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About
Ballroom Dancing
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About
Ballroom DancingBallroom dancing is when two people dance together where the gentlemen leads and the lady follows his lead. The leader decides what steps the couple will do, he also watches for traffic, avoiding collisions, which is called floor craft which is a form of dance floor etiquette.
There are two different styles of Ballroom dancing, American Style and International Style.
Ballroom dancing is also classified as either Ballroom Smooth ( or Ballroom Standard) dances and Ballroom Latin or Rhythm dances.
Smooth/Standard dances progress around the floor in a counter clockwise.
Latin and Rhythm dances are more stationary dances also called spot dances.
When I teach ballroom dance classes I teach them at a SOCIAL DANCE LEVEL. The social dance level is not as intense as a competition level. This makes it possible for you to go out dancing at social events feeling confident. The social dancing classes teach you to dance purely for your pleasure and enjoyment, and gives you an opportunity to go out and dance with others. You will learn the ability to lead or follow and learn the dance positions, rhythm and figures for the dance style of the class you attend.
This page will give you the specifications for:
The American style allows the couple to move from closed position to open movements, underarm turns, and solo spins
American
Smooth American
Latin/Rhythm Waltz Cha-Cha Foxtrot Rumba Viennese
Waltz Mambo American
Tango Bolero Peabody Samba East Coast
Swing West Coast
Swing
American Smooth Dances
AMERICAN Waltz (Slow Waltz)
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
Style: American Smooth (Ballroom)
Meter: 3/4
Tempo: 84 - 96 beats per minute
Basic Rhythm: 1 2 3 - 1 2 3 (strong accent on 1)
Music Style: Slow ballads or instrumental music in 3/4 time.
DESCRIPTION
The Waltz is a graceful and elegant dance that glides progressively around the floor. It includes sway, and rise and fall. For the "First Dance" at weddings the waltz is a popular selection.
The American style allows the couple to move from closed position to open movements, underarm turns, and solo spins. This allows for more creative expression than the International Style Waltz that requires the dancers to maintain a closed hold.
The expressive quality of the music invites beautiful and dynamic movements from dancers.
Learning the waltz should be on the top of your list of dances. It is a useful social dance for all dancers that want to look cultured and confident.
Waltz is great for a romantic night out with your significant other, or for weddings and other social events. In the beginning level (AKA Bronze) class you will learn the all-important Dance Frame and fundamentals figures.
The music for dancing the waltz is slow ballads or instrumental music in 3/4 time. The first beat of each measure is a strong accented downbeat. Counted as: ONE, two, three - repeated ONE, two, three - or - ONE, two, three then FOUR, five, six as the figure (pattern of steps) continues. American waltz music is slow and fluid. The music can be instrumental or vocal. It is often orchestra type music.
FOXTROT
AMERICAN TANGO
VIENNESE WALTZ
AMERICAN TANG0
PEABODY (NOT INCLUDED IN COMPETITIONS)
