PHYSICAL EDUCATION & HEALTH 12A

Quarter 2, Lesson 4:
“SOCIAL DANCE: Ballroom”

STANDARD BALLROOM DANCES

Brief History, Nature, and Characteristics
Standard ballroom dances are smooth, flowing ballroom dances that move around the entire
dance floor in a counterclockwise movement. The international Standard and International
Latin techniques were codified by the Imperial Society of Teacher of Dance (ISTD) to come up
with a unified syllabus for all those interested in learning ballroom dancing. These includes
Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, and Quick Step.
❖ Foxtrot
• Was named after an American performer Harry Fox, which was premiered in 1914.
• It is an elegant dance whose objective is to travel smoothly around the dance floor.
• The time signature is 4/4 with the first and third beats accented.
• “Slow” count = 2 beats. “Quick count = 1 beat.
• Counting in beats and bars: 1 2 3 4, 2 2 3 4, 3 2 3 4, 4 2 3 4, etc.
❖ Waltz
• Was introduced in England in 1874 but it was in 1922 that it became as fashionable as
Tango. Waltz’s steps have already undergone change and improvements as well and as
a result of this, many more variations became possible. It is also considered by some as
“mother of present-day dances” and the “backbone dance” of the ballroom.
• It is a smooth, progressive dance that travels around the line of dance, characterized by
its “rise and fall” action.
• The time signature is 3/4 with the first beat accented.
• Each step = 1 beat.
• Counting in beats and bars: 1 2 3, 2 2 3, 3 2 3, 4 2 3, etc.
❖ Tango
• Was first danced in Europe before World War I. The word “tango” may be an African
term for “closed space” or “reserved ground,” or it may be from the Latin verb tanguere
which mean “to touch”. It originates from Buenos Aires (Argentina) where it was first
danced in “Barrio de Las Rana”, the ghetto of Buenos Aires.
• It is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America during the early 20th
century.
• The time signature is 2/4 with both beats accented.
• “Slow” count = 1 beat. “Quick” count = 1/2 beat.
• Counting in beats and bars: 1 2, 1 and 2, etc.
❖ Quick Step
• Was developed during World War I in New York and became popular in ballrooms. It
has a common origin as that of the Foxtrot.
• It is an up-and-down, rise-and-fall swinging motion performed at a fast pace. Music
used is usually jazz or swing with a brisk tempo. It is little faster than brisk walking,
although it seems much faster for beginners.
• The time signature is 4/4 with the first and third beats accented.
• “Slow” count = 2 beats. “Quick” count = 1 beat.
• Counting in beats and bars: 1 2 3 4, 2 2 3 4, 3 2 3 4, 4 2 3 4, etc.

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Fundamental Movements (Foxtrot):

Basic Steps Illustration Counts/Step Pattern

Starting Position Stand upright with your feet
together. Face each other, lady
puts her right hand on the
Gentleman’s left hand. His
right hand is on her left
shoulder blade; her left hand is
on his right arm. Knees almost
touching with each other and
in slightly bent and feet
together.

1. Basic Step
Basic forward (Gentleman)
(Forward-
Backward) 1. Step forward with your left
foot (slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step forward with your
right foot (slow) – cts. 3,4
3. Sidestep to the left with
your left foot (quick)- ct. 2
4. Move your right foot close
to your left foot (quick) – ct.
2
Basic backward (Gentleman)
5. Step backward with your
left foot (slow) – cts. 3,4
6. Step backward with your
right foot (slow) cts. 3,2
7. Sidestep to the left with
your left foot (quick) – ct. 3
8. Move your right foot close
to your left foot (quick) – ct.
4

Basic forward (Lady)

1. Step backward with your
right foot (slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step backward with your
left foot (slow) – cts. 3,4

3. Sidestep to the right with

your right foot (quick) – ct.

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 2
4. Move your left foot close to
your right foot (quick) – ct.
2
Basic backward (Lady)
5. Step forward with your
right foot (slow) – cts. 3,4
6. Step forward with your left
foot (slow) – ct. 3,2
7. Sidestep to the right with
your right foot (quick) – ct.
3
8. Move your left foot close to
your right foot (quick step)
– ct. 4
Basic Rock Left Turn
2. Rock Left
(Gentleman)
Turn (Pivot)
1. Step forward with your left
foot (slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step sideward with a pivot
(towards left) with your
right foot (slow) – cts. 3,4
3. Sidestep to the left with
your left foot (quick) – ct. 2
4. Move your right foot close
to your left foot (quick) – ct.
2
Note: Opposite direction for the
Lady. Start with Right foot.

