BALLROOM

DANCE

WRITTEN REPORT BY:

AMORA, Jian Aljelica
BAUTISTA, Alta Gracia
CAMBRONERO, Meryl Lou
GALARAGA, Jamille Rose
NOAY, Bernadeth
RAMOS, Charlyne Mae
TERCERO, Maricar
PLAZO, John Bhibol
 SY, Noel Joseph
GROUP 1 ABM 12-12

INTRODUCTION
Since the 16th Century, ballroom dance has been used for courtship, socialization, exercise, and even
competition. Since its inception in medieval England, the dance has been embraced by enthusiastic
audiences and performers all over the world. Development of the ballroom dance is a product of folk
traditions, merging cultures and courtship rituals.

What is ballroom dance?

Ballroom dance is performed by partners dancing
to the rhythm of a given song. The dancers use a set of
step patterns to keep up with the character of the music.
The primary characteristic of ballroom dance is that it is
performed by partners. The dance is done both to
recorded songs or instruments. Ballroom dance
encompasses a whole range of various styles practiced
all over the world such as the Cha-Cha, foxtrot,
quickstep, and tango. The dance enjoys worldwide
popularity, and it is performed in different social
contexts such as regular competitions and public or
invitational dance events.

Where did ballroom dance originated?

The foundations of modern ballroom dancing were laid in 18th and 19th Century in England. Dances
before then were performed in respect to folk traditions and dancers performed when facing the king’s
throne. Beginning the 19th Century, however, with a relaxation of etiquette, dancers could now dance in
squares or circles across the room and face the ruler only on formal occasions.

The following are the Top twelve (12) types of Ballroom dances:

TANGO

 Tango is a vibrant and playful dance between two people. It has very rich potential for expression,
improvisation and connection and is danced in both modern and traditional styles.
  It is often described as a passionate dance, because of the close connection partners can have, the
character of the music, and also relating to some of the dance's history.
 Today, tango is an international dance. In many countries around the world, it's hard to find a city that
doesn't have at least one tango club.
 Many people think of ballroom when they think of tango. In fact, ballroom tango, with its competition
or spectator focus and distinctive posture is a far cry from the more organic, improvisational and
connection focused tango, Argentine tango, that is so rapidly gaining popularity throughout the world.
 One of the most fascinating of all dances the tango is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in
Buenos Aires, Argentina in the early twentieth century. The tango dance is usually performed by a
man and a woman, expressing an element of romance in their synchronized movements. Originally,
the tango was performed only by women, but once it
spread beyond Buenos Aires, it developed into a dance
for couples.
 The tango has been called a “dance of sorrow”, it
represents frustrated love and human fatality, although
originally the dance was not so deep and serious. The
original tango music had no lyrics to it and the dances
were mostly improvised and in some cases were almost
a combination of dance and wordless theater.
 The Tango 8-Count Basic (sometimes simply called the
Tango Basic) is a simple combination of two slow walks
and a "Tango Close". The five steps are counted "Slow,
Slow, Quick Quick Slow", resulting in a total of 8
counts
 In the last two decades of the 19th century, the dance
known as the tango emerges out of the immigrant
culture of Argentina's dockside slums. The tango fuses New World, African, and European dance
styles and is accompanied first by violin and harp and later by an accordion-like German import, the
bandoneon.

