What is Dancesport?

Dancesport represent the competitive ballroom dance. According to the World dance
sport federation, it is the activity that combines sport and dance that allows the participants to
improve physical fitness and mental well-being, to form social relationships and to obtain results
in competition at all levels. Competitive DanceSport in a wide variety of dance styles and forms
is practised within the internationally recognised and organised competition structure of IDSF.
The term “DanceSport” was invented to help in recognizing the competitive ballroom dance in
an Olympic sport; however it has not been included as an official event at the Olympics.

Two Styles of Dance Sport

International Style Latin

 Cha-cha
 Samba
 Rumba
 Paso doble
 Jive

International Style Standard

 Waltz
 Tango
 Viennese Waltz
 Foxtrot
 Quickstep

International Style Latin: History and their Basic Steps

Samba Dance Steps

Originating in 19th century Brazil, the samba is found all over the world in a staggering number
of different styles. In Brazil, it is a solo dance, performed at street festivals and carnivals.
Ballroom samba, on the other hand, is a partner dance that has little in common with the original
form. Although in Brazil samba remains a solo form, in other countries it evolved into a partner
dance and was standardized as a ballroom dance in 1956. While most famous in places like Rio
de Janeiro, one might just as easily see these steps performed in a street parade in Finland or a
dinner club in Chicago. Part of its appeal is the simplicity of learning the basic steps of the
samba, making it easy to spice it up later with the intricacies of choreography.

Establish Your Samba Rhythm

Regardless of the style, the rhythm of the samba is the secret to its appeal. While the music is in
2/4 time, there are three steps in each measure. More simply put, every two beats has three steps.
It goes long quick, short quick, and then slow.

The Two Basic Samba Dance Steps

To dance the samba you only need two actual steps, and they are mirrors of each other. Actually,
the word "step" is a little misleading, as most expert dancers will point out that it's more of a
weight shift (or, to use a choreographic term, a "ball change") from foot to foot. Traditionally,
men will start with a Forward Basic, which the woman mirrors with a Backward Basic. Each will
then reverse direction for the next two measures and repeat, going back and forth.

Forward Basic (Leader)

1. On the first beat of the music, slide the left foot forward very slightly and put the body's
full weight on it.

2. Sliding the right foot forward, let the body shift subtly onto the ball of the left foot. The
right heel shouldn't touch the floor.

3. After the left leg lifts as the weight shifts, place it back on the floor, flat and ready to go
into the complementary back basic.

Back Basic (Follower)

1. On the first beat of the music, slide the right foot back very slightly and put the body's
full weight on it.

2. Sliding the left foot back, let the weight shift subtly onto the ball of the left foot. This
move is also subtle, with the left heel never even making it to the floor.

3. After the right leg rises because of the ball change, let it come back fully to the floor,
with the full weight coming back.
Turn the Samba Square

If you want to go further with learning the samba, try the samba square. Like the rhythm of the
basic samba steps, it goes long quick, short quick, and then slow. The leader starts the samba
square forward and does the second half backward. The follower starts the samba square
backward and does the second half forward.

Once again, both partners should be facing each other.

Forward Samba Square (Leader)

1. Bend the left knee as you step forward with your left foot.

2. Straighten your right knee as you step to the right with the right foot.

3. Bend both knees as you bring the left foot to the right foot.

4. Straighten your knees.

Backward Samba Square (Follower)

1. Bend the right knee as you step backward with your right foot.

2. Straighten your left knee as you step to the left with your left foot.

3. Bend both knees as you bring your right foot to the left foot.

4. Straighten both knees.

Three steps to each basic move leads to what may at first be confusion in counting since the
music is in 2/4 time. Some teachers use a "quick-quick-slow" method to teach, but this can be
perplexing as the last step is not so much a "slow" movement as a preparatory placement for the
upcoming shift in weight and direction. For that reason, many people will instead use "and" set
between beats of measure, counted "one and two, three and four, five and six, seven and eight."

Samba Side Step

Both partners face each other for the start of the side step.

