Ballroom Dance Flashcards
is a social dance particularly for couples but is not limited to them, where one leads the routine while the other follows the steps.
Ballroom dance
Latin word that means dance
ballare
is vital for any social dance.
There are particular rules to follow on occasions with ballroom dance.
Dance etiquette
Ballroom dance requires close contact between two people, and so, it is relevant to keep hygienic. It is essential that sanitation is preserved throughout the event so that the dancing partner will keep on the pairing up.
Personal Hygiene
Sanitation practices before the Dance
Take a shower and use deodorant.
Brush the teeth and keep mint for fresher breath.
Do not eat food with a strong bad odor.
Sanitation practices during the Dance
Regularly check your appearance.
Freshen up in the restroom.
Carry an extra shirt in case it is needed.
Male formal attire
Regular coat; Tuxedo coat; Bow tie or Necktie; Tailcoat; Black trouser
Female formal attire
Cocktail Gown; Dinner Gown; Ball gown; Evening gown
Male semi-formal attire
Vest or Sweater that shows the tie; dress shirt and tie
Female semi-formal attire
Flowing pants; Dinner dresses
Male latin attire
Dress Slacks; Button-up shirt; Turtleneck; Bright, colorful outfits are accepted; Solid T-shirt
Female latin attire
Low necklines and exposed midriffs are popular; Sexy outfits and long slit skirts
Male dressy casual attire
Turtleneck; Solid color T-shirts; Cotton slacks; Polo shirt
Female dressy casual attire
Anything that displays a conservative, demeanor appearance
Things not to do in terms of Outfits and Dance Shoes
Sneaker or any footwear with the spongy sole is not allowed.
Make sure outfits are in good condition to avoid malfunction during a performance.
Refrain from wearing accessories that will hinder the movements like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces, and big belt buckles.
Do not let the hair unkempt.
On-the-Floor protocols
Follow the line of dance in counterclockwise direction
Avoid collision with other pairs of dancers
Be polite; always show gratitude or compliment the partner
Escort the partner to her seat
Dance Floor Demeanor
On formal social gatherings, particular dispositions must be followed and observed.
● Be amiable, beam a smile and make eye contact with the partner.
● Show a positive image.
● Regulate the dance level appropriate to the level of the partner.
● When asking for a dance, be polite and gracious.
● When asked for a dance but chooses to decline, courtly refuse immediately.
● When someone declines the offer, take the excuse graciously at face value.
● Refrain from instructing the partner about how to dance. It may shame the
partner.
● Never cut other pair of dancers off.
The pair is facing each other within arms reach. One hand holding one another’s hand while the other hand is resting on their sides.
One hand hold(Open facing position)
The pair is facing each other within arms reach. Both hands of the pair are holding each other.
Two hand hold
A closed position as the pair stand close to each other that their bodies touch, but marginally off to each other's left. Each dancer's right foot should be able to step in between the other person's feet. The man's right hand rests on the woman's back and he holds his partner's right hand with his left. On the other hand, the woman places her left hand on his upper arm. Also, the woman's feet stand to the right on the man's.
Outside Right Position
Right Parallel
Same with the closed position but the foot position is what's different. In this position, the lady places her feet to the left of the gentlemans.
Outside Left Position
Left Parallel
The pair face the same direction instead of facing each other. The bodies make a sort of V shape. Both dancers are facing the same direction as they also move forward together.
Promenade Position
It is similar to the promenade position
except it moves backward instead of
forward. Both partners take small
steps backward.
Fallaway Position
The pair face the same direction, with one partner either in front of the other or slightly to the left or right. Making steps with the same foot in the same direction. The movements of the dances should act as a shadow to each other. Partners can be closed (touching), semi-closed (slightly apart) or totally apart.
Shadow Position
The pair face the same direction instead of facing each other. The bodies make a sort of V shape. As the dancers face the same direction, they also move forward together.
Skater’s Position -l
It is similar to the promenade
position, except it moves backward
instead of forward. Both partners
takse sall steps backward.
Challenge Position