Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
Region I
SCHOOLS DIVISION OFFICE I PANGASINAN
BANGAN ODA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL
Bangan Oda, Agno, Pangasinan`
School ID: 300164

SOCIAL / BALLROOM DANCE

DIANA GRACE N. DIONISIO

JOYCE MARIELLE C. FERNANDEZ
SHEIRA MAE R. NILO
LIZEL T. NAVORA

Mr. KENJONHIX N. NAVATA

Subject Teacher
 DESCRIPTION

Social or ballroom dance refers to a diverse range of partner dances that are
performed in social settings, such as ballrooms, nightclubs, and community centers.
These dances are typically characterized by intricate footwork, graceful movements, and
coordinated patterns between partners. Social dance encompasses various styles,
including the waltz, foxtrot, tango, rumba, cha-cha, swing, salsa, and many more, each
with its own unique rhythms and cultural influences.

The practice of social dance not only provides a form of artistic expression and
physical activity but also fosters social interaction and emotional connection among
participants. It offers individuals an opportunity to communicate and connect with others
through nonverbal cues, leading to improved interpersonal skills, self-confidence, and a
sense of community. Furthermore, social dance promotes inclusivity and diversity, as
people from all walks of life and backgrounds come together to share in the joy of
movement and music.

In addition to its social and recreational benefits, ballroom dance is often

celebrated for its competitive aspect, with organized competitions and championships
held worldwide. These events showcase the technical prowess, creativity, and artistry of
dancers, as they demonstrate their abilities in front of judges and audiences. The
combination of athleticism, teamwork, and artistic expression makes social and ballroom
dance a multifaceted and enriching activity for individuals and communities alike.

HISTORY

Social and ballroom dancing have a rich and fascinating history that spans
centuries and continents. Here's a brief overview:

1. Origins: The roots of social and ballroom dancing can be traced back to the 16th
century, when the French court introduced the first formal dances, such as the
galliard and the pavane. These dances were performed in a line, with couples
 facing each other, and were often accompanied by music played on instruments
such as the lute and the violin.

2. Victorian Era: During the Victorian era (1837-1901), social dancing became
more popular among the middle classes, thanks in part to the rise of dance
manuals and instruction books. These manuals taught dances such as the
quadrille, waltz, and polka, which were performed in sets of four couples facing
each other in a square formation.

3. Jazz Age: The 1920s and 1930s saw the emergence of new dance styles, such
as the Charleston, Black Bottom, and Lindy Hop, which were influenced by jazz
music. These dances were more energetic and free-flowing than their Victorian
predecessors, and often involved acrobatic moves and syncopated rhythms.

4. Ballroom Dance: In the mid-20th century, ballroom dancing emerged as a

competitive sport, with standardized routines and strict rules governing technique
and style. Ballroom dance styles include the waltz, foxtrot, tango, quickstep, and
Viennese waltz. These dances are typically performed in pairs, with intricate
footwork and elegant movements that require years of practice to master.

5. Social Dance: In contrast to ballroom dance, social dance is more informal and
improvisational. It involves dancing with a variety of partners in a group setting,
rather than adhering to strict choreography or competition rules. Social dance
styles include salsa, samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, and jive. These
dances are often performed to lively music with a strong beat, and are designed
to be fun and social rather than competitive or formal.

Overall, social and ballroom dancing have evolved over time to reflect changing
cultural attitudes towards music, movement, and social interaction. Whether performed
in a competitive setting or simply for fun and enjoyment, these dances continue to be an
important part of many people's lives today.
 CHARACTERISTICS

Ballroom dance is a style of partner dance that originated in the early 20th
century and has since evolved into a highly structured and formal form of dance. Here
are some characteristics of ballroom dance:

 Partner Dance: Ballroom dance is characterized by the interaction and

coordination between two partners. Each partner has a specific role, and they
work together to create a harmonious and synchronized performance.

 Strict Technique: Ballroom dance places a strong emphasis on technique and

precision. Dancers follow specific steps, patterns, and movements, and there is a
set of established rules and techniques for each dance style.

