Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dance, depending on how it is defined, may refer to a wide variety of partner dances. Typically it includes Standard (also termed Smooth or Modern) dances such as waltz or foxtrot, and Latin (also termed Rhythm) dances such as cha cha and rumba. Standard dances are normally danced to straight-beat, Western music; couples dance around the floor; and when formalized, the lady wears a long gown and the gentleman a bow-tie and tails. Latin dances are normally danced to off-beat, latin or jive music; couples may dance more-or-less in one spot or move around the floor; and when formalized, the woman wears a short-skirt latin outfit and the man dresses in black. The dances have origins in Europe, Latin America, and Africa. International Style dances are mainly British versions of such dances; likewise American Style (also called Social Style) dances are versions that evolved in the United States. The techniques of the two styles are quite different.

Sometimes other kinds of dances such as Nightclub dances (including many types of swing) are included under the umbrella term "ballroom dance".

The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era. Balls have featured Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Pas de Gras, Mazurka, and other popular dances of the day, which are considered to be historical dances.

The term ballroom dancing is derived from the word ball, which in turn originates from the Latin word ballare, meaning "to dance."

In times past, ballroom dancing was "social dancing" of privileged classes, leaving "folk dancing" for the lower classes. Today it is much more democratic, and the boundaries between once-polarized ballroom and folk dances have become blurred. However, most competitive ballroom dances were social and/or folk dances before being formalized as ballroom dances, and many of these dances are still danced as social and folk dance. Even in times long gone, many "ballroom" dances were really elevated folk dances.

Ballroom dancing has been in continual use as a social art form since its inception with one exception in the 20th century. Dance historians usually mark the appearance of the Twist in the mid 1960s as the end of social partner dancing, and they credit what was then called the Latin Hustle for bringing it back in the late 1970s.

Today, ballroom dancing is enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, and on television.

Competitive Dancing

Although most ballroom dancers dance socially, there are various levels of competition for more serious dancers. Formal competitions, also known as DanceSport, allow less advanced dancers, as well as the public, an opportunity to watch more serious dancers compete. In addition to competition at various levels, the audience is often treated to a professional dance show featuring one or more couples performing at a world-class level.

Competitors dance at various levels of ability, so that competition is not purely for the elite. In North America, depending on the jurisdiction, amateur competitive dance levels begin with Newcomer, then Pre-Bronze, Bronze, Silver, Gold, Novice, Prechampionship, and Championship. These levels roughly correspond to the "E" to "S" levels in Europe and Australia. A certain number of wins or top-three finishes at official competitions "bumps" dancers up to the next level.

Competition is done in both International and American Style - see "Dance Grouping" below. The best-known International Style competitions take place in Blackpool, England.

The International Olympic Committee now recognizes competitive ballroom dance. However, it has yet to be included in an Olympic Games.

Ballroom dancing competitions in the former USSR also included the Soviet Ballroom dances, or Soviet Programme. Australian New Vogue is danced both competitively and socially. In competition there are 15 recognised New Vogue dances, which are performed by the competitors in sequence.

Local clubs may also host their own, less formal competitions, which gives dancers who are not so adept, or not so brave, to have a chance to compete in a more casual atmosphere.

Professionals have their own competitions, which include categories such as Rising Star and Open Professional.

Medal Examinations

Medal examinations enable dancers' abilities to be recognized according to conventional standards. In medal exams, each dancer performs two or more dances in a certain genre (e.g., International Standard) in front of a judge. In North America, examination levels include Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Medal exams are normally performed by students who are less advanced than competitive dancers (someone who passes a Bronze exam would not likely compete at the Bronze level in a formal competition).

Other dances sometimes classified as "ballroom"

All dances that are danced competitively are also danced in social settings. Some of the more popular social dances include Nightclub Dances such as Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hustle. A number are proudly called Street dances. Nightclub dances are danced differently in different places, and club/street styles differ from the styles taught in ballroom studios.

In Europe, Latin Swing dances include Tango Argentino, Mambo, Lindy Hop, Swing Boogie (sometimes also known as Nostalgic Boogie), and Disco Fox.

Country and Western dances are danced both competitively and socially at Country & Western bars, clubs, and ballrooms. There is also a Rock 'n' Roll dance variant accepted as a social dance.

A related category is Regional Ballroom Dances. One example is the subcategory of Cajun dances that originated in New Orleans, with branches reaching both coasts of the United States.

Rogers and Astaire

The on-screen dance pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers greatly influenced ballroom dancing. Although both actors had independent projects and careers (Astaire had many other partners and Rogers won an Academy Award for a dramatic role), their filmed dance sequences have reached iconic status. Much of their work portrayed social dance, although their performances were highly choreographed (often by Astaire or Hermes Pan), meticuously staged, and continually rehearsed. Ballroom dance historians note their portrayal of early 20th-century dancers Vernon and Irene Castle.

Their work has greatly influenced the American-style ballroom syllabus. American Smooth style was developed based largely on the work of Astaire and Arthur Murray. There are numerous dance schools in the Fred Astaire Dance Studios franchise across the USA, and 'Fred & Ginger' classes and workshops remain popular.

Classic Ballroom

Classic and vintage dance societies are dedicated to the performance and preservation of ballroom dances of the past. These companies perform at special events attired in traditional dance costume. Some instructors specialize in the dances of one place or time, or in fad dances: short-lived, time-specific dances that may be associated with the music or style of an era (such as The Twist) or a particular song (such as YMCA or La Macarena).

Performance and Exhibition

While social dancers tend to focus on connection between partners, as well as musicality, dancers who compete or perform tend to be more audience-oriented. Performers tend to put appearance above connection, whereas social dancers tend to focus primarily on their partners.

Competitive ballroom dance consists of a number of couples, each performing for the judges' and the audience's attention. The audience can participate, too - often by shouting out their favourite couple's number (which is attached to the man's back).

However, there are several noncompetitive forms of ballroom performance. In addition to showcases at competitions by visiting professionals, the winners of the higher levels of competition may be invited to give a short victory dance after the awards are presented. Studios also commonly hold showcases where their students can show off what they've learned.

There is also a growing interest in formation dance, which tends to be performance-oriented.