10 Ballroom Dances
10 Ballroom Dances
10 Ballroom Dances
10 BALLROOM DANCES
FOXTROT
The Foxtrot is a smooth and graceful ballroom dance that emerged in the early 20th
century. It was developed in the United States, gaining popularity in the 1910s and
1920s. The dance was influenced by various other dance styles, including the One-
Step and the Vaudeville, and is characterized by its flowing movements and elegant
gliding across the dance floor.
The Foxtrot's name is believed to have originated from its creator, Harry Fox, a
vaudeville performer who introduced the dance in 1914. Fox's dance incorporated
elements of ragtime music and other contemporary styles of the time. The Foxtrot's
smooth and versatile style made it a favorite among dancers and audiences alike.
Throughout the 20th century, the Foxtrot continued to evolve and adapt to changes
in music and dance styles. It became a staple in ballroom competitions and social
dances around the world.
The Cha-Cha is a lively and energetic ballroom dance that originated in the early
1950s. It emerged from a fusion of Cuban and American dance styles, particularly
the Mambo and the Rumba. The dance gained popularity in both the United States
and Cuba, eventually becoming a staple in ballroom competitions and social dance
scenes worldwide.
The term "Cha-Cha" is believed to derive from the sound of dancers' feet hitting the
floor in a syncopated rhythm. The dance's catchy beat and infectious rhythm quickly
captivated audiences, leading to its widespread popularity.
In the mid-20th century, the Cha-Cha became a prominent dance in both Latin
American and international ballroom competitions. Its vibrant and dynamic
movements, characterized by quick steps and playful hip motion, continue to make
it a favorite among dancers of all levels.
Here's a basic step-by-step guide for performing the Cha-Cha in ballroom dance
(https://www.dancing4beginners.com/cha-cha/):
1. Starting Position - 3. Back Rock Step On count "3,"
- Stand facing your partner, take a small step back with your left
maintaining a slight distance between foot.
each other. - 4-and-1. Cha-Cha (Side Step) On
- Hold your partner's hand with your counts "4-and-1," replace your weight
right hand, and place your left hand on onto your right foot, then quickly step
their shoulder blade. Your partner's left to the side with your left foot.
hand should be on your shoulder.
4. Basic Step for Follower
2. Basic Rhythm - Reverse the steps mentioned for the
- The Cha-Cha is danced in a 4/4 time leader. So, start with a small step back
signature. It's counted as "1, 2, 3, 4- with your right foot on count "1."
and-1," where the "and" indicates a
half beat. 5. Hip Motion
- The Cha-Cha is known for its
3. Basic Step for Leader distinctive hip motion. It's a
- 1. Forward Rock Step: On count "1," syncopated rhythm where the hips
take a small step forward with your left move forward and back in sync with the
foot. steps.
- 2. Cha-Cha (Side Step) On count
"2," replace your weight onto your right 6. Maintain Frame
foot. - Keep your upper body aligned with
your partner's, maintaining a slight
lean towards each other. This helps
with balance and connection. 8. Practice and Timing
- Practice is key! Start slow and
7. Turning and Variations gradually increase the tempo as you
- Once you're comfortable with the become more comfortable with the
basic step, you can add turns and steps and timing.
variations to make the dance more
dynamic and interesting.
TANGO
The Tango is a passionate and dramatic ballroom dance originating in the late 19th
century in the working-class neighborhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina. It emerged
from a fusion of diverse immigrant influences, including European, African, and
indigenous elements. Initially danced in port areas and local gatherings, the Tango
gradually gained popularity, becoming an integral part of Argentine culture.
In the early 20th century, Tango musicians and dancers toured Europe, particularly
Paris, where it enjoyed widespread acclaim. This marked the beginning of its
international influence. The 1930s to the 1950s are considered the "Golden Age" of
Tango, characterized by the rise of iconic musicians and orchestras.
While its popularity declined in the mid-20th century, a resurgence occurred in the
1980s and 1990s, with a renewed interest in traditional dances and the influence of
the Broadway show "Tango Argentino."
The Rumba emerged in the late 19th century in Cuba, drawing influence from a mix
of African, Spanish, and Indigenous cultures. It was particularly prominent in the
Afro-Cuban communities. Initially, the Rumba encompassed various styles, including
Yambú (slow and flirtatious), Guaguancó (playful and upbeat), and Columbia
(energetic and acrobatic), each reflecting different aspects of Cuban life.
In the early 20th century, the Rumba gained popularity in Havana's social gatherings
and became an integral part of Cuban culture. By the 1930s and 1940s, the Rumba
made its way to the United States and Europe. It was embraced for its passionate
and exotic flair. In ballroom dancing, the Rumba evolved into a more structured and
slower version, focusing on the romantic and sensual elements of the dance. The
Ballroom Rumba became one of the five Latin American dances included in
international competitive ballroom dance.
Today, the Rumba remains a beloved dance style, known for its sensuality, intricate
hip movements, and expressive storytelling. It's an integral part of both Latin dance
culture and competitive ballroom dancing around the world.
3. Basic Rhythm
- The Rumba is typically danced in a
4/4 time signature with a slow-quick-
5. Hip Movement 8. Sensual Arm Movements
- The Rumba is known for its - Use your arms to frame and express
expressive hip movement. As you step the movements. They should flow
forward or back, engage your hips in a naturally with the dance, accentuating
gentle swaying motion. This adds the emotion and connection between
sensuality and fluidity to the dance. partners.
6. Cuban Motion
- This is a characteristic hip action in 9. Emotion and Expression
Rumba. As you take a step, transfer - The Rumba is a passionate and
your weight and push your hip slightly romantic dance. Focus on conveying
forward, then settle back on the emotion through your movements and
standing leg. Practice this motion to maintaining a strong connection with
achieve the distinctive Rumba style. your partner.
