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	<title>The 2009 Blog by CJOA &#187; Ballroom Dancing</title>
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		<title>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; The Viennese Waltz and the Quick Step</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-the-viennese-waltz-and-the-quick-step-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-the-viennese-waltz-and-the-quick-step-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Sep 2010 23:32:54 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[The Viennese Waltz which was derived from the Austrian Landler is an elegant fast paced, whirling dance where the partners hold each other as if in a romantic embrace.  This raised more than a few eyebrows of  &#8220;polite&#8221; society.   The rise in popularity of the Viennese Waltz, like the standard waltz, [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The Viennese Waltz which was derived from the Austrian Landler is an elegant fast paced, whirling dance where the partners hold each other as if in a romantic embrace.  This raised more than a few eyebrows of  &#8220;polite&#8221; society.   The rise in popularity of the Viennese Waltz, like the standard waltz, can at least in part be contributed to the music of Johann Strauss and toVienna&#8217;s famous ballrooms.   As with the standard waltz the music can be either vocal or instrumental and can be classical, country, or even rock.</p>
<p>The Viennese Waltz is a faster paced dance than the standard waltz which also makes it somewhat more challenging to do.   Like the standard waltz the Viennese Waltz incorporates a simple, elegant rotation and swinging movements, though there should be no foot rise on the inner turns.   The Viennese Waltz also requires a good deal of stamina, the equivalent, actually of the amount of energy that would be needed to dance a polka. </p>
<p>The Viennese Waltz uses a right turn (natural turn), a left turn (reverse turn) and two change steps that link the moves between the turns.  Dancing the line of dance (direction of traffic &#8211; turning left at the corners of the dance floor) and rotating in a clockwise direction is the Natural Turn.  Following the line of dance and rotating in a counter-clockwise direction is the Reverse Turn.   The step links (change steps) allow you to change directions while still following the line of dance.   </p>
<p>It seems like new information is discovered about something every day. And the topic of Ballroom Dancing is no exception. Keep reading to get more fresh news about Ballroom Dancing.</p>
<p>The step links are simply two normal steps down the line of dance followed by a third step sliding the moving foot to the standing foot.  By performing a string of change figures you can work your way through the tight spots on a crowded dance floor then resume the rotation. The &#8220;sway&#8221; is simply leaning slightly in the opposite direction of the line of dance movement<br />
.<br />
Ballroom Dancing &#8211; The Quick Step</p>
<p>The Quick Step:  The Charleston, the Black Bottom, the Shimmy and probably a couple other dances all melded into a faster version of the Fox Trot, which in 1923 became known as the Quick Step.  The evolution of the Quick Step ended with a dance that utilizes a lot of movement, hops, runs, Quick Steps and rotation.  It is a very brisk, energetic dance that was developed with very fast paced jazz music from the ragtime era.</p>
<p> The Quick Step is a fast, happy, lighthearted dance, the footwork can be a little complex using a slow, quick, quick, slow, quick, quick tempo.  Like other dances the slow steps on the heel, Quick Steps on the toes. </p>
<p>The Quick Step utilizes a fast paced up and down swing motion.  It&#8217;s important to look light on your feet even though the movements are powerful.  Due to the quickness of the dance keeping in sync with your partner and trying to keep similar tension in the legs is a necessity.   More so than the other dances facial expression is vital to express the fun aspect of the dance.</p>
<p>Now you can understand why there&#8217;s a growing interest in Ballroom Dancing. When people start looking for more information about Ballroom Dancing, you&#8217;ll be in a position to meet their needs.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; Dancers, &amp; Judges</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-dancers-judges-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-dancers-judges-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 21 Aug 2010 23:20:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Ballroom Dancing? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you&#8217;ve ever wanted to know about Ballroom Dancing.
