Learn The Types Of Ballroom Dancing

So you want to learn ballroom dancing. You know that being a good professional dancer, you can earn a good income and may even one day become a celebrity.

Dancing well can have many other benefits too. Do you know that dancing can give you good poise and lends you an air of elegance? Dancing can even correct your bad posture and make you look taller, strengthens your cardiovascular health, tone your muscles, improve your flexibility and yes, even losing weight! If your lover is your dance partner, you can even strengthen your bonding and love.

There are many dance styles you can choose to learn, however, the most elegant type of dancing is ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing has many genre and these include the cha cha, the jive, rhumba, foxtrot, samba, waltz, tango and salsa just to name a few.

There are many ballroom dancing forms and I will briefly describe some of the more popular ones here.

Ballroom dancing is considered a formal and elegant form of social dancing. The word "ball" is derived from the Latin word "ballare" which simply means dance. Ballroom dancing is usually performed by a couple where usually the male dancer leads and the female dancer follows the steps.

There are two main styles of ballroom dancing which are the international style and the American style. The Rumba, Mambo, Cha Cha, Waltz, Foxtrot and Salsa dances are some of the most popular types of ballroom dancing enjoyed being enjoyed all over the world..

Salsa is a dance for Salsa music created by the Spanish speaking people from the Caribbean. Salsa dancing is a fine elegant mixture of African and European dance influences through the music and dance fusions that are the roots of Salsa. Salsa dancing is closely related to "dirty dancing".

Salsa is usually a couple partner dance although there are also solo forms, line dancing (suelta), and Rueda de Casino where groups of couples exchange partners in a circle. The Salsa dance can also be improvised or performed with a set routine.

The Rumba style of ballroom dancing is sometimes known as the Latin Waltz. The American Rumba is a variation of a slow rhythmed Cuban dance called the "Son" that was brought to the United States in the 1920s. The Rumba is danced on the spot, rather than all over the dance floor, with hip and other body movements in a slow, quick, quick beat.

The Modern Waltz style of ballroom dancing comes from the Austria Waltzen styles of ballroom dancing popular in Austria and Germany in the early 1900s. The Boston Waltz became popular in the United States in 1834 and is a slower version of the Viennese Waltz. Today, the Waltz still remains as a slow type of ballroom dancing and the slower tempo has allowed the Waltz to have more figures, dips and steps added to it.

The Foxtrot is a form of ballroom dancing chereographed by Harry Fox in 1914 in New York City. The Foxtrot involves moving the back leg in a smooth action, although there are many versionss of the Foxtrot. The original Foxtrot was faster and not as smooth and stylish as some of the variations danced today. However, the faster Foxtrot style of ballroom dancing is still taught in many modern ballroom dancing studios and danced in many modern ballrooms.

The Cha Cha was originally called the Cha Cha Cha because its main tempo movement is based on a triple step. The Cha Cha style of ballroom dancing originated in the Cuban Mambo and became popular in the United States in the 1950s. The Cha Cha triple step is danced in between two rock beat movements. This dance form is perhaps the most popular ballroom dance style in the world.

The early tango was known as tango criollo. Today, there are many tango dance styles, including Argentine Tango, Uruguayan Tango, Ballroom tango, American and International tango styles, Finnish tango and vintage tangos. What many tango dancers consider to be the authentic tango is that closest to that originally danced in Argentina and Uruguay athough other forms of tango have developed into more mature dances in their own right.

The Jive is a dance style in 4/4 tempo that was originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1940s. It is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance.

Jive is one of the five International Latin dances. In competition it is danced at a speed of 44 bars per minute, although in other cases this is reduced to between 32 and 40 bars per minute. Many of the jive's basic patterns are similar to these of the East Coast Swing with the major difference of highly syncopated rhythm of the Triple Steps (Chasses), which use straight eighths in ECS and hard swing in Jive. That is why the jive is closely related to lindy hop and jitterbug ballroom dance form.



