What is the difference between sports dancing and ballroom dancing? Sports ballroom dancing is a special kind of sport and art


Sports dancing historically originated from ballroom dancing. Complicating choreography and technical requirements determined the need for dancers to be in good physical shape. Previously, dancing was considered a kind of art. Today it is customary to consider competitive ballroom dancing as an "artistic sport".

In 1997, the International Olympic Committee recognized dance as an Olympic sport. Since execution sports dances, requires from dancers such qualities that are characteristic of most “real” sports.

Physical strength. In terms of the intensity of the lifts and the complexity of performing the elements, ballroom dancing can be compared with ice dancing (many combinations came into ice dancing from ordinary dances).

Flexibility and coordination. These qualities are necessary for maneuvering on the floor and executing figures and lines. Similar qualities are characteristic of sports such as diving, sailing, surfing, basketball and even football, but it is closest to gymnastics.

Musicality. All competitive dance competitors must demonstrate an understanding of music and rhythm in the same manner as required in rhythmic gymnastics.

Endurance. Dance sport competitions are held in several rounds - from preliminary to semi-finals and finals. In each round, dancers must perform five two-minute dances. A 1996 study found that the degree of muscle tension and breathing rate of dancers performing one two-minute dance were similar to those of cyclists, swimmers and middle-distance runners (over the same period of time). The finalist of the World Championship in 10 dances performs 30 dances during the tournament!

Discipline and team spirit. Dance sport is a team sport. A team can be one pair. A team can consist of 16 members (8 pairs) in formation competitions. The discipline requirements of 16 people performing up to 13 changes of dance tempo, and at the same time constantly coordinating their position on the floor relative to other team members, are much higher compared to other sports.

Grace and style. Like ice dancing and rhythmic gymnastics, in sport dancing an important component of success is fluidity of movement and attractive appearance. appearance couples.

However, unlike most other sports, dancing has features that allow it to be considered not only a sport, but also an art.

There is an active development of dance sports all over the world. Perhaps the growing popularity of ballroom dancing is determined by the fact high level physical perfection along with the vivid emotions that professional dancers demonstrate in their competitions. The impression of sports dancing intensifies wonderful music, amazing costumes, without which not a single sports and dance tournament is unthinkable.

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To express the emotions and feelings that overwhelmed them, expectations and hopes, our ancient ancestors used rhythmic ritual dances. As man himself develops and social environment, surrounding him, more and more appeared various dances, becoming more and more complex and sophisticated. Today, even experts will not be able to indicate the name of the types of dances - all performed by people over the centuries. However dance culture, having passed through centuries, is actively developing. Based on folk and classical ones, new and modern styles and trends appear.

What it is?

Before we consider what types of dances there are, let's clarify what it really is? The most short-lived and most complex of art forms, in which human body and its plastic capabilities are used to create unique image, is a dance.

It is impossible without the personality of the artist and music. The performer, starting from the content piece of music, builds a “picture” of dance and embodies his vision and sensory perception in movement. This action can be used as a way of social communication and self-expression, a competitive sports discipline and part of a religious cult, as well as a demonstrative art form that is constantly evolving and changing. More and more new styles and forms appear in it, different types dances, the diversity of which confuses even specialists.

History of appearance

The very first dances of people were ritual ones, performed by them in the hope of a successful hunt or a bountiful harvest, healing of the sick or victory in a war. Over time rhythmic movements were subjected to generalization, which served as the beginning of the formation of art of an ethnic direction, each of the peoples having their own characteristics and traditions.

All the variety of dance steps originated from the basic types of human movements - running, walking, jumping, swinging and turning. Over time, the following types appeared, everyday (for oneself), as well as those performed for show - cult and stage.

