Social dance is a category of dances that have a social function and context.

[1] Social dances are

generally intended for participation rather than performance and can be led and followed with relative
ease.[2] They are often danced merely to socialise and for entertainment, though they may have
ceremonial, competitive and erotic functions.

Many social dances of European origin are partner dances (see Ballroom dance) but this is quite rare
elsewhere, where there may instead be circle dances or line dances, perhaps reserved for those of a
certain age, gender or social position.

Ballroom dance is 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 definition, to almost any type of partner dancing as recreation.
However, with the emergence of dancesport in modern times, the term has become narrower in scope
and traditionally refers to the five International Standard and five International Latin style dances (see
dance categories below). The two styles, while differing in technique, rhythm and costumes, exemplify
core elements of ballroom dancing such as control and cohesiveness. Developed in England,[1] the two
styles are now regulated by the World Dance Council (WDC) and the World DanceSport Federation
(WDSF). In the United States, two additional variations are popular: American Smooth and American
Rhythm, which combine elements of the Standard and Latin styles with influences from other dance
traditions.

There are also a number of historical dances, and local or national dances, which may be danced in
ballrooms or salons. Sequence dancing, in pairs or other formations, is still a popular style of ballroom
dance.[2

Types of Social Dances

Type of Dancing

Which dances should be included in the canon of 'ballroom dances' is a matter of debate. However, the
following are all generally considered to belong to the world of ballroom dance:

RHYTHM dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo, Salsa, Bolero, East Coast Swing, Jive, West Coast
Swing.

LATIN dances: Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo.

SMOOTH dances: Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Viennese Waltz, Quickstep, Night Club Two-Step.

Many of these dances have both an American style and an International style.

Country dancing is usually considered to include the following: Country Cha-Cha, Country Waltz, Texas
Two-Step, Night Club Two-Step, Country Swing.

Other popular partner dance styles include: Lindy Hop, Argentine Tango, East Coast Swing, Polka.

Thank you Dance Colorado for the following dance descriptions:

Waltz This slower version of the Viennese Waltz emerged in the 1920’s out of a fad dance called the
“Boston.” It is the most elegant and romantic of all the ballroom dances. The Waltz will inspire feelings
of love, if only with the dance! Danced to a 3/4 time, the Waltz glides gently across the floor. It is easy
for beginners to learn and is a great choice for the First Dance of any wedding celebration.

Tango This exciting dance evolved from the Argentine Tango, which originated in the back streets of
Buenos Aires, then gained popularity and traveled to Europe, and finally to the US in the 1910’s. Danced
to strict tempo music and used mostly in competitions, the Tango incorporates sharp, catlike steps with
passion and intensity. Words that describe any style of Tango are dramatic, sensual, urgent and sexy. No
matter which style you dance, the Tango is likely to raise your temperature!

Foxtrot Evolved out of the “Two-Step” Era around 1915, in the US. It is a smooth combination of slow
and quick beats danced in a 4/4 rhythm. Reputedly named after Harry Fox, a popular Broadway singer
and dancer, it is still as popular as ever. This dance is perfect for weddings and galas or a trip to the
Rainbow Room. If you enjoy the music of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin or Ella Fitzgerald, you’ll definitely
want to learn the Foxtrot!

Viennese Waltz Is the oldest of all the dances still danced today, and has its origin in 17th century
Germany. It achieved its greatest artistic expression in Vienna in the 1880’s. The fast tempo and close
embrace stifled its acceptance in the US. The Viennese Waltz and the Slow Waltz are the only dances
that use music written in 3/4 timing. You’ll feel like royalty as you sweepingly cover the floor dancing to
such classics as the “Anniversary Waltz” and the “Blue Danube.” It is an exciting and challenging dance
that you will grow to love.

Latin American

Cha Cha Originating in Cuba as an off-shoot of Mambo, Cha Cha is danced to slower music. It has a
distinct sound suggesting the 1/2 1/2 1, or cha-cha-cha, that embodies the scraping sound made by the
feet while dancing the triple rhythm added to the middle of the basic salsa movement.

Rumba Learning this dance is a prerequisite for good Latin dancing. The Cuban Motion is essential in
most Latin dances. The Rumba is used by good dancers everywhere and provides interesting variety
suited to a limited space. Neat, attractive, precise footwork gives you confidence in your dancing. The
Rumba will sharpen your sense of rhythm, timing, and muscular control.

East Coast Swing Is strictly comprised of six count patterns. The Swing is a spot dance with a carefree,
relaxed style and is a dance easily mastered by most people. The various speeds are excellent training
for quick footwork and good leading & following, which will add comfort and ease in other rhythm
dances. After mastering the patterns, both men and women will find East Coast Swing a fun and exciting
dance to learn and practice. Perhaps the most uniquely American of all dances, the Swing brings forth a
buoyant carefree movement. It’s one of the dances that becomes contagious.

Bolero Originally a Spanish dance in 3/4 time, it was changed in Cuba into 2/4 time and then eventually
into 4/4 time. It is now present as a very slow type of Rumba rhythm. This dance is often said to have
the rise and fall of Waltz, the contra-body motion of Tango, and the rhythm of Rumba. It is a favorite of
dancers, as it incorporates many techniques similar to other dances to create a slow, sensual, romantic
dance.

