Dancing is a relaxing form of recreation. It teaches you coordination, how to move and it helps to maintain your fitness. Apart from the health benefits, is dancing also a fun way to socialize, make new friends and to enjoy yourself.

There are different types of dancing e.g.,

• Line dancing
• breakdancing
• hip-hop dancing
• dancing with ribbons
• ballroom dancing

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Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dance is a type of set partner dancing and may refer at its widest definition, to almost any type of social dancing as recreation, which is both enjoyed socially and competitively around the world. Ballroom dancing is also widely enjoyed on stage, television and film.

Sequence dancing, in pairs or other formations, is still a popular style of ballroom dance. With the arrival of dancesport in modern times, the term has become narrower in scope and traditionally refers to the five International Standard and five International Latin style dances. Although the two styles differ in rhythm, technique and costume, the two styles illustrate essential elements of ballroom dancing, such as control and cohesiveness.
The two styles were developed in England and are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC) and the World DanceSport Federation (WDSF). Two additional variations of Ballroom dancing are popular in the USA: American Smooth and American Rhyrhm. These two styles combine elements of Standard and Latin styles with influences from other dance traditions.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballroom_dance

The Waltz

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The Waltz took root in England in about 1812

Viennese waltz originated in Provence area in France, 1559 and is known as the oldest of all ballroom dances and introduced in England as German Waltz in 1812 and became popular throughout the 19th century by the music of Josef and Johan Strauss and is often referred to as the classic "old-school" ballroom.

History of Ballroom Dancing

Previously, in times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the fortunate and the lower class engaged in folk dancing. These boundaries have since become something of the past. Ballroom dancing is also dependent on the era, where balls featured popular dances of the day such as Quadrille, Minuet, Polonaise, Mazurka, and Polka, which are now being considered to be historical dances.
The phrase 'ballroom dancing' originates from the word 'ball' which in turn originates from the Latin word 'ballare' which means 'to dance'.

Schonbrunn Castle, Vienna Austria

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The Schonbrunn is one of the finest Baroque masterpieces in the world. I had the privilege of touring this palatial estate on a European holiday.
The six-year-old Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart gave a concert on 6 October 1762 at the imperial summer residence of the Habsburgs.

The Grosse Redoutensaal (Grand Ballroom) of the Hofburg Imperial Palace in Vienna, where much of Mozart's dance music was first performed

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The ballroom is a large room specially designed for such dances. The term 'ballroom dancing' is derived from the word ball which in turn originates from the Latin word ballare which means 'to dance' (a ball-room being a large room specially designed for such dances). In times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the privileged, leaving folk dancing for the lower classes. These boundaries have since become blurred. The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era: balls have featured popular dances of the day such as the Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Polka, Mazurka, and others, which are now considered to be historical dances.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballroom_dance.

Basic Techniques of Ballroom Dancing

• Face your partner while dancing
• Carry your weight more on the ball of your foot than on your heel
• Take proper steps; don't drag your feet
• Take straight steps with your toes pointed straight ahead, going forward or backwards
• When you step, the motion should come from your hip. This will allow your legs to swing freely from their joints
• Place your feet so they are parallel to your partner's feet. Your right foot should be pointed in between your partner's feet
• If it's fast music, take shorter steps. If it's slow music, take longer steps
• When you are not sure what to do, turn
• When you change direction, you will keep your balance better if your feet are closer together
• On right and left turns, twist from the base of your ribcage and snap your hips around to increase the force of your spin
• If your partner turns, continue stepping to the beat until your partner turns back to face you

In a classic ballroom position, the partners face each other. The male's hand is on the female's hip and the female's hand is on the male's shoulder.

Types of Ballroom Dancing

There are two types of Ballroom Dancing styles:
International Style and the American Style which is broken into two more styles:

1. International Latin Style:

• Cha-Cha
• Paso Doble
• Rumba
• Samba
• Jive

Samba

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Rumba

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Paso Doble

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Jive

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2. International Standard Style:

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz
• Quickstep

Foxtrot

Foxtrot is considered the most difficult dance and difficult to learn!

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Viennese Waltz

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Quickstep

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American Style

1. American Rhythm Style:

• Cha-Cha
• Rumba
• Swing (East Coast)
• Mambo
• Bolero

Cha-Cha

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Swing (East Coast)

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Mambo

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Bolero

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2. American Smooth Style:

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz

Tango

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Sources:
http://www.danceshoesstore.com/Ballroom-Dance-and-History_ep_54-1.html
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballroom_dance

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