Ballroom Dances: Types, Classifications, Competitions

Ballroom dance category contains several dances designed for two partners, i.e. when a couple dances together
separately from other couples. Originally there was a rule that couple can consist only of a man and a woman. However,
nowadays when tolerance and gay friendly attitude is spread in the society, sometimes this rule is being neglected. For
example, in Great Britain it's normal when partners are of the same sex. Historically ballroom dances were extremely
popular and played a great role in the 18th and 19th centuries. A special formal event called "ball" was a party dedicated
to dancing. It had a great social role and many people were invited to participate. The dances were performed in a
special large room (hall) called a ballroom. That's how the name "ballroom dance" appeared.

International Style Dances

These dances are regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC, formerly named World Dance and DanceSport Council)
and are usually performed at international dance competitions. There is also World DanceSport Federation (WDSF) -
another organization with alternative rules for ballroom dancing competitions. The differences between the WDSF and
WDC rules include overall duration of the dances, tempo (measures per minute), etc. All the International Style Dances
are also called "Professional 10-Dance Program" and include two categories:

International Standard Dances (also known as "European", "Ballroom" or "Modern")

1. Waltz
2. Tango
3. Viennese Waltz
4. Slow Foxtrot
5. Quickstep

International Latin Dances

1. Cha-cha-cha
2. Samba
3. Rumba
4. Paso Doble
5. Jive

American Style Dances

Another classification of ballroom dances regulated by national body of the USA - USA Dance (formerly USABDA, the
United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association). All these dances are called "Professional 9-Dance Program". The
American Style Dances as International Style Dances also include two categories:

American Smooth
Waltz
Tango
Foxtrot
Viennese Waltz

American Rhythm
Cha-cha-cha
Rumba
East Coast Swing
Bolero
Mambo

Social Dances
The ballroom dance definition is quite fuzzy, that's the reason why many dancers can be considered as ballroom dances.
Apart from competition regulations, there is a category of dances called "social". What does the social dance mean? It's
a dance where the major role plays sociability and socializing over choreography and performance. The following list
includes some dances that are considered to be social:

1. Salsa
2. Merengue
3. Bachata
4. Disco Hustle
Social dances are usually quite easy to learn, have dance moves that can be repeated quickly even by a person who
hasn't danced before in his life. That's why the social dances are extremely popular all over the world. Clubs, bars,
restaurants and dance studios organize parties with social dances (read more about such parties). Besides, dance
instructors are often invited to do a master class for team building or at wedding, birthday parties or other parties to
add some fun and entertainment, and of course to help people to learn the dance moves and enjoy the party. Our dance
school also takes part in such events, read more here.

The Dress Code for Ballroom Dancing

There are obligatory rules for dress both for men and women required at dance competitions. At everyday life it's not so
formal: women are expected to wear a dress and men are expected to wear a costume, however, sometimes people of
both gender wear jeans and feel comfortable. But wearing jeans is rather an exception to the rule, and is not a common
practice. We have a special guide for ballroom dress code where we explain the differences between the regular and
professional dance clothes, we give answer to the question what dress to wear and to buy. The guide is separated for
men and ladies.

The shoes play very important role for a dancer. It's the shoes that provide connection between the dancer and the
dance floor. The shoes must be comfortable and designed for ballroom dancing. Read more about professional dance
shoes here.

Types of Ballroom Dancing Competitions

There are different levels of competition, but the basic division is between amateurs and professionals. Amateurs are
usually divided into groups where the couples compete with each other. The division is usually done by age of the eldest
partner:

-Juveniles (up to 12 years old)

-Juniors (up to 16 years old)
-Youth (up to 21 years old)
-Adult Amateur (21+ years)
-Seniors (over 35+ years)

Sometimes there are extra subcategories for more precise division into groups, e.g. "Juniors 1", "Juniors 2", etc. Apart
from age, competitions may be divided according to dancing ability:

The classification according to the difficulty level is as follow.

“E” Class (Beginner)

Standard Program: English Waltz, Tango, Quickstep;
Latin Program: Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Jive.

“D” Class (Novice)

Standard Program: English Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep;
Latin Program: Cha-cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive;

“C” Class (Advanced), “B” Class (Intermediate), “A” Class (Pre-Championship), “S” Class (Championship)
Standard Program: all dances;
Latin Program: all dances.

There is a special type of dance competition called "ProAm". It's a type of competition where one partner is a
professional dancer and another is amateur. Such competitions are very popular in Europe, USA and Canada. Read more
about specifics of ProAm dances here.

