What is social dance?
Social dance is a category of dance that is primarily performed for recreation, social interaction, and
enjoyment, rather than for performance or competition. It often occurs in social settings like parties,
dance halls, weddings, clubs, and community gatherings.
Key Features of Social Dance:
1. Partner-based or group-based: Many social dances are done with a partner (like salsa or waltz),
but some are group or line dances (like square dancing or the electric slide).
2. Accessible and inclusive: Social dances are typically designed to be enjoyed by people of all skill
levels.
3. Culturally rooted: Different cultures have their own social dances that reflect their traditions,
music, and customs (e.g., Argentine tango, swing, bachata, K-pop dance covers).
4. Improvisational: While many social dances have basic steps, they often leave room for personal
expression and improvisation.
5. Evolving: Social dance changes over time, with new styles and trends emerging (like
breakdancing, hip-hop freestyle, or TikTok dances).
Examples of Social Dances:
1. Ballroom dances (e.g., foxtrot, cha-cha, rumba)
2. Swing dances (e.g., Lindy Hop, East Coast Swing)
3. Latin dances (e.g., salsa, merengue, bachata)
4. Hip-hop and street dance styles
5. Folk dances and traditional circle or line dances
What is Ballroom Dance?
Ballroom dance refers to a set of partner dances, which are enjoyed both socially
and competitively around the world. Because of its performance and entertainment
aspects, ballroom dance is also widely enjoyed on stage, film, and television. Ballroom
dance may refer, at its widest, to almost any type of social dancing as recreation.
Two Styles of Ballroom Dancing:
1. Smooth or Standard
2. Rhythm or Latin
A Brief History of Ballroom Dancing
“Ballroom dancing” as a term hails from the Latin word “ballare” which,
coincidentally, means “to dance.” Thus, a ballroom is a room in which to dance.
Makes sense, right?
Centuries ago, ballroom dancing was primarily for the privileged and well-to-
do, while the commoners had to make do with folk dancing; however, these
boundaries have since disappeared, leaving ballroom dancing a fun hobby for
everyone.
Today, ballroom dancing applies to numerous dances in which a “leader” and
a “follower” dance together in close proximity, usually with some degree of physical
contact. This closeness is to permit the leader to get the follower to, well, follow along.
Early Ballroom Dancing
The first documented authority of early ballroom dancing is Jehan
Thoinot’Arbeau’s Orchesographie (1588) that discussed 16th-century French social
dance. In 1650, Jean-Baptiste Lully introduced the Minuet to Paris—a dance that
would dominate ballroom until the end of the 18th century.
The Waltz came about in England in the early 1800s despite initial opposition
to the closed dance hold. By 1840, the Polka, Mazurka, and Schottische emerged.
Ballroom Dancing Emerges in the US
In the early 20th century, ballroom dancing experienced massive popularity
in the US with the extremely successful dancing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.
Even though most of their numbers were meticulously choreographed, staged, and
oft-rehearsed, they influenced greatly ballroom dancing’s acclaim and acceptance.
Types of Ballroom Dancing
People all over the world enjoy the social and competitive nature of ballroom
dancing. These dances are partner dances enjoyed socially and competitively
worldwide. The following types ballroom dances are seen on dance floors, on stages,
in films, and on television. How many of these ballroom dances are you familiar with?
Cha cha is widely recognizable by its catchy rhythm – one, two, cha, cha, cha.
It's easy to learn and fun to dance.
Like so many Latin dances, it originates from Cuba. It was developed by the
Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the middle of 1950s. Originally it
was known as a slowed-down mambo or "the triple mambo", because of the three
quick steps. It gained instant popularity due to its simplicity. In time it evolved into
a separate dance and although it was originally known as the cha-cha-cha, the
name was shortened to the cha-cha.
Cha cha can be danced to almost any music with a good beat, from traditional
Latin rhythms to club music, from country to pop. It's popularity can be heard in
the music of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Tom Jones, Carlos
Santana, and many others. Cha cha is very much a dance of today.
Cha cha music is composed in 4/4 time (four beats to a bar of music). For each bar
of music there are 2 slow and 3 quick steps, which may be counted as – one, two,
cha, cha, cha or step, step, step, quick step, quick step. The footwork is simple and
mostly focuses on just shifting weight from one foot to another.
Remember, five steps are taken to four beats of music. Also don't forget that the
movements tend to be somewhat flirtatious. This is definitely a party dance!
Basic Side Step for Men
Partners face each other. Gentleman starts with the left foot, lady starts with the
right foot. Basic ballroom hold.
1. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
2. Step backward & left with your right foot
3. Left foot in place, weight shifts to it
4. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
5. Move your left foot to your right foot
6. Sidestep to the right with your right foot
7. Step forward & right with your left foot
8. Right foot in place, weight shifts to it
9. Sidestep to the left with your left foot
10. Move your right foot to your left foot
Video https://www.dancing4beginners.com/cha cha/
Swing is a lively, non-progressive partner dance that can be danced to a wide variety
of music, from blues to rock & roll. Non-progressive means it's mostly performed in
one spot, so it's very convenient on a crowded dance floor.
Swing is one of the most versatile partner dances you can learn - very social
and beginner friendly. Easily adaptable to a wide range of tempos, it involves
movements with lots of swinging, spinning and rhythmic, creative footwork.
