Body Language in Dancing

To the casual observer of a group of dancers, body language is not a term that would normally come to mind. It is, however, a highly important element of any type of dancing, and one which if not properly executed, can result in awkward and unattractive dancing.

In the study of specific types of dancing, body posture, movements and gestures are of course addressed as part of basic teaching. For instance in ballet movements, the entire body from toes to fingertips is involved. In other forms of dancing for performance, though perhaps not as demanding, body and hand movements are essentially coordinated and accent each step.

The same is true of ballroom dancing if one is to actually study and practice any relatively advanced form of this type of dancing. Even if one is only out to enjoy ballroom dancing at its simplest level, to dance well and attractively it is important to pay attention to body language.

The most simple and elementary step is to stand straight and tall, holding the head high, and moving it appropriately according to the lead of your partner. Shoulders should never slump when dancing, as this gives an awkward, unvital appearance. The woman's left arm should rest lightly on her partners, her hand touching his shoulder. The male partner should hold his dancing partner with his right hand lightly but firmly against her back, just below her arm, and his left hand holding her hand at a comfortable height for her.

As the man leads his dancing partner through the steps of various dances, he guides her with a combination of pressure to her back, hand and arm movements which signal a turn or swivel, and sometimes shoulder and upper body movements. In dancing the Argentine tango, where body language and signals can be both strong and subtle, a slight movement of the foot and leg can indicate the appropriate response from the woman.

In all ballroom dancing, it is important to maintain a "strong frame" meaning a straight back and firm shoulder position even when executing involved dancing movements, or moving hips in sensuous rhythms and broad arm movements.

Body language, beyond the basic elements of good posture and positioning, may vary widely according to dancing style and types of dance. Ballroom dancing includes a wide range of dances, from waltz and fox trot to rhumba, cha cha, tango, salsa and swing, and body language and movements are designed to express the essense of each dance.

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