searchspell:dancecorrected for ballroom dance
Ballroom dance is a style of partner dance which originated in the Western world and is now enjoyed both socially and competitively around the globe. Its performance and entertainment aspects are also widely enjoyed on stage, in film, and on television. The term "ballroom dancing" is derived from the word ball, which in turn originates from the Latin word ballare which means "to dance". The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era. Balls have featured Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Pas de Gras, Mazurka, and other popular dances of the day, which are considered to be historical dances. In times past, ballroom dancing was "social dancing" for the privileged, leaving "folk dancing" for the lower classes. These boundaries have since become blurred, and it should be noted even in times long gone, many "ballroom" dances were really elevated folk dances. Ballroom dancing has been in continual use as a social art form since its inception with one exception in the 20th century. Dance historians usually mark the appearance of the Twist in the mid 1960s as the end of social partner dancing, and they credit what was then called the Latin Hustle for bringing it back in the late 1970s. 1914 dance illustration
Competitive dancingIn spite of its historical image as a pastime for the privileged; formal competitions, sometimes referred to as DanceSport, often allow participation by less advanced dancers at various proficiency levels. In the United States, amateur dance proficiency levels are defined by USA Dance (formerly United States Amateur Ballroom Dance Association [USABDA]) as Bronze->Silver->Gold for syllabus dancers, and Novice->Prechampionship->Championship for open competitors. These levels roughly correspond to the "E" to "S" levels in Europe and Australia. Among professionals, levels classify into Rising Star and Open Professional. Eligibility and "leveling up" requirements will vary greatly between countries and sometimes within. For instance, in addition to USA Dance competitions, amateur dancers in the United States often participate in competitions sanctioned by NDCA or YCN (Youth Collegiate Network), each with its own distinct culture in addition to differing definitions of level and eligibility requirements. The International Olympic Committee now recognizes competitive ballroom dance. However, it has yet to be included in an Olympic Games but is among the ones in serious consideration to be added for 2012. Ballroom dancing competitions in the former USSR also included the Soviet Ballroom dances, or Soviet Programme. Australian New Vogue is danced both competitively and socially. In competition there are 15 recognised New Vogue dances, which are performed by the competitors in sequence. Internationally, the Blackpool Dance Festival, hosted annually at Blackpool, England, is considered the most prestigious event a dancesport competitior can attend. Medal examinationsMedal examinations enable dancers' abilities to be recognized according to conventional standards. In medal exams, each dancer performs two or more dances in a certain genre (e.g., International Standard) in front of a judge. In North America, examination levels include Bronze, Silver, and Gold. Each level (i.e. Bronze, Silver, Gold) may be further subdivided into either two or four separate sections. Other dances sometimes classified as "ballroom"All dances that are danced competitively are also danced in social settings. Some of the more popular social dances include Nightclub Dances such as Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, and Hustle. A number are proudly called Street dances. Nightclub dances are danced differently in different places, and club/street styles differ from the styles taught in ballroom studios. In Europe, Latin Swing dances include Tango Argentino, Mambo, Lindy Hop, Swing Boogie (sometimes also known as Nostalgic Boogie), and Disco Fox. Country and Western dances are danced both competitively and socially at Country & Western bars, clubs, and ballrooms. There is also a Rock 'n' Roll dance variant accepted as a social dance. A related category is regional social dances. One example is the subcategory of Cajun dances that originated in New Orleans, with branches reaching both coasts of the United States. Rogers and AstaireThe on-screen dance pairing of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers greatly influenced ballroom dancing. Although both actors had independent projects and careers (Astaire had many other partners and Rogers won an Academy Award for a dramatic role), their filmed dance sequences have reached iconic status. Much of their work portrayed social dance, although their performances were highly choreographed (often by Astaire or Hermes Pan), meticuously staged, and continually rehearsed. Ballroom dance historians note their portrayal of early 20th-century dancers Vernon and Irene Castle. Their work has greatly influenced the American-style ballroom syllabus. American Smooth style was influenced greatly by the work of franchises such as Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire Dance Studios where 'Fred & Ginger' classes and workshops remain popular. Classic ballroomClassic and vintage dance societies are dedicated to the performance and preservation of ballroom dances of the past. These companies perform at special events attired in traditional dance costume. Some instructors specialize in the dances of one place or time, or in fad dances: short-lived, time-specific dances that may be associated with the music or style of an era (such as The Twist) or a particular song (such as YMCA or La Macarena). Elements of CompetitionIn competition ballroom dancers are judged by multifarious criteria such as connection, frame, posture, speed, proper body alignment, proper usage of weight/ankles/feet, and grooming. Judging in a performance-oriented sport is inevitably subjective in nature, and controversy and complaints by competitors over judging placements are not uncommon. The scorekeepers--called scrutineers--will tally the total number recalls accumulated by each couple through each round until the finals, when the Skating system is used to place each couple by ordinals, typically 1-6, though the number of couples in the final can vary. Dance groupings
Dancesport world champions
See also
External links
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