October 19, 2009
By Chris Chew
Chris Chew is the author of a music education site at Learn songwriting and Learn Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom Dancing

Know More About Belly Dancing

Belly dancing originated from various sources which are why there are lots of theories about its origin. It is known world-wide and practiced by a lot of people.

As far as world history is concerned, Belly Dancing is among the oldest societal dances. It is believed that it originated from the Eastern Mediterranean. This is due to the fact that there are similarities in Egyptian artwork poses and modern dance.

Belly dancing have two forms that are called raqs baladi and raqs sharqi. Raqs baladi is a social dance in Lebanon and Palestine. It is performed by everyone during festivities such as weddings that are intended for celebrations and mere fun. The theatrical version of Belly dancing is the "raqs shargi". Raqs sharqi is the most popular type of dance in the United States today. Both forms of Belly dancing can be performed with female and male dancers.

Belly dancing is a native dance that is why it is generally learned in the early stage of childhood. The children learn the dance informally by imitating and observing their elders through community and social celebrations, along with informal gatherings like most social dances. Nowadays, belly-dancing classes are offered throughout the world. Skilled dancers of this art share their knowledge that was even passed down from the indigenous people.

The real and exact origin of Belly dancing is widely debated by dance enthusiasts. Dancers who attempt to understand the origin of this dance did some research. This is because these dancers overlooked the fact that most Middle Eastern dances take place only in social backgrounds rather than going with the current glamorous and more visible background of professional dancers in nightclubs these days. There are lots of theories about the origin of belly dancing due to the misunderstandings of the people who want to learn its art. It is also regarded as a fusion of different dance styles. This is why belly dancing has many origins. Thus, most of the dance styles are derived from folk dances.

Here is a list of theories about the origin of belly dancing, according to most dancers:

1. Belly dancing originated in Greece and it spread because of Alexander the Great.
2. Belly dancing originated from a religious dance that a Temple Priestess made.
3. Belly dancing originated from the Upper Ancient Egypt through indigenous dancing.
4. Belly dancing descended from Uzbekistan and traveled to India because of the slave trade.
5. Belly dancing was spread during the Romani people's migrations (termed as "gypsies") and other related groups.
6. Belly dancing originated in Northwest India, particularly in Banjara of Rajasthan.
7. Bally dancing is part of a traditional birthing practice in its region or regions of origin.

From all the theories stated above, the first one is considered as the most "believed" theory. This is although the most popular theory is that it originated from a religious dance. The theory about the "birthing practice" has several movements that are incorporated in the modern "raqs sharqi". This is because some of the movements demonstrated a type of exercise in order to ease childbirth. Thus, there are two points stated above that suggests that the so-called "Roma dance" is the origin of belly dancing. Regardless of where this dance began, it has a vast history and this eventually traveled fast around the world. It has a wide history in Africa and the Middle East as well.

The Costume

The most popular costume style include a bra or a fitted top that usually have coins or beans, along with a skirt and a fitted belt placed in the hips that have fringes of coins or beads. The skirts may be layered, paneled, circular or straight -styled. A veil is sometimes used in performing a complete dance. The veil must be four or three and a half yards in length. It is used as a part of the dance in order to frame and see the movements of the belly dancer. Egyptian belly dancers wear dresses that are fully beaded and designed according to tradition and dance. In the western world, dancers are free to choose the design of the costume according to fantasy and taste.

Dancing Techniques

The basic step of this form of dance is doing a circular motion on an isolated part of the body. An example of this is a step where in the dancer performs in a circular motion that is parallel to the ground and a body part. This is, in which, the shoulders or hips become isolated.

Belly dancing both have physical and mental benefits. Dancing alone gives a good workout to any person's cardio-vascular muscles. This can increase the strength and flexibility focused on the "core muscles" or the torso. This form of dance also builds up leg strength. Most belly dance steps emphasize the so-called "muscular isolations" due to the fact that it teaches the ability to move different muscle groups or muscles in the body independently. The veil work can build the shoulders, arms and the general upper body system. Playing the "zils" builds independence and strength on the fingers. This form of dance is good for all body types and all age groups.

