Ballroom Dance Styles

Paso Doble

Paso Doble is a theatrical Spanish dance. Traditionally, the man is characterized as the matador (bullfighter) and the lady as his cape in the drama of a Spanish bullfight. The dancers may choose to enact the role of the torero, picador, banderillero, bull, or Spanish dancer, and may change roles throughout the dance. Based on Flamenco dancing, the Paso Doble is both arrogant and passionate.

History
The Paso Doble originated in southern France and began gaining popularity in the United States in the 1930s. Because the dance developed in France, the steps of the Spanish Paso Doble actually have French names.

Paso Doble Steps

• Sur Place (on the spot)
• Separation
• Attack
• Huit
• Open Promenade to Open Counter Promenade
• Spanish Line
• Promenade Close
• Flamenco Taps

Paso Doble music has strong Flamenco influences. The bold, inspiring music has a simple 1-2-1-2 march rhythm, with very few rhythm changes. The tempo of Paso Doble music is usually a brisk 60 beats per minute. The Spanish Gypsy Dance has become the universal anthem of the Paso Doble.

Quickstep

Much like a fast version of the Foxtrot, the Quickstep is a ballroom dance style composed of extremely quick stepping and syncopated feet rhythms in time to fast-paced music. Although difficult to master and perform, the Quickstep is lots of fun to watch.

Characteristics
Elegant, smooth and glamorous, Quickstep dancers are energetic while appearing extremely light on their feet. It should appear that the feet of the dancers barely touch the ground. Much like the Foxtrot, dancers should strive for elegance. Upper body posture must be straight and strong throughout each movement.

History
The Quickstep was developed in the 1920s in England. During this time, many bands began playing the Foxtrot at a faster pace, earning the name Quick Foxtrot. The Charleston appeared after this, but lackedpote long-term ntial. However, in 1927 the Charleston was combined with the Qucik Foxtrot resulting in a name that was much too long: the Quick Time Fox Trot and Charleston, so it became known simply as the Quickstep.

Steps

• Rise and Fall
• Lock Step
• Natural Hairpin
• Running Finish
• Outside Change
• Chasse'
• Hover Corte'
• V-6 Combination

Music used for the Quickstep is usually jazz or swing with a brisk tempo of about 50 beats per minute. The tempo is a little faster than a brisk walking pace, although it seems much faster to beginners.


Rumba Dance

The Rumba is a dance that tells a story of love and passion between a strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman. Full of sensual movements, the Rumba is considered by many to be the sexiest of the ballroom dances. "Rumba" is a term that refers to a variety of dances or a "dance party." This dance of love is one of the most popular ballroom dances and is seen around the world at nightclubs, parties, weddings and dance competitions.

Characteristics

The Rumba is a very slow, serious, romantic dance with flirtation between the partners. The dance is fun to watch, as many of its basic dance figures of the dance have a teasing theme in which the lady flirts with and then rejects her male partner, often with apparent sexual aggression. The Rumba spotlights the lady's rhythmic body movements and hip actions resulting in intense, almost steamy, scenes of passion.

History
The rumba is often referred to as the "grandfather of the Latin dances." Originating in Cuba, it first came to the United States in the early 1920s. The Rumba is the slowest of the five competition Latin and American dances.

Steps

• Fan
• Hockey Stick
• Alemana Turn
• Aida
• Open Hip Twist
• La Elenita
• Fencing Line
• Hip Rolls
• El Paseo

Rumba music is written with four beats to each measure, in 4/4 time. One full step is completed in two measures of music. The music tempo is usually about 104 to 108 beats per minute. Rumba rhythms, while once influenced by African-style music, have found their way into Country Western, Blues, Rock, and other popular music types. The music is sometimes enhanced by homemade instruments from the kitchen such as pots, pans and spoons.

Samba Dance

Developed in Brazil during the 19th century, the Samba is considered the dance of celebration and joy at Carnival celebrations in Rio. Lively and rhythmical, there are many types of Samba dances, just like there are many types of Samba music. In Brazil, a Samba dancer is known as a Sambista.

Characteristics

Before Samba became a ballroom dance style, there were many styles of partner dances as well as solo Samba dances. As with the solo Samba, partner ballroom Samba has a quick beat that requires fast footwork. Over the years, the Samba has incorporated elaborate tricks, turns, and acrobatic feats into its basic set of figures. The main characteristics of the Samba are rapid steps taken on quarter beats and a rocking, swaying motion of the dancers.

History

Introduced in 1917, the Samba wasn't adopted by Brazil as a ballroom dance until 1930. In Brazil, Samba is mostly danced solo, and remains especially popular during celebrations of Carnival. The festive mood of the dance is responsible for its continued popularity. In International style Latin dancing, the Samba is one of the five Latin competition dances.

