Dance Tales Archive - Page 4 of 6 - International Ballroom

How these American born dances impacted the ballroom world!

Dance has always been a part of our culture. And with America being a melting pot of diversity, it’s no wonder that we can create something so unique that the rest of the world has no choice but to take notice. Two American born dances not only had everyone’s eyes on us, they took the ballroom world by storm and defined themselves into the standard basics we all get introduced to. Take a look at how the swing and the foxtrot turned into the social craze around the WORLD!

Swing Dancing: The dance that defined an era

Swing dancing originally started in Harlem in the 20’s during the jazz era. As it grew in popularity, so did the various styles; Lindy Hop, Balboa, jitterbug, and the Charleston. This is the dance that not only became a staple in our nation, it also broke many demographics during that time. People of all races danced together in harmony while listening to that “swinging beat” of the band. As it grew in popularity, so did the various styles. During WWII, our brave soldiers started dancing this popular swing dance while in Europe. That’s when the world of ballroom dance took hold of this AMAZING dance and created a whole new style called the Jive. Jive became a standard dance in the International competitive ballroom circuit shortly after the swing craze hit and has become a staple in Latin style!

Foxtrot: The ultimate social dance

Foxtrot was originated in the summer of 1914 by a special Vaudeville actor, Harry Fox. He used to incorporate his audience into his shows and “trot” around the auditoriums, which gave it the name “Fox’s Trot”This unique social dancing would soon continue to take the world by storm when it captured the eyes of some of the elite people of the dance world; among which were GK Anderson and Josephine Bradley. They took this American-born dance to London where they not only won many competitions, but officially sealed the standard for what foxtrot is today. Over time, just like the swing, as it grew in popularity, so did the various styles and speeds; American Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Slow Fox.

These two American dances reshaped the face of ballroom dancing. Swing and Foxtrot have become the ultimate social dances and a universal language for the world!

Sources:

https://www.americandancesportcenter.com/Foxtrot

Swing (dance)

Where in the world did our dances come from?!: A history of our Ballroom Dances

Ballroom dancing is inspired by all cultures of the world! Each major dance we introduce you to has come from far and wide and evolved throughout the ages. Take a look at the history of these dances.

Rumba is of Afro-Cuban folk-dance origin that became internationally popular in the early 20th century. Originating the in the 19^th century, the “Son” was derived from a variety of vocal, instrumental and the unique side-to-side hip action adapted from both African and Spanish influences. In the 1920s, Cuban composers and performers adapted their music to this exotic new dance, and “rumba de salón” became popular in the nightclubs and cabarets of Europe. In the early 1930s, rumba was introduced in the United States, but the music, which became popular in the 1930s and 1940s, featured tame, English lyrics and “watered-down” Cuban music. The American version of this new dance resembled the Cuban ballroom “Son” with added foxtrot dance moves.

Salsa is a dance that was created in the early 1900’s along with the mixture of many different styles and musical techniques that all came together in Cuba. However, though it may have been popularized by the culture of Cuba, many different cultures influenced and molded the dance to become what it is today. Salsa dance entered into peak of its popularity in 1970s when the influx of Dominican and Puerto Rican workers to the continental US. Their new dancing style was popularized with the exploits of the musical stars Johnny Pacheco, Fania All-Stars, Willie Colon and Reuben Blades. Throughout the years of it spreading throughout the world, there have been many different dialects created and continues to be one of the MOST popular social dances in the world! 👍

Cha-Cha is another Cuban born dance that gained popularity around the 1950’s and was created from two other dances – the ‘mambo’ and the ‘danzon’. Enrique Jorrin, a violinist and composer, realized a slower trend in the danzon-mambo rhythm so he decided to compose music that strongly focused on the first downbeat such that the rhythm became less syncopated. This caused the crowd dancers to develop a triple step, creating the sound ‘cha-cha-cha’ with their shoes; thus becoming the Cha-Cha. The dance was introduced in the United States around 1954 and had apparently gained so much popularity among American’s by 1959 that it was reported to be the most popular dance in the country. It remains as one of the most popular Latin dances in the U.S. today.