RUMBA

 The term rumba may refer to a variety of unrelated music styles. Originally, "rumba" was used as a
synonym for "party" in northern Cuba, and by the late 19th century it was used to denote the complex
of secular music styles known as Cuban rumba.
 “Rumbrear”. Definition: A Spanish verb meaning to go to parties, having fun and dancing. Sound
familiar? This is how the dance style, rumba, got its name. Today rumba is a fun, sassy latin-style of
ballroom dance that fits nicely with most modern types of music. In this blog we will take a quick
glance at the history of rumba and even learn some of the basic steps and nuances of this smooth and
sassy latin style of dance.
 Quite simply, Rumba was born all over the West Indies and but really grew up in Cuba. Several styles
developed on different islands that include Son, Danzon, Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo. Aside from the
latin influence of Spanish culture, African folk dances played a huge role in creating the rumba, with
the ladies dancing with a defensive attitude towards their male partners. American Rumba was
modified from a popular Cuban “Bolero-Son” dance, incorporating small steps of the dancers and the
hip movements as a result of the bending knees. Because of the movie industry, rumba became even
more well-known during the 1930’s. It began to represent the essence of Latin American dance
through its romantic subtleties and rhythmic body motions.
  The dancers of rumba usually embody a sassy, smooth, and sensual demeanor. The move set is very
particular in the details but the most important feature is keeping a connection with your partner. The
toes should be at a slight diagonal to allow us to achieve our favorite hip movement, Cuban motion,
just like in Salsa. Fun fact, rumba is the slowest of the competitive international latin styles!
 The music in rumba is usually in an even 4/4 time signature. Traditionally, Cuban rumba music is
used with strong percussions and a smooth, steady beat.
Luckily, the rhythm in rumba is very widespread in today’s
pop music and it is fairly easy to find a contemporary pop
song without latin beats that would work nicely for dancing
the rumba. This makes rumba highly versatile and super
fun to learn and dance!
 The basic rhythm in rumba is slow-quick-quick, with the
first step taking 2 beats and the last two steps each taking
one beat. It is done as a box step, just like waltz! However,
that’s where the similarity ends. Since rumba is a latin
style, the hips are active and always moving in “cuban
motion”. It also borrows some of our favorite steps from
salsa such as cross-body leads and shoulder checks.
 The arms are held in a traditional frame position to
connect the two dancers in rumba. However, similar to
other latin styles, the leader’s left arm is held at a 90 degree
angle to the floor. This creates a tighter frame between the
dancers and adds a pinch of intimate flavor to the dancing.

WALTZ

 The waltz (from German Walzer [ˈvalttsɐɐ]) is a ballroom and folk dance, normally in triple (help) time,
performed primarily in closed position.
 The romantic Waltz is one of the most popular ballroom dances of all time. Considered by some as the
"mother of present day dances" and the "backbone dance" of the ballroom dancing arena, the Waltz is
the basis for many dances. Developed in Germany, the Waltz is popular all over the world. A truly
romantic dance, the Waltz is comprised of soft, round, flowing movements.
 The Waltz is an elegant and graceful dance that is designed for large dance floors. Because of the
dance’s long, flowing movements, perpetual turns, and rise and fall technique, dancers appear to glide
effortlessly through the space. Waltz can be done to any music with a slow tempo in ¾ time. Our
favorite waltz songs include “Moon River” by Audrey Hepburn and “Come Away with Me” by Norah
Jone
 Although we think of Waltz as classy, the form
was considered vulgar and immoral when first
introduced to English ballrooms in the early
1800’s. It was the first time anyone had seen a
man holding a lady so close! It started as a
country folk dance in the suburbs of Austria and
Bavaria. While the upper class danced the
minuet, bored aristocrats snuck away to their
servants’ balls where they discovered the Waltz.
 Shortly thereafter, the Waltz was introduced to the United States where the dance and music developed
a slower tempo.
 Waltz is a progressive dance style that travels and sways. It is characterized by large, fluid movements
and turns with a rise and fall technique. Waltz resembles Foxtrot in that it has a similar frame. Foxtrot
is done in an even time signature whereas waltz is done as a triplet.
 The time signature in Waltz is 3/4. The waltz basic can be counted as "1,2,3; 1,2,3". Waltz can only
be done to music in this time signature. Check out our Waltz song list here! The waltz that is
common in the west is danced at approximately 90 beats per minute with 3 beats in each measure. If a
song is faster (around 180 beats a minute) then Viennese or a modified Waltz would be more
appropriate.
 In Waltz, dancers maintain a wide and extended dance hold that helps them travel across the floor and
navigate more efficiently.