Steps

• Voltas
• Bota Fogos
• Kick Change
• Samba Side Steps
• Samba Strut

Samba music, with its distinctive rhythm, is highlighted by original Brazilian musical instruments, including the tamborim, chocalho, reco-reco and cabaca. Samba is danced to music with a tempo of about 100 beats per minute. The fast and energetic rhythm of Samba music encourages spontaneous dancing, such as in the streets during a Carnival celebration.

Tango

One of the most fascinating of all dances, the tango is a sensual ballroom dance that originated in South America in the early twentieth century. Tango is usually performed by a man and a woman, expressing an element of romance in their synchronized movements. Originally, the tango was performed only by women, but once it spread into Argentina, it developed into a dance for couples.

Styles

Several different styles of tango exist, each with its own individual flair. Most of the styles are danced in either open embrace, with the couple having space between their bodies, or in close embrace, where the couple is closely connected at either the chest or the hip area. Many people are familiar with "ballroom tango," characterized by strong, dramatic head snaps.

History
Early tango styles greatly influenced the ways in which we dance today. Tango music has become one of the greatest of all music genres throughout the world. Spanish settlers were the first to introduce the tango to the New World. Ballroom tango originated in working-class Buenos Aires. The dance spread quickly through Europe during the 1900's, then moved on into the United States. Tango began gaining popularity in New York around 1910.

Techniques

Tango is danced to a repetitive style of music. The count of the music is either 16 or 32 beats. While dancing the tango, the lady is held in the crook of the man’s arm. She holds her head back and rests her right hand on the man's lower hip. The man must allow the lady to rest in this position while leading her around the floor in a curving pattern. Tango dancers must strive to make a strong connection with the music as well as their audience.

Tango has become very popular in recent years, as evident by the various movies developed around the dance. Several films showcase the tango, such as Scent of a Woman, Take the Lead, Mr. & Mrs. Smith, True Lies, Shall We Dance, and Frida.

Vienesse Waltz

The Viennese Waltz is the classic, original Waltz often featured in old films. The elegance and charm of the Viennese Waltz reminds us of glamorous balls in the palaces of Europe. A waltzing couple rotates around the floor, revolving gracefully around each other. The Viennese Waltz is a quick, rotating dance, much faster-paced than the classic, slow Waltz. This simplied social version is a beautiful, non-strenuous dance that dancers of all abilities can enjoy.

Characteristics
The Viennese Waltz is characterized by sweeping turns that move gracfully around the floor. This dance is known for its simple and elegant rotational movement.

History
The Waltz developed in Central Europe, originating from the Austrian folkdance known as the "Landler." The dance arrived in Vienna during the 1800s, then became popular throughout Europe and America. The music of Johann Strauss helped to popularize the faster, elegant Viennese Waltz.

Steps

• Basic Natural Lilt Step
• Basic Reverse Lilt Step
• Stationary Lilt Step

Viennese Waltz music belongs to the music genre that accompanied the fast Waltzes of the the Romantic era in Vienna. The music is usually written in 6/8 time with a fast tempo of about 180 beats per minute. Almost always instrumental, Viennese Waltz music is written for orchestras of various sizes. Dancers today enjoy many different styles of Waltz music, many of which are not Viennese. The Vienesse Waltz can be danced to music that is instrumental, vocal, classical, celtic, country, or popular Top 40 hits.

Waltz

The romantic Waltz is one of the most popular ballroom dances of all time. Considered by some as the "mother of present day dances" and the "backbone dance" of the ballroom, the Waltz is the basis for many dances. Developed in Germany, the Waltz is popular all over the world. A truly romantic dance, the Waltz is comprised of soft, round, flowing movements.

Characteristics
The Waltz is a smooth dance that travels around the line of dance. Characterized by its "rise and fall" action, the Waltz includes a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time. Dancers should move their shoulders smoothly, parallel with the floor instead of up and down. Dancers must strive to lengthen each step. On the first beat of the music, a step is taken forward on the heel, then onto the ball of the foot with a gradual rise to the toes, continuing on to the second and third beats of the music. At the end of the third beat, the heel is lowered to the floor to the starting position.

History
Based on basic techniques originating during the 1920s, the Waltz has continued to develop throughout the 20th century. The Waltz was born as an Austro-German folk dance known as the Landler, which was characterized by the rotating movements of partners dancing together. The music of Johann Strauss helped to popularize the Waltz.

Steps

• Hover Corte
• Whisk
• Natural Spin Turn
• Hover Telemark
• Open Telemark Group
• Hairpin
• Oversway
• Swing

Waltz music is written in 3/4 time, counted as "1,2,3 - 1,2,3." The first beat of each measure is accented, corresponding to the extended, highly-stretched step that is taken on the first count. With its distinctive rhythm pattern, the Waltz is easy to recognize and simple to learn.

Ballroom Dances

Cha Cha Dance

Cha-cha-cha is the name of a Latin American dance of Cuban origin. Cha Cha is a lively, flirtatious ballroom dance full of passion and energy. The classic "Cuban motion" gives Cha Cha its unique style. Partners work together to synchronize each movement in perfect alignment.

