A dance is a kind of art, where the artistic images are created by plastic movements and rhythmically accurate and continiously changing of the positions of human body.

Ball dances are a group of pair dances, which have popular sources and performing on different occasions, balls, contests, which are organized in places with parquet floor as a rule, in special dancing shows. From a big variety of both elite and national dances, the ball dances are characterized by two signs: all the ball dances are pair ones, the couple consist of a man and a woman, dancing with the maintenance of physical contact.

The word ball came into Russian language from French verb bailare meant "to dance".

The ball dances have unique history, which defined their popularity as entertainment and competitive kind of sports as well. Ball dances, as we know them today, were born in England in the end of XVII-the beginning of XIX century. In that period of time the dancing were considered as privilege of high society and integral part of fashionable balls. In the end of XIX-beginning of XX they became popular among lower social strata, which visited the public dancing halls or public assemblies. In the beginning of 20s of the XX century the contests of ball dances were developed. In 1924 in England by Imperial Society of Dancing Teachers a Department of Ball dances was created. Its goals were to elaborate standards on music, steps and technique of performing ball dances. Gradually the sport dances were spread in the whole Europe, reached Asia and America.

From all pair dances for competitions were selected the most interesting emotional and rhythmic from the point of view of contest of music, dances, where it might be created the deepest and most interesting artistic image.

Ball dances are divided into two programs: European(standard) and Latino-american (Latina).

In European program the contact between the man and a woman is stronger and is performed with the assistance of hands and correct position of the body as well. It should be kept during the whole dance.

In Latin-American program the contact is less strong, more often is executed with the help of hands connections and may be lost or intensifies with different supports and other figures.