4 Popular Ballroom Dances

With ballroom dancing gaining popularity, many more people are opting to learn this form of dancing. Until just recently, ballroom dancing wasn't an attractive entertainment for the masses - it was chiefly relegated for the more mature generations and wealthier people. And when most think about ballroom dancing, they envision a gentle glide around the dance floor to slow acoustical music. But ballroom dancing calls for so much more than this. There are several kinds of ballroom dancing and the following looks y of the most popular versions.

According to Ballroomdancers.com, the waltz originated in Germany around the 17th century and is a long time favorite among ballroom dance fans. The moves are smooth yet exacting as the couple moves elegantly from side to side, normally in a circular formation. The waltz is particularly appreciated at special events and weddings and is seem as one of the most romantic dances of the ballroom.

Then, there is the swing dance which, believe it or not, is in fact a type of ballroom dance. This lighthearted dance requires much focused footwork along with lifting and whirling your partner. It got more popular in the 1920's and was first introduced at New York's Savoy Ballroom. As a spin-off of the Lindy Hop, the swing mixed fast twirls with jazz music's beat. Even today, the swing dance is performed in an old-fashioned way using precisely the same moves from decades ago.

The jive is a really popular ballroom dance that's associated with the swing. It includes some similar techniques, but is much more fast-paced than swing and involves additional arm movements rather than just the legs and feet. Though regarded as a Latin dance, jive became really popular in America in 1950's "rock and roll" time period. The basic thought of the jive centers on shifting body weight from one foot to another and is ideal for both upbeat and classical music, like jazz or oldies goodies.

The tango dance reflects the impact of the Argentinean cowboys and their dance partners from centuries ago. The cowboys would frequently go to the night clubs following a long day of riding their horses and begin to dance without showering first. This compelled the women to partner from a distance by only sharing the crook of the cowboy's right arm. This way of dancing soon became a popular quickly matured into a favored ballroom dance. The dance moves are very striking with quick and abrupt head turns.

The paso doble refers to a type of Spanish dance that has also now become highly appreciated among the ballroom dancing crowd. This special dance seems to hold a lot of meaning and sentimental value among ballroom dancers. Here, the male dancer plays the bull fighter while the female dancer symbolized the matador's cape. The dance itself represents the bravado of bull fighters and the prowess to tame the wild bull. It's intricately spectacular and all the steps are forceful, yet quick and precise.