Nature and Background of Social Dance

SOCIAL DANCES - known as ballroom dances are dances intended primarily to get to know other people in attendance to
a certain social function. They are usually performed in pairs, male and female but may also be
Performed in groups.
SOCIAL DANCES- are communal dances performed in social gatherings in any given space. They are synonymously
referred to as ballroom dances, but the former is performed in balls or formal social functions.
Dance mixer -is a kind of participation dance in a social dance setting that involves changing partners as an integral
part.
Mixing can be built into the dance choreography or can be structured to occur more randomly.
FUNCTIONS OF DANCE MIXERS
1. To maximize the social dimensions of dancing.
2. There are specific dance mixers that are performed in social events but ballroom or social dance can be
converted into dance mixers by expanding it from a pair dancing to group dancing activity with exchange of
partners periodically while dancing.
Ballroom Dances- is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially and competitively around
the world, mostly because of its performance and entertainment aspects. It is also
widely enjoyed on stage, film and television as any recreational dance with a partner.

Dancesport -is competitive ballroom dancing, as contrasted to social or exhibition dancing . It is done in front of
judges, in the form of dance that is required of the competitors. This can be everything from the waltz to the slow
foxtrot. There are different categories for age and skill level.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SOCIAL DANCES AND DANCESPORT

1. Social or ballroom dances are different from dancesport because the latter is freer in nature and are primarily
intended to widen one’s social horizon, for recreation and fitness.
2. The former is performed in competitions and are referred to as competitive ballroom dancing.

2 Major Classification of Social/Ballroom Dances

1. Latin American Dances include the Salsa, Mambo, Swing, Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive, and
Paso Doble. It can be performed in an open or close hold. It can also be easily
determined by the nature of the movement.
Latin dances distinguish themselves by the costumes worn by performers.
Latin Dance Costume- are somewhat revealing, tight fitting, sexy yet sophisticated in nature.
Latin Dances Movements are freer and can be performed in close or open hold. It shows
rhythmic expression, sensual, and spicy style.

Latin American Description Country of Origin

Dances
Cha-cha-cha It is a lively, fun, cheeky and playful dance. Cuba
Rumba It is recognized for the subtle side to side hip movements with the Cuba
erect torso.
Samba It is known to the simple forward and backward steps and tilting, Brazil
and rocking body movements.
Paso Doble It is an energetic dance modeled after the drama of the Spain
Spanish bullfight.
Jive/Boogie It is described as very happy, boppy, lively dance, with many of USA
knee-lifting, bending, and rocking of the hips.
Swing It is known as an energetic style of dancing in which a dancer often USA
lifts, spins and flips his or her partner.
Merengue It is described as a fun, fast and easy dance made up of simple Dominican
steps. It is composed of a non-progressive dance, but can also
Republic
travel counter-clockwise around the floor.
Salsa It is a combination of many Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances Cuba
whose movements was coming from in the Cuban Son, Cha-
Cha -Cha, Mambo and other dance forms.
Mambo It is recognized as a fast and spicy dance. The Cuban motion, Cuba
staccato movement and expression of rhythm through the body is
noticeable.
Cha-Cha-Cha Dance Steps and Terminologies

