The Evolution of Ballroom: Origins of Tango, Waltz, and Foxtrot.

WALTZ

- Known as the "King of Ballroom Dances" Graceful, flowing movements with rise and fall

- Originated in Austria & Germany, late 1700s

• Popular in Vienna ballrooms

• Romantic dance with partners close together

- (The Rebel of the 18th Century) Slide

- Text: Origins: 1700s Germany/Austria. Key Concept: 3/4 Time & The Closed Hold

- | Flowing/Elegant | 3/4 | Time signature

Rhythm & Music:

3/4 time (count: 1-2-3)

Strong emphasis on beat 1

Tempo: slow to fast (e.g., Viennese Waltz)

Key Characteristics:

Rise and fall motion

Sway for smooth turns Closed partner position

TANGO

• Originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina, late 1800s • Influenced by African, Spanish, and Latin cultures • Started in lower-class communities, then spread to Europe

- (The Passion of the Rio de la Plata) Slide Text: Origins: 1880s Buenos Aires & - Montevideo. Key Concept: Immigrant Melting Pot & Staccato Movement.

- | Sharp/Intense | 2/4 or 4/4 | Time signature

- Originated in Buenos Aires, Argentina (late 19th century)

- Influenced by African, Indigenous, and European cultures

- Recognized by UNESCO as cultural heritage

Movements:

- Close embrace, strong partner connection

- Leader-follower style

- Steps include walks, pivots, turns, flicks, pauses

- Mix of structure + improvisation

FOXTROT

• Originated in the United States, early 1900s

• Named after dancer Harry Fox

• Became popular with jazz music

- (The Vaudeville Original)

- Slide Text: Origins: 1914 New York City. Key Concept: 4/4 Time & 'Slow-Quick-Quick' Rhythm

- | Smooth/Chatty | 4/4 | Time Signature

- Origin: Started in New York City (1914) - Named after Harry Fox

- Refined by Vernon and Irene Castle into smooth style

- Popularized in Big Band era by Fred Astaire & Ginger Rogers

Characteristics:

- Smooth, gliding movements

- Elegant and continuous flow

- Replaced early "trotting" steps

Slow Waltz

- slow, smooth, elegant

Viennese Waltz

- fast, spinning turns

waltz women costume

• Long, flowing ballroom gown (chiffon or silk)

• Full skirt to highlight turning and riseand-fall movements

• Light or pastel colors (e.g., white, pink, lavender)

• Float accessories attached to the arms • Hair styled in a neat updo

waltz men costume

• Black tailcoat with white bow tie

• White dress shirt and waistcoat

• Black trousers with satin stripe

• Black patent leather dance shoes

Overall Style: Elegant, soft, and

romantic

tango costume

Silk, satin, stretch fabrics

tango women costume

- fitted dresses with slits/fringe

• Fitted dress, often with slits for ease of movement • Fabrics such as satin, velvet, or lace

• Bold colors (e.g., red, black, dark tones) • Minimal or no floats for a structured look

• Strong makeup and sleek hairstyle

Tango Men costume

- formal suits Shows elegance and emotion

- • Black tailcoat or fitted suit

• Dark shirt with tie or cravat

• Sharp, clean tailoring • Polished black shoes

foxtrot costume women

- long ballroom gowns (chiffon, silk, satin)

• Long gown with a simpler, sleek design • Less volume compared to waltz dresses • Soft fabrics for smooth movement • Elegant colors (e.g., gold, navy, silver, pastels) • Minimal embellishments

foxtrot costume men

• White dress shirt and waistcoat

• Black trousers with satin stripe

• Classic black dance shoes

- Overall Style: Simple, refined, and graceful tailcoat, tuxedo, or suit

- Emphasizes elegance and strong posture

Overall Style: Simple, refined, and graceful