Ballroom dancing has been around for decades upon decades producing thousands of dancers, and judges.   These are all people dedicated to their craft.  Some [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever wondered what exactly is up with Ballroom Dancing? This informative report can give you an insight into everything you&#8217;ve ever wanted to know about Ballroom Dancing.</p>
<p>Ballroom dancing has been around for decades upon decades producing thousands of dancers, and judges.   These are all people dedicated to their craft.  Some are big names that everyone knows but most, the average person would never recognize. </p>
<p>Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers are probably two of the most recognizable names when it comes to dancers.  Fred Astaire, a native of Omaha, Nebraska was born in 1899.  He started studying dance at the age of 4 and by the time he was 7 he and his sister Adele had formed their own vaudeville act.   By the time he hit his mid-twenties he had already garnered international acclaim for his roles on Broadway.   In 1933 he landed his first film role, a small dancing part in Dancing Lady and later that same year he and Ginger Rogers appeared in their first film together, the musical comedy Flying Down to Rio.  Ginger Rogers was born in 1911 in Independence, Missouri.  Her mother&#8217;s big ambitions for her took down the same roads as Fred Astaire, vaudeville, Broadway, then Hollywood.  Fred Astaire danced with many ladies over his long career but none of them matched the chemistry he had with Ginger Rogers. </p>
<p>Irene and Vernon Castle were among the first to make a career out of social dancing.  At the time the world was looking for something new, more exciting, less stiff and somber.  The Castles, both athletes had an exotic, stylish air about them.  They were a breath of fresh air for the world of dance for the short time before the world war brought everything to a halt. </p>
<p>How can you put a limit on learning more? The next section may contain that one little bit of wisdom that changes everything.</p>
<p>Gocha Chertkoev and Shorena Gachechiladze are powerful competitors who have become much sought after performers.  Originally from the Soviet Republic they have trained in ballet, jazz, disco and ballroom.  They have performed on the &#8220;Championship Ballroom Dancing&#8221; for five years running and hold many titles between them. </p>
<p>Cheryl Burke is the 2005 World Cup Professional Rising Star Latin Champion.  She is one of the pros, and the only one to have won 2 straight seasons, on the popular television show Dancing With the Stars.  Cheryl grew up in San Francisco, California and began dancing at the age of four.  At the age of 10 Cheryl came to the realization that ballroom wasn&#8217;t &#8220;just for old people&#8221; and started training in both the Standard and Latin dances.  </p>
<p>Jonathon Roberts, another pro from Dancing With the Stars has half a dozen championships under his belt.  He had a strong background in basketball and other sports but after watching Al Pacino dance his famous Tango in Scent of a Woman basketball took a backseat to ballroom dancing.  </p>
<p>Carrie Ann Inaba, Bruno Tonioli and Len Goodman are the three judges on Dancing With the Stars.  Carrie Ann was a professional dancer, choreographer and director; Bruno was also a dancer and a top-notch choreographer and Len, specialized in Exhibition Dancing winning the British Exhibition four times.  He is also an accomplished judge of professional Latin dance competitions. </p>
<p>The day will come when you can use something you read about here to have a beneficial impact. Then you&#8217;ll be glad you took the time to learn more about Ballroom Dancing.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; Ballrooms</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-ballrooms.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-ballrooms.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 17 Aug 2010 17:00:05 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-ballrooms.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage&#8211;at least it seems that way. If you&#8217;ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here&#8217;s your opportunity.
There are hundreds of ballrooms in the United States and throughout the world.  There has been a renewed interest in holding weddings, and [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>The following article covers a topic that has recently moved to center stage&#8211;at least it seems that way. If you&#8217;ve been thinking you need to know more about it, here&#8217;s your opportunity.</p>
<p>There are hundreds of ballrooms in the United States and throughout the world.  There has been a renewed interest in holding weddings, and other important occasions in a luxuriant ballroom setting.  </p>
<p>The Danceland Ballroom in Cedar Rapids is probably the best-known ballroom in Iowa and in 1957 it was the first ballroom to reach out to the teenage population by booking book the rock and roll band Bill Haley and the Comets.  Darlowe Oleson, who owned five ballrooms and was considered Iowa&#8217;s premier ballroom operator, owned the Danceland Ballroom, which remained an active ballroom right up until its demolition when it was replaced by the Cedar Rapids Five Seasons Center. .</p>
