| Until recently, ballroom dancing often brought about | | | | others have a deep appreciation for the technical |
| mental images of elderly couples dancing two inches | | | | qualities of the many Standard dances of ballroom |
| from their walkers. However, in recent years, | | | | dancing. |
| ballroom dancing has developed a new, hipper, sexier | | | | Latin |
| image and people of all ages are standing up and | | | | For the younger generation, the Latin portion of |
| paying attention. | | | | competitions is the eagerly anticipated event. The |
| Movies such as Strictly Ballroom and Shall We Dance | | | | style of dance is very exotic and emotional as well as |
| have contributed greatly to the newer kinder image | | | | incredibly beautiful to watch. The mood this style of |
| that ballroom dancing is developing in the United | | | | dance brings not only to the dancers but also to the |
| States. As an art form, ballroom dance is a beautiful | | | | audience is almost palpable. The fan favorites of Latin |
| sight to behold. Particularly when watching those | | | | dance include the Cha Cha, Paso Doble, the Rumba, |
| participate on a competitive level. | | | | the Samba, and Jive dance. This form of dance is |
| Because of the rigorous training that is involved in | | | | certainly in keeping with the idea that dance is quickly |
| competitive ballroom dancing, many couples that | | | | becoming a sport. The energy required for these |
| participate often consider this to be a sport more | | | | dances is phenomenal as is the fitness level required |
| than a style of dance or manner of artistic | | | | in order to wear the costumes. |
| expression. The term DanceSport is often used in | | | | American Style |
| reference to ballroom dancing in the International | | | | The American standard when it comes to dance is a |
| Style. | | | | little different than the International Style. The two |
| There are many styles of dance that fall under the | | | | categories for American Style are Smooth and |
| banner of ballroom dancing. Some of these dances | | | | Rhythm. There are other differences as well. In |
| are often considered to be the most beautiful to | | | | International Style the couples are required to remain |
| watch as well as among the most sensual styles of | | | | in a closed formation. For American Style ballroom |
| dance on the planet. Only you can decide for yourself | | | | dance these requirements are somewhat relaxed in |
| if ballroom dance is something that might interest | | | | order to allow for creative use of footwork. The |
| you. I do, however, encourage you to take stock of | | | | step patterns for Latin or Rhythm dance are also |
| the various styles and themes before unilaterally | | | | slightly different than in the International Style of |
| deciding to rule out all ballroom dance as a possible | | | | ballroom dancing though the sensuality of the music, |
| interest. | | | | costumes, and movements are very much the same. |
| International Style | | | | Smooth |
| Under the International Style of ballroom dance there | | | | The smooth portion of the American Style of |
| are two main categories of dance. They are | | | | ballroom dance includes the Foxtrot, the Tango, the |
| Standard and Latin. The Standard style is typically | | | | Viennese Waltz, and the Waltz. |
| hallmarked by Fred and Ginger sort of attire. By this I | | | | Rhythm |
| mean that the style of dress is very formal with men | | | | In American Style Ballroom dance the Rhythm portion |
| in coats with flowing tails and vests while the women | | | | of the dance includes the following: the Bolero, the |
| wear very elegant gowns as part of their costumes. | | | | Cha Cha, East Coast Swing, the Mambo, and the |
| Latin dance is far more sensual in music, mood, and | | | | Rumba. The audience still enjoys the intensity of Latin |
| attire. Men wear tight fitting garments and women | | | | dance and Latin influence though there are other |
| wear very little. | | | | influences as well. These are still a much anticipated |
| Standard | | | | audience favorite in most competitions. |
| Not only is the style of dance between Standard and | | | | As you can see, ballroom dance has taken on a new |
| Latin very different but also the styles of dance. In | | | | intensity in recent years. If you have preconceived |
| Standard ballroom dancing you will find the following | | | | ideas of what ballroom dance really is, it is time you |
| dances: the Quickstep, the Slow Foxtrot, the Tango, | | | | saw for yourself how sensual this style of dance can |
| the Viennese Waltz, and the Waltz. The Tango for | | | | really be. |
| many is the highlight of the Standard event while | | | | |