Ballroom & Latin classes

Tango 

Our modern ballroom Tango is most likely to have originated from The Tangano, an African dance imported into South America with the negro slaves.  Over the years the Flamenco and Tangano  merged with other dances, particularly in Argentina in the late 19th Century, where the influence of the Habanera folk dance from Cuba resulted in the Milonga.  (See Tango Argentino.)

Tango came to England via France, where the music hall star Mistinguett gave the first demonstration in Paris in 1910, rapidly spreading interest in London and New York, with Rudolph Valentino later popularising the Tango even further.

Combining the proud torso of the other ballroom dances during 1930s Paris, the character of the dance altered dramatically to what we know today - a staccato movement with visual emphasis to the torso and head.

Music: 2/4  Tempo: 33-34bpm

Waltz

Considered the "Queen of all the dances" the Waltz goes back as far as the 13th Century.  There is some controversy over the first actual Waltz.  Some consider it to have been the Volta, introduced in 1556, others the Landler from Germany (see Viennese Waltz). 

But the Waltz as we know it today, was probably introduced into England in 1790 and later introduced to France and Germany by the triumphal soldiers of Napoleon I.

It was considered scandalous and lewd, as partners danced in a closed position, rather than in an open or separated position and many countries banned the dance altogether on the grounds that it was immoral and sinful.

However, the beautiful Waltz music would be embraced by all and eventually it came to be socially acceptable.

The Waltz should be elegant with gentle rise and fall.

Music: 3/4  Tempo: 30bpm

Viennese Waltz

Although there is some controversy over the first actual Waltz, there is no doubt that the Viennese Waltz is a descendant of the Landler.

The Landler was a folk a dance, which unsurprisingly came from Austria.

The Viennese Waltz is considered to be a ‘Classic Waltz’ and was first introduced through the Viennese opera, becoming popular in 1788, after which the famous Viennese Waltz was made even more popular through the music of the Strauss family.

Similar to the ballroom Waltz, the Viennese is played at a faster tempo and incorporates many more consecutive turns.

Despite its speed, the Viennese Waltz should be graceful and maintain the rotation as much as possible.

Music: 3/4  Tempo: 50bpm

Paso Doble

This dance portrays a bullfight, with the man playing the part of the Matador (bullfighter) and the lady playing the Cappa (cape.)

Bullfighting goes all the way back to Crete and is not reported to have arrived in Spain until the 1700s.  The dance became quite popular in the 1920s and later became the rage in Paris, which is why many of the steps have French terms.

It is a very masculine dance, with roots in the Spanish Flamenco.  Due to its theatrical attitude it is not popular as a social dance and is mainly seen as a competition dance.

The Matador, or Torreador, should give the perception of strength, both in movement and attitude.

Music:  2/4    Tempo:  60-62bpm

Cha Cha Cha

Related to the Mambo and Rumba, the Cha Cha Cha also has a similar rhythm to the Lindy.

The words Cha Cha Cha come from certain plants which produce seed pods called Cha Cha which make a rattle similar to maracas.

A Cuban dance, the Cha Cha Cha is based on a rhythm introduced into the Danzon (see Rumba) by a popular singer, composer and band leader in the 1950s.

Many steps can be danced to Guapacha timing, which adds syncopation to the dance.

Interpretation should be lively.  The hip action evolves from good use of the knees and ankles.

Music:  4/4    Tempo:  30bpm

The Cha Cha Cha is danced on the strong percussive Beats ie:  2nd and 4th beats

Jive

First popular in the 1940s, the Jive was originally the European version of the American Jitterbug, or East Coast Swing.

Jive comes under the Latin Branch and remains similar to East Coast Swing, but with a rock first and a more exaggerated bounce, with kicks and a slightly Latin flair.

French Jive, called Ceroc, was introduced to the UK in the 1980s, since when there have been many different styles of Modern Jive.

Ballroom Jive can be recognised by the chasse, often referred to as the 'triple Jive'.  This is sometimes used only as a two step format, particularly from dancers who grew up during the 1950s.

Music:  4/4    Tempo:  44bpm