|
|
 |
The Standard Dances |
Dancing Map
|
If you're looking
for men in tailsuits and women in long flowing gowns you've found the right discipline.
The International-Style Standard dances are all travelling dances with the man leading the
lady around the dance floor in traditional dance hold. International-Style Standard dancing is the ultimate test of teamwork. The amount of control, balance and coordination needed between a DanceSport couple needed is phenomenal. Because a couple is in dance hold throughout these dances, every movement and weight change must be coordinated between the dancers. If one person within the partnership shifts out of position, is off balance or off time, the other is directly effected. This is one of the main reasons why Joel & Clara practice so much: to build that perfect chemistry where two bodies dance as one, in total harmony with the music. Here are the five Standard dances in more detail, described by Joel. If you would like to listen to a short, 20 second audio file to hear the music of each dance, click on the "play" hyperlink after each dance description (coming soon!). The Slow Waltz Danced in 3/4 time, the Waltz was first considered a sinful dance by the English aristocracy in the 1800's, because the body contact between the man and the lady. Today, the Waltz is characterized by its rotary figures and its changes of elevation while a couple to floats across the floor. DanceSport Waltzes are usually around 29 bpm (beats per minute).The Tango Danced in 4/4 time, the Tango is the most passionate Standard dance. Originating from the bordellos of Buenos Aires as the "Argentine Tango", the International-Style Tango is characterized by sharp stacatto movements through the head and body that portray the passion of the music. Unlike the Waltz and Slow Foxtrot, there are no changes of elevation in the Tango. DanceSport Tangos are usually around 32 (bpm).The Viennese Waltz Danced in 3/4 time, the Viennese Waltz is danced faster than the Slow Waltz. Although this dance only consists of 5 steps, a couple must be very precise and possess strong basic actions to excel. This dance is best known as the Waltz in old hollywood films with men in uniforms and ladies in long flowing gowns dancing to rich and beautiful waltzes by Johann Strauss. DanceSport Viennese Waltzes are usually around 59 (bpm).The Slow Foxtrot Danced in 4/4 time, the Slow Foxtrot is the most deceptive dance of the standard dances. Based on linear dance figures, the basic action is similar to that of a natural walking action and therefore looks easy. The difficulty lies in the dancers' interpretation of the music and in the creation of a constant and smooth body movement by a couple. DanceSport Slow Foxtrot music resembles that of the late Frank Sinatra, and are usually around 29 (bpm).The Quickstep Danced in 4/4 time, the Quickstep is the fastest and most lively dance. This dance is characterized with many hops, skips, kicks and runs making it always an audience favourite. The ability for a DanceSport couple to move quickly and effortlessly across the dancefloor is essential for success in this dance. DanceSport Quicksteps are usually around 51 (bpm).
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
