or music. It relies on an internal or external rhythm used for self-
expression, exercise, demonstration of physical ability, socialization, and
expression of culture. Movements are performed following a particular
pattern over and over for a period of time.

Week no. 5 to 8
Topic:
History of Ballroom Dances
Tips, Dance Wears and Costumes
Tips in Ballroom Dancing
Dance Wear and Costumes
Dance Positions Used in Ballroom
Latin Dances
Cha Cha Cha
Jive
Rumba
Modern Standard Dance
Tango
Waltz
Foxtrot
Discussion:

Ballroom Dance
History of Ballroom dances
Ballroom dancing is a kind of social dancing in which two people dance as partners.
It encourages social interaction between dance partners. Ballroom dancing
originated in England in the 18 th and 19th century’s balls and social events. It was
started in the United States at the time of World War I. The term ballroom dancing
is derived from the word ‘ball’, from the Latin word ‘bolare’ meaning ‘to dance’. The
word ‘ballroom’ (bol’room) refers to a room for dancing, especially one with a
polished floor.
Nowadays there are lots of new dances and styles in which variations continue to be
added. The principles learned in ballroom dancing can be applied to any type of
music, it follows a strict tempo because music follows an even pattern to any type
of music, it follows a strict tempo because music follows an even pattern of beats.
The two main types of music you will be dancing to will be in ¾ or 4/4 even your
favorite songs are perfect for a ballroom dancing like waltz, foxtrot, cha cha cha,
rumba, jive and tango. Ballroom dancing is widely enjoyed socially and
competitively. It can also develop friendship and having a good time.
Ballroom competitions became popular in the 20’s. The ballroom branch of the
Imperial Society of Teachers Dancing was formed. Its mission was to standardize
music, steps, and technique of ballroom dancing. In 1995, the Olympic Committee
granted provisional recognition to Ballroom Dancing or “Dance Sport”. Dance sport
refers to the International Standard and international Latin Style dances and
regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC). Dancers are judged by diverse criteria
in ballroom competition such as the poise, the hold or frame, posture, musicality,
expression, timing, body alignment and shape, floor craft, foot and leg action,
strong connection to your partner and to the audience and presentation or
showmanship.
As a Beginner you will feel that dancing is awkward. Be positive, try to feel the
music, trust your partner, and have patience in doing the dance steps again and
again until you perfectly execute the moves. Little by little you will love and enjoy
ballroom dancing because Dancing is Fun.
Lesson 2
Tips, Dance Wears and Costumes

Tips in Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing before was a recreation activity which could only be afforded by
people in a high class society. Nowadays, it is enjoyed by most people regardless of
races, gender, status and age in life.
Focus in learning the proper and correct dance techniques makes you enjoy
dancing. It is necessary in order to execute the whole dance with confidence. And to
prevent from injuries.
Ladies: Patience is a virtue that is necessary for ladies to learn the dance steps. Put
yourself completely in your partner’s hands and trust. Relax and enjoy yourself!
Gentlemen: When taking a partner on the floor to dance, try warming her up by
some nice and easy basic steps. Then gradually move up the level of patterns after
determining whether your dance partner is ready to follow more advanced moves.
Remember your job is to make your partner look good. With that you will look good
as well. With that you will look good as well. Don’t be afraid to touch your partner
for you to lead her properly. Handle your partner with care and make sure she is
safe on your hands.
Practice makes perfect: In dancing practicing yourself often is necessary. You
can do it on your own, with partner of by group. Have fun practicing the dance steps
with others. It’s okay to mess up but don’t quit just practice..practice…practice.
Remember “practice makes perfect”.
Beginners: As a beginner, dancer should starts from the basic steps. Make sure
you have strong basics first in any dance you are learning, before proceeding to the
next level. Start at the beginning and repeat the first level several times before
moving up.
Warm-up: As a starter, simple body stretching can do, then groups progress to the
smaller, more specific muscle. The muscles need to be conditioned before doing
strenuous physical activities. The warm-up of can help to protect the body to injury.
Footwork: is one of the most important elements needed to master in ballroom
dancing. It is a way to develop a good sense of balance. In general, steps in all
directions should be taken first once you are on the dancing floor. Once the heel is
lowered, your weight is fully transferred, however, some steps require that the heel
remain lifted from the floor. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should
release from the floor first, allowing the toe to maintain in contact with the floor. A
combination of clean footwork and a strong balance is a key in learning ballroom
dancing.
Hip movement: in traditional American Rhythm style, Latin hip movement is
achieved through the alternate bending and straightening action of the knees. In
modern competitive dancing, the technique is virtually identical to the International
Latin style. In the International Latin style, the weighted leg is almost always
straight. The free leg will bend, allowing the hips to naturally settle into the
direction of the weighted leg. As a step is taken, a free leg will be straightened
before it receives weight. It remain straight until it is completely free of weight
before it receives weight. It remains straight until it is completely free of weight
again.
Line of Direction on the dance floor: In general, couples move about the floor in
a counterclockwise around the ballroom floor. Couples may, however, move
forward, backward, or sideward within this pattern.
Correct beat: When starting a dance take time in finding the correct beat of the
music. Once you have gotten its tempo, then you may apply all the steps and
movements that fit to the music.