Swing is an American born dance that took the social dance world by storm! Lindy Hop, also known as the jitterbug, was developed in the 1920’s and is said to be the original form of swing dance. Originating in Harlem, this dance was created based off the upcoming “swing jazz” music that was emerging and rapidly growing in popularity at the time. During WWII, our brave soldiers started dancing this popular swing dance while in Europe. Since the birth of this dance, many different styles have been created; among those are the East Coast and West Coast Swing, the Carolina Shag, and the Jive.

Waltz derives from the German world “Waltzen” which means “to revolve” and is an offspring from the Viennese Waltz that was created in Austria. Being the oldest of the ballroom dances, it gained popularity in the 1800’s and is known as “the dance of the kings and queens”. Beginning about 1830, the waltz was given a tremendous boost by two Austrian composers Lanner and Strauss. During the 19^th century, waltzes were being composed with a much slower tempo thus creating the modern slow waltz we all know today.

Tango is a dance that has influences from African, Native American and European culture. During the 1880’s in Río de la Plata, the natural border between Argentina and Uruguay, the tango was frequently practiced in the brothels and bars of ports, where business owners employed bands to entertain their patrons with music. The tango then spread to the rest of the world. The music derived from the fusion of various forms of music from Europe. The tango was not considered a conservative dance by any means. The tango was considered extremely sensual for the culture of 1900. Now, there are many different variations of this beautiful dance and is constantly referred to in various major films; among those being Mr. and Mrs. Smith, Scent of a Woman, Moulin Rouge, Rent, and so many others.

Foxtrot was originated in the summer of 1914 by a special Vaudeville actor, Harry Fox. He used to incorporate his audience into his shows and “trot” around the auditoriums, which gave it the name “Fox’s Trot”. This unique social dancing would soon continue to take the world by storm when it captured the eyes of some of the elite people of the dance world; among which were GK Anderson and Josephine Bradley. They took this American-born dance to London where they not only won many competitions, but officially sealed the standard for what foxtrot is today. Over time, just like the swing, as it grew in popularity, so did the various styles and speeds; American Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Slow Fox.

Sources:

Rumba:

https://www.oxfordbibliographies.com/view/document/obo-9780199913701/obo-9780199913701-0078.xml#:~:text=Originating%20in%20the%20late%2019th,in%20the%20mid%2D19th%20century.

https://www.britannica.com/art/rumba-dance

Salsa:

http://www.dancefacts.net/dance-history/history-of-salsa/

Cha-Cha:

https://www.dance-america.com/history-of-the-cha-cha-dance-81.html

Swing:

https://www.dance-america.com/swing-dance-history-83.html

https://theswingdancecompany.co.uk/history/

Waltz:
http://www.dancefacts.net/dance-history/waltz-history/

Tango:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tango

Foxtrot:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Foxtrot

Cuban Motion and Hula Dance…how are they similar?

Hula dancing is a very unique style of dancing. According to Hawaiian culture, the Hula dance was considered a gift from the gods, yet it is unsure of the exact timeframe of when this dance originated. During the 1800s, differing styles of hula evolved and began blending not only native Hawaiian styles together, but also those of foreign countries; mainly Japanese elements. Hula is also vastly inspired by the elements they live by; from the ocean waves, to the wind in the trees.

“Just as the tree does not anticipate that the wind is coming and therefore lay down in preparation for its arrival, but responds to the touch of the wind.”

As far as Hula dancing is concerned, it is not much different from the Cuban motion we teach in rhythm dancing. Hula dancing, just like the rhythm dances, start with a preparation step.

The preparation for hula is to have the upper body stretched, knees bent, all of the weight on the left foot, the left hip raised as though you are going to tuck it under your left armpit, the right foot in a tap position next to the left foot in preparation for the first step.
Cuban motion is very much similar. In preparation, we have our left leg straight and all of our weight is gathered onto this standing leg. Our right foot is in a tapping position with a bent knee and our hip is “settled” into the leg.

