DANCESPORT

What is a Dancesport?
It is a combination of art and sport. It was called competitive
ballroom dancing in the past.This goes with partners (male and
lady) competing against other partners dancing on the floor at one
time. It provides an avenue to gain discipline on the body and mind
of the dance athletes. It is now being recognized by the international
Olympic committee and is included in the Olympic program. The
World Dance Council (WDC) and the World DanceSport Federation
(WDSF) are the bodies governing dancesport.
What are the characteristic of dancesport?
According to (Radler,1998) below are the fundamental
characteristics that make up a dancesport as a dance style.
1. Posture – enables a dancer to stand out on the floor, which shows
sophistication and confidence.
2. Timing – dancing on time with the music.
3. Line – the stretching of the body.
4. Hold – the correct position of the body with the partner in closed
position.
5. Poise – the stretch of the woman’s body upwards and outwards and
leftwards into the man’s right arm to achieve balance
and connection with his frame, as well as to project outwards
to the audience.
6. Togetherness – dancing of the two people as one on the dance
floor.
7. Musicality and expression – the basic characterization of the dance with the
particular music being played and the choreographic
adherence to musical phrasings and accents.
8. Presentation – how the couple presents their dancing to the audience as well as
the proper costuming and grooming.
9. Power - the energy that is controlled and not wild.
10. Foot and leg action – the user of lower extremities that creates balance, beauty
and strength.
11. Shape – the combination of turn and sway to create a look or a position.
12. Lead and follow – the non-verbal communication of the man and lady through
shape, visual, and body weight.
13. Floorcraft – the ability to avoid bumping into other couples and continue dancing
without pause when boxed in.
14. Intangibles – how a couple ‘’look’’ together in performing their dances.
What are the different dancesport styles?

The International Standard and International Latin techniques were codified by the
Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance (ISTD) to come up with a unified syllabus for all those
interested in learning ballroom dancing.

A. International Standard

Men typically wear evening dress (coattails, waistcoats and white bow ties), while women wear
gowns. Partners remain in closed position throughout the dance, and movements tend to be elegant and
sweeping.

B. International Latin

Dances are more overtly sensual, with skimpy costumes for women and tight-fitting ones for
men. More variation in movement is allowed than in the Standard dances. Close, semi-open and
open figures are danced.
International Standard
1. Waltz

It was introduced in England in 1874 but it was in 1922 that it became as fashionable as
Tango. 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. Waltz's steps have already undergone change and improvements as well
and as a result of this, many more variations become possible. These results have been
standardized eventually by the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD)

Time Signature – ¾ with the 1st beat accented.

Each step = 1 beat
Counting in beats and bars – 1 2 3, 2 2 3, 3 2 3, 4 2 3, etc.
2. Tango
It was first danced in Europe before World War I. It originates from Buenos Aires (Argentina)
where it was first danced in ‘’Barrio de Las Ranas,’’ the ghetto of Buenos Aires. Dramatic,
passionate and sharp, International style Tango defines its look by its “stop and go "actions.

Time Signature – 2/4 with both beats accented.

‘’Slow’’ count = 1 beat. ‘’Quick’’ count = ½ beat
Counting in beats and bars: 1 & 2, 2 & 2, 3 & 2, 4 & 2 &, etc.
3. Foxtrot

It was named after an American performer Harry Fox, which was premiered in 1914 W.C.
Handy (Father of the Blues) notes in his autobiography that his ‘’The Memphis Blues’’ was the
inspiration for the 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.

Time Signature – 4/4 with the first and third beats accented.
‘’Slow’’ count = 2 beats. ‘’Quick’’ count = 1 beat
Counting in beats and bars : 1 2 3 4, 2 2 3 4, 3 2 3 4, 4 2 3 4, etc.
4. Quickstep
It was developed during World War I in New York and became popular in ballrooms, It
has a common origin as that of the Foxtrot. Quickstep is 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.

Time Signature – 4/4 with the first and third beats accented.
‘’Slow’’ count = 2 beats. ‘’Quick’’ count = 1 beat
Counting in beats and bars : 1 2 3 4, 2 2 3 4, 3 2 3 4, 4 2 3 4, etc.
5. Viennese Waltz

It is a controversial dance with so many claims about its origin but known to be born in the
modest outskirts of Austria and Bavaria. 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.

Time Signature – 6/8 with the first beat accented

Counting in beats and bars – 1 2 3, 2 2 3, 3 2 3, 4 2 4, etc.
International Latin
1. CHACHACHA

It is a newcomer in Latin American dances with origin only in the 50’s in Cuba but it became
popular shortly after Mambo was introduced. Just recently, the name was shortened to Cha-cha.
The name “CHACHACHA" is onomatopoetic, derived from the shuffling sound of the dancers' feet.
The CHACHACHA is danced to authentic Cuban music, although in ballroom competitions it is
often danced to Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music for the International Style CHACHACHA is
energetic and has a steady beat.

Time Signature – 4/4 with accented beat on the first and fourth of each bar.
Counting in beats 2 3 4 and 1. Count 2 = 1 beat. Count 3 = 1 beat. Count 4 = half beat.
Count and = half beat. Count 1 = 1 beat.
2. Samba

It is the national dance of Brazil, which originated in Africa. It is danced during carnival time.
Often difficult to master, the Samba is a lively Brazilian dance consisting of many jumps and
turns. The Samba is an extremely fast dance.

Time Signature – 2/4 with musical accent on the first beat and percussive accent on the second
beat
Contrasting Rhythms: 1 2, 1 a 2 a 1 a 2, 1 2 3, SQQ, SQQQQQQ, QQS, SSQQS
3. Rumba

Originated primarily from Cuba in the sixteenth century, which has its roots in African
rhythms brought to America by the slaves. It is composed of three rhythms: the Guaguancó,
the Yambú, and Columbia. It is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin dances.

Time Signature – 4/4 with an accent on the first beat and fourth beat of each bar.
Counting in beats 2 3 4 1. Count 2 = 1 beat. Count 3= 1 beat. Count 4 1 = 2 beats half beat.
4. Paso Doble

It means ‘’double step,’’ which originated from Spain and is inspired by bullfighting. The
Paso Doble is one of the most dramatic of all the Latin dances. It is a progressive dance in
which dancers take strong steps forward with the heels, and incorporate artistic hand
movements. The forward steps, or walks, should be strong and proud.

Time Signature – 2/4 with an accent on the first beat of each bar.
Counting 1 2. Count 1 = 1 beat. Count 2 = 1 beat.
5. Jive

Developed from the dance ‘’jitterbug’’ from America which is a form of Swing dance.
After the origination of the jive dance in the United States, it slowly spread to the European
countries and in the United Kingdom. The popularity of this dance form coincided with that
of Rock n’ Roll. The Jive is a very happy, boppy, energetic dance, with plenty of knee-lifting,
bending, and rocking of the hips. The fastest of the International Latin dances, Jive
incorporates lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling of the woman, and doesn't move around
the dance floor like other dances.

Time Signature – 4/4 with accent on the first beat, second beat, and fourth beat of each bar.
Counting 1 2 3a4. Count 1 = 1 beat. Count 2 = 1 beat. Count 3 = ¾ beat. Count a = ¼ beat
Count 4 = 1 beat.