Main directions

Among the various existing today dance styles and directions can be called the following, the most popular and well-known:

In this article we will consider in more detail what types of dances there are in modern

Beginning and mid-20th century

This division into two stages is not accidental. According to many performers at the beginning of the last century, dance as an art form was supposed to reflect new reality, and not adhere to the canons of old ballet schools “frozen” in time. At this time, such choreographic directions, popular today as:

  1. Free dance.
  2. Modern.
  3. Butoh.
  4. Contemporary (contempo).
  5. Jazz Modern.

Let us dwell in more detail on each of them, as they had a great influence on the formation and development of many styles and directions of modern dance art.

Free dance

This is, first of all, a special worldview of the performer, formed under the influence of Nietzsche’s ideas. Performer, denying canonical rules ballet choreography, sought to combine dance and real life, manifesting himself as a liberated spirit of creativity. It is on the basis free style such trends as modern and butoh, jazz-modern and contemporary emerged and developed.

Modern

Originating at the beginning of the century, this dance style is very popular today and is one of the leading ones in the Western choreographic school.

Just like the free one, he denies any ballet norms and strives to embody various forms on stage, using new ones. original methods. It is characterized by semantic content, a wide range of movements, high jumps and flexibility, “broken” poses and movements, unusual for ballet choreography, and various twists.

Contemporary dance

It is quite reasonable to say that such popular late XIX and early 20th century styles like free dance and modernism, served as the basis for the formation of such a movement as contemporary (contempo). This offers the dancer, through various choreographic styles, to demonstrate as fully as possible in improvisation all his internal emotions and resources.

Jazz Modern

The main feature of this direction is the combination of jazz improvisational rhythms and energy, coordination and work with the body and breath of a modern performer, as well as movements inherent in the classical ballet school. Thus, the body of a modern jazz dancer becomes another musical instrument showing melody through plasticity own body.

Butoh

This is one of the youngest dance techniques, which appeared in the fifties of the 20th century in Japan. Butoh, despite its rather long existence, remains for people today Western world most difficult to understand. It is based on cultural, philosophical, religious and aesthetic values Countries rising sun. This dance strives to show earthiness everyday life ordinary person, and to conceptualize and demonstrate the body and its capabilities in space and time.

Contemporary dance of the late 20th and early 21st centuries

The whole variety of modern dances can, of course, be divided into two large groups:

  • street;
  • club

Street dance

Hip-hop and Krump, popping and locking, breakdancing and C-walk - all these are the names of types of dances that were not “born” on stage and in choreographic studios, and on the streets and courtyards of megacities, discos and clubs.

Most of them are based on hip-hop. The performer is not limited to any form and can safely improvise and experiment, creating an individual and unique pattern of movements, as well as interact with both other dancers and the audience. They are extremely rare in their “pure” form, and for the most part they began to be performed in clubs rather than on the streets, which is why they often fall into the club category. Here are the most popular and common directions:

  • NewStyle.
  • Krump is short for Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise, meaning "Absolute Power Spiritual Praise Empire".
  • Locking.
  • Popping.
  • LA-Style.
  • Crip walk (C-walk).
  • Brakedance.
  • Hip-Hop.

This is temperamental, bright and incredible mixture a variety of modern styles allowing you to express yourself in movement. As they say, everyone knows the name of the types of dances of this direction:

  • Tectonic or electro dance.
  • House (house).
  • Jumpstyle (jumpstyle).
  • Melbourne shuffle (shuffle).
  • Waacking (wacking).
  • Go-Go (club Go).
  • Square dance (square dance).
  • DnBstep.
  • Ragga (ragga) and many others.

It is impossible to list all types of dances. The list of names of modern styles and trends is constantly changing and supplemented. Today, dancing is not only a plastic art, but also a fairly common sport.

Dance Sport

If in earlier times dancing was perceived only as an art form, then the complication of technical and choreographic requirements for performance has led to the need for excellent physical fitness for those who do it. Today sports dances are, first of all, ballroom. Their peculiarity is that partners fulfill a set of certain mandatory movements and figures to pre-set music. Evaluations at competitions consist of three parts: compulsory, original and free.

