Standard Ballroom Dances: Waltz and Tango
Standard and Latin Ballroom Dances
There are two main styles of ballroom dances: Standard and Latin. This article focuses on the Standard dances.
Standardization of Ballroom Dances
In 1924, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) took the initiative to standardize ballroom dances. The Dance Sport Committee, a team within the ISTD, was responsible for this challenging task. Key members included Josephine Bradley, Lisle Humphreys, Eve Tymegate-Smith, and Victor Sylvester, all outstanding dancers of the time.
All dances known during this period were standardized, except for the Viennese Waltz, which was not considered very popular in England at the time. The most popular dance was the English Waltz. The Viennese Waltz was recognized years later.
The Standard Dances
English Waltz
Danced in the salons of Europe since the 1700s, the English Waltz is a romantic, slow dance with steps derived from the sliding Viennese Waltz, performed in ¾ time. However, it wasn’t until the end of World War I that the Waltz truly gained popularity.
In 1922, Victor Sylvester won the English Waltz championship. His choreography consisted only of right turns, left turns, and changes of direction – fewer steps than a beginner might learn today. It was not until 1927 that the Waltz began to evolve, transforming the basic movements of the dance.
The uniqueness of this dance lies in the undulating movements of the couple and the sliding footwork, reminiscent of a cat. The tempo of the English Waltz has gradually slowed as composers of ballads and love songs have adopted a slower, more suitable tempo.
Legend of the English Waltz: It is said that this dance was created thanks to Queen Victoria of England. After a trip to Austria, she was captivated by the Viennese Waltz. Back in England, she asked her dance teacher to teach her this dance. However, due to the Queen’s lameness, the steps were adapted, leading to the creation of the English Waltz.
The English Waltz is danced to a slow ¾ tempo, typically between 28 and 32 beats per minute (BPM). The average is around 30 BPM.
Tango
The Tango is a dance of passion and melancholy. The dance, with its many variations, depicts an endless game between the dancers. Tango has been gaining popularity, presenting an image of mystery and passion.
The origins of Tango can be traced back to the 19th century, when many immigrants (mostly Spaniards and Italians) arrived in Argentina. They brought with them various musical styles (and their accompanying dances) that contributed to the creation of Argentine Tango.
The golden age of Tango was in the 1920s, both in the U.S. and Europe. After a slight decline in the 1950s (which even occurred in Spain), Tango resurged even more strongly in the 1980s, thanks to shows and world tours by specialist dancers.
In competitive dance sport, Tango (International style) is included within the Standard dances. It is a progressive dance, where the couple dances with slightly flexed legs and without elevations.