Standard Dances (Ballroom)

Posted on April 24th, 2010 by Sergey Muretov

 The program of the European dance or Standard (Standard) consists of 5 dances: Slow Waltz (Slow or English Waltz), Slow Foxtrot (Slow Foxtrot), Tango (Tango), Quickstep and Foxtrot Quick (Quickstep), and Viennese Waltz (Viennesse Waltz).

To dance this program is characterized by constant contact partners in the pair due to the connection raised at shoulder height arms (boat) and a contact in the lower body.

The order of dancing at competitions in ballroom dancing is as follows:

 For amateurs:
1. Slow Waltz
2. Tango
3. Viennese Waltz
4. Slow Foxtrot
5. Quickstep

For professionals:
1. Slow Waltz
2. Tango
3. Slow Foxtrot
4. Quickstep
5. Viennese Waltz

Slow Waltz ( English Waltz)

Music size: 3 / 4.
Temp: 28-30 bpm

As the pace of the Viennese waltz was fast enough, the composer began to write more slow music. With the advent of such music has evolved and new style of Waltz called the Boston. The new style was slower turns, longer and sliding motion. In the mid-19 th century in England there is a new style of dance, English, called Slow Waltz (Slow Waltz).
At each cycle of music has, as a rule, three-step dance. When moving forward the first step in most determines the length of displacement for a given clock cycle, the second - the angle of rotation, the third - the support, the change of free leg, ie the transfer of the center of gravity of the body.
The situation in the pair for the Slow Waltz is the same as in other European dance program.

 

Tango

Music size: 4 / 4.
Temp: 30-32 bpm.

Tango - an old Argentinian folk dance.
This pair ballroom dance featuring the energetic and clear rhythm, initially was developed and distributed in Argentina, then became popular throughout the world.
To date, there are many tango dance styles: Argentine Tango, Uruguayan Tango, Ballroom tango (American and International styles), Finnish tango and Ancient Tango.
The first time Tango was done in Europe before the 1st World War. The second revival of tango began in the 80-ies of XX century. And since Sept. 30, 2009 Tango was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
Athletic dance, participating in programs of international competitions is different from Tango so that it is not improvisation. All movements correspond to certain rules, starting with the head position, body building and finishing stepper elements. Also, different rhythm melody: the rhythm of Ballroom Tango present percussion instruments, which adds to it more clarity. Argentine Tango more smoothly and melodically.

Viennese Waltz

Music size: 3 / 4.
Temp: 58-60 bpm.

Waltz - the general name of ballroom and folk dance music with size 3 / 4, which are performed primarily in the closed position. Initially, the waltz became popular in Vienna in the 80-ies of the XVIII century and later spread to other countries.
Viennese Waltz was born in Bavaria and was then called «German». In early 1830 composers Franz Lanner (Franz Lanner) and Johann Strauss (Johann Strauss) wrote several well-known now waltzes. These waltzes were pretty fast. Now the rhythm of these dances became more convenient, and we call them Viennese waltz.
Viennese Waltz is different from the slow waltz, only the number of beats per minute, ie the rate of execution.
The situation in the pair is the same as in other European dance program.

Slow Foxtrot

Music size: 4 / 4.
Temp: 28-30 bpm

Dance, was born in the XX century, was named in honor of the American artist Harry Fox (Harry Fox). There is also a version that the term "Foxtrot" literally means "step foxes." So for the Foxtrot is characterized by long, smooth gliding and the steps that require ease of movement and restraint, in order to give dance a lazy and leisurely character.
Originally performed in Foxtrot tempo 48 beats per minute. Because of differences in the tempo of music, this dance is divided into two areas: Quickstep (Quickstep) or the foxtrot, which is danced to music with the rate of 50 - 52 cycles per minute, and Slow Foxtrot (Slow Foxtrot), which is performed under a slow music, with the rate of 32 beats per minute.
At the same time simple and complex Foxtrot is a delightful dance, the most typical for the English school ball.

Quickstep

Music size: 4 / 4
Beats per minute: 50-52 bpm.

This is a dance with a live rhythm, which requires the Executive and the ease of mobility.
Quickstep appeared during the 1st World War in a suburb of New York and originally performed by African dancers. Quickstep has a common origin with the foxtrot. Early last century, many bands played Slow Foxtrot too fast, which caused many complaints. So there were 2 dance: Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep.
Basic movements Quickstep - are progressive steps, Chasse, turns, many other movements, borrowed from Foxtrot. Basic Movement for Beginners - quarter-turns.