Relationships in Relation to Dancing
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I believe living is equal to ‘dancing to the rhythm of love’. Our relationships, whether platonic or romantic, comparing with a specific dance, may give us an idea of their significance in our lives.
There are many International Ballroom dances, including standard, Latin and American Rhythm. But for this hub I’ve chosen only a few.
Let’s determine the character of relationships according to the following social dances –
Rock ’n Roll, the Twist, Jive, Cha-Cha-Cha, Rumba, Samba, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and the Waltz.
Rock 'n Roll
Rock ’n Roll
Resembles an energetic, platonic friendship. People in groups, including companions, enjoy all kinds of physical activities such as sport, making music, and (of cause) dancing. Light-hearted flirting may be the order of the day, but no intimate encounters.
Rock and roll originated in America in the late 1940’s to go with the music emerged from swing and Lidy Hop. Kicks in thin air, lifts, throws, flips and jumps are general characteristics of this dance.
Twist
The Twist
Represent the close friendships of companions, whether of the same gender or the opposite. They enjoy doing things together in pairs. Sharing secrets and supporting each other emotionally are the order of the day, but no intimate escapades.
The twist, inspired by rock and role and the African American ‘wringing’, originated in the 1960’s in America. Characteristics are the pelvic movements and foot shuffling which are attributes of West Africa (Congo) dances.
Jive
Jive
Physical attraction inspires the desire to bond. Flirting expands its boundaries and becomes seducing. Fantasizing is the order of the day.
The jive, originally known as swing, originated in the 1930’3 in the USA in the African-American communities. The lifting of knees and bending and rocking of the hips are obvious characteristics.
Cha-Cha-Cha
Cha Cha
Couples are obviously falling in love and battle with the urge to claim each other. The need for intimacy becomes dominant and even obsessive.
The Cha-cha-cha has its origin in Cuba and developed in England into the ballroom dance we know today. Shuffling of feet, suggestive hip movements while holding the upper body relatively still, bending and straightening of the knees, are obvious movements.
Rumba
Rumba
Love is in the air. Romantic and exotic interaction are now the order of the day.
The rumba was originally an Afro-Cuba dance and develops during the 1930’s into a western social dancing in America and Europe. Hip swaying without rises and falls and compact steps are obvious characteristics.
Samba
Samba
Sometimes a woman has to seduce her partner blatantly to lure him into intimacy.
The samba originated in Brazil at the beginning of the 20th century. It is a lively dance with different rhythmic patterns, slight downward dropping actions through the bending and straightening of the knees and a specific hip action are common movements.
The Tango
Tango
Intimacy can be passionate, intense, exotic, fiery and unpredictable.
The tango originated in the 1850’s in the area of Rio de la Plata between Argentina and Uruguay. It soon spread to other countries where it was influenced by European and African cultures and developed into various styles. Sharing of one axis, open embracing alternating close embracing through chest-to-chest and upper-thigh connecting, leading-and-following, small as well as long, elegant steps, and complicated footwork, gymnastic lifts, kicks and drops, walking, and head snaps are obvious movements. The rhythm is incisive, provocative and exciting. It relaxes people and makes them feel sexier and less depressed. It increases testosterone levels.
Foxtrot
Foxtrot
Intimacy may be spontaneous, tender, amorous and sensual.
The foxtrot, inspired by the song ‘The Memphis Blues’ was invented by Henry Fox in 1914 in the United States. Smooth, long continuous flowing, progressive, elegant and sophisticated movements.
Quickstep
Quickstep
Intimacy can be adventurous, carefree and light-hearted.
Quickstep was first danced by Caribbean and African dancers and developed in the 1920’2 in New York. It is a combination of the foxtrot and the Charleston. Swinging, fast and powerful flowing, the closing of feet and syncopated steps are obvious movements.
The Waltz
Waltz
True love - deep, romantic, harmonious and contented, with all the qualities to last until the end of times.