Cha-cha-cha may be either danced to authentic Cuban music, or Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music for the international ballroom cha-cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat. The Cuban cha-cha-chá is more sensual and may involve complex polyrhythms.

Basic Steps:

The basic pattern involves the lead taking a forward step with the left foot retaining some weight on the right foot, the knee of the right leg must stay straight and close to the back of the left knee, the left leg having straightened just prior to receiving part weight. This step is taken on the second beat of the bar. Full weight is returned to the right leg on the second step (beat three.) The fourth beat is split in two so the count of the next three steps is 4-and-1. These three steps constitute the cha-cha-cha chasse. A step to the side is taken with the left foot, the right foot is half closed towards the left foot, and finally there is a last step to the left with the left foot. The length of the steps in the chasse depend very much on the effect the dancer is attempting to make.

Footwork:

In general, steps in all directions should be taken first with the ball of the foot in contact with the floor, and then with the heel lowering when the weight is fully transferred; however, some steps require that the heel remain lifted from the floor. When weight is released from a foot, the heel should release from the floor first, allowing the toe to maintain contact with the floor.

Foxtrot

Foxtrot is a ballroom dance that is lots of fun and simple to learn and it's an excellent dance for beginners. Foxtrot is a smooth dance in which dancers make long, flowing movements across the floor. It is often said that foxtrot took its name from its inventor, the vaudeville actor Harry Fox; however the exact origins are unclear.

During 1940s, foxtrot was certainly the most popular fast dance and the vast majority of records issued during these years were foxtrots. The waltz and tango, while popular, never overtook the foxtrot. Even the popularity of the lindy hop in the 1940s didn't dent the foxtrot because the foxtrot could be danced to those lindy hop records, as well.

Over time, Foxtrot split in to two versions;slow (Foxtrot) and quick (Quickstep) versions. In the slow category, further distinctions exist between the International or English style of foxtrot and the continuity American style, both built around a slow-quick-quick rhythm at the slowest tempo, and the social American style using a slow-slow-quick-quick rhythm at a somewhat faster pace.

Jive

Jive is a dance style in 4/4 time that originated in the United States from African-Americans in the early 1940s. It is a lively and it's a form of swing dance.

Jive is one of the five International Latin dances. In competition it is danced at a speed of 44 bars per minute, although in other cases this is reduced to between 32 and 40 bars per minute. Many of its basic patterns are similar to these of the East Coast Swing with the major difference of highly syncopated rhythm of the Triple Steps (Chasses), which use straight eighths in ECS and hard swing in Jive.

Basic steps:

• Counts 1,2 - Rock step: left foot step back, right foot replace
• Counts 3,4 - Chasse to the left
• Counts 5,6 - Chasse to the right

Lindy Hop

Lindy Hop is based on the popular Charleston and named for Charles Lindbergh's Atlantic crossing in 1927. It evolved in New York City in the 1920s and '30s and originally evolved with the jazz music. Lindy was a fusion of many dances that preceded it or were popular during its development but is mainly based on Jazz, Tap, breakaway and Charleston. It is frequently described as a jazz dance and is a member of the swing dance family.

Lindy Hop combined both partnered and solo dancing by using the movements and improvisation of black dances along with the formal eight-count structure of European partner dances. This is most clearly illustrated in the Lindy's basic step, the swingout. In this step's open position, each dancer is generally connected hand-to-hand; in its closed position, men and women are connected as though in an embrace.

Revived in the 1980s by American, Swedish, and British dancers, the Lindy Hop is now represented by dancers and loosely affiliated grass roots organizations found in North America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Oceania.

Mambo Dance

Mambo is a Latin dance of Cuban origin that corresponds to mambo music. Mambo music was invented in 1930s Havana by Cachao and his contemporaries and made popular around the world by Perez Prado and Beny Moré. Mambo music developed from Danzon and was heavily influenced by the Jazz musicians that the Italian-American gangsters, who controlled Havana's casinos, brought to entertain their American customers.

The Mambo dance that was invented by Perez Prado and was popular in the 1940s and 50s Cuba, Mexico City, New York and right around the US and Latin America is completely different to the modern dance that New Yorkers now call 'Mambo' or 'breaking on 2'. The original and pure form of the mambo dance contains no breaking steps at all, whether on 1 or 2. The original form of the dance and music are alive and well in Cuba and some ballroom variations of the original dance are taught in dance studios.

Belly Dance

Belly Dancing

Belly dancing is based on one of the oldest social dances in world history, originating in North Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Belly dancing is both a beautiful form of dance and an exercise. Both a fun way to stay in shape and to express your personal creativity. The most distinguishing feature of belly dancing is the movements performed by the abdomen. These belly movements may be circular, rolling, angular or vibrating.

