Ballroom Dance Basics Quiz

Overview of Ballroom Dance

Derived from the Latin word "ballare," meaning "to dance."
Consists of partner dances focused on performance and entertainment.

Common Dance Terms

Address Partner: Bowing or curtsying to a partner.
Amalgamation: Combining two or more dance movements into a sequence.
Amateur Dancer: A dancer pursuing the activity as a hobby, without professional training.
Ball Change: A transfer of weight from one foot to another.
Basic Figure: A standardized step pattern used in dance.
Brush: A light touch or sweep of the foot.
Chase: A sequence involving three changes of weight.
Choreography: The creation and arrangement of dance steps and routines.
Close: Moving the free foot next to the supporting foot.
Commando: A forward or backward rocking movement followed by a close.
Combination: Similar concept to amalgamation, involving a series of dance steps.
Continuity Movement: The seamless transition between dance steps.
Contrary Body Movement: Movements where the upper body turns opposite to the lower body.
Conversation: Partners standing side by side during the dance.
Corte: A tango movement involving a sudden stop and direction change.
Cuban Motion: Expressive hip movements achieved through bending.
Dance Sports: Competitive ballroom dancing recognized officially.
Floor Chart: The leader's arrangement on the dance floor.
Drop: A theatrical movement in dance.
Fan: A half turn executed during the dance.
Figure: Another term for a standardized step pattern.
Hip Motion: A general term for the movement of hips in Latin dances.
Pivot: A turning movement using only one foot.
Spin: A turn executed in place on both feet.
Variation: An advanced pattern that differs from the basic figure.

Styles of Dance

International Style: Performed with Western Music; involves formal attire for men and women.
- Slow Waltz: The first dance to utilize a closed dance position.
- Tango: Originated in the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, notably Bario de Las Ranas.
- Viennese Waltz: A fast-paced version of the waltz.
- Slow Foxtrot: Evolved from a trotting dance, gaining popularity in 1913.
- Quickstep: A lively dance characterized by fast-paced movements.
International Latin Dances: Performed to contemporary Latin American music, featuring distinct attire.
- Cha-Cha: Originated from the Spanish term "chacha," meaning nursemaid.
- Samba: A lively dance with origins in Brazil.
- Rumba: Known for its sensual hip movements.
- Paso Doble: Rooted in Spanish musical styles from the 1930s.
- Jive: The etymology is unclear but may relate to 'jivetalk' or playful banter.

Overview of Ballroom Dance

Derived from the Latin word "ballare," meaning "to dance."
Consists of partner dances focused on performance and entertainment.

Common Dance Terms

Address Partner: Bowing or curtsying to a partner.
Amalgamation: Combining two or more dance movements into a sequence.
Amateur Dancer: A dancer pursuing the activity as a hobby, without professional training.
Ball Change: A transfer of weight from one foot to another.
Basic Figure: A standardized step pattern used in dance.
Brush: A light touch or sweep of the foot.
Chase: A sequence involving three changes of weight.
Choreography: The creation and arrangement of dance steps and routines.
Close: Moving the free foot next to the supporting foot.
Commando: A forward or backward rocking movement followed by a close.
Combination: Similar concept to amalgamation, involving a series of dance steps.
Continuity Movement: The seamless transition between dance steps.
Contrary Body Movement: Movements where the upper body turns opposite to the lower body.
Conversation: Partners standing side by side during the dance.
Corte: A tango movement involving a sudden stop and direction change.
Cuban Motion: Expressive hip movements achieved through bending.
Dance Sports: Competitive ballroom dancing recognized officially.
Floor Chart: The leader's arrangement on the dance floor.
Drop: A theatrical movement in dance.
Fan: A half turn executed during the dance.
Figure: Another term for a standardized step pattern.
Hip Motion: A general term for the movement of hips in Latin dances.
Pivot: A turning movement using only one foot.
Spin: A turn executed in place on both feet.
Variation: An advanced pattern that differs from the basic figure.

Styles of Dance

International Style: Performed with Western Music; involves formal attire for men and women.
- Slow Waltz: The first dance to utilize a closed dance position.
- Tango: Originated in the lower-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, notably Bario de Las Ranas.
- Viennese Waltz: A fast-paced version of the waltz.
- Slow Foxtrot: Evolved from a trotting dance, gaining popularity in 1913.
- Quickstep: A lively dance characterized by fast-paced movements.
International Latin Dances: Performed to contemporary Latin American music, featuring distinct attire.
- Cha-Cha: Originated from the Spanish term "chacha," meaning nursemaid.
- Samba: A lively dance with origins in Brazil.
- Rumba: Known for its sensual hip movements.
- Paso Doble: Rooted in Spanish musical styles from the 1930s.
- Jive: The etymology is unclear but may relate to 'jivetalk' or playful banter.