The waltz originated in Austria and Southern Germany as far back as 1580. By the 1780’s it has been developed into a fashionable dance in Vienna and spreading to many other countries. It was, however, considered "riotous and indecent" until the 1820’s. Because of the closed dance position it was banned in California until after 1843. Sliding and gliding, closed contact, wide and wild steps, rotating all the time, halting on one foot and dragging the other closer, exaggerated hand and arm gestures, the man's right hip and the lady's left hip in contact and the man's left side and the lady's right side slightly open, the lady's feet positioned slightly behind the man's.
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Simply wonderful!
I just LOVED this hub. Great pics and videos. As corny as Dancing with the Stars can be sometimes, it's made ballroom dancing day-to-day conversation, and I think that's wonderful.
SilverGenes – Lovely jolly group activities? Now here I’ve got a Polka for you. Enjoy! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N3lPVDLaom0&feature
HI Martie,
Mom has my little one so now I can read..lol I loved this..I read earlier but had to wait to comment..Such a wonderful idea comparing the dance to relationships..I would have to say I am the Waltz...I think..but then sometimes I just like to do the twist..so what does that say about me...haha..Such a fun and insightful hub!
Love,
Sunnie
kallini2010 – I thought you would love this hub with all the dances. The buffing of the video’s irritates me, though, but what can we do? I appreciate your visit, Svetlana. Take care!
Hahaha Martie, when you switch the lederhosen lads and accordions for cowboys and a two-step it takes on a whole new meaning! Love it!
Martie - how could I possibly miss this?
But I am none of those, I think.
I am Lola dancing SOLO. Actually in Spanish it would be SOLA.
Lola the Sola.
Why? - tired of compromises - my dad was preaching today - how to reach compromises in a marriage. And I said:
"If he loves me,
he will prove it by his actions, but if not, then...
Good Riddance!"
Very simple.
I am going to Tango Practica later.
Still have to do cleaning.
Next? - I will answer your comment(s) that are long overdue and there is an article waiting to happen.
I made a promise.
I think people might give suggestions (like Polka) and you will end up writing Part 2, 3, ....
Happy twisting,
Hmmm, I really don't dance any of these. My life these days is more the Hokey Pokey. haha But I love my quiet days with my little guy here. These comparisons are very creative. I would never have thought about doing something like this.
Don't know which style fits me, since I don't actively dance. But, I think I'm a little bit of country and a little bit rock n roll.
Augustine - how do you dance? If not actively?
Augustine, a passive dancer. Interesting.
Dance in front of the mirror after a shower, I dance if I have to wait to use the restroom. And I have a chicken nugget dance for when I allow myself to eat them.
ahostagesituation – Here in SA they also involve TV-stars, and they do surprise us during their performances, although the judges are sometimes down right rude to them. Thanks for commenting.
Sunnie Day – I can clearly see you doing the waltz and the twist. I would say you are full of exiting surprises. I love your comments on my hubs. Thanks!
SilverGenes – That one really gives meaning on what one are doing. It provokes enthusiasm. I hope you agree with me.
I dance on the streets. I sing to myself - never use DEVICES - I don't even have them.
That is courage.
I let others die from...
I don't know what their problem is.
One guy - I asked him to remove himself from my dancing path and he said I did not own it. Indeed. I did not.
I stayed and sang to him. It was hilarious.
kallini2010 – This (follow link) is what I have done when I was a teenager – better than they. I could go down-down-down without losing my balance. This was called ‘the ugliest dance’ by a well-known dancer whose name I can’t remember. It looks more sophisticated as a ballroom dance. Enjoy your tango practice. Are you doing other dances as well? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FkdFAC8lRQg&feature
I love dancing. I just wish I could do it more often. I have always wanted to ballroom dance. Love country, rock and roll, twist and the fifties music.
Hyphenbird – I enjoyed putting this hub together – analyzing the music in accordance with relationships. Thanks for coming over. Now go try this polka with your little partner. I am sure you will enjoy it.
Super!
I do Salsa, Merengue, Bachata, Cha Cha Cha, Rumba & Tango (Nuevo, milonga, vals and Argentine), Hustle.
Waltz - depends on a leader. I am a good follower - with a good leader I can dance something that I don't know "how to".
