BALLROOM

DANCE
Ballroom dance
is a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed
both socially and competitively around the
world, and growing all the more popular in
North America. Because of its performance
and entertainment aspects, ballroom dance is
also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and
television.
Ballroom dance
may refer, at its widest definition, to almost any type of partner
dancing as recreation. However, with the emergence of dances sport in
modern times, the term has become narrower in scope, and traditionally
refers to the five International Standard and five International Latin
style dances (see dance categories below). The two styles, while
differing in technique, rhythm and costumes, exemplify core elements
of ballroom dancing such as control and cohesiveness. Developed in
England, the two styles are now regulated by the World Dance Council
(WDC). In the United States, two additional variations are popular:
American Smooth and American Rhythm, which combine elements of
both traditional Latin and Ballroom dances.
 VALUES OF DANCING
• Honesty - people can tell if you are forcing something, it looks
false and it is a turn off, but to watch someone dance who is fully in
the movement, in union with music and their partner is a
captivating sight, regardless of how technically proficient one is or
not.
• Partnership - for obvious reasons.
• Communication - much of the lead and follow in partner dancing
is through non-verbal communication from the energy sent and
received through arms, hands, chest and legs, but also through
making eye contact with your partner, and the people around you.
• Health/Wellbeing/Fitness – once you start moving you keep
moving and one health focused effort leads to another, physical
activity, food choices, stretching, etc.

• Community/Fellowship - when you dance you have something in

common, a shared experience, even if in only one area of life, to be
connected to contribute to that shared connection opens up the sense
of belonging. People celebrate together and pull together in times of
need.
DIFFERENT DANCE POSITION

CLOSED POSITION
Description:
The Closed Position in the smooth ballroom
dances is the most basic and common position
used to move around the dance floor.

Position:
Man and lady stand in front of each other in
body contact, slightly offset to the left. The feet
should be positioned slightly offset so that the
right foot of either partner can step between the
other partner's feet.
PROMENADE POSITION
Description:
The Promenade Position is a "V"-shaped dance
position with man's left side and lady's right side
slightly open. The direction of travel is toward the
open side.

Position:
Man and lady stand in front of each other in body
contact, slightly offset to the left, with lady's middle
connected to the man's right front. The lady's feet
should be positioned slightly behind the man's. In
promenade position, the man's head should be
turned to the left, the lady's to the right.
OUTSIDE PARTNER (RIGHT)
Description:
The Right Outside Partner Position is a variation of the
Closed Position where the tracks of the feet are offset to allow
one partner to move toward the outside of the other partner's
right leg.

Position:
Man and lady stand in front of each other in body
contact, slightly offset to the left. The feet should be
positioned offset so that one partner can step outside of
the other partner's right leg. The upper bodies should be
turned slightly to the right, causing the left side of the
body to project forward. This causes a forward step on
the left to be taken with a "left side leading", while a
forward step on the right foot is taken in CBMP.
Conversely, a back step on the right foot is taken with a
"right side leading", while a back step on the left foot is
CLOSED POSITION (LATIN)
Description:
The Closed Position in the Latin dances
is the most basic and common position
used to move around the dance floor.
Position:
Man and lady stand directly in front of
each other, a few inches apart. Tone is
maintained through the arms, and body
weight is held forward towards the balls of
the feet.
OPEN FACING POSITION
Description:
Open Facing is any position where partners stand
facing each other, apart but within arms reach.
Lead and follow is achieved through the use of
various hand connections, such as the two-hand
hold as shown in the picture.

Position:
Man and lady stand directly in front of each other,
within arms' reach. Tone is maintained through
the arms, and body weight is held forward
towards the balls of the feet.
FAN POSITION
Description:
Fan is an alternative to Open Facing Position,
whereby man and lady are positioned
perpendicular to each other with a left to right
hand hold. It is specific to the Rumba and Cha Cha
figure bearing the same name.

Position:
Man and lady stand apart and at right angles to
each other, with the lady on the man's left side.
The path of her movement should cause her to
pass directly in front of him when
POSITION
 Closed Position
The Closed Position is the most common position used in
ballroom dancing. Begin facing your partner about six inches
away. Stand upright with your head up and shoulders
relaxed.