Samba Side Step (Leader)

1. Bend the left knee as you step to the left with the left foot.

2. Bring the right foot behind and across the left foot, then straighten.

3. Bend the left knee as you step in place with your left foot. Keep the right foot in place in
back.
 4. Straighten.

5. Bend the right knee as you step to the right with the right foot.

6. Bring the left foot behind and across the right foot, then straighten.

7. Bend the right knee as you step in place with your right foot. Keep the left foot in its
place.

8. Straighten.

Samba Side Step (Follower)

1. Bend the right knee as you step to the right with your right foot.

2. Bring the left foot behind and across the right foot, then straighten.

3. Bend the right knee as you step in place with the right foot. Leave your left foot in place
in back.

4. Straighten.

5. Bend the left knee as you step to the left with the left foot.

6. Bring the right foot behind and across the left foot, then straighten.

7. Bend the left knee as you step in place with your left foot. Keep the right foot in place in
back.

8. Straighten.

The Samba Grand Finish

Dancers finish the samba in a dramatic way. The proper way to finish the samba is to extend
your hands out to the side and throw your head back. This distinct grand finale to the passionate
movements adds just the right finishing touch to the dance.

Rumba

The word Rumba is a generic term, covering a variety of names (i.e., Son, Danzon,
Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo), for a type of West Indian music or dancing. The exact
meaning varies from island to island. The word "rumba" comes from the verb "rumbear"
which means going to parties, dancing, and having a good time.
There are two sources of the dances: one Spanish and the other African. Although the main
growth was in Cuba, there were similar dance developments which took place in other Caribbean
islands and in Latin America generally.

The "rumba influence" came in the 16th century with the black slaves imported from Africa. The
native Rumba folk dance is essentially a sex pantomime danced extremely fast with exaggerated
hip movements and with a sensually aggressive attitude on the part of the man and a defensive
attitude on the part of the woman. The music is played with a staccato beat in keeping with the
vigorous expressive movements of the dancers. Accompanying instruments include the maracas,
the claves, the marimbola, and the drums.

Basic steps

Rumba is usually danced to music written in 4/4 time, with four beats to each measure. The basic
step is a very simple box step. It consist of three basic steps - two quick side steps and a slow
forward or backward step.

The rhythm of the steps is slow, quick, quick. A slow step is danced over two counts of music,
while a quick step is danced over one count.

Rumba is a spot dance which means the couple does not travel around the dance floor like in
many other dances, but rather stays in one location. It is done to music with slow tempo and
emphasizes on hip movements (what we call Cuban motion).

Instructions:

You start dancing in a closed dance position. The man's left hand is holding the lady's right hand
with the elbows almost touching. The man's right hand is placed underneath the lady's shoulder
blade. The lady's left hand is placed right behind the man's shoulder, flat on his back.
Basic Steps for Men

The gentleman starts with his left foot stepping forward. The man's steps are as follows:

1. Step forward with your left foot

2. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

3. Move your left foot to your right foot

4. Step back with your right foot

5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

6. Move your right foot to your left fooT

Basic Steps for Women

The lady starts with her right foot stepping backward. The woman's steps are as follows:

1. Step back with your right foot

2. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

3. Move your right foot to your left foot

4. Step forward with your left foot

5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

6. Move your left foot to your right foot

Cha cha

History

Cha cha is a fun, flirtatious dance with playful energy. It's a blend of other Latin dances,
especially mambo and rumba. The major difference between cha cha and mambo/rumba is a
triple step (cha cha cha) that replaces the slow step. Like so many Latin dances, it originates
from Cuba. It was developed by the Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the middle
of 1950s. Originally it was known as a slowed-down mambo or "the triple mambo", because of
the three quick steps. It gained instant popularity due to its simplicity. In time it evolved into a
separate dance and although it was originally known as the cha-cha-cha, the name was shortened
to the cha-cha. Cha cha is very much a dance of today.
Basic Steps (Dancing For Beginners, n.d.).