“They observed how the ocean builds up energy, rolls to shore, seems to take a breath to build up energy and then returns to begin again.”

Another way that hula dancing and Cuban motion are similar is in the way they are executed. In most styles of dancing, the dancer must anticipate the beat and be there on the first count. However, in BOTH Hula and Cuban motion, there is a delayed reaction of weight transfer…meaning the hip is going to be about ½ count behind the actual foot placement. In doing this, you create a visual representation of what the music is evoking and visibly creating the musical rhythm from the arm styling to the hip action.

Though beats may be slightly different and the music varies from the various styles of dances whether it be rumba, Cha-Cha, or Hula…the technique behind these dances create a universal dance language that can be translated throughout many cultures. 🕺

Our Escape to The Cloister

In times like these, sometimes you just need to get away from it all..and what a better way than to head out of town to a 5 star resort! Last weekend, our dance family traveled to Sea Island, Georgia to have a leisurely weekend at the World Renowned resort, The Cloister. Our trip was planned with intent on being safe while having the time of our lives. While respecting the social distancing stand safety measures to keep everyone healthy, we managed to have an absolutely wonderful time and forget about all of our worries if only for just a weekend.

In pulling up, we were all floored by the absolute beauty and luxury this resort had to offer. You walk in and are almost taken back to a different time with the old world charm. As we all got settled in, we dressed for the first night of fun festivities. We started with a champagne toast in the Spanish Lounge as we learned about the history of this magnificent hotel. We went to dinner at one of their phenomenal restaurants, Tavola. After dinner, we immediately went over to our own PRIVATE BALLROOM! In this 1900 sq ft ballroom, we had an amazing band play exclusively for us…E-Z Credit Combo where we danced the night away! We were able to dance with each other without being too crowded and we made it a point to wear face shields and masks throughout the entire night and sanitize our hands in between each dance

As day 2 came around, we were ready for a day of fun! We had breakfast and then got ready for our free day. Some people went to the spa, some to the pools, and some even took a little day trip to Jekyll Island for some fun and history. With all of the extra curricular activities the resort has to offer, it’s pretty hard to not have a good time. As it got close to dinner time, we all got to our rooms to get all dressed up for our formal night of dancing. Our evening affair started with an exclusive dinner in their private wine cellar where we were treated to a three-course meal that was TO DIE FOR! After dinner, we headed back up to our ballroom where we were then treated to a night of dancing with the Jekyll Island Big Band.✔

Our trip was coming to a close…but we weren’t quite done yet! On Sunday, we were treated to an exclusive brunch in our private ballroom while we waited for E-Z Credit Combo to play one more set for us before we took off. We danced, we laughed, we had so much fun,,,but most of all, we ESCAPED!

Take a look at our memories from our latest escape!

Dance Family Spotlight: Carl Gottlieb

We all have a story as why we started dancing. Whether it be for exercise, fun, or the thrill of learning something new…everyone’s reason is different. For our next Dance Family Spotlight, we are highlighting Carl Gottlieb! Take a look at his dance journey:

1. How long have you been dancing?

I started dancing 22 years ago (Over 7 years at International Ballroom).

2. What got you initially started on your dance journey?

In the summer of 1998, I was preparing to go on a cruise. I thought it would be a good idea to learn a few dance steps. I scheduled a free lesson at both another chain and at Fred Astaire Dance Studio. I went to the lesson at the other chain and had a good time. The next night I had a lesson scheduled at FADS. I was having problems at work. I called up the studio and talked to the manager (Mr. John Penatello). He asked if I could make a 9:30 p.m. lesson. Little did I know it was the luckiest day of my life that I was able to make it.

I got to the studio and met the manager and studio director, Jean Penatello (a former undefeated US champion). Then I was introduced to the teacher. This was the first time I met Christina. From the very beginning you could tell that this was a very special young lady. I could also tell she was a much better dancer and teacher than Christine. We hit it off right away.

At the end of the lesson, I realized that the FADS studio I was going to was much better than the other studio, and I signed up.

