Ballroom dancing has had a tremendous increase in popularity. As a result, many people are learning how to dance. Typically an activity for older and wealthy people before, it has now gained far more popularity among all types of people. Ballroom dancing conjures up images of a slow trot across the ballroom floor, but it is much more than that. There are many different styles and types of ballroom dancing.

The Swing

One of the all-time favorite ball dances is the Swing, with its light-hearted and complex footwork and twirling or lifting of your partner. The Swing was created at the Savoy Ballroom in New York and gained popularity in the 1920′s. Derived from the Lindy Hop, it consists of fast twirling and steps to the beat of jazz music. Today’s Swing uses the same steps and techniques used from the start.

The Jive

In Ballroom dancing, Jive is a dance style in 4/4 time that originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1930′s. It was originally presented to the public as ‘Jive’ in 1934 by Cab Calloway. It is a lively and uninhibited variation of the Jitterbug, a form of Swing dance.

The Paso Doble

Another favorite dance favored by ballroom dancers is a Spanish dance called the Paso Doble. The Paso Doble has This particular dance probably contains the most meaning and sentimental value among all ballroom dances. The Paso Doble is lively and is modeled after the sound, drama, and movement of the Spanish and Portuguese bullfight. It is dramatic in nature and the steps are quick, concise, and forceful.

The Rumba

The Rumba is the slowest of the five competitive International Latin dances: the paso doble, the samba, the cha-cha-cha and the jive being the others. The word “rumba” comes from the verb “rumbear” which means going to parties, dancing, and having a good time.

A sensual Latin-based dance, the Rumba is essentially a sex pantomime danced extremely fast with exaggerated hip movements and with a sensually aggressive attitude on the part of the man and a defensive attitude on the part of the woman. The music is played with a staccato beat in keeping with the vigorous expressive movements of the dancers. Accompanying instruments include the maracas, the claves, the marimbola, and the drums.

The Waltz

The Waltz’s origins are Germany during the 17th century. It has long been a favorite ballroom dance. With smooth, graceful and precise moves, couples dance in a circular pattern. This romantic dance is a very popular dance at special events and weddings.

The Tango

Let’s not forget the Tango. Based on the history behind Argentinean cowboys and their dance partners from centuries ago, the cowboys would go to night clubs after riding their horses all day, and would not shower. This compelled the women to embrace them in the crook of their partner’s right arm. This distinctive dance hold soon developed into a favorite in ballroom dance. The dance moves are very sharp with quick head turns.