About Ballroom dancing

Find out about Ballroom Dancing

The term ballroom dancing originated from the word "ball," which is derived from the word ballare, which is the Latin word meaning "to dance." Ballroom dance includes many types of dances that are done with a partner. They could be Standard dances also called smooth or modern, such as waltz or foxtrot, as well as Latin dances, also called rhythm dances, and include cha cha and rumba. Other types of dances such as nightclub dancing, including swing dancing, are included with the term "ballroom dancing." Standard dances are usually danced to straight-beat or Western music. In the more formal standard dances, the women will wear long evening gowns and the men will wear a bow-tie and tails. With Latin dances, a couple will dance in one spot or move around the dance floor to an off-beat Latin or jive music rhythm. With a more formal dance of this type, the women will wear a short skirt Latin type ensemble and the men will dress in black. These dances originated from Latin America, as well as Europe and Africa.

The international style dances are derived from British dances and American social style dances, but the techniques of these styles are different. Many dances are thought of in terms of ballroom dancing because they are associated with formal balls. These include Minuet, Quadrille, Pas de Gras, maxurka, and Polonaise. However, these dances are now considered historical dances. Ballroom dancing has for centuries been thought of as social dancing or the dancing of the more privileged class; thus, the term "folk dancing" was originally meant for those of the lower classes. However, dance is certainly more democratic (or politically correct, if you will) today, as the lines between those forms of dances have become somewhat blurred. Many dances that originated as competitive ballroom dances that were either social or folk are still danced as such today. any of the dances considered "ballroom dances" of years past were really just "high-class" folk dances.

The social art of ballroom dancing has continually been in existence since its inception, however, there was one big exception which occurred during the 20th century. That was the era when the twist came into being. Many historians of dance marked that event as the demise of social partner dancing, but then credited the Latin hustle for bring back partner dancing in the 1970's.

Ballroom dancing has become quite popular today, both competitively and socially. There has been a major increase in ballroom dance classes, even on college campuses. Ballroom dance has also found a home in the entertainment world, with dance competitions taking place in front of the cameras for stage, film and TV. Many people are now enjoying this activity, both as participants and as spectators.
 

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