Until several years ago, when asked to define what is ballroom dancing, people will probably answer that it is about a couple dancing the Waltz in a huge room. This conventional mindset did a complete overhaul when the very popular TV reality shows “Dancing With The Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance” introduced this form of dancing to the world.
So what is ballroom dancing and where did it originates from? The word “ballroom” simply means that it is a place where balls are held. It is thought that the words was taken from the Latin word “ballare” which means, “to dance”. Others thought that it could also be derivations from the words “ballerina” or even “ballad”.
There are many different dance forms and versions of ballroom dancing than just the Waltz like people used to think. Each of these unique forms and styles have its very own specific steps, sequences, tempo and features that make it very different from other ballroom dances. However different the various forms might be, one thing remained the same and that is all forms of ballroom dances require a male and a female performer in a dancing partnership.
It is believed that this style of dancing originated in Western Europe during the 16th century. The dances then were thought to be held in villages in respect for men who are going off to war in far distant lands and was thus to bid them farewell as well as making them happy.
In executing the dance, the female often place their left hands her dance partner’s right shoulders or waists while grasping his left hand for balance, poise and support. The men being the dominant partner will guide the ladies to the moves and executions of the dance form.
As the passage of time passes, many more styles and forms of ballroom dancing were developed and evolved. Each particular dance style has its own history. The Waltz and Foxtrot was thought to be the first few dances to gain popularity before other styles became more widely known. Ballroom dancing soon spread to many countries and continents and other styles of ballroom dances were formed and established on the various cultures of different countries.
For example, the military march tempo of the paso doble originated from Spain to demonstrate the bullfighter’s or matador’s awesome bravery, strength and prowess. The Mambo became a must have dance at weddings and celebration events in Italy, while the Lindy Hop, Jive, Charleston and Quickstep became fashionable in the United States during or after the second world war. By the 1970s onwards, all of these different dances made their way into American ballrooms and became an American lifestyle.
Today, ballroom dancing is the preferred kind of dance for older adults because of its elegance and socialbility. These dances are also now being provided as a subject in physical education in high schools and colleges and thus, it can be said ballroom dancing will be here for many more years to come.