Ballroom dance

Ballroom dance is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, and on television.

History

Ballroom dance originated from folk dances conducted by the upper-class of societies. The term "ballroom dancing" comes from the word ball, which in turn originates from the Latin word ballare which means "to dance". In times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the privileged, leaving folk dancing for the lower classes. These boundaries have since become blurred, and it should be noted even in times long gone, many ballroom dances were really elevated folk dances.

Styles

Ballroom dance can be divided into two main styles: International Style and American Style. The International Style includes the International Standard and the International Latin, while the American Style includes the American Smooth and the American Rhythm.

International Style

The International Style is so called because it is accepted internationally as the style for dancesport. It includes the following dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, and Quickstep in the Standard division, and Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive in the Latin division.

American Style

The American Style is a more social style of dance, with more open patterns than the International Style. It includes the following dances: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz in the Smooth division, and Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero, and Mambo in the Rhythm division.

Competitions

Ballroom dance competitions are popular all over the world. Competitors dance in different categories, such as Professional, Amateur, and Pro-Am, and in different age groups, from Juvenile to Senior. The most prestigious competitions are the World DanceSport Championships, organized by the World DanceSport Federation.

See also

• DanceSport
• List of dances
• Social dance