CHA-CHA

 Is a type of ballroom dance that uses more of your hips and feet.
 The cha-cha-chá, or simply cha-cha in the U.S., is a dance of Cuban
origin.
 It is danced to the music of the same name introduced by Cuban
composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the early 1950s.
 Cha-cha-chá is danced to authentic Cuban music, although in ballroom
competitions it is often danced to Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music
for the international ballroom cha-cha-chá is energetic and with a
steady beat.
 Chacha is danced by both man and woman; can be partners
 The costume of dancers is for female: can be flowy dresses, a high heel
with 2 or 3 inches heel; for men: long sleeved polo, flowy slacks, shoe
with a slight heel
 The music is usually upbeat like "Chilly Cha Cha" by Jessica Jay, sway by
Michael buble
 Cha-cha-chá is danced to authentic Cuban music, although in ballroom competitions it is often
danced to Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music for the international ballroom cha-cha-chá is energetic
and with a steady beat. The music may involve complex polyrhythms.
 Styles of cha-cha-chá dance may differ in the place of the chasse in the rhythmical structure. The
original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha count is "two, three, chachacha", "four-and-one, two,
three" or "one, two, three, chacha". The dance does not start on the first beat of a bar, though it can
start with a transfer of weight to the lead's right.
 Nevertheless, many social dancers count "one, two, cha-cha-cha" and may find it difficult to make the
adjustment to the correct timing of the dance, "two, three, cha-cha, one".

 The basic pattern involves the lead (usually the man) taking a checked forward step with the left foot,
retaining some weight on the right foot. The knee of the right leg must stay bent and close to the
back of the left knee, the left leg having straightened just prior to receiving part weight. This step is
taken on the second beat of the bar. Full weight is returned to the right leg on the second step (beat
three).

o The fourth beat is split in two so the count of the next three steps is 4-and-1. These three
steps constitute the cha-cha chasse. A step to the side is taken with the left foot, the right
foot is half closed towards the left foot (typically leaving both feet under the hips or perhaps
 closed together), and finally there is a last step to the left with the left foot. The length of the
steps in the chasse depends very much on the effect the dancer is attempting to make.

o The partner takes a step back on the right foot, the knee being straightened as full weight is
taken. The other leg is allowed to remain straight. It is possible it will shoot slightly but no
deliberate flexing of the free leg is attempted. This is quite different from technique
associated with salsa, for instance. On the next beat (beat three) weight is returned to the
left leg. Then a chasse is danced RLR.

SAMBA

 it is a kind of ballroom is a lively, rhythmical dance of Afro-Brazilian

 Samba, an old Brazilian style of dance with many variations, is African in origin. It has been
performed as a street dance at carnival, the pre-Lenten celebration, for almost 100 years.
 Samba is known as the carnival rhythms of Brazil. The music is loud, mainly consisting of drums and
small percussion instruments, which is aimed to attract listeners. They are designed so that they are
light to carry in the Brazilian carnivals for hours on end. A Samba band is often referred to as a
bateria.
 Samba is danced in 2/4 time to 50 measures per minute, or 100 beats per minute.

Drummer Boy, by Debi Nova

Mi Chica, by Sarbel
Temptation, by Arash
Coco Jambo, by Mr. President
Mas Que Nada, by Sergio Mendes

 BASIC SAMBA MOVES TO GET STARTED

FEET: WEIGHT TRANSFER
One of the important things is to follow the beat of the music.
The basic feet movement involves transferring your weight
from one foot to the other one on the beat. Keeping your knees
slightly bent, with a toe-heel movement, keep the movement
counting “one, two, three, four”.
HIP MOVEMENT
Hip movement is key! As you move your feet, add a hip
movement. When transferring the weight to the right, swing
your hip to the right. Then do the same to the left. Make sure to
engage your abs to keep in balance and get a core workout.
ARMS TO THE SIDES
Move your arms opposite to your legs and swing them naturally
and relaxed to the sides. Keep them waist high. Remember, the
important thing is to keep the beat and smile!

 Ballroom Samba is a partner dance that is part of the Latin dances in international style ballroom
dancing. Ballroom Samba can travel around the room.

VIENESSE WALTZ
  The Viennese Waltz is a genre of Ballroom Dance. It is actually the original form of the Waltz. It's the
oldest of all Ballroom dances, emerging in the second half of the 18th century influenced by German
and Austrian dance styles.
 This whirling, thrilling dance dates back to the early 1700’s in Europe. It was a dance first popular
with the common folk and then with the upper classes.
 Viennese Waltz music belongs to the music genre that accompanied the fast Waltzes of the Romantic
era in Vienna. The music is usually written in 6/8 time with a fast tempo of about 180 beats per
minute. Almost always instrumental, Viennese Waltz music is written for orchestras of various sizes.
 Viennese Waltz is danced in 3/4 time to 52-58 measures per minute, or 156-174 beats per minute.