I started working on their Beginners Program. I attended my first Studio Party on October 2nd, 1998. At the party, the studio owner, Charlie Penatello, announced that the FADS regions would be holding a competition. He told us that we would be competing against people of our own experience and age; so, it didn’t matter if you’ve 100 lessons or 5. And then out of the depths of the studio came a shout saying “OR EVEN 3.” Of course, that was Christina and by the end of the night I signed up for my first competition.

I went on the cruise on November 1st and at every opportunity I was on the dance floors, most of the time in the middle of the day, practicing my steps. I came back to the studio on November 9th and started to get ready for the Tri-State Championships on Nov. 12-15th. I had a blast at the comp (even though when I look back at the tape, I cringe about how bad I was). That was the start of my life in Dance. ✔

3. How has ballroom dancing impacted your life?

After 22 years it’s hard to imagine not dancing. It brings joy into my life every day. I never feel that anything is totally beyond me. For someone who is naturally very shy it has changed me totally. When I’m out there on the floor I feel like I can do anything. When I’m on the dance floor at a competition, performing a showcase or just at a party or on a trip, I am in my element. It’s all about the performance and having fun. There is nothing better than interacting with the teachers, students and the audience you are performing for. I have been truly blessed in the 22 years I’ve been doing this. I have met so many people! It has changed me in so many ways; from the coaches I’ve had and especially my teachers (Christina Penatello, Lacey Bramblett and Madelaine Kenner and others). I can’t wait for the next adventure at International Ballroom. I can’t describe how much dance adds to your life. If you have the opportunity, just do it. There is nothing better.

4. What advice would you give to anyone who is interested in or are just starting on their dance journey?

Everyone starts this journey into dance for different reasons. Whether you start this to do social dancing, perform in a showcase or compete in a competition, your main goal is to have the most fun you can every day! Just get out on the floor and don’t worry about anyone else. Have the most fun you can and dance like no one is watching!

“Dance Shoes? Why do I need those?” Top reasons why dance shoes will magnify your dance growth

Picture this: you have just started dancing and are starting to feel how everything moves and grooves of each dance you are working on. Then, at the end of your lesson, your dance instructor asks, “so when are you going to get some dance shoes?” Why would you need those? You dance perfectly fine in your regular shoes…why should you spend money to get another shoe just for dancing? Well, would you go to the golf course without golf clubs? Or would you play tennis without a racket? Just like investing in the right equipment for any sport, buying dance shoes is ESSENTIAL for your growth as a dancer.

First, let’s talk about what makes a dance shoe different from other shoes in your closet. The main thing that separates a dance shoe from a regular shoe is the sole on the bottom made of suede. This allows you to move, turn, and overall feel the floor a lot better and maintain control throughout the dance. Also, the sole is much more flexible than the average shoe which allows you to point your toe and move your foot more freely. Another difference is the heel itself. it’s good to have a little heel on your shoe depending on your comfort level. The heel brings your weight naturally to the front part of the foot allowing you to align your muscles properly for good posture and positioning, while also bringing your balance more toward your partner.

Next, let’s talk about the different styles of dance shoes there are. If you are just starting off in your dancing and are looking to just dance socially…then a simple practice shoe will be good enough for you. Find yourself a shoe that is comfortable and works with both smooth and rhythm styles. However, if you are looking for shoes that are good for competition, then you will want something a little different:

Latin/Rhythm style: For the ladies, you are going to want a sandal style shoe (open toe and straps). The typical Latin/Rhythm shoe has a higher heel which is up to 3 inches, depending on your comfort. With the sandal style and the higher heel, you are able to maintain your balance and weight to the front of your foot while allowing your toes to flex the way they need to in order to execute quick, sharp moves. For gentlemen, the heel will also be a little higher to provide the same as the lady’s heel; weight more forward to the ball of the foot to provide more stability and control through the quick, actions.
Smooth/Standard style: This shoe typically has a lower heel than the Latin/Rhythm shoe. This allows to execute proper technique with heel leads and keeping yourself grounded and compressed. For the lady, a closed-toe is standard for this style of ballroom dancing.
Lastly, let’s talk about cost and value. Yes, dance shoes can be a bit more expensive than the average shoe you buy. HOWEVER, when you invest in the proper shoe for your dancing, they are not only going to kickstart and improve your dancing tremendously, they will also last you a long time. So, no matter what dance journey you are on, make sure set yourself up for success in achieving your goals and dancing the absolute best you can!