Over time, new musical and choreographic styles and directions appear. And now they're like that modern views sports dances such as breaking or locking, jumpstyle or pole dance(pole dancing), attract more and more fans from different age groups. To participate in competitions in these areas, athletes need not only excellent choreographic, but also physical training. For those who do not strive to win international competitions, but try to keep their own body in good shape, we can recommend fitness classes in various dance techniques. Twerk, high heels, go-go, strip plastic, belly dance, zumba, sexy R&B, ragga, booty dance - these are the most popular among wonderful dancing. Girls are attracted to them not only by the opportunity to correct their figure, but also to improve their plasticity and increase their own self-esteem.

Of all the possible types and directions of dance art, ballroom dancing is the most beautiful. The history of this dance style dates back decades and goes deep into history, in those days when balls were popular and ballroom dances were performed by gallant gentlemen and luxuriously dressed ladies in large parquet halls.

Having gone through the thorns of the years, ballroom dancing has changed noticeably, having formed by our time into a special, beautiful dance sport. Of the similarities with the historical past, the only thing that remains is that it is still couples dance, consisting of a beautifully dressed lady and gentleman.

Sports ballroom dancing is a very beautiful and spectacular direction, which has absorbed all the best from other dances, adding to them a fair amount of artistry and acting skills.
Dancers, performing these, tell a certain story, conveying a separate piece of art. Every movement and every gesture is of great importance: the entire body, including legs and arms, body and head, is responsible for transmitting information to the audience. The basis of the dancers’ movements is set by the music, emphasizing and completing the overall composition.

Ballroom dancing is a very intense direction, and the more complex the idea and the more emotional the plot, the more intense the movements are made during performance. The dancer’s task is to convey the story as clearly and understandably as possible to the audience, using their gestures and movements and falling exactly in time with the music. It would not be an exaggeration to say that this is a whole science and it is better to master it from childhood. You can learn more about this direction for children at the Viva La Danza dance school http://www.vianserg-dance.ru/ballroomdance-dlya-detey. At the same time, you can start ballroom dancing at any age and at any level of training, the main thing is effort and sincere interest in this beautiful and spectacular sport. It is important to pay close attention to the lessons and knowledge that teachers give in order to learn as productively as possible. dance art. The lessons will allow you to learn to feel the music and its rhythm, move in complete harmony with the rhythm and perform all dance movements flawlessly.

There are quite a lot of dances related to ballroom sports. Traditionally, they are divided into two programs: European and Latin American. Each of the dances of these programs keeps its own traditions and its own history, but they all have specific goal: convey emotions from the performer to the viewer. Some of them are full of passion and love, others, on the contrary, resemble a noisy and spectacular carnival, but all of them are filled with lightness and romance. Sports ballroom dancing differs from all other dance styles precisely in the complexity and subtlety of the information transmitted, for example, love can be presented as passion and as a force that destroys everything in its path, or as peace, tenderness and softness. All this is taught at the dance school; although it is not the simplest, but with due diligence it is quite effective. Wherein slow dancing more complex in their technique: in a fast one, you can miss some movement that is not well executed, or a completely incorrect one, but in a slow one, all movements must be clear and precise.

The main task of the dancer is to evoke sympathy among the audience and convey to them his idea. Ballroom dancing is comparable to watching a film or reading a book, and the maximum effect from it will be only when the audience understands the idea of ​​​​the performance and when it evokes sympathy.

In addition to the beautiful, artistic component important in ballroom dancing there is also a focus on sports. Training and performances involve intense physical activity therefore, in order to look impeccable throughout the dance and perform successfully in front of the audience, you need excellent physical shape and endurance, especially when we're talking about about high-speed elements and complex dance moves, as well as about competitions, during which you need to perform several dances in a row without losing effectiveness and sophistication. It is very important to pay attention to your physical fitness in order not only to harmoniously develop your body, but also to successfully and effectively perform dances in public.

Ballroom dancing, with all its apparent complexity, is accessible to everyone. You just need to show patience and perseverance in mastering this wonderful spectacular direction and stunning results will not keep you waiting!