Several different styles of belly dancing are popular in the United States today. There are two basic forms of belly dancing: "raqs baladi" and "raqs sharqi." Raqs baladi is performed for celebration by both males and females of all ages. These belly dances are usually performed during social gatherings such as weddings and parties. The second form of belly dancing, raqs sharqi, is a more theatrical version and is the most popular form of belly dancing performed in America today. It is also performed by both male and female dancers.

Belly Dancing Movements:
It may seem that only the abdominal area is moving but this dancing involves several other parts of the body as well. While dancing, a dancer must isolate major muscle groups and work them in isolation or in opposition to other parts of the body. Sharp, angular movements are inner directed, with belly dancing covering very little floor space. Belly dancing is usually performed as a solo dance, but groups may also dance together in a choreographed routine.

Belly Dancing Costumes:
Belly dance is performed wearing long skirts or harem pants. Some belly dancers prefer to simply wear a leotard or a stretchy, form-fitting top. While belly dancing, it is often desirable to keep the midriff uncovered, allowing the defining movements of the abdominals to be visible.

Although some dancers prefer to dance in bare feet, shoes are sometimes necessary when dancing outside of the home or studio. Comfortable shoes or sandals with flexible soles, such as ballet slippers, are good choices.

History of Belly Dancing:
Much debate surrounds the origins of belly dancing, probably due to limited academic research. Several theories exist about the true development of this unique dance form. Over the years, different styles of belly dancing have evolved from various cultures. Belly dancing has popularized for several reasons, including entertainment, cultural ritual, childbirth preparation, physical fitness, and celebration. Because belly dancing seems to be a combination of many different dance styles, it therefore has a variety of origins. One such origin seems to be ethnic folk dancing.

Health Benefits:
Many people have discovered the many health benefits of belly dancing. Besides providing a fun, low-impact workout, belly dance strengthens and tones the entire body while developing balance and grace. Belly dancing also improves flexibility of the hips and back as well as increases core strength.

Some people believe that belly dancing is beneficial to pregnant women. Belly dancing tones the muscles used in childbirth. Dancers must isolate the muscles of the abdomen, which directly benefits pregnant women. Some of the deep-breathing techniques used in belly dancing are also taught in childbirth classes.

Jazz Dancing

Jazz Dance

Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles mainly due to its popularity on television shows, movies, music videos and commercials. People enjoy watching jazz dancers, as the dancing is fun and energetic.

Jazz dancing showcases a dancer's individual style and originality. Every jazz dancer interprets and executes moves and steps in their own way. Jazz dancing is very energetic and fun, consisting of unique moves, fancy footwork, big leaps and quick turns. To excel in jazz, dancers need a strong background in ballet, as it encourages grace and balance.

Dress:
Jazz classes are casual and relaxed, so feel free to select your own clothing. A dancer's body lines need to be visible, however, so baggy clothes are generally discouraged. Tights and leotards are fine, but most jazz dancers prefer to wear jazz or dance pants. Jazz pants are usually boot-cut or flared styles, as tight bottoms would restrict ankle movement. Tops usually worn for jazz include form-fitting tank tops, t-shirts or leotards.

Class Structure:
A good jazz class explodes with energy. With music styles ranging from hip-hop to show tunes, the beat alone will get you moving. Most jazz teachers begin with a thorough warm-up, then lead the class in a series of stretching exercises and isolation movements. Isolations involve moving one part of the body while the rest of the body remains still. Jazz dancers also practice the art of suspension. Suspension involves moving through positions instead of stopping and balancing in them. Most jazz teachers will end the class with a short cool down to help prevent muscle soreness.


Complete Jazz Warm-Up Routine
Before a dance practice session, be sure to perform proper warm-up routine. Warm-up exercises help to raise our body temperature, increase blood flow, and make muscles ready for the demands of the dancing ahead. A good jazz warm-up prepares your body to dance.

The following jazz warm-up routine will prepare your whole body for activity as well as get you motivated to dance. Pump up your favorite dance music to get your body energized and inspired. Use this jazz warm-up routine to get focused and ready.

Jazz Stretch Routine:

Stretch Right

Stretch to the Left

Stretch to the Center

Body Roll - Jazz Stretch

Torso Side Stretch

Flat Back Stretch

Flat Back Drop Stretch

Point and Flex Leg Stretch

Side Straddle Split Stretch

Center Straddle Split Stretch

Jazz Steps:
Dancers are encouraged to add their own personality to make each step unique and fun. Jazz steps include chaines, piques, pirouettes, jazz turns, and some ballet turns, to name a few. Leaps include grande jetes, turning jumps, and tour jetes. Signature to jazz dancing is the "jazz walk." Jazz walks can be performed in different styles. Another popular jazz move is the "contraction." A contraction is accomplished by contracting the torso, with the back curved outward and the pelvis pulled forward.

Basic Jazz Square:

A jazz square is a smooth, sassy step in which a dancer completes a square with four steps. Stand with feet together, arms down by the sides and knees softly bent.

