Social dancing (Ballroom, Latin or Country & Western) is variously classified by its proponents as a hobby or pastime, leisure recreation

or entertainment, an art form, or a sport. Dancers generally accept that "pastime" (def - any activity that makes time pass agreeably) or "recreation" (def - a means or activity to refresh one's body or mind) are descriptions, but hold firm in the belief that "art" and/or "sport" are more comprehensive and accurate descriptors. Social dance is a major category or classification of danceforms or dance styles, where sociability and socializing are the primary focuses of the dancing.Social dances can be danced with a variety of partners and still be lead and followed in a relaxed, easy atmosphere.

Ballroom dancing was originally designed for partner dancing in ballrooms. Progressive or travelling ballroom dances are characterized by long strides that result in the partners quickly traversing the dance floor. Correct posture and frame are very important in ballroom dancing. The combination of large steps, separation of the partners' upper body, and a frame that requires the shoulders and upper arms to stay in one line, result in the need for a large dance floor. Ballroom Dance Grouping International Ballroom The International ballroom dances are divided into two groups: 1. Standard 1. Slow Waltz 2. Tango 3. Viennese Waltz 4. Slow Foxtrot 5. Quickstep 2. Latin

1. Cha Cha 2. Samba 3. Rumba 4. Paso Dobl 5. Jive American Ballroom The American ballroom dances are divided into two groups: 1. Smooth 1. Waltz 2. Tango 3. Foxtrot 4. Viennese Waltz 2. Rhythm 1. Cha Cha 2. Rumba 3. East Coast Swing 4. Bolero 5. Mambo Differences Between International and American Ballroom Styles

International Standard is danced in a closed dance position, whereas American Smooth allows the partnership to "open up" in several steps. In American Smooth, partners can release their arm hold, allowing spins, dips, and other embellishments that are not permitted in International Standard.

International Latin hip action is achieved after stepping onto a "straight leg," whereas in American Rhythm hip action is achieved via Cuban motion i.e. by flexing the knee after taking a step. Professional International ballroom competitions use International style dancing (including the US), while ballroom performances in North America use American ballroom style dancing. The popular television series, Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, use American styles for their ballroom dancing. Rumba, or sometimes "Rhumba", is a slow, romantic and flirtatious dance. Due to its slow rhythm and sensual movements, some call Rumba the most erotic and passionate dance there is. The steamy, sexual nature of movements create the ultimate intimate expression of Latin romance. Rumba is usually danced to music written in 4/4 time, with four beats to each measure. The basic steps are counted Slow, Quick, Quick. Quick steps last for 1 beat, while slow steps last for 2 beats. Steps are taken on beats 2, 3, and 4. A full basic Rumba step takes 2 bars of music to complete. popular song that Rumba can be danced to: Falling Into You - Celine Dion Cha Cha is a fun, sexy, flirtatious dance with a playful aggressive energy. It's a blend of other latin dances, especially mambo and rhumba. The mayor difference between Cha Cha and Mambo/Rhumba is a triple step (cha cha cha) that replaces the slow step.

Cha Cha is widely recognizable by its catchy rhythm one, two, cha, cha, cha. It's easy to learn and fun to dance.

Like so many latin dances, the cha-cha originates from Cuba. It was developed by Cuban composer and violinist Enrique Jorrin in the middle of 1950's. Originally it was known as a slowed-down Mambo or "the triple Mambo", because of the three quick steps. It gained instant popularity because of its simplicity. In time it evolved into a separate

dance, known today as the Cha Cha. Cha Cha music is composed in 4/4 time (four beats to a bar of music) and covers a wide range of tempos and different styles of music. For each bar of music there are 2 slow and 3 quick steps. We may count them as one, two, cha, cha, cha. Cha Cha can be danced to almost any music with a good beat, from traditional Latin rhythms to club music, from country to pop. It's popularity can be heard in the music of Ricky Martin, Jennifer Lopez, Marc Anthony, Tom Jones, Carlos Santana, and many others. Cha Cha is very much a dance of today.