The History of Ballroom Dancing

From tribal rituals, to the elite, carefully learned choreography, to High School education that actually involved learning and practicing ballroom dance, there is a deep historical meaning behind it. The historical significance of dancing is just as important as the art, architecture, and music of that era. Variations of classic historical ballroom dancing such as the Minuet, to the Polonaise, to the Quadrille, Pas de Gras, the Mazurka and many, many more are still very much alive in certain circles. From competitions to classes and pure dance-floor enjoyment, many people have kept many of these dances (these expressions of a specific eras historical flavor) alive.

When you study the history of ballroom dancing, you learn more about the social customs of certain time periods in the past. Most social dancing is not choreographed, and has been so for some time but it was not always that way. There are many dances created to be executed to particular music with precise movement and timing. In ballroom dancing you will have a leader who is, traditionally, the man and the follower who (as logically would follow) is the woman.

Physical contact between the upper body and the lower body of the dancers in position will dictate the pre-choreographed steps. The leader guides the follower into each coming movement gracefully as the music plays. The choreography provides room for each couple to move about freely as the dance requires, and sometimes partners will revolve around the room. They then end up dancing with and winding between other dancers, exactly as the routine is designed. Performing such tasks, however difficult, with grace, seemingly automatic movements, and without hesitation was a virtue for both men and women. It was common to introduce yourself or engage in conversation while executing the routine with perfect timing and without missing a step.

In some ways I like the individuality that some people put into their social dancing I have seen some people draw some serious attention to themselves in the club scene. However, at the same time I firmly believe that it is absolutely unfortunate for our era to have lost the opportunity to experience custom of choreographed, studied forms of partner dancing. But you can dig up the fun and relive the different art forms of eras past which are lost to most people in the here and now. Sometimes the exercise you get from ballroom dancing is a real incentive to keep yourself in shape. Fun is motivation. In addition to the exercise, you learn more about other people and places in time, you get to feel the flush of an antique, elite, and elegant art form.

Since the earliest times recorded in history there have been significant dances and / or dance rituals involving thousands upon thousands of countries at a time. This tradition carried on throughout the centuries, across the widening boundaries of time, and is as endless to us as music has been across the ages. Nonetheless, it has become more and more relaxed and unconventional as a social practice for people all over the world. For example: Early in the 20th century, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers set the example for widely popular ballroom dancing all over America. So it has not been that long, and in some places the heart of ballroom dancing of all different styles is collectively throbbing in the greatest condition of vitality.

Despite the fact that in certain places you can find people and events completely centered on the exciting art of ballroom dancing, there are also places where it is relatively unnoticed. With new fitness equipment, fitness programs, and other exercise fads such as Yoga or Pilates, ballroom dancing, it does not often occur to someone to consider ballroom dancing. Almost all doctors, specialists, and other professionals will recommend a cardiovascular workout as part of your regular exercise program. In all truth, nonetheless, ballroom dancing is an excellent possibility for an exercise program, one including a cardiovascular workout.

Anne Clarke writes numerous articles for websites on gardening, parenting, fashion, and home decor. Her background includes teaching, gardening, and fashion. For more of her articles on fitness, please visit americanfitness.net, supplier of high quality Yoga Supplies and Weight Equipment.

latin music artist