Starting Position

Right Foot Over Left

Step Back

Step to the Side

Step Front

Dancers

Gregory Hines (1946-2003):

Childhood: Gregory began dancing as a toddler. When he was only 2, his father placed him in a dance act with his older brothers. At the age of 5, he began to tour with his brother, Maurice. They were known as the Hines Kids and performed together for several years. When they became adolescents, the brothers joined their father and became known as Hines, Hines and Dad. The threesome toured nightclubs together and even appeared on television.

Broadway Career:
In 1973, Tony headed for New York and launched a successful broadway career. Gregory proved to have an incredible talent for tap dancing. He was nominated for Tony Awards three years in a row for various starring roles. In 1993 he received the Best Actor Tony Award for his starring role in Jelly's Last Jam.

Film Career:
Gregory followed his success on Broadway with several non-dancing roles in film. He starred in many well-known movies, including Renaissance Man, Waiting to Exhale and The Preacher's Wife. His famous dancing roles included starring with Mikhael Baryshnikov in the spy thriller White Nights and starring in the great dance movie, Tap.

Death:
Gregory died of liver cancer in 2003, at the young age of 57. He had kept the disease to himself, so his untimely death came as quite a shock. As a tribute to Gregory, the lights of Broadway were dimmed in his honor for three days following his death.

John Travolta (1954-present):

Early Years: John Travolta was born on February 18, 1954 in Englewood, New Jersey. His father, Salvatore Travolta, was a semi-professional football player and partner in a tire company. His mother, Helen Cecilia, was an actress, singer and high school teacher. John was the youngest of six children, who all but one pursued a career in show business.

Early Career:

In 1975, Travolta was cast as Vinnie Barbarino in "Welcome Back, Kotter," an ABC sitcom. The role led him to overnight superstardom. Also in the mid-70's he recorded a hit single entitled "Let Her In" that peaked at number ten on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. During the next few years, he appeared in his popular screen roles of Tony Manero in Saturday Night Fever (1977) and Danny Zuko in Grease (1978). These two films raised John to international stardom, earning him an Academy Award nomination for Best actor. At age 24, he became one of the youngest performers ever nominated for the Oscar for Best Actor.

Bad Choices:
A string of bad decisions sidelined John's acting career during the late 70's and into the 80's. "Staying Alive" was just one of a few disasters that were chewed up by critics. His agent then led him to turn down promising acting roles, lead roles that actually became box office hits. These included "American Gigolo," "Flash dance," "An Officer and a Gentleman," "Splash" and "Fatal Attraction." Discouraged, John began pursuing a new hobby: flying. He eventually earned his license to command aircraft.

Back in Action:
John's acting career was revived in 1994 when he received an Academy Award nomination for Quentin Tarantino's hit "Pulp Fiction," making one of the greatest comebacks in entertainment history. The hit movie introduced John to a new generation of movie fans. Suddenly he was again a major star, commanding a huge salary.

John went on to star in several hit movies, including "Get Shorty," Ladder 49" and "Wild Hogs." He also played Edna Turnblad in the remake of Hairspray, his first musical since "Grease."

Personal Life:
John married actress Kelly Preston in 1991. They have two children together, son Jett and daughter Ella Bleu. He was previously involved with actress Diana Hyland, who died of breast cancer in 1977.

John enjoys flying; he is a certified pilot and owns five aircraft. He has been a practitioner of Scientology since 1975.

Gene Kelly (1912-1996):

Early Years: Eugene (Gene) Kelly was born on August 23, 1912 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. His father was James Kelly, a phonograph salesman who made only a modest living for his family. His mother, Harriet Curran, introduced Gene and his four siblings to the arts. When Gene was eight years old, the Kelly children, Jay, Jim, Gene, Louise, and Fred were performing dance routines at amateur vaudeville nights. They were known as "The Five Kellys."

College and Dance:
Gene enrolled at the University of Pittsburgh in 1931 to study economics, earning his degree in 1933. During the same time, his family opened a dance school, "The Gene Kelly Studio of the Dance." Gene so enjoyed teaching at the studio that he decided to pursue a career as a dance teacher and entertainer full-time. In 1937, he moved to New York City to find work as a choreographer.

Dancing on Broadway:
Gene's first job on Broadway was as a dancer in "Leave It to Me," but is considered today as the debut of Mary Martin, not of Gene. His next role was in "One for the Money," which was slightly larger. A big break came next for Gene when he starred as Harry the Hoofer in "The Time of Your Life," a play that won the Drama Critic's Award that year. It was the first time on Broadway that Gene danced to his own choreography. Around the same time Gene met his future wife, Betsy Blair. They were married on October 16, 1941.

Singin' in the Rain:
After joining the army for a time during World War II, Gene completed several successful movies. Possibly his most memorable role was "Singin' in the Rain." A bit overshadowed by "An American in Paris" at the time, it has since become one of America's most popular musicals.