I used to be in rhythmic gymnastics, not professional or high level, but it gave me a good foundation.
I think we all should do sports and dance - not to be super duper at it, but to be able to enjoy.
I can dance free style - when there is music there is a dance. Even if it is only to clapping or tapping.
Augustine - I've got an easy dance for you - You can dance this dance anywhere for any reason. Just pay attention to the steps :)) I will dance it with you.
jfay2011 – Ballroom dancing is surely the one thing I, too, would have loved to do. The opportunity just never presented itself. Thanks for sharing your thoughts about dancing. Take care.
Martie & Augustine - I am for Greek line dancing!!!
The only thing missing - we have to be in one place. Who is hosting?
I am broke, so I suggest you come to Toronto and I get my Greek friend Stelios - so it will two by two - two ladies and two gentlemen!!!
Only the faces of those Zorba dancers could have been slightly more enthusiastic!
kallini2010 – Those are all awesome dances you can dance. And, wow, the Bachaca as well - the forbidden dance! Now let me give you a Bachata – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AscXksOYdrw&feature
kallini2010 – I could do the Zorba dance many moons ago, but faster at the end than those two in the video. The serious faces.... are it not supposed to be? I’ve seen the movie somewhere during my childhood and the link is filed in my ‘tragic-folder’.
I am so in the mood for dancing now. But it is 3:00am and dancing just has to be in my dreams. C U again soon.
Hi, Martie, I would never have thought of dance like this, but yes! you are so right! romance and friendship are really like this, I remember doing the waltz, the dance not the relationship! lol! once in my life! I went to a bikers convention! believe it or not, but they were older people and I got asked to dance, and I loved it! really loved this, cheers nell
Martie, This Hub idea is very good where you have portrayed the meaning of human bonding with the help of dance. By this way it becomes more comprehensible. Besides, the information on various dance forms is very useful. This hub needs to be voted up on uniqueness of idea and building that idea into a literary piece. India is full of many dance forms like, Kathak, Bharat Natyam, Manipuri, Kuchipudi and so on. Thanks for sharing the human relationship in a novel way.
With warm wishes,
MAKUSR
Nell Rose – I was amazed to find those dances so easy to associate with a specific kind of relationship. This proves how brilliant the inventors and developers of those dances was.
I love to dance and always enjoy myself when the opportunity springs up. But currently I am so unfit I will probably be exhausted after only one waltz and stiff for three days. Thanks for coming over for the read, Nell; it is always nice to see you.
BTW – I cannot do close dances with a man who is not able to lead me. Following a good leader feels like floating on air.
makusr – Glad to know you value this hub in the same way as I – I wanted a list of the different dances and I also wanted to list the development of relationships. The two ideas could be combined successfully in one hub – I myself have found all of this very interesting.
I plan to do a hub on the folksongs and dances of my country, why don’t you also do one on yours. I would love to see those dances of yours on video. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Martie, you had me engaged from the beginning. I happily read through all the forms of love in dancin'. But when I arrived at the waltz, well, I crumbled. Waltz'n was my folk's thing. They did it better than most, flowing with elegance and grace. Some said their marriage was unbelievable, they were so connected. To read your words, and discover that the waltz is considered the ultimate expression of unity in movement, well, for goodness sake. I would not have expected such a personal response while reading a hub on dancing. Thanks for the memories.
Martie, This is wonderful. Dancing and relationships go hand in hand ( Pun intended ) When i was a teenager, we had a place called ' The Shack ' right by our highschool. We would go there after school, play the jukebox, and dance up a storm. I loved to rock and roll then and still love it. I must admit that i can't kick as high, but it's still fun. I love to slow dance too with a smooth Dude. I will come back and watch all of the videos. I love this Hub. Thank you...
Storytellersrus – The development of relationships in relation to the different dance is my personal interpretation, and really, according to my idea of true love, the waltz is the perfect representation. Perfect too for older couples - elegant and gracious, as you have noticed yourself. I am so glad you have found this engaging, Story, and most of all I am glad because you agree with the waltz.
always exploring – Those video’s are awesome, although the buffing irritates. I loved the rock and roll, twist and did you have the go-go dance? Oh, I’ve got much applause doing the go-go on The Hollies’ ‘Long cool woman in a black dress’. Boy oh boy.... how I miss that me all of a sudden. I need a lot of practice to get into that rhythm again.
