What is Ballroom Dancing?

So what exactly is ballroom dancing? One thing that can be said of ballroom dance is that no one can really agree on a specific definition. Yes, there are those who try to confine it to several specific steps and patterns, but for the true ballroom conasseur, the beauty of ballroom lies in its constant change and development. New dances and variations continue to be added. The Waltz came about in the early nineteenth century. The Fox Trot, Tango and Two-Step were introduced in the early twentieth century. The 50’s saw new variations of the Swing with the birth of rock-n-roll. The 70’s hustled in an era of disco. And the 90’s have seen a renewed interest in country line and couple dancing. Debate arises concerning these latter social dances as to whether they are legitimately ballroom or not. But this is something for you to decide!

Ballroom dance is also known as social dance because it encourages social interaction between dance partners. While it is a beautiful form of art, it has also at times been an integral part of people’s daily lives for hundreds of years, providing an atmosphere for men and women to gather together, develop friendships and have a good time.

Lately, ballroom dancing is making an unprecedented comeback. Social dance classes are taught on virtually all college campuses throughout the United States and draw hundreds of students each semester. Ballroom dancing continues to be a main social event for seniors and is growing as a fashionable pastime for middle-aged and younger men and women as well.

The principles learned in ballroom dancing can be applied to any type of music, whether you listen to classical waltzes, disco, or rock. This is because ballroom dancing follows strict tempo. For the beginning dancer, this means that the music follows an even pattern of beats. The two main types of music you will be dancing to will either be in 3/4 or 4/4. More on that later! Suffice it to say, you’ll be amazed at how many of your favorite songs are perfect for dancing to a Waltz, Foxtrot or Swing.