Dance wear and Costumes

Women and men alike benefit from having the correct attire when dancing. Light
weight and ease of movement are the main requirements when finding the right
outfit. This is necessary whether it is just for practice training or in preparation for a
competition.
Latin Costumes

Standard Costumes

Dance Shoes
Appropriate shoes is important in ballroom dancing. Dancers can benefit from
having the correct footwear when dancing. Support and a comfortable fit are the
main requirements when dancing.

Ladies Dance Shoes Men’s Dance Shoes

Lesson 3
Dance Positions Used in Ballroom

Closed Position (Ballroom) – The Closed Position in the smooth ballroom dancing is
the most basic and common position used to move around the dance floor.
Position: Partners face each other in body
contact, slightly offset to the left. Looking each
other’s right shoulder, the feet should be
positioned slightly offset so that the right of
either partner can step between the other
partner’s feet. This is commonly used in modern
dances, like waltz, quick step and foxtrot.
Looking, with the man’s left hand holds the
woman’s right hand about shoulder height,
palm to palm in an upper-hand clasp, with
fingers and thumbs closed around partner’s
hand, arms relaxed and slightly above waist the
man’s fingers are closed and on the back. The
woman’s left hand and forearm is placed on the
man’s right shoulder.
In Latin dances like tango, rumba and cha cha
cha, the man’s right arm should be above the
woman’s back. The elbow should be slightly
high. The man’s left arm is also placed higher
when performed.

Open Facing Position: Open Facing is any

position where partners stand facing each
other, apart but within arms’ reach. Tone is
maintained through the arms, and body
weight is held forward towards the balls of the
feet.
There are many possibilities of contact points,
but the most common are the hands, two-
hand hold, where the man’s left hand holds the lady’s right hand, and his right hand
holds her left. His palms are turned upward, and hers are turned downward.
Other possibilities include a one-hand hold such as man’s left to lady’s right or
man’s right to lady’s left, a “cross-hand” or “handshake hold” such as man’s right to
lady’s right or man’s left to lady’s left.

Outside Partner (Right): The right outside

partner position is a variation of the Closed
Position where the tracks of the feet are
offset to allow one partner’s right leg.
Position: Partners face each other in body
contact, slightly offset to the left. The feet
should be positioned offset so that one
partner can step outside of the other
partner’s right leg. The upper bodies should
be turned slightly to the right, causing the
left side of the body to project forward. This
causes a forward step on the left to be
taken with a “left side leading”, while a
forward step on the right foot is taken in
CBMP. Conversely, a back step on the right
foot is taken with a “right side leading”,
while a back step on the left foot is taken in
CBMP.

Promenade Position: The Promenade Position is

a “V-shaped dance position with man’s left side
and lady’s right side slightly open. The direction
of travel is towards the open side.
Position: Partners face each other in body
contact, slightly offset to the left, with lady’s
middle connected to the man’s right front. The
lady’s feet should be positioned slightly behind
the man’s. In promenade position, the man’s
head should be turned to the left, the lady’s to
the right. The right half of the man’s front is in
contact with the middle of the lady’s front. The
connection begins at the upper thighs and
should continue all of the way up to the middle
of the torso. Man’s left-hand to lady’s right
hand. Palm to palm in an upper-hand clasp,
with fingers and thumbs closed around partner’s hand. Man’s right hand on lady’s c\
back. Right hand is loosely cupped with fingers and thumb together (not spread
apart). Hand connects to her back on her shoulder blade. His wrist should make
contact with her underarm at the junction of her arm and body. This connection
should not change from basic closed positon. Lady’s left hand and forearm on man’s
upper arm. This connection should not change from basic closed position.

