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Learn to Ballroom Dance in Different Ways

By Clarissa Leave a Comment
Learn to Ballroom Dance

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Dancing is really a great way to express yourself. Through this art form, you can show others that you are happy, sad and even in love. But what is the best dance to express your love to another person? It is no other than ballroom dancing.

To learn to ballroom dance, especially with the person you love,  adds great depth and communication between and you and your partner.

The Rise of Interest to Learn to Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dancing is a kind of dance that involves two people. It’s long been common as a form of social dancing and it  is now becoming a popular sport with ‘dancesport’ (Ballroom Dancing competitions) being held in different countries. Because of this, a number of people aspire to learn to ballroom dance in order to gain recognition as being a ballroom dance champion.

If you are interested to learn to ballroom dance, you will discover that it is not difficult at all because even if you have to learn different kinds of dances, most have shared elements and patterns. Once you’ve learned how to dance one dance style, it’s very easy for you to learn the others.

Learn to Ballroom Dance: Learn the Different Styles First

To get an idea on how you can learn to ballroom dance, you must know the different styles that are available so you can get the drift and you’d be able to decide where to start and what might be your forte.

One of the first dance we imagine when we think of ballroom dancing styles is waltz. Social gatherings such as weddings and debut parties are often portrayed as having this kind of dance done by the newly-wed or celebrants. This is not what is really done, and Waltz is still a great first dance to learn since the most basic step of waltz is the box step, which is also the basic step of Rumba and used in Foxtrot.

Many people who are starting to learn to ballroom dance start with swing dancing. It is fairly easy and very practical.  It begins with a 6 count step and can be done to a wide variety of music. Another crowd favorite is the cha-cha, which has a catchy rhythm and fiery reputation.  It’s not the easiest of the ballroom dances to learn, but it you have the desire, you’ll get it!

There are many other types of ballroom dances including:  salsa, a Latin American dance; tango, the dance of passion; Rumba another simple Latin dance; Samba a Brazilian dance; and Jive an energetic dance – to name just a few.

Resources to Learn to Ballroom Dance

For those interested to learn the different styles of ballroom dancing, you can join a dance club. There are clubs that specialize in one of the dancing styles while there are also others that include all of them. Usually, for a minimal fee, you get a basic lesson followed by a DJed dance so you can dance the night away.

If a basic group lesson won’t give you the confidence to dance all night (as is the case for most people), head to a local dance studio where you can take ongoing class or work with a private instructor. This is best way to learn because the instructor is focused on you and making sure you are a confident dancer.

For some, buying a DVD or instructional video can help them tremendously.  It allows you to practice with a friend, a partner or even on your own. It’s best to use this to review or augment what you are learning in a class or from your instructor.  Just be sure to practice  so that you can gain your confidence and head out to dance in public.

Learn to Ballroom Dance by Putting Your Heart Into It

There is nothing that can stop you from learning ballroom dancing. You can find a lot of resources, especially with the technology now.

It does not matter which method you choose, what matters is that you put your heart into it and for sure you will learn to ballroom dance in no time.

 

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Featured Articles, Information, rhumba, Salsa, Swing, Tango, Uncategorized, Waltz Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , ,

How to Learn Ballroom Dance Moves The Easy Way

By Clarissa Leave a Comment
Learn Ballroom Dance

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While not everyone is interested to learn ballroom dance, anyone who is can surely learn it easily. This dance requires some dedication though, and you must be good at teamwork and enjoy moving your body! Timing, technique and patterns are all things you’ll learn along the way!

 

Why People Want to Learn Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dancing is generic term that refers to just about any partner dance, whether is being done at social functions, competitions or as entertainment. Some people want to be able to connect with another and move confidently to music, others want a fun way to stay in shape.  With the rising popularity of this dance, competition is becoming a more common reason that people start learning and there even are those that want to make it a career.

Learn to Ballroom Dance by Choosing a Specialization

To learn to ballroom dance, it’s best start with just one or two dances.  Within each dance there are many different ballroom dance moves, so learning more than one or two dances can become confusing.  There are some styles and particular dances that are more popular than others (usually seen on TV, movies, etc.):

Waltz. For some who start to learn to ballroom dance, Waltz is what they want.  It’s often portrayed as the dance used in social functions like weddings, debut and balls, although in today’s day and age, this is rarely the reality.  This dance is characterized by long, flowing movements with the dancers seeming to glide effortlessly across the floor.

