DANCE STYLES EXPLAINED
Sequence dancing - what is it?
-
A sequence dance consists of a short combination of figures (a routine), typically lasting 16 bars of music, arranged in a repeatable pattern. This sequence is performed by all dancers on the dance floor simultaneously for the entire duration of a song. Each sequence has a specific name (e.g. Mayfair Quickstep) and is designed for a particular song or music genre.
Thousands of sequence dances have been choreographed over the years - some date back to the 1800s - while others are more recent, and new dances are introduced each year via Inventive Dance Competitions.
We teach some of the popular sequence dances to our Ballroom & Latin students from time to time to help prepare them for a variety of social events they may attend.
-
In this country, there are three main types of sequence dancing: Classical Sequence, Modern Sequence, and Latin Sequence.
Classical Sequence: The original sequence dances, known as Classical or Old-Time, date from the 1800s and developed from formal court dances. They include the Classical Waltz, Classical Tango, Blues (not to be confused with American Blues dancing), Gavottes, Glides, Mazurkas, Saunters, Schottisches, Strolls, Swings, and Two Steps. They are divided into two categories: earlier dances that use ballet techniques with turned-out feet, and slightly later dances that employ parallel foot positions and a natural walking action. Classical Sequence dances continue to be created today, following the same techniques and styles as the originals. It is important to note that the Classical Waltz and Classical Tango differ from the Modern Sequence versions of these dances.
Modern Sequence: These dances date from the 1940s and 1950s onwards. They evolved from the Classical Sequence dances and were inspired by traditional ballroom dances, including Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quickstep.
Latin Sequence: These dances date back to the 1960s and are based on Latin rhythms, featuring styles such as Cha Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive. Newer Latin Sequence dances include Bachata, Salsa, Mambo, and Bossa Nova.
There are a couple of additional terms you might encounter:
Party Sequence: These are novelty dances you might perform at a dance party, and include dances such as the Charleston Rag.
New Vogue: The Australians have a further sequence subgenre called ‘New Vogue’ which originated in the 1930s.
Championship Dances: These are the sequence dances (Classical, Modern, and Latin) approved by the British Dance Council for competitive use.
-
No. Although sequence dancing and ballroom dancing contain some similar steps, they are distinct dance genres. However, it is common for ballroom dancers to be familiar with some of the popular sequence dances, as these are often enjoyed at iconic venues such as Blackpool Tower Ballroom and on holiday cruise ships.
Here are some similarities between sequence dancing and ballroom dancing:
Both are danced with a partner.
Both may be danced to similar music.
Both can be danced in a ballroom.
Both may be danced at a social event.
While these similarities show that both dance styles share a social and musical context, there are also important differences that set them apart. Here are some important differences between sequence dancing and ballroom dancing:
Steps, timing, handholds (the way dancers connect their hands), body positions, and foot positions can vary significantly.
There is no room for improvisation in sequence dancing, as everyone follows the same sequence of steps at the same time. In contrast, ballroom dancers are encouraged to improvise, allowing them to test their leading and following skills.
The scope for personal expression, creativity, and musicality (interpreting the music through movement) is very limited in sequence dancing, since everyone dances the same routine simultaneously, whereas it is encouraged in ballroom dancing.
Floorcraft skills are not required in sequence dancing, but are essential to skilled ballroom dancing.
-
Sequence dancing is popular in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand. It is commonly danced on holiday cruise ships, at the Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and during various dance events throughout the UK. While this style of dance is primarily enjoyed by older generations, it is gaining popularity among younger dancers.
In the United States, sequence dancing was popular at social events up until the 1920s. However, today, with regard to historical dancing, it seems they prefer dances from the era of the American Civil War, for which they often dress in splendid period gowns and attire.
-
Over the years, thousands of sequence dances have been choreographed, and some have become more popular than others. However, those that are frequently danced may differ from region to region and from country to country. Here are the names of the popular sequence dances that I believe are danced in our area, along with the years they were published:
Popular Classical Sequence: Alpine Stroll (2006), Balmoral Blues (1971), Boston Two Step (1908), Breakaway Blues (1946), Chicago Swing (1930), Gainsborough Glide (1950), Invitation Swing (1983), Kensington Two Step (date?), Lilac Waltz (1951), Military Two Step (1904), Premier Two Step (1958), Ragtime Swing (1969), Rialto Two Step (1962), Saunter Reve (1961), Saunter Shiraz (2008), Saunter Together (1975), Sindy Swing (1984), Square Tango (1920), St Bernard’s Waltz (1913), Stardust Saunter (1999), Tango Serida (1961), Tayside Tango (2003), Veleta (1900), Viennese Swing (1973), Waverley Two Step (1956), Wedgewood Blue Gavotte (1959), Yearning Saunter (1919).
Popular Modern Sequence: Broadway Quickstep (1957) Emmerdale Waltz (1979) Glenroy Foxtrot (1976) Hoabie Quickstep (2013) Iris Foxtrot (1958) King Charles Waltz (2023) Mayfair Quickstep (1956), Melody Foxtrot (1964), Platinum Waltz (2022) Quando Quickstep (1979), Sweetheart Waltz (1945), Tina Tango (1986), Waltz Marie (1948), White City Waltz (1993), Woodside Waltz (1964), Waltz Catherine (1953).
Popular Latin Sequence: Bellissimo Cha Cha (2011), Blue Angel Rumba (2006) Caribbean Samba (2010) Let’s Jive (1993) Midnight Jive (2010) Nikko Paso (2001) Paso La Paz (2008), Paso Madrid (1964) Queen of Hearts Rumba (1997) Rumba One (1971), Rosalie Rumba (1966) Sally Ann Cha Cha (1973),Samba Katrina (1972), Valentino Jive (date?).
