10 Popular Ballroom Dances
6. Rumba
If you want to feel the spirit of romance with your partner, then there is no better way to do it than going for a Rumba routine. Rumba is considered to be the most romantic and sensual dance forms amongst the many ballroom dancing styles. This dance form comes from Africa and Cuba, and hence the name ‘Rumba’. Out of all the international Latin ballroom dance forms, Rumba is the slowest and the sexiest of all. Ola Jordan is a specialist when it comes to this form of Latin ballroom dance. She first appeared in the British dance show ‘Strictly Comes Dancing’ and became extremely popular after that.
7. Jive
When you hear about Jive, all that comes to your mind is fun, frolic and a smooth kind of dancing. Jive comes from Afro-Americans in the United States, and came into existence in the 1930s. It holds a strong position in famous Latin style ballroom dancing, and needs a lot of swinging movements. The word Jive comes from “jive talk” or “badmouthing” that defines this form of dance. It is playful, loud and bouncy, and is set on faster beats. Jive is extremely popular in all parts of the world.
8. Cha-Cha
Originated from Cuba, Cha-cha is a rhythmic form of international ballroom dancing that is very popular all over the globe. This style of dancing is flirtatious and lively, filling the whole dance floor with infectious energy. It is a partner dance, where both of them have to match the steps and perform in a flow. The steps are more complex, but look extremely beautiful. It involves a lot of flowing hip movements, but is not a very difficult style of dancing to learn. Slavik and Karina are one of most famous and loved ballroom dancing couples that hail from Ukraine. They have been seen in television shows like ‘Dancing with the Stars’ and have won many awards too.
9. Mambo
Mambo dance comes from Mexico City and was invented by Perez Prado. It became popular in the 1940s and 50s. This style of dancing involves sensual and emotional moves by swaying your hips and arms, and by adding the right expression from your face. Mambo has gained immense popularity around the world and is a recognized form of ballroom dancing. In many Hollywood movies, Mambo has played an important role. Movies like ‘The Motorcycle Diaries’ and ‘Dirty Dancing’ showed some of the best Mambo routines.
10. Quickstep
Quickstep is the quicker form of Foxtrot dancing style. The mood of this dance is light-hearted, and requires a lot of energy. This can be performed in both formal and informal occasions. All you have to do is swing your body elaborately and elegantly. Quickstep came into being in the 1920s in New York City, and was first performed by Caribbean and African dancers. The dancers have to be very light on their feet, as if they are gliding on the floor smoothly and effortlessly. This style looks very glamorous on the floor, and energises the whole auditorium with its quick and flowing steps.
Now whenever you are looking for a new hobby, or when the vacations come in, make sure you try out one of these dancing styles and enjoy their beauty.