Cha-cha. One of the tougher ballroom dances to do well, and VERY popular!  Latin hip movement makes this ballroom dancing style fun and sassy.

Tango. A sensual ballroom dance that seems to be one of the most fascinating of all ballroom dances.  Its Argentine Tango roots give it a flare that the other smooth dances lack.

Samba. A dance which started in Brazil and is popular among younger dancers. The ballroom version of Samba doesn’t resemble the Brazilian dance much, but it certainly has it’s roots there.

Rumba. One of the easiest and most practical of the ballroom dances.  Another sensual and romantic dance, and one that lays a great foundation for many other dances. It is also known as the “Grandfather of the Latin Dances”.

Swing. A dance with American roots, often danced to blues and jazz music. Swing has many social (non-competed) forms including Single Time Swing, the Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing and Shag, just to name a few.

Next Steps to Do to Learn to Ballroom Dance

After you have chosen a dance or two that you are interested in, you can now start to look for a way to learn ballroom dance.  The best way to learn will depend on what is convenient for you and your partner.

Ideally, going to a studio for classes, or to work with a private dance instructor, will give you a solid foundation and build your confidence in dancing. For others, practicing at home with a friend and with the help of an instructional video is a good way to get started. It really depends on your goals and how well you can learn from a video.

After deciding how you would learn ballroom dance, it is now time to practice. Be determined. Remove your inhibitions and make time.  Practice is what will give you confidence. Ask your studio/teacher for  music suggestions so you can listen to the rhythms, feel it and be get comfortable moving in time with your partner.

To learn ballroom dance requires only a simple desire; it allows you to connect with your partner, stay in shape and have fun! Get started TODAY!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, rhumba, Styles, Swing, Tango, Waltz Tagged With: , , , , , , ,

Dancing Really Does Keep You Young!

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

100 Year Old Celebrates with a Dance

Floyd Crellin celebrated his 100th birthday in April of this year – and he celebrated with not one ballroom dance, but two!

Floyd is now at Goddard House, an assisted living facility, but that hasn’t slowed his dancing! After breaking his hip three years ago, his physical therapist used dancing as a way to engage him as part of rehabilitation. “She taught me to walk, and I taught her to dance,’’ the dapper Crellin told the crowd.

A crowd of family, friends, residents and staff at the facility celebrated the centenarian’s milestone with an event that also honored Crellin’s lifelong passion for ballroom dancing. Several professional ballroom dancers were brought in as entertainment, but the real show was Crellin himself.

He did an impromptu waltz with one of the dance professionals, and then performed a rehearsed routine with his physical therapist, Mary Keohane.

What has kept him not only physically healthy for 100 years, but young at heart?

Crellin credits dancing, “I love dancing and the people you meet,’’ he said.

Crellin began dancing at the age of 7 when he accompanied his mom to ballroom dance lessons after his father died.  He then continued to dance his entire life no matter where his job took him.

“And he’s a true gentleman, meticulous about his appearance and concerned about decorum, that people do things the right way, treat each other with respect,’’ says Crellin’s son. Manners and respect learned from a lifetime a ballroom dancing!

Crellin and his late wife, Elizabeth, danced informally while raising their children, and then began taking formal dance classes. “We were always trying to learn new steps,’’ he recalled.

Eventually, while working full time for Eastman Kodak, Crellin started his own dancing school in the basement of a friend’s store. After a dance exhibition at a department party, Floyd and his wife were asked to teach ballroom dance at Kodak, where co-workers called him “Twinkle Toes’’ because of his proclivity to dance in the elevators.

Crellin eventually retired to a community in Florida, where he continued to dance and teach. Now that he’s moved to the assisted living facility, Crellin doesn’t teach, but he still loves to dance!

Nancy Shapiro, Goddard’s executive director, said dance and movement therapy is particularly beneficial for older adults, providing not just the benefits of exercise, but enhanced cognitive skills, motivation, and memory.

“On an emotional level, it helps people feel more joyful and confident, and allows them to explore such issues as frustration and loss that may be too difficult to explore verbally,’’ said Shapiro.

