NATURE AND

BACKGROUND OF
SOCIAL DANCES AND
DANCE MIXERS
SOCIAL DANCES and DANCE MIXERS

Dances intended primarily to get to know other

people in attendance to a certain social functions.
Also called as “BALLROOM DANCES”
SOCIAL DANCES

Usually performed in pairs, male and female,

but may also be performed by groups.
Communal dances performed in social gathering
in any given space.
 SOCIAL DANCES
LATIN AMERICAN DANCES MODERN STANDARD DANCES
 Cha-cha-cha (origin CUBA)
 slow waltz (origin AUSTRIA)
 Rumba (origin CUBA)
 Samba (origin BRAZIL)  Tango (origin ARGENTINA)
 Paso doble (origin SPAIN)
 Jive/Boogie (origin USA)
 Viennese Waltz (origin VIENNA)
 Swing (origin USA)
 Foxtrot (origin USA)
 Merengue (origin DOMINICAN REPUBLIC)
 Salsa (origin CUBA)  Quickstep (origin USA)
 Mambo (origin CUBA)
SOCIAL DANCES (LATIN AMERICAN DANCES)

Distinguish by performer’s costume

• Revealing, tight—fitting, sexy yet very
sophisticated
SOCIAL DANCES (MODERN STANDARD
DANCES)

Distinguish by performer’s costume

• Wear formal, ankle-length gowns, and coat and
tie
DANCE MIXERS

Are social dances which allow group of performers

to change partners periodically while dancing to
allow chance to get to know other members of the
performing groups
Communal dances performed in social gathering in
any given space.
DON’Ts IN TERMS OF OUTFITS and
DANCEmSHOES:

 Do not wear sneaker or any shoe with rubber or spongy sole. They can stick to the dance floor during turns and spins that
may cause knee and ankle injuries. Always wear dance shoes.
 Avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses. It’s not pleasant to have your partner touch your damp skin

 Avoid shaggy, baggy, low armpit upper shirt. Partner’s hand may get caught in the baggy sleeves.

 Avoid accessories like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces and big belt buckles. They can be dangerous.
They can catch in partner’s clothing, causing scratches and bruises.

 Long hair should be put up or tied in a pony tail. It is difficult to get into closed dance positions when the lady has long
flowing hair. They might get caught in partner’s hands or may even hit your partner’s face.
NO-FAULT DANCING

Never blame a partner for missed execution of figures

Dance to the level of your partner
The show must go on, say “sorry” to your partner if
something went wrong
DEMEANOR
 Be personable, smile and make eye contact with partner.
 Project a positive image on the dance floor even if it’s not your
personal style.
 Dance at the level of your partner
 If you don’t know the dance, be honest, refuse promptly if asked to
dance.
 No teaching on the dance floor. It may insult your partner
 Do not cut other dancers off.
LET’S DO THE WALTZ

DANCE ACTIVITY