String of Bad Luck:
Probably a costly mistake, Gene signed a contract with MGM that sent him to Europe for eighteen months. Unfortunately, he was cast in a series of unsuccessful dramatic roles. Gene then watched a number of his personal relationships fail. First, he split from longtime friend and partner Stanley Donen. Then, in 1957, Gene and Betsy ended their fifteen-year marriage in divorce.

Later Life:
Gene married Jeannie Coyne in 1960, his longtime dance assistant and former student. They had two children together, son Timothy and daughter Bridget. Gene began working on a few different projects at this time, including some directing and television work.

Sadly, tragedy struck in 1973 when his wife Jeannie died of cancer. Gene then played the roles of both mother and father to his two young children, refusing any work that took him too far from home.

Death:
The 1970s and 1980s proved to be a turn-around for Gene's career. "That's Entertainment!" and "That's Entertainment! II" were very successful. In 1982, Gene received the Kennedy Center Honors, and in 1985, a lifetime achievement award from the American Film Institute.

Gene remarried in 1990, to writer Patricia Ward. He worked diligently on his autobiography during the last few years of his life, but was unable to complete it before his death. Gene died at his home on February 2, 1996 after a series of strokes.

Patrick Swayze (1952-2009)

Early Life: Patrick Swayze was born in 1952 in Houston. His father was a chemical plant engineer and his mother was a dancer and choreographer. In high school, Patrick was a talented football player as well as a gymnast, earning him an athletic scholarship to college. Patrick focused his talents on dancing at a young age. He attended several ballet schools, including the Joffrey Ballet. He was the principal dancer with the Eliot Feld company. He moved to new york to start his career, but an old football injury halted his plans. He then turned to acting.

Career:
Patrick got his first acting break in the Broadway production of Grease. He then moved to Hollywood and played several supporting roles in television sitcoms and made-for-television movies. Patrick gained fame in 1987 with his starring role with Jennifer Grey in the sleeper hit Dirty Dancing. Although the dancing role established Patrick as a Hollywood heartthrob, the dancing proved too much for his body and ended his dancing career. He continued to accept movie roles, some bad and some good. He struck gold again in 1990 when he starred opposite Demi Moore and Whoopi Goldberg in the hit movie Ghost.

Life Today:
ssociated with the Catholic church, Patrick was known to have deep spiritual beliefs. He was also known to have been associated with Baptism, Buddhism, and Scientology. He battled alcoholism for a time, but was able to beat it. He married Lisa Niemi in 1975. The couple had no children.

Swayze was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in early 2008. He lost his battle with the disease on September 14, 2009, at the age of 57.

Great Dancers

Sammy Davis, Jr, (1925-1990):

Early Years: Samuel (Sammy) Davis, Jr. was born in Harlem, New York on December 8, 1925. His father, Sammy Davis, Sr, and mother, Elvera Sanchez, were both vaudeville dancers. Sammy was raised by his paternal grandmother. When he was three years old, his parents split up. Sammy Davis, Sr. took custody of his son and took him along on tour. Sammy learned how to dance from his father and his uncle, Will Mastin. At the age of four, Sammy joined his father and uncle in an act, "Will Mastin's Gang, featuring Little Sammy." Later the three became known as the "Will Mastin Trio."

Racial Prejudice:
Sammy served in the United States Army during World War II, but was confronted by strong racial prejudice. This racial prejudice continued throughout his career, but he learned that being in the spotlight removed some of the prejudice. He once said, "My talent was the weapon, the power, the way for me to fight. It was the one way I might hope to affect a man's thinking."

After his years in the army, Sammy started to achieve success with his career as an entertainer. In 1959, he became a member of the "Rat Pack" led by Frank Sinatra, and included performers such as Dean Martin and Shirley MacLaine.

Success:
Sammy's career took off in the mid 1950s. He appeared on Broadway in 1956 in Mr. Wonderful, a big success. He also made appearances on the Ed Sullivan Show. He then starred in two dramas of Anna Lucasta (1958) and A Man Called Adam (1966). He appeared again on Broadway 1964 in Golden Boy. In 1972 Davis made a No. 1 hit on the Top 40 charts with "Candy Man." Sammy also enjoyed television and occasionally landed television roles, including appearances on the hit series, "All in the Family."

Car Accident:
Sammy almost died in a car accident in 1954 in California. He was returning to Las Angeles from a trip to Las Vegas. He lost his left eye in the accident, forcing him to wear an eye patch for several months. He was later fitted for a glass eye, which he wore for the rest of his life.
While in the hospital after the accident, a friend shared with him the similarities between the Jewish and black cultures. Davis converted to Judaism after reading Paul Johnson's "A History of the Jews" while in the hospital.

Later Life and Death:
Sammy performed well into the 1980s, but his health declined due to heavy drinking and drug use. He performed in two films with Dean Martin and also in the movie "Tap" with Gregory Hines. He then traveled on tour with Frank Sinatra and Dean Martin.