Most people who break a hip at Crellin’s age spend the rest of their lives in a wheelchair, or at best using a walker. But Crellin was determined to walk on his own and according to his son, “his desire to dance inspired him.’’

Using dance for elderly patients can be especially effective therapy to increase balance and endurance as well as alleviate depression.

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Featured Articles, For Adults, Information, Resources, rhumba, Salsa, Swing, Tango, Waltz

The Nine Essential Dos and Don’ts of Asking Someone to Dance

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

There are some unwritten rules of etiquette that ballroom dancers follow and it’s essential to know them if you are going go dancing and enjoy yourself! In this article, ‘ballroom dancing’ is used as a generic term referring to most forms of couples dancing… including Ballroom dancing, Latin dancing, Swing dancing and Salsa dancing.

Essential Dance Etiquette

1. A dance invitation can be given by either gender. This is important. Feel free to ask a gentleman to dance, they often times barely make it off the floor and if you want to dance, it’s best to not ‘wait’ for an invitation.

2. It’s acceptable, and even expected that you dance with people other than your partner. Most dancers enjoy a variety of dance partners and dancing with someone besides your partner strengthens leading and following skills making dances with your partner that much better!

3. Chivalry still lives in the dance community! Regardless of who asks whom, the man still escorts the lady back to where he found her! Please don’t abandon your partner mid-floor!

4. All levels of dancers enjoy dancing…. Please don’t ‘out dance’ your partner if you have the privilege of dancing with someone not as accomplished as you. It’s intimidating and frustrating. Everyone was a beginner at some point, remember what it was like for you and offer a fun, engaging and gracious dance that will inspire this newer dancer to continue!

5. It’s considered polite to dance with whoever asks. If you’ve just come off the floor from a fast-paced dance or have been dancing several songs in a row and need a break, it’s acceptable to take a song or two. Please be sure to resume your dancing with the person who asked you when you needed a break!

6. There are traveling dances and stationary dances. Traveling dances (Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot, Samba, Country Two Step, Polka, etc.) travel counter clockwise around the floor. It’s important to go with the flow of traffic.

7. During traveling dances, faster moving dancers usually use the outer most edge of the floor, while slower moving dancers move towards the center. Be aware of the ‘lanes’ of traffic and do your best to dance where it’s appropriate

8. If you bump into another couple (which does happen), apologize sincerely and offer a smile. Dancers do their best to avoid collisions, and with people moving about the floor executing different patterns, occasional crashes are inevitable. Make sure no one is hurt and then get back to dancing!

9. Dancing with a partner means sharing their space. It’s important to be ‘fresh’, dry and smelling good. If you perspire a lot, bring a change of shirts (or several) and a towel. Everyone needs to wear deodorant and carry mints!

While not an exhaustive list, this does cover the basics. There are no ‘dance police’ to enforce the rules or hand out punishments. However, most dancers show one another politeness and consideration making ballroom dance a unique and wonderful pastime for everyone involved!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, FAQs, For Adults, For Beginners, For Men, For Women, Guide, Resources, rhumba, Salsa, Styles, Swing, Tango, Waltz

Cha Cha Cha Basics

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

The Basic Cha Cha Step

Cha Cha is best learned in a studio setting where it can be explained thoroughly. Below is an overview of the basic step and some information on basic technique.

Leader’s Part:

Step Number – Beat – Foot Position

1. 1 – Left foot side (left)

2. 2 – Right foot back

3. 3 – Left foot replaces weight

4. 4 – Right foot side (right)

5. & – Left foot closes to right foot

6. 5 – Right foot side

7. 6 – Left foot forward

8. 7 – Right foot replaces weight

9. 8 – Left foot side

10. & – Right foot closes to left foot

Follower’s Part:

Step Number – Beat – Foot Position

1. 1 – Right foot side

2. 2 – Left foot forward

3. 3 – Right foot replaces weight

4. 4 – Left foot side

5. & – Right foot closes to left foot

6. 5 – Left foot side (left)

7. 6 – Right foot back

8. 7 – Left foot replaces weight

9. 8 – Right foot side (right)

10. & – Left foot closes to right foot

Cha Cha Technique

In American Style Cha Cha, each step is done with the leg bent, straightening the leg as the weight is transferred onto it. The foot starts at the inside edge of the foot and goes to a flat foot. Full Cuban Motion is explained in the article: “Hips Make The Cha Cha”

In International Style Cha Cha each step is slightly different. For a full comparison of the two forms of Cha Cha, see “Two Cha Chas: International vs American”

Filed Under: Cha Cha Cha, For Beginners, Guide, Styles, Uncategorized

The Key to Cha Cha Cha: the Split Fourth Beat

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Cha Cha Cha: Cuban Origins

Cha Cha, a Latin American dance of Cuban origins is often considered a descendant of Mambo.  Both dances evolved from Danzon – once called the official dance of Cuba – which incorporated rhythms from African folk music.

