DANCE

IT IS AN ART THAT INVOLVES

MOVEMENT THROUGH RHYTHM AND
IS OFTEN TIMES ACCOMPANIED BY
MUSIC.
DANCES DONE OR PERFORMED
WITH A PARTNER OR IN A GROUP
ARE CALLED SOCIAL DANCES.
CLASSIFICATIONS
OF DANCE
SOCIAL DANCE

BALLROOM DANCE

FESTIVAL DANCE

CEREMONIAL OR RELIGIOUS DANCE

OCCUPATIONAL DANCE

COURTSHIP DANCE

WAR DANCE

INTERPRETATIVE OR CREATIVE DANCE

SOCIAL DANCE
BALLROOM DANCE
FESTIVAL DANCE
CEREMONIAL OR RELIGIOUS
DANCE
OCCUPATIONAL DANCE
COURTSHIP DANCE
WAR DANCE
INTERPRETATIVE DANCE
What to Wear
Formal
Men: Tailcoat, tuxedo, or coat with tie. Women: Ball gown or evening gown.

Semi-Formal
Men: Dress shirt and tie. Women: Dinner dress or flowing pants.

Dressy Casual
Men: Solid color shirt and slacks. Women: Conservative, toned-down appearance.

Latin
Men: Bright, colorful outfits. Women: Sexy outfits with low necklines.
Dance Attire Don'ts

1 Footwear
Avoid sneakers or shoes with rubber soles. They can stick to the floor.

2 Clothing
Avoid sleeveless shirts, strapped dresses, and baggy tops. They can catch or

expose skin.

3 Accessories
Avoid large jewelry, watches, and belt buckles. They can catch or scratch

partners.

4 Hair
Long hair should be tied up to avoid interfering with dance positions.
Personal Grooming

1 Before the Dance

Shower, use deodorant, brush teeth, and use mouthwash.
Avoid strong-smelling foods and smoking.

2 During the Dance

Check grooming periodically. Freshen up and towel off in the
bathroom as needed.

3 Extra Preparation
Men should consider bringing an extra shirt in case they need
to change.
Asking for a Dance

Approach Position Request Demeanor

Make eye contact and smile. Stand about three feet away, Ask politely: "Would you like to Maintain a friendly smile
Walk calmly towards your facing them directly. Extend dance?" or "May I have this throughout the interaction.
potential partner. your left hand, palm up. dance?"
On the Dance Floor
1 No-Fault Dancing
Never blame a partner for mistakes. Dance to your partner's level.

2 Positive Attitude
Apologize if something goes wrong. The show must go on.

3 Personable Behavior
Smile and make eye contact with your partner. Project a positive image.

4 Honesty
If you don't know a dance, politely refuse. Don't teach on the dance
floor.
Types of Social Dances

Latin American Dances Modern Standard Dances Competitive Ballroom Dancing

Salsa, Mambo, Merengue, Cha-cha-cha, Slow Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Also known as DanceSport, this involves
Rumba, Samba, Jive, Swing, and Paso Doble. Viennese Waltz. These dances are performing social dances in competitions. It
These dances are known for their vibrant characterized by their elegance and graceful requires precision, technique, and artistic
energy and expressive movements. gliding movements across the dance floor. expression.
 LATIN AMERICAN ORIGINS MODERN STANDARD ORIGINS
DANCES DANCES

CHA-CHA CUBA SLOW WALTZ AUSTIRA

RUMBA CUBA TANGO ARGENTINA

SAMBA BRAZIL VINNESE WALTZ VIENNA

PASO DOBLE SPAIN FOXTROT USA

JIVE USA QUICKSTEP USA

SWING USA

MERENGUE DOMINICAN
REPUBLIC
SALSA CUBA

MAMBO CUBA
Dance Mixers: Breaking the Ice
1 Purpose 2 Format 3 Benefits
Dance mixers allow dancers to Typically involves dancers Reduces social anxiety,
change partners periodically, forming circles or lines and encourages inclusivity, and helps
promoting social interaction and switching partners at regular beginners practice with different
helping people get to know each intervals during the dance. partners in a low-pressure
other. environment.
Community Dance Mixers: Fostering
Connections
Breaking the Ice Building Community Fostering Friendships

Dance mixers create a welcoming These events encourage individuals from Dance mixers provide a fun and organic
atmosphere, allowing people to connect all backgrounds to come together, way for people to interact, leading to the
and bond over shared experiences on the building a sense of unity and inclusion. formation of new, meaningful
dance floor. connections.
 Fitness Benefits of
Social Dancing

Cardiovascular Health
Dancing raises heart rate, improving cardiovascular fitness when done regularly.

Weight Management
Regular dancing helps prevent weight gain and obesity.

Mental Stimulation
Learning dance steps and socializing keeps the mind active and engaged.

Social Benefits
Dancing improves social skills and provides a sense of community.
The Origins of Popular Social
Dances
Dance Country of Origin

Waltz Austria

Tango Argentina

Salsa Cuba

Samba Brazil

Foxtrot United States

FUNDAMENTAL
HAND AND
FEET POSITION
PLACE BOTH ARMS IN FRONT
OF THE CHEST IN A CIRCULAR
POSITION WITH HEELS OF
THE FEET TOGETHER WITH
THE TOES 45 DEGREES APART.
PLACE BOTH ARMS SIDEWAYS
WITH THE PALM FACING
UPWARD AND STRIDE THE
FEET APART SIDEWARD.
PLACE ONE ARM ON THE SIDE
AT SHOULDER LEVEL WHILE
PLACING THE OTHER HAND
IN FRONT OF THE CHEST
WITH THE HEEL OF ONE FOOT
PLACED IN THE INSTEP OF
THE OTHER FOOT
PLACE ONE ARM IN FRONT
OF THE CHEST LEVEL WITH A
SLIGHTLY BENT ELBOW AND
THE OTHER ARM IS RAISED
OVERHEAD WITH ONE FOOT
PLACED IN FRONT OF THE
OTHER.
RAISE BOTH HANDS OVERHEAD
WITH THE ELBOWS SLIGHTLY
BENT. THE HEEL OF THE FOOT IS
PLACED IN FRONT OF THE TOE
OF THE OTHER FOOT.
FUNDAMENTAL
STEPS
 FUNDAMENTAL STEPS IN 2/4 AND 3/4
TIME SIGNATURE
DANCE STEPS STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 2/4 STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 3/4

1. BLEKING HEEL – PLACE, CLOSE HEEL – PLACE, CLOSE

1 2 1-2 3

2. CLOSE STEP
STEP, CLOSE STEP, CLOSE

1 2 1-2 3
 DANCE STEPS STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 2/4 STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 3/4

3. CHANGE STEP
STEP, CLOSE, STEP
1 AND 2

4. HOP STEP
STEP HOP

1 2

5. SLIDE
SLIDE, CLOSE SLIDE, CLOSE
1 2 1-2 3

6. TOUCH STEP
POINT, CLOSE POINT, CLOSE
1 2 1-2 3
 DANCE STEPS STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 2/4 STEP PATTERN AND COUNTING IN 3/4

7. BRUSH STEP
STEP, BRUSH
1 2

8. NATIVE WALTZ
STEP, CLOSE, STEP

1 2 3

9. MAZURKA
SLIDE, CUT, HOP
1 2 3

10. REDOBA
SLIDE, CUT, CUT
1 2 3
Conclusion: Unlocking
the Joy of Dance
Social and ballroom dances have the power to bring people together, foster
connections, and unleash the pure joy of movement. Embrace the
transformative experience and let the rhythm of the dance unlock a world of
fulfillment and happiness.