The dances of Broadway Ballroom

Broadway Ballroom specializes in the "ballroom" series of dances, which is a term that refers in general to dances performed by men and women in partnership with one another. There are 10 "International Style" ballroom dances, as well as other "American Style" dances such as Swing. The dances are divided into two groups, known as Standard or "Ballroom" and Latin.

Here's a little background on each of these dances:

The Standard Dances

Waltz. This is the best known of all the ballroom dances. Slow and romantic, the Waltz features lots of turns as well as smooth rise and fall. Originally danced by farming communities in the alpine regions of Austria, it became popular after it was embraced by society's wealthy elite in the eighteenth century. Although it was considered scandalous and sinful by English high society because of the close hold involved, it was secretly enjoyed by Queen Victoria, who was an expert dancer and loved the Waltz. It is thought that the controversy it generated actually served to make it the most popular of all the ballroom dances!

Tango. This hot, passionate dance hails from Spain, and was introduced to the New World by Spanish settlers. It features contrasts of smooth and staccato action, with sharp head turns and emotional power. In the early 19th century, the Tango was a solo dance performed by the lady. In South America -- particulary Argentina -- one or two couples performed it by walking together in a flirtatious way using castanets. This combination made it controversial, as it was considered immoral because of the sensous music. This led to the modern ballroom style of Tango. It is said that elements of the Tango came from the realities of the partnership. The "gauchos," or cowboys, of Buenos Aires would wear chaps hardened from sweat, causing their knees to be flexed and making it hard to straighten their legs. They would ask the local girls to dance, but they smelled so bad that the lady partner would hold her head as far back as she could, with her right hand held low against the man's hip so she could discretely receive payment for dancing with him. The dance steps curved constantly because the dance moved between tables set throughout the floor.

Viennese Waltz. With its roots in the palace of Austrian king Franz Joseph back in the 1700's, this is a faster version of the Waltz that developed even further as the traditional Waltz gained popularity. It has only a few steps, and its beauty comes from how the ladies' dresses flow gracefully as the couples turn round and round while they move across the floor.

Slow Foxtrot. Developed by Broadway showman Harry Fox in 1914 (it was originally known as "Fox's Trot") and popularized by Vernon and Irene Castle, it was gradually slowed down in tempo to accentuate the style of movement that makes it so beautiful. In the process, it changed its name from just Foxtrot to "Slow Foxtrot" (the Foxtrot is still danced, and is slightly different). The Slow Foxtrot is often compared to a romantic stroll in the moonlight. Smooth and controlled, this is truly a dancer's dance because of the skill required to master it.

Quickstep. A fun, lively dance originating from the popularity of the Charleston in the 1920's combined with elements of the Foxtrot. The Quickstep is all about energy and having fun, with lots of hops, kicks and quick foot movements as the couple travels around the floor.

The Latin Dances

West Coast Swing. There are different versions of the Swing. At Broadway Ballroom, we teach the West Coast Swing, which is very popular in the Greater Vancouver area. It's a slower version of the Jive, with an emphasis on the lady's movements as she moves sensuously around the man.

Samba. This dance originated in the carnivals of Brazil. It's a true party dance, with bounce and plenty of rhythm changes. Unlike most of the Latin dances, the Samba moves around the floor rather than staying primarily in one place.

Cha Cha. A fun, staccato dance, the Cha Cha is all about the man and woman flirting with each other. It originated from the Mambo, adding a triple step to liven up the dance. Many of today's popular music chart hits are perfect for the Cha Cha.

Rumba. Known as the "dance of love," the Rumba is a slow, sensuous dance of passion which originated from a dance called the "Son" in Cuba. In the 1920's an orchestra headed up by Xavier Cugat playing at the Coconut Grove in Los Angeles brought Latin dances to life and made the Rumba famous.

Paso Doble. A Spanish dance that actually originated in France, the Paso is a dramatic dance where the man plays the role of the matador and the lady his flowing cape.

Jive. The Jive originated from dances like the Jitterbug and Lindy Hop which were highly popular in the 1940's. Typically danced to Bebop hits from the 50's and 60's, the Jive is fast and lively, with lots of energy.

Partner dances are generally divided into two genres, or styles: the romantic Standard or "Ballroom" dances like the Waltz, where the ladies wear elegant dresses, and the Latin dances where couples present the passion of the relationship between them.