Belly dancing is now a part of the modern pop culture as well. Some pop icons of this age fused belly dancing into the modern hip-hop dancing. The Latin star Shakira has recently popularized belly dancing for she uses Latino dance along with belly dancing and modern dance. The late R&B singer Aaliyah used this form of dance as her "signature move". Aaliyah named her dance the "belly roll" and it was featured in music videos. Some singers or performers that featured a kind of belly dancing in one of their music videos include Ciara, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. Out of all the singers that performed belly dancing on music videos, only Shakira had a professional "Belly Dance training".

(ArticlesBase ID #450651)



September 17, 2009
By David H. Urmann
For more information on Belly Dancing please visit our website.

Ballroom Dancing Shake A Leg Now

Ballroom dance is a style of dancing with a partner of the opposite sex, which has its origins in the Western Europe and is now enjoyed at both social gatherings and competitions around the globe. It’s a form of entertainment which is widely enjoyed on stage, films, and on television. There are a variety of social dances performed by couples in the ballroom like Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Swing, Cha Cha, Polka, Charleston, Jitterbug, Merengue etc.

In the early 20th century, the on-screen ballroom dancer pair Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers greatly influenced ballroom dancing in the USA. Ballroom dance was popularized in U.S. by Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire, who established ballroom dance studios throughout U.S. Here 'Fred & Ginger' classes and workshops introduced the “American Smooth" style of ballroom dance. The other popular one is the "American Rhythm". Ballroom dance contests are particularly popular in Europe and feature both amateur and professional dancers. The other types include Nightclub Dances such as Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing and Hustle. In Europe, Latin Swing dances include Tango Argentino, Lindy Hop, Mambo, Swing Boogie and Disco Fox.

Variety and Judgment in Ballroom Dancing

Classic and Vintage dance groups are dedicated to the performance and preservation of ballroom dances of the past, having its origins in the folk dances associated with a particular place, time and costumes like The Twist, Minuet, Quadrille, Mazurka etc.

In U.S. amateur dance proficiency levels are defined by USA Dance as Bronze->Silver->Gold for syllabus dancers and Novice -> Prechampionship -> Championship for open competitors. Among professionals, the levels are classified as Rising Star and Open Professional. In a competition, ballroom dancers are judged by various criteria such as connection, frame, posture, speed, proper body alignment, proper usage of weight/ankles/feet and grooming.

Each type of dance has its own specific set of movements and dancing methods. While dancing in a crowd, always move counterclockwise around the floor following an imaginary line of dance for both the Waltz and the Fox Trot. The Swing, on the other hand, is more of a confined dance and is great for dancing on crowded dance floors. The people that are moving fast are on the outside of the floor while those who are moving slower or in more confined areas are in the middle. In other words, Waltz and Fox Trot are typically done on the outside of the dance floor Swing is performed in the center.



September 10, 2009
By Jeff Van Persie
Jeff Van Persie is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/sitemap.htm, http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/ballroom-dancing-lessons.htm and http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/children-ballroom.htm
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/entertainment.php/53179

Why Should I Take Ballroom Dance Lessons

Ballroom dance lessons can be a wonderful thing to do with your spouse or significant other. From learning more about different dances to make yourself more confident in social situations where dancing occurs to getting exercise to a fun way to spend time with your significant other, you will find that these lessons can offer much to your life. Taking the time to learn a dance can give you a new hobby or make you join to a dance contest that you may quickly fall in love with.

Do you go to weddings or other social occasions where others dance, but you don’t? You can join in the fun, too, simply by taking ballroom dance lessons. They not only offer you technical expertise, they will also give you more grace, balance, and style. Taking dance lessons is great for learning those dances that are popular at most social occasions and they can make you more confident on the dancing floor. By learning a few dances, you may find that you can hold your own on any dance floor that you are confronted with.

Are you looking for something new to do with your significant other? If so, then ballroom dance lessons can be just the thing to put a spark in your love life. Laughing together when you make mistakes, holding each other close, and looking into each other’s eyes – what could be better to bring the two of you together? Use the time together to rekindle your romance and to simply enjoy being together.