 Promenade Position
Promenade Position begins with partners standing
sideways in semi-open position, facing the line of dance with
the man's right side touching the woman's left side. The
man places his right hand at the left side of the woman's
waist and gently clasps her right hand in his left.
 Right Parallel Position
The Right Parallel Position (or Outside Right Position) is
similar to the Closed Position with the exception of foot
positioning. In the Right Parallel Position, the woman’s feet
are to the right of the man’s feet. The couples’ right
shoulders should be directly across from one another. The
man’s right hand should be placed slightly lower on the
woman’s back.
 Left Parallel Position
The Left Parallel Position (or Outside Left Position) is similar
to the Closed Position with the exception of foot positioning.
In the Left Parallel Position, the woman’s feet are to the left
of the man’s feet. The couples’ left shoulders should be
directly across from one another. The man’s right hand
should be placed slightly lower on the woman’s back.
 Open Position
Couple stands side to side, slightly apart with woman
to man's right side. Inside hands are joined and held
below shoulder level (man holds woman's left hand in his
right).

 Reverse Open Position

Couple stands side to side, slightly apart with woman
to man's left side. Inside hands are joined and held below
shoulder level (man holds woman's right hand in his left).

 Opposite Position
Couple stands facing each other slightly apart without
holding hands.
 Open Break Position
Facing each other and standing slightly apart, the man holds
the woman's right hand in his left (or her left hand in his right).
Occasionally, a right-to-right or left-to-left clasp is used
(especially in the Swing).
 Cuddle Position
Standing to the man's right side and facing the same
direction, the woman "cuddles" with the man's right arm
around her. Hands are held at shoulder level, joining right hand
with right hand (when woman is to the left of man), and left
hand to left hand (when woman is to left of man). The cuddle
position can be executed with the man's hand on the woman's
waist in cuddle position (either right or left depending on which
side the woman is standing).
TERMINOLOGIE
S
• Aiming
Positioning your body so that it is offset by 1/2 body distance to
your own left, with your right foot pointed in between your
partner’s feet.

• Arch Turn
The Arch Turn is so named because that’s what it looks like
when you join raised hands with a partner and turn underneath
them. The turn can be performed by one or both partners. This is
also known as an Outside Under Arm Turn.

• Close
Bringing one foot together with the other with a transfer of
weight from the moving foot to the supporting foot.
• Cross
A forward or backward step in which one foot is
drawn in front of or behind the other foot.

• Follow
The attempt to figure out what the leader is doing
and move in the indicated direction. Traditionally, the
woman is the follower and the man is the leader.

• Free Foot
The foot which is not supporting the body’s weight.
It is “free” to move.
• Hesitation
A balance step equivalent to a “wait” or pause for at least
one count which is frequently used in the Waltz.

• In Place
A shift of weight from one foot to the other with no
directional movement.

• Inside Underarm Turn

An Inside Under Arm Turn, also known as a Loop Turn,
involves turning under the arm which is drawn across the
midline of the body, forming a “loop.” Inside Under Arm Turns
proceed to the left for women and to the right for men, though
the latter is less common.
• Kick
A quick movement of the foot forward, backward or to
the side without a transfer of weight.

• Lead
Guidance generally initiated by the hand, fingers, arm
or body to move the couple in the desired direction.
Traditionally, the lead is delegated to the man, while the
follow is delegated to the woman.

• Lean
Forward body pressure by the man preceding forward
motion indicating that dancing is about to begin.
• Line of Dance
An imaginary counterclockwise circular line
indicating direction of dance.

• Loop Turn
A Loop Turn or Inside Under Arm Turn can be
performed by the man and woman. However, the
man’s Loop Turn is more advanced in nature and will
be reserved for a more advanced course. For the
woman, a Loop Turn is a full turn to her left with her
right arm drawn across the midline of her body,
forming the appearance of a loop with the joined
hands of the couple.
• Non-progressive
A moving dance which is space-limited. For example, jumping
is a “non-progressive” movement because you stay in the same
place. The East Coast Swing is an example of a non-progressive
dance.

• Outside Under Arm Turn

An Outside Under Arm Turn involves turning under the arm
which is extended to the side, forming an “Arch” over the head of
the turner. The main outside under arm turns proceed to the right
for women, and to the left for men.