For Men:

1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

2. Step backward & left with your right foot

3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it

4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

5. Move your left foot to your right foot

6. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

7. Step forward & right with your left foot

8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it

9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

10. Move your right foot to your left foot

For Women:

1. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

2. Step forward & right with your left foot

3. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it

4. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

5. Move your right foot to your left foot

6. Sidestep to the right with your left foot

7. Step backward & left with your right foot

8. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it

9. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

10. Move your left foot to your right foot

Paso Doble

History

Paso Doble or Pasodoble is a lively style of dance to the duple meter march-like pasodoble
music. It actually originated in southern France, but is modeled after the sound, drama, and
movement of the Spanish bullfight. It bases the choreography on the character of the lead
portraying the Torero (bullfighter) and the follow - not, as might be expected, the bull, but rather
the torero's cape. Paso doble means "two step" in Spanish. "Two Step" refers to the marching
nature of the steps, which may be counted '1, 2' for 'Left, Right'. The competition version of the
Paso Doble is danced with a high chest, the shoulders wide and down, and with the head kept
back but inclined slightly forward and down (the bullfight nature of the dance). (Dance History,
n.d.).

Basic Steps

Lead:

With the dancers in a rigid and closed dance frame, lead's left hand clasping the follow's right
held out from the body, and his right hand at her back, her left hand held at his bicep, the dancers
need to keep a rigid and close hold throughout the steps.

The lead begins facing line of dance and steps forward with the left, letting the body rotate to the
center of the dance floor as the right foot steps ahead. Remaining on the balls of the feet, beats 3-
8 are stepped in a chasse.

The next eight beats begin with one of the "cape" moves, as the man takes three steps in a tight,
counter clockwise circle, finishing off the last beats with side steps back against the line of
dance.

All of these moves should be sharp and quick, with the chest and head held up and out
epitomizing "pride and dignity."

Follow:

The follow basically mirrors the steps of the lead, moving backwards in the tight circle, using the
motion to lend the impression of a flowing cape to the traditionally long skirts worn by the
woman for the Paso Doble. The dance is very intensely connecting between the two, with eye
contact and physical contact lending an urgent tension between the two dancers.
Jive

History

Jive is a faster version of swing and shares many things with it, from footwork to underarm
turns, swivels, etc. It evolved from early swing dances like Boogie-Woogie and Jitterbug. During
WWII American soldiers introduced it to Europe, especially UK, where it became very popular
with the youth. In 1968 it was added as the fifth Latin dance in International competitions.

Basic Steps (Dancing For Beginners, n.d.).

For Men:

1. Step back with your left foot (Rock step)

2. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it

3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (Chasse to the left)

4. Move your right foot to your left foot

5. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

6. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the right)

7. Sidestep to the right with your left foot

8. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

For Women:

1. Step back with your right foot (Rock step)

2. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it

3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (Chasse to the right)

4. Move your left foot to your right foot

5. Sidestep to the right with your right foot

6. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it (Chasse to the left)

7. Sidestep to the left with your right foot

8. Sidestep to the left with your left foot

International Style Standard: History and their Basic Steps

Waltz:

History

The term "Waltz" originates from the old German word "walzen" which means to roll,
turn, to glide or to revolve. Waltz is a ballroom dance in 3/4 time with a strong accent on the first
beat and a basic pattern of step-step-close and essentially this dance is all about gliding in a
lively or conspicuous manner. The Waltz is a dance that was born in the suburbs of Vienna and
in the alpine region of Austria. As early as the seventeenth century, Waltzes were played in the
ballrooms of the Habsburg court, one of the most influential and distinguished royal houses of
Europe. The "weller", or turning dances, were danced by peasants in Austria and Bavaria even
before that time. Many of the familiar Waltz tunes can be traced back to simple peasant yodeling
melodies. During the middle of the eighteenth century, the Allemande form of the Waltz was
very popular in France. Originally danced as one of the figures in the Contredanse, with arms
intertwining at shoulder level, it soon became an independent dance and the close-hold was
introduced. By the end of the eighteenth century, this old Austrian peasant dance had been
accepted by high society, and the three-quarter rhythm was here to stay.

