CHAPTER 2

(BALLROOM DANCES)
Objectives
1. Identify the different ballroom dances;
2. Relate the historical backgrounds of the different ballroom dances;
3. Demonstrate the different positions and basic skills in ballroom
dances;
4. Execute the basic steps of the dances in Latin category, to wit:
a) Cha cha cha
b) Jive
c) Rumba
5. Execute the basic steps of the dances in Latin category, to wit:
a) Tango
b) Waltz
c) Foxtrot
6. Perform perfectly the ballroom dances with proper execution.
LESSON 1:
HISTORY
OF
BALLROOM
DANCES
 Ballroom dancing is a kind of social dancing in which two people
dance as partners. It originated in England in the 18th and 19th
century’s balls and social events.

The term ballroom dancing is derived from the word ‘ball’, from
the Latin word ‘bolare’ meaning ‘to dance’. The word ‘ballroom’
(bol’room) refers to a room for dancing, especially one with a
polished floor.
LESSON 2:
TIPS, DANCE WEARS AND
COSTUMES
LESSON 2.1.
TIPS IN BALLROOM DANCING
Ladies: Patience is a virtue that is necessary for ladies to learn the
dance steps. Put yourself completely in your partner’s hands and
trust. Relax and enjoy yourself!

Gentlemen: When taking a partner on the floor to dance, try warming

her up with some nice and easy basic steps. Gradually move up to the
next level. Remember your job is to make your partner look good.
Lead her properly, handle with care and make sure she is safe in your
hands.
“Practice makes perfect”
Beginners: Dance should start from basic steps before proceeding to
the next level.

Warm-up: Simple body stretching can do then progress to the smaller,

more specific muscle.

Footwork: One of the most important element needed to master. It is a

way to develop a good sense of balance. A strong balance is a key in
learning ballroom dancing.
Hip movement: Achieved through the alternative bending and
straightening action of the knees. The free leg will be straightened
before it receives weight.

Line of direction on the dance floor: In general, couples move about the
floor in counterclockwise around the ballroom floor.

Correct beat: Take time finding the correct beat of the music. Apply all
steps and movement that fit in the music once you’ve gotten the
tempo.
ABBREVIATIONS USED IN
BALLROOM DANCING
RH – right hand PP – promenade position
RF – right foot B – Ball of Foot
LF – left foot H – heel
R – right (move to the right T - toe
direction) S – slow
L – left (move to the left direction) Q – quick
Fwd – forward CBMP – contrary body movement
Bwd – backward M – man
LOD – Line of Dance L – lady
LESSON 2.2
DANCE WEAR AND COSTUMES
WOMEN
MEN
LESSON 3:
DANCE POSITION USED IN
BALLROOM
CLOSED
POSITION

