Lesson 3: Types and Elements of Dance: Module No. 1: Introduction To Dance
Lesson 3: Types and Elements of Dance: Module No. 1: Introduction To Dance
Lesson 3: Types and Elements of Dance: Module No. 1: Introduction To Dance
Lesson 3: Types
and Elements of
Dance
Module No. 1: Introduction to Dance
Types of Dance
– Categories
I. Ballroom Dance
Ballroom dancing is a partnership dance where couples, using
step-patterns, move rhythmically, expressing the characteristics
of music. Ballroom dancing consists of two styles: The
Smooth, or Standard, and the Rhythm, or Latin. The Smooth,
Standard style focuses on the elegance, grace and fluidity of
movement. Dancers rotate in a counter-clockwise direction,
moving around the entire floor. The couple is constantly
moving on the dance floor, transitioning from one place to the
next in a fixed pattern. The Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, Viennese
Waltz and Quickstep are danced in this manner.
1. Waltz
The Waltz is a soft, gentle, elegant, and
romantic dance that uses flowing movements
to make the dancers appear to float across the
dance floor. The basic movement is a three-
step sequence that consists of a step forward
or backward, a step to the side, and then a
step to close the feet together. The Waltz is a
progressive dance, moving counter clock
wise around the dance floor. The movement
of Waltz is characterized by the use of sway,
rise, and fall.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5lKqLmZ-bQ
2. Rumba
The Rumba is a slow, sensuous,
romantic dance with much flirtation.
Many basic figures of the dance have a
"tease and run" theme in which the lady
first flirts with and then rejects her
partner. In American Rhythm style,
Rumba is danced in a box-like basic
figure. Rumba music is written in 4/4
time, with four beats to each measure.
The music tempo is typically 104 to 108
beats per minute.
Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qo7qju6_s9U
3. Cha Cha
The Cha Cha is a happy, energetic, carefree,
and party dance. It may be either danced to
authentic Cuban music, or Latin Pop or Latin
Rock. Popular mainstream artists such as
Santana, Marc Anthony, and Jennifer Lopez
are putting out great Cha Cha music. The
ballroom Cha Cha count is "one, two, three,
cha-cha-cha" or “one, two, three, four-and-
one". In American Rhythm style, Latin hip
movement is achieved through the alternate
bending and straightening action of the knees.
Active stillness does not move but it’s still filled with energy. Active
stillness is the energy we use when engaging in freeze action.