Ballroom dance

Ballroom dance is a group of European partner dances that people enjoy both for fun and in competitions all around the world. It is especially popular because it can be seen in performances, on stage, in films, and on television.

When people talk about ballroom dance in competitions, there are mainly two styles or "schools." The International School, which started in England and is now managed by the World Dance Council and the World DanceSport Federation, is common everywhere except the United States. It includes two groups of dances called Standard and Latin. The Standard group has five dances, and the Latin group has five different dances. In competitions, dancers may compete in just one group or in all ten dances together, called a "Ten Dance" competition.

The American School, often called the North American School, is mostly found in the United States and is managed by USA Dance. It also has two groups: Smooth and Rhythm. The Smooth group has four dances, and the Rhythm group has five. Competitions can include just one group or all nine dances together, called a "Nine Dance" competition. In Canada, both International and American styles are danced and managed by Canada Dancesport.

Even though some dances in the two schools have the same names, like foxtrot, they can be quite different in how they are danced. Ballroom dancing events and social gatherings sometimes also include other partner dances such as Lindy Hop and Bachata, which are not usually part of the main ballroom styles.

Definitions and history

The term 'ballroom dancing' comes from the word ball, which means 'to dance' in Latin. In the past, ballroom dancing was a fun activity for special people, while other dances were for everyone else. Over time, these ideas changed.

Early records of ballroom dancing date back to the late 1500s in France. Dances like the basse danse and branle were popular. By the 1600s, the Minuet became a favorite dance in Paris.

In the 1800s, new dances like the polka and mazurka appeared. The waltz, a dance where partners hold each other closely, caused some surprise at first but became widely loved.

Modern ballroom dancing began in the early 1900s. New dances emerged along with popular music styles like jazz. Dancers like Vernon and Irene Castle helped create standard steps that anyone could learn. Later, famous dancers Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers inspired many with their elegant performances on screen.

Competitive dancing

Main article: Dancesport

Competitive ballroom dancing, also called dancesport, includes events from world championships, overseen by the World Dance Council, down to local competitions for newer dancers. These contests are split into professional and amateur groups, with the International Olympic Committee now recognizing competitive ballroom dance. The World DanceSport Federation represents dancesport in the Olympic Games.

Each country runs its own rules for ballroom dance competitions. About 30 countries regularly take part in international events, with many more having membership in groups like the WDC or WDSF but not competing often. In the UK, the British Dance Council awards titles such as the British Ballroom Championships. In the USA, groups like USA Dance also grant championship titles.

The Blackpool Dance Festival in England is considered the most important event for competitive dancers. Another style of competition is formation dance, where teams of up to 16 dancers perform together in changing patterns, also featured at Blackpool.

Judges evaluate dancers on skills such as posture, timing, and expression. Scoring can sometimes lead to debates among competitors. Dancers compete at different levels, from beginner to advanced, with moves becoming more complex at higher levels. Some competitions include medal evaluations, where dancers perform specific dances to show their skill and earn recognition.

Collegiate ballroom

Many students at universities enjoy learning and competing in ballroom dance. They often join clubs or teams led by students that offer dance lessons, social dances, and competitions. These teams give dancers a fun place to practice and make friends.

Competitions between universities follow similar rules to other amateur competitions. Some well-known events include the East Coast FireBall, MIT Open Ballroom Dance Competition, and the Big Apple Dancesport Challenge.

Dances

"Ballroom dance" most often refers to ten dances called Standard and Latin. In some places, it also means the five International Ballroom dances. In the United Kingdom, people enjoy sequence dancing, and in Australia and New Zealand, there is a style called New Vogue that is also considered ballroom dancing.

In the United States and Canada, there is a style called American Style, which includes American Smooth and American Rhythm. While the basic dance moves are similar to International Ballroom, American Smooth allows more open and separated dance positions. The dances also have different steps and styles between the two.

Other dances sometimes called ballroom dances include nightclub dances such as Lindy Hop, West Coast swing, nightclub two step, hustle, salsa, and merengue. What counts as a ballroom dance can change over time, with new dances joining or leaving the group.

In Europe, Latin Swing dances include Argentine tango, mambo, Lindy Hop, swing boogie, and discofox. An example is cajun dances from Acadiana.

Standard/Smooth dances are usually done to Western music and couples dance around a rectangular floor. In competitions, dancers dress up formally. For Latin/Rhythm dances, couples often stay in one spot and dance to Latin American music, with women in short skirts and men in fitted outfits to show off their movements.

Competitive dances

Standard/Smooth

Waltz

Main article: International standard waltz

Waltz started as a folk dance in Austria and Bavaria in the 1600s. It became popular in England in the early 1800s. It was the first dance where a man held a woman close. When dancing, the upper body stays to the left, and the follower leans to the right while the head turns left. Waltz is danced in both International Standard and American Smooth styles.