Mambo Is a fusion of Cuban and American dancing. The music is characterized by a stirring Afro-Cuban
beat. Mambo is an exciting dance which allows you to develop your own feeling and expression.
Because Mambo is such a fun dance, good Mambo dancers are always popular and in demand as
partners. The wild, exciting music and rhythmical body movements make the earthy Mambo irresistible.

Hustle Is a general name for many different forms of hustle. Back in the late 1970’s, most disco dances
were called Latin Hustle or NY Hustle. The dance has evolved greatly over the years through at least six
major changes. The earliest version (approximately 1975) looks like it was developed by women doing
the woman’s part in West Coast Swing. Originally it was a 6-count dance, then changed to 3 count
around 1980. About 1980 the dance had a rock-step in it, but that was changed to a together-forward
around 1982. Many people believe they are doing NY hustle; however, they are generally doing older
versions of Hustle. Originally, NY Hustle was a catch-all name, and some versions of it were identical to
some versions of Latin Hustle. By 1983, the other versions of hustle had faded away, and what was left
we call NY Hustle. Hustle helped to highlight a partner dancing revival back in the 1970’s and is quite fun
and challenging.

Merengue Originated in the Dominican Republic. It is one of the easiest Latin dances to learn and very
simple to follow and make up steps. Beautiful, sensuous body movements are typical. The Merengue is
usually danced to very fast tempos.

Samba Improves the flexibility of the body and helps achieve easy movement and lightness. The Samba
rolling action teaches the body to be supple. To move lightly, quickly, and smoothly without effort takes
study but only at the start. Although considered a good exercise, Samba should be danced smoothly and
in a relaxed manner giving the appearance of effortless movement. Sometimes called the South
American Waltz, the Samba pulsates to a unique Latin rhythm.

West Coast Swing Is one of the most popular partner dances. It developed from the Lindy, and more
specifically Dean Collins Swing, and was done originally to Rhythm & Blues style music. West Coast
Swing is a bit more sultry and sexy than other swing dances. Smooth and rolling, the current scene has
people dancing to a wider variety of music – blues and R&B, as well as some country, pop, and rock.
Because of this you can have fun with this dance style in an extensive variety of settings and venues.
West Coast Swing, in its most fun and competitive form, combines 6 & 8 count rhythms with syncopated
footwork, embellishments and breaks.

International Dance Sport

Overview

DanceSport events are sanctioned and regulated by DanceSport organizations at national and
international levels, such as the World DanceSport Federation.

The name "DanceSport" was invented to help competitive Ballroom Dancing gain Olympic recognition.
The physical demand of Dancesport has been the subject of scientific research.

In the case of Wheelchair DanceSport at least one of the dancers is in a wheelchair.

History

The first unofficial DanceSport World Championship took place in 1909, and the first Formation Team
was presented in 1932 by Olive Ripman at the Astoria Ballroom in London.

DanceSport was first broadcast on TV in 1960.

Styles

The term DanceSport applies to the International Style as well as the American Style of competitive
Ballroom Dancing. It includes the following categories:

International Style Latin

International Style Standard

American Smooth

American Rhythm

These categories apply to both individual couples and Formation dance.

International Governing Organizations

World Dance Council (WDC)

The World Dance Council is a registered limited company, and the legal successor to the International
Council of Ballroom Dancing (ICBD), which was formed in 1950 in Edinburgh. The World Dance Council
operates through a general council and two committees:

The World DanceSport Committee regulates Professional Dancesport at the international level.

The World Social Dance Committee "deals with all matters of the dance profession that relate to the
activities of Dance Schools and Dance Teachers". It does not regulate social dance directly – that is the
business of individual organizers, the dance teacher organizations, such as the Imperial Society of
Teachers of Dancing, and the chains of dance teaching schools in the United States.

In 2007, the WDC Amateur League was created. This organization runs a number of competitions and
has its own world ranking system for Amateur dancers.
Each member country in the World Dance Council has its own national organization, such as the British
Dance Council, which acts as a forum for the many interested parties in that country. The national bodies
decide on their delegates to the World Dance Council.

World DanceSport Federation (WDSF)

The World DanceSport Federation, formerly the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF), is the
international governing body of DanceSport, as recognized by the International Olympic Committee
(IOC).

Originally founded in 1957 as the International Council of Amateur Dancers (ICAD), it took up the name
IDSF in 1990. In 2011, it was renamed to World DanceSport Federation to emphasize the global character
of the organization.

In the past, the focus of the IDSF was on administering Amateur dancers and competitions. However, in
2010 the IDSF Professional Division was created (formerly known as the IPDSC), which extended this
focus to Professional DanceSport.

WDSF members are not permitted to dance in competitions unless they are granted by the WDSF, or one
of its member federations.

This policy was revoked in 2012 at the Annual General Meeting by vote of the members. The WDSF now
supports an athlete's "right to dance".