<p>In Illinois, on Chicago&#8217;s fabulous Gold Coast you&#8217;ll find the Germania Place, a landmark building that had been designed in 1888 and underwent a complete restoration in 1994.  This gorgeous building houses two cavernous ballrooms.  The Grand and Royal ballrooms both feature Victorian architecture, 35-foot ceilings, mahogany bars, crystal chandeliers, hardwood floors, 20 foot arched windows and inset, gilded domes.   A masterpiece of a stained glass portrait crafted in Germany and first exhibited at the 1893 worlds fair adorns the entrance to the Grand Ballroom.  A balcony large enough to accommodate 150 guests overlooks the Grand Ballroom.  The Grand ballroom can serve up to 400 guests for dinner, the Royal Ballroom can seat and additional 250 and the two rooms can be combined by opening the set of double doors that separate the two. </p>
<p>In Columbus, Ohio the Grand Valley Dale Ballroom is significant in as much as it is one of the few nationally renowned ballrooms left from the big band era.   In the 30&#8217;s and 40&#8217;s big name entertainers like Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby performed there.  The Grand Valley Dale Ballroom has been admitted to the National Register of Historical Places and has been completely renovated.  The restoration included the ballroom (which now boasts a 2000 square foot wood dance floor), a circular art deco bar, twin staircases, historic stage with velvet curtains, 13 chandeliers, columns, mezzanines, and a much-sought out bridal parlor among other improvements.  </p>
<p>Now that we&#8217;ve covered those aspects of Ballroom Dancing, let&#8217;s turn to some of the other factors that need to be considered.</p>
<p>The Charles Ballroom in the Charles hotel in Cambridge has played host to such notables as The Clintons, Barbra Streisand and Gwyneth Paltrow.  The hotel is decorated in a minimalist style so the bride and groom are free to design the wedding of their dreams.  The 4700 square foot ballroom features dramatic double doors that open to a room with floor to ceiling windows, showcasing an interior courtyard and a view of the Charles River. </p>
<p>The Grand Ballroom in the Copley Plaza Hotel, Boston was opened in 1912 and features Louis XIV style furnishings, crystal chandeliers, and gold leaf accents.  The room has a massive dance floor and a stage large enough for an orchestra.  It has the capability of holding up to 1,000 people. </p>
<p>The Holiday Villa, Subang, Malaysia is home to the finals for the 2007 World Golfers.  The hotel is set on 6.8 acres overlooking a beautiful lake.  The Holiday Villa features three ballrooms along with 18 convention and meeting rooms and several sports and recreational facilities.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Media Coverage of Ballroom Dancing</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/media-coverage-of-ballroom-dancing.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/media-coverage-of-ballroom-dancing.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 10 Aug 2010 02:31:07 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/media-coverage-of-ballroom-dancing.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Until recently, ballroom dancing was not considered to be a popular American pastime. In fact, most people thought of it as something best left to the older generations or the wealthy. Although ballroom dancing has existed for centuries in countries all around the globe, it wasn&#8217;t until the media took an interest in it that [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Until recently, ballroom dancing was not considered to be a popular American pastime. In fact, most people thought of it as something best left to the older generations or the wealthy. Although ballroom dancing has existed for centuries in countries all around the globe, it wasn&#8217;t until the media took an interest in it that it began to take off. Now, ballroom dancing has grown in popularity, encouraging more people to take an interest in the fine art of ballroom dancing. </p>
<p>Currently, there are two television shoes that focus on ballroom dancing: &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221;, and &#8220;So You Think You Can Dance&#8221;. Both of these shows cover various aspects of ballroom dancing and are reality-based. Basically, the contestants perform different dances every week, the viewers cast a vote for their favorite couple, and every week the couple with the least amount of votes is eliminated. </p>
<p>&#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221; is aired on ABC twice annually. The contestants are celebrities hailing from various backgrounds; actors, athletes, and entertainers. Prior to becoming contestants on the show, the celebrities have no prior knowledge of ballroom dancing and are paired with a professional dance partner. Each season begins with ten couples and one is eliminated every week. This past season, it was a close competition between Joey Fatone (formerly of n&#8217;sync), world champion female boxer Laila Ali, and olympic speed skater gold medalist Apollo Anton Ono. </p>
<p>The best time to learn about Ballroom Dancing is before you&#8217;re in the thick of things. Wise readers will keep reading to earn some valuable Ballroom Dancing experience while it&#8217;s still free.</p>
<p>Laila remained a strong competitor through the very end, but was eliminated just before the finals. It became a very tight battle between Joey and Apollo, but in the end Apollo prevailed with his professional partner, Julianne Huff. This isn&#8217;t the first time an athlete has claimed the &#8220;Dancing&#8221; trophy &#8211; former NFL player Emmitt Smith took home the trophy the season prior thanks to the help and instruction from his professional partner, Cheryl Burke. </p>
<p>&#8220;So You Think Can Dance&#8221; is aired on the fox network is comparable to &#8220;American Idol&#8221;. It differs greatly from &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221; because it involves amateur dancers who are not celebrities. The show covers many aspects of dancing, from street to hip-hop and of course, ballroom dances. Like most reality shows, it involves the audience eliminating a contestant every week until one dancer remains. That dancer takes home the grand prize consisting of $100,000, a new car, and a usually some kind of contract that employs them as a professional dancer. </p>