Some extra sequence dances it can be useful to know:
Party/Vintage Sequence: Charleston Stroll (1995), Charleston Rag/Twenties Rag (date?), Circle Waltz (date?), Eva Three Step (1904), Heel-Toe Polka (date?), Invitation Swing (1983), Palais Glide (1935), Sambarina (date?).
Other Sequence: Argentine Stroll (2011) Caribbean Calypso (Bachata) (date?), Mambo Magic (1997), Metronome (Bachata) (2024), Ria Bachata (2019), Salsa Mexicana (2011).
Also, it may be handy to be aware of these dances for other social occasions:
Dashing White Sergeant (1826), Lancers Quadrille (1817).
Personally, I adore the Veleta (1900), and I would love to dance the Boomps-A-Daisy which was created in 1939!
-
If you come across a dance event that you would like to attend, it is a good idea to check if the event is a pure Ballroom & Latin event, a pure Sequence event (and whether it is a Classical or Modern/Latin Sequence event), or if it is what is known as “a 50/50 event”.
At a 50/50 event, half of the music will be for sequence dancing (most likely Modern Sequence/Latin Sequence instead of Classical Sequence), and the other half will be for Ballroom & Latin, each taking a turn.
There are specific rules to abide by when dancing a sequence dance and/or when dancing at a sequence dance event:
The line of dance is anticlockwise, the same as for Ballroom and the travelling Latin dances.
If the dance floor is busy, it is usual to create ‘lanes’ similar to the lanes on a running track. Do not deviate from your lane.
There is typically a 4 bar introduction between the start of the song and when the dancing begins.
You must only dance the specific sequence announced (no linking different routines, changing or missing steps!).
You must dance the whole routine in time with the other people on the dance floor.
You must not overtake another dance couple or deviate from your position in the line of dance.
You must make sure you don’t create a gap between yourself and the couple in front of you – match your step length to everyone else's in the room.
As you approach a corner, curve/bend the routine around the corner to allow you to continue dancing along the new wall.
-
The ability to dance gracefully has long been regarded as a highly valued skill in society, and dancing has been a serious subject of study for centuries. Throughout history, Dancing Masters have been employed to teach their students the art of the ballroom. In 1651, John Playford, a London-based sheet music publisher, released The English Dancing Master, a groundbreaking work that detailed the choreography and music for the popular country dances of the time. These dances were common at formal and social gatherings, and being a skilled dancer could enable social advancement.
The Old-Time Waltz first appeared in the UK in 1812, followed by the Mazurka in 1840, the Polka in 1844, and the Schottische, Two-step, and Gavotte in 1849. The technique for these dances was based on ballet and featured a turned-out foot position. Europe experienced its Golden Age from 1871 to 1914, a time marked by peace and political stability following the Franco-Prussian War. Although the Boer War (1899-1902) disrupted this peace for the English, the arts and entertainment scene thrived across borders during this period.
The gramophone was invented in 1887, and after some experimentation with materials, gramophone records were commercially produced about ten years later. This invention provided a new and exciting way to make popular music accessible, which in turn led to the rise of social dancing!
In 1892, the British Association of Teachers of Dancing was formed and famously awarded prizes at annual festivals for new dance choreographies. The Blackpool Tower Ballroom opened in 1894, and the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens in Blackpool could accommodate an astonishing 3,000 dancers at one time!
Old-Time Tangos began to appear in the UK around 1912, and interestingly, the Maxixe—a precursor to Samba that was often referred to as the "Brazilian Tango"—was one of the most popular social dances of 1914!
Sequence dancing remained popular after the First World War, particularly in the north of England and Scotland. Starting in 1922, new dance styles such as Blues, Glides, Parades, Saunters, Strolls, Sways, and Swings began to emerge. Unlike earlier dances that featured a turned-out foot position, these newer styles adopted a parallel foot position and emphasized a natural walking action.
During the mid-1920s and 1930s, various musical styles gained popularity in England. For example, ragtime evolved into jazz and swing, and the English style of ballroom dancing emerged during this period. The Slow Waltz became more popular than the Old Time Waltzes, Quicksteps replaced One Steps, and Saunters began to resemble the Slow Foxtrot of today.
This shift caused a temporary decline in sequence dancing; however, it experienced a revival in the 1940s when significant efforts were made to record all known sequence dances. Unfortunately, some sequence dances were lost over time due to unclear choreography notes, as many dancing masters had aged or passed away.
The British Sequence Championships were established in 1949, and sequence dancing became very popular from the 1950s to the 1970s. During this period, thousands of new sequence dances were created, particularly in the Modern Sequence and Latin Sequence styles. The high volume of new dances led ballroom dancing associations to step in and regulate them. However, from the late 1970s into the 1980s, changes in popular music and entertainment contributed to a decline in sequence dancing.
Today, sequence dancing is popular aboard holiday cruise ships, at Blackpool Tower Ballroom, and at various dance events around the UK. While it is primarily enjoyed by the older generation, it is gaining popularity among younger dancers as well. Some of the dances are vibrant and fun, while others are stately and striking, and some have a romantic and whimsical flair. Personally, I think it is lovely to preserve a little bit of history by dancing the older sequence dances. If you watch a sequence dance competition on YouTube, you may notice the leader wearing white gloves along with their tail suit, which looks lovely!
-