Ballroom Dancing
Waltz
Are you looking for a dance that exudes elegance and sophistication? Look no further than the Waltz! It provides the perfect opportunity for couples to glide gracefully around the dance floor and while the dance was once considered scandalous due to its close partner contact, it has since become an essential part of ballroom dance culture.
Whether you’re attending a formal event or simply looking for a fun and romantic night out, the Waltz is the perfect dance for creating a magical and unforgettable experience.
Originating in Austria and Germany in the late 18th century, the Waltz is a ballroom dance genre that is characterized by its smooth, flowing style and elegant turns. Over the years, the Waltz has undergone many variations and styles, including the Viennese Waltz, American Style Waltz, and International Style Waltz. Regardless of the style, however, the Waltz remains a timeless and classic ballroom dance that continues to inspire dancers and choreographers around the world.
Tango
Tango is a dynamic ballroom dance that originated in Argentina in the late 19th century and was later popularized in Europe and the United States. It is characterized by quick, sharp movements, staccato footwork, and sharp turns.
In Tango, dancers typically maintain a closed frame, with the lead holding their partner close to their body and leading them through various steps and movements. The footwork of Tango is characterized by strong, powerful movements that are performed with a flexed knee and a strong connection between the feet and the floor.
Tango is typically performed in competitions and social dance settings and is often seen as one of the more challenging and technically demanding dance styles. However, with practice and expert guidance from a professional instructor, dancers of all levels can learn to master the intricate footwork and expressive movements that make Tango such a captivating and dynamic dance style.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot is a smooth ballroom dance that originated in the early 20th century in the United States. It is a partner dance and is characterized by its smooth, flowing movements and long, gliding steps. The basic steps of the Foxtrot consist of a series of long, continuous steps and fluid movements that travel around the dance floor. The music that accompanies the Foxtrot is typically jazz style music, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody. The tempo of the music is moderate, allowing for the dancers to execute the long, gliding steps that are characteristic of the dance.
The Foxtrot is often seen as a sophisticated and elegant dance, with a focus on grace, poise, and style. It is a dance that requires a high degree of coordination, as well as good posture and balance. The Foxtrot can be danced in a variety of styles, from the classic American style smooth Foxtrot to the more competitive International style ballroom Foxtrot.
Viennese Waltz
Viennese Waltz is a classic ballroom dance that originated in Austria in the late 18th century. It is a fast-paced dance that is typically performed in triple time, with a tempo of around 180 beats per minute.
The dance is characterized by its sweeping, flowing movements, and the dancers move around the dance floor in a continuous rotary motion. The basic steps of the Viennese Waltz consist of a series of twirls and turns that are executed with a strong emphasis on the rise and fall of the dancers’ bodies. The music that accompanies the Viennese Waltz is typically classical Waltz style music, with a strong emphasis on rhythm and melody. The tempo of the music is fast, and the dancers must maintain a steady pace and keep up with the beat.
The Viennese Waltz is often seen as a highly romantic and elegant dance, with a focus on grace, fluidity, and balance. It is a dance that requires a great deal of practice and skill to master, but when executed properly, it can be a truly breathtaking sight to behold.
Quick Step
Quickstep is a lively and energetic ballroom dance that originated in the early 20th century in England. It is a fast-paced dance that is typically performed to swing or jazz style music, with a tempo of around 50-52 beats per minute.
The dance is characterized by its quick, light-footed steps and a sense of joyful energy and playfulness. The basic step of the Quickstep involves a combination of chasses, hops, and runs, with partners moving together in a tight frame and maintaining a constant rhythm and pace. The dance also incorporates a variety of turns, spins, and dips, making it a dynamic and exciting style to watch and dance.
The Quickstep is often seen in competitive ballroom dancing and is popular in both social and performance settings. It requires a high level of skill and coordination between partners, as well as stamina and agility to maintain the fast-paced tempo throughout the dance. Overall, the Quickstep is a fun and upbeat dance style that is sure to get toes tapping and hearts racing!
