Did you know that dance is considered a sport?
In 1990, the International Council of Amateur Dancers decided to change its name to International DanceSport Federation, intentionally using the word ‘sport’ to make it more obvious that dance is, in fact, a sport! Dancing Salsa for a mere 30 minutes for example, can burn approximately 200 calories!
Dance transformed into a genuine sport at the commencement of the 20th century, when ballrooms were converted into venues for dance competitions. The first Tango competition took place in Nice, France, followed by Paris, London and Berlin followed by International ballroom competitions which continue to this day.
Ballroom dancing is a world of tradition, passion and class. It began centuries ago in the courts of the royal palaces, at a time when these dances were exclusively for the upper classes. During the pre-18th century, the majority of dances were either court dances or country dances and everyone other than the upper classes had to do with folk dances that took place on the village greens or in barns and outhouses.
In the court dances, there was little physical contact between dancers, who had elaborate routines with curtsies and bows to keep a conversation flowing between them. At the beginning of the 18th-century people finally began to add what was referred to as the closed hold.
When we talk about ballroom dancing, the ever-popular jive is part of the Latin-inspired ballroom dances. Ballroom dance is an elegant and beautiful form of partnered dancing which is enjoyed by individuals of all ages and levels of skill with a massive and diverse history that relates a story of music, social gatherings, movement and culture merging over time.
Why is dance important in our life?
It provides flexibility, better coordination and agility, increased physical confidence, improved balance, spatial awareness and improved mental functioning.
Regardless of your age, dancing is a great form of mental exercise for your mind!
Put on your dancing shoes …..
Ballroom dancers require a single tool as part of their activity, which are dancing shoes, specifically made for dancing. There are different types of dance shoes for different styles of dancing.
