Ballroom dancing: between Latin and standard, which one to choose?

What is ballroom dancing? 

Before doing ballroom dancing with your eyes closed, let us define what it is, where this practice comes from, the basics of this activity and how to choose the dancer who will take you to seventh heaven .  

Definition

Ballroom dancing was invented in the 18th century as a prestigious social dance. She would later become a sports dance. It is the result of a mixture of 5 standard dances And 5 Latin dances. In addition, it is divided into two categories: international style and the American style. Which ballroom dances belong to which type? The American genre is made up of dances from England, Canada, the United States and Ireland. For the international style concentrates dances from France, Russia, Spain and Latin America. 

History

Ballroom dancing is an extension of “High Dance” which came to life in Germany. High Dance represented a distinction of a caste to stand out from other court and reverence dances. This was evident since she was called “dance of the nobility”. It was a traditional dance for women belonging to the bourgeoisie or to the aristocracy. Over time, the waltz became integrated with other dances such as the minuet in France and England. Then in 1818, ballroom dancing was born in New Orleans, considered “the cradle of American dance”. 

What to Know Before Starting Ballroom Dancing

Perhaps some of you want to get into couple dancing thanks to the show Dancing with the Stars which revived and further popularized this type of dancing. However, as in any sport, it is important to know how to prepare and of know the foundations of this dance. 

A dance with different variations

Before you take your first steps as a ballroom dancer, know that these sports dances are diverse and varied. It's here most popular duet dance in the world. 

Being very vast, the different styles are numerous such as: 

• The Asian

• American

• Latina living room

• Charleston

• Cha-cha-cha

• Swing

• Lindy Hop

• Argentine tango

• Foxtrot

• West Coast Swing

• Waltz

To learn more about ballroom dance styles, visit our article Dancing for two: a good reason to take up sport. 

Prepare well

What will make you a good dancer? It's first listen to your body and seek to acquire a natural balance. Thanks to this, you will be able to have another point of view on the dance and your movements. To avoid being lost during the first lesson, here are some tips that you can apply: 

• Wear good shoes that won't hurt your feet and which hold your ankles well in order toavoid any injuries which would make you unable to dance. 

• Train yourself to music suitable for ballroom dancing.

• Choose a partner who is your equivalent in weight and height in order to facilitate harmonization and not to be blocked by certain movements.

• feel free to wear clothes in which you feel confident and comfortable.

How to choose the best partner

Like everyone, everyone has their own requirements and preferences but it is not uncommon to find similarities between all types of dancers. By definition, ballroom dancing is performed in couples or duets. But it is difficult to find the ideal partner even more so today since there are fewer and fewer dancers in this sport. Perhaps you will find the one that suits you among the categories of dancers that exist: 

• Latin dancer: These are the ones who move forLatin atmosphere. They adapt more easily than standard dancers. They are gifted for the Latin American dances like Paso Doble, Rumba, Samba or Cha-cha-cha. 

• Social dancer: This dancer will have no trouble dancing in a public setting like parties, parties or bars. He likes to follow the latest trends in dance. However, he is not comfortable dancing slow or swing. But you can count on him to make you dance rock, hip hop, zumba or bachata. 

• Standard dancer: For them, it is classic who counts ! They like to dance at balls. They are there to lead the way in the slow waltz, the Viennese waltz, the quickstep, the tango or the slow fox. But he's not someone made for Latin dances.

The benefits

Like any discipline, ballroom dancing has its dose of virtues as : 

• Gently build muscle 

• Tone your muscles

• Fight overweight and obesity 

• Improves your flexibility

• Better breath

• Fix your posture

• Reduce isolation

• Creating a stronger bond with your partner

• Develop your coordination

• Gives you confidence

• Reduces stress and depression

• Work on your memory

• Resisting a sedentary lifestyle 

To conclude

Let's see together what's thereimportant to remember ballroom dancing. 

There ballroom dancing appeared at 18th century and was seen as a royal dance. Today, it is more considered as a sports dance. She comes from 5 Latin dances And 5 standard dances. These dances are divided into two groups: American style And international style. THE American style concerns the English-speaking dances coming from the United States, England or Ireland. In Linternational style we find Russia, Spain, France etc.  

This couple dance contains several kinds such as : 

• Lindy Hop

• American

• Cha-cha-cha

• Argentine tango

• Waltz

• Asian

• Foxtrot

• Swing

• Charleston

• Latina living room

• West coast swing

The Basics of Ballroom Dancing

To practice ballroom dancing, you must be ready to listen to your body And find your balance to get a real dancer's point of view. But before you throw yourself headlong into this discipline, here are some advice to succeed in your first sessions: 

• Practice to music that matches your chosen ballroom dance

• Wear comfortable shoes so you don't have foot pain.

• Wear clothes you are comfortable in

• Choose a partner equal to your height and weight

Base your search for your partner by taking into account the different dancer profiles : 

• Standard dancer for ballroom dancing lovers.
• Latin dancer if you are attracted to southern dances like samba, cha-cha-cha or rumba.
• Social dancer for those who like to go out and celebrate.

Finally, ballroom dancing offers several profits : 

• Neutralizes overweight and obesity

• Improves breathing

• Act on your posture

• Muscle the body

• Strengthen your muscles

• Brings you closer to your partner

• Restore confidence in yourself

• Improves your flexibility

• Take away the isolation

• Deploy your coordination

• Maintain your memory 

• Remedies a sedentary lifestyle 

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Share the dance workout with your partner working your cardio, your bust and your glutes in the twilight so that you are as comfortable as possible. 

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Excited by the idea of spinning your partner? Meet at DECIBEL®.