Waltz No. 2, by Dmitri Shostakovich

The Potter Waltz, by Patrick Doyle
The Embassy Waltz, from
Cinderella Waltz, from Rodgers & Hammerstein My Fair Lady
Once upon a December, by Liz Callaway

 BASIC Viennese waltz MOVES TO GET STARTED

First step: the dancer steps forward with his right foot - or his left foot for a reverse turn - between his
partner's legs. This initiates a lesser or stronger turn - depending on whether one wants to waltz in a
straight line or to take a bend.
Second step: on the count of 2, the dancer circles his partner, thus leading the dancing couple into a
sidewards rotation. The larger this step is, the further the couple goes forward on the line of dance
with each turn.
Third step: the third step completes the first half of the circle: the moving foot joins the other one so
that both feet are closely parallel. For a very short time, the dancing couple - as well as each dancer
individually - stands in balance. This third step is especially important for controlling the rotation and
the orientation on the dance floor.
Fourth step: on the fourth step, both dancers exchange roles: the one who danced backwards on steps
1 to 3 now takes the active role and dances the same steps that her partner just danced (see above).
The one who dances backwards supports his partner, and it is particularly important that he should
adapt the size of his steps to the size of his partner's steps.
Fifth step: especially on the fifth step, the backwards dancer should not step too far away, as his
dancing partner is about to circle him (see second step). If both dancers maintain a correct posture and
reduce as much as possible the space between them, the backwards dancer will be able to feel the
movements of his partner and thus anticipate the length of her steps.
Sixth step: the sixth and last step completes the circle. It is a closing step - just like the third step -
with again the same temporary balance that enables the dancers to control both their rotation and their
forward movement on the dance floor.
 Viennese Waltz is a ballroom and partner dance that is part of the International Standard division of
contemporary ballroom dance.

FOXTROT

Foxtrot is a smooth, progressive dance characterized by long, continuous flowing movements across
the dance floor. It is danced to big band (usually vocal) music.

History of Foxtrot
The Foxtrot originated in the summer of 1914 by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox. Born Arthur Carringford
in Pomona, California, in 1882, he adopted the stage name of "Fox" after his grandfather. The foxtrot was
developed in the United States in the 1920’s and is thought to have been developed in African American
nightclubs before being popularized by Vernon and Irene Castle. It is believed to be named after one
popularizer, entertainer Harry Fox.
The foxtrot is often associated with the smooth dancing style of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Characteristics of Foxtrot
A beautiful, romantic dance, the foxtrot is composed of fairly simple walking steps and side steps. The
dance combines slow steps, which use two beats of music, and quick steps, which use one beat of music. The
footwork timing is usually "slow, quick, quick" or "slow, slow, quick, quick." The foxtrot must be danced very
smoothly, with no jerking of the body. Timing is also a very important component of the foxtrot. As the foxtrot
is more challenging than other styles of dance, it is usually recommended to master the waltz and
quickstep prior to attempting it.

Distinctive Foxtrot Dance Steps

Distinctive to the foxtrot, dancers take long steps during the slower counts, and short steps during the faster
counts. In order to maintain the "trot" of this dance, dancers should shorten their steps as the tempo of the
music increases. Some of the steps create attractive zig-zag patterns on the dance floor. A couple of steps
distinctive to the foxtrot are the Weave and the Feather Step:

 Weave: Consists of six quick steps in a row, all on the toes. Quick steps are usually performed on the
toes, with slow steps taken on the heels.
 Feather Step: The man steps outside of the woman. This step earned its name because of the action of
the step: it resembles the "feathering the oar" action in rowing.

Costume
For female: a 2-piece set, e.g. a skirt and a shirt. Usually this set is applicable only for newbies or
practice sessions. One-piece set is more professional, fashionable and comfortable for dancing. Besides, such
dress has more room for embellishment, custom designer’s patterns and styles.
Another classification for the dress depends on its style: a simpler dress without decorations is suitable for
practice, when more fancy dress with sophisticated design and rhinestones is considered more professional and
is the best choice for competitions.
The color of the clothes can be different: blue, white, red, green, pink and others, or mixed color.
Often a dress contains skin colored fragments (especially on the arms, back and neck area) that give illusion of
transparency, cut-outs or décolleté. However, actually the dress covers the whole body.
For men: men’s shirt, trousers, vest or waistcoat, bow tie or necktie. For International Standard and
American Smooth: Tailcoat, a white bow tie, cufflinks, shirt and collar studs, white handkerchief for breast
pocket, tail shirt, and waistcoat.