Basic Name Of Step Description Step Pattern Counting

Rock Step Rock Step is also known as break step ,may R – Bw, L – Fw
1 refer to one of several similar dance moves. 1, 2
(Weight transfer)
The name refers to the rocking action during
the move: the weight is transferred from one
foot to another and then back. It is used in a
number of dances, such as East Coast Swing,
Zydeco, Lindy Hop, and Tango.
2 R Chasse (F) The chasse is a dance step used in many dances R – Fw, L-C to R, R- 1 and 2
in many variations. All variations are triple-step Fw
patterns of gliding character in a "step-together-
step" pattern.
Weight transfer L – Bw, R – Fw
3 1, 2
(Rock Step)
4 L Chasse (B) L – Bw, R-C to L, L-Bw 1 and 2
Spot Turn is loosely defined as two forward Same with Alemana Turn
5 Spot Turn steps and a chasse danced solo by man or lady, but done Sw-leading to a 1, 2
circling either to the left or right, to the count of Chasse Bw
2, 3, 4&1. Turns to the left are commenced with
the right foot; Turns to the right are commenced
with the left foot.
The woman steps forward, toward her man's left L – Fw (pivot halfway turn
6 Alemana Turn side. She does not cross in front and so take that R), R – Fw (pivot halfway 1, 2
first step of the turn away from him. Briefly, she turn R) leading to a
is nose to nose and gazing deeply into his eyes. Chasse Fw
Then at the last moment she turns away in a
sharp spiraling sort of movement. It is flirtatious
New Yorks are breaks which alternate from left Step L across R in front,
7 New York to right side-by-side position by way of the Step R in place, Chasse L 1,2,1 and 2
(L over R) chasse, using the basic rhythm 2, 3, 4&1. Both left Sw, Step R over L in Front,
and right foot break forward. Chasse R Sw
Step R across L in
8 New York front, Step L in place, 1,2,1 and 2
(R over L) Chasse R Sw, Step L
over R in Front, Chasse
L Sw
Legend:
L – Left Foot Fw – Forward C- Close Step
R – Right Foot Bw – Back Ward –

2. Modern Standard Dances –is another term for some of the same ballroom, or partner, dancing. Dances
that fall into the “standard” category are the waltz, the tango, the foxtrot, the Viennese waltz, and the quickstep.
Standard Dance Costumes – formal wear, ankle-length gowns for females and coat-and-tie for
males.
Standard Dance Movements- Most of the time movements are restricted to close ballroom
position with partner.
Modern Dance- is a catchall phrase for all types of dancing that do not fall into ballroom, standard,
International and dancesport categories. It consider dance as an art form, therefore it is interpreted in a
number of different ways.
International Dances- are a catchall term for the competitive versions of ballroom dances. There are two main
categories: International Standard, which includes the tango and the Viennese waltz; and International Latin,
which includes the Rumba, the Paso Doble, and the Cha-Cha.
 Standard Modern Description Country of Origin
Dances
The most famous among the International Standard Dances. It comes from a
traditional Austrian Dance called “Matenick”, and overtime has developed to Austria
Slow Waltz
have many different cultural and competitive variations all over the world.
A ballroom and Folk Dance normally in triple (34 time ) performed primarily in
closed position. It derived from German Word “Walzer”, meaning, “to roll or
revolve”.
A distinctive tango dance and the corresponding musical style of tango music,
began in the working-class port neighborhoods of Buenos Aires and
Montevideo; on both sides of the Rio de la Plata.

It was a popular dance among European immigrants, former slaves and the
working and lower classes. It came about through the nostalgia and melancholy Argentina
Tango felt by those who were far from home.

During Argentina’s political struggles with prohibition and dictatorships, the

dance was forced underground where some say performing it was considered
an illegal act. It later came back to light in the 1980’s and its popularity soared
again before spreading throughout the rest of the world.
Foxtrot Is an early 20th Century American dance that has its origins in the one-step, the USA
two-step, and syncopated ragtime dances (Norton).
Viennese waltz Is a rotary dance where the dancers are constantly turning either in a Vienna
clockwise ("natural") or counter-clockwise ("reverse") direction interspersed
with non-rotating change steps to switch between the direction of rotation
Quickstep Was developed in the 1920s in New York City and was first danced by Black USA
Americans. Its origins are in combination of slow foxtrot combined with the
Charleston, a dance which was one of the precursors to what today is called
swing dancing.

