Contemporary ballroom dance technique has been extensively studied and formalized. [Medals Exams]? are a commonly accepted standard of measurement of a dancer's technique according to conventional standards, and are classed Bronze, Silver, Gold and Gold Bar. The International Olympic Committee now recognizes Ballroom Dance as a sport, and some have pushed for its admittance to the Olympics.
Most ballroom dances were social and/or folk dances before being formalized as ballroom dances, and many of these dances are still danced as social and folk dance.
The three divisions of contemporary ballroom dance are called:
International Standard (also called International Ballroom)
The dances which make up International Standard ballroom dance are:
International Latin
The dances which make up International Latin ballroom dance are:
American style Ballroom
The dances which are included in American style ballroom include (more than just) the following. Note that American versions of dances which are also danced in the International style usually have differences in technique. Also note that popular club dances such as Lindy Hop, [West Coast Swing]? and East Coast Swing are danced differently in clubs and have different styles than in ballroom studios.