• Pivot
A turn made on the ball of the foot. If you are doing a right
pivot, your body will turn right. If you are doing a left pivot, your
body will turn left.
• Progressive
A directionally moving dance. For example, walking is a
“progressive” movement. The Waltz and Fox Trot are examples
of progressive dances.

• Quick
A quick step (q) takes 1/2 the time of a slow step (S). Each
“quick” step gets 1 count of music. Quick are generally danced
in pairs.

• Rise and Fall

Motion specific to the Waltz in which the partners lower and
raise their bodies as they dance, creating a down-up-up
movement.
• Rock
A movement typically used in the Swing in which
weight is transferred between the feet without a change
in position. The feet may leave the ground but they
always return to the same spot. For example, a back rock
involves a step taken backward (Bd) on the ball of the
foot, followed by a rock forward in-place (Fd IP) on the
other foot.

• Slow
A slow step (S) occupies the same amount of time as
two quick steps (q). In other words, each slow step gets 2
counts of music. Slows also are often done in pairs (eg,
Fox Trot - Sq.)
• Touch
Bringing the feet together to “touch” without
transferring weight to the moving foot (as
opposed to a “close”).

• Transfer
Shifting weight from the supporting foot to the
free foot at the end of a step.

• Supporting Foot
The foot which is “supporting” the weight of the
body.
• Ugliness
Gawky appearance created by awkward foot
positioning when a pivot is not used.

• Under Arm Turn

Under Arm Turns can be broken down into two
types: Outside Under Arm Turns and Inside Under
Arm Turns.

• Weight Change/Shift/Transfer
Movement in which the weight of the body goes
from one foot to the other.
What is Dance Sport?
Dance Sport is what used to be referred to as competitive
Ballroom Dancing. This glamorous and exciting leisure activity
has been renamed to suit its modern image as a demanding
sport.
Its characteristics consist of physical strength, agility, co-
ordination, stamina, high level of fitness, discipline,
teamwork, grace, style and musical interpretation. It is now
recognized by the International Olympic Committee as a
sport and is expected to eventually be included in the Olympic
program. It was featured in the closing ceremony of the Sydney
2000 Olympic Games. Dance sport provides opportunity for
developing athletic discipline of body and mind and as well as
artistic creativity through musical interpretation, costume design
Competitive Dancing
There are two main international styles of Dance Sport are:

• Standard (Which used to be called "Modern")

• Latin American

At each Competition separate events are held for Standard and

Latin dances as the two styles are so different. The differences are
particularly reflected by the costumes worn by the dancers during
these competitions. Ladies dresses worn for the Standard dances are
long and flowing, to enhance the movements created during these
dances and the Gentlemen wears a Suit of Tails. In contrast, the
dresses worn by the Ladies for the Latin dances are designed to show
the movements of the individual body parts used to interpret the
various Latin rhythms. The Gentlemen wearing fitted long pants with
a fitted or loose shirt to match.
Standard Dances
• Modern Waltz
• Quickstep
• Foxtrot
• Viennese Waltz
• Tango

Latin Dances
• Rumba (the dance of Love)
• Cha-Cha
• Samba
• Jive
• Paso Doble (dance of the Matador)
Standard Dances
1. Modern Waltz (3 beats/measure, 28-35 measures/minute)

