Ballroom
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A Guide to Ballroom Dancing
We are sure you will have come across examples of Ballroom Dancing, either in person or on TV. Recently the popularity of Ballroom Dancing has grown more than ever due to TV shows such as Strictly Come Dancing and Dancing With the Stars. This exciting and ever evolving dance style has taken the nation by storm and its popularity shows no sign of stopping!
In this guide, we will share with you everything you need to know about Ballroom Dancing and how RISE Dance can set you on course for Ballroom mastery!
What is Ballroom Dancing?
Ballroom Dancing has earnt its name due its origination from the where it is typically danced, in the ballroom! It is a partner dance style that is known both for competitive dancing but which can also be enjoyed socially. There are five different styles within the genre of Ballroom Dancing which are wide ranging. They are Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep and Viennese Waltz. Here we will describe in more detail the different styles and help you get to know them better.
Waltz
Waltz is the perfect place to start as it is often known as the first of the Ballroom Dancing styles due to it frequently being the first dance performed both at competitions and at social dancing events.
Waltz is a slow dance sometimes referred to as the Slow Waltz or the English Waltz. Its name originates from the German name “Walzen” which means to roll, glide or turn.
The origins of the Waltz trace back to the 17th century in Austria, Vienna. In the early 19th century, it was introduced and subsequently developed in London. When it was first introduced it was frowned upon because of how close the couples were dancing, it eventually however became accepted.
The Waltz is characterised by its ¾ time signature as well as a strong accent on the first beat of each bar of music. However, its most popular features are the rise and fall of the footwork as well as heavy emphasis on rotation. It has an elegant swing and sway feeling as it glides along the floor.
It is the perfect style to warm up with and to get you into the Ballroom mood. The slow tempo and simple box movement that the Waltz is based around make it a great place for a beginner to start. This is why you will find our beginner classes learning the Waltz as one of their first dances!
Tango
For a higher intensity and more passionate dance, look no further than the Tango. The Tango originated in the late 1800’s in Buenos Aires, Argentina. It also has influences from European and African culture.
It is commonly known for its feisty nature and it is very popular with beginners and advanced dancers alike.
The Tango has a 2/4 time signature which describes how there are only two beats in each bar of music. In addition to this the Tango is recognised for its alternation between staccato and legato rhythms, this means the dancer experiences a mixture of sharp as well as smooth movements and steps. The Tango unlike the Waltz has no rise or fall with the feet which means it is danced on one level.
Many beginners find the Tango one of the easiest and also one of the most fun dances to learn due to its clear and simple steps as well as the exciting music that accompanies the Tango.
Foxtrot
Arguably one of the most popular Ballroom dances is the Foxtrot. Many will describe this dance as being synonymous with the era of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. It is commonly danced to Jazz and Swing music from the likes of Fred Astaire to more recent singers such as Michael Bublé.
Originally developed in the 1910's and influenced by the actor Harry Fox, the Foxtrot is a smooth progressive dance and is characterised by long, linear, flowing movements. As it continued to increase in popularity, it became split into two versions known as the Slow Foxtrot and the Quickstep
The Foxtrot is sometimes described as a “walking dance” with its interchange between slow and fast walking steps. The time signature is 4/4 meaning that there are four beats in every bar of music, although it is easier and more popular to count this dance using “slows and quicks” rather than numbers.
As our beginner’s progress, we teach them how to refine the simple walking steps into the classy smooth style of the Slow Foxtrot.
Quickstep
Quickstep was originally developed in the 1920's in New York and was first performed by dancers from the Caribbean and Africa. Its origins are a combination of Slow Foxtrot and the Charleston. The most common figures of the Quickstep are the Chasse and the Lockstep'. Over time the Quickstep has developed from a compact dance to the modern version of progressing and advancing around the dance floor
Like the Foxtrot the time signature is 4/4 and this dance is also counted using “slows and quicks” rather than numbers.
Viennese Waltz
The Viennese Waltz was developed in the 18th century in Vienna, Austria and is the oldest of all the Ballroom Dances. Originally the Viennese Waltz was danced in a more open hold with the ladies holding onto their skirts which is different to the style we see today in a fully closed hold.
Despite using the same time signature, in contrast to the English Waltz, the Viennese Waltz is significantly faster. It is based around simple step patterns and that are constantly rotating and switching between clockwise and counter clockwise directions.
How Can I Get Started
The best way to get started in Ballroom Dancing is to join a beginner’s class. Here at RISE we have new classes starting regularly which allow all our beginners to start at the same time as each other. As with all of our couples classes here at RISE Dance, the classes run in 4 weekly blocks. These blocks are designed to run continuously with everyone progressing in ability, together, over time.
The class will cover 8 main Ballroom and Latin dances, including Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba and Rock n Roll / Jive. You’ll learn basic steps initially which will fit together to form simple routines, and over time the routines will progress in difficulty as your skills increase.
We teach our classes a pace that is suitable for beginners and which helps build confidence and without judgement of your dancing level or proficiency.
With a beginner’s class you will surprised at how quickly you can take to the floor. You’ll be able to learn a little bit of each style and we are sure you will find your favourite, whilst at the same time enjoying the variety of the music of each dance.
As you advance, or if you are already proficient in Ballroom dancing, we have the Improver, Intermediate and Advanced Ballroom and Latin classes. Here we take you through more advanced technique for the dance styles that you have learned. Our amazing instructors will take you from a novice to a pro through their experience and knowledge in our well laid out classes. As you progress even further, you may want to specialise in a specific style of dance, we regularly hold masterclasses which focus on one style, or you may wish to sign up for private tuition to really boost your dancing proficiency and ability.
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What Else Do I Need To Know
Once you’re signed up to a class, what do you need to know to prepare for your first session?
First of all, you'll need to wear appropriate clothing and footwear for dancing. Make sure to wear comfortable shoes that fit securely and do not have too much grip. Plimsoles for example are fine to start with. We do not recommend sandals or flip flops as they can easily fall off when dancing. If you decide further down the line that you would like to invest in some dance shoes a member of our team can advise on that. There is no need for formal ballroom shoes at the beginner stage.
The same goes for clothing, choose something you are comfortable in and that you can move freely in, loose clothing or sportswear is ideal.
There is no need to buy anything specific for the class, and no need for formal ballroom attire. Lots of couples enjoy getting dressed up for our social events, but specific dancewear is never necessary at a social level.