Basic Steps:

Man's Waltz Box Steps:

1. Step forward with the LF.

2. Step forward with the RF so that right foot is parallel to left foot.
3. Bring the LF to the RF.
4. Step back with the RF.
5. Step back with the LF so that the left foot is parallel to right foot.
6. Bring the RF to the LF.

Woman's Waltz Box Steps:

1. Step back with the RF.

2. Step back with the LF so that the left foot is parallel to right foot.
3. Bring the RF to the LF.
4. Step forward with the LF.
5. Step forward with the RF so that right foot is parallel to left foot.
 6. Bring the LF to the RF.

Tango:

History

Tango has dramatic movements, sometimes it is slow and other times sharp like quick
foot flicker. Tango has the same counter clockwise flow of movement around the dance floor,
but with a lesser sense of urgency. Tango is a Ballroom Dance that branched away from its
original Argentine roots by allowing European, American, Hollywood, and competitive
influences into the style and execution of the dance.

In the mid-1800s, the African slaves had been brought to Argentina. The word “tango”
was derived from Portuguese and Latin verb tanguere means “to touch”. It had acquired the
standard meaning of the place where African slaves and free blacks gathered to dance by the
time Argentina banned slavery in 1853. The dance began as a pantomime of communication
between prostitute and pimp. The improvisation was filled with emotional outpouring and
suggestive gyration. This sexual choreography was accented by the melancholy drone of the
bandoneon, a German instrument very similar to the accordion. As the tango evolved, it became
less vulgar and was exported to France, in the early 1900’s. It was further refined and quickly
gained popularity with the Parisian high society. Adding classy clothes, ballrooms, lyrics, and an
orchestra, the Tango was revolutionized for the rich and became popular all over Europe, the
USA, and was even embraced by the upper class of Argentina. Throughout the Tango`s
evolution, two things remained constant: the background music of the bandoneon, and the
passionate translation of emotions into dance (Brown, S.A. 2014)

Basic Steps:

Basic Steps for Men:

1. Step forward with your left foot

2. Step forward with your right foot passing the left foot
3. Step forward again with your left foot this time passing the right
foot
4. Step forward and to the right with your right foot
5. Left foot close to right foot
Basic Steps for Women:

1. Step back with your right foot

2. Step back with your left foot passing the right foot
3. Step back again with your right foot this time passing the left foot
4. Step back and to the left with your left foot
5. Right foot close to left foot

Viennese Waltz:

History

The Viennese Waltz is the oldest of all ballroom dances and it is the original form of the
Waltz. In the late of 18th century, waltz made its initial appearance in Germany and Austria and
was influenced by their dance styles. The Viennese Waltz was quite the scandalous dance style
when it first emerged, however it gained acceptance and even popularity amongst the upper class
due to the Congress of Vienna at the beginning of the 19th century. Also the famous composition
of Josef Lanner, Johann Strauss I and his son, Johann Strauss II made Viennese Waltz fueled this
social dance’s popularity. This dance style differs from the slow waltz mainly because of its
speed were Viennese Waltz often uses 6/8 time with a tempo of about 180 beats per minute.

Basic Steps:
Foxtrot

History

Foxtrot is characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across the dance floor is
danced smoothly and progressive way. The dance is similar in its look to Waltz, although the
rhythm is in a 4/4 time signature instead of 3/4. The dance combines slow steps, which use two
beats of music, and quick steps, which use one beat of the music. The footwork timing is usually
"slow, quick, quick" or "slow, slow, quick, quick." The Foxtrot originated in the summer of 1914
by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox in New York City. It became popular as the Foxtrot reached its
height of popularity in the 1930's. From the late teens through the 1940's, the Foxtrot was
certainly the most popular fast dance and the vast majority of records issued during these years.
(Fuller, n.d.).