The Waltz is the oldest of the ballroom dances, dating from

the middle of the Eighteenth Century. The German "Lander", a
folk dance, is supposed to be the forerunner of the Waltz.
During this time period a dance developed which was called
the "Walzer", a word owing its origin to the Latin word Volvere,
which indicates a rotating motion. Napoleon's invading solders
spread the waltz from Germany to Paris; then the dance glided
across the channel to England and finally made its way to the
United States.
2. Quickstep
Was originally a march that that was well-liked by the
general public around 1850, when it was used to
commemorate presidents, military exhibitions, regiments,
and heroes. Having originated in England, the Quickstep
incorporates the smooth steps of the Charleston, without
the high kicks, with the rhythm and movement of the
Foxtrot, which was also very popular at the time. However,
some dancers found the tempo of the Foxtrot to be too
slow, and thus, when the big bands started playing music
at a faster tempo, the dancers quickened the pace of their
steps and created the Quick Foxtrot, which later became
known as the Quickstep. 
3. Foxtrot
Is a beautiful, romantic dance, the Foxtrot is
composed of fairly simple walking steps and side steps.
The dance combines slow steps, which use two beats of
music, and quick steps, which use one beat of music.
The footwork timing is usually "slow, quick, quick" or
"slow, slow, quick, quick." The Foxtrot must be danced
very smoothly, with no jerking of the body. Timing is
also a very important component of the Foxtrot. As the
Foxtrot is more challenging than other styles of dance,
it is usually recommended to master the Waltz.
4. Viennese Waltz
Is a fast (180 beats per minute), simplified version of
the waltz. In 1754 the first music for the actual “Waltzed”
appeared in Germany. The word Waltz means “to
revolve”. As the name infers, the partners revolve around
each other as they travers the floor. This dance became
hugely popular in Vienna in the early 1800’s, from which
it spread from England and later the Americas. It is
consequently known today as “Viennese Waltz”.
5. Tango
The variety of cultures combined to bring about a new style of
music, formed from African beats, Indian rhythms, Latin influences,
and the popular music of the pampas (flatlands) in Argentina. This
new music was dubbed Tango. Historians argue the name comes
from the African candombe drum beat known as "tan-go", or
possibly from Latin word tangere (to touch). 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 Bandon eon, a German instrument very
similar to the accordion.
6. Rumba
Is a dance that tells a story of love and passion between a
strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman. Full of sensual
movements, the Rumba is considered by many to be the
sexiest of the ballroom dances . "Rumba" is a term that
refers to a variety of dances or a "dance party." This dance
of love is one of the most popular ballroom dances and is
seen around the world at nightclubs, parties, weddings and 
dance competitions .The Rumba is a very slow, serious,
romantic dance with flirtation between the partners. The
dance is fun to watch, as many of its basic dance figures of
the dance have a teasing theme in which the lady flirts with
and then rejects her male partner, often with apparent
Latin Dances:
1. Cha Cha
Is a vibrant, flamboyant and playful dance. The light and bubbly feel of
the Cha-Cha gives it a unique sense of fun for dancers throughout the
world. The Cha-Cha requires small steps and lots of hip motion (Cuban
motion), as it is danced in 4/4 time. The fourth beat is split into two, giving
it the characteristic 2,3,4 & 1 rhythm. Therefore, five steps are danced to
four beats as in the "One, two, cha cha-cha" rhythm. To dance Cha-Cha
like professionals, dancers must master "Cuban motion," the
characteristic Latin body action. Cuban motion is simply a distinctive way
in which the hips move up and down. The hip movements come mainly
from alternately bending and straightening the knees...as one knee bends
(or straightens), the same hip drops (raises).
2. Samba
Is mostly danced solo, and remains especially
popular during celebrations of Carnival. The festive
mood of the dance is responsible for its continued
popularity. In International style Latin dancing , the
Samba is one of the five Latin competition dances.
The major action of Samba, the "Samba Bounce
Action," gives the dance its unique look and feel.
The Samba Bounce Action is a gentle, rhythmic
action felt through the knees and ankles. Samba
dancers must strive to make this action appear
effortless and carefree...it should never be
3.Jive
Is one of the five International Latin dances. A
lively, and uninhibited variation of Jitterbug, many
of its basic patterns are similar to those of East
Coast Swing. Jive differs in that the count begins
with the rock step, which is counted "1, 2." The
two triple steps are counted "3 and 4" and "5 and
6."Jive is a very happy, energetic dance, with
plenty of knee-lifting, bending, and rocking of the
hips. The fastest of the Latin dances, Jive
incorporates lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling
4. Paso Double
Is a lively dance modeled after the drama of the Spanish bullfight.
Paso double actually means "two-step."  This is one of the most
dramatic of all the Latin dances , the Paso Double is a progressive
dance. In the Paso Double, dancers take strong steps forward with
the heels, and incorporate artistic hand movements. The forward
steps, or walks, should be strong and proud. The man should also
incorporate appeal, a move in which he strongly stamps his foot,
much like a matador strikes the ground in order to capture the
attention of the bull. All moves of the Paso Double should be sharp
and quick, with the chest and head held high to represent arrogance
and dignity.
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