Originally, Roman men gave handwritten letters called "valentines" to women they were fond of. Today, according to Hallmark, 60 percent of the 192 million Valentine's Day cards are purchased 6 days prior to February 14. As flowers, greeting cards and chocolates become the norm, choreographer Melodie Carr offers the Muncie community a substitute for rekindling the romance.
Carr teaches ballroom dance classes at Cornerstone Center for the Arts, College Avenue United Methodist Church and High Street Methodist Church. Carr's classes teach couples how to dance the waltz, tango, rhumba and a variety of other social dance routines.
During the late 17th century, a new form of dance called the waltz grew popular with the royalty in Vienna. When first introduced, many believed it was immoral and sinful because of the rapid movements and close touching.
"Before the waltz, couples touched hands or linked arms when dancing," Ball State University Assistant Professor of Dance Dorris Ressel said. "The waltz was a much more risqu+â-¬ style of dance because the man's hand was now on the woman's back and the women's hand was on his shoulder."
Carr said the waltz is the most traditional form of dance she teaches in her ballroom classes. The waltz is an extremely intimate dance for couples and lovers that uses a three-quarter time signature, instead of the standard 2/4 or 4/4 measure.
"The waltz is very sweet because it is easy to follow your partners eyes," Carr said. "More couples share a kiss after dancing a waltz then any other dance routine."
Ball State University Assistant Professor of Dance Michael Worcel said the waltz is like ice-skating because it very elegant and the dancers seem to float gracefully across the floor.
In early 19th-century Spain, women performed the tango without partners for audiences. Years later, in Argentina, men began to ask women if they could join them. Worcel said modern dance and ballet are influenced by the tango but today's dancers are not coupled like ballroom dancing was in the past.
When the tango developed into a couple's dance, it was deemed by most of society as morally wrong because of its lustful style and music.
"It is believed that the tango originated in Argentina brothels, which might explain the sexuality that is related to the tango," said Worcel. "Latin American dances usually involve a fire of desire and passion."
Worcel said ballroom dancers Vernon and Irene Castle popularized social dancing during the 20th century. After touring America, the couple became a household name amongst the public.
"The couple improved the image of the tango and influenced the public to accept social dancing," Worcel said. "They are responsible for bringing the sophistication back to ballroom dancing."
The rhumba's origins date back to Africa and Spain. In the 16th century, the African slaves would perform the rhumba to rapid beats with dynamic and exaggerated hip movements. Spain developed a similar but slower version of the rhumba called the "Son" that uses smaller hip movements.
Lew Quinn And Joan Sawyer first introduced the U.S. to the rhumba in 1913. Ball State University's Director of Dance Sarah Mangelsdorf said Latin American dances became popular in the U.S. during the 1920s and once again in the 1950s.
"In the rhumba, the man spins the woman out while holding her hand and gliding her across the floor, " said Mangelsdorf. "The woman dances with a subtle but sensual roll of the hips while the couple circles each other, which makes the rhumba very flirtatious."
Carr said the rhumba and tango are extremely passionate dances and that her students seem to make a deep connection with their partner when ballroom dancing.
"The rhumba is the dance of love," Worcel said.
Since the new T.V. show "Dancing with the Stars", Carr said the public has found more interest in ballroom dancing. This has caused a huge demand for her classes. She teaches on Sundays, Mondays and Tuesdays each week at three different locations in Delaware County.
Carr said if couples are looking for a new way to spice up their relationship, they should contact her at her office at (765) 749-9080 or cell phone (765) 286-8828 to sign up for classes.
Read More
Three Air Jam teams take home the win
October 12, 2012Nineteen teams shimmied, shook and flipped for a sold out John R. Emens Auditorium on Thursday night during the 25th annual Air Jam.
Bill Clinton Speaks at North Central High School
October 12, 2012Former President's Speech Could Have Effect on State Senate Race
