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Craig Revel Horwood's Ballroom Dancing: Shoes and costume

by Craig Revel Horwood

Dance styles can be divided into four broad categories: social dance, nightclub dance, historical dance and performance dance. Formal dance styles usually have governing bodies which lay down rules and standards, and many are danced in both a competitive way and in a more relaxed way for pleasure.

Social dance is just that – the main aim is to socialize and meet people. You might think this only means ballroom dancing with a partner, but it also includes many other types of dance such as line dancing.

Nightclub dance also has a social aspect but the dances are more suitable for nightclubs and bars. They do have formal steps and routines and there are even competitions. It includes many Latin American dances, jive, LeRoc and Ceroc.

Historical dance is just that, a set of dances that were popular in the past in various cultures and which are now sometimes danced by groups interested in recreating the past. It includes folk dancing.

Performance dance is danced by professionals, in front of an audience. It includes ballet, and dances from other cultures that have been formalized for performance. Dances from the other categories can also be danced by professionals for performance.



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