Regardless of what you might think, ballroom dance is still alive and kicking as one of the most historically rich art forms. With such a seasoned tradition comes proper attire.
Whether it’s ballroom dance shoes or ballroom dance dresses, it’s important that you’re using the best attire. But why are they so important? And what’s the big fuss around ballroom dance anyway?
That’s what we’re here to look at today. But first, let’s talk about ballroom dancing in Nashville and around the world.
There are many different types of ballroom dances, but the most popular outside of the United States is the International Style Ballroom Dance. These include Waltz (which originated in 16th-century Europe), Tango (which originated in Argentina), Quickstep (which originated in England), and Foxtrot (which originated from an old French word meaning “to walk briskly”).
The History of Ballroom Dance
To get at the heart of why ballroom dance attire is so crucial to the core of ballroom dancing, we need to look at its rich history. Let’s look further at some of the most traditional ballroom dancing to get a better idea.
Origins
The origins of ballroom dance start at the beginning of the 20th century. The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) oversaw some of the biggest ballroom dance examinations and was created in 1904. Dancing before the 20th century usually had a lot of curtsies and bows, with partners rarely coming in very close contact. That’s where the closed hold came in.
Closed Hold
As the 1900s rolled on, ballroom dancing became more intricate and complex than other disciplines. The main concept that tied different ballroom dances together was the closed hold.
In a closed hold, dancers are to maintain five points of contact with each other at all times. The man holds the woman’s left hand with his right while his right hand stays on her shoulder, etc.
Waltz and Foxtrot
Getting into more specific dances, the waltz had been around for centuries by the time ballroom dances became popular. While it’s slower than other dances, it’s still a staple of ballroom dancing.
On the opposite end of the spectrum was the foxtrot, which paired nicely with the ragtime music that was becoming popular in the 1900s. As time went on, the foxtrot’s become as refined as the waltz in the ballroom.
Tango
The tango was one of many dances seen as immoral in the U.S. It originates from Buenos Aires in the late 19th century. It’s a passionate and intense dance that’s become a staple of ballroom dances.
Quickstep
The quickstep is a variation on the foxtrot with its faster and more energetic movements. It’s light, very quick, and exciting to perform.
East Coast Swing and West Coast Swing
The East Coast Swing takes influence from the Lindy Hop. Hailing from the jazz craze of the 1920s, the Lindy Hop was made slightly easier for the ballroom setting and eventually became the East Coast Swing.
There isn’t an exact starting point for West Coast Swing, but most think it originated from the Lindy Hop and came about when the blues became more popular. It’s a smooth and sensual dance that lets its dancers improvise.
Ballroom Dance Dresses and Attire
Now that we have a general idea of how ballroom dances came about and their evolution over the years, let’s dig into why the attire matters so much. If you want a great ballroom experience, having the right clothing and shoes is crucial.
Ballroom dances are the most popular type of Dance in America. The ballroom dance competition is a show of beauty, grace, and style. All these dances share common elements like rhythm, tempo, and footwork; however, they also have their own distinct styles which make them unique to each other.
The dresses worn vary depending on the ballroom dance. Whether it’s your practice gear or your performance outfit, finding the right ballroom dance dresses and attire is a must. The dress and attire for the Waltz and Tango will be very different from one another.
So, the first thing that should come to mind when thinking about an outfit for ballroom dancing is the type of dance. Does the dance require tight-fitting clothing so as not to restrict the movement of the dancer’s body, but still needs enough fabric to maintain a ladylike appearance? Should the skirt material be light and flowing, making it easy to move in and able to alter its shape with just a few movements of your arms?
When choosing shoes, dance heels are perfect because they allow you to glide across the floor without any resistance from the ground; however, make sure they have no more than a 1-inch heel or else your balance will become unsteady and difficult. Next, consider color coordination. You do not want your colors clashing with one another, which could distract from the performance itself. Finally, take into consideration how comfortable you feel wearing them out on the floor!
Ballroom dancing is a longstanding tradition that’s elevated when you have the right ballroom dance shoes and ballroom dance attire. Use this article to help you find the best fit for when you’re out in the ballroom!
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