Fan Position: Fan position is an alternative to Open Facing Position, whereby man
and lady are positioned perpendicular to each other with a left to right hand old. It is
specific to the rumba, and cha cha cha figure bearing the same name.
Position: Partners stand apart and at right angles to each other, with the lady on the
man’s left side. The path of her movement should cause her to pass directly in front
of him when moving forward. Man’s left hand to lady’s right hand. Man’s palm is
positioned upward, while lady’s palm is turned down, place on top of his. Tone
should be maintained in the arms to secure the connection for effective leading and
following.

Ballroom dancing is a well-known dance

all over the world. Nowadays it can be considered as a recreation or a competitive
sport known as dance sport. Ballroom dancing is best for entertainment, exercise,
development of good posture and promotion of good relationship with others.
There are two types of ballroom dancing. First is the “Latin”, Dances like the Cha
Cha Cha, Jive and Rumba. Second type is the “Standard” Dances like Tango, Waltz
and Foxtrot.

Latin Dances
There are five ballroom dances under Latin section which are considered social
dances. The standard is the same with those dances used in international ballroom
competition. These are the samba, pasa doble, cha cha cha, jive and rumba.

CHA CHA CHA

History
The cha cha cha name could have been derived from the Spanish word ‘Cha Cha’
meaning nursemaid or ‘charchar’ meaning to chew coca leaves’ or form ‘char’
meaning ‘tea’ or most likely from the fast paced movement and cheerful Cuban
dance motion, that evolved from the Mambo
and with a combination of American Swing that
became popular during the 1950s. This was
made by the dance teacher Monsieur Pierre,
who partnered Doris Lavelle. Pierre, who came
from London to Cuba to investigate Cuban
Dance styles and noticed a new style which he
brought back to England and developed into a
ballroom known as the modern cha-cha.
Cha-cha-cha is one of the most popular forms of
Latin dancing in the United States of America, a
fast rhythmic, sexy and playful ballroom dance.
In 1953, the dance music was developed by a
Cuban violinist and composer Enrique Jorrin. It has an influence of Mexican, Afro-
Cuban and American. In 1954, the dance was described from the shuffling of the
dancers’ feet and rhythm of the guiro (scraper). Cha cha cha can be danced using a
popular dance music as long as the music is happy and energetic like, “Let’s Get
Loud”.
Cha Cha ,usic is written in 4/4 time, syncopation of the fourth beat and maybe
played over a wide range of tempos. Often in Cha cha music a rhythm of 1, 2, cha
cha cha, 3, 4 cha cha cha. Triple steps (Chasse) and rock steps are the basic
components of the Cha Cha on their way a rock, step and cha-cha-cha.
Dancing the cha-cha requires stepping from
side to side using the ball and flat of the foot
while moving the hips. The basic sideways
step in Cha-Cha involves the rock, step, and
chasse side. When doing basic Cha-Cha
steps, you’ll usually start in an open
position. When doing cross body lead steps
in Cha-Cha, the gentlemen will give the lady
and indication that she’s going to go
forward. The crossover in cha-cha dancing is
a combination of the basic and sideways
cha-cha. Dancers move forward and rock
back, then do the three-step sideways to
create the crossover motion. Mastering the
crossover allows cha-cha dancers to move
around the floor.

The cha-cha is a basic front-to-back movement with a three-count step in the

middle. The cha-cha is incorporated in many Latin dances. If you learn it well, you
can eventually move on to the rumba, mambo and several other more advanced
dances. The Cha-Cha dance is fun and sultry. Its beat is unmistakable: two slow
beats followed by three quick ones. Like most Latin Dances, the emphasis seems to
be on the movement of the hips.
Here are some links on how to perform cha cha cha.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PWiLi22Cq8w
An example of Cha Cha Cha international competition for Dance Sports:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgQwEXqCqps
Jive
Jive dancing originated in the southeastern part of United States from African-
American communities in the early 1940’s.
American soldiers who stationed overseas
introduced the dance to Europe. Since
then, jive has remained popular across the
Western countries. Some believe that the
earliest form of jive was a Seminole war
dance, which slaves witnessed and copied,
while others suggest that jive originated in
African social dances passed down through
generations. The dance takes its name
from the popular jazz slang term “jive”, a
variant on the West African word “jev”,
which means “to speak disparagingly”.

