Standard Dances

Standard Dances (International) – a group of 5 dances, which are performed with advancement along the line of dance (in a circle in a counter-clockwise direction) in constant contact between partners.

List of Standard Dances:

Today standard dances have evolved into a competitive sport, with specific techniques and guidelines for both the dance and the appearance of the dancers. Women should wear appropriate ballroom dresses, and men should be dressed in black or dark blue tailcoats and a butterfly or tie.

Slow Waltz

Slow or English Waltz is an essential part of the European ballroom dancing program now. The appearance of a slow waltz is associated with the reaction of the world to the Viennese waltz, which is more dynamic and fast. The pace of the Vienna Waltz was quite fast, and soon composers began to write music that was much slower. From this music developed a new style of Waltz, called Boston, with slower turns and longer, sliding movements.

The main movement is a step, a step to the side, a prefix.

Tango

Tango originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Tango is one of the most mysterious dances in the world. After all, it combines the restraint of characters, the austerity of lines, and unconcealed passion at the same time.

Modern tango has many varieties. Among them, there is a strict ballroom style and passionate Argentinian and unusual Finnish. Ballroom tango is a sports dance with strict dance norms and rules; there is no place for improvisation in it. Dancers perform ballroom tango with bent knees, it is distinguished by the sharpness of lines, and expressive performance.

Slow Foxtrot

Foxtrot originated in the 20th century and was named after its founder, Hary Fox. The steps of the dance are long, smooth, and sliding. Performing a slow foxtrot is difficult enough because dancers require good balance and constant control over each movement.

Quickstep

Quickstep is a type of foxtrot. It is performed easily, and gracefully, and dancers as if weightless floating above the dance floor. The dance consists of quick and slow combinations. Slow combinations are performed on two musical accompaniment accounts, fast – on one. The main figures of quickstep are the chassis and the main step.

Viennese Waltz

The Viennese Waltz is one of the varieties of waltz. The first Viennese Waltz dates from the 12th to the 13th century. Despite the fast pace, the Viennese waltz is characterized by smooth execution, and grace that does not interfere with the rapid whirling and turns. The number of figures is quite limited, but despite this, the dance looks very dynamic and varied.

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