Ballroom dancing originated in England in the 18th and 19th century's Balls and social events.
While these parties were attended only by the wealthy, by the late 19th and early 20th century,
Ballroom dancing became popular with the general public too.
Ballroom competitions became popular in the Roaring '20s, and in 1924, the Ballroom Branch of the
Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing was formed. Its mission was to standardize the music, steps, and
technique of Ballroom dancing everywhere.
The basic principals involved in social dancing are the same for all dances. First, the dance must fit the music. Second, it must contain the basic characteristic that sets it apart from other dances, and third, it absolutely must be comfortable and fun to do!
While dance competitions have been a part of what has kept
Ballroom dancing alive and popular, it's interesting that in 1995 the Olympic Committee
granted provisional recognition to Ballroom dancing, or "Dancesport." (Will it ever actually become an Olympic event? Ballroom and Latin competitions are currently absolutely entrenched in a traditional, and very non-Olympic format, but who can say?)
The Internationally recognized world Ballroom Dancing Championship is the
British Open Dance Championships, held annually in Blackpool England.