  • Regular dancing will make your body slimmer. During training, from 200 to 800 kcal are burned per hour - no worse than during fitness classes.
  • You can strengthen the respiratory organs and heart, increase the body's endurance, and cleanse blood vessels of cholesterol.
  • and your gait is something you can be proud of after regular exercise. Dancing will help you learn to hold your back correctly.
  • You will develop excellent coordination, reaction speed and body flexibility.
  • You will become sociable and confident.
  • Learn not to be ashamed of your own body and move beautifully to the music.
  • You will have the opportunity to express yourself. In dance, a person is completely liberated, which contributes to psycho-emotional relief.
  • You are guaranteed great mood. After the gym or fitness training, many people feel tired, but after dancing, on the contrary, they feel a surge of strength and vigor.

Which direction to choose

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Hip-hop is a cheerful, playful and very energy-intensive youth dance genre. You will be able to express your emotions, experiences or protest, and relax thanks to the movements that the body itself prompts. This is drive and adrenaline, the spirit of competition and leadership. The rules and restrictions are blurred here, but at the same time a bright, clear style is felt.

This direction is characterized by downward movements, relaxed bent knees and a low-slung body. High jumps are replaced by sliding along the floor, there is a quick unexpected transition from wavy and slow movements to sharp and clear ones. The dancer should appear completely relaxed and the dance should appear free-flowing.

Who is it suitable for?

Anyone who is young or feels young, confident and daring. Hip-hop can be a healthy hobby for your child. For children and adolescents, it will help strengthen the musculoskeletal system, correct slight stoop and form a proportional figure. Moreover, this dance direction brings up strong-willed qualities and determination, helps to show individuality.

According to the study Kids inactive most of the time during dance classes, hip-hop is the most useful dance style for a child: 57% of the duration of the workout a person is in motion. Scientists recognized flamenco as the least active: in this case, children were active only 14% of the time.

Peculiarities

  • home distinguishing feature: hip-hop is danced not to the rhythm of the melody, but to the beat, which must be recognized and clearly captured in the musical composition.
  • This is not just a dance, but a way of self-expression and a lifestyle. Hip-hop fans often wear clothes that emphasize their freedom: wide pants, sneakers, baseball caps, hoodies.
  • Hip-hop is always open to experimentation and improvisation. Important role character plays in this direction, namely confidence, self-affirmation, a certain stubbornness and perseverance. This type of dance will help you become more courageous, psychologically liberated and open in communication.
  • This dance perfectly works the muscles of the legs, arms and shoulder girdle, and improves fine motor skills.

Contraindications

Hip-hop can be considered a set, so the contraindications are standard, as for regular training. People who have problems with knee joints, since they bear a heavy load.


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The training combines aerobic exercise with elements of seductive dance. Each lesson includes a warm-up, including stretching, and learning dance moves. The muscles of the legs and arms, hips and buttocks, abdomen, back and chest receive an excellent workout.

Beginners will have to master the basic elements: waves with the body and arms, circular movements with the hips and chest, arches in the back while standing, sitting and lying on the floor. As you progress, the training includes complicated dance sequences with elements of acrobatics (splits, flips, stands).

Who is it suitable for?

This type of dance is created for all girls and women, regardless of their physical shape, appearance and age. If you not only strive for beautiful figure and graceful gait, but also want to learn to love yourself, attract and seduce the opposite sex, then strip plastic surgery is ideal for you.

Peculiarities

  • Strip plastic will help you overcome complexes more easily, will give you the opportunity to see your body and its advantages in a new way, as well as correct or hide shortcomings. After regular exercise, you will not only look better, but also feel more confident and attractive.
  • When teaching this style, much attention is paid to posture and movement, without which high-quality performance of dance elements is impossible.
  • The program also includes a fashion show. A few weeks will pass, and you will begin to move smoothly and relaxed, and your gait will become easy.
  • Another advantage is that many movements are done with a bend in the lower back. Usually these muscles are poorly developed due to a sedentary lifestyle. This type of dance will be an excellent prevention of diseases such as scoliosis and osteochondrosis.
  • During such training, transformation occurs, you will be able to reveal your sensuality and tell about secret desires, try on different roles - from a modest housewife to a vamp. You will master the art of attracting men and learn how to arouse their interest.

