PEDEGLORIO, JUSTINE S.

1:00 3:00 W
02-03-16
Ballroom
The term 'ballroom dancing' is derived from the word ball which in turn originates from the Latin
word ballare which means 'to dance' (a ball-room being a large room specially designed for such dances). It is a
set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around the world. Because of its
performance and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television. 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.
Types of Ballroom Dances:
Standard Dances
The five Standard dances are the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. Somewhat
more formal than their Latin counterparts - and not just in terms of the athletes' attire - they are generally danced
in a closed position of the partners. The hold a Standard dance commences with is maintained throughout.
1. Foxtrot - The Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that is lots of fun and simple to learn...an excellent dance
for beginners. The Foxtrot is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements
across the floor.
2. Quickstep - The Quickstep is a quick version of the Foxtrot. It is a ballroom dance comprised of
extremely quick stepping, syncopated feet rhythms, and runs of quick steps. The Quickstep is
exciting to watch, but among the most difficult of all the ballroom dances.
3. Tango - The Tango is one of the most fascinating of all ballroom dances. This sensual ballroom
dance originated in South America in the early twentieth century.
4. Viennese Waltz - The Viennese Waltz is a quick rotating ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall. It
is considered by most to be one of the most difficult dances to learn. The simple and elegant
rotational movement characterizes the Viennese Waltz.
5. Waltz - The Waltz is one of the smoothest ballroom dances. It is a progressive dance marked by long,
flowing movements, continuous turns, and "rise and fall." The dance is so graceful and elegant,
Waltz dancers appear to glide around the floor with almost no effort.
Latin Dances
The five Latin dances are the Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive. With their heritage in
Latin American (Samba, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba), Hispanic (Paso Doble) and American (Jive) cultures, they each
have their distinguishing traits but coincide in expressiveness, intensity and energy.
1. Cha Cha -The Cha Cha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion and energy. The classic
"Cuban motion" gives the Cha Cha its unique style. Partners work together to synchronize each
movement in perfect alignment.
2. Samba - Possibly the most popular of all Brazilian ballroom dances, the Samba is popular with young
people as well as older generations. The Samba can be performed solo or with a partner.
3. Rumba - The Rumba is considered by many to be the most romantic and sensual of all Latin ballroom
dances. It is often referred to as the "Grandfather of the Latin dances."
4. Paso Doble - The Paso Doble is one of the liveliest ballroom dances, originating in southern France. It
is modeled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish bullfight.

PEDEGLORIO, JUSTINE S.
1:00 3:00 W
02-03-16
5. Jive - Jive is a ballroom dance style that originated in the United States from African-Americans. It is a
lively form of Swing dance, and a variation of the Jitterbug.

Sources
https://www.worlddancesport.org/About/Dance%20Styles/Latin_&_Standard
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballroom_dance
http://dance.about.com/od/partnerdancestyles/tp/Ballroom_Dances.htm