Ballroom Dancing
Historically, "Ballroom Dance" referred to styles of social dancing done in grand, formal ballrooms. As time passed and this style of dancing gained in popularity, the dances referred to by this term became more defined. Now, "Ballroom dance" refers to a specific set of 10 partner dances which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Collectively, these dances are called the International Style of Ballroom Dance:
- International Style of Ballroom Dance
- International Standard: Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep
- International Latin: Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Jive
You may also hear about the American Style of Ballroom Dance. These are popular variations on the International Style:
- American Style of Ballroom Dance
- American Smooth: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz
- American Rhythm: Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo
Each variation has something unique to offer, so unless you plan to compete competitively Intenational Style is the standard for all International competitions), don't worry about the labels. International Style is danced throughout the world and is generally regarded as more technical and disciplined than the American Style, which is danced primarily in the U.S.
Latin Dancing
"Latin Ballroom Dancing" is the term used to refer to the International Latin dances or the American Rhythm dances. You might hear them referred to as "Latin American dances", "Latin dances", or "Dances from Latin America." The Latin side of ballroom is generally faster-paced, more sensual and has more rhythmic expression. Time is 4/4 straight rhythm or related. Couples in the basic position stand face-to-face and dance to either contemporary music or more traditionally Latin American music.
Other Styles You May Encounter
As the popularity of ballroom dance has grown, people have begun to include other styles of dance under the "ballroom" category. Don't be surprised if you hear any of the following referred to as ballroom dance:
- Vintage Dance Styles- and of course, the Street Dance Styles
- Waltz, Polka, Schottische, Tango, One-Step, Foxtrot
- Nightclub: Two-step, Hustle, Modern Jive, LeRoc, Ceroc, West Coast Swing, East Cost Swing, Carolina Shag, Collegiate Shag
- Latin nightclub: Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, Bachata, Cha cha, Samba
- Brazilian Dances: Forro, Pagode, Samba, Lambada
- Country/Western: C/W Polka, C/W Cha-cha, C/W Two-step, C/W Waltz...
- Cajun Dances: Cajun Jig, Cajun Two Step, Zydeco, Cajun Waltz, Cajun Jitterbug
- and Argentine tango, Peabody and Cabaret
Because of their wide-spread appeal and the accreditation programs available to their teachers, I would suggest starting with either the International Style or the American Style (whichever appeals to you most) as an introduction to ballroom dance.