Contraindications

Diseases of the respiratory system, heart, blood vessels and joints can become an obstacle to exercise. With osteochondrosis, there is a limitation: you cannot twist the spine too much. At the same time, strengthening the back and abdominal muscles, stretching the muscles of the hips, shoulder girdle and pelvis will help significantly alleviate the symptoms of the disease.


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This is one of the sexiest trends that helps prolong a woman’s youth and attractiveness. Mandatory components of oriental dances are blows (sharp movements of the hips) and vibration combined with smooth waves, circles, and figure eights. Coordination of movements is very important. The dance drawing should look holistic, capturing all the attention of the viewer.

Who is it suitable for?

Ideal for mature women. Unlike jogging or aerobics, belly dancing is a gentle form of physical activity. This means you can perform movements without putting undue stress on your knees, legs, and feet.

Peculiarities

  • You can start mastering the eastern direction even if you are in poor physical shape: belly dancing will independently prepare your body for the necessary stress.
  • This type of activity helps to shape a feminine figure. Since the movements of the hips in this dance are quite complex in terms of coordination, those muscles are worked out that are difficult to use during regular exercises. Such a fPhysical exercise promotes healthy labor and makes labor easier.
  • After 2-3 months of belly dancing, women feel better with gynecological diseases. Blood circulation improves, especially in the pelvic organs, inflammation of the appendages goes away, and menstrual pain is forgotten.
  • Doing only oriental dances, it is impossible to create a perfect figure, since this is a fairly similar load. Not all muscle groups are involved here; for example, it practically does not work back surface thighs, gluteal muscle, triceps.

Contraindications

Latin American dances (salsa, bachata, cha-cha-cha, mamba, rumba)

Latin American dances are known for their excitement, impulsiveness and positivity. The classes consist of three parts:

  • Warm-up - semicircular rotations of the head, hips, circular movements of the shoulders, etc.
  • The main part is learning the movements and repeating them many times.
  • Cool down - usually static stretching exercises and dance movements at a slow pace.

Who are they suitable for?

This type of training is ideal for energetic and emotional people. It embodies the fiery rhythm and clarity of movements. Latin American dances too great way warm up your relationship as a couple or make new acquaintances.

Peculiarities

  • The main feature of such dances is the constant work of the hip muscles with a fixed position of the back and a springy step. Therefore, the main load falls on the muscles of the shoulders, lower back and legs. This type of dance also helps improve heart rate.
  • One of the important features is that you won’t even notice the load on the body as a whole. The maximum you will feel is slight pleasant fatigue. This is due to the proportionality of the load on the entire body.
  • By actively practicing Latin American dancing, you can not only lose weight, but also pump up your thighs, if you are inclined to do so.

Contraindications

If you have cardiovascular diseases or problems with the musculoskeletal system, such dances are contraindicated.


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One of the most popular workouts for weight loss. It has spread to more than 180 countries. This fitness program combines elements of hip-hop, salsa, samba, merengue, mambo, flamenco and belly dancing. Its goal is to work the maximum number of muscles without exhausting you with repeated repetitions of trivial exercises.

The direction was invented by Colombian Alberto Perez in the late 90s. He was a professional choreographer and dedicated his entire life to teaching others Latin dance. Later, Zumba became the basis for the training of many stars (Shakira, Beyoncé, Britney Spears).

Who is it suitable for?

Zumba does not tolerate restrictions; it can be practiced by people of any age, men and women with any abilities and skills. All choreographic movements are simple and clear.

