What are easiest ballroom dances to learn for weddings? Insider Monkey peeks into several ballroom dance forms to find the easiest of the lot. The enigmatic flamboyance of the ballroom dance has already made it an integral part of the social events like a wedding. The fun and sensuality that are depicted by dance perfectly create the mood of a dreamy nuptial bonding. One of the interesting fact about ballroom dancing which is probably unknown to many is that the top 10 best dancers of all time are leading ballroom dancers.
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The ranking of the easiest ballroom dances to learn for weddings is based on the number of steps in each one. The number of steps is a key factor in determining how easy – or hard – a dance is to master. So, the fewer steps, the easier is the dance.
6. Rumba
The number of steps- 9
It is considered as one of the most romantic and sensual of the wedding ballroom dances of the Latin genre. Rumba is extensively performed in social events like wedding, birthday parties, anniversaries and so on. Comprised of slow yet seriously flirtatious nine moves, the dance form itself tells a story of love between a strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman.
The steps & pattern
The dance pattern essentially includes hip movements and nothing else. The hip movements are somewhat exaggerated in this dance. The basic rhythm is “quick-quick-slow” with distinctive side-to-side hip movements. In addition with right hip movements, one would also need to give proper attention to the movement of the foot, ankle, knee, and leg.
5. Mambo
The number of steps- 8
The rhythmic Mambo is all about rushing adrenaline. Extremely passionate, Mambo has its origin in Cuba. Over the past few years, Mambo has made its way in the mainstream social events. Its high energy level is coveted across the world and the distinctive hip movements make it a distinctive form of dance.
The steps & pattern
Mambo is an extremely passionate dance with the eyes of the partner’s always in action. The dance form always uses a 4/4 beat and is incredibly rhythmic. The steps essentially are counted as the “quick-quick-slow,” rhythm with one foot moving every time on the second beat. Then the weight immediately shifts to the other foot with the third beat. Again on the fourth beat, the weight shifts back to the original foot the weight shifts to the other foot. The process repeats in the next four steps. During the moves, the dancers need to effortlessly swing their hips, thus creating a sensuous ambiance.
4. Lindy Hop
The number of steps- 6
Originated in the 1900s, Lindy Hop evolved from the Charleston dance form. It’s often referred as swing dance and it mostly depends on the improvisation of the dancers. It’s a sporty and athletic form of partner dance which involves a constant moving of the legs. This six-step dance form is one of the 6 easiest wedding ballroom dances. Lindy Hop has two principal dance styles- the Savoy style and the G.I. style. While the Savoy style is comprised of long, horizontal lines, the G.I. style is all about upright position. The frenzied kicks and body movements make this dance form quite passionate.
The steps & pattern
The discernible swing of Lindy Hop gives it all the elegance. The swing out step usually involves pulling one partner by the other one from an open to a closed position. The entire swing out should cover an arc of 180 degrees. And immediately after the first move, the first partner will again swing back the other one to the original starting position. The following four steps are a repetition of the first two. Lindy hop, being an athletic form of dance, contains various acrobatic moves, but most of the steps are extremely smooth and precise. In short, each of the moves is very much in sync with the music, which makes it a perfect wedding ballroom dance.
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3. Cha-Cha
The number of steps- 5
Cha-Cha is one of the most fascinating of the ballroom dances. A social American dance, it is popularized mostly due to its Cuban motion. The vibrant and flamboyant dance is all about its steps. It’s playful and brings out the passionate romanticism between the partners.
The steps & pattern
As mentioned earlier, Cha-Cha is all about the hip motions (popularly called Cuban motion) and small footsteps. It is danced in 4/4 time. The main attraction of the Cha-Cha dance lies in the fourth step. The fourth beat is split into two and thus end up with a characteristic 2,3,4 & 1 rhythm. So, according to that count, actually five steps are danced to four beats as in the “One, two, cha cha cha” rhythm.
2. Waltz
The number of steps- 4
Considered as one of the smoothest and most sensual wedding ballroom dances, Waltz is the favorite of all. Developed in Germany during the 1920s, Waltz continued to be an integral part of the social events across the world. Comprised of soft, round and flowing movements, the dance form is extremely graceful. The modern form of Waltz is born out of the Austro-German folk dance called Landler, where the partners were engaged in a rotating movement.
The steps and pattern
Waltz is characterized by “body sway” and “rise & fall” action. To attain mastery in this art form, one has to learn the unique steps, which includes “step-slide-step” in 3/4th time.
The “rise and fall” action essentially involves an elevation and slowly lowering movement with the help of toes. Immediately after that, the relaxation moves have to be done with the smooth movement of knee and ankle, which ends with a flat foot. The entire dance pattern emanates an incredibly stylish action as the dancers glide effortlessly around the floor.
The body sway essentially involves swinging and swaying of the upper part of the body, which gives the dancers a pendulum-like appearance. In this step, the dancers must glide effortlessly.
1. Paso Doble
The number of steps- 2
Inspired by the drama of the Spanish bullfighting Paso Doble is a two-step lively dance. This theatrical Spanish dance form is quite common in the weddings these days. The two-step dance form is extremely passionate & social dance. It’s a progressive dance comprising of artistic hand movements and forward stepping with heels. This dance form is essentially of French origin though later it became popular in Spanish weddings. The music of Paso Doble has strong Flamenco influence.
The steps and pattern
The brisk 60 beats per minutes compose the rhythm of Paso Doble music. The dance starts with the strong forward steps with the heels and creative hand movements by the male partner. The forward stepping should reflect pride in every beat. In his moves, the male partner must strike the ground strongly, which is most likely the way matador strikes the ground to catch the attention of the bull. But, all the moves of Paso Doble should be fast and sharp, with the head raised high, so that it depicts arrogance & dignity at the same time.