There are many different styles of swing, the term actually refers to a group of
dances that developed from the swing style of jazz music in the first half of the
last century. There's Lindy Hop, Boogie-Woogie, Jitterbug, Shag, Charleston,
West Coast and East Coast Swing, just to name a few. Each of these dances has
its own distinct flavor.
One of the most popular and very suitable for beginners is the East Coast Swing.
It's a bit more social and relaxed than other versions. It's also a formal ballroom
dance and the easiest to learn. Perfect for beginners, which is why we'll focus
on this version here. It will create a good foundation and is the base for other
more complex versions.
East Coast Swing can be danced to a variety of music styles. If it's written in
4/4 time and has a tempo between 135-170 beats per minute, you can swing
it.
To dance swing you'll need a partner, a sense of humor, and a bit of endurance.
It may seem a bit intimidating at first, especially if you're watching those who
really mastered it. But as with all things, you have to start with the basics. And
the basics are easy. Once you learn the fundamentals, you'll be swinging in no
time. Always remember, wear comfortable shoes. Now let's go swinging.
Basic steps (East Coast Swing)
Beginners usually start with East Coast Swing, because it is the easiest of all swing
styles. Here we will show you the basic 6 count step for East Coast Swing.
East Coast Swing has a basic count of 1&2, 3&4, 5,6. It's known as a triple step
swing. The basic pattern is triple step, triple step, and a rock step.
When you're starting out you can replace the triple step with a single step. In that
case the pattern would be step, step, rock step or rock step, step, step, depending on
how you start counting. The overall progression is, of course, the same.
The triple step is really not that difficult to master, it is performed in a chasse-like
manner - side step, together, side step.
Basic Steps for Men: The man starts with his left foot.
Basic Side Step for Women
Basic Steps for Women: The woman starts with her right foot.
1&2: Triple step (chasse) to the right (right-left-right)
3&4: Triple step to the left (left-right-left)
5: Step backward with your right foot
6: Weight shifts to your left foot
Remember, keep the steps small.
Video https://www.dancing4beginners.com/swing/
Basic swing step
The basic swing steps in East Coast Swing involve a combination of triple steps and rock steps, often
danced in a circular motion with partners in a closed dance position. The fundamental pattern is usually:
triple step, triple step, and a rock step.
Basic steps:
Triple Step:
This involves stepping side, close, side in the same direction (e.g., side-close-side left, side-close-side
right).
Rock Step:
This is a step forward or back, followed by a replacement step on the other foot, creating a "rocking"
sensation.
Partnering:
Leaders typically lead with their body weight and left arm for the rock step, and use their right
arm to guide the follower through the triple steps.
Footwork:
The basic pattern can be danced with either foot leading (e.g., men often start with the left,
women with the right).
Additional notes:
Variations:
Swing dancing is versatile, and these basic steps can be combined with turns, other footwork,
and variations in tempo and style.
Rhythm:
The rhythm of East Coast Swing is often described as bouncy and upbeat, with a 6-count pattern
(1-and-2, 3-and-4, rock-step)
Quarter Swing step
A "quarter swing step" in the context of dancing, particularly swing dancing, refers to a step that
includes a quarter turn, usually to the right or left. It's a common move used to navigate the
dance floor and create dynamic movement.
Elaboration:
In swing dances like Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing, quarter turns are a fundamental part of
the choreography. They allow dancers to change direction and maintain a smooth connection
with their partner.
Basic Steps:
Quarter turns are often incorporated into basic steps like the rock step, triple step, or other
variations depending on the specific swing style.
Example:
In a quickstep quarter turn to right, as explained by Dance Central, the leader starts by stepping
forward with their right foot, initiating a turn to the right. The follower mirrors this move,
creating a smooth and coordinated turn.
Purpose:
Quarter turns add complexity and interest to the dance, allowing dancers to explore different
directions and create a more fluid and expressive movement.
Full Turn
In swing dancing, both "full turn" and "change place" refer to partner movements where the
dancers shift their positions on the dance floor. A full turn involves a 360-degree rotation, while
"change place" describes a shift where dancers exchange positions, often moving past each other.
These movements are commonly used to add variety and create visual interest in swing dance
routines.
A full turn is a 360-degree rotation, where the dancers change their position relative to each
other, often in a counter-clockwise direction.
Wrap-around/Back and forth swing step
A "wrap-around swing step" in swing dancing, particularly in East Coast Swing, involves a
partner gently wrapping around the other, often in a hugging position, and moving through a
series of steps, including triple steps and a rock step. It's a move that adds intimacy and turns the
dancers around each other.
1. Preparation:
The leader (typically the male) prepares to wrap the follower (typically the female) around to his
right side.
2.The Wrap:
The leader lifts his left arm, and the follower moves towards him, essentially wrapping around
his right side in a relaxed hugging position.
3. Triple Steps:
The dancers then move through a series of triple steps, with the follower remaining in a wrapped
position.
4. Rock Step:
After the triple steps, they perform a rock step, which is a step where the weight is shifted back
to the previous foot.
5. The Unwrap:
To reverse the move, the leader lifts his left arm again, and the follower moves out, essentially
unwrapping from the leader's side.
6. Repeating the Process:
The wrap-around and unwrap sequence can be repeated to create a flowing dance.
Important Considerations:
Closed Position:
The wrap-around is often performed while maintaining a close dance position, with dancers holding each
other in a hugging embrace.
Rhythm:
The steps in the wrap-around follow the rhythm of the music, typically incorporating triple steps and a
rock step.