Peculiarities

  • The workout is like a party where everyone dances using simple combinations of movements.
  • To start practicing, you don't need any special physical training, so Zumba is great for beginners.
  • The dance program is very varied, which means you won’t get bored.
  • The emphasis in training is on the lower body, which allows you to tighten your muscles and get rid of cellulite.

Contraindications

Categorical contraindications are hernia of the lumbar spine, displacement of the vertebrae, diseases of the bones, ligaments, joints, thrombosis, problems with the heart muscle, high blood pressure, post-traumatic period, pregnancy at any stage.


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Contempo is a combination of dance techniques from Western ( classical dance, jazz-modern) and oriental (qigong, taijiquan, yoga) arts of movement.

The basic exercises are constructed by analogy with classical and modern ones: from simple to more complex. The class includes exercises on the ground (floor work), relaxation techniques, and stretching.

Who is it suitable for?

For amateur and professional dancers. The height, weight, and build of a person are not important here. Contemp is suitable for you if you want to do more than just maintain good shape, move beautifully, but also get to know yourself.

Peculiarities

  • Globally, contemporary dance differs from other dance styles in its inward orientation, interest in the quality of the moving body, its relationship with space, time, and partner. The dancer accumulates energy, thoughts, emotions within himself, and then gives them to the viewer.
  • The peculiarity of the dance also lies in the alternation of muscle tension and relaxation, falling and rising, sudden stops (often on straight legs), and balancing.
  • Breathing during contempo should be measured, as if it continues to move. Martial arts brought this requirement into dance.
  • Contempo tends more towards the floor, while emphasizing the lightness and expressiveness of movements. Usually danced barefoot.

Contraindications

Standard limits for physical activity. Moreover, this type of dance is quite difficult, exhausting, and you need to be in excellent condition. psychological form for training. Prolonged stretching and practicing jumping can exhaust a person with a fine mental organization and bring him into a state.


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It's pretty complex set movements that require keeping your entire body tense. Training is often exhausting, with a fairly heavy load. Before starting, a 15-minute warm-up is required to warm up the main muscle groups, after which the basic elements of dance begin to be practiced. To perform this style, not only the dancer’s movements are important, but also his appearance, especially shoes. The most known species The Celtic dance that everyone knows about is step.

Who are they suitable for?

Patient people who are attracted to the topic social dancing. This style is characterized by complex combinations, the elements of which will have to be learned not only in class, but also at home (perhaps even mentally).

Peculiarities

  • You'll have to get used to a rather unusual position. The dance is performed on half toes (the dancer raises his heels and stands on his toes), top part the body is motionless, the arms are always lowered. The basic rule is fast footwork.
  • This is a group dance, so you have to, on the one hand, give up all liberties, and on the other, develop a sense of partnership when you feel like one with other people. Psychologists assure that such training is especially useful for those who have difficulty joining a team or are afraid of communication.
  • Music has a clear rhythm and requires the same precise steps. It is important to hit both the note and the foot.
  • Another interesting feature is that it is better not to practice any other dances before starting training. Classical choreographic preparation often gets in the way. For example, in ballet the feet and hips are strongly turned to the sides. Here, on the contrary, the legs are always crossed. And you should completely forget about your hands.
  • The Celtic dance system is extremely interesting because it heals the spine without missing a single section, no worse than a real doctor. The habit of keeping your back straight will form after several weeks of regular exercise.
  • Constant training will form ideal calf muscles. Although any type of dance has a positive effect on the leg muscles, Celtic dance gets a well-deserved gold medal.
  • This type of activity does not put any strain on the arms, so if necessary (or if desired), you need to work this area separately.

Contraindications

Large impact loads (jumps) do not allow those who have problems with the heart, blood vessels, spine, etc. to practice Celtic dancing. Progressive varicose veins are also a contraindication.

We looked at several main dance directions from which you can begin to get acquainted with the world of dance. Take a few classes and you'll see what's right for you. When choosing, consider your age, the difficulty of training, your physical condition and goals.

