Social Dance Classifications Quiz

Social Dance Classifications

• Latin-American Dances: Originate from Latin American countries; characterized by revealing, tight-fitting costumes; dynamic movements.
  • Examples: Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive, Boogie, Swing.
• Modern Standard Dances: Performed in formal attire (anckle-length gowns for women, coats and ties for men); characterized by specific movements; include Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep.

Latin-American Dance Details

• Origins and Time Signatures: Information on the origin and time signature is provided for each dance.

Dance Mixers

• Dance Mixers: Social dances allowing performers to change partners periodically for social interaction.

Cha-Cha-Cha

• Origin: Developed from the Cuban Mambo, popularized in the 1950s.
• Characteristics: Triple chasse steps (cha-cha-cha's) and rock steps; modified Cuban hip action due to its speed.
• Steps (General Instructions): Partner selection (opposite sex); females on the right side; clapping the rhythm (4 and 1, 2, 3); following step patterns and performing basic steps; repetition for mastery.
• Detailed steps for men and women are provided.

Swing Dance

• Origin: Developed with the swing style of jazz music (1920s–1940s).
• Characteristics: Energetic, joyful dance.
• Steps (General Instructions): Partner selection (opposite sex); females on the right side; following step patterns and performing basic steps; repetition for mastery.
• Detailed steps for men and women are provided.

Modern Standard Dance: Waltz

• Overview: A type of social dance; performed in a close hold or closed position.
• Characteristics: Smooth dance characterized by rise and fall and body sway; triple time signature.
• Partnering Skills: Smooth shoulder movements (parallel to floor); head turns in direction of turn (men upright, looking over the lady's right shoulder); danced to music with 30-32 measures per minute.
• Origin: Austro-German folk dance ("Walzen" – to rotate or turn); popularized by Johann Strauss II.

Waltz: Rise and Fall

• Technique: Long steps; heel, then ball of foot on first forward step; gradual rise of toes; lowering to heel at the end of the third beat.

Basic Waltz Steps

• Step Pattern: Three counts (slow, quick, quick) repeated twice.
• Left Foot Change, Right Foot Change, Box Waltz Step, Waltz Forward Progressive, and Whisk detailed steps are provided, including both male and female footwork.

Attire for Social Dances

• Gentlemen's Attire: Formal (tailcoat, tuxedo, coat, bow tie or necktie, black trousers); Semi-Formal (dress shirt and tie, vest or sweater); Dressy Casual (solid color shirt, turtleneck, or polo shirt, cotton slacks, conservative appearance).
• Ladies' Attire: Formal (ball gown, evening gown, dinner gown, cocktail gown); Semi-Formal (dinner dresses, flowing pants); Dressy Casual (comfortable, conservative attire).

Comfort and Safety Tips

• Shoes: Wear dance shoes.
• Clothing: Avoid sleeveless shirts, strapped dresses, baggy sleeves, low-cut sleeves (Latin/Swing); be cautious with accessories.
• Grooming: Shower, use deodorant, brush teeth, abstain from strong-smelling food; check grooming, freshen up during dance; carry extra shirt (men)

Dance Etiquette

• Direction: Dance counterclockwise.
• Politeness: Thank or compliment partner; accompany partner back to their seat.
• No-Fault Dancing: Avoid blaming partner, dance to partner's level, apologize for mistakes.
• Behavior/Demeanor: Responsible, smiling, eye contact; positive image; honest refusal if unsure of the dance; refrain from teaching on the dance floor.

Test your knowledge on various social dance classifications including Latin-American and Modern Standard dances. Explore the origins, characteristics, and popular dance types such as Salsa, Waltz, and Cha-Cha-Cha. Perfect for dancers and enthusiasts alike!