Waltz - Standard Dance Class

When the waltz was introduced into England during the early 19th century it scandalised society. Never before had the man clasped the lady to him in a facing position with him arm round her waist and rotted round the ballroom in what was almost an embrace; and rarely, if ever, had the dancers appeared to be dancing for their own pleasure as opposed to providing entertainment for admiring onlookers. Add t this the turned out toes derived from classical ballet which wearer still in use in the ballrooms of that time and the impact must have been considerable. We hear much of the disapproval voiced by the older generation, but seldom mentioned is the fact that the ringing queen (Victoria) was a keen and expert ballroom dancer with a special love of the waltz.

Fortunately, the violent opposition faded out and the waltz weathered an varied career, emerging today in to accepted forms, both replacing the main characteristics of the dance. These are known respectively as the modern (or diagonal) waltz and the Viennese (or quick)n waltz.

It would be necessary to study a detailed history of ballroom during to follow the various changes that finally brought us the present day version, but briefly it can be said that just before and during the first world war the waltz went out the fashion in England, and a craze for the new syncopated rhythms brought over from American swept the country.

So although waltz music was still popular the tempo was shower and the steps had to set form. In the early 1920s, attempts were made by the teaching profession to find a uniform basic step that expressed this music, while at the same time following the accepted natural walking action. Finally, it was agreed that the feet should close on the third beat of a bar whether forward close, or forward side close. Right and left turns alternated by change steps were recommended, the man making a whole turn from the position at which he started, somethings dancing as many as two or three complete right and left turns in sequence.

Basic-II

Intermediate

Cinderella School of Ballroom Dancing

Welcome to the Cinderella School of Ballroom Dancing. Ballroom dancing is as romantic as it is enjoyable. For years the world’s greatest romantics have known that the best way to a lady’s heart is to sweep her across the dance floor. Think of all the countless number of relationships that would have never started without the world’s best ice breaker; "May I have this dance?".

The romantic properties of dance are a secret that all good dancers enjoy. For men, being able to recognize the rhythm of the music and having the confidence to walk across the floor and ask a lady for that dance is social prerequisite. For ladies, they will always be in demand as a partner, once they master the grace, poise and styling.In fact, a recent survey shows that most women prefer a night of dancing to flowers or chocolates for St. Valentine’s Day.

The word ballroom denotes a room where balls, that is, formal social dances may be held. Balls were important social events in the days before radio and television. The word ball is derived from the Latin word ‘Balare’ which means to dance. Ballroom dances are grouped into two categories, Standard & Latin.

A distinguishing feature of the Standard dances is that the partners dance in close hold and never in separation, unlike the Latin dances, which are often danced in separation and in coordination between the partners. The standard category consists of the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Foxtrot & Quick step; while the Latin ones are the Rumba, Samba, Cha Cha Cha, Jive & Paso Doble.