Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom Dancing according to Merriam-Webster is defined as any of various usually social dances in which couples perform set moves. The word ballroom dancing came from the word ball, in Latin “ballare” which means “to dance”.


Ballroom dancing is a set of partner dances that originated in Germany. In the 18th and 19th century, ballroom dancing was defined as a mere “social dancing” for the privileged people, leaving “folk dancing” for the lower class. Today, ballroom dancing is defined as any one of the several in which two people, a “leader” and a “follower” dance with physical contact through their upper and lower bodies. The leader communicates the next dance move to the follower, and the follower responds to this insinuation.


Ballroom dancing can also refer to the 10 dances of International Standard and International Latin. These are the five International Standard dances. First is the Waltz, it is a smooth dance, travelling around the line of dance. Second is the Viennese Waltz, this waltz was first danced in Paris in 1178, not under the name waltz but as the Volta from the Provence. Third is the Tango, it is an exotic dance, a sensuous creation of the Southern nations. Fourth is the Slow Foxtrot, it consists of walks, three-steps, a slow walk and a sort of a spin turn. Last is the Quickstep, it was developed during World War I in suburbian New York, initially performed by Caribbean and African dancers. Next are the five Standard Latin dances. First is the Samba, this dance has a gay, flirtatious and exuberant interpretation. Second is Rumba, this dance shows "tease and run"; the man being lured and then rejected. Third is the Cha-cha, it is easily distinguished from other dances by its addictive "Step, Step, Cha Cha Cha" timing. Fourth is the Paso Doble, in this dance the man (matador) is in focus more than in any other dance and the lady is left with playing a role of a cape ("cappa"), the red canvas of the torreador or a bull, depending on circumstances. Last is the Jive, initially developed from a dance called "Jitterbug" by eliminating all its acrobatic elements and polishing the technique.