So you actually do all these dances?
My parents playful dance was the schottish, however it is spelled. Do you dance this energetic dance?
....I really do love your come hither look in your new smoldering profile picture Miss M - kinda makes me all frisky inside and because this hub subject and your usual trademark of high standards is all over this page by rocking my world right down to its very manly core I will post post post post my little beating heart out for you to my Facebook page with a direct link back here and we'll get the whole world dancin' - but you and I my dear are already there - and we beat them to it 'cos we were meant to love each other.
lake erie time 2:54pm
(This hot blooded comment was choreographed by the epi-man)
Martie - about Zorba - I don't know - they say Zorba and Sirtaki is the same, but if they are the same - there is nothing tragic about it.
The clip you gave me as Bachata is in fact Bachatango - fusion of Tango and Bachata. I want to do that. Next step? Maybe.
My Greek fried said "Yes" to dancing Zorba with me when I sent him your link. The whole world is about to start dancing in serious.
Martie - this is
pure Bachata (not the best) but at least it gives you an idea about the music and steps
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PYJbN_J3a-Q
Bachata is the easiest of all that I dance. It is a pleasure.
...hey there's the best dancer in Canada (KALLINI 2010) .......
Storytellersrus – Oh no, I can’t dance all those fancy dances. Down here we do it our way – two-step, waltz and tango the Boere-way. Some men are fantastic and others pathetic. My x refused to dance (since he fell over his own feet when he was 18). Those days he was the disco-jockey at weddings and all kinds of functions. (Bragging with his equipment.) Fortunately he was not jealous, and so strange, most of the wives of the men who could dance a puppet alive did not dance. So I was always wholeheartedly one of the ‘dancing queens’ from start to finish. Talking about 1972-1982. So there, Story, I do have some good memories as well :))))
epigramman – let me just send you a bag full of kisses and hugs, because you always warms my heart with your lovely praises. I am sure, epi, if we were partners on those dance floors, we would have won all the trophies.
Yes, I understand Svetlana is the best dancer over there, but Epi, that is because you and I have an entire ocean between us :)))
Thanks for joining us in here. I always appreciate your visits.
OK, Colin, this time
(please mark the day on the calendar
27/11/2011 at 5:26 pm
somewhere at Finch & Pharmacy, Toronto)
I will not protest -
I am the best dancer in Canada.
[fainted].
Guys - if you want to be the best - you know my policy - I will always take "a loser's role" - I will let you win and you will love me till the end of your days for that.
Love always wins,
[Fainted again].
This was very clever and insightful, Martie, to compare the various dances to meaningful social relationships. My favorite dance has always been the tango and my husband, Rocky, was without exception, the best dancer I ever knew. When music was playing we were never sitting down. Those were the days!
Loved your choice of dance videos, too. Brava, m'dear. Voted up.
kallini2010 – Yes, your enthusiasm about dancing is contagious. You have brought all my good memories to the surface. I’ve checked the video, and wow-wow-wow, that is awesome. In 2004 I rented a cute little cottage on a farm – you will see the photo’s in one of my Facebook albums. There I have found myself in the midst of a hippy-colony. One of the men – the best dancer I’ve ever met - used to dance that kind of Bachata with us women – (though I thought it was but only his style.) However, I did not perform like that girl in the video, but also not like a broomstick...
Really, you are pulling all my nice memories to the surface. Thanks!
Your Greek fried....
Fried?
Now that’s a new one!
Please consider video-recordings? I – I think all of us - would like to see you in action.
(1AM SA-time) Bedtime for me :)))
kallini2010 – OMW – You fainting? Lol! Now I have to hit the bed laughing.
Fried? Friek? You know - the faster I type the better I am. Shall I faint... again?
I have never seen myself dancing. Really. Some people say I am graceful, I guess I have to take their word for it.
