Ballroom Dancing
Created | Updated Jul 7, 2004
Ballroom dancing is a classic art form which has spanned back through hundreds of years, and has the unique attribute of touching lives of every age, sex, background and culture. However, one of the strongest influences on ballroom dancing has come from the Latin society, creating styles which are adapted into their own dances : Mambo, Samba, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Tango, Merengue, etc. Latinos give a flavor to ballroom dancing of freedom as well as intrigue, you become one with the music, and are beautiful for it.
European roots are also present in such dances as the waltz and foxtrot and have a stiff formality to them, reminding the dancers and audience of extravagent dances filled with men flaunting tails and women glowing in their full bodied gowns.
Ballroom dancing gives its participants all the benefits of a trip to the gym while teaching them to be beautiful on the dance floor and with each other, it's an art which keeps you in shape! Dancing improves flexibilty and muscle tone, as well as being a cardio workout. So when offered the choice of things to do when needing to get in shape and feel good, ballroom dancing gives the other answer...an answer which is often looked over.
Dancing can become a passion, but can also remain a simple social activity, allowing dancers to connect with others, and possibly even meet that special someone. At a dance, everyone is on common ground, and this creates an atmosphere that's easy to enjoy yourself in...everyone's there to share their love for dancing, and just to have a good time!
So if you're reading this entry because you're contemplating joining a dance society or participating in either group or private lessons, I whole heartedly encourage you...it's a gift to yourself which will never grow old, and once you have it you'll never lose it!
If you're reading this entry just looking for more technique and more points on ballroom dancing I'd suggest looking into organizations such as USABDA (united states amature ballroom dancers association) at www.USABDA.org or whatever organization works for those who aren't in the US (though the information found here will still hold true!)
European roots are also present in such dances as the waltz and foxtrot and have a stiff formality to them, reminding the dancers and audience of extravagent dances filled with men flaunting tails and women glowing in their full bodied gowns.
Ballroom dancing gives its participants all the benefits of a trip to the gym while teaching them to be beautiful on the dance floor and with each other, it's an art which keeps you in shape! Dancing improves flexibilty and muscle tone, as well as being a cardio workout. So when offered the choice of things to do when needing to get in shape and feel good, ballroom dancing gives the other answer...an answer which is often looked over.
Dancing can become a passion, but can also remain a simple social activity, allowing dancers to connect with others, and possibly even meet that special someone. At a dance, everyone is on common ground, and this creates an atmosphere that's easy to enjoy yourself in...everyone's there to share their love for dancing, and just to have a good time!
So if you're reading this entry because you're contemplating joining a dance society or participating in either group or private lessons, I whole heartedly encourage you...it's a gift to yourself which will never grow old, and once you have it you'll never lose it!
If you're reading this entry just looking for more technique and more points on ballroom dancing I'd suggest looking into organizations such as USABDA (united states amature ballroom dancers association) at www.USABDA.org or whatever organization works for those who aren't in the US (though the information found here will still hold true!)