WALTZ Dance Steps and Terminologies

Basic Name Of Step Description Step Pattern Counting

Start with feet together and hands by your side. R – Sw, R – C to L

1 (pivoting halfway R, R-
3 Step Turn Your goal is to do a 360 degree turn by only 1, 2, 3
taking 3 steps. Start going to the right with the in place (pivoting R half
right leg first. After you've done 3 steps and way R), L – Sw, R – C to
turned around give a clap, a pose, or a head nod L, L in place
on the 4th count and begin in the other
direction.
2 Closed Change is a Pre-Bronze, or L – Fw (with the hell), R
L Close Change newcomer waltz figure, performed in closed – Sw (with the toes), L – 1, 2, 3
position. Changes may start of the right foot or left C to R (with toes of both
foot, moving forward or backward. This makes feet together and down)
four different types of closed changes. Combining
two changes results in a box step. In right changes
the man starts from the right foot, while in left
ones the man starts from the left foot.

R – Bw (with the hell), L – Sw

3 R Close Change (with the toes), R – C to L (with
toes of both feet together and 1, 2, 3
down)

4 Natural Turn A natural turn is a dance step in which the (Male) L-Fw (with the
(Movements are done partners turn around each other clockwise. heel), L-Fw (with a
Simultaneously Its near-mirror counterpart is the reverse quarter turn R, on toes),
turn, which is turning to the counter- R-C to L (feet then
1, 2, 3
clockwise. This terminology is used mainly down), L-Sw (with the
in the "International Standard" group of heel), R-quarter Bw R
 ballroom dances. (with the toes) L-C to R
(feet together and
down)
The Reverse Turn in Waltz is the most (Male) L-Fw (with the heel), R-
5 Reverse Turn fundamental. It is a simple figure consisting Fw (with a quarter turn Bw L
(Movements are done of six steps that turns to the left and on toes), L-C to R (feet down), 1, 2, 3
simultaneously) R-Sw (with the heel), L-quarter
progresses generally down line of dance.
Bw-L (with the toes), R-C to L
(feet together and down)
Legend:
L – Left Foot Fw – Forward
R – Right Foot Bw – Back Ward C – Close Step

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN LATIN AMERICAN DANCE AND MODERN STANDARD DANCES

1.
Latin dances distinguish themselves by the costumes worn by performers- They are somewhat revealing,
tight-fitting, sexy yet sophisticated in nature.
2. Distinguish by the nature of the movements- They are freer and can be performed in close or open hold.
3. Standard Dances- wear formal, ankle-length gowns for females and coat and tie for males
4. Most of the time, movements in these are restricted to close ballroom position with partner.
COSTUMES FOR INTERNATIONAL STANDARD DANCES

Basic Men’s Dress Code for International Standard and American Smooth

 A BASIC SHIRT FOR WEARING WITHOUT A

TAILCOAT
 MEN’S SHIRT IS ACTUALLY A LEOTARD WITH
BUILT-IN PANTS

Men Pants (Trousers)

STRAIGHT NORMAL-WAIST BLACK PANTS

WITHOUT STRIPES
PANTS HAVE A SPECIAL CUT TO LOOK FRESHLY
IRONED
Vest or Waistcoat
 A VEST IS USUALLY BLACK
 IT CAN HAVE DIFFERENT DESIGN AND CAN
BE WORN WITH A NECKTIE OR A BOW TIE
VERTICAL STRIPES
 IN AMERICAN SMOOTH A DANCER CAN
SOMETIMES WEAR A CARDIGAN OR A
PULLOVER INSTEAD OF A VEST

