BALLROOM DANCE

Ballroom from the latin word “ballere” which means to dance is a set of couple
dances done socially and competitively.

History
-Ballroom originated in Europe and was brought to America.
-Dances usually done in ballrooms.
-The allemande, contredanse and cotillion and other court dances declined
because of the French revolution and the Industrialization of England.
-In America dancing was associated with social success.
-The American Revolution stimulated industrial production which triggered the
migration of people from rural areas and other countries. Ballroom dancing in
public dance halls became their form of recreation.
-Dancing became a sinful act to the church due to its “sensual”nature.
-Dancing costumes became less bulky as compared to the renaissance period.
Dancers were advise to wear comfortable and light clothing due to the physical
nature of the dance.

WALTZ
-A sliding or gliding dance
-Used in ballroom competitions
-Criticized for its closer hold and rapid turning movements
-usually danced in ¾ time
-There have been a lot of variations waltz which varies with more forward and
backward movement and the feet comfortably positioned for walking.
 Hesitation waltz
 Viannese waltz
 Country waltz
 Modern waltz

POLKA
- Originally a Czech peasant dance
- from “pulka” which means “half-step” due to the rapid shift from one foot to the
other.
-has a basic step of hop-step-close-step with a lively Bohemian dance tune in 2/4
time.

TANGO
-Originated in Spain.
-Called Baile Con Corte otherwise referred to as the “dance with a stop”
-It is done with the couple having space between their bodies, or in close
embrace. The couple is closely connected at either the chest or the hip area and
the movement is accompanied by strong, dramatic head snaps.
-Danced with 4/4 time music.

TWO STEP
Consisted of a series of chasses either forward or sideward to a 2/4 or 4/4 music.

FOXTROT
-The name was from the its pioneer Harry Fox a vaudeville actor.
-Danced in a slow-slow-quick-quick rhythm with a low 4/4 music.

QUICKSTEP
Dance steps involved a lot of hops, runs, quick steps and rotation.

RUMBA
-Originated in Cuba
-The word "rumba" comes from the verb "rumbear" which means going to parties,
dancing, and having a good time.
-The American Rumba has a box pattern similar to the waltz but with much
smaller steps.

SAMBA
-A Brazilian folk dance. It was and is danced as a festival dance during the street
festivals and celebrations.
-Danced in a 2/4 time music

CHA CHA
-Originally known as cha cha cha
-The dance consists of three quick steps (triple step or cha cha cha) and two
slower steps on the one beat and two beat.

COMPETITIONS

International Style
International Standard
Slow Waltz - Tango - Viennese Waltz - Slow Foxtrot - Quickstep

International Latin
Cha-cha-cha- Samba - Rumba - Paso Doble - Jive

American Style

American Smooth
Waltz - Tango - Foxtrot - Viennese Waltz

American Rhythm
Cha Cha - Rumba - East Coast Swing - Bolero - Mambo

Source:
Stephenson R., & Iaccarino J. (1980). The complete book of ballroom dancing.
Doubleday Dell
Group, Inc., New York.