35 Ballroom Dancing Facts That Will Get You In The Mood To Waltz

People like to get on the dance floor, let their hair down, and move their bodies as the music guides them.

Are you one of them? Or are you someone who would rather watch from afar, wishing that was you?

If you can feel it in your bones that this is something that you might end up liking and thoroughly enjoying, then don't let anyone hold you back! Many times, when people really want to do something, they end up overthinking the whole situation and not doing it.

This is probably the worst possible thing you can do to yourself. So, don't think, just dance!

Either way, read on to discover some of the most common and uncommon facts about ballroom dancing. Hopefully, you will fall in love with this incredibly sophisticated dance style that is sure to put you in the mood to waltz, and who knows, you may well become an exceptional dancer and win many competitions!

Facts About Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dance is an elegant dance style performed in ballrooms, usually by a pair, a man and a woman. When you think of it, fast and intimidating dance steps executed by the elite class come to your mind, doesn't it?

Don't let those fierce movements scare you away! You can practice these social and popular dances either as a hobby or professionally. The decision is totally up to you.

Until you can make up your mind about it, you should probably get yourself acquainted with some facts about ballroom dances. The following facts may even help you in making up your mind!

• This dance form was initially defined as any sort of dance that could be done in a large room with a partner. However, two prominent institutions, the International School and the American School have narrowed down the dances which it encompasses.
• The international style, prevalent across Europe, classifies ballroom dances into two types: standard and Latin.
• The American style, prevalent in the United States and Canada, classifies ballroom dances into two categories, namely American smooth and American rhythm.
• The standard type includes quickstep, slow foxtrot, waltz, Viennese waltz, and tango. On the other hand, Latin dances include the paso doble, cha-cha, jive, rumba, and samba.
• Smooth ballroom dancing includes waltz, foxtrot, tango, and Viennese waltz, and the rhythm style includes rumba, cha-cha, mambo, bolero, and East Coast swing.
• Argentine tango is a little different from ballroom tango.
• Both the styles, international and American, have the same name for dances, but they are considerably different when it comes to performing them.
• The fierce steps may make you think that this dance form can only be practiced and performed by young people, but there is no age cutoff.
• Nowadays, this social dance is not only performed in ballrooms, but people enjoy it on television shows and films as well.

Origin Of Ballroom Dancing

Are you still not convinced to give the ballroom dance style a shot? Take a look at its origin! Ballroom dancing has been around for a long time, yet no one knows exactly when the first dance was danced. Moreover, to this day, it remains a famous dance style. Have you ever wondered when and where it began?

• In the 16th century, Jehan Tabourot published 'Orchésographie', which dealt with the late 16th century French Renaissance social ballroom dance, dancers, musicians, and their behavior and interaction. This was the first-ever documentation of ballroom dance.
• Minuet was introduced into Paris in 1650 and it managed to dominate the ballroom until the 18th century after it was danced in public by King Louis XIV.
• Towards the end of the 17th century, specific rules were set for this social dancing. Furthermore, a clear distinction was made between ballet and ballroom dance as ballet dancers moved to perform on stage.
• During the 18th century, ballroom dancing to music by Mozart, Haydn, and Handel became an integral part of social events and dances.
• In the 19th century, the waltz was adopted after much opposition, and it ruled the floor.
• The 20th century marked the birth of modern ballroom dance when a lot of changes in ballroom dance were happening.
• The competitive side of ballroom dancing was influenced by Irene and Vernon Castle back in the '20s.
• Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers' dance on-screen in the '30s had a massive impact, too.

Popular Ballroom Dancing Competition

Each country has its own way to conduct dancesport. Many even conduct it at an international level. Some of the most popular ballroom dance competitions are discussed below.

• Up until the 19th century, only unofficial competitions were held. In the '60s, ballroom dance gained popularity, and official competitions were held on a regular basis.
• The World Dance Council Ltd (WDC) regulates all the activities surrounding competitive ballroom dance. It organizes the World Championship, European Championships, and other events in various countries.
• The Blackpool Dance Festival is world-famous and open to all nationalities.
• Some competitions are specifically conducted for university students such as the ones hosted in the United Kingdom by the Inter Varsity Dance Association.
• Even the International Olympic Committee recognizes competitive ballroom dance, yet there remains uncertainty as to whether it will be included in the Olympic Games or not.
• AccessDance holds competitions throughout the year for kids, amateurs, and professionals.
• The United States holds the Emerald Ball Dancesport Championship for serious pro-am, amateur, or professional competitors.
• The Romanian Grand Prix is another ballroom dance competition held in Romania.
• USA Dance hosts many ballroom dance competitions.
• If you are a competitive person, then you must at least attempt to master any one of the ballroom dance styles and participate in these competitions!

Significance Of Ballroom Dancing

Do you still need more convincing facts to get you to try ballroom dances? It is a no-brainer that ballroom dancing has incredible physical benefits. With physical benefits, mental benefits come too! It improves dancers' mental acuity. Read on to know more reasons to try this form of dance!

• Ballroom dance involves fast and fierce movements, which can help you to burn fat and lose weight.
• As you move along the beat of the music, you not only tone your muscles but also increase your endurance level.
• It is highly essential for dancers to do a proper warm-up and stretch before dancing as this helps in improving one's flexibility.
• It can help in maintaining bone density.
• It even strengthens your bones, thus, decreasing the possibilities of injury due to exercise.
• Dancing can improve the cognitive function of the brain and release serotonin and dopamine hormones, making you cheerful by lowering your stress level.
• It has even been shown in research that it can prevent the onset of dementia!
• It not only improves blood flow but also increases your lung capacity.
• It proves to be an exceptional creative outlet when you let your body move itself to the rhythm of the music.
• It can be very uplifting and fun if you are not doing it under some sort of pressure.
• It is a great way to connect with new people and increase your social circle!
• If you consider doing it professionally, then by entering competitions, you earn a great sense of personal achievement.