With the holiday season in full swing, you may have a few parties on the calendar this month. A great way to balance out those holiday treats is to move the mixing and a’mingling on to the dance floor. And believe it or not, many Christmas songs are perfect for ballroom dancing. So, put down the eggnog and sway with your favorite dance partner to a spot under the mistletoe.
Jive
Mariah Carey’s “All I Want for Christmas is You” is dominating Billboard’s Holiday 100 chart yet again this year. It’s pretty much guaranteed to be on the DJ’s list at your next holiday party. That means you’re pretty much guaranteed the perfect opportunity to dance Jive. Jive sprung out of popular American dances of the 1930s, and its modern form is light, happy and bouncy. If dancing Jive doesn’t put you in the holiday spirit, nothing will!
Swing
Everyone will be Swing dancin’ merrily when “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree” begins to play. East Coast Swing is perhaps the most famous American folk dance, while West Coast Swing continues to grow in popularity. Both forms of Swing are here to stay, and the dances make the holiday season extra carefree. Despite wilder versions that involve acrobatics, it’s possible to Swing dance in a relatively small area. Swing dancers on Reddit recommend “Jingle Bell Rock” as well as “Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow” and “Santa Baby” when looking for tunes to tap their toes to.
Foxtrot
You and your partner may very well be dancing the Foxtrot when Santa Claus comes to town. While most moves are designed for the larger ballroom floor, they can be suited to the average dance floor when danced more compactly. The American style Foxtrot allows for complete freedom of expression, and uses various dance holds and positions to make this possible. According to superdancing.com, dancers can perform the Foxtrot to numerous holiday songs, including “Santa Claus is Coming to Town,” “Winter Wonderland,” and “Holly Jolly Christmas.”
Waltz
Waltzing across a dance floor may make you feel as though you’ve stepped back in time. The Waltz made its appearance in English ballrooms in the 19th century, shocking audiences with the sight of a man’s hand on a lady’s waist. But ‘tis the season to hold your loved ones close. The Waltz is designed for both a larger ballroom floor and the average dance floor, so it can work at almost any dance party. When you hear Frank Sinatra’s “The Christmas Waltz,” you’ll know what to do.
A holiday party is a great way to show off your ballroom dancing skills (while dancing distracts you from eating too many treats). It’s also a fun way to bring fellow dancers and new friends together, such as the friends you’ve made while taking classes at your Fred Astaire Franchised Dance Studio.
