Ballroom dancing is a couples dance where couples move to the music using step-patterns and rhythms

that match the character of a given song. There are two main types of ballroom dance. The first,
referred to as the Smooth/Ballroom style of dance, are flowing dances that move around the entire
dance floor in a counter-clockwise fashion. The couple is constantly moving on the dance floor,
smoothly transitioning from pattern to pattern. Examples are Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz and
Quickstep.

The second type of ballroom dance is called the Latin/Rhythm style of dance. These dances pretty much
stay in one spot on the dance floor. They are energetic dances that reflect the syncopated rhythm of
the music being danced to. Examples are Swing, Rumba/Bolero, Cha Cha, Salsa/Mambo, Merengue,
Disco/Hustle, Samba and Paso Dob

A Brief History of Ballroom Dancing

“Ballroom dancing” as a term hails from the Latin word “ballare” which, coincidentally,
means “to dance.” Thus, a ballroom is a room in which to dance. Makes sense, right?

 Centuries ago, ballroom dancing was primarily for the privileged and well-to-do, while the
commoners had to make do with folk dancing; however, these boundaries have since
disappeared, leaving ballroom dancing a fun hobby for everyone.

Today, ballroom dancing applies to numerous dances in which a “leader” and a “follower”
dance together in close proximity, usually with some degree of physical contact. This
closeness is to permit the leader to get the follower to, well, follow along.

Early Ballroom Dancing

The first documented authority of early ballroom dancing is Jehan

Thoinot’Arbeau’s Orchesographie (1588) that discussed 16th-century French social
dance. In 1650, Jean-Baptiste Lully introduced the Minuet to Paris—a dance that would
dominate ballroom until the end of the 18th century.

The Waltz came about in England in the early 1800s despite initial opposition to the closed
dance hold. By 1840, the Polka, Mazurka, and Schottische emerged.

Ballroom Dancing Emerges in the US

In the early 20th century, ballroom dancing experienced massive popularity in the US with
the extremely successful dancing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Even though most of
their numbers were meticulously choreographed, staged, and oft-rehearsed, they
influenced greatly ballroom dancing’s acclaim and acceptance.

Ballroom versus Latin Dances

Although commonly classified together as “ballroom” dancing, there are notable

differences between ballroom and Latin dance. The “ballroom” dances are generally
“smooth” dances like:

 Waltz
 Foxtrot
 Tango
 Quickstep
 Viennese Waltz

“Latin” dances are more rhythmic and include:

 Rumba
 Swing/Jive
 Samba
 Cha Cha
 Mambo
 Merengue
 Bolero
 Salsa

Regardless of their "proper" classification, they are all extremely fun and fairly easy to
learn.

Competitive Ballroom Dancing

In addition to its wide appeal as a hobby, competitive ballroom dancing has also emerged.
Competition enables less advanced dancers of different levels to compete against their
peers with a professional partner/instructor. The fame of television shows like Dancing
with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance highlights the growing trend of competitive
ballroom dancing.

See also:
Ballroom DVD's & Videos >>
<< Learning Center Intro
Basic Steps in Ballroom Dancing

This free streaming video introduces you to the vocabulary of

basic dance steps used in ballroom dancing. Dance teachers Basic Steps in Ballroom
Dancing
often use terms such as triple step and coaster step without
realizing that a beginner may not know what these terms mean. PLAY
About twelve basic steps are defined in the video. Other free
Windows Media
streaming videos in our series cover other “ballroom basics” such
as turn technique, foot positions, the dance hold, and exhibition Quicktime
dance terms.
Flash
Definitions of basic ballroom dance steps & video script

Triple step - Triple steps are popular in swing dancing. The Triple Video Help
Step is a three step sequence taken on two beats of music. If the
first step of the triple step is taken on count 1, the second step is
taken on the half beat between counts 1&2, and the third step is taken on count 2. The
step timing is often called out as 1&2. Usually the triple step is two quick steps and one
slow, called out as "quick-quick-slow", or, using numbers, as "one-and-two.”

Rock Step - Here we see a sequence of two steps called a rock step. The step timing is
usually slow-slow.

Basic of East Coast Swing - The combination of two triple steps and a rock step form
the basic step of triple timing swing or the East Coast Swing. The step timing is usually
called out as 1&2, 3&4, 5,6.

Ball-Change - Here we see a sequence of two steps called a ball-change. Weight on

the ball of the foot is changed to the other foot.

Kick Ball Change - A popular swing dance step is the kick-ball-change step, which can
be used to replace the rock step. The timing is usually 1&2.

The Basic Step of the Carolina Shag - The combination of two triple steps and a kick
ball change can be used in triple timing swing dances such as the Carolina shag.

Coaster Step - The coaster step is usually a back-together-forward triple step danced
to the timing of 1&2 or quick, quick, slow.

Sailor Step - The sailor step has a side to side look. It is also a triple step danced to the
timing of 1&2. The step is accomplished by leaning in the opposite direction of the
crossing foot.

Anchor Step - The anchor step is a stationary triple step danced in third foot position to
the timing of 1&2. It is popular in the west coast swing.
Grapevine - The grapevine is a continuous traveling step pattern to the side usually
with alternating crosses behind and in front of the supporting foot.

Lock Step – The lock step is usually danced to triple step timing. During the step, the
lower part of the legs cross such that the back leg becomes locked behind the leading
leg until the leading leg moves forward. The lock step is often used in the triple step of
the cha cha cha