What do I wear?! Best things to wear for your dance lessons

Whether you have been dancing for years or just starting, what you wear to your lesson is going to help make for a good dance lesson. In this post, we are going to talk about the various types of attire based on what you want to achieve in your dancing.

Beginner/Intermediate: When you are first starting out dancing, you don’t need to go out and buy all of the skirts and dance tops right away. Wearing something that is comfortable and easy to move in is all you need. Stay away from short skirts or tops that ride up. Solid colors are ideal but not so much important when you are just starting out. As far as shoes are concerned, something that has a back with a smooth bottom. Sneakers are not an ideal shoe as it will stick to the floor and not allow for you to be able to move as freely throughout your dance moves.👍

Advanced: Once you get into your bronze and above syllabi, you are starting to know where you want to go with your dancing. You have invested your time into building this fabulous new skill and now it is time to invest in more proper attire. As far as tops go something fitted to your liking and solid color is ideal. It helps the instructor see your frame and posture more clearly. As far as bottoms for ladies are concerned, it all depends on what you are getting ready for. Whether you are heading off to competition or getting ready for a showcase, you should probably wear a skirt similar to what you will be wearing for said events like a smooth skirt or a rhythm skirt. For men, investing in a pair of dance pants is ideal, however, athletic pants of any type will do. The main goal is to be able to move without any restriction to your movement. Finally shoes are one of the most important things you want to invest in. Take a look at our blog, “Dance shoes why do I need those? Top reasons why dance shoes will magnify your dance growth”

Back on the Competition Floor! How the ballroom dance world is reemerging in the “new normal”

After more than half a year of cancellations, rescheduling, and hopes being put on hold, the ballroom dance world is reemerging. We’ve all had to adjust to a “new normal” and the ballroom dance circuit is no different. With the shared goal of creating a healthy & happy dance space, competition organizers are seeking out & creating ways for us to dance safely and comfortably while on the competition floor!

Yes, masks may be a new staple accessory for your costume, but don’t let that deter you away from what you have been working so hard to achieve. IBDS has been looking into how strongly competitions have been taking the rules and regulations to make sure each competition we go to is safe for all who attend. Take a look at how some of the top competitions are responding to the new COVID-19 regulations and how they are opening the ballrooms back up for us dancers.

One of the competitions finally getting back in 2020 is the Grand National Championships in Miami, FL. They have taken every step to make sure the competition space is grand, as well as safe. They have reserved the largest ballroom on site to provide proper distancing of tables as well as limiting the number of people allowed in the ballroom. They are also requiring everyone to have a mask when they are not dancing or eating and plenty of hand sanitizer on every table. Did you forget your mask at home? NO PROBLEM! Dance America will be providing quadruple layer cloth masks for anyone who does not have a mask. Also, though it is custom to hug and kiss your dance friends, they are asking everyone to please wave from a safe distance!

Ohio Star Ball, the largest competition to go forward this year, is following not only the standard guidelines of what Ohio requires, they are also requiring all competitors to have a COVID test of negative up to 72 hours prior to entering the ballroom. This being one of the largest competitions in the world, they are also taking precautions as far as having a separate entrance and exit on and off the floor to keep a safe social distance. All judges and spectators will be required to wear masks at all times, while dancers are only required to wear a mask when not on the floor.

So, though this pandemic has created quite a few speed bumps along the way, it will never stop the swift feet of the ballroom world! Everything that can be done IS being done to make sure these competitions are following all of the CDC guidelines AND to make sure that we can all get back to our happy place on the competition floor! Just make sure to pack your dance shoes…& your bedazzled mask!