BOYS- LATIN DANCE COSTUMES

BOYS- LATIN DANCE COSTUMES

 MENS-LATIN DANCE COSTUMES

BOYS- STANDARD DANCE COSTUMES

MENS- STANDARD DANCE COSTUMES

 Female Dress Code For Ballroom Dancing
The women dress for ballroom dancing can be grouped by the number of elements:
 A 2-piece set, e.g. a skirt and a shirt. Usually this set is applicable only for newbies or practice sessions.
 One-piece set is more professional, fashionable and comfortable for dancing. Besides, such dress has more room for
embellishment, custom designer’s patterns and styles.
Another classification for the dress depends on its style: a simpler dress without decorations is suitable for practice, when
more fancy dress with sophisticated design and rhinestones is considered more professional and is the best choice for
competitions.
The color of the clothes can be different: blue, white, red, green, pink and others, or mixed color. Often a a dress contains skin
colored fragments (especially on the arms, back and neck area) that give illusion of transparency, cut-outs or décolleté. However,
actually the dress covers the whole body.
A full ballroom gown – is a
standard dress for ladies.
Basic Dress is usually solid
A two piece set ( a skirt and a colored and quite simple without
Shirt) is alternative outfit patterns, decorations etc.
suitable only for low level
competition.

Advanced dress for International The Gown can be solid or

Standard -has more decorations to multicolour can have feathers,
look more luxurious and glamorous. rhinestones to look more
Such dress can have floats, gloves,
luxurious.
rhinestones and sometimes feathers.
These dresses are classical in style,
with long and fluffy skirts.
Advanced dress for American
Smooth -is a mixture of the Standard
gown and the Latin dress. They are
generally full length dresses without
fluff to the skirt. They lack floats, to
allow for solo spins with the arms.

The Dress- is shorter than 2 Pieces Sets (Shirt and a Skirt)

Standard/ Smooth Dress and is are also allowed.
intended to show off the legs
Basic Dress- can be a short solid
Gown
 Rhinestones and Other
Advanced Dress –is more sexy Embellishments are used .often
and Extravagant. the dress has fragments of body
Advanced Latin dresses are color that give
expected to be more extravagant Illusion of transparency and being
and fancy than basic dresses. partially naked.

ASPECTS OF SOCIAL DANCING:

Learners must practice etiquette in dancing to help them go about successfully with the social dimensions of dancing. This
will not just give them a fruitful dancing experience but will also provide them with a widened social network.

DANCE ETIQUETTE- is a set of guidelines that help you navigate the social dimensions of dancing.

Personal Grooming
Before the Dance After the Dance
- Shower and use a deodorant - Check your grooming periodically.
- Brush your teeth and use mouthwash/ - Freshen up and towel off periodically in the bathroom
breath mint
- Abstain from foods that produces strong odour - Carrying an extra shirt or hygiene kit is advisable in case
you need to change or freshen up.
- Don’t smoke, it causes foul mouth and clothing
odour
 WHAT TO WEAR:

Attire Gentlemen Ladies

Tailcoat, Tuxedo Coat, Regular Coat, Ball Gown, Evening Gown, Dinner
Formal White/Colored Long Sleeves, Gown, Cocktail Gown
Bow/Neck Tie, Black Trousers
Long Sleeves and Tie, Vest or Sweater Dinner Dresses, Flowing Pants,
Semi-Formal that shows the Tie Baggy Pants
Dressy Casual Solid Color T-shirts, Short Sleeves Polo, Polo Anything that displays a
(Practices, Dance Shirt, Cotton Slacks conservative, toned down appearance
Lessons)
Button-Up Shirts, Solid T-shirt, Turtleneck, Dress Sexy Outfits and Long Slit Skirts, Low
Latin Slacks, Bright colorful outfits are accepted Neck- lines and Exposed Midriffs are
popular

Demeanours/Behaviors
1. Be personable, smile and make eye contact with partner.
2. Project a positive image on the dance floor.
3. Dance at the level of your partner even if it’s not your style.
4. If you don’t know the dance, BE HONEST, refuse promptly if asked to dance.
5. Do not teach other people on the dance floor.
6. Do not cut other dancers off.