Sammy was diagnosed with throat cancer but refused to have surgery, which could have saved his life. Davis told doctors that he would rather keep his voice than have a part of his throat removed. He died in 1990.


Martha Graham (1894-1991):

Early Years: Martha Graham was born in Allegheny, Pennsylvania on May 11, 1894. Her father, George Graham, was a doctor of nervous disorders, known today as psychiatry. Her mother, Jane Beers, was a descendant of Myles Standish. Being a doctor's family, the Grahams had a high standard of living, with the children under the supervision of a live-in maid. The social status of the Graham family increased Martha's exposure to the arts, but being the oldest daughter of a strict Presbyterian doctor would be detrimental. As Martha matured, she was strongly discouraged from pursuing a career in the performing arts.

A Revelation:
When Martha was sixteen years old, she begged her father to take her to a dance performance in Los Angeles, which he did. Her father presented a bouquet of flowers to her outside of the theater, as told by Martha in her autobiography. The dance performance made such an impression on her that she decided to devote her life to dance, much to the dismay of her parents. She was told that a career in the arts was simply not suited for the daughter of a prominent Presbyterian physician. However, something Martha had seen on that stage had been a revelation to her; she was determined.

Destiny Found :
Martha enrolled at Denishawn School, a dance school and performing troupe. At age 22, extremely late for an aspiring dancer, Martha had found her destiny. She was told, however, that she was far too old to begin dancing and that her body was not properly build for it. But Martha persevered, proving to be a quick learner. She worked very hard, paying much attention to detail, to train her body.

Martha danced with Denishawn for seven years, then moved to New York City. She launched her own company in 1929. Nothing stood in the way of her mission: to "chart the graph of the heart" through movement.

A New Language:
Through her choreography, Martha began to push the art of dance to new limits. Her early dances were not well-received by audiences, as they were confused by what they were seeing on stage. Her performances were powerful and modern, and were often based on strong, precise movements and pelvic contractions. Martha believed that by incorporating spastic movements and falls, she could express emotional and spiritual themes. Her choreography overflowed with beauty and emotion. Martha was establishing a new language of dance, one that would change everything that came after it.

A True Pioneer:
Still dancing in the late 1960s, Martha often turned to alcohol to cope with her despair at her declining body. Her performances began to include more acting than dancing, relying on the movement of the dancers around her. Martha's love of dance was so strong that she refused to leave the stage, even though critics insisted she was past her prime. However, when the critics became too loud, she left the stage. Despite her age, she kept dancing throughout the 60s. In 1969, Martha finally announced her retirement from the stage. Although she couldn't perform, she continued to teach until her death in 1991, at age 96.

The Martha Graham Dance Company:
Founded by Martha in 1926, the Martha Graham Dance Company is the oldest, most celebrated modern dance company in the world. It presents the classic Graham repertory and new choreography in New York and on tour, featuring many of today's most talented dance artists.


Fred Astaire (1899-1987):

Childhood: Fred Astaire was born in Omaha, Nebraska on May 10, 1899. The son of Johanna "Ann" and Frederic "Fritz" Austerlitz, Astaire began dancing at the age of four. He formed an act with his sister, Adele, that became popular at the time. Their first act was called "Juvenile Artists Presenting an Electric Musical Toe-Dancing Novelty." Astaire wore a top hat in the first half and a lobster outfit in the second. Following their debut performance, the local paper wrote, "the Astaires are the greatest child act in vaudeville."

Partnership With Ginger Rogers:
In 1933, Astaire was paired with Ginger Rogers. They were an instant sensation and were featured together in a classic series of films including The Gay Divorcee, Top Hat, and Swing Time. Astaire's partnership with Rogers had a special chemistry. It has been said that he gave her class and she gave him sex appeal. Their dance routines were complicated tap or graceful ballroom routines that portrayed romance. However, only once did the couple share an on-screen kiss.

Influence on Dance:
Fred Astaire is regarded as a pioneer in the serious presentation of dance on film. Although his dancing appeared relaxed and effortless, he actually worked incredibly hard, rehearsing for hours at a time. Several of his dance routines became famous, including the slow-motion dance in Easter Parade, the dance with empty shoes in The Barkleys of Broadway, the ceiling dance and the duet with a hat rack in Royal Wedding, and the dance on air in The Belle of New York.

Personal Life:
Astaire married New York socialite Phyllis Potter in 1933. The two were happily married for 21 years, until Potter died of lung cancer at the age of 46, leaving Astaire devastated. He wanted to drop out of his current project, Daddy Long Legs, but he decided to continue with the picture to distract him from his grief.

Astaire was a golf and horse-racing enthusiast, remaining physically active into his eighties. He married Robyn Smith in 1980, an actress turned champion jockey.

Astaire died on June 22, 1987, at the age of 88. One of his last requests was to thank his fans for their many years of support.

