Ballroom Dancing 101
Generally, a ballroom dance is any form of social dancing by a couple or set of partners, either for recreation or competitive purposes. The word “ball” in ballroom dancing originated from ballare, Latin for dancing. At its broadest definition, a ballroom dance may simply refer to any type of social dance. However, with the emergence of dancesport in modern times, ballroom dance has become narrower in scope.
There are currently two categories referred to when people speak of ballroom dancing. The first one refers to the international style, further divided into International Standard and International Latin dances. In the United States, American Smooth and American Rhythm are two additional variations. While both share a number of dances, the techniques used are similar too. International Standard allows only closed dance positions, whereas American Smooth dances allow closed, open, and separate dance movements.
American Smooth is the equivalent of International Standard while American Rhythm corresponds to International Latin. American Style dances are danced to mid-20th century music, while International Styles are danced to European and Latin American music. The International Styles originated and were developed in England, and are now regulated by the World Dance Council.
Moreover, International Latin and American Rhythm styles are governed by somewhat different dance syllabi and mechanics. As such, both styles, although similar to International Standard and American Smooth respectively, have distinct patterns and styles. Furthermore, in both (International) Standard and (American) Smooth dances, the set of dance partners follow the line of dance moving or gliding in a counter-clockwise direction in a rectangular floor, as seen in Swing dancing Indianapolis dancers practice.
In the United Kingdom, sequence dancing in pairs or formation is also regarded as a type of ballroom dancing. Also, there are additional dances considered ballroom in some parts of Europe. These include the Mambo, Argentine Tango, Swing Boogie, and Disco Fox, all of which are in the Latin Swing dances category. Some nightclub dances such as the Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, Merengue, and Salsa dancing Indianapolis residents love to dance are also considered ballroom dances.
What is classified as a ballroom dance also depends on the period. Historically, ballroom dancing was really just social dancing reserved for the nobility and the privileged. On the other hand, folk dancing was for the commoners. The boundaries have since become blurred. Balls once featured the Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Polka, and Mazurka. Today’s balls (more appropriately called parties) feature Swing dancing Indianapolis residents enjoy.
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