<p>Prior to these two shows making their debut, there were several dance programs that aired throughout the years. &#8220;American Bandstand&#8221; and VH1&#8217;s &#8220;Dance Machine&#8221; were two very popular shows that involved media coverage of dancing, however the focus was not really on ballroom dancing. (Although they can be accredited to starting the &#8220;dance craze&#8221; in America.) Thanks to the recent shows of &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221; and &#8220;So You Think You Can Dance&#8221;, the desire to learn ballroom dancing quickly spread across America and many other countries. In fact, over twenty countries have their own versions of these popular television shows, increasing the popularity of ballroom dancing worldwide. </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; Judging Criteria</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-judging-criteria-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-judging-criteria-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Sat, 07 Aug 2010 08:39:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-judging-criteria-2.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ballroom dancing is judged on more than a dozen different points.  Some of those are, Posture, Timing, Line, Hold, Poise, Togetherness, Presentation and Power just to name a few.  With the number of dancers being evaluated judges rely heavily on the impression each couple makes in relation to the others.  With experience [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Ballroom dancing is judged on more than a dozen different points.  Some of those are, Posture, Timing, Line, Hold, Poise, Togetherness, Presentation and Power just to name a few.  With the number of dancers being evaluated judges rely heavily on the impression each couple makes in relation to the others.  With experience the judges learn to do so quickly.</p>
<p>Posture:  No matter how technically skilled you are, your ballroom dancing will never be graceful, elegant, or lend an air of confidence without the proper posture.  Proper poster also improves balance, gives you more control and makes for a smoother dance.  The old adage is &#8220;Persistent practice of postural principles promises perfection&#8221; gives you a clue to the importance of good posture in any ballroom dance. </p>
<p>Timing:  Just as bad posture can blow you right out of the water, if your timing and the music&#8217;s timing don&#8217;t match &#8211; you lose.   It wont matter how well you do anything else. </p>
<p>Line: The line refers to the line of your body from head to toe.  The line can make or break any ballroom dance.  Whether curved or straight, good lines will make you look graceful and elegant. </p>
<p>Hold:  Dancing with arms, hands etc., in an incorrect position or breaking a hold at the wrong time will cost you points.  Besides having your body parts in the right place you also need to keep your holds symetrical to your partner.  In some ballroom dances one of the worst things you can do is to break your hold. </p>
<p>Hopefully the information presented so far has been applicable. You might also want to consider the following:</p>
<p>Poise:  In smooth dancing, the stretch of the woman&#8217;s body upwards, outwards and leftwards into the man&#8217;s right arm will achieve balance and connection with his frame, as well as to project outwards to the audience.  Poise like posture and line has everything to do with the image you project as you move around the ballroom. </p>
<p>Togetherness:  When your bodies are correctly melded together you will be able to dance in total synchronization with your partner and appear to lead and follow with no effort. </p>
<p>Presentation:  The judges will be looking not only for how you appear to them but how well you sell yourselves to the audience.  Are you enthusiastic, happy, confident?  It has to show.  Even in dances like the Tango and the Paso Doble where the expressions are more somber you still have to appear assured and confident. </p>
<p>Power:  Energy is a wonderful thing and one of the most important things in dances like the Quick Step or the Jive however, if over-done it just becomes wild movements. </p>
<p>Judges, like dancers each have different styles and different ideas of the importance of various criteria.  One judge may put a greater value on technique while another thinks musicality and expression are more important.  This can cause a discrepancy between the scores of one couple coming from two judges.   Keep in mind that the judges see you for only a brief time so whatever happens to catch their eye is going to weigh heavily on your final scores. </p>
<p>As your knowledge about Ballroom Dancing continues to grow, you will begin to see how Ballroom Dancing fits into the overall scheme of things. Knowing how something relates to the rest of the world is important too.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; The Paso Doble</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-the-paso-doble-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dancing-the-paso-doble-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Fri, 06 Aug 2010 13:31:37 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

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		<description><![CDATA[Have you ever wondered if what you know about Ballroom Dancing is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Ballroom Dancing.
