Social Dance, Dance Mixers, and Dance Injuries PDF

# Social Dance, Dance Mixers and Dance Injuries ## Dance Etiquette Dance etiquette is a set of conventional rules that participants follow in order to maintain a positive social environment on the dance floor. It determines whether your experience is enjoyable or unpleasant. There are six key el...

# Social Dance, Dance Mixers and Dance Injuries ## Dance Etiquette Dance etiquette is a set of conventional rules that participants follow in order to maintain a positive social environment on the dance floor. It determines whether your experience is enjoyable or unpleasant. There are six key elements of dance etiquette: - **Dance floor demeanor/behavior:** Conduct yourself on the dance floor with grace and respect. - **What to wear:** Dress appropriately for the occasion and the style of dancing. - **Personal grooming:** Maintain good hygiene for the comfort of yourself and others. - **On the floor:** Follow the line of direction and avoid collisions with other couples. - **Asking for a dance:** Be polite and respectful when requesting a dance. - **No-fault dancing:** Be forgiving and understanding if mistakes happen, and strive to adapt to your partner's skill level. ## Dance Floor Demeanor and Behavior - Be personable, smile and make eye contact with your partner. - Project a positive image on the dance floor, even if the style isn't your personal preference. - Dance at the level of your partner. - If you don't know the dance, be honest and refuse promptly if asked to dance. - Do not teach on the dance floor. It may insult your partner. - Do not cut other dancers off. ### What to Wear | Attire | Gentlemen | Ladies | |--------------|--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Formal | Tailcoat, Tuxedo Coat, Regular Coat, Bow Tie or Regular Necktie, Black Trouser | Ball Gown, Evening Gown, Dinner Gown, Cocktail Gown | | Semi-formal | Dress Shirt and Tie. Vest or Sweater that Shows the Tie | Dinner Dresses, Flowing Pants | | Dressy Casual | Solid Color T-shirts, Turtleneck, Polo Shirt, Cotton Slacks | Anything that displays a conservative, toned-down appearance. | | Latin | Button-up Shirt, Solid T-shirt, Turtleneck. Dress, Slacks. Bright Colorful Outfits are Accepted | Sexy Outfits and Long Slit Skirts, Low Necklines and Exposed Midriffs are Popular. | ### Personal Grooming | Attire | Gentlemen | |-------------------------------------------------------|----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | Shower and use a deodorant | Check your grooming periodically | | Brush your teeth and use mouthwash/breath mint | Freshen up and towel off periodically in the bathroom | | Abstain from foods that produce strong odor | Carrying an extra shirt is advisable for men in case they need to change | | Don't smoke, it causes foul mouth and clothing odor | | ### On The Dance Floor - **Line of Direction:** Dance counter clockwise. - **While on the Floor:** Avoid colliding with other dance couples. - **Be Polite:** Thank or compliment your partner after the dance. - **Accompany your Partner:** Walk your partner back to her seat. ### No-Fault Dancing - Never blame a partner for missed execution of figures. - Dance to the level of your partner. - The show must go on. If something goes wrong, apologize to your partner. ## Nature and Background of Social Dances and Dance Mixers Social dances and dance mixers are dances intended primarily for individuals to get to know each other in a social setting. They are commonly referred to as ballroom dances. Usually performed in pairs, male and female, but they can also be performed in groups. They can be classified into two major classifications: - **Latin American Dances** - **Modern Standard Dances** ## Modern Standard Dances | Modern Standard Dances | Origin | |-------------------------|----------| | Slow Waltz | Austria | | Tango | Argentina | | Viennese Waltz | Vienna | | Foxtrot | USA | | Quickstep | USA | ### Waltz The word *waltzen* is of old German origin and means to roll, turn or glide. The waltz originated in the suburbs of Vienna and the alpine regions of Austria. It is a progressive dance written in 3/4 time, where the first beat of the measure is accented. **Characteristics:** - **Erect Posture and Rise-and-Fall:** The first step is taken with a bent knee, and then the second and third steps