Ballroom fever is sweeping the nation
Ballroom dancing has made a tremendous comeback and, with TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Strictly Dance Fever grabbing the nation's attention, it promises to continue in it's popularity.
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Ballroom Dancing has a unique history that has contributed to its current popularity as a recreational and competitive sport. Ballroom Dancing has its origins in England during the late 18th and early 19th century, primarily among the upper class who participated in social events at balls. During the late 19th and early 20th century, Ballroom Dancing became popular among the working class who attended public dance halls or "popular assemblies." Ballroom competitions gained popularity during the early 1920s. |
In 1924, the Ballroom Branch of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing was formed; its mission was to standardise the music, steps, and technique of Ballroom Dancing. Throughout the years, Ballroom Dancing gained increased popularity throughout Europe, Asian-Pacific, and the Americas.
Ballroom can be divided into two categories: Social Dancing and Competitive Ballroom (Dancesport).
Social dancing is for non-competitive dancers and medallists who wish to dance in dance schools, clubs or halls. They are able to combine exercise with socialising and avoid the pressures of the open competition scene.
Competitive ballroom and Latin dancing (Dancesport) is for couples who wish to progress further in Dancesport and take part in competitions which include sections for beginners, novice, intermediate, pre championship, championship and international status. Dancesport consists of Standard (Modern) - sometimes still referred to as Ballroom and Latin American - mostly referred to as Latin.
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is probably one of the most technically difficult dances requiring perfect balance and control.
It was introduced in Europe just before World War 1 and is a passionate dance with slow and quick movements - it is said that the name originates from a musical dancer Henry Fox.
This dance is one of the most natural dances from which it’s easy to see if a couple can dance or not, as the movements are natural and faithful to the normal walk.
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Quickstep
The Quickstep is a fast dance, which is derived from the Foxtrot. It came about in the twenties when bands played the Foxtrot too fast and it was impossible to dance the large open steps of the Foxtrot at that speed.
Tango
Tango is a staccato and dramatic dance which was first danced in the ghettos of Buenos Aires, where it was then known as ‘Baile con corte’ (dance with a rest). The Tango was introduced in Europe, actually in Paris, in the Argentine community. Until 1907 the Tango was not accepted in London as the dance was said to be too erotic and had many opponents. Around 1912 and after some stylistic changes, the Tango was accepted by Paris and London and there was a flourish of tango-parties with professional tango demonstrators.
In 1920/1921 the Tango was standardised at the Conference in London. During the "thirties" the staccato actions merged into the Tango choreography.
Viennese Waltz
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The Viennese waltz originates from Bavaria and was formerly a court dance in Austria. The forerunner for the Viennese Waltz was a dance called Länder which was danced during the 18th century.
Between 1800 and 1820 the steps and figures from the Ländler were reduced due to the speed of music and the six step Viennese Waltz was born. |
During the Sixties a lot of discussion was going on between Germany and the UK concerning the number of Viennese Waltz variations allowed in Competitions. In 1983 the I.C.B.D. took the final decision: Natural and Reverse Turns, Natural and Reverse Fleckerls, the Contra Check change from reverse fleckerl to natural fleckerl danced over one bar of music.
Waltz
The Waltz is a slow dance which was first introduced in Britain in the 19th century. It originates from the Boston, which was imported from the USA, when around 1914 the basic steps of the Boston were changed towards the direction of the Waltz. It was after the First World War the Waltz started to develop in the direction we see today with the basic movement: step, step, shut, natural and reverse turn and the closed change.
An important institute that contributed to the standardisation of the figures was the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD). Many of these variations are still danced by today's competitors.
Samba
The roots of the Samba are in Africa, but most of its development was done in Brazil. It is a progressive carnival dance, which takes many of it’s characteristics from the percussion beating out the samba rhythm.
In order to achieve the real character of the Samba, the dancer has to try for a flirting, exaggeratedly happy interpretation. Many figures now danced in the Samba are done by means of hip movements.
Cha Cha
Cha-Cha is developed from the Mambo and is a Latin dance that most people like to learn first. The name Cha Cha is a sound imitation of the "shoes" from dancing Cuban women. The Cha Cha was first seen in America and came to Europe almost at the same time with the Mambo, the forerunner for the Cha Cha.
Cha Cha is a lively dance with quick moves. It is a position dance, which means there is not a lot of movement on the floor. Cha cha is about fun and pleasure and it is essential that the naughty character of the dance is visible on the floor. The motto for Cha cha is follow the music and your heart.
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Rumba
It is said that the Rumba was brought to America by the African slaves, but around 1928/1929 the actual steps and figures of this dance were not clear. Many people treated and danced it like a new type of foxtrot with additional hip actions. After World War II The rumba was further developed into the "Cuban Rumba" by monsieur Pierre and Doris Lavell which had a school in Regent street, London. Standardisation was still a problem until Walter Laird started to write his Latin books and his work was accepted by many official dance Associations.
Paso Doble
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Paso Doble has it's roots in Spain and means ‘two steps’ in Spanish. It is based on bullfighting, with the man representing the matador and the woman his red cape.
The peak in popularity of this dance was reached in 1926. After World War II the Paso Doble was accepted as a Competition Dance. |
Jive
Jive is the fastest of the latin dances and is a rhythmical and swinging dance which is influenced by the Rock & Roll, Boogie and the African/American Swing. The jive is a dance where you dance together but also alone - the couple doesn't need to stay in contact with each other all the time.
In competitions, Jive is the last dance in a series of five. It enables participants to show that they are not tired and that they still can go full steam ahead, even though this is sometimes more of an illusion.
Did you know?
Dancesport has been recognised by the International Olympic Committee and is likely to feature on the programme in the 2012 Games held in London. | |