I am going to hit a bath and then go to a Milonga, I hope.
Get some rest.
I think, we are both responsible for setting a trend.
Dance. Just do it.
drbj – How fortunate you were – I can picture you and your husband doing the tango. Oh well, some women are just born lucky and that’s that. I am so glad you enjoyed this hub – For me the search for music was absolutely delightful. Thanks for your lovely comment.
Such an informative hub martie. And you did an excellent job by putting a video next to each of the type of dance. Theory could get boring so, photos/videos helped me understand better.
Voted up as useful!
I'm backkkkk. I watched all the videos. I loved them all but my favorites, Rock 'n Roll, The Twist, and Samba. OMG The bodies on the Samba girls were beautiful!! don't let Epi watch. He's alone at the lake. Hee
Ruchira – It does take time to watch all the video’s, but the write-ups have no significant meaning if one doesn’t look at the dances. Thanks for appreciating them. Take care.
always exploring – The Samba... now what shall I say? If I could wiggle my hips like that... Those dancers feel quite mighty and powerful, knowing they are such voluptuous teasers. Maybe we should go for lessons, Ruby... :)))
Martie, You find out where we can get the lessons, my bags are packed, waiting on your pilot..Hee
Oh Martie this was my kind of hub! I started dancing when I was about 7 years old, I loved all the pictures and videos, my favourite ballroom dance is the tango and my favourite latin dance the rumba!
I love the way you have compared dances to relationships, a great hub and voted up.
always exploring – You are so putting me in a mood to bring you here (again) via a hub. Some thoughts popped up in my mind: By now I’ve got you, Epi and Augustine on the guest list. So where shall I take you, and should I invite more guests? I can take you to the cradle of mankind... we may get lost in those underground caves.... Ideas are burning in me... :))) Ruby, you are such an inspiration for mischief :)))
Movie Master – I am so glad you enjoyed this hub and re-lived your favourite dances. I seldom spend time in front of the TV, but always enjoy watching ballroom dance competitions. Those graceful movements – on high-heel shoes!, the music, the perfect harmony, the dresses of the ladies, aawww, so-so delighting. Thanks so much for your vote, MM; I appreciate your visits.
..gotta make this the longest hub roll in hub history - and please everyone check out KALLINI 2010's hubs they're fabulous ......and as you all know there is another fabulous lady who authors the hubs on this page too - be still my beating epi-heart ......lake erie time 3:59pm
Epi, you are such a delight! What will HubPages be without you? I'm sending you more hugs and kisses - enough to calm your beating heart :))
dancing queen? yes!
Dear Martie,
This hub brought back so many wonderful memories. You are only the second person who has equated dance to relationships, the first being a dance instructor, Joan.
She taught Geoff & I private lessons for three years early in our marriage.
What a beautuful and 'patient' woman! She turned (4) left feet, calling us 'Fred and Ginger' into 'halfway indecent' dancers. I remember the cha cha cha being tha dance we worked out primacy (like the man really leads); the foxtrot where I almost lost my toes (way too much fun and overstepping) and the waltz (where it truly all seemed to come together).
The saddest cruelty was when her life was brutally ended in a murder when her studio was being robbed. It took some time to want to dance again, symbolic of the way trauma can effect our very being and relationships.
Martie, you have tackled a subject that is universal and profound... always gets me thinking. Voted UP & UABI, mar.
How unique and spot-on comparing relationships to different dances. Your intelligence and incredible writing, research, and style impresses once again Martie. The Twist was not only fun but also an authentic form of physical liberation, allowing people to dance alone with one another. It was the first teenage dance craze to be seized upon by adults, to add something on just one dance style here. What say we go trip the light fantastic Martie!
@@@ Storytellersrus – thanks for seeing me as one of the queens on the dance floor.
@@@ marcoujor – I am so glad I’ve managed to bring forward some of your good memories – as this hub and comments have done to me as well. And how horrible is your good memories boxed with the murder of your teacher!
Oh, I can just imagine you and Geoff cha-cha-cha over the floor, you ever so graceful with your hair elegantly tide-up. You must have been a pretty picture to look at.
