BALL

ROOM &
SOCIAL
DANCE
BALLROOM AND
SOCIAL DANCING
Ballroom dance is also known as social dance because it
encourages social interaction between dance partners.
While it is a beautiful form of art, it has also at times been an
integral part of people's daily lives for hundreds of years,
providing an atmosphere for men and women to gather together,
develop friendships, and have a good time
Ballroom dancing continues to be a main social event for seniors
and is growing as a fashionable pastime for middle- aged and
younger men and women as well.
The principles learned in ballroom dancing can be applied to any
type of music, whether you listen to classical waltzes, disco, or
rock. This is because ballroom dancing follows a strict tempo
 HISTORY OF
SOCIAL DANCE
YOU CAN TRACE THE HISTORY OF SOCIAL DANCE
BACK AS FAR AS PRIMITIVE CULTURES DANCING TO
CELEBRATE A BIRTH OR MOURN A DEATH. IN LATER
YEARS, SOCIAL DANCE CONTINUED TO DEVELOP
AND EVOLVE, MINGLING THE DANCES OF OTHER
CULTURES SUCH AS THE MIDDLE EAST, AFRICA, AND
EUROPE.
 THE
DEVELOPMENT OF
BALLROOM SOCIAL
DANCE
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE
The early social dances of the fourteenth to
mid-sixteenth centuries involved
processional dances with subtle, relatively
simple steps. The dances usually involved
couples interacting with each other, or long
lines of dancers. The dances were lively,
filled with flirtations, conversations, where
partners would switch in the middle of the
dance.
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE
The Waltz, a well-known ballroom dance,
originated in Vienna in the late seventeen
hundreds and spread to the other countries.
As its popularity grew, many composers
began composing more music for it, such as
Strauss, who later became famous for his
waltzes.
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE
The Waltz arrived in England during the eighteen
hundreds bringing with it some scandal because of
the close embrace of the man and woman. The
elegance and grace of the dance won the hearts of
the royalty and the elite. Europeans welcomed the
Waltz into their parties and balls adding to it the
Polka and Tango. It was not until the late
nineteenth century that ballroom dancing gained
popularity with the middle and working class.
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE

As ballroom dancing spread to America, the

Foxtrot, Swing, Rumba, Mambo, and the Cha
Cha were added.
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE
In the early 1920's, competitive ballroom dancing
began gaining popularity. It was then that the
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (formerly
known as The Imperial Society of Dance Teachers)
formed a Ballroom Branch whose function was to
standardize the ballroom dances.
Modern ballroom dancing for example, still holds
that the right side of the woman's chest should touch
the right side of the man's chest, this custom began
when the men would leave their swords on their left
side while they danced.
THE DEVELOPMENT
OF BALLROOM
SOCIAL DANCE
Ballroom dancing had begun to loose its popularity
until recently when the media brought it back to life.
Once again, you may find ballroom dancing at social
gatherings, competitions, and especially at weddings.
 BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING
You can do the dance in a group,
with a partner, or on your own. Dancing can be done
There are lots of different places competitively or socially. It
where you can enjoy dancing, like at
can be a great recreational
dance schools, social venues,
community halls, and even in your
and sporting choice, because
own home. It has become such a any one of any age can take
popular way to be active and to keep part.
fit.
 DANCING HAS A WIDE
RANGE OF PHYSICAL AND
MENTAL BENEFITS:
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

improved condition increased muscular

of the heart and strength, muscular
lungs and motor fitness
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

increased aerobic improved muscle

fitness tone and strength
weight
management
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

stronger bones and better

reduced risk of coordination,
osteoporosis agility and
flexibility
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

improved balance increased

and spatial physical
awareness confidence
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

improved mental improved general

functioning and psychological
well-being
BENEFITS OF SOCIAL AND
BALLROOM DANCING

greater self-
confidence and better social skills
self-esteem
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
Ballroom dances are partner dances enjoyed socially and
competitively worldwide. The following 12 ballroom
dances are popular on dance floors, on stages, in film,
and on television.

1. T he C ha C ha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion,

energy. The classic “Cuban motion” gives the C ha Cha its unique D e t
style. Partners w o r k together to synchronize each m o v e m e n t in perfect
alignment.
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
2 The Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that is lots of fun and simple to
learn and is an excellent dance for beginners. T he Foxtrot is a smooth
dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements across the
floor

3. Jive is a ballroom dance style that originated in the United States

from African-Americans. It is a lively form of S w i n g dance, and a
variation of the Jitterbug.
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
4. The Lindy Hop is the ballroom dance considered to be the
father of all Swing dances. It is known for its unique, athletic style,
and often contains acrtai jumps, Wists and ups

5. The Mambo is one of the most sensual and emotional Latin

American ballroom dances. Swaying hip movements, facial
expressions, arm movements and holds all add to the sensuality of
the dance.
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
6. 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.

7. 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.
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
8. 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.”

9. 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
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
10. 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.

11. 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.
 TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE
10. 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.

11. 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.
TYPES OF BALLROOM
DANCE

12. 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.
THANK YOU FOR
LISTENING!