3. Ballroom dances
are also popular
dances performed by
pairs. Popular social
dances are
categorized into two-
the modern standard
dances and the Latin
dances.
4. The Viennese and Slow Waltz,
Tango, Fox-trot, and Quick Step belong
to the modern standard ballroom
dances. Latin ballroom dances are
composed of the Cha-Cha, Jive,
Samba, Rumba, and the Paso Doble.
5. Ballroom dancing refers to a couple’s
shuffling round the dance floor. They may
dance only a few different steps, but they
could easily improve their standard of
dancing. Ballroom dancing means
making use of whatever space is
available in a neat and simple way.
6. You can dance the
modern Waltz in any
ballroom. If the dance floor is
small, adjust by taking
smaller steps, and if the
dance floor is big, then take
big steps.
7. Cha-cha-cha
The mist popular among Latin-American dances
is the Cha-cha-cha. The Cha-cha-cha is a Cuban
dance derived from the Rumba. This is usually
danced with a 4 or 2 time of music. The rhythmic
pattern is “Slow,Slow,Quick,Quick,Slow” and the
leading step is taken off the second beat of the bar of
music. Dancers stand with feet slightly apart with the
body weight on the left foot for the boy and right foot
for the girl.
8. The boy takes a very narrow step sideward
on the right foot, as the girl’s weight is on the
right foot and takes a narrow step sideward
on the left foot on the first beat of the bar
music. Then, the boy steps his left foot
forward, as the girl steps her right foot
backward as leading step,on the second
beat of the bar of music that is why it is
considered “off beat”.
9. Rock ‘n Roll
A very fascinating dance.
It is also referred to as Single Beat Jive.
For beginners, it is advisable to learn rock n
roll before the difficult Jive which consists of
Triple Rhythm.
Rock ‘n Roll music is recognizable
accented off beat.
10. The hold is similar to that of
Samba, but is looser and more
flexible with the arms held a little
lower. The Open Hold is when
partners are apart, right hand of the
lady is held in the left hand of the
boy, with arms a little above waist
level, elbows relaxed.
11. •Leading comes from the boy through a
tension from his arms to which the girl
must respond by resisting with her arm-
muscles ready to feel his lead. The girl
must respond this way, otherwise it would
be impossible for the boy to lead the
figures. The girl should always remember
never to have floppy arms when the boy
is leading her into any figure.
12. The dance is very simple. The boy starts
all figures with his left foot (LF) and the girl
with her right foot (RF).
Rhythm for all basic figures is Slow, Slow,
Quick, Quick (2 beats for each “slow” step
and 1 beat for each “quick” step).