Hearing the phrase “ballroom dancing”, many people imagine luxury dresses, exquisite men's tailcoats and quiet classical music. This is because the word “ball” is associated with solemn royal events and activities that we read about in children's fairy tales.

In fact, “ballroom” began to be called secular, non-professional, pair dances that arose in the Middle Ages in Europe. Throughout their history they have undergone significant changes, and each era put into them its own characteristics and specific features.

In the 20th century, ballroom dances consisted of European dances, which included elements of Latin American and African culture. In fact, most of modern ballroom trends have real African “roots”, which were “polished” by European masters and dance schools.

Division of ballroom dancing and new items that have become popular

In the twenties of the 19th century, a special Council arose under the English Imperial Society, which was supposed to deal specifically with ballroom dancing. The goal of the specialists was to standardize all areas available at that time, such as:
  • foxtrot (fast and slow);
  • waltz;
  • tango.
It was at that moment that all ballroom dances were divided into two styles that were opposite in style - social dance and the now popular sports ones. By the 50s, the number of dance styles dominant in Europe had increased significantly. People learned about fiery, festival Latin American dances, which, despite their specificity, were accepted by society and rightfully began to be considered “ballroom”. Europeans appreciated: jive, samba, paso doble, rumba, cha-cha-cha.

Nowadays, thousands of large and small classical dance competitions are held annually. In most cases, they are divided into three programs - Latin American, European, and “ten”.

Everything you need to know about ballroom dancing

The first feature of ballroom dancing is that they are all pairs, and represent a kind of “communication” between a lady and a gentleman. Moreover, partners must strictly observe all permissible points of contact in order to truly merge in an excellent, beautiful, enchanting dance. Techniques developed over the years have been brought to perfect balance so that the dance is not just movements to music, but a collection of harmonious steps that create the perfect ensemble.

If we talk about contacts, then Latin American dances They have greater freedom of movement, and partners touch only with their hands most of the time. At some points, contact is lost completely, and sometimes it intensifies during the execution of special figures.

IN modern world The popularity of ballroom dancing has decreased significantly, due to the fact that its performance requires special skills and grueling training to constantly maintain shape.

In the sixties of the 20th century, a twist appeared, the popularity of which became the “beginning of the end” for paired dance styles. Tango, waltz, foxtrot have practically sunk into oblivion and ceased to serve as a way of entertainment for the broad masses of people.

Without a doubt, it is wrong to talk about ballroom dancing as one direction - each of them has its own characteristics that deserve special attention. But undoubtedly, the most harmonious and vibrant are two dances - tango and foxtrot. In one period of time, they managed to cover several continents at once, and to this day they remain popular and favorite destinations for millions of people around the world.

Tango

This style originated in the African communities living in Buenos Aires and was based on ancient dance movements invented by the inhabitants of the hottest continent.

It was “brought” to Europe by touring orchestras and dancers, and for the first time it was performed in the capital of France - Paris, and only after that “went” to Berlin, London and other cities.

In 1913, the dance became popular in Finland, the USA and many other countries.

During the period of the “Great Depression” there was a real “golden age” of tango - at this time many ensembles were created, which included ordinary people who eventually became real stars.

In the year 83 of the 20th century, the Forever Tango show was created in New York, after which people around the world began to take classes in order to master this beautiful, rhythmic and passionate direction.

Foxtrot

There is a misconception that this dance owes its name to English word“foxtrot”, which translated means “fox gait”, however, in fact, the name comes from the name of the man who became the founder of the style - Harry Fox.

Introduced in the United States in 1912, the foxtrot immediately after World War I won the hearts of Europeans.

A special feature of this dance was the “weightlessness” of the steps, which gave all movements a special lightness and airiness. Perhaps, no other “ballroom” direction can boast that partners, in the process, become literally one whole, merging into an ideal organism.

Classification of ballroom dances

All ballroom sports dances are divided into two main programs - Latin American and European. Each of the directions has