Don’ts in Terms of Outfits and Dance Shoes:

 Do not wear sneaker or any shoe with rubber or spongy sole. They can stick to the dance floor during turns and
spins that may cause knee and ankle injuries. Always wear dance shoes.
 Avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses. It’s not pleasant to have your partner touch your damp skin.
 Avoid shaggy, baggy, low armpit upper shirt. Partner’s hand may get caught in the baggy sleeves.
 Avoid accessories like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces and big belt buckles. They can be
dangerous. They can catch in partner’s clothing, causing scratches and bruises.
 Long hair should be put up or tied in a ponytail. It is difficult to get into closed dance positions when the lady has
long flowing hair. They might get caught in partner’s hands or may even hit your partner’s face.
On the Dance Floor:

Don’t do aerial choreography yourself. They require training by a qualified instructor. They may eat up space and disturb other
dancers or cause injuries with other dancing pairs in the dance floor.
NO FAULT DANCING:
 Never blame a partner for missed execution of figures
 Dance to the level of your partner
 The show must go on, say “ sorry” to your partner if something went wrong.
DEMEANOR :
 Be personable, smile and make eye contact with partner.
 Project a positive image on the dance floor even if it’s not your personal style.
 Dance at the level of your partner
 If you don’t know the dance, be honest, refuse promptly if asked to dance.
  No teaching on the dance floor. It may insult your partner
 Do not cut other dancers off.

OVERUSE INJURIES- are the most common in dancers. It involve an ankle, leg, foot or lower back.
MOST COMMON DANCE INJURIES
1. Hip injuries: snapping hip syndrome, hip impingement, labral tears, hip flexor tendonitis, hip bursitis and sacroiliac joint
dysfunction.
Hip Impingement-or Femoroacetabular Impingement (FAI), occurs when the femoral head (ball of the hip) pinches up
against the acetabulum (cup of the hip)
2. Foot and Ankle Injuries- Achilles Tendonitis, trigger toe and ankle impingement.
Tendonitis might be due to overuse or damage to the area. It can cause pain down the back of your leg and around
your heel. You might notice that parts of your tendon are getting thicker, and hardening, because of tendonitis.
Achilles Tendon- a fibrous band of tissue that links the muscles in your calf to your heel.
3. Knee Injuries- Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome
Patellofemoral Pain Syndrome- known as Runner’s Knee
Runner’s Knee- means that you have dull pain around the front of the knee patella. This is where the knee connects with the
lower end of the thighbone (femus).
4. Stress Fractures: Metatarsals, tibia, sesamoids and lumbar spine
5. Arthritis in the knee , hip, ankle and foot
6. Ankle Sprains- occur when a dancer lands from a jump or rolls their ankles incorrectly, over-stretching or even tearing the
ligaments.
7. Shin Splints- One of the most common overuse injuries resulted from repeated stress to the muscle tissue surrounding the
Tibia.
Medial Tibial Stress Syndrome- another name for Shin Splints and is one of the most common stress injuries impacting
dancers, and ballet dancers in particular.

8. Trigger Toes- is a foot condition commonly found in dancers. This happens when the big toe becomes permanently flexed
due to an injury to the tendon controlling the toes movement. A ballerina's big toe is constantly under pressure to support
the body's weight.
9. Snapping Hip syndrome (SHS) is a common hip pathology in dancers. SHS can be either internal or external, resulting from
muscle tendon tightness from repetitive hip flexion and extension, accompanied with hip abduction and/or external rotation
10. Cartilage Tears- Dancers are most likely to experience this around the knees particularly meniscus tears.
Meniscus Tears- sit beneath the kneecap and can be torn or damaged when landing jumps , incorrectly or overly twisting the
knee.
11. Dancer's Fracture or fifth metatarsal fracture- is often the result of landing awkwardly on the outside portion of the foot
or twisting the ankle

How to prevent dance injuries:

The majority of overuse injuries and even some traumatic dance injuries can be prevented. Follow these guidelines to reduce your
Risk of injury:

 Eat well and stay hydrated before, during and after class.
 Get enough rest and avoid overtraining.
 Do cross-training exercises to build strength and endurance in all parts of your body.
 Always wear proper shoes and attire.
 Always warm-up before training or performances.
 Lead a healthy lifestyle and get to know your body.
 When injuries happen, address them immediately and get advice from a doctor or physical therapist.