There is a very practical reason for man & lady to be in close hold in Ballroom, and that is so that the lady can physically feel the lead that the man is giving, as he chooses the figures that they will both dance, according to his preference, the ability of his partner and the available space on the dancefloor. At arms length, you just can't do it.

Dancing isn't primarily about anything except dancing, although telling "the story of the dance" is an important part of what dance is. The idea that any of my regular dance partners might EVER become a lover is just laughable: I'm not interested, and neither are they. And I don't find when I go home to my wife (who doesn't dance) that I have become a better lover than before I went out.

Nobody has mentioned that in Latin we can dance and not come any closer than from my hand to my elbow. Standard Ballroom Dancing is different it cannot to be compared with any other sport. Maybe that is why it is so popular. Does it make a person a better lover. I'm sure it doesn't

Granted--- but in real terms-- all our dancing is generally from an indigenous background, and Latin, above all, was, and still is in many cases , danced in closed position, as can be witnessed in most " latino" clubs on any given night .

The Puritan element that is in most peoples genes ( seldom island people ) have tabooed the idea for centuries.

There are southern Baptist groups today in the States, that still forbid " Dance " === period.

ternece,
thanks 4 the support....Can we all specify our respective asl(age,sex & location) in our resonse so that we know wht cultural background each one of us is from?
cheers !

Hitesh

Many people on sites prefer to remain anonymous-- several of us have high profile positions ( tho I dont object, personally )
Plus- it really has little relevance in general terms .

i think that they should show compations. thats the only way we realy get the real efect on 5things and how they would realy look ya digg yea. but this is guest.

Cute !

The ultimate goal of dancing is not in my mind "to get romantically involved" as you assert. I dance because I love to dance and having another person involved makes it more pleasurable. Physical closeness is nice but too often these days it is construed as a sexual feeling. I dance with men I like. And there is no better feeling than when you are completely in sync with another person and the dance goes exactly as you would want. Romance has nothing to do with it. I have a friend (female) who has a dance partner who is not anything more than a friend, they are both seriously involved with other people. They dance well together, look good together and have alot of fun. That's it. I dance with my husband and have a professional partner with whom I compete. We have spent alot of time very close physically but it means nothing. At the end of the day, I go home to my husband and family and he goes home to his wife.

Hi Ladydance,

Thanks 4 ur opinion….I completely agree that “there is no better feeling than when you are completely in sync with another person and the dance goes exactly as you would want.”

It feels like heaven.

The point is that feeling romantic or sexually attracted to the dance partner is the first and natural response.Then, we, as responsible society and family members respond (second response) to our first response and control that first response.And we stop our mind from thinking of any romance.

But this is not applicable only to dance.Even seeing a beautiful gal at supermarket may bring in the same two responses without even being physically close to her.

Though it's difficult for me to believe that physical closeness means nothing….if it meant nothing, then we would have allowed each other to be physically close in buses,trains(with strangers) and in many other social situations(with acquaintances)….but I again agree that Physical closeness means nothing if u think it's nothing…afterall it's all in our mind…

But the question here is, why do we allow physical closeness in ballroom dancing specifically ? What is the purpose of ballroom dancing….? Y was it started?

I understand,it depends upon a person's age,whether he/she is single or committed to anyone or not and his/her background…

That's y I said writing our age,sex and location will help….And just by saying ASL,one's identity is still not declared…it's still anonymous….

Anyway,ladydance,I think u r an experienced dancer,so ur attitude must have been refined by this time….it's like an actor or actress do the romantic scene for camera….but they actually feel nothing or they stop feeling whatever they were feeling the moment the camera is turned off….

Ladydance u made a statement,

“I dance with men I like. And there is no better feeling than when you are completely in sync with another person and the dance goes exactly as you would want. Romance has nothing to do with it.”

I completely agree with this except the last sentence.When u like the person,u feel in sync with the person and u enjoy it to the fullest……it's actually Romance…isn't it?....Because the Same thing happens in romance too whether it is while having candle light dinner or a walk…. So it's romance…or maybe sth similar to romance….we can call it platonic friendship…

It's getting interesting…I hope more ladies respond to this…

Thanks

Hitesh…

The more you post-- the more I am beginning to see that you are looking to use this activity as a dating service !
Now-- you are free to approach it in any manner you wish-- however-- be prepared for a lot of rejection .
I do not know your age, but you seem to have a very adolescent viewpoint in your writings, and are completely misguided in your understanding and purpose of the genre .