What creates a flowing Waltz, a controlled Foxtrot or a well-balanced turn? Beyond learning figures and footwork, International Standard dancing depends on how dancers organise their movement, maintain balance and coordinate with a partner.
The Principles of Standard Dancing, written by three-time German Champion Dr. Oliver Rehder, examines the technical foundations of Standard Ballroom dancing through detailed explanations and more than 220 illustrations.
Rather than presenting another collection of dance figures, the book focuses on the principles that connect individual movement with the movement of the couple.
Understanding Standard Ballroom Technique
The book begins with individual posture and the hold of the couple before examining how movement develops across the dance floor.
Dr. Rehder explores the relationship between lowering, drive, rise and swing, followed by rotation and movement through different planes. Separate chapters address sway, extension, inclination and shape, helping readers understand how these elements contribute to balance and the appearance of movement.
Partner connection is also considered in detail, including leading actions, contact and coordination within the couple.
A dedicated chapter examines the technical differences between Tango and the four swing dances, providing a useful comparison of their movement characteristics.
A Technical Reference for Dancers and Teachers
The explanations and illustrations make this book particularly relevant to competitive dancers developing their technique, teachers preparing lessons and coaches analysing movement within a partnership.
Its principle-based approach also makes it useful for readers who want to understand why particular actions are used, rather than relying solely on memorised figures.
The material relates to all five International Standard dances: Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep.
Contents
- Individual Basic Position and Posture/Hold of the Couple – Posture, alignment, ballroom hold and contact points.
- Spatial Movement – Swing, lowering, drive, rise and movement across the floor.
- Movement in the Transversal Plane – Rotation, couple positions, turning principles and movement actions.
- Movement in the Frontal Plane – Lateral upper body shift and sway.
- Movement in the Sagittal Plane – Extension and inclination.
- Shape – Body shaping, head position and shape development.
- Leading and Contact – Partner communication, leading actions and body contact.
- Differences Between the Tango and the Swing Dances – Tango hold, movement, rotation, sway and rhythm.
Additional Sections: Introduction, Chapter Overview, Conclusion, Glossary, Index and References.
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