Our instinct tells us to express rhythm. Just as children bob their heads to music and senior citizens tap their canes to the beat, dancing comes naturally to both young and old alike. Some form of social dancing has probably existed since the beginning of time, moving from ritualistic dancing to social interaction for pure enjoyment. Modern ballroom dancing has withstood the test of time and is now more popular than ever. Ballroom dances are offered in both American* and International* styles are divided into the following categories:
*American
Used mostly for social dancing, the American style of ballroom dancing was developed by major US studio chains, such as Fred Astaire. American style dancing features underarm turns and open work where the partners can separate from each other and dance in open positions. For example, the rise in the American style waltz remains mostly vertical and is felt mainly through the legs and ankles; the International style waltz uses a different rise called a pendulum swing, created by a forward and upward body line.
*International
Used in dance competitions and based on formal patterns and foot positions, the International style of ballroom dancing was developed in England. International style permits figures in closed position only. For example, in the International Style waltz, partners must maintain a closed position while dancing; the American Style waltz is much freer and easier to dance.
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