Basic Steps:

Gentlemen Foxtrot Steps

Basic forward

1. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)

2. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)

Basic backward

1. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)

2. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the left with your left foot (quick step)
4. Move your right foot to your left foot (quick step)

Lady Foxtrot Steps

Basic forward

1. Step backward with your right foot (slow step)

2. Step backward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)
Basic backward

1. Step forward with your right foot (slow step)

2. Step forward with your left foot (slow step)
3. Sidestep to the right with your right foot (quick step)
4. Move your left foot to your right foot (quick step)

Quickstep

History

In 1920s the dance Quickstep was developed in New York City which initially performed
by Caribbean and African dancers. A dance which was one of the precursors, originated from the
combination of Charleston and slow foxtrot. The movement of the dance is fast and powerfully
flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. It eventually made its debut on the stages of American
music-halls and immediately became popular in Ballrooms. In later development, Quickstep
became the fast version of the Foxtrot for the original Foxtrot was developed into Slow-Foxtrot.

Basic Steps:
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS

Ballroom dance refers to partner dances which originated in the Western world and are
danced in both social and competitive contexts. Under the heading of ballroom dance are the ten
competitive dances of International Standard (which is what most people refer to as ballroom
dance) and International Latin dance. The International Standard dances are the Slow Waltz,
Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep. International Latin dances are the Cha
Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

Latin Dance refers to dances which originated in or are derived from Latin American
dances. Compared to typical ballroom dance, the Latin category includes dances that are faster-
paced, more sensual, and have greater rhythmic expression. The time is usually 4/4. Couple stand
face to face in the basic Latin Dance position. Music is variable – either traditional Latin
American music or contemporary popular songs.

In all Latin dances, steps should be taken with the ball of the foot contacting the floor
first, then the heel lowering when the weight is fully transferred. Latin hip movement is achieved
though the alternate bending and straightening of the knees, or, in International Latin style, by
making the weighted leg straight and bending the free leg. This allows the hips to settle in the
direction of the weighted leg. Latin dance also uses different shoes than standard ballroom dance.
Open toed sandals are common for women. It is common to take very small steps in Latin dance,
unless the music is very slow, such as Bolero or Rumba. Men lead almost exclusively in Latin
dance, with the female partner following. Erect stance and adequate tension in the body are also
important for formal Latin dance.

The Cha Cha (originally cha-cha-cha) was created when a UK dance teacher, Pierre
Lavelle, visited Cuba in 1952. Dancers were dancing the mambo with a triple step. This
eventually became the modern Cha Cha. The Samba is of Brazilian origin, danced in 2/4 time. It
has three steps to every bar of music, and is danced with a slight downward bouncing action
created through the bending and straightening of the knees.

The Rumba is a very sensual Latin dance, done quite slowly. The only dance done more
slowly is the Bolero, which some consider to be a subset of Rumba. In its original form, this
Afro-Caribbean dance featured a lot of hip movement, simulating sexual activity. The modern
formalized form of the dance is more sedate. The hip movement in this case is created solely by
the bending and straightening of the dancers’ knees.

The fourth dance in the International Latin category is the Paso Doble. Unlike the other
dances in this set, it originated in France. It is, however, modeled after the movement and drama
of the Spanish and Latin American bullfight. The name is Spanish, meaning “two step.” Like
other dances in the Latin category, forward steps are taken with the heel lead. Traditional Paso
Doble music is written with breaks in fixed positions in the song. The dances are choreographed
to match these breaks. This causes the dance to be almost exclusively danced competitively.
 Last in the International Latin group of dances is Jive, which has its ancestry in swing
dancing. This dance does not have obviously Latin American influences, but it does have the
same sort of foot work, and the same emphasis on a steady upper body. It is the fastest of the
group, known for quick leg action and triple steps.

International Standard, or ballroom dancing, the head, chest, hips and legs are held in an
upright manner. These dances are characterized by smooth movements, in comparison to the
very beat-oriented Latin dances. International Standard dances all progress on the dance floor.
All such dances move counter clockwise around the room. The weight is carried on the ball of
the foot.

The modern Slow Waltz, or simply Waltz, is performed in 3/4 time at a tempo of 84-90
beats per minute. Advanced figures may have four to six steps per measure, but basic figures
have only a single step per beat. The Tango originated in Argentina. It was codified in 1922 to be
danced at 120 beats per minute. The ballroom Tango can include staccato movements and head
snaps.