The Paso Doble, originally a Spanish folkdance, has the distinction of being one of the only ballroom dances that is only danced in the ballroom world.  [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Have you ever wondered if what you know about Ballroom Dancing is accurate? Consider the following paragraphs and compare what you know to the latest info on Ballroom Dancing.</p>
<p>The Paso Doble, originally a Spanish folkdance, has the distinction of being one of the only ballroom dances that is only danced in the ballroom world.  You will find people in clubs doing the Waltz, or the Tango or the Quick Step but you won&#8217;t see them performing a Paso Doble. </p>
<p>Although bullfights can be traced all the way back to ancient Greece they weren&#8217;t a part of the culture of Spain until the 1700&#8217;s.   The excitement and tension of the bullfight, the pride and dignity of the matador as well as the flair of his cape are all portrayed in the Paso Doble.  Paso Doble is Spanish for &#8220;Two Step&#8221; which is a reference to the marching style of this dance with its 1-2 count.   </p>
<p>For the ballroom competitions the Paso Doble is done with chest high, shoulders wide and down, head back but slightly tipped down.  The body leans slightly forward and the majority of the forward steps are done with the heel leading.   The dance is further enhanced with strong steps and dramatic poses.   The Paso Doble is one of the most dramatic of all the ballroom dances.  </p>
<p>The Paso Doble is one of the few dances that is for the man.  The woman&#8217;s part in this dance is strictly a supporting one.  Depending on their interpretation she may take the part of the matador&#8217;s cape, or the bull, or in some cases even the matador at different times throughout the dance. </p>
<p>If you find yourself confused by what you&#8217;ve read to this point, don&#8217;t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.</p>
<p>Some distinctive steps of the Paso Doble are the chassez cape (where the man uses the woman as the cape), the Apel, where the man stamps his foot as if to attract the attention of the bull (a very strong move) and the Arpel which is a movement that starts with stamping of the feet then the couples walk in opposite directions.</p>
<p>Ballroom Dancing &#8211; The Cha-Cha</p>
<p>The London dance instructor Pierre Lavelle, who was responsible for having the Cuban Rumba declared the official Rumba, while on a visit to Cuba, had noticed that sometimes there were extra beats added to the Rumba.  Upon his return to England he taught these steps as a completely new dance.   It has been suggested that the name Cha-Cha (or Cha-Cha-Cha as it is called by some people) was coined for the sound of the 3 quick steps after the forward and back step (or back and forward steps).  The steps for the Cha-Cha are taken on the beats accompanied by a strong hip movement as the leg straightens on the half beat.</p>
<p>The Cha-Cha is a fun, flirty, lighthearted dance that gets its distinctive &#8220;cha, cha, cha&#8221; rhythm because there are 5 steps danced to four beats.  Dancers work parallel with each other in well synchronized movements sometimes employing the &#8220;New Yorker&#8221;, a step where one of the dancers steps across the other and checks to change direction.  Cuban motion, the hip motion derived from alternately bending and straightening the knees, is an important factor in this dance. </p>
<p>Take time to consider the points presented above. What you learn may help you overcome your hesitation to take action.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>History of Ballroom Dancing</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 04 Aug 2010 21:30:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Until recently, most people haven&#8217;t thought much of ballroom dancing. It has become a popular worldwide pastime, thanks to the media bringing it back into the spotlight with shows like &#8220;Dancing with the Stars.&#8221; It wasn&#8217;t long after the first season that the dance craze soon swept over America, with more and more people choosing [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Until recently, most people haven&#8217;t thought much of ballroom dancing. It has become a popular worldwide pastime, thanks to the media bringing it back into the spotlight with shows like &#8220;Dancing with the Stars.&#8221; It wasn&#8217;t long after the first season that the dance craze soon swept over America, with more and more people choosing to learn to dance. However, ballroom dancing is certainly nothing new and has quite an extensive background. </p>
<p>Let&#8217;s start by discussing the meaning behind the world &#8220;ballroom&#8221;. In simple theory, it means a place where balls may be held. The English language adopted this term from the Latin word &#8220;ballare&#8221;, meaning &#8220;to dance&#8221;. Ironically, this also serves as a base for words like &#8220;ballerina&#8221; and &#8220;ballad&#8221;. Ballrooms were a very popular source of entertainment before the days of cable television, internet, or satellite radio. Often couples would congregate here to socialize and dance with other couples, and it wasn&#8217;t long before dance competitions gained popularity.</p>
<p>There are many different dances and versions of ballroom dancing. Each of these unique dances has specific steps and characteristics that make it different from other dances &#8211; but there is one aspect that remains constant throughout each style of dancing. No matter what dance style is being performed, you can bet they are being performed by a couple. Every ballroom dance involves a man and a woman, usually remaining in contact throughout the entire routine (although there are some ballroom dances where contact is broken, but the couple reunites by the dance&#8217;s end). As common as it seems, this style of dancing was developed in Western Europe in the early 1600&#8217;s. Dances were often held the evening prior to men going off to battle, as a way for the men to go off to war in good spirits. </p>
