Modern Ballroom Dancing - Standard Waltz The standard Waltz is a graceful ballroom dance of turns and glides that was done in parts of Europe as early as the late 17th century and is thought by many to be the basis for many modern day dances. The early dances were done in the round and at the end of the dance the circle would break into couples who would then begin doing turns. Ballroom dance can be elegant and sophisticated (like the Waltz) but it can also be hot, sultry and sexy (like the Tango or Paso Doble), or a good bit of lively fun (like the Fox Trot Jive or Quick Step). Webster defines ballroom dancing as simply "Any of various, usually social dances in which couples perform set moves". It is a gait where unlike a normal trot where the front left and rear right (or front right and rear left) legs are moved at the same time causing a somewhat jerky motion, the Foxtrot has the animal moving each leg one at a time making for a smooth trot that is easier on the animal and the rider. This trot actually led to the development of a breed of horse known as the Missouri Fox Trotter. The Paso Doble is one of the most dramatic of all the ballroom dances. The Paso Doble is one of the few dances that is for the man. The woman's part in this dance is strictly a supporting one. Depending on their interpretation she may take the part of the matador's cape, or the bull, or in some cases even the matador at different times throughout the dance. During ballroom dance competitions the judges will be watching for the following: Interplay between the partners - this is a dance of love, a portrayal of romance. This is not the time for solemn, passive expressions A strong direct walk Lots of slow body shapes - the body NEVER stops changing its shape Figure eight hip rolls - hips alternating in a forward motion NEVER leading with the heel, stay on the balls of the feet The Cucaracha step - you should rock to the right or left then replace and close The fan position - the woman positioned to the man's left side, at arms length and at a 90 angle to the man We've seen several styles of ballroom dancing dresses on television, thanks to the media's recent interest in covering this elite activity. However, there are several differences in ballroom dress styles depending on the country. American ballroom dresses are typically easy to distinguish from other nationalities.