I appreciate your visit, mar, as well as your lovely comment. As always.
Alastar Packer – Because of this hub I am so in the mood for dancing, I will trip all lights in sight. Oh, that twist. And it was then regarded as the ugliest dance. In ballroom it is cute and refined. It is so good to know I was once again able to impress you, Alastar, as I tend to hate myself when I disappoint others.
Now let’s twist and shout –
That was great watching Beatlemania again Martie thanks! Do believe Lennon recorded Twist and Shout for his Rock n Roll album too but not positive. Just finished the latest bio on him which is the best yet. Wonder how the Beeb will hold up in music history compared to the Beats? HaHa. In any case- Come on Martie, lets do the Twist, come on baby, lets do the Twist...!!!
Alastar - My favorite song of the Beatles is 'Hey Jude' - But they were not my favorite band. I was a dedicated fan of Credence Clearwater Revival. Rock and roll on Traveling Band and Hey Tonight, etcetera was absolutely delighting. I still do it when I hear the music.
So after the twist, let's rock and roll on Traveling Band.
Oh, and there were The Holy's... and the Mamas and Papas.... The Shadows... too many...
But now this was only a period.
Let's rock!
What a fun, creative hub Martie. Very enjoyable! I guess I'd have to say lately, I relate the most to the Twist.
Sharyn
Sharyn's Slant – Oh, putting this hub together was indeed sheer enjoyment. I think the twist is quite a handy interim-move – when one loses his rhythm while rocking, one can easily twist back into it again. Or what am I talking? Professional dancers may feel like shooting me now :)))
Well, I learned more about dancing from your hub than I had in the first 43 years of my life. I was going to be a dance teacher when I was younger, but decided against it. I realized that one I didn't have the rhythm for it, even though others kept telling me that I could dance and I knew I didn't have the determination required to see it through. So, I never bothered. But, thank you for such a well written hub and contributing to my learning. :)
What a fun and interesting interpretation of dance and relationships. I took ballroom dancing and I REALLY enjoyed it - the problem was that I went to a women's university and we had to take turns being the lead LOL The tango was more than a bit awkward!! :)
I'll bookmark this one and come back to watch the videos.
Great images!
Cagsil – I regard your comment as a big compliment, thank you, sir. Mastering any form of art (or skill) does require a lot of determination and self-discipline.
On the other hand, according to my logic, ‘reward’ determines the strength and durability of determination. Reward could be anything - money, self-satisfaction, fame....
Only people born with the required talent PLUS a passion to do something arty will master the techniques of a specific art, thus not only because of determination, but because they were driven by an uncontrollable urge to master it.
I have seen this phenomenon daily in our music school: Learners with all the talent in the world are not at all interested in music, so they just never develop their aptitude for music. I’ve also seen children with a passionate interest in music, but they have no talent – no rhythm, no melodic memory, etc. And I’ve seen the Cagsil’s – in the beginning they believe they should be just as good as the masters; Impatience and Self-doubt inspire them to lose interest. With no external encouragement, they just fall out... and so many times they regret their decisions at a later stage of their lives.
Thanks again for your inspiring comment.
missolive – Ballroom dancing is one of the hobbies I would love to have had, but those high heels... I suspect a girl needs a license to walk with them, not to talk about dance with them. It must be absolutely awful to dance a man’s role. I’ve tried it once and never again. Down here in SA we have Boeredans (country dancing) – common versions of Ball room dancing – I could not find a video of that, but it is so enjoyable (in flat shoes). Thanks so much for your visit.
This is beautiful. Don't know how I missed this one. I LOVE, LOVE dance. I grew up studying ballet and jazz. I love the latin dancing but they are hard to master. This is so creative and unique. LOVE it!
Thanks, Tammy, your approval means a lot to me. Let's dance! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1oZcDSsqclo&feature
SilverGenes Level 4 Commenter 6 months ago
This was so imaginative and fun! The illustrations are gorgeous and the videos really add to the atmosphere. Sadly though, I am doing none of these dances. For me, it's the polka LOL.