<p>Sometimes the most important aspects of a subject are not immediately obvious. Keep reading to get the complete picture.</p>
<p>Men often wore their swords while dancing with a woman and it is believed that this led to a woman placing her left hand on her partner&#8217;s right shoulder, while grasping his left hand for additional balance. This is also where the concept of men leading on the dance floor was developed. </p>
<p>As time passed throughout the centuries, many styles of ballroom dancing were born. Each particular dance has its own history, but the Waltz and Foxtrot were the first to gain popularity in the realm of ballroom dancing. Dancing soon became a growing trend in several countries, and other styles of ballroom dancing were formed based on the various cultures. For example, the paso doble was developed in Spain in the 1700&#8217;s to demonstrate bullfighter&#8217;s agility and strength. In Italy, the mambo became a popular dance at weddings and special events, while the quickstep became the trend in America after World War I. </p>
<p>By the 1970&#8217;s, all of these different dances had made their way to America&#8217;s ballrooms and dance competitions soon became popular. Today, ballroom dancing is the number one form of dance among adults and is widely covered by the media. It is also now being offered as an alternative to physical education to high school and college students &#8211; a good indicator that ballroom dancing will remain a favorite activity for years to come. </p>
<p>There&#8217;s no doubt that the topic of Ballroom Dancing can be fascinating. If you still have unanswered questions about Ballroom Dancing, you may find what you&#8217;re looking for in the next article.  </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit his new GVO affiliate site: <a href="http://www.gvo.co"><b>GVO</b></a></p>
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		<title>History of Ballroom Dance</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dance-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dance-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 15 Jul 2010 11:38:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/history-of-ballroom-dance-2.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Ballroom Dancing in the following paragraphs. If there&#8217;s at least one fact you didn&#8217;t know before, imagine the difference it might make.
Ballroom dancing conjures up images of beautiful women in flowing gowns and tall dark handsome men in tuxes waltzing their way around the dance [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Ballroom Dancing in the following paragraphs. If there&#8217;s at least one fact you didn&#8217;t know before, imagine the difference it might make.</p>
<p>Ballroom dancing conjures up images of beautiful women in flowing gowns and tall dark handsome men in tuxes waltzing their way around the dance floor.   Ballroom dance is not just the Waltz.  Ballroom dance can be elegant and sophisticated (like the Waltz) but it can also be hot, sultry and sexy (like the Tango or Paso Doble), or a good bit of lively fun (like the Fox Trot Jive or Quick Step).  </p>
<p>Webster defines ballroom dancing as simply &#8220;Any of various, usually social dances in which couples perform set moves&#8221;.  The word &#8220;ball&#8221;, when referring to a social gathering as opposed to a child&#8217;s toy, comes from the Latin &#8220;ballare&#8221; meaning to dance.  This is the base for ballroom (a room for dancing), ballet (a dance), and ballerina (a dancer).  </p>
<p>In the late 18th and early 19th centuries ballroom dancing was very popular among the upper classes of England.  It didn&#8217;t really catch on with the working class until the late 19th and early 20th century.  In the early 1920&#8217;s competitive ballroom dancing was gaining popularity so the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (formerly known as The Imperial Society of Dance Teachers) formed a Ballroom Branch whose function was to standardize the ballroom dances. </p>
<p>See how much you can learn about Ballroom Dancing when you take a little time to read a well-researched article?  Don&#8217;t miss out on the rest of this great information.</p>
<p>Modern ballroom dancing revolves around five dances, the Modern Waltz, the Viennese Waltz, the Slow Foxtrot, Tango and the Quickstep.  The Latin American ballroom dances are the Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, Cha-Cha and the Jive.  Latin American ballroom is short for Latin and American &#8211; not a reference to Latin countries.  .  </p>
<p>The modern ballroom dances vary in tempo (beats per minute) and rhythm (structure); however, they all involve a couple dancing in a closed hold.  A closed hold involves 5 bodily points of contact between the couple.  Three of these points involve the hands, his left hand holding her right, her left hand on top of his right upper arm (for the Tango her hand would go behind his arm) and his right hand on her back resting on her left shoulder blade.  The other two points of contact are her left elbow resting on his right elbow and the right side of her chest touching the right side of his chest.  This dance posture goes all the way back to the ballroom dancing in the European royal courts and makes for a very elegant look as the couples float around the dance floor.  </p>
<p>This right side-to-right side contact of the closed hold may have originated from a time when men danced while wearing their swords, which were hung on their left sides.  This would also explain the counter clockwise movement around the dance floor as the man would&#8217;ve stood on the inside of the circle so he wouldn&#8217;t inadvertently hit any of the people watching the dancers with his sword as he danced past. </p>