Famous Dancers

1. Anna Pavlova (1881-1931):

Birth: The world will forever remember the Russian ballerina, Anna Pavlova, who brought a more traditional feel to classical ballet. Anna was born in St. Petersburg in 1881. She was a tiny baby, born two months premature. Her mother was a laundress; her father died at a very young age, when Anna was only two years old.

Inspiration to dance:

On her ninth birthday, Anna's mother treated her to a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, a ballet that forever changed Anna's life. She decided then that she would one day dance on stage. She began taking ballet lessons and was quickly accepted into the Imperial Ballet School.

Ballet style:
Anna was not a typical ballerina of her day. At only five-feet-tall, she was delicate and slender, unlike most of the students in her classes. She was exceptionally strong and had perfect balance. Anna possessed many unique talents. She soon became a prima ballerina.

Dancing in America:
America loved Anna and ballet lessons soon became popular for little girls across the country. She soon became known as the "Sublime Pavlova." She toured for the rest of her life, keeping a home in London. She had a love for exotic pets, several of which kept her company when she was at home.

Death:
Anna never retired from dancing. In 1931, she became ill while rehearsing for a performance in Europe, but refused to rest. A few days later, she collapsed with pneumonia. She died within a week of her 50th birthday.

Inspiration to others:
Anna Pavlova believed that dancing was her gift to the world. She felt that God had given her the gift of dance to delight others. She often said that she was "haunted by the need to dance." She became an inspiration to young boys and girls to learn how to dance and experience the joys of ballet.

2.Mikhail Baryshnikov

Early Years: Mikhail Nikolaevitch Baryshnikov was born on January 27, 1948 in Riga, USSR. He bagan studying ballet in 1960, at the age of 12. In 1964 he entered the Vaganova School to further his ballet studies. He soon began winning top honors and leading roles in major ballets. Upon seeing him dance in the Soviet Union, Clive Barnes, a New York Times critic, called him the most perfect dancer he had ever seen.

New York City Ballet:

In 1978, Baryshnikov became a principal dancer for the New York City Ballet, under the direction of George Balanchine. His distinctive style won him many leading roles, although Balanchine never created a new work for him. In 1980, he changed his role from performer to director, becoming Artistic Director of the American Ballet Theatre.

Film Career:
Baryshnikov began dancing for American television in 1976. In 1977, CBS brought his production of the Nutcracker at the American Ballet Theatre to television. The famous production remains the most popular and most often shown television production of the Nutcracker Ballet. The DVD of the performance is a bestseller during the holidays. It is also one of only two versions of "The Nutcracker" to be nominated for an Emmy Award.

He also portrayed a famous Russian ballet dancer in the 1977 film The Turning Point, receiving an Oscar nomination. He later starred in the 1985 film White Nights, and Sex and the City.

Family Life:
Baryshnikov has three children with former ballerina Lisa Rinehart, although they remain unmarried. He also has a daughter from a former relationship with actress Jessica Lange.

3. Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Birth: Michael Joseph Jackson was born on August 29, 1958 in the city of Gary, Indiana. He was the seventh of nine children born to Joseph Walter and Katherine Esther. His brothers were Jackie, Tito, Jermaine, Marlon and Randy, with sisters Rebbie, Janet and La-Toya.

The Jackson 5:
Michael began his musical career at the early age of 5. He and his brother Marlon joined the Jackson Brothers as backup musicians, joining brothers Jackie, Jermaine, Tito, Randy. At age 8, Michael and Jermaine began singing lead vocals, and the group changed their name to the Jackson 5.

The Jackson 5 recored several songs and eventually signed with Motown Records in 1968. Michael quickly emerged as the main attraction and lead singer of the group. The group scored several top 40 hits, including the top 5 disco single "Dancing Machine" and the top 20 hit "I Am Love." However, the Jackson 5 left Motown in 1975.

Budding Superstar:
With a solo contract with Epic Records, Michael began pursuing ventures on his own. In 1977, he starred in the film version of "Wizard of Oz", the hit musical "The Wiz." In 1979, Michael released his unusually successful album, "Off the Wall." The popular album included the hit singles "Rock With You" and "Don't Stop 'Til You Get Enough." It eventually sold 10 million copies.

Jackson's next album, Thriller, was also a huge success, shooting seven Top 10 singles up the charts. The videos that accompanied these songs helped establish Michael's dominance of MTV, and his reputation as an incredible dancer.

The Moonwalk:
Many people contribute much of Michael's ultimate success to his amazing ability to dance. In 1983, Jackson performed live on a Motown television special, debuting his signature dance move, the moonwalk. When he did the moonwalk, it looked like he was doing something humans should not be able to do. The Motown special will always be remembered as a magic moment in the history of music entertainment, as the Moonwalk set Michael apart in the realm of superstardom.

Death of an Icon:
Michael's thrilling career ended tragically before the start of a much-anticipated comeback tour. The King of Pop and former Jackson 5 singer died on June 25, 2009, after suffering cardiac arrest.