Music and Tempo of Foxtrot Dance

The foxtrot is typically danced to big band swing-style music, but it may be danced to most music
types. In the foxtrot, the first and third beats are accented more strongly than the second and fourth beats. The
foxtrot is typically danced to big band swing-style music written in 4/4 time, with tempo around 120 to 136
beats per minute.

Examples of songs:
 Baby It’s Cold Outside – Dean Martin
 September in the Rain – Dinah Washington
  Fly Me to the Moon – Frank Sinatra
 The Way You Look Tonight – Frank Sinatra
 That Old Feeling – Louis Armstrong

QUICK STEP

The quickstep is a light-hearted dance of the standard ballroom dances. The movement of the dance is
fast and powerfully flowing and sprinkled with syncopations. The upbeat melodies that quickstep is danced to
make it suitable for both formal and informal events.

History of Quickstep
Developed during World War I in suburban New York, it was initially performed by Caribbean and
African dancers. It eventually made its debut on the stage of American music-halls and immediately became
popular in ballrooms. Foxtrot and Quickstep have a common origin. In the twenties many bands played the
slow-Foxtrot too fast. Eventually they developed into two different dances. The slow-Foxtrot tempo was
slowed down and Quickstep became the fast version of the Foxtrot. 1925 began the Charleston fever, it had a
lot of influence on the development of the Quickstep. The English developed the Quickstep from the original
Charleston as a progressive dance without kicks and mixed in the fast Foxtrot. They called this dance "the
QuickTime Foxtrot and Charleston". At the 'Star' Championships of 1927, the English couple Frank Ford and
Molly Spain danced a version of the QuickTime Foxtrot and Charleston without the characteristic Charleston
knee actions and made it a dance for two instead of a solo.
There was a debate as to why this dance became so popular in Britain. It has been thought that the
Quickstep was Brit's answer to keeping warm indoors during the winter. It is a proven fact that the energy
exerted while dancing a 60 second Quickstep is equivalent to running a mile in record time!
This dance might be termed the "joy" dance of modern dancing. While the basic figures are quite
simple, the tempo of the music and the whole character of the dance seem to invite a carefree interpretation of
its bright rhythm. The beginner will find the basic steps easy to learn and easy to fit the music. The advanced
dancer will discover that the music lends itself to an infinite variety of steps. The dancer who masters the
fundamentals of the Quickstep will have command of a dance that can never grow stale, a dance that is
unquestionably the most attractive expression of rhythm the world has ever known. The Quickstep is
undoubtedly the most popular dance today.

Costume
Classic ballroom costumes, but the ladies’ dresses are likely to include floating panels and a layered skirt to
create movement around the dancers’ legs to emphasize the speed of the dancers’ movement.

Distinctive Quickstep Steps

Distinctive to the Quickstep is an up-and-down, rise-and-fall swinging motion performed at a fast pace.
Distinctive Quickstep steps include the following:
 Rise and Fall
 Lock Step

 Natural Hairpin

 Running Finish

 Outside Change

 Chasse'

 Hover Corte'
  V-6 Combination

Tempo or Kind of Music

• Quickstep is generally danced slower in Round Dancing than in modern ballroom where the music is
played at a tempo of 48-52 measures per minute (mpm), 200 - 208 beats per minute.
• Music used for Quickstep includes Big Band or Ragtime, show tunes, jazz, or swing and often
includes syncopations. The music is 4/4 time (four beats per measure), usually with the first and third
beats accentuated.
Examples:
 Viva las Vegas – Elvis Presley
 Mountain Sound – Of Monster and Men

 I Just Can’t Wait to Be King – Elton John

 Face Down – The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus

 Diamond’s are a Girl’s Bestfriend – Manilyn Monroe

 Signed, Sealed, Delivered I’m Yours – Stevie Wonder

PASO-DOBLE

MAMBO

Originating from Cuba in the 1930s, mambo is enjoyed throughout the world at both the social and
competitive dance levels. The mambo is a favorite of ballroom audiences because of its high energy level
and infectious rhythms.

