Ballroom Dance Classes

Ballroom dancing is enjoyed by millions all over the world. It is participated in as a social recreational activity and in competition. It is even considered a spectator sport of sorts, as many more people enjoy watching it on stage, on TV, and in film. DanceSport is the competitive type of ballroom dance. Ballroom dance is often associated with this type of more professional type competition. Included in this category is International Standard dance and International Latin dance styles. Official ballroom dance styles were developed in England but are now regulated by the World Dance Council. In the US, there are two additional styles of ballroom dance: American Smooth and American Rhythm.

Ballroom dancing made its appearance in the ballrooms of Renaissance courts. In the Victorian era, dances became cemented in the culture with the popularity of the waltz. The years 1910-1930 were filled with several dance crazes that stuck like glue to the young dancing generation. This was the era of famous dancers like Vernon and Irene Castle that popularized formal ballroom dance. This is when the dances became standardized and began to be used as a profession in entertaining and teaching. This period also brought about dance schools like the Arthur Murray organization in America and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in England. In the 1930's Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers portrayed the legacy of the Castles in many films.

Social dance crazes of the early 1900's evolved into a more competitive sport. Social dance is still a popular form of ballroom dancing. However, competitive dance is huge today.

There are competitions at almost every level of dancing for every age. World championships are regulated by the World Dance Council and the International DanceSport Federation but many other competitions are held all over the world and in most communities. Even the International Olympic Committee recognizes ballroom dance as a competitive sport. Highly recognized competitions include the British Sequence Championships, Soviet Ballroom dances, New Vogue, and the Blackpool Dance Festival.

Both social and competitive dance is taught at most colleges and universities and even some high schools, and elementary schools. Students of all ages can qualify in competitive dance with a medal. The medal test ensures that the student has mastered the standards associated with ballroom dance. Most designations include Newcomer, Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Championship levels. Ballroom dancing is a part of accepted culture all over the world.