Ballroom Dance Styles: Standard Dances

Ballroom Dance Styles
Ballroom dance is enjoyable both socially and competitively worldwide. It also

refers to a set of partner dancers, which originated in the Western world. The
International style contains two categories: International Latin and
International Standard, each of these sub-categories contain five different
dances. The specific categories are as follows; Standard, Latin and Club dances
or Freestyle dance.
Standard (ballroom) dance are elegant and have strong emphasis on posture,
more formal than Latin Dances. They are generally dance in a closed position. It
consists of the following dances such as: Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, and
Viennese waltz.
On the other hand, Latin style has movements that are passionate, fiery and
flashy .Latin dances are generally faster-paced, more sensual and have more
rhythmic expression. Latin dances such as: Cha-cha-cha, Mambo, Rumba, Samba,
Jive, Paso Doble.
Club dances include: Swing, Line dance, Salsa and Merengue.
STANDARD DANCES
Waltz is one of the smoothest ballroom dances. It is a progressive dance

marked by long, flowing movements, continuous turns, and "rise and fall." The
dance is so graceful and elegant; Waltz dancers appear to glide around the floor
with almost no effort.
Tango is one of the most fascinating of all ballroom dances. This sensual
ballroom dance originated in South America in the early twentieth century.
Quickstep is a quick version of the Foxtrot. It is a ballroom dance comprised of
extremely quick stepping, syncopated feet rhythms, and runs of quick steps.
The Quickstep is exciting to watch, but among the most difficult of all the
ballroom dance.
Foxtrot is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements

across the floor. Foxtrot has lots of fun and simple to learn an excellent dance
for beginners.
LATIN DANCES
Cha cha cha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion and energy.
The classic "Cuban motion" gives the Cha cha cha its unique style. Partners work
together to synchronize each movement in perfect alignment.
Mambo is one of the most sensual and emotional Latin American ballroom
dances. Swaying hip movements, facial expressions, arm movements and
holds add to the sensuality of the dance.
Jive is an American dance that evolved from a dance called the Jitterbug by
removing the lifts and acrobatic elements. Dancers use a more bouncy type
movement using the balls of the feet. A lot of kicks are used in jive. Jive is a
very fast, energy-consuming dance.
Rumba is considered by many to be the most romantic and sensual of all Latin
ballroom dance. It is often referred to as the "Grandfather of the Latin
dances." A moderately slow Latin dance with plenty of wraps, under arm turns
and a truck load of flirtation. It is often called as the “Dance of Love”.
Samba is popular with young people as well as older generations. Samba can be
performed solo or with a partner. Possibly the most popular of all Brazilian
ballroom dance.
Paso Doble is one of the liveliest ballroom dance, originating in southern France.
It is modelled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight.
CLUB DANCES
Swing dance is a lively style of social dancing in which a dancer often lifts, spins
and flips his or her partner. Considered both hip and cool, swing dancing is a
favourite among social dancers of all ages.
The beauty in the simplicity of line dancing steps is that they are so adaptable
that they can be reworked and reused in a variety of different dances and
dance styles. The steps are very basic and are often repeated numerous times
in the line dance. Adding small twists or variations on the core steps or utilizing
them as transitions in other dances will be an ideal use of the steps.
Salsa is a very energetic Latin dance, with spins, sharp movement, and crisp
turns, very popular in Latin clubs along with merengue. A style varies depending
on where you are from. This dance is also similar to Mambo.
Merengue is a fast Latin dance that never slows down. It’s very easy to learn
and often refer to this dance as the “marching with style”.
Tasks:
1. Read the whole of the information.
2. Make a booklet that advertises dance classes to the public.
Your booklet should include:
• an introduction section explaining why dance is important and the
different categories of dance. (use the information at the start of the
worksheet to help you write an introduction)
• It should also contain a section about each type of dance, the
characteristics of that dance and a picture of the dance.
• A final section where you include a little set of quiz questions for the
reader to complete. Create your own 5 questions, based on the sheet of
information.

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Ballroom Dance Styles

Ballroom dance is enjoyable both socially and competitively worldwide. It also

Waltz is one of the smoothest ballroom dances. It is a progressive dance

Foxtrot is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements

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