danse de salon
/dɑ̃s də sa.lɔ̃/feminine
Ballroom dancing in French is danse de salon.
Meaning: style of dancing (noun)
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase literally translates to 'dance of the salon', referring to the social halls where these dances are performed.
Which one should you use?
Use the plural form danses de salon when you are referring to the various specific types of ballroom dances (like the waltz or tango) collectively.
Is it said differently in some regions?
In Quebec, the term La danse sociale is used to refer to social dances, including ballroom dancing.
How does it change in a sentence?
The noun phrase is feminine, so it is preceded by the feminine article la when referring to the concept in the singular.
How do you pronounce it?
/dɑ̃s də sa.lɔ̃/
Did you know?
- The word salon is a relative of the Lithuanian word 'sala', which means 'island'.
- French speakers use the word salon both for the grand halls used for danse de salon and for a modern living room.
- In France, the term danse de salon often implies a competitive sport, known as danse sportive, rather than just a social hobby.
Examples in context
- Je suis passionné(e) par la danse de salon.I am passionate about ballroom dancing.
- Les compétitions de danse de salon sont impressionnantes.Ballroom dance competitions are impressive.
- On va faire un peu de danse à deux ce soir.We're going to do some ballroom dancing tonight.
- Elle pratique la danse de salon depuis dix ans.She has been practicing ballroom dancing for ten years.
- La danse de salon est très élégante.Ballroom dancing is very elegant.
- Mon cours de danse de salon a lieu ce soir.My ballroom dancing class is tonight.
Example conversation
Nathan and Emma are discussing their weekend hobbies at a cafe.
- NathanEst-ce que tu aimes la danse de salon, Emma ?Do you like ballroom dancing, Emma?
- EmmaOui, j'adore ça, et toi ?Yes, I love it, and you?
- NathanMoi aussi, je cherche un nouveau partenaire.Me too, I am looking for a new partner.
- EmmaJe peux t'aider avec ça !I can help you with that!
Sources
- Wiktionary, “ballroom dancing” translations and entries danse de salon, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries danse, de, salon, CC BY-SA 4.0.