3. Promenade
Basic Promenade (Gentleman
Step
& lady)
1. Step sideward with your left
foot (slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step sideward with your
right foot across left (slow) –
cts. 3,4
3. Sidestep to the left with
your left foot (quick) – ct. 2

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 4. Move your right foot close
to your left foot (quick) – ct.
2
Note: Opposite direction for the
Lady. Start with Right foot going
right side.

4. Foxtrot Foxtrot Progressive Step

Progressive (Gentleman)
Step
• Rhythm is slow (cts. 1,2),
quick (ct.3), quick (ct.ct.4),
slow (cts.2,2), quick (ct.3),
quick (ct.4)
Note: Opposite direction for the
Lady. Start with Right foot going
right side.

5. Foxtrot Left Foxtrot Progressive Step

Turn (Gentleman)

• Rhythm – slow (cts. 1,2),

quick (ct.3), quick (ct.4),
slow (cts.2,2), quick
(ct.3), quick (ct.4)
Note: Movements of the Lady is
opposite to the Gentleman

Fundamental Movements (Waltz):

Basic Steps Illustration Step Pattern

Starting Position
Closed position, facing
diagonal center
Note:
Rise and Fall in Waltz
The rise and fall is unique
to the waltz. If possible, all

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 the steps in the waltz
should be long.

1. Left Foot Waltz Left Foot Change

Change (Gentleman)
(Forward)
1. Step forward with
your left foot, (the
weight is taken on the
heel, then on to the ball
of the foot) – ct. 1
2. Step sideward with
your right foot, (a
gradual rise to the toes
should be started at
the end of the first
beat, and continued to
the second and third
beat of each bar of
music) – ct. 2
3. Bring the left foot close
to the right foot, (lower
to the normal position
at the end of the third
beat by lowering to the
heel of the foot which
is carrying the weight)
– ct. 3
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

2. Right Foot Waltz Right Foot

Change (Gentleman)
Change
(Backward or Start position - facing line
against the of dance
line of dance) 1. Step backward with
your right foot – ct. 1
2. Step sideward with
your left foot – ct. 2

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 3. Bring the right foot,
parallel to the left foot
– ct. 3

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman
3. Waltz Box Waltz Box (Gentleman)
(Left Box
Man starts and finished
Step)
facing Line of Dance

• It is a combination of
the Left Foot Change
and the Right Foot
change
• One basic is 6 steps
(cts. 1 2 3, 2 2 3)
• The man is in closed
dance position in front
of the woman, facing
line of dance. The
woman is slightly to
the right.
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

4. Waltz Waltz Forward

Forward Progressive (Gentleman)
Progressive Start position (face line of
dance)
• Left foot change and
right foot change
forward
• One basic is 6 steps
(cts. 1 2 3, 2 2 3)
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

5. Waltz Waltz Promenade Step

Promenade (Gentleman)
Step
Start position - face
diagonal to wall
• Left foot change and
right foot change
forward

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 • One basic is 6 steps
(cts. 1 2 3, 2 2 3)
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

Waltz Left Turn

6. Waltz Left (Gentleman)
Turn
• One basic is 12 steps
(cts. 1 2 3, 2 2 3, 3 2
3, 4 2 3)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

Waltz Right Turn

7. Waltz Right
(Gentleman)
Turn
Start position
• Precede with a left foot
change, then 2 right
turns and finish with a
right foot change
• One basic is 12 steps
(cts. 1 2 3, 2 2 3, 3 2
3, 4 2 3)
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

Waltz Whisk
8. Waltz Whisk (Gentleman)

Start position
1. Step left foot forward –
ct.1
2. Step right foot side- ct.
2
3. Step left foot crosses
behind right foot – ct.3

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 Waltz Whisk (Lady)

Start position.

1. Step right foot back –

ct. 1
2. Step left foot side,
turning to promenade
position – ct. 2
3. Step right foot crosses
behind left foot in
promenade position –
ct. 3

Fundamental Movements (Tango):

Basic Steps Illustration Step Pattern

Starting Position Partners are in a closed-
hold position, usually
closer than in other
dances. The man's left
hand is holding the lady's
right hand. His right hand
is placed on her back,
along the bottom of her
ribcage. The lady's left
hand is placed on his right
shoulder. (Note: always
bent your knees. The lead
and follow mirror each
other’s steps. The lead
begins with the left foot,
the follow with the right.
Walks usually curve
gradually to the left.