<p>In Latin American ballroom the postures vary from dance to dance with some using the closed hold and others where the partners hold each other with only one hand.<br />
Like the Modern Ballroom the Latin American Ballroom has been standardized for teaching purposes and has a set, internationally recognized vocabulary, technique, rhythm and tempo.  </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: <a href="http://www.vadsbodata.se"><b>Billigt Webbhotell</b></a> &#8211; from SEK 10:- per month!</p>
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		<title>Ballroom Dance Competitions</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dance-competitions.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dance-competitions.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 12 Jul 2010 18:02:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/ballroom-dance-competitions.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[When you think of athletic competitions, chances are you probably don&#8217;t think of ballroom dancing. Most people tend to think of football games, tennis matches, or track and field meets. While all of these certainly qualify for an athletic competition, you probably already know exactly what to anticipate as a spectator. However, ballroom dance competitions [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>When you think of athletic competitions, chances are you probably don&#8217;t think of ballroom dancing. Most people tend to think of football games, tennis matches, or track and field meets. While all of these certainly qualify for an athletic competition, you probably already know exactly what to anticipate as a spectator. However, ballroom dance competitions shed a different light on athleticism and are by far entertaining to watch.</p>
<p>Until recently, ballroom dance was something associated with older generations or the wealthy. Around the late 1980&#8217;s, ballroom dancing began to take light once again but faded around 1995. It remained on the back burner of America&#8217;s athletic competitions until 1999, when it suddenly gained popularity and has remained stable ever since. With the media taking an interest in ballroom dancing over the past few years, more and more people are learning and competing in ballroom dancing. </p>
<p>Some of the most popular ballroom dance competitions are hosted by Access Dance with competitions held nationwide. Competitions are held all year long with prizes ranging in money to vacation packages. The competition is divided into three main categories: youth, amateur, and professional. This allows everyone of all ages and ability levels to compete in ballroom dancing. </p>
<p>If your Ballroom Dancing facts are out-of-date, how will that affect your actions and decisions? Make certain you don&#8217;t let important Ballroom Dancing information slip by you.</p>
<p>The Maryland Institute of Technology (MIT) also hosts an annual ballroom dance competition. The competition is open to members of the MIT ballroom dance team and anyone else who would like to compete. The competition is divided up according the style of dance you want to enter &#8211; for example, the mambo, jive, paso doble, etc. Each dance is classified into two categories, beginning and intermediate, with everyone invited to compete at the championship level. The cost for entering this competition ranges between $10 and $40 depending on your skill level and which category you are entering. </p>
<p>Perhaps the most notorious ballroom dance competition is &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221;, aired twice annually on ABC. This highly addictive dance competition features celebrities from various backgrounds, from the entertainment industry to athletes. The most recent champion of ballroom dancing, Apollo Anton Ono, is a gold-medal Olympic speed skater who had no prior knowledge of ballroom dancing prior to the competition. The prior season of &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221; also produced a winner from the athlete genre, Emmitt Smith, a former NFL player for the Dallas Cowboys. This competition pairs up celebrities with no ballroom dance knowledge with professional partners who teach ballroom dance. It begins with ten couples and each week, viewers eliminate a couple by voting for their favorite. It was after the first season of &#8220;Dancing with the Stars&#8221; that people took an interest in ballroom dancing and the craze soon spread all over the world. Now, over twenty countries host their own version of this televised ballroom dance competition. </p>
<p>If you are interested in competing in ballroom dancing, a simple search of the internet will provide you with information regarding a competition near you. Even if you are just starting out, there are competitions for every skill level and ability.  </p>
<p>There&#8217;s a lot to understand about Ballroom Dancing. We were able to provide you with some of the facts above, but there is still plenty more to write about in subsequent articles.</p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: <a href="http://www.vadsbodata.se"><b>Billigt Webbhotell</b></a> &#8211; from SEK 10:- per month!</p>
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		<title>Types of Ballroom Dancing</title>
		<link>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/types-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm</link>
		<comments>http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/types-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 07 Jul 2010 23:20:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Anders Eriksson</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Ballroom Dancing]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.cjoa.info/blog/ballroom-dancing/types-of-ballroom-dancing-2.htm</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Ballroom Dancing in the following paragraphs. If there&#8217;s at least one fact you didn&#8217;t know before, imagine the difference it might make.
