Ballroom Dancing is an art form that combines social dancing with competitive dancing. The differences between social dancing and ballroom dancing are the level of physical contact and the need to follow music. However, both involve steps and sequences. The steps and sequences of ballroom dancing require some knowledge and training. To get the most out of this art form, you need to be a good dancer and be willing to work hard to perfect it.
There are several types of ballroom dances, including the waltz, the tango, and the foxtrot. A waltz is one of the smoothest types of ballroom dancing. It combines smooth, progressive movements with a continuous rise and fall. The dancers often appear to glide across the floor with little effort.
The competitions for ballroom dancing are divided into professional and amateur categories. Professionals compete against professionals, while amateurs compete against amateurs. Amateur competitors compete with their instructors or with other people of the same age and skill level. In the US, professional competitions typically include pro-am competitions. Competitive ballroom dancing is recognized by the International Olympic Committee and the World DanceSport Federation.
Choreographed ballroom dancing requires the dancers to memorize the steps and routines. A cuer – the person who calls out the steps – leads the dancers. The dancers follow the cues of the cuer, who speaks on a microphone and prompts them to dance the next step. Performing a choreographed routine is challenging and rewarding.