To jazz musicians who were the players of

swing music in the 1930’s and 1940’s “jive” was an expression denoting glib or
foolish talk. The American jive of the 1930’s was the first popular form of jive
dancing. It was an excellent match in both tempo and character for the popular
music of the day. In the UK variations in technique led to styles such as Boogie-
Woogie and Swing Boogie, with “jive” gradually emerging as the generic term.
The ballroom jive of the 1960’s was created when English dance instructors
objected to the dance’s jerky, free-form movements. They developed the elegant
and lively ballroom jive to create a slower, more graceful form of the dance that
included codified steps and holds. In 1968, it was adopted as the fifth official Latin
ballroom dance in International competitions. This event contributed to the
development of the social and professional jive dancing.
Modern jive was developed in the 1980’s. it is
distinguished from ballroom jive by its simplified
footwork and absence of syncopated movement.
Sometimes it is also called “French Jive”. This jive
form remains popular among social dancers and
is frequently taught in dance studios today. From
1990’s to present, it is a happy and energetic
dance, the lifting of knees and the bending or
rocking of the hips often occurs. Many of its basic
patterns are similar to these of the East Coast
Swing with the major difference of highly
syncopated rhythm of the Triple Steps (Chasses).
It is characterized by a lively, uninhibited
variation of the jitterbug, a form of Swing and
syncopated movements.
The basic steps of the jive is as six pattern, comprising eight weight changes, in
which dancers step forward and back, and then shuffle-step to the left and then to
the right. Jive is danced quickly. Jive is one of the most popular ballroom dance in
the world. It has light, bouncing quality that makes it easy to learn, though it is
actually extremely challenging to dance. Despite its difficulty, jive dance’s rich
history and cheerful quality have made it a favorite of professional and social
dancers alike.

An example of Jive in International Dance Sports Competition:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QU6NBfuJv84
A video of the Basics in Jive:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LMilE769YY8

Rumba
History
The word Rumba is a generic term, used for the
names: Son, Danzon, Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo,
for a type of West Indian music or dancing. The
exact meaning varies from island to island. The
word “rumba” comes from the verb “rumbear”
which means going to parties, dancing and having
a good time. During the Worl War II, the “Son” was
the pop dance of middle class in Cuba. It is a
modified slower and more refined version of the
native Rumba. The “Danzon”, is also a slower
dance of wealthy Cuban society with very small
steps and the women producing a very subtle
tilting of the hips by alternately bending and
straightening of the knees.

The American Rumba is modified version of the “Son”. The first serious attempt of
Rumba was introduced in the United States by Lew Quinn and Joan Swayer in 1913.
Ten years later band leader Emil Coleman imported some rumba musicians and a
pair of rumba dancers to New York.
The rumba is a Cuban origin and came to
America in the late 1920’s. this Latin American
dance was originally performed by African
slaves living in South America. This was
inspired with African rhythms and Spanish
melodiesThe true rumba is of Afro-Cuban
origin. It is an exotic romantic dance
characterized by a short quick step movement
of the legs, with violent and sinuous
movements of hip and ribcage, known as
“Cuban-motion” or “Latin-hip movement” and
a distinctive walking step. These work together
in a spot dance form to “tease” your partner
into rhythmic taunting and flirting. It creates
the excitement of a relatively slow and simple
dance step which is known as the “dance of
love”.

In 1930’s rumba tantalizing rhythm because

internationally popular. By the enthusiasm of the London’s leading dance teacher
Mosieur Pierre (Pierre Zurcher Margolle), and with his partner, Doris Lavelle, he
demonstrated and popularized Latin American dancing in London. In 1955, Pierre
and Lavelle introduced the true “Cuban Rumba”. The modern style of dancing the
rumba was derived from their studies.
The fascinating rhythms and bodily expressions make the Rumba one of the most
popular ballroom dance. Often in Rumba music, there may be an underlying
pulsation of 1&2&3&4 that may be played over wide variety of tempos. Music like
“Without You” can be used for Rumba dance.
Basic steps of Rumba:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x1tDen1HScw&t=113s

A video of International Dance Sports Competition in Rumba:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I-kvGrHvWYE

Modern Standard Dance

The Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz in Modern section
belong to the foundation of social dance scene that are the same in standard
dances used in international ballroom competitions and championships.

