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Formal
Dance |
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| Formal
versus Informal |
| by: Shawn Trautman |
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| As
I have discussed in many previous articles, social dancing can
be and is practiced in a broad spectrum of settings, ranging
from the extremely formal ball or rigid competition to the impromptu
slow dance on a beach during an inspiring sunset. Social dancing
has made a place in myriad activities in contemporary Western
culture. |
| Formal |
| The
images that usually come to mind first when the term “ballroom
dancing” is mentioned are couples swirling around the floor
in bright and bejeweled costumes with rigid posture and regal
carriage. This highly formal and stylized version of social dancing
is usually reserved for ballroom competitions, performances, and
the movies. This is the haute couture of the social dancing world. |
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| The
majority of the dancing that you see and practice in this realm
is choreographed, as opposed to spontaneous lead-and-follow dancing,
which is discussed in additional articles. This is the
world in which the proverbial big bucks are spent in instruction,
costuming, performance, and all-around lifestyle. |
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| For
some dancers, this enclave of the dancing world is a nirvana;
however, for the majority of the dancing community and beginner
dancers, this most formal end of the spectrum of social dancing
is rather remote. |
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| For
some potential dancers, the image of the stylized formal ballroom
circuit repels them and deters them from learning to dance at
all, as the glittery and glamorous image becomes their only mental
picture of social dance. For our purposes, it is most important
that you know that this end of the spectrum of formality exists,
but it is not reality for most of the social dancers out there.
If it is your personal dancing goal, budget accordingly, and we
will get you started with a firm foundation in the basics. If
the glitz is not for you, keep reading, because there is much
more to the world of dance. |
| Informal |
| At
the opposite end of the spectrum from the glamorous world of ballroom
competition and performance, you will find the informal venues
for social dance. This is where the majority of people find enormous
satisfaction from their acquired social dance skills. You do not
need fancy costumes, expensive shoes, or even a hardwood floor
to dance socially. All you need is some good music that gets you
moving (or the ability to hum or whistle a tune) and a dance partner.
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| Many
an evening in has been spent dancing in the living room or on
the back patio to favorite songs. If you have the luxury and the
energy to make an evening out, you can dance socially at many
venues, from a restaurant with some tables pushed aside to a country-western
nightclub where denim is the most prevalent fabric in the room. |
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| Interestingly
enough, you can see and practice several couples dances in either
of these settings in cascual attire and a relaxed atmosphere.
Sometimes you don't even need music to practice your dancing;
a beautiful sunset at a beach is inspiration enough. You and your
partner can slow dance to the fhythm of the waves crashing on
the shore and christen dusk with a final dip as the sun sets on
the water. |
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