Though Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers did not specifically do ballroom dancing, they have been an inspiration to many ballroom dancers of all ages. From 1933 to 1939, Astaire and Rogers made several Hollywood movies that contained performances showcasing the beauty and elegance in their dance routines. Though Astaire was most well known for his tap dancing, the style of this couple has influenced many dancers and dance styles, particularly American Smooth.
People begin ballroom dancing for many reasons. Not only does dancing tone muscles and improve strength, but it has the potential to reduce stress. It is a fun way to improve physical and emotional health. Ballroom dancing also provides a way for competitive personalities to express themselves. There are opportunities for people of all ages and skill levels to participate in competitions and showcases. It is also a good challenge, and gives one a wonderful feeling of accomplishment once one begins to progress.
The main down side to ballroom dancing is the injuries sustained by the feet. All shoes have some sort of high heel, including men’s shoes. Besides sore feet from the dance shoes, a dancer will from time to time step on his or her partner’s toes. This will depend on the experience of each dancer.
The three categories of ballroom dancing are International, American, and Social. International ballroom dancing is broken up into two main subcategories, which are broken down even further into specific dances. International Standard contains Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot (also known as Slow Foxtrot), and Viennese Waltz. International Latin includes Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and Paso Doble. American style dances are broken down in a similar fashion. American Smooth consists of Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz. American Rhythm includes Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Bolero, East Coast Swing, and Mambo. Social styles are East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, and Salsa.
There are no dances that will always be hardest or easiest, but people interested in learning about ballroom dancing typically start out with dances such as Waltz, Rumba, or East Coast Swing. Later on they will most likely move on to dances involving more complex concepts in their technique, such as Foxtrot or Jive.
International dancing is the category allowed in all countries for competitions. Therefore, the International (Standard and Latin) dances are the most commonly taught. Standard contains more elegant dances, and requires each partner to remain in closed position with one another, moving in a counter clockwise pattern around the floor. Latin choreography is more varied, and the characters portrayed by the dancers are often more sensual than those portrayed in Standard. Latin dances are not required to progress around the floor the way Standard dances do, though Samba and Paso Doble often do.
The amount of time a person spends dancing depends on how he or she intends to use the dance experience – for only social purposes or to compete. One may spend anywhere from an hour a week to several hours each day practicing.
Ballroom dancers in competitions must wear solid color, non-reflective clothing if they dance with partners who are also students. A dancer may wear costumes if he or she competes with a professional (often his or her instructor) or if dancing in the higher skill levels. For Standard and Smooth, gentlemen often wear evening clothes, such as waistcoats, and women wear gowns. For Latin and Rhythm, gentlemen will wear tight or form fitting clothing, and ladies will wear risqué costumes.
If a dancer is not interested in competing, or plans to compete only in North America, he or she may be interested in learning the American styles. Smooth dances are similar to Standard dances, except the frame is less restricted to a closed position. Rhythm dances are related to Latin dances, except in the footwork of the individual figures. Rhythm also focuses on different aspects of technique, such as not putting as much emphasis on straightening of the legs, which is a large part of Latin technique.
Overall, a person looking into his or her first experience with ballroom dancing will find it rewarding, and hopefully see the great potential for improvement and accomplishment.