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1. Basic Tango Tango Walk
Walk (Gentleman)

1. Step forward with your

left foot (slow) – cts.
1,2
2. Step forward with your
right foot passing the
left foot (slow) – cts.
1,2
3. Step forward again
with your left foot this
time passing the right
foot (quick) – ct. 1
4. Step forward to the
right with your right
foot (quick) – ct. and
5. Step left foot close to
right foot (slow) – cts.
2,1

Tango Walk (Lady)

1. Step back with your

right foot (slow)- cts.
1,2
2. Step back with your
left foot passing the
right foot (slow) – cts.
1,2
3. Step back again with
your right foot this
time passing the left
foot (quick) – ct. 1
4. Step back and to the
left with your left foot
(quick) – ct. and
5. Right foot close to left
foot (slow) – cts. 2,1

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2. Tango Rock Basic Tango Rock
Turn (Gentlemen)

1. Step right foot forward

(slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step left foot to side
and slightly back
(quick)- ct. 1
3. Transfer weight to
right foot, right side
leading (quick) – ct.
and
4. Step left foot back,
small step, L side
leading (slow) – cts.
1,2
5. Step right foot back in
CBMP (quick) – ct. 1
6. Step left foot to side
and slightly forward
(quick) – ct. and
7. Step right foot closes
to LF slightly back
(slow) – cts. 1,2

Open Reverse Turn,

3. Open Reverse Lady Outside
Turn, Lady (Gentlemen)
Outside
1. Step left foot forward
in CBMP (quick) – ct. 1
2. Step right food to side
(quick) – ct. and
3. Step left foot back in
CBMP (slow) – cts. 1,2
4. Step right foot back
(quick) – ct. 1
5. Step left foot to side
Note:
and slightly forward
(quick) – ct. and
Gentleman’s Lady’s
Footwork 6. Step right foot closes
Footwork
to left foot slightly
back (slow) – cts. 1,2
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

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 Note:

CBMP stands for Contra

Body Movement Position.
A foot position where the
foot is placed on or across
the line of the supporting
foot, either in front or
behind, to maintain body
line.

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Fundamental Movements (Quick Step):
Basic Step Illustration Step Pattern

Starting Closed position, facing

Position diagonal wall

1. Quick Step Quick Step Basic

Basic (Gentlemen)

1. Step left foot forward

(slow) – cts. 1,2
2. Step right foot forward
(slow) – cts. 3,4
3. Step left foot to the
side (quick) – ct. 2
4. Step right foot closes
to left foot (quick) –
ct.2
5. Step left foot to the
side (slow) – cts. 3,4
6. Step right foot back
(slow) – cts. 3,2
7. Step left foot to the
side (quick) – ct. 3
8. Step right foot closes
to left foot(quick) ct.4
9. Step left foot to the
side (slow) – cts. 4,2

Note: Repeat from step 2

Quick Step Basic (Lady)

1. Step right foot back

(slow)
2. Step left foot back
(slow)
3. Step right foot to the
side (quick)

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 4. Step left foot closes to
right foot (quick)
5. Step right foot to the
side (slow)
6. Step left foot
forward(slow)
7. Step right foot to the
side (quick)
8. Step left foot closes to
right foot(quick)
9. Step right foot to the
side (slow)

Note: Repeat from step 2

Natural Turn
2. Natural Turn (Gentleman)

1. Step right foot forward

(slow)
2. Step left foot side
turning halfway
(quick)
3. Step right foot closes
to left foot (quick)
4. Step left foot back
(slow)
5. Step right foot to side,
small step -heel pull-
(slow)
6. Step left foot forward
(slow)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