A dance competition is usually organized according to the one the following formats:

Single Dance - when the results are determined for every single dance. For example, in this case a couple can get first
place for dancing Waltz and third place for dancing Foxtrot. There is no any total score or total place.
Scholarship or Championship. In this case there is a fixed list of dances that all the dancers must perform and gain a
score for each dance. In the end all the scores are summed up and the result determines the final rank of the couple.
Usually the list complies with the well-known classification and equals to International Program (Standard and Latin) or
American Program (Smooth and Rhythm).

Formation. It’s a team performance (more than two dancers) either with Standard (Smooth) or Latin (Rhythm) dances.

Classic Show. It’s a dance show performance with two partners according to the Standard (Smooth) Program. Usually it’s
a creative performance that may have some extra dance moves or special dress.

Latin Show. It’s like a Classic Show, but for the Latin (Rhythm) Program. The dancers can usually also add some unique
creative elements or have a special scenario of the dance.

BASIC STEPS

Cha Cha Basic Movement (Latin)

The Cha Cha Basic Movement consists of 10 steps, which are a combination of alternating rock steps and chasses danced
in closed or open facing position, to the rhythm of 2,3,4&1. Each rock step is danced on counts 2,3, each chasse on
counts 4&1.

The rock steps of a Cha Cha Basic Movement alternate forward and backward, the left foot taking the forward rock, the
right foot taking the back rock.

The chasses can be danced sideways (side-together-side), or as a "Compact Chasse" in place by shifting weight from foot
to foot with feet together (together-together-together).

Chasses can also be danced forward and backward. For more information, see Cha Cha Progressive Basic Movement.

The basic movement can be taken with or without turn. When turning, most of the turn is taken between the two steps
of the rock step and the first step of the chasse. Partners turn equally at the same time. Up to 3/4 turn can be taken over
the 10-step patter

Basic Steps Of Tango Dancing (Standard)

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The basic steps of Tango dancing are complete in five beats, even though you will find the rhythm to be in eight beats.
You will find that some beats in Tango are more stressed than others, with the last beat involving a movement from the
left to right or vice versa. Go through the basic Tango dancing steps in this article.

Getting started
Select tango music with a slow, steady one-two-three-four beat, emphasizing on the one and three beats. To begin with,
Argentine Tango music is found to suit the best, but one can always go for slow rock or a rumba, which will work equally
well.
Before you start practicing the steps in Tango dancing, listen to the music to find the beat. Then start walking in a
counter-clockwise circle around the room. Try to land on the balls of your feet as you walk around the room. Now, try to
walk backward around the circle now. While you are practicing the Tango dance steps, look over your shoulder to see
where you are going. Women should look over to their right shoulder; while the men are supposed to look over their left
shoulder.
Instructions for Men: steps of Tango dance
The should face their partner, placing their right arm on her lower back. They should also straighten your upper body,
while keeping the weight of their body on the balls of the feet. Using their right hand, they have to pull their partner
towards them. To do this, he may have to shift to the side a bit so as to avoid any knees bumping with each other when
learning basic steps of Tango dancing.
Now, extending the left arm up and to the side, apply gentle pressure on to your partner's palm. This soft pressure
against her palm will help her know which way you are going as you lead. With your feet close together, you should take
a step forward with your left foot and then forward with your right foot. Bringing your left foot next to your right, keep
your weight on the right foot. You are now back to the starting point.
Repeat these basic Tango dancing steps, guiding your partner around the room in a circle.
Instructions for Women: steps of Tango dance

Facing your partner, place your left hand on his arm above his bicep, while straightening your upper body. Keeping your
weight on the balls of your feet, try to extend your right arm up and to the side. You have to keep it tense, as this
tension will allow you to sense your partner's movements better, while making it easier to follow his lead. After standing
with your feet close together, step backward with your right foot and then with your left foot. Bringing your right foot
next to your left, try to keep your weight on the left foot. You are now back to the starting position.

Repeat these steps in Tango dancing as your partner guides you around the room. Pay attention to body language, for
any little pushes or pulls as he guides you.
Some variations in the steps of Tango dancing are:
Cadencia
One can change the Tango dance steps by altering the basic step by standing in place as you do the two-step. You can
then step backward on the second step to do la Cunita, or the Rock-Step. One can also combine the basic two-step with
some of these variations and don't be afraid to experiment.