Social and Recreational Ballroom Dancing

Study Notes

A fusion of movement, music, space, and communication.
Provides benefits to individuals, communities, and organizations.
Contributes to a healthy lifestyle, increasing stamina, relieving stress, and improving mental and emotional health.
Encourages self-discovery and exceeding expectations.
Involves individuals or couples, typically with music.
Originated in the United States during World War I, with new forms of ballroom dancing emerging and evolving.

Recreational Ballroom Dancing

A form of dance that is considered a good exercise and enjoyable activity.
Serves as an outlet for suppressed emotions.
A means of connecting with the world.

Examples of Ballroom Dances

Cha-Cha-Cha: A lively, flirtatious dance with African influences, popular in Cuba post-WWII. Energetic and appealing to both professional and amateur dancers.
Jive: Features knee-lifts, bending, rocking of hips, kicks, and twirling, a happy and energetic dance.
Rumba: A sassy, smooth, and sensual dance, emphasizing connection and awareness of the partner. Slowest of the competitive International Latin styles.
Samba: A fun, upbeat, and lively dance that moves counterclockwise around the floor, characterized by syncopated timing, hip action, and pelvic tilt.
Waltz: Often called the "mother of present-day dances," the Waltz is a romantic dance characterized by soft, round, flowing movements and a "rise and fall" action.
Tango: A close hold dance, characterized by low gravity and emphasis on Contra Body movement.

Ballroom Dance Terminology

Body Lines: Alignment and form of body segments in dance movements.
Cha Cha Chasse: Linked step pattern.
Cuban Motion: Expressive hip movements, involving bending and straightening of the knees.
Draw: Pulling one foot along the floor.
Floor Design: Pattern followed by the feet.
Figure: Set number of dance steps.
Footwork: Manner of using feet in performance.
Open Break: Movement in which the man moves the lady away.
Place: Placement of feet with weight on it.
Step: Complete body weight transfer to one foot.
Swirl: Pivoting on the foot.

Dance Styles

Quick Step: A dynamic, energetic dance with a staccato feel, characterized by up-and-down rise-and-fall swinging motion performed at a fast pace.
Foxtrot: A dance composed of simple walking steps and side steps, characterized by slow-quick-quick or slow-slow-quick-quick footwork.
Line Dance: A country and Western dance where dancers line up in a row and follow a choreographed sequence of steps to music.

Benefits of Dancing

Physical: Improves physical conditioning by toning muscles and developing cardiovascular health, stimulating senses.
Mental and Emotional: Boosts self-confidence, sense of well-being, and self-esteem, promotes a positive and optimistic outlook. Releases endorphins - natural feel-good chemicals.

Description

Explore the world of social dances and ballroom dancing, which blends movement, music, and communication for a healthy lifestyle. Learn about popular ballroom dances like Cha-Cha-Cha and Jive, and discover how these dances promote emotional well-being and self-discovery.