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LATIN BALLROOM DANCES
Brief History, Nature, and Characteristics
Latin ballroom dances are energetic dances which reflect the shift in rhythm of the
music being danced to. Latin dance has a rich cultural history rooted in the traditional
dances of native peoples of Latin America. Formal Latin dances includes Cha-cha-cha, Jive,
Samba and Rumba.
❖ Cha-cha-cha
• Is a newcomer in Latin American dances with origin only in the fifties and
became popular shortly after mambo was introduced.
• It is passionate, energetic, lively and a flirtatious dance.
• The time signature is 4/4 with accented beat on the first and fourth of each bar.
• Count 2 = 1 beat; Count 3 = 1 beat; Count 4 = half beat
• Counting in beats and bars: 2 3 4 and 1, etc.
❖ Jive
• Was developed from the dance “jitterbug” from America. After the origination of
the jive dance in the United States, it slowly spread to the European countries
and in the United Kingdom.
• A lively style of dance popular especially in the 1940s and 1950s, performed to
swing music or rock and roll.
• The time signature is 4/4 with accent on the first beat, second beat, and fourth
beat of each bar.
• Count 1 = 1 beat; Count 2 = 1 beat; Count 3 = 2/4 beat; Count a = ¼ beat; Count
4 = 1 beat
• Counting in beats and bars: 1 2 3and4 5and6 etc.
❖ Samba
• It is one of the five international Latin dances developed in Brazil during the
19th century.
• The basic footwork features fast, three-step weight changes with a slight knee
lift, led with alternating feet. The basic rhythm is “quick”, quick, slow, and
repeat.
• The time signature is 2/4 with musical accent on the first beat and percussive
accent on the second beat.
• Counting rhythms: 1 and 2, 3 and 4, etc.
❖ Rumba
• It originates primarily from Cuba in the sixteenth century, which has its roots in
African rhythms brought to America by the slaves.
• Considered as the sexiest of the ballroom dances which tells the story of love
and passion between a strong man and a teasing woman.
• The time signature is 4/4 with an accent on the first beat and fourth beat of
each bar.
• Counting in beats: 2 3 4 1. Count 2 = 1 beat; Count 3 = 1 beat; Count 4 1 = 2
beats half beat.
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Fundamental Movements (Cha-cha-cha):

Basic Step Illustration Step Pattern

Starting Closed facing position

Position

Cha-cha-cha Closed
1. Cha-cha-cha Basic (Gentlemen)
Closed Basic
1. Step left foot forward
(ct. 2)
2. Transfer weight to
right foot (ct. 3)
3. Step left foot to side
(ct.4)
4. Step right foot closes
to left foot (ct. and)
5. Step left foot to the
side (ct. 1)
6. Step right foot back
(ct. 2)
7. Transfer weight to left
foot (ct. 3)
8. Step right foot to the
side (ct. 4)
9. Step left foot closes to
right foot (ct. and)
10. Step right foot to the
side (ct. 1)

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 Cha-cha-cha Closed
Basic (Lady)

1. Step right foot

backward (ct. 2)
2. Transfer weight to left
foot (ct. 3)
3. Step right foot to side
(ct.4)
4. Step left foot closes to
left foot (ct. and)
5. Step right foot to the
side (ct. 1)
6. Step left foot forward
(ct. 2)
7. Transfer weight to
right foot (ct. 3)
8. Step left foot to the
side (ct. 4)
9. Step right foot closes
to left foot (ct. and)
10. Step left foot to the
side (ct. 1)

2. New York New York (Gentleman)

Open face position

(preparatory position and
right foot side

1. Step left foot forward

Preparatory Position 1 in side-by-side
position (ct. 2)
2. Transfer weight to
right foot (ct. 3)
3. Facing partner, Step
left foot to side (ct.4)
4. Step right foot closes
to left foot (ct. and)
2 3
5. Step left foot to the
side (ct. 1)
6. Step right foot forward
in side-by-side
position (ct. 2)
7. Transfer weight to left
foot (ct. 3)
4 5 8. Step right foot to the
side (ct. 4)

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 9. Step left foot closes to
right foot (ct. and)
10. Step right foot to the
side (ct. 1)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

6 7

8 9 10

Fundamental Movements (Jive):

Basic Step Illustration Step Pattern
Starting Jive is danced with the
Position lady and man facing each
other (Closed Position).
The man's left hand
loosely holds the lady's
right hand. The man
leads starting with his left
foot and the lady follows
his movements.