Tango
History
Tango is the dance with the stop “Baille Con
Carte”, originating in Spain of Morocco. The
original Tango started with the gauchos of
Argentina but there are also French adaptation
and the American version. Ballroom Tango came
from the lower class of Buenos Aires, especially
in the “Bario de las Ranas”. Dress was dictated
by full skirts for the woman and gauchos with
high boots and spurs for the man.
The Tango became known throughout Europe in
the 1900’s. It was popularized in the winter of
1910-1911 in New York and this made hit by silent film star Rudolph Valentino in
1921. Tango was a solo dance performed by the woman on the early 19 th Century.
There are two disciples of tango first the American Style, which allows its
practitioners to separate from closed position. The second style is the international.
Tango is characterized by deliberate glide
with feet on the floor and the weight on
the ball of the footsteps followed by quick
directional changes and a sexy dance. To
have good tango performance, the
dancer must develop a strong connection
with the music, with the dance steps with
the partner and to the audience. Tango is
a highly advanced and complicated
dance. Championships in the
International style tango were organized
all over Europe with numerous
participation countries. For exhibition dancing, tango dancer must develop a strong
connection with the music, the dance and the audience. The audience can only feel
this connection if the performers feel and project their feeling and style in the
execution of the dance.
Closed Hold
To capture the magic of THE TANGO, it is necessary to spend time learning to look
right even before you start to move. Note: The right shoulder should lead; achieved
by angling the whole body over the feet so that when the feet are closed. The ball of
the RF is closed to the instep of the LF with the both knees slightly compressed.
(The Woman closes instep of LF to ball of RF) The Man moves further across the
Woman’s back and the woman’s left arm and hand touch her partner body, just
under his right arm.
A video of International Dance Sports Competition in Tango:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qNRp4PSANwg

Basic steps in Tango:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PSTPuzGhhQM

Waltz
History
The waltz is the oldest form of
ballroom dance, and it is credited
as being the first of its kind to be
performed in the basic closed-
couple dance position. Waltz
originated in Italy four centuries
ago as a round dance called Volte.
The pattern of dance is gay and
joyful. The feet should never be
heard to leave the floor but rather,
it should seem to float in a ‘silent’
pattern. The weight is put forward
over the back of the foot.
In July of 1816, the waltz was
included in a ball given in London
by the Prince Regent. Waltz is a
smooth graceful dance, gliding,
swinging, turning and traveling
around the room while throwing
head and body from one side to
the other. The head should turn in
the direction of the turn; otherwise
the man’s head is upright and
looking over the right shoulder of
the lady. It’s performed with
elegance. It is characterized
primarily by its rise and fall action.
It is important to note that the
heels stay off the ground when performing this dance pattern. The count for waltz is
1,2,3 to a measure, can be used in the music like “Today”.

A video on how to do the Waltz:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NBKTN6c_MEQ
An example of Waltz in the International Dance Sports Competition:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H-X57fdNvCg

Foxtrot
History
The foxtrot is a standard
American ballroom dance, it
was originated in the summer
of 1914 in the United Stated of
America by Vaudeville actor
Harry Fox. It first became
famous in the ballroom from
about 1912 and was at the
height of the popularity in the
1930’s and 1940’s. Foxtrot has
acquired two variations, the
quick and slow foxtrot. It is
accompanied by any ragtime
music, developed into the
smoother and long gliding
dance steps.

Four Different Styles

There are four styles of Foxtrot dance, first is
the Vernon and Irene Castle having four
walking steps with one step on each beat.
The formation was then noted by the popular
“Box” of step, touch, side, together. The
second, is the dance walk with a slower
version of the first with two slow walking
steps for each measure of music. The third
form was standardized by Arthur Murray, is
the ‘Magic steps’. The Magic step represents
broken rhythm as it takes a measure and a
half of music with having an uneven rhythm
pattern slow, slow, quick, quick, and the last,
is the “Westchester” style, characterized by a
slow, quick, quick walking in cut time that takes two measures to complete one
‘box’.

Basic steps of Foxtrot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uQl2tBdZlZc

International Dance Sports Competition in Foxtrot:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vh5QoiBOTAE

References:
Physical Education 2: Rhythmic Activities, Jo-Ann C. Balagtas, Estrellita N.
Corpuz, Erwin O. Estrella, John M. Foster., (2012).,

Prepared by:
Chenitte Krizel P. Panes