‘Dance is an art form consisting of sequences of body movements with aesthetic and often symbolic value, either improvised or purposefully selected. Dance can be categorized and described by its choreography, by its repertoire of movements or by its historical period or place of origin. Dance is typically performed with musical accompaniment’ (Wikipedia)
Of the many peoples in the world, there seems to exist a form of dancing within their culture. Dancing can be traced back to the Greek civilisation and beyond. The Greek philosopher, Aristotle, likened it to ‘poetry’, as the dancers were admired for the way in which they could express ‘passions and actions’.
Dancing has been used in many ways throughout history; as a way to record events – a visual encyclopaedia, a celebration of life, as a spectacle or carnival, as a way to express emotions, and of course, as a means of pure enjoyment.
Dancing, in its many forms, has been effected by historical events and has evolved as a result. Today, there are so many forms of dancing, that it can be difficult to choose which way to go! However it is testimony to the power of dance, that in today’s modern, stressful world, where people rush around trying to manage jobs and families, dancing remains so popular. Long may it continue to be so!
There are many different styles that sit under the umbrella of the British Dance Council.
MODERN BALLROOM
WALTZ, TANGO, VIENNESE WALTZ , FOXTROT and QUICKSTEP
Modern ballroom dance has its roots early in the 20th century, with a movement away from the very popular sequence dances and couples began to move independently. With the influence of popular music, for example jazz, there was a new burst of newly invented dances. Some influences you may have heard of in these early years are Josephine Bradley & Victor Silvester and Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers.
Today, ballroom dance is popular both socially and competitively around the world.
LATIN AMERICAN
CHA CHA CHA, SAMBA, RUMBA, PASO DOBLE and JIVE
Latin American dance sees its roots with the indigenous American influences. The earliest Native roots came from the Aztecs, Incas and many other cultures. These people were observed by European settlers and the dances developed, suggesting that these native influences became a base for Latin dance. Combining African styles along with Native and European styles allowed for the development of Latin dance. The rhythms and movement of the African influences and culture brought a permanent mark to Latin dance. Combining African styles along with Native and European styles, allowed for the development of Latin dance and created the perfect mix of cultures, styles and rhythms from across the world.
FREESTYLE/ROCK'N'ROLL
STREET, SLOW, DISCO, FREESTYLE
Freestyle is an amazing fusion of steps and movements involving athletic moves that can be danced in the fast Solo style or using the Slow contemporary type actions. It evolved in the late 70’s and has now become one of the most popular genres in the UK attracting hundreds of competitors of all ages and grades to the major championships.
Rock n Roll flourished massively in the 50’s starting in the USA and was originally derived from the Rhythm & Blues music that came before. It’s strong beat and foot tapping rhythm makes it a popular dance style for all ages that has stood the test of time.
CLASSICAL SEQUENCE
OLD TIME SEQUENCE, MODERN SEQUENCE, LATIN SEQUENCE
Sequence dancing is a form of dance in which a pre-set pattern of movements is followed, often to music which has been arranged specifically for Sequence Dancing. Sequence Dancing comprises three main groups: Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence and Latin Sequence sometimes referred to as round or circle dances since they move around the floor in an anti-clockwise direction. However, it also encompasses line dances and square dances.
Sequence dances are mostly arranged in 16 bar routines which are then repeated and Modern Sequence Dancing is a very popular form of social dancing both in the UK and overseas. It is an interesting and pleasurable activity and a good way of becoming involved in dancing. Not only does this type of dancing provide an excellent form of physical activity, it also exercises the cognitive skills and so is beneficial for all ages. It can be a great way to make new friends and enjoy a healthy life.
SALSA
CROSSBODY (MODERN STYLE), CUBAN, COLUMBIAN
Salsa originated in Cuba in the late 19th and early 20th century. With the rich musical history, Salsa has flourished and developed in style and form. Today, Salsa is one of the most popular forms of Latin dance around the world, bringing people together in festivals, congresses and within bars, nightclubs and restaurants of cities, often with live music.
Salsa dance has also grown in the competitive world, developing syllabus and examinations and promoting Salsa as an art and as a sport.
ARGENTINE TANGO
It is thought that the Argentine Tango developed in the late 19th century, starting in the neighbourhoods of Buenos Aires, Argentina and was practiced by Argentine dancers, musicians, and laborers. Argentine tango is also a music genre and is much more varied to ballroom tango music, with a large amount of music being composed by a variety of different orchestras over the last century.
AMERICAN SMOOTH
AMERICAN WALTZ, AMERICAN TANGO, AMERICAN FOXTROT, AMERICAN VIENNESE WALTZ
American Smooth differs from Modern ballroom in the addition of open and separated figures., here the dancers break away from each other regularly.
American Smooth, is mostly danced in the United States and Canada, but has in recent years become part of the major championship in Great Britain.
AMERICAN RHYTHM
CHA CHA , RUMBA, MAMBO, BOLERO, SWING
American Rhythm is likened to the Latin category of the International Style in a similar way to American Smooth being likened to Modern Ballroom.
American Rhythm, is mostly danced in the United States and Canada, but like American Smooth has become part of the major championships.
The ‘International Style’ and American Rhythm have a different syllabus and also different styling.
COUNTRY AND WESTERN
Country & Western evolved from a diverse range of ethnic traditions and cultures of the people that immigrated and settled in the US. As people moved West, earlier forms of dance were amalgamated into a polka style dance ideal for get together and barn dances.
Some Country & Western dance styles include Country two step, rodeo, cowboy cha cha to name a few. Related forms can be danced solo or in groups using line, round and square formations.