are taken by both dancers rising to full height on the balls of their feet. - **Forward Steps:** Taken on the heel, directly toward the partner. - **Side Steps:** Both partners sway slightly away from their direction of travel. - **Partner Proximity:** Partners stay fairly close and take large, reaching steps. ## Latin American Dances These dances are given their name because they are mostly from Latin American countries. They are often recognized by their distinctive costumes, which are often revealing, tight-fitting, and glamorous. Latin dances are known for their more free-flowing moves, which can be performed in a close or open hold: | Latin American Dances | Origin | |------------------------|----------| | Cha-cha-cha | Cuba | | Rumba | Cuba | | Samba | Brazil | | Paso Doble | Spain | | Jive / Boogie | USA | | Swing | USA | | Merengue | Dominican Republic | | Salsa | Cuba | | Mambo | Cuba | ### Cha-Cha-Cha The cha-cha-cha arose in Cuba, when the Cuban Orchestra America began playing the traditional "danzon" with a new syncopated beat. It sounded like a slow mambo, and Cuban dancers began to use a subtle triple hip undulation on the slow beat. This was eventually adapted to a triple step on the slow beat, which ultimately gave rise to the cha-cha-cha. The dance was brought to the US in 1954, and is the most popular of the Latin dances. **Characteristics:** - The shoulders remain calm, and the arms are held out at shoulder level with the palms facing down. - All steps are performed on the flat of the foot, except for the back step, which should be performed on the ball of the foot with the weight shifted forward. - Forward steps are taken with the weight shifted back. **Timing:** - Take the forward step of the leading foot on the second beat of the bar of the music. ## Dance Mixers These are social dances that allow participants to change partners regularly while dancing. This gives everyone a chance to socialize with different members of the group. ## Health Benefits of Ballroom Dancing Ballroom dancing offers a variety of health benefits: - Improves body coordination - Improves balance and muscle tone - Improves posture and flexibility - Increases bone density - Decreases risk of dementia and other mental illnesses - Decreases psychological stress - Minimizes the risk of heart-related diseases, such as high blood pressure # Quiz Time! ## I. Multiple Choice **Number 1:** What do we mean by "No-fault dancing?" - a. No teaching on the dance floor - **b. Dance to the level of your partner** - c. Do not cut other dancers off - d. Compliment your partner dance floor. **Number 2:** Foxtrot and Quickstep are classified as Modern standard dances that were originated in what country? - a. Argentina - b. Brazil - **c. Cuba** - **d. USA** **Number 3:** Which of the following does not belong to the group? - a. Quickstep - b. Slow Waltz - **c. Samba** - d. Foxtrot **Number 4:** Which of the following, aside from fitness, can be developed by engaging in social dancing activities? - a. Respect - b. Courtesy - **c. Sense of community** - **d. All of them** **Number 5:** Which of the following is the attire appropriate for males in Modern Standard Dances? - a. Black/White shirt - b. Black/white sweat shirt - c. Black/white long sleeves - **d. Coat and tie** ## II. Enumeration **Numbers 6-11:** What are the six types of Dance Etiquette? - Dance floor demeanor/behavior - What to wear - Personal grooming - On the floor - Asking for a dance - No-fault dancing ## **Numbers 12-13:** What are the two classifications of Social Dancing? - Latin American Dances - Modern Standard Dances ## III. Classify the following dances as to Latin American Dances or Modern Dances | Dance | Classification | |---------------|-----------------------------------| | Cha-cha-cha | Latin American Dances | | Tango | Latin American Dances | | Slow Waltz | Modern Standard Dances | | Salsa | Latin American Dances | | Quickstep | Modern Standard Dances | | Paso Doble | Latin American Dances | | Waltz | Modern Standard Dances | | Jive | Latin American Dances | | Foxtrot | Modern Standard Dances | | Mambo | Latin American Dances | | Viennese | Modern Standard Dances | | Rumba | Latin American Dances | | Samba | Latin American Dances | | Swing | Latin American Dances | | Merengue | Latin American Dances | # Thank you for dancing with me, learners!