Viennese waltz

Main article: Viennese waltz

The Viennese waltz began in Provence, France, in 1559 and is the oldest ballroom dance. It became popular in England in 1812 and grew famous through music by Josef and Johann Strauss. It is often called classic ballroom. The music is fast, and the dancers move quickly with slight body shaping. It is performed in both International Standard and American Smooth.

Tango

Main article: Tango

Tango started in Buenos Aires in the late 1800s. Modern Argentine tango is danced in close or open holds, focusing on moving together to the passionate music. Ballroom tango, danced in competitions, uses strong, sharp movements and is more open.

Foxtrot

Main article: Foxtrot

The foxtrot is an American dance named after Harry Fox in 1914. It was originally danced to ragtime music. Dancers face each other and rotate sides. It can be slow, medium, or fast, depending on the music, and is danced in both International Standard and American Smooth.

Quickstep

Main article: Quickstep

The quickstep began in England in the 1920s, mixing faster foxtrot with the Charleston. It is a fast dance with quick steps, runs, and turns. Quickstep is performed as an International Standard dance.

Latin/Rhythm

Pasodoble

Main article: Pasodoble

Pasodoble comes from Spain and bullfighting. It is mostly for competitions. The lead acts like a matador, and the follow can be the bull or the cape. Pasodoble is an International Latin dance.

Spanish bolero

Main article: Bolero (Spanish dance)

The Spanish bolero developed in the late 1700s and was popular in the 1800s. By the 1900s, it became less common. It is different from the Cuban music called bolero.

Cuban bolero

Main article: Bolero

Cuban bolero began as a singing style but became a favorite dance in Cuba and Latin America. It mixes moves from salsa, tango, rumba, waltz, and foxtrot. It is danced as an American Rhythm dance.

Samba

Main article: Samba (Brazilian dance)

Samba is Brazil’s national dance, with roots in African culture. It became known worldwide in 1905 and grew popular in America in the 1940s. International Ballroom Samba has a slight bounce from bending and straightening the knee. It is an International Latin dance.

Rumba

Main article: Rumba

Rumba came from Cuba to the United States in the 1920s. It mixes moves from son cubano and bolero. Rumba uses knee-strengthening, hip motions, and foot actions. It is danced in both International Latin and American Rhythm.

Mambo

Main article: Mambo (dance)

Mambo grew from Cuba’s national dance, danzón, in the late 1930s. In the 1940s, it became popular in Mexico and the United States as a lively dance craze.

Cha Cha

Main article: Cha-cha-cha (dance)

Cha Cha started in the early 1950s as a slower dance than mambo. It is a playful dance with hip moves and knee bending. Cha-cha is performed in both International Latin and American Rhythm.

East Coast Swing

Main article: East Coast Swing

Swing dancing began in 1927 and was named Lindy Hop. The East Coast swing became popular after World War II. It is lively with bounces, spins, and upbeat music. It is danced as an American Rhythm dance.

Jive

Main article: Jive (dance)

Jive is a lively swing dance from African American clubs in the early 1940s. It was brought to England by American soldiers and adapted for competition. Jive is danced to big band music and uses moves from salsa, swing, and tango. It is an International Latin dance.

Dance style classification

Ballroom dance is a fun activity where partners dance together. It is enjoyed all around the world, both for fun and in competitions. There are many different styles of ballroom dance.

International Style competition dances

Some of the popular dances in International Style include:

Standard

• Waltz: A slow, graceful dance.
• Tango: A dance with sharp, quick steps.
• Viennese Waltz: A faster version of the waltz.
• Foxtrot: A smooth and flowing dance.
• Quickstep: A lively and fast dance.

Latin

• Cha-cha-cha: A fun dance with bouncing steps.
• Samba: A lively dance with rhythmic steps.
• Rumba: A slow and passionate dance.
• Paso Doble: A dramatic dance that tells a story.
• Jive: A fast and energetic dance.

American Style competition dances

In American Style, dancers enjoy dances like:

Smooth

• Waltz
• Tango
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz

Rhythm

• Cha Cha
• Rumba
• East Coast Swing
• Bolero
• Mambo

Others

There are also many other dances that are sometimes considered ballroom dances, like:

• Nightclub: Nightclub Two-step, Hustle, and many types of swing dances.
• Latin nightclub: Salsa, Cumbia, Mambo, and more.
• African nightclub: Kizomba, Semba, and others.
• Brazilian Dances: Forró, Pagode, and Samba de Gafieira.
• Country/Western: C/W Polka, C/W Cha-cha, and C/W Two-step.
• Cajun dances: Cajun One Step, Cajun Jig, and Cajun Two Step.
• Musette dances: Java and musette-waltz.
• Other: Argentine tango and New Vogue.