The real breakdown of formal "Social Dancing" happened during the cultural revolution in the late 1960s when most everything that had been associated with previous generations was rejected. At the same time, dressing and behavioral standards also went down the drain. Yes, we can guess, the baby boomers were to blame as they were the generation setting new trends back then. The previous generation, those born during the 1920s and earlier, were still taught how to waltz, foxtrot, etc. However, the baby boomers rejected those traditions, and as a result, they were not passed on to the next generation as you cannot teach what you have not been taught yourself.
It might interest you that "ballroom dancing" is still very popular in many central European cultures with Austria, and its capital Vienna, being a world leader in that area. Austrian teens spend many months attending dance classes and acquiring the skills necessary to succeed (or at least pass muster) on the dance floor. Of course, this is a country whose capital hosts more than 400 formal balls every single year. I dare say that you'd be hard pressed to find that many in the entire US! Ballroom Dancing did indeed go out of style. The disco and C&W fads were, after all, nearly 40 years ago.
Sure you can still find places to host raves, as well as ballroom, swing, salsa, or whatever you want, but these cater to a specialized clientele. (and raves are as much about drinking as dancing) It is not like pre-1960s America, where going out dancing was as common as going to the movies, where every dinner date ended with dancing, where high schools hosted dances on a weekly basis, where people rolled back their carpets and hosted dance parties in their homes. We are not sure what is happening, maybe you do.
"Social dancers know that dancing can enhance their social life and self-confidence,
it can also reduce stress and depression."
It might interest you that "ballroom dancing" is still very popular in many central European cultures with Austria, and its capital Vienna, being a world leader in that area. Austrian teens spend many months attending dance classes and acquiring the skills necessary to succeed (or at least pass muster) on the dance floor. Of course, this is a country whose capital hosts more than 400 formal balls every single year. I dare say that you'd be hard pressed to find that many in the entire US! Ballroom Dancing did indeed go out of style. The disco and C&W fads were, after all, nearly 40 years ago.
"Molokai Waltz" by Amy Hanaiallii
Sure you can still find places to host raves, as well as ballroom, swing, salsa, or whatever you want, but these cater to a specialized clientele. (and raves are as much about drinking as dancing) It is not like pre-1960s America, where going out dancing was as common as going to the movies, where every dinner date ended with dancing, where high schools hosted dances on a weekly basis, where people rolled back their carpets and hosted dance parties in their homes. We are not sure what is happening, maybe you do.
"Sometimes we can stare so long at a door that is closing,
that we see too late the one that may be opening."
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