Do you want a new and exciting way to get some exercise in? Any type of dance lessons can burn some calories and have some fun. Dance is a great way to give your body an all-over workout. Putting some variety into your workout routine can help you to burn fat and can make it more fun. Practice between the lessons can increase your calorie burn and can make you more accomplished, too.

What kind of dances can you learn? Ballroom dance lessons encompass many different dances that you normally do with a partner. From the waltz to the foxtrot to the rumba to the cha cha and more, these dances are partner dances and have different styles and moods. By learning these dances, you can better prepare yourself for any type of dancing, from club dancing to line dancing. Whether you want to dance at your wedding, at the prom, or just because, you will find that taking these dance lessons can give you the confidence that you want and need.

Dance lessons are normally given in succession with you learning step upon step that builds upon each other to help you learn a specific dance. By learning step by step, you will be able to practice between your lessons until the steps become second nature to you. Ballroom dance lessons can give you the confidence and assurance that you need to step out on that dance floor in perfect comfort. Add some dance lessons to your schedule today!



September 8, 2009
By Natalie B.
Learning to dance is no different from learning any other physical activity. At the start you most probably will be awkward and clumsy. The good news is that learning to dance is always fun, even in the early stages. Find out more about learning to dance here: http://www.dancevogue.com.au/
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/sports.php/97313

Learning to Ballroom Dance

Learning to ballroom dance for me has rekindled my life long live affair with dancing. For many, learning to ballroom dance often culminates with the excitement of a performance or competition. I love the way that learning to ballroom dance makes people deal with issues deeper that just being a klutz and ends up helping them in the long run. Learning to ballroom dance is fun and should not be a painful chore. The art of learning to ballroom dance can really be as easy as walking if you are willing to put the time and effort into learning the different ballroom styles of dance.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing is as popular as ever, with the many television shows and movies that feature dancing. Besides the valuable social benefits of dancing, your participation in a regular program of ballroom dancing will produce significant mental and physical health benefits. Ballroom dancing also goes deeper than just dancing. Because it includes so many different dances and styles it is difficult to link ballroom dance to a single history. There’s no doubt, combining grace, rhythm, timing and co-ordination, whilst making it look effortless is probably the most difficult lesson for any would-be ballroom dancer to learn. Ballroom dancing, which includes Latin or rhythm dances like Samba and Rumba, and Standard or smooth dances like Waltz and Tango, has strict rules (as anyone who watched Joey and Mario compete on Dancing with the Stars knows), and no talking.

Dancing for Fun

Dancing is fun, its great exercise and it's better than sitting around watching TV. As any of you who have taken a group lesson from a good dance instructor, dancing is about feeling. You must learn from the basics up and there are no shortcuts to advance social dancing. Dancing is invigorating and fun and even more so with greater confidence. You should also try to dance with as many different partners as possible to enhance your dancing and practice your leading.

Taking Lessons

In my opinion, private dance lessons are the best way to learn to ballroom dance. This is one of the reasons that small groups or private lessons are important because the instructor can work more closely with each individual. Private lessons are more expensive but they also provide individualized attention that can greatly speed up the learning process. On the other hand, group lessons are inexpensive and are a good way to try out a variety of dances and meet new friends. Since group lessons tend to focus on steps and patterns rather than on technique, it is especially recommended that male students take a private lesson every few weeks and use that time to study the technique of movement involved, including how to effectively lead his partner through the figures taught in the group classes.

Learning to ballroom dance is a lot of fun. You can become athletically fit and have fun with romance by learning to ballroom dance. Learning to ballroom dance can add entertainment to your life, enhance your leisure time, and improve your quality of life. How about stepping out and learning to ballroom dance.

(ArticlesBase ID #211256)



September 2, 2009
By Dave Kettner
Amber Javeri is a dance instructor and passionate webmaster
of Ballroom Dance Classes where you will find continuously updated Ballroom Dancing resources on dance instruction, dancing videos, the many styles of ballroom dance, and much more!
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/learning-to-ballroom-dance-211256.html