The Jive is an energetic and lively ballroom dance with roots in American jazz and
swing music. The Jive emerged in the United States in the early 20th century, drawing
influences from African American jazz and swing dances. During the swing era of the
1930s and 1940s, dances like the Lindy Hop and Jitterbug were popular. The Jive
evolved from these lively social dances. American soldiers stationed in Europe during
World War II introduced the Jive to European audiences. It quickly gained popularity
across the continent. In the post-war years, the Jive continued to evolve, particularly
in the UK, where it became a key dance style in the emerging ballroom and Latin
dance scene.
The Jive was standardized as one of the five Latin American dances in international
competitive ballroom dance, along with the Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, and Paso
Doble. It is characterized by its lively tempo, upbeat music, and energetic footwork.
It's known for quick kicks and flicks, as well as syncopated rhythms.
The Waltz is a graceful and elegant ballroom dance known for its flowing movements
and 3/4 time signature. The Waltz originated in the late 18th century in the ballrooms
of Vienna, Austria. It evolved from earlier German and Austrian folk dances, gaining
popularity among the aristocracy. In its early days, the Waltz faced controversy due
to its close hold and rotational movements, which were considered scandalous at the
time. Despite initial resistance, the dance gradually gained acceptance and became
a staple of ballroom culture.
The Waltz was codified as one of the five International Standard dances in competitive
ballroom dance, alongside the Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. The
Waltz remains a cornerstone of ballroom dance worldwide, appreciated for its
timeless elegance and romantic expression.
As a follower: As a leader:
1. Start with your weight on 1. Start with your weight on
your left foot with your right your right foot with your left
foot free. foot free.
2. Step back on your right foot. 2. Step forward with your left
3. Step side with your left foot. foot.
4. Close your right foot to your 3. Step side with your right
left foot, changing weight. foot.
5. Step forward with your left 4. Close your left foot to your
foot. right foot, changing weight.
6. Step side with your right 5. Step back on your right foot.
foot. 6. Step side with your left foot.
7. Close your left foot to your 7. Close your right foot to your
right foot, changing weight. left foot, changing weight.
8. Begin again! You may notice 8. Begin again! You may notice
that you have created a that you have created a
"box" on the floor with your "box" on the floor with your
feet, hence the terminology feet, hence the terminology
"Waltz box" to describe this "Waltz box" to describe this
basic step! basic step!
QUICKSTEP
The Quickstep is a lively and energetic ballroom dance that originated in the early
20th century. The Quickstep evolved from a combination of fast-paced dances like
the Foxtrot, Charleston, and the One-Step. It gained popularity in the 1920s as a
reaction to the upbeat music and the desire for more dynamic and spirited dances.
The Quickstep is characterized by its brisk tempo, syncopated steps, and lively
movements across the dance floor. It's known for its light, springy steps and
energetic atmosphere. It was standardized as one of the five International Standard
dances in competitive ballroom dance, alongside the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and
Viennese Waltz.
The Quickstep was heavily influenced by the jazz music of the time, which contributed
to its vibrant and lively nature.
The Samba is an energetic and lively ballroom dance with roots in Brazilian and Afro-
Caribbean music and dance styles. Samba originated in Brazil in the late 19th and
early 20th centuries, influenced by various Brazilian dance forms, including the
Batuque and Maxixe. It developed as a fusion of African rhythms and Brazilian dance
traditions, reflecting the diverse cultural influences of Brazil.
Samba gained prominence during the annual Carnival celebrations in Rio de Janeiro,
where it became an integral part of the festivities. It was standardized as one of the
Latin American dances in international competitive ballroom dance, alongside dances
like the Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. It is characterized by its lively tempo,
syncopated rhythms, and dynamic hip movements. It's known for its exuberance and
celebratory nature.
The Mambo is a lively and rhythmic ballroom dance with its roots in Cuban and Afro-
Caribbean music and dance styles. It originated in the late 1930s and early 1940s in
Cuba, particularly in Havana. It evolved from the fusion of Afro-Cuban rhythms, Latin
dance forms, and American jazz.
In the 1940s and 1950s, the Cuban bandleader and composer Pérez Prado
popularized the Mambo with his energetic and innovative arrangements. The Mambo
craze swept through Latin America and the United States, becoming a sensation in
nightclubs and dance halls. Mambo gained significant popularity in the United States
during the post-WWII era. It became a central part of the Latin dance scene in cities
like New York. It was standardized as one of the Latin American dances in
international competitive ballroom dance, alongside dances like the Cha-Cha, Rumba,
Samba, and Jive.
As a follower: As a leader:
The Paso Doble is a dramatic and passionate ballroom dance with Spanish origins.
Paso Doble originated in Spain, particularly in the southern regions like Andalusia,
known for its rich flamenco and bullfighting traditions. The dance is inspired by the
movements and interactions between a matador (bullfighter) and the cape-wielding
bull.
Paso Doble was introduced to the ballroom dance scene in the early 20th century,
particularly in France and Spain. The dance is characterized by its stately and
dramatic posture, strong footwork, and precise movements. It emphasizes control,
passion, and expression. The music for Paso Doble is typically in 2/4 time, with a
powerful and majestic feel. It often features dramatic orchestrations resembling the
sounds of a bullfight.
Here's a brief guide on how to perform the Paso Doble ballroom dance
(https://blog.dancevision.com/how-to-dance-paso-doble):
Leader Follower
3. Right foot closes to left foot. 3. Step back on the left foot.
4. Step in place left, right, left, right, 4. Right foot closes to left foot.
left.
5. 4 small walks forward - left, right,
5. Repeat again. left, right.
5. Repeat again.