 Distinct Styles: Ballroom dance is not a single dance style but encompasses
various dances, each with its own unique characteristics. Some popular ballroom
dance styles include Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba,
Cha-Cha, Samba, Paso Doble, and Jive.

 Formal Attire: Traditionally, ballroom dancers wear formal and elegant attire.
Men often wear suits or tuxedos, while women wear dresses with flowing skirts
that enhance the movement of the dance.

 Connection Between Partners: A strong connection between dance partners is

crucial in ballroom dancing. Partners maintain physical contact through a frame
(handhold) or closed dance position, allowing them to communicate and move
together smoothly.

 Musicality: Ballroom dance is closely tied to music, and dancers must be

attuned to the rhythm, tempo, and phrasing of the music. The steps and
movements are often synchronized with the musical beats and accents.
  Competitive Aspect: Ballroom dance is commonly practiced as a competitive
sport. Dancers participate in competitions, showcasing their skills and artistry.
Competitions are often judged based on technique, style, musicality, and overall
performance.

 Floorcraft: Dancers need to be aware of their surroundings and navigate the

dance floor effectively, especially in crowded settings. This skill, known as
floorcraft, is essential for a smooth and safe dance experience.

 Expression and Performance: While adhering to technique, ballroom dance

also allows for artistic expression. Dancers convey emotions, tell a story, and
showcase their personality through their movements and expressions.

 Continuous Evolution: Ballroom dance continues to evolve, with new

choreographies and styles emerging over time. Modern ballroom incorporates
influences from various dance forms and adapts to contemporary trends while
preserving its classical elements.

TYPES/CLASSIFICATION

Ballroom dance is a broad term that encompasses various styles and forms of
partner dancing. Here are five popular types or classifications of ballroom dance, along
with examples:

1. STANDARD BALLROOM DANCE:

Standard ballroom dance is a style of ballroom dance that involves five dances: waltz,
tango, foxtrot, quickstep, and Viennese waltz. These dances are performed in a specific
order and follow a set pattern or routine.

 Waltz: The waltz is a smooth, flowing dance that

originated in the 19th century. It is characterized by
its three-step pattern and its use of a closed dance
position (where the couple's arms are wrapped
around each other).
 Tango: The tango is a passionate, dramatic dance
that originated in Argentina in the late 19th century. It
is characterized by its sharp, angular movements and
its use of a close embrace (where the couple's
bodies are pressed tightly together).

 Foxtrot: The foxtrot is a social dance that originated

in the United States in the 1920s. It is characterized
by its use of a walking step (where the dancers move
forward with one foot at a time) and its use of a
closed dance position.

 Quickstep: The quickstep is a fast-paced, energetic

dance that originated in the United States in the
1920s. It is characterized by its use of a running step
(where the dancers move forward with both feet at
once) and its use of a closed dance position.

 Waltz: The Viennese waltz is a fast-paced, circular

dance that originated in Austria in the 18th century. It
is characterized by its use of a spinning motion
(where the couple spins around each other) and its
use of an open dance position (where the couple's
arms are extended out to the sides).
2. LATIN BALLROOM DANCE:

Latin ballroom dance is a style of ballroom dance that involves five dances: samba,
cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble, and jive. These dances are performed in a specific
order and follow a set pattern or routine.

 Samba: The samba is a lively, energetic dance that

originated in Brazil in the early 20th century. It is
characterized by its use of hip movements (where the
dancers move their hips back and forth) and its use
of an open dance position.
 Cha-cha-cha: The cha-cha-cha is a playful, upbeat
dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s. It is
characterized by its use of side steps (where the
dancers move sideways with one foot at a time) and
its use of an open dance position.

 Rumba: The rumba is a sensual, romantic dance that

originated in Cuba in the early 20th century. It is
characterized by its use of circular movements
(where the couple moves around each other) and its
use of an open or closed dance position (depending
on the specific variation).

