Social Ballroom

Of course, all the above can be and are danced socially in numerous dance clubs, schools and studios. In addition, social ballroom dancing recognizes the Nightclub Dances category. Nightclub dances are less formalized than the others. A number of them are proudly called Street dances. Nightclub dances are danced differently in different places and club/street styles differ from styles taught in ballroom studios.

Like "Ballroom dances" and "Nightclub dances", Country/western dances are danced both competitively and socially at bars, clubs, ballrooms.

A related category is Regional Ballroom Dances. One example would be the subcategory of Cajun Dances which originated in New Orleans, with branches reaching both coasts of the USA.

Rogers and Astaire

The influence of on-screen dancing by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers on ballroom dancing was enormous. Although both actors had independent projects and careers (Fred Astaire had many other partners and Ginger Rogers won an Academy Award for a dramatic role), their filmed dance sequences have reached iconic status. Much of their work centred on portraying social dance, but the performances were highly choreographed, often by Astaire or Hermes Pan, well staged and rehearsed endlessly.

Their work has greatly influenced social ballroom syllabuses, and 'Fred & Ginger' classes and workshops remain popular.

Classic Ballroom

There are also classic dance societies, dedicated to the performance and preservation of the ballroom dances of the past. These companies may perform at special events wearing costumes. Some ballroom dance instructors specialize in the dances of one place or time, or in short-lived, time-specific dances which may be associated with the music or style of an era ("The Twist") or a particular song ("La Macarena").

Performance and Exhibition

While nightclub and street dances focus on connection between partners and musicality, ballroom dances focus more on performing to an audience. Of course, ballroom dancers do learn about connection and musicality, and club dancers are often excellent performers. But ballroom dancers often put appearance above connection, while club dancers focus primarily on their partners.

Consequently, competetive ballroom dance consists of some number of couples each performing for the audience's attention. Since ballroom dance is so participation-oriented, most of the audience are themselves dancers, so this format works well; everyone gets a chance to try to outperform others.

However, there are several noncompetetive forms of ballroom performance. Visiting professionals will generally give a show, and often the winners of the higher levels of competition will be invited to give a short victory dance after awards are presented. Studios also commonly hold showcases where their students can show off what they've learned.

There is also a growing interest in formation dance, which is also performance-oriented.