• Most basic and common position

used

• Man and lady stand in front of

each other in body contact, slightly
offset to the left. The feet should be
positioned slightly offset so that the
right foot of either partner can step
between the other partner's feet
OPEN FACING
POSITION
• Open Facing is any position where
partners stand facing each other,
apart but within arms reach. Lead
and follow is achieved through the
use of various hand connections,
such as the two-hand hold as
shown in the picture.
• Man and lady stand directly in
front of each other, within arms'
reach. Tone is maintained through
the arms, and body weight is held
forward towards the balls of the
feet.
OUTSIDE
PARTNER (RIGHT)
• The Right Outside Partner
Position is a variation of the Closed
Position where the tracks of the
feet are offset to allow one partner
to move toward the outside of the
other partner's right leg.
• Man and lady stand in front of
each other in body contact, slightly
offset to the left. The feet should be
positioned offset so that one
partner can step outside of the
other partner's right leg. The upper
bodies should be turned slightly to
the right, causing the left side of the
body to project forward.
PROMENADE
POSITION
• The Promenade Position is a "V"-
shaped dance position with
man's left side and lady's right
side slightly open. The direction
of travel is toward the open side.
• Man and lady stand in front of
each other in body contact,
slightly offset to the left, with
lady's middle connected to the
man's right front. The lady's feet
should be positioned slightly
behind the man's. In promenade
position, the man's head should
be turned to the left, the lady's
to the right.
FAN POSITION
• Fan is an alternative to Open
Facing Position, where man and
lady are positioned perpendicular
to each other with a left to right
hand hold. It is specific to the
Rumba and Cha Cha figure bearing
the same name.
• Man and lady stand apart and at
right angles to each other, with the
lady on the man's left side. The path
of her movement should cause her
to pass directly in front of him when
moving forward.
LESSON 4:
LATIN DANCES
There are five ballroom dances under Latin section which are
considered social dances. The standard is the same with those dances
used in international ballroom competition.
These are the:
 Samba
 Pasa doble
 Cha cha cha
 Jive
 Rumba
LESSON 4.1
CHA CHA CHA
 The cha cha cha name could have benn derived from the Spanish
word ‘Cha Cha’ meaning ‘nursemaid’ or ‘charchar’ meaning to ‘chew
coca leaves’ or from ‘char’ meaning ‘tea’ or more likely from the fast
paced movement and cheerful Cuban dance motion, that evolved
from the Mambo and with a combination of American Swing that
became popular during 1950s.
CLOSED HOLD
The CLOSED HOLD for the CHA CHA
CHA, and other Latin Dances, like
rumba and jive there is no body
contact between partners.
LESSON 4.2
JIVE
Jive dancing originated in the south eastern part of United States from
African-American communities in the early 1940’s.

The dance takes its name from the popular jazz slang term “jive”, a
variant on the West African word “jev”, which means “to speak
disparagingly”.

The basic steps of the jive is a six beat pattern, comprising eight weight
changes, in which dancers step forward and back, and then shuffle-step
to the left and then to the right.
LESSON 4.3
RUMBA
The word Rumba is a generic term, used for names: Son, Danzon,
Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo, for a type of West Indian music or
dancing.

The word “rumba” comes from the verb “rumbear” which means going
to parties, dancing, and having a good time.

The rumba is a Cuban origin and came to America in the late 1920’s. this
Latin American dance was originally performed by African slaves living
in South America.
LESSON 5:
MODERN STANDARD
DANCE
The waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz in Modern section belong
to the foundation of social dance scene that are the same in standard dances.
LESSON 5.1
TANGO
Tango is the dance with the stop “Baille Con Carte”, originally in Spain of
Morocco. Ballroom tango came from the lower class of Buenos Ares,
especially in the “Bario de las Ranas”.

Tango became known throughout Europe in the 1900’s. It was solo dance
performed by a woman in the early 19th century.

Dancer must develop a strong connection with the music, with the dance
steps, with the partner and to the audience. It is a highly advanced and
complicated dance.
CLOSED HOLD
Achieved by angling the whole body
over the feet so that when the feet
are closed, the ball of the RF is
closed to the instep of the LF with
the both knees slightly compressed.
Note: also the more compact hold.
LESSON 5.2
WALTZ
Waltz is the oldest form of ballroom dance, and it is credited as being
the first of its kind to be performed in the basic closed – couple dance
position.

It originated in Italy four centuries ago as a round dance called Volte.

Its performed with elegance, characterized primarily by its rise and fall
action.
CLOSED HOLD
This is the normal stance for both
fast and slow tempos.
LESSON 5.3
FOXTROT
The foxtrot is a standard American ballroom dance, it was originated in the
summer of 1914 in the United States of America by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox.
FOUR DIFFERENT STYLES
1. Vernon and Irene Castle – having four walking steps with one step on each
beat.
2. Dance walk a slower version of the first two slow walking steps for each
measure of music.
3. Standardized by Arthur Murray
4. “Magic Step” represents broken rhythm as it takes a measure and a half of
music with having uneven rhythm pattern slow, slow, quick, quick.
Suggested Dance Music
Cha Cha Cha Tango
• Lets Get Loud • Can’t take my eyes of you
• Dangerous • Don’t cry for me Argentina
Jive Waltz
• Mamboo no. 5 • Today
• Candyman • The last waltz
Rumba Foxtrot
• Without You • A place in the sun
• Killing me softly with his song • Raindrops keep falling on my head