Your Dance Emergency Kit: What you should have in the ballroom at competition

Picture this…you are in a beautiful competition ballroom, flying from heat to heat and trying to stay looking put together like you just walked out onto the floor for the first time…or in the middle of your favorite waltz, your heel goes through your ballgown…or, in the middle of your rhythm championship, the strap on your dress breaks. What do you do? In this edition of “Dance Tales” we are going to give you a list of everything you need for your emergency dance kit, because being prepared off the floor is just as important as being prepared on it!

There are many things you want to be ready for when walking into the ballroom on the day of competition. Making sure you have everything with you in an emergency dance kit is crucial, as you may not be able to get back to your hotel room between heats. As the saying goes… “always expect the unexpected,” but we’ll be ready! The list is long with questions you should have a solution for! What if your costume malfunctions? What if you get hungry? What if you get a blister? Is your makeup ok? Is your hair still perfect? Are your shoes brushed?

Be sure to find a cute bag to start building your emergency kit, and let’s get started!

Water or Gatorade (HYDRATE!)
Snacks (For the munchies)
Gum or mints (dancing is a close contact sport)
Jacket or Robe (That ballroom will be cold…stay warmed up when you aren’t dancing!)
Slippers (nobody wants to wear their dance shoes in the elevator)
Deodorant (you WILL be sweating!)
Fashion tape (double sided tape) (for those pesky wardrobe malfunctions)
Safety pins (just in case the hem falls out or you lose a button)
Thread and needle kit (be sure it’s the right color!)
Bobby pins (to finesse your hair)
Hairspray (to keep yourself together)
Lipstick (to keep your smile bright!)
Blotting papers or towel (to keep yourself looking fresh and not sweaty)
Band-aids (for those pesky blisters or other incidents)
Shoe brush (to keep your grip on floor)
Cold pack (to relax your sore muscles)
Pen & highlighter (to keep track of your scores in the program)
These are just the basics that should be in every dance emergency kit, but each competitor’s needs are different. Some dancers want water & others a Red Bull…some granola bars (or like our staff, CHOCOLATE)…and gentlemen, though you probably don’t need to pack lipstick or double-sided fashion tape in your kits, don’t forget a comb so you can stay looking polished all day! When making your competition kit, cater it to you and your specific likes & “what ifs”!

We look forward to seeing you all back in the competition ballroom very soon!

Blazing the competition trail: a look into the first competition we attended since the pandemic

2020 has been a crazy year thus far. Yet, though we may think things have come to a halt, the ballroom world has pushed forward to get back to the “swing” of things! Anne and Shelley paved the way for all of us in heading to the Grand Nationals Dancesport Championships in Miami, FL. We asked them a few questions on how they felt while heading to the first competition of 2020.

1) What safety precautions were taken to reduce any risk of spread throughout the ballroom? (Spacing of tables, hand sanitizer, mask requirements, meals served, etc)

Shelley: “Masks were mandatory everywhere except on the dance floor and they enforced it. If I waited too long to put my mask back on after dancing and drinking water, I was told to put it back on by monitors that were constantly walking around. They took our temperature before entering the ballroom each day. They also made periodic announcements that your mask must be worn at all times even at your table. They only allowed people that were participating in the competition to enter the ballroom and ensured this by stamping our hand and checking every time we entered the ballroom. They gave us a face mask and had hand sanitizer at each table.”

2) How did you personally feel as far as your comfort level when walking into the ballroom? (did you feel safe?)

Anne: “I felt very safe walking onto the dance floor. It was a large ballroom with plenty of space to spread out. Everyone followed the guide lines – obviously we all wanted to return to competition badly enough to be respectful of the requirements necessary to be there.”

3) How do you feel about going to another competition given your experience at this competition?

Shelley: “Given my experience at this competition, I would definitely go again. Just say when and where!!”

Anne: “I am going to the Ohio Star Ball on the 17th, and I feel quite comfortable going there. I expect that it will be equally as well run and I feel very safe about it. I think we just have to be careful as we all are being in our personal lives right now.”

You ladies are showing that the new normal has a bright future for the ballroom world! Looking forward to getting back to waltzing back onto the competition floor! 👍