Dances

Classical ballroom contains European & Latin American programs.

European: Slow Waltz, Tango, Vienniese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot & Quickstep.

Latin American: Samba, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble & Jive.

European program. These dances take us to the journey in the Gallant age. The man asks a lady to the dance and she accepts it. The man leads the lady and she follows. The posture in these dances is called closed hold as a man and a woman keep contact at 5 points of their body.

♦ Gentleman’s right hand holds lady’s right one.

♦ Gentleman’s right hand holds the lady on her left shoulder blade.

♦ Lady’s left elbow rests on gentleman’s right one.

♦ Lady’s left hand is resting on gentleman’s right upper arm.

♦ The right sides of chest of both partners are in contact.

There is a historical explanation to this posture. The Waltzes are the oldest dances in European program and there are known to develop from as long as the 15^th century dancing. Men of those times were wearing swords that were hanging on the left side of the gentleman. To prevent lady from being hit by the sword, gentlemen held their partners close to their right side.

As the dances evolved, the mood and the attitude of dance changed – they became more relaxed, yet still very elegant.

Viennese Waltz. As it often happens in the history of dance the exact origins of Viennese Waltz are unclear – it is a proud combination of an Italian and Provencal dancing traditions of the 16^th century. The dance is really quick and in order not to miss the music partners have to dance in a closed hold. As the name suggests this waltz was popularized by the great waltz composer J. Strauss. Viennese waltz has a relatively quick rhythm, rather small amount of dancing steps, yet it provides a breathtaking experience for a couple.

Slow Foxtrot. Slow Foxtrot is related to Quickstep, yet as the name suggests, Fox is danced to a slower, more relaxed rhythm. The dance became popular in the beginning of the 20^th century and comes from United States. It is the dance of Fred Astaire, it is the music of Frank Sinatra among others. Fox has an incredibly smooth flow on the dance floor and is loved for its catlike elegance.

Quickstep comes from the times of ragtime music, which has evolved to the swing in the 1920-ies. New dances appeared, Quickstep is one of them. It has a light funky jazzy music that makes you feel light on your feet and want to jump. It has relatively quick rhythm and yet very relaxed and easygoing way.

Latin American program differs from European in attitude first of all. The dancers move in a more loose position, which allows them to move around each other and even chase each other from time to time. Latin American dances demand more hip movements, yet there still remains the “gentleman/lady” manner and gentleman still leads the lady through the dance floor.

Samba is a Brazilian dance that has its origins in plentiful dances of African slaves brought to Brazil by Portuguese. As it is true with many of ballroom dances, it was considered inappropriate because of the hip movements and close positions. Ballroom samba differs from the one danced at carnival of Rio de Janeiro, as it slower both in rhythm and dancers’ steps. Samba’s rhythm is quiet similar to Salsa’s, but with a different accent. It is a progressive dance (meaning it is danced in the circle, not at one spot) which allows partners to dance both close and apart from each other. Sambadrom is a happy and energetic place to dance at, so come and join it!

Cha Cha is a typical Latin-American dance that comes from Cuba. Originally it was called cha cha cha, the name is argued to stem from Spanish for “nursemaid”, “to chew coco leafs” or coming from lively Cuban dance Guaracha. The dance became popular in the 1950-ies and is partially derived from Mambo. It is impossible to stand still when cha cha is being played. It has relatively quick rhythmical pattern thus a perfect party dance. Cha cha is definitely one of the most joyful dances in ballroom.

Rumba is another Cuban dance, yet it is very much different! It became popular in 1930-ies. The most unusual feature of this dance is that is danced not from the “1” beat, but from “2”. Typically for Rumba dancer’s shoulders remain at the same level all the time, while the hips sway a lot. Rumba has relatively slow but very sensual rhythmical pattern, it is also called the dance of love. Whether you are in love or not, rumba guarantees a great mood and enchantingly beautiful music.

Paso Doble means “two step”. It is typical Spanish dance, which is to portray corrida or bullfighting. The gentleman is Toreodor while the lady portrays his cape. This is a very rhythmical dance with a very proud attitude. Paso Doble became very popular in Paris in 1930-ies, thus many of its steps have French names. If you are looking for some theatrical + dancing experience, very proud and temperamental Paso Doble is right for you.

Jive is originally an American dance. When you watch it today, it is quiet difficult to imagine that this dance has its origins in the Seminole Indians’ war dances. But that’s a theory! In 1910 Jive was known as the youth dance, as it was mostly young people who danced it and older generation disapproved, of course. Jive music comes from the times of Ragtime and dance shares its roots with boogie-woogie, swing and Rock & Roll. Jive is danced with a very light feet, meaning you have some kicks and rolls to a fairly quick rhythm. It is truly an enjoyable and carefree dance.