Untitled Quiz

Ballroom Dancing Overview

• Ballroom dancing originated from the Latin word "ballare," meaning "to dance."
• It encompasses various dances where two individuals, a leader and a follower, interact with physical contact.
• The activity started in Europe during the 18th and 19th centuries, primarily as entertainment for royalty.
• Popularity grew with the masses in the early 20th century.
• Today, ballroom dancing serves as a social activity and a form of exercise or personal enjoyment.
• It is commonly known as partner dancing and competitive dance sport.
• Ballroom dancing was integrated into physical education in American public and private schools in the 19th century.

Ballroom Dance Classifications

• Standard Dances: Smooth and flowing, performed around the dance floor in a counter-clockwise direction.

  • Foxtrot
  • Tango
  • Waltz
  • Viennese Waltz
  • Quick step

• Latin Dances: Energetic dances that remain in one place on the dance floor, reflecting rhythmic shifts in music.

  • Jive
  • Samba
  • Paso doble
  • Rumba
  • Cha-cha-cha

Waltz Details

• Originated from the German word "walzen," meaning "to roll" or "to turn."
• Popularized in Vienna, Austria.
• Commonly known as "Weller" or "Spinner."
• Performed with couples or partners in fast sliding or gliding movements.
• Involved the first instance of men and women holding each other closely, their faces touching (Montaigne, 1580).
• It is performed in a closed-hold position, characterized by graceful movements and turning.

Cha-cha-cha Details

• A Latin dance originating in Cuba.
• A fun, flirtatious, and energetic dance that includes hip movements and fancy footwork.
• Derived from the Mambo.

Tango Details

• Originated within the lower classes of the "Barrio de la Ranás" (Buenos Aires).
• Popularized in New York during 1910-1911.
• Known as "Baile con Corte," involving dance with dramatic or artistic poses.
• Historically, a solo dance by a woman in the 19th century.
• Rudolf Valentino made it a hit in 1921.
• Includes styles such as Argentine Tango (close embrace, chest-to-chest connection) and International Tango (upper thigh or hip area connection), and American Tango (combination of both).

Jive Details

• Also known as "Swing" in recent years.
• A lively and energetic dance characterized by quick footwork, graceful arm movements, swirls, and dips.
• Shortz George Snowden named it "Lindy Hop" in 1927.
• Renamed "Jitterbug" in the mid-1930s.
• Laure Haile documented it in the 1940s, naming it "Western Swing."

Ballroom Dance Positions

• Back Cross: A specific dance position.
• Butterfly: Another specific dance position.
• Challenge: A position.
• Closed: A position.
• Conversation: A position.
• Escort: A position.
• Inside Hands Joined: A position.
• Left Parallel: A position.
• Open Ballroom: A position.
• Star Post: A position.
• Varsovienne: A position.
• Reverse Varsovienne: A position.
• Facing Position: A position.
• Wrap Post: A position.
• Swing Out Post: A position.

Ballroom Dance Terms

• Amalgation: A combination of two or more patterns or movements.
• Amateur Dancer: A person whose dancing is a hobby and who does not seek monetary gain.
• Basic Figure: A standardized step pattern that forms the foundation of a dance.
• Arm Styling: Positioning and movement of the arms, reflecting the dance's character and style.
• Choreography: The creation or compilation of steps, patterns, and movements for a dance routine.
• Combination: A group of subsequent patterns and choreographies.
• Continuity Movement: The continuous passing of the feet from one step to the next.
• Dance Sport: An athletic form of ballroom dancing.
• Figure: A standardized step pattern.
• Line Dancing: Non-partner dancing, where everyone starts in a line and learns a set pattern.
• Natural Turn: A dance pattern that turns to the right.