Reinvigorated in recent years by crossover pop singer Ricky Martin and by Lou Bega with "Mambo
No. 5," mambo dance is fascinating and diverse. Today, the dance is making a comeback and is performed
in ballroom competitions.

History of Mambo

The Mambo dance originated in Cuba as a mixture of Afro-Caribbean and Latin American cultures.
The word "mambo" denotes an African origin, particularly from the Congo region. The mambo is believed
to have been named after the voodoo priests who thought they could send dancers into hypnotic states.
Initially condemned by churches and restricted by authorities in some countries, with time
the mambo gained popularity and became the favorite dance style that it is today.

Mambo in New York

In the 1950s, various publications in New York City proclaimed there was an emerging "mambo
revolution" in music and dance. Recording companies began to use "mambo" to label their records and
advertisements for mambo dance lessons were in local newspapers.

New York City had made mambo a transnational popular cultural phenomenon. By the mid-1950s
mambo mania had reached a fevered pitch. In New York, the mambo was played in a high-strung,
sophisticated way that had the Palladium Ballroom, the famous Broadway dance-hall, jumping. The
ballroom soon proclaimed itself the "temple of mambo," for the city's best dancers.
Mambo Characteristics

The feel of the mambo is based mostly on forward and backward movements. The basic components
of the dance include rock steps and side steps, with occasional points, kicks and flicks of the feet. Important
to mambo is the distinctive hip movement, hence the unofficial meaning of the word "mambo" means to
"shake it."

Mambo Action

Some say the mambo is a flirtatious, sensual dance, sometimes almost raunchy. Mambo dancers
appear quite passionate and seem to express that passion with the movements of their hips. Exaggerated hip
movements combined with long, flowing movements and sharp, quick steps contribute to the sensuous feel
of the mambo.

Distinctive Mambo Steps

The mambo uses a 4/4 beat and is similar in rhythm to the slower bolero. The basic mambo
combination is counted as "quick-quick-slow," with the foot moving on the second beat. On the third beat,
the weight shifts to the other foot, returning to the original foot on the fourth beat. Dancers swing their hips
through each step, creating a fluid motion and a sensuous atmosphere. A few distinctive mambo steps
include the following:

 La Cucaracha
 Manita a Mano
 New York
 New York Bus Stop
 El Molinito
 The Liquidizer
 El Mojito
 Los Giros Locos

Mambo Music and Rhythm

In Mambo music, the rhythm is set by a variety of percussive instruments, including maracas and
cowbells. Beginners may be confused by the variety of mambo rhythms, but variety is what gives mambo its
spice. The tempo of mambo also varies between musicians, with a wide range of 32 beats per minute to a
challenging 56 beats per minute. In the past, Mambo bands would hold friendly competitions to see who
could create the best mambo rhythm.

Mambo Attire

Flown skirts that Suits or casual

reveal the legs; off wear for men.
shoulder for girls.
JIVE

Jive is a lively, and uninhibited variation of the jitterbug. Many of its basic
patterns are similar to those of the East Coast swing. Jive is one of the five
International Latin dances, although it has an African-American origin.

Characteristics of Jive Dancing

Jive and East Coast swing share many figures, as well as the same music style
and tempo. The basic look and feel of jive are that it is performed with lots and lots
of energy, with the legs portraying a pumping action. Both the East Coast swing and
basic jive consist of two triple steps and a rock step. The jive differs in that the count
begins with the rock step, which is counted "1, 2." The two triple steps are counted "3
and 4" and "5 and 6." In competition, it is danced at 176 beats per minute.

History of Jive

Jive was first demonstrated by Cab Calloway in 1934. It caught on in the United
States in the 1940s and was influenced by the Boogie, Rock & Roll,
African/American Swing, and Lindy hop. The name either comes from jive being a
form of glib talk or from African dance terms. Jive became a generic term for swing
in the United Kingdom.

In International Style ballroom dancing competition, jive is grouped with the

Latin dances but it is danced to Western music, with 42 bars per minute in 4/4 time.

Jive Action

Jive is a very happy, hoppy, energetic dance, with plenty of knee-lifting,

bending, and rocking of the hips. The fastest of the Latin dances, jive incorporates
lots of kicks and flicks, even twirling of the woman, and doesn't move around the
dance floor like other dances. Although jive dancers may appear to be moving their
feet haphazardly in every direction, the feet are actually well-controlled under the
body with the knees close together.

