Ballroom dancing is an art form that has been existing for centuries. It is believed to have originated from the aristocracy of Europe, where people used to gather in ballrooms to dance the evening away. Over time, ballroom dancing got evolved into many different styles, but the basics are still the same.
On the other hand, it is often associated with royalty and high society. Yes, ballroom dancing can be considered a royal art form.Any considerable example?
Have you seen the film Cinderella, directed by Kenneth Branagh? There’s a famous ballroom dance scene where the protagonist finally meets her prince. Alike this, all kinds of dances shown in films based on the royal niche are examples of ballroom dances. It has been enjoyed by kings and queens for centuries and continues to be popular among the upper-class today. Since ballroom dancing is open to everyone, it is often seen as a symbol of wealth and power.
Taking attention off the hierarchy of this art form, beginning from high classes to lower, it generally makes a great way to exercise, socialize, and enjoy yourself. There are many different ballroom dances, each with its own unique style and steps.
Do you know what the 5 popular ballroom dances are? Let’s take a quick look at each type below.
Popular Types of Ballroom Dances
Some of the most popular ballroom dances include; waltz, foxtrot, tango, and ballroom salsa.
- Waltz
Waltz is a romantic dance often seen at weddings, and this ballroom dance is performed on waltz music.
The best example we already discussed above.This ballroom dance is performed in a secure hold (partners remain connected without breaking their frame) from start to finish.
- Tango
The tango is a ballroom dance that is quite fiery and passionate, featuring clipped actions and powerful leg movements. Dancers don’t raise their bodies, so it appears flattered and more linear across the dance floor.
The tango is a theatrical and sensual dance initiated in Argentina in the 19th century.
- Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a smooth, flowing dance that is performed in 4/4 time. The foxtrot is an exquisite and stylish dance. The foxtrot originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
- Cha-Cha
The cha-cha is a ballroom dance that is done to cha-cha music. The cha-cha is a fast, lively dance done in 4/4 time. The cha-cha is an amusing and energetic dance. The cha-cha originated in Cuba in the 19th century.
- Paso Doble
Paso Doble is a captivating dance style based on the story of a Spanish Bullfight with partners capturing the personalities of the Spanish Bullfighter (Matador) & either a Matador’s Cape or Spanish Dancer.
This type of ballroom dance was originated in France, but it also known by various names in French, like; “Apel,” meaning “call to action” (A weight replacement involving articulation of the entire foot with the ground, typically creating a stomping sound).
How to pick the right music for your ballroom dance?
When it comes to ballroom dance, the music is just as important as the steps. The wrong song can throw you off balance and ruin your dance. So, how do you pick the right music?
- It begins with determining what type of ballroom dance you are doing. There are several different types, each with its own style of music. For example, the foxtrot is a slow and graceful dance, so you’ll want to pick a song with a slower tempo.
- The quickstep is an upbeat and fast-paced dance, so pick a song with a faster tempo.
- Once you’ve determined the type of ballroom dance you are doing, you can start to narrow down your song choices. If you’re still stuck, try asking your dance instructor for suggestions, and they should be able to point you in the right direction. Or, you can also take online ballroom dance lessons for complete attention.
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