Jive Basic in Place

1. Jive Basic in
(Gentlemen)
Place
1. Step back with your
left foot (Rock step) -
ct.1
2. Right foot in place,
weight shifts to it- ct.2
3. Sidestep to the left
with your left foot
(Chasse to the left)- ct.
3
4. Move your right foot to
your left foot - ct. and

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 5. Sidestep to the left
with your left foot -
ct.4
6. Right foot in place,
weight shifts to it
(Chasse to the right) –
ct. 5
7. Sidestep to the right
with your left foot -ct.
and
8. Sidestep to the right
with your right foot -
ct.6

Jive Basic in Place

(Lady)

1. Step back with your

right foot (Rock step) –
ct.1
2. Left foot in place,
weight shifts to it – ct.
2
3. Sidestep to the right
with your right foot
(Chasse to the right) –
ct. 3
4. Move your left foot to
your right foot – ct.
and
5. Sidestep to the right
with your right foot –
ct. 4
6. Left foot in place,
weight shifts to it
(Chasse to the left) –
ct. 5
7. Sidestep to the left
with your right foot –
ct. and
8. Sidestep to the left
with your left foot – ct.
6

2. Fallaway Fallaway Rock

Rock (Gentleman)

Begin with a closed

position facing partner

1. Step left foot back in

fallaway position (ct.1)
Preparatory Position

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 2. Replace weight to right
foot in promenade (ct.
2)
3. Side step to the left (ct.
3)
4. Step left foot close to
right (ct. and)
5. Side step to left (ct. 4)
6. Side step to the R (ct.
1 2 5
7. Step right foot close to
left (ct. and)
8. Side step to the right
(ct. 6)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

3 4 5

6 7 8

Fundamental Movements (Samba):

Basic Step Illustration Step Pattern
Starting Closed facing position
Position

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1. Samba Samba Natural Basic
Natural Basic (Gentlemen)

1. Step forward with your

left foot (ct. 1)
2. Move your right foot to
your left foot (ct. and)
3. Left foot in place,
weight shifts to it (ct.
2)
4. Step backward with
your right foot (ct. 3)
5. Move your left foot to
your right foot (ct.
and)
6. Right foot in place,
weight shifts to it (ct.
4)

Samba Natural Basic

(Lady)

1. Step backward with

your right foot (ct. 1)
2. Move your left foot to
your right foot (and)
3. Right foot in place,
weight shifts to it (ct.
2)
4. Step forward with your
left foot (ct. 3)
5. Move your right foot to
your left foot (ct. and)
6. Left foot in place,
weight shifts to it (ct.
4)

Samba Whisk
2. Samba Whisk (Gentlemen)

1. Step left foot to side

(ct. 1)
2. Step right foot behind
left foot w/o weight-
Cuban cross (ct. and)
3. Take minimal weight
to right foot and
1 2

20
 replace weight to left
foot (ct. 2)
4. Step right foot to side
(ct. 3)
5. Step left foot behind
right foot w/o weight-
Cuban cross (ct. and)
6. Take minimal weight
to left foot and replace
weight to right foot (ct.
3 4
4)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

5 6

Fundamental Movements (Rumba):

Basic Step Illustration Step Pattern

Starting Closed facing position

Position

Rumba Closed Basic

1. Rumba (Gentlemen)
Closed Basic
Start by facing your
partner (ct.1)

1. Step left foot forward

(ct. 2)
2. Replace weight to right
1 2 3 foot (ct. 3)

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 3. Step left foot sideward
left (ct. 4,1)
4. Step right foot
backward (ct. 2)
5. Step left foot forward
(transfer weight to left
foot) (ct. 3)
6. Step right foot
sideward right (ct. 4,1)
4 5 6
Note: Movements of the Lady
is opposite to the Gentleman

2. Rumba Open Rumba Open Basic

Basic (Gentlemen)

Start by open facing

position with your partner
(ct.1)

1. Step left foot forward

1 2 (ct. 2)
2. Replace weight to right
foot (ct. 3)
3. Step left foot back (ct.
4,1)
4. Step right foot
backward (ct. 2)
5. Replace weight to left
foot forward (ct. 3)
6. Step right foot
3 4 forward (ct. 4,1)

Note: Movements of the Lady

is opposite to the Gentleman

5 6

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TASK (Individual): Dance Playlist
• Create a dance playlist with your top 5 favorite songs. The goal of this activity is to choose
songs that inspire movement and makes you want to dance.
• You can consider various genres like pop, hip-hop, Latin, classical, or any other style you
enjoy.
• Write a short paragraph for each song on your playlist. Describe why each song is special
to you and how it makes you feel.
• You can use graphic organizers, smartarts, graphic designs and layout, etc. in presenting
your data.
• Put your output on an A4 bondpaper.
• Deadline of submission is on Monday (January 15, 2024) until 12:00 NN only.

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