Distinctive Jive Dance Steps

The basic jive step (jive basic) is a 6-beat pattern:

 The man and woman face each other with arms in the closed position and the man
leads.
 Rock step (counts 1 and 2): Step one foot behind the other and lift the front foot
up. The man steps back with his left foot while the woman steps backward with her
right foot.
 Chasse to the left (counts 3 and 4) the man goes left, the woman goes right.
 Chasse to the right (counts 5 and 6) the man goes right, the woman goes left.

Jive Music and Rhythm

Jive can be danced to swing music and jump blues in the tempo range of about
200 beats per minute. Depending on the style preferred, Jive can be danced to a
variety of upbeat music including Boogie-woogie, Swing and Rock and Roll. The
most important thing for beginners is to get familiar with the rhythm of the music.
Listen to the drum line rather than the melody, the drum provides the beat.

Jive Attire

For girls any comfortable suits For men, long pants or slacks,
much better if women wear skirt polo shirt
and off shoulder top. or long/short sleeves.

LINDY HOP

Referred to as the grandfather of all swing dances, the Lindy Hop (or Lindy) is a
couple's dance that originated in the early 1900s. Lindy Hop evolved from
the Charleston dance and several other dance forms. Often described as the original
swing dance, the Lindy Hop relies mostly on improvisation by its dancers, making it
both fun and playful on the dance floor.

Dance Move Characteristics

The Lindy Hop is a sporty, athletic form of partner dancing. Instead of dancing in
an upright, elegant posture, Lindy Hop dancers maintain an active, athletic stance that
keeps their legs in constant movement. There are two main styles of Lindy Hop, Savoy
style, and G.I. style. Savoy style is characterized by long, horizontal lines, while G.I.
style is danced in a more upright position. Although achieving the look of one of these
styles is usually the goal, Lindy Hop dancers also bring their own personal style into
the dance. This unique and energetic dance style can be wild and spontaneous, full of
frenzied kicks and body movements, or very smooth, calm and sophisticated.
History of the Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop developed as an African American dance, based in part on the popular
Charleston dance. Named for Charles Lindberg's flight to Paris in 1927, the Lindy Hop
evolved in the streets of Harlem. Despite its name, the dance has no "hop" to it.
Instead, it is smooth and solid without hopping, bopping, or prancing by the dancers.
The Lindy Hop has inspired several other dances such as East Coast Swing, Balboa,
Shag, and Boogie Woogie.

Action Moves

The defining movement of the Lindy Hop is the swing out. In the swing out, one
partner pulls the other from an open position into a closed position while pivoting 180
degrees, and then swings the partner back out to the original starting position. Although
the Lindy Hop can contain acrobatic moves, most steps are extremely smooth, precise
and perfectly in sync with the music.

Distinctive Steps

Lindy Hop dancers make use of lots of fancy footwork borrowed from the
Charleston and tap dancing. Lindy Hop followers match the footwork of the leaders,
and every step taken is a weight change. The Lindy Hop consists of both 6 and 8-count
steps. Dancers often perform "shine steps" that allow the dancers to "shine" on the
dance floor, including fun steps such as Suzi Q's, Truckin's, and Twists, as well as "air
steps" in which dancers perform aerial moves include daring backflips.

Rhythm and Music

The Lindy Hop is a fast-paced, joyful dance with a flowing style that reflects its
music. The Lindy Hop grew up with great swing bands of the era: the bands inspired
the dancers and the dancers inspired the bands, resulting in advances in both dance and
musical expression that would eventually evolve into rock 'n roll. Whether referred to
as Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, or Jive, the inspiring music was swing, with a tempo of 120 to
180 beats per minute. Swing rhythms exist throughout rock, country, jazz, and blues,
making all of these music styles perfectly acceptable for dancing the Lindy Hop.

Lindy Hop Attire

For classes, there's no need to dress

up. You also don't need to wear jazz
pants, tights, leotards, spandex, or any
other type of formal "dance" attire.
You can wear "normal" clothing, but
make sure it's something comfortable
that allows you to move.
 Girls, pants or skirts/dresses are fine - whatever is more comfortable for
you.

Guys are recommended to wear full length pants as

opposed to shorts. You can wear shorts if you'd like for the
comfort - but they generally don't complement the look of the
dance very well.