PATHFIT

• Ballroom Dancing - is a partnership dance where couples, using step-patterns, move rhythmically, and expressing the characteristics of music.
• BALLARE - it means “ to dance”
• BALLROOM- Room for dancing
• Ballroom Dancing - Originated in England in late 18th and early 19th centuries.
• Latin American Dances

  ● Cha-Cha-Cha

  ● Paso Doble

  ● Rumba

  ● Samba

  ● Jive
• Modern Standard

  ●Waltz

  ●Tango

  ●Fokstrot

  ●Quickstep
• Latin American Dances - The movements of dancers primarily focuses on flexibility.
• Latin American Dances - Dancers will bend and strengthen their knees, sway their hips and perform faster leg movements.
• The Cha-Cha-Cha is a fun and lively dance that originated in Cuba in the 1950s. 
• The Cha-Cha-Cha is danced to a syncopated rhythm, counted as "2, 3, cha-cha-cha" or "4-and-1." This gives the dance its distinctive and playful feel.
• The basic step of the Cha-Cha-Cha involves a series of three quick steps (cha-cha-cha) followed by two slower steps. This basic pattern is repeated throughout the dance, with variations and embellishments added by more experienced dancers.
• The Cha-Cha-Cha is known for its Cuban hip motion, where the hips move back and forth in a rhythmic manner. This adds to the dance's playful and flirtatious character.
• Cha-Cha-Cha footwork is characterized by quick, compact steps and sharp directional changes. Dancers often use ball-flat footwork, where they step on the ball of the foot first and then flatten the foot to the floor.
• Like other Latin dances, the Cha-Cha-Cha requires a strong frame and connection between partners. Dancers maintain an upright posture and use their arms to create a sense of tension and release in their movements.
• Cha-Cha-Cha music is characterized by its lively and infectious beat, often featuring Latin percussion instruments like the conga and the clave. The music sets the tempo and mood for the dance, inspiring dancers to move with energy and enthusiasm.
• Samba is a lively and energetic dance that originated in Brazil.
• Samba is danced to a 2/4 or 4/4 time signature with a lively and syncopated rhythm.
• The basic Samba rhythm is often described as "quick-quick-slow" or "1-a-2.“
• Samba is known for its distinctive hip movement, known as "Samba bounce."
• Hip Movement - This movement involves bending and straightening the knees quickly, causing the hips to move up and down in a rhythmic manner.
• Samba footwork is fast and intricate, with dancers using a combination of steps, hops, and kicks. The basic step involves a side-to-side motion with a slight bounce, but there are many variations and embellishments that can be added.
• Samba dancers often use body isolation to create dynamic and expressive movements. This involves moving different parts of the body independently, such as isolating the hips while keeping the upper body still.
• Samba costumes are known for their bright colors, feathers, and elaborate designs. They are often designed to enhance the movement and rhythm of the dance, adding to the festive and celebratory atmosphere
• Samba music is characterized by its infectious beat and lively percussion, including instruments like the tamborim, surdo, and cuica. The music is upbeat and energetic, inspiring dancers to move with speed and agility.
• Rumba is a slow and sensual dance that originated in Cuba.
• Rumba is a slow and sensual dance that originated in Cuba.
• Rumba music is characterized by its romantic and passionate melodies, often featuring instruments like the guitar, drums, and maracas.
• Rumba movements are smooth, fluid, and expressive, with a focus on hip movement and body isolation. Dancers often use Cuban motion, where the hips move in a figure- eight pattern, to create a sensual and rhythmic dance.
• The basic step of the Rumba involves a series of slow, quick, quick steps, danced in a box- like pattern. This basic pattern is embellished with turns, twists, and other intricate footwork to create a dynamic and expressive dance.
• Rumba requires a strong frame and connection between partners. Dancers maintain a close hold and use their arms to create a sense of tension and release in their movements.
• Jive is a lively and energetic dance that originated in the United States in the early 20th century.
• Jive is danced to a fast 4/4 beat, typically around 176-208 beats per minute.
• Jive step involves a rock step back followed by a triple step (ste—together- step) and a chasse to the side.
• Jive footwork is characterized by quick, sharp movements and a lot of kicks and flicks. Dancers often use a ball-flat footwork technique, where they step on the ball of the foot first and then flatten the foot to the floor.
• Jive often includes jumps, kicks, and lifts, adding to its energetic and dynamic nature. These elements require strength, agility, and coordination from the dancers.
• Paso Doble is a dramatic and theatrical dance that originated in Spain.
• Paso Doble is often referred to as the "dance of the bullfight" because it is inspired by the movements and drama of a bullfight.
• Paso Doble dancers maintain a strong and proud posture, reflecting the confidence and power of the matador.
• Paso Doble footwork is sharp and precise, with stomps, flicks, and quick changes of direction. The dance often includes movements that mimic the matador's cape and the bull's movements, adding to the dramatic effect.
• Paso Doble dancers often strike dramatic poses throughout the dance, including the "matador pose" where the male dancer stands with one arm raised as if holding a cape, and the "cape pose" where the female dancer extends her arm as if holding a cape.