The Split Fourth Beat Creates Cha Cha Cha

The Cha Cha developed in the early 50’s when a syncopation of the 4th beat of music started being heard and the dancers matched what they were hearing.  A London dancer, Pierre Zurcher-Margolle, visited Cuba and found they were dancing to music with a split 4th beat and took the idea back to England with him.

This was the beginning of what is now known as ballroom Cha Cha (or Cha Cha Cha).

Matching the Cha Cha Step to Cha Cha Music

This syncopated fourth beat is the very reason many people have difficulty learning Cha Cha.  The syncopation means that fourth beat is blended into the first beat – where dancers normally start dancing!

If a dancer starts on the first beat, he or she must start at the end of the syncopations – both in the music AND in the footwork/pattern!  This can be tricky for beginners.

Many beginners will start on one of the music, but on two of the pattern.  This means that the syncopation in the footwork will not match the syncopation in the music.  The music splits the fourth beat.  Dancers that start on one of the music, but two of their pattern are syncopating the third beat.

Cha Cha Music Splitting the Fourth Beat:

1234& 1234&

Cha Cha Music

Cha Cha Music: Splitting Beat Four

Cha Cha Danced Beginning on Two of the Pattern:

123&4 123&4

It’s possible to begin your pattern on two – as long as you begin on two of the music.  The characteristic Cha Cha Cha needs to happen where the music calls for it… over the 4 and 1 in the music!

Cha Cha Cha in Different Places

There are now several other styles of ‘cha-cha-cha’ that differ in the placement of the chasse – the dance version of the split beat.  The original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha both split the fourth beat, putting the chasse between the four and one in the music. (“Two-three-chachacha” – syncopated fourth beat.)

There is Help!

Need some help deciphering Cha Cha?  Contact your local ballroom dance studio and talk to them about learning to Cha Cha Cha!

Filed Under: Ballroom, Cha Cha Cha, Facts, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, Information, Uncategorized

The Best Music for Cha Cha Cha

By thedanceinstructor Leave a Comment

Cha Cha Cha: Danced to Cuban Music

Cha Cha originated in Cuba, so it makes sense that you can dance it to authentic Cuban music.  The one common characteristic with all music to which you can dance Cha Cha is the split 4th beat.

Here are a few examples of authentic Cuban Cha Cha music:

Santa Isabel de las Lajas by Beny More

La Blusa Azul by Enrique Jorrin

El Cadete Constitucional by La Orquesta Aragon

Danzon Daulena by Cubanismo

La Enganadora by Orquesta de Enrique Jorrin

Cha Cha Cha: Danced to Current Music

All dances evolve with time… so has Cha Cha and the music to which we dance it.

Currently,  Cha Cha is dance mostly to Latin Pop and Latin Rock.  Latin pop usually refers to pop music that has a Latin influence and Latin rock would be Rock music again, with a Latin influence.

Be sure to listen for the syncopated 4th beat that qualifies a song as a true Cha Cha.  Latin Pop and Rock can be based on other rhythms like Samba, Merengue or Mambo.

Here are a few examples of Latin Pop & Rock Cha Cha Songs:

I Need to Know by Marc Anthony

Me, Myself & I by Vitamin C

Smooth by Santana

Naci Orishas by Orishas

Estuve a Punto by Miguel Bose

Other Forms of Cha Cha Cha

Styles of the ‘cha-cha-cha’ dance may differ in the placement of the chasse  (syncopated beat) in the rhythmical structure. The original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha count “two-three-chachacha” with the syncopated beat on four.

Filed Under: Cha Cha Cha, For Beginners, For Dance Instructors, Information, Uncategorized
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