The Viennese Waltz was the original form of the Waltz. It is danced at approximately 180
beats per minute. The dancers are constantly turning in a clockwise or counter clockwise
direction. The music of the Viennese Waltz is very fast compared to other Waltzes, but maintains
a slow harmonic pace and simple harmonies. It is danced in a closed position, and the figures are
limited to turns and change steps.

Foxtrot, the fourth dance in the International Standard category, was invented by a
vaudeville actor called Harry Fox to replace the two-step. The dance premiered in 1914 and was
standardized by Arthur Murray. At its inception, the Foxtrot was danced to ragtime music, but is
now normally danced to big band music in the same way as swing. The Foxtrot is the slower of
two related dances. The other is the Quickstep, the last in the International Standard category.
The latter dance is much the same as the Foxtrot, but time has given it techniques and patterns
which are unique to itself.

The Latin dances are often considered the most romantic dances, but this is a matter of
the dancers and the tension between them. While many Latin dances evolved from a tradition full
of sensual implication, the Waltz and Tango have just as much potential to be performed
romantically. What matters is the connection between the partners and their ability to
communicate it to their audience. The major difference between ballroom and Latin dances is the
conventions of each style. The Latin hip movement and leading with the heel distinguish Latin
dance from Standard. Both types are performed almost exclusively as couple dances and are
performed in competitive circumstances. Both Latin and Standard dances can be easily enjoyed
and learned by anyone.
IS DANCESPORT APPROPRIATE TO MY AGE

Ballroom dancing is a great teacher for the youth. It teaches:

 Relationships necessary in close teamwork

 Discipline through practice and routines
 Goal setting, planning, and actions to achieve agreed goals
 An appreciation and further understanding of music’s rhythm and tempo
 Economics and fluidity in movement
 Self-confidence

In summary, it teaches skills and abilities that will be very useful throughout one’s life in social
situations, in business growth, and in offering a great exercise.

Physical Benefits

Physically, the general conditioning that ballroom dancing provides will benefit all young people
in many ways. Those who practice regularly will build stamina equal to that of soccer players or
runners. They acquire far more lasting physical stamina than football or baseball players who
“stop and start” rather than continuously move.

Another plus is that ballroom dancing provides excellent physical conditioning without the risk
of injury inherent in most physical sports.

With dance, the young will become involved with disciplines and movements that can instill
innate knowledge of body dynamics and skills that may enhance their lives in many ways.
Mutually engaging in dance with a partner requires balance, synchronized and coordinated
movement, and develops prime and usable body skills.

Mental Benefits

Mentally, the young person finds great satisfaction in the achievements afforded by dancing —
whether that be a “great dance” in a social situation, or participating in a hotly contested
competition. Students are greatly drawn to competition endeavor. Unknown to most, dancing
offers keen and top-grade competition in formation teams, team-matches, and couple dancing.
Ballroom dance teams usually include top academic leaders of the school or college. They are
attracted to ballroom dancing by both the mental and physical challenge.

Ballroom dancing stretches the thinking and the “do-it” abilities of the young. The sense of
achievement is a confidence builder. Teamwork – of couples and more – is mutually stimulating
to concentration and learning.

For all ages, competitive dancing is an excellent learning experience in discipline, achievement,
assuredness, and self-confidence. These favorable attributes then tend to transfer to other aspects
of the youth’s life and this provides even greater benefits in their future. Wherever our youth
participate in dancing, they enjoy it and thrive.
Social Benefits

Young people feel emotionally better when they find themselves more socially acceptable, which
dancing helps. Socially, the young ballroom dancers discover a new alliance with the opposite
sex, an alliance built on courtesy, consideration and mutual achievement.

Our ballroom dance clubs provide a great social network in a controlled environment that is free
of smoking, alcohol, and drugs.

The “good” dancers find themselves much appreciated at social functions and always popular.
This builds “social confidence”. Ballroom dancing, a great social skill, provides much joy and is
useful for a person’s entire life. It is a skill to be learned, practiced, used, and treasured.