The Joy Of Dance

Dig out the diamanté and slap on the sequins – everyone’s favourite dance competition is back! We look at why we’re so entranced by dance

- Zoe West

It’s time to plump up the cushions and wield those scoring paddles as – da-da-dada, da-da-daah – Strictly Come Dancing is set to take over our Saturday nights once again. And in anticipation of another exciting season, we thought it best to brush up on our dance knowledge and revisit some of the most iconic dances of the Latin and Ballroom world.

WALTZ SPINE-TINGLING ROMANCE

For romance, there’s no dance more whimsical and beautiful than the classic waltz. Beginning life as an Austro-German folk dance known as the Landler, it is very much characterized by a couple who hold each other while rotating, swinging and swaying their way around the dance floor. The basic step forward is on the heel, moving to the ball of the foot and rising to the toes, giving it that elegant rise and fall. Performed to slower music, it accentuates the romantic charm of the dance, as do the longer-length style of dresses worn by the female dancers.

WHAT THE JUDGES LOOK FOR

It may seem one of the simpler dances to learn, but slow dances are not easy to control – a skill the judges will keep an eye out for, along with the classic swing and sway, rise and fall. The positioning of the body also needs to be upright for a stylish and elegant feel.

WHO OWNED IT ON STRICTLY?

From the dreamy white outfits to the charming song Kissing You, Abbey Clancy and Aljaz Skorjanec performed a stunning waltz (left) that transported the audience to a world of true romance. A classic, stylish waltz with no frills, it was executed beautifully with all the grace expected from this iconic ballroom dance.

ARGENTINE TANGO SENSUAL SEDUCTION