With ballroom dancing growing in popularity, more and more people are choosing to learn how to dance. Until recently, ballroom dancing wasn&#8217;t an ideal [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>You should be able to find several indispensable facts about Ballroom Dancing in the following paragraphs. If there&#8217;s at least one fact you didn&#8217;t know before, imagine the difference it might make.</p>
<p>With ballroom dancing growing in popularity, more and more people are choosing to learn how to dance. Until recently, ballroom dancing wasn&#8217;t an ideal activity for everyone &#8211; it was mainly reserved for the older generations and the wealthy. When most people think of ballroom dancing, they tend to think of a gentle trot around the dance floor to slow, acoustic music. However, ballroom dancing involves so much more than a typical slow dance. There are several types of ballroom dancing, so let&#8217;s take a look at the variations. </p>
<p>Believe it or not, the swing is actually a type of ballroom dance. This light-hearted dance involves concentrated footwork and lifting or twirling your partner. It became popular in the 1920&#8217;s and was originally invented at the Savoy Ballroom in New York. A spin-off of the Lindy Hop, the swing dance combined fast twirls and steps to the beat of jazz music. Today, the swing dance is still performed in an old-fashioned manner using the exact same techniques developed decades ago. </p>
<p>The jive is a very popular form of ballroom dance that is closely related to the swing. It involves several of the same steps and techniques, but is more fast-paced and involves more movements of the arms rather than the legs and feet. Although considered to be a Latin dance, the jive became very popular in America during the 1950&#8217;s &#8220;rock and roll&#8221; era. The basic concept of the jive involves changing the weight from one foot to another and is best performed to classical and upbeat music, such as oldies or jazz. </p>
<p>If you find yourself confused by what you&#8217;ve read to this point, don&#8217;t despair. Everything should be crystal clear by the time you finish.</p>
<p>The paso doble is a Spanish dance that has become a favorite among ballroom dancing. This particular dance probably contains the most meaning and sentimental value among all ballroom dances. In the paso doble, the male represents the bull fighter while the female represents the cape of the matador. The dance is a symbolic representation of the bravery of bull fighters and their ability to tame the wild beast. It is dramatic in nature and the steps are quick, concise, and forceful. </p>
<p>The Rumba is a dance that demonstrates the unique love and attractions between a man and woman. It is based around the concept of a lady&#8217;s pursuit of the man, with the steps representing the woman&#8217;s charm. Often, the woman dances around the man and has quick and withdrawn steps, as the man pursues her. This is a Latin-based danced and is considered to be a very sensual performance in ballroom dancing. </p>
<p>The waltz is a dance that originated in Germany in the 17th century and is a familiar favorite among dances in the ballroom. The dance moves are smooth and precise as the couple dances in a side to side motion, usually in a circular pattern. The waltz is a very popular dance in weddings and special events and is considered to be one of the most romantic dances. </p>
<p>Last but not least, the tango is a dance performed which demonstrates the history behind Argentinean cowboys and their dance partners from centuries ago. Often the cowboys would attend night clubs after a day of riding their horses and would not shower, which compelled the women to embrace them in the crook of the cowboy&#8217;s right arm. This dance hold became a popular dance and soon developed into a favorite in ballroom dance. The dance moves are very sharp with quick head turns.  </p>
<p>About the Author<br />
By Anders Eriksson, feel free to visit this new site for my swedish customers: <a href="http://www.vadsbodata.se"><b>Billigt Webbhotell</b></a> &#8211; from SEK 10:- per month!</p>
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