The Addiction of Ballroom Dancing
By Conner H
Do you like being the center of attention? Do you love the feel of all eyes on you? Well, I do! I love the pulsing beat of a samba, the gliding feel of a waltz, and the thrill of a fast paced quick step. Being a Ballroom Dancesport competitor, I get to experience some of my favorite things all year long. Dancesport USA is a competitive organization that allows any age of dancer to showcase his or her abilities out on the dance floor, whether you are a smooth/standard dancer, or a rhythm/Latin dancer.
First of all, let’s explore the world of the smooth/standard dances. The American Smooth category is made up of four dances; waltz, tango, foxtrot and the Viennese waltz. These dances require the dancers to stay in closed position the entire dance. They are highly technical, and the gentlemen have to wear a tail suit, while the lady wears a ball gown. In comparison, the International Standard category features these five dances; waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot and the ever popular quickstep. These dances allow the couple to dance in a more open fashion. They still meet up in closed position, but are allowed to open up into an under arm spin, separate into a flip flop or execute a beautiful dip. The International Standard category allows for a lot more creativity in the routine, and the dress is more relaxed. The ladies still are adorned in their beautiful ball gowns, but the gentleman may wear a regular suit (with the sleeves cut out), or a vest.
Next we have the addictive fast paced, hip wiggling, rhythm/Latin dances. The American rhythm dances include: Cha, Rumba, swing, bolero, and mambo. These dances are the traditional dances that are danced in America. They are not quite as difficult as International Latin, but they are still really fun. There is no specific type of clothing that has to be worn, but most competing couples wear something similar to this; gentlemen wear Latin pants with a tight fitting spandex shirt, some with a loose jacket over it, and some not; ladies wear a tight fitting, shorter style dress that shows a lot of movement as they dance. Fringe is very popular this year, and rhinestones never go out of style, for ladies or gentlemen. Wearing the same type of costume, the couples can also dance International Latin. The dances included in this event are; samba, cha cha, jive, rumba and my favorite Paso doble! I admit, I love all of the Latin dances!
Whether you are dancing standard or smooth, Latin or rhythm, ballroom dancing is more than a pastime, it is a sport. I practice at least seven hours a week, and if you include any private lessons, it jumps to nine or ten hours of dancing my heart out. USA Dance sport athletes get to choose what category they dance in. Most dancers have a favorite category they like to dance in, but they never limit themselves to just one, their addiction doesn’t allow it!
By Conner H
Do you like being the center of attention? Do you love the feel of all eyes on you? Well, I do! I love the pulsing beat of a samba, the gliding feel of a waltz, and the thrill of a fast paced quick step. Being a Ballroom Dancesport competitor, I get to experience some of my favorite things all year long. Dancesport USA is a competitive organization that allows any age of dancer to showcase his or her abilities out on the dance floor, whether you are a smooth/standard dancer, or a rhythm/Latin dancer.
First of all, let’s explore the world of the smooth/standard dances. The American Smooth category is made up of four dances; waltz, tango, foxtrot and the Viennese waltz. These dances require the dancers to stay in closed position the entire dance. They are highly technical, and the gentlemen have to wear a tail suit, while the lady wears a ball gown. In comparison, the International Standard category features these five dances; waltz, tango, Viennese waltz, foxtrot and the ever popular quickstep. These dances allow the couple to dance in a more open fashion. They still meet up in closed position, but are allowed to open up into an under arm spin, separate into a flip flop or execute a beautiful dip. The International Standard category allows for a lot more creativity in the routine, and the dress is more relaxed. The ladies still are adorned in their beautiful ball gowns, but the gentleman may wear a regular suit (with the sleeves cut out), or a vest.
Next we have the addictive fast paced, hip wiggling, rhythm/Latin dances. The American rhythm dances include: Cha, Rumba, swing, bolero, and mambo. These dances are the traditional dances that are danced in America. They are not quite as difficult as International Latin, but they are still really fun. There is no specific type of clothing that has to be worn, but most competing couples wear something similar to this; gentlemen wear Latin pants with a tight fitting spandex shirt, some with a loose jacket over it, and some not; ladies wear a tight fitting, shorter style dress that shows a lot of movement as they dance. Fringe is very popular this year, and rhinestones never go out of style, for ladies or gentlemen. Wearing the same type of costume, the couples can also dance International Latin. The dances included in this event are; samba, cha cha, jive, rumba and my favorite Paso doble! I admit, I love all of the Latin dances!
Whether you are dancing standard or smooth, Latin or rhythm, ballroom dancing is more than a pastime, it is a sport. I practice at least seven hours a week, and if you include any private lessons, it jumps to nine or ten hours of dancing my heart out. USA Dance sport athletes get to choose what category they dance in. Most dancers have a favorite category they like to dance in, but they never limit themselves to just one, their addiction doesn’t allow it!