Ballroom dance from ‘A’ to ‘Z’

Ballroom dance is a discipline that comprises various kinds of pair dances that were traditionally performed in terms of balls. Ballroom dance classes and tournaments offer a great variety of styles, each of them is unique and has a lasting history. Take a look at a guide to ballroom dancing.

What does this term refer to?

As it has already been mentioned, there are many dances forming the discipline described in the article you are reading. The term ‘ballroom dance’ refers to the types of dances that are performed by a pair consisting of a man and a woman. This is the main restriction for ballroom dance competitions. As for the dances included in this group, they are usually quite traditional for many countries.

Nowadays, this term refers to sport ballroom dancing and dancing sport. This art became a sport in 1920s. Although sport dance is by far the most popular discipline, there is another type of dancing. It is called ‘historical ballroom dance’ and refers to dances that are performed in terms of meetings and events reconstructing the past.

Standard style

There are many classifications used to distinguish different styles of dance. The most important one, though, makes it possible to differentiate the modern (or the standard) dances and the Latin dances. All the dances included in this classification can be danced socially, which means that many dancers can do it at the same time. In terms of the competitions, several pairs dance on the same floor with other competitors.

The standard style includes:

• Waltz is very similar to the English waltz that was popular in 1920s. The dancers move in a measured and calm manner.
• Viennese waltz is a much faster type of waltz in comparison to the dance described previously. Although there are not as many tricks and movements as in the other dances in this group, it is considered to be one of the most complicated ones.
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• Tango is a passionate dance that originated from Argentine and Spanish culture. The main peculiarity of this dance is the fact that it is necessary to perform some fast movements at one moment and in the next moment, they must be slow and measured. Artistry is also important: a man must accentuate the masculinity, while a woman must act in a feminine and rebellious manner.
• Foxtrot is by far the hardest dance in the standard style. It is paramount to slide on the parquet and perform some technically complicated moves. In addition, this dance requires a peculiar mental state. Some sportsmen fail at reaching this mood, which is why their score is too low.
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• Quickstep, also known as ‘fast foxtrot’, is not that hard, although the moves are much faster and there are more of them. Quickstep is one of the most cheerful dances in this program.

Latin style

In the beginning of the 19th century, the world got acquainted with the Latin dance. In 1930s-1950s, these dances became a part of the tournament program. Latin dances are expressive and emotional. Fast rotations, frequent changes in the direction of movement are common for them. What does the Latin style consist of?

• Cha-cha-cha is a combination of rumba and mambo. This dance is extremely fast and cheerful. The purpose of the pair is to perform in a very original way.
• Rumba is another passionate dance. Everything counts, including gesture, facial expressions and body language. The movements are graceful. The dancers aim at acting as if they were in love with each other.
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• Samba is a Brazilian dance. It is characterized by fast moves made by the hips. It is crucial to show artistry when dancing samba.
• Jive is an energetic dance following the best rock-and-roll traditions. The movements are the most dynamic. The performance is full of jumps, intricate step sequences and other elements.
• Paso doble is a Spanish dance that imitates bullfighting. A man acts as a bullfighter, or torero, and his partner can perform either a bull or another torero. This dance is very fast.
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American style

This style is mostly performed in the USA, and it differs from both the Latin and the Standard styles a little bit. It consists of two groups of dances: the American Smoothies and the American Rhythm. The first one consists of waltz, foxtrot, tango and Viennese waltz. They have already been described previously. The second one is a bit different, though. It includes rumba, cha-cha-cha, swing, bolero and mambo.

• Swing is popular in the East coast. It is an energetic dance known for a great amount of turns and rotations.
• Mambo resembles exercising accompanied by Latin music.
• Bolero is the most slowly dance among all American Rhythm ones. It is graceful, and is characterized by many jumps, fallings and figures.

Clothes

In terms of the competitions, dancers must follow the dress code. The women usually wear short skirts for Latin competition, while for standard competitions they must be dressed in gowns. As for the men, for standard competitions they wear formal evening wear. For Latin, they opt for informal shirts.

Competitions

It is possible to compete at any level. Usually competitors are divided into two groups: amateurs and professionals. There is further subdivision among amateurs. In accordance with the British regulations, there are several age grades:

• The competitors are not older than 12 years.
• The dancers’ age is up to 16 years.
• They are from 16 to 21 years old.
• Adult amateurs are over 16.
• Seniors are older than 35.
• There is another grade for those who are older than 45.

In some countries, the division of the participants is based on their abilities. In this case they might be:

• Newcomers;
• Pre-bronze;
• Bronze;
• Silver;
• Gold;
• Pre-championship.

Competitions work as a way of earning the points. In terms of the competition, dancers are allowed to perform several dances. As a result, the partners earn some points. The more points they earn as a result of the competitions, the faster they will be allowed to perform in another grade. The most well-known competition is held in England. The Blackpool Dance Festival has been held there since 1920.

This is what ballroom dance is about. Passion, artistry and gracefulness combined with traditional music and complicated movements make ballroom dancing one of the most popular dancing disciplines all over the world.