 Paso doble: The paso doble is a dramatic,

passionate dance that originated in Spain in the early
20th century. It is characterized by its use of sharp,
angular movements (where the couple moves back
and forth like two bullfighters facing off against each
other) and its use of an open or closed dance
position (depending on the specific variation).
  Jive: The jive is an energetic, fast-paced dance that
originated in the United States in the 1940s. It is
characterized by its use of bouncy, upbeat
movements (where the dancers move up and down
like they're jumping on trampolines) and its use of an
open or closed dance position (depending on the
specific variation).

3. AMERICAN SMOOTH BALLROOM DANCE:

American smooth ballroom dance is a style of ballroom dance that combines
elements from standard ballroom dances such as waltz, tango, foxtrot, and quickstep but
without their traditional steps. Instead, it emphasizes smooth transitions between steps
and fluid movements across the floor.

 Smooth Waltz: The smooth waltz combines

elements from traditional waltz but with more
flowing movements and fewer turns than
traditional waltz routines. It emphasizes smooth
transitions between steps and fluid movements
across the floor.

 Smooth Tango: The smooth tango combines

elements from traditional tango but with more
flowing movements and fewer sharp turns than
traditional tango routines. It emphasizes smooth
transitions between steps and fluid movements
across the floor.

 Smooth Foxtrot: The smooth foxtrot combines

elements from traditional foxtrot but with more
flowing movements and fewer walking steps than
traditional foxtrot routines. It emphasizes smooth
transitions between steps and fluid movements
across the floor.
  Smooth Quickstep: The smooth quickstep
combines elements from traditional quickstep but
with more flowing movements and fewer running
steps than traditional quickstep routines. It
emphasizes smooth transitions between steps and
fluid movements across the floor.

4. AMERICAN RHYTHM BALLROOM DANCE:

American rhythm ballroom dance is a style of ballroom dance that combines
elements from Latin ballroom dances such as samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble,
and jive but without their traditional steps. Instead, it emphasizes rhythmic footwork
patterns and syncopated rhythms across different types of music genres such as swing
music or jazz music.

 Bolero is a slow-tempo Latin dance that originated

in Spain, characterized by its smooth, dramatic
movements and expressive music. It is often
danced by couples and is known for its passionate
and sensual nature. The music associated with
Bolero typically features a steady rhythm and
powerful orchestration, creating a captivating and
emotional atmosphere.

 Mambo, on the other hand, is a fast-paced Cuban

dance style that gained popularity in the United
States during the 1940s and 1950s. It is
characterized by its lively, syncopated rhythms
and energetic movements. Mambo music often
incorporates elements of jazz and Afro-Cuban
rhythms, creating a vibrant and infectious sound
that encourages spontaneous and dynamic
dancing.
 SIGNIFICANCE

Social and ballroom dance have significant cultural, social, and personal value.
Firstly, from a cultural perspective, dance has been an integral part of human expression
and celebration for centuries. It has been used to convey stories, traditions, and values
through movement and rhythm. Ballroom dance, in particular, has its roots in European
society, where it was popularized in the late 19th century as a social activity for the
upper classes. Today, it continues to be a significant part of cultural heritage in many
countries around the world.

Secondly, from a social perspective, dance provides an opportunity for

individuals to connect with others in a meaningful way. It allows people to form
relationships based on shared interests and experiences. Ballroom dance, in particular,
is a partner dance that requires communication, trust, and cooperation between the
dancers. It provides an opportunity for individuals to develop social skills such as
teamwork, communication, and empathy.

Lastly, from a personal perspective, dance has numerous physical and mental
health benefits. It is a form of exercise that can improve cardiovascular health, strength,
flexibility, and balance. It also has cognitive benefits such as improved memory and
concentration. Additionally, dance can have emotional benefits such as reducing stress
levels and promoting self-confidence and self-expression.

In conclusion, social and ballroom dance are significant cultural, social, and
personal experiences that provide opportunities for individuals to connect with others
through shared interests and experiences. They offer physical and mental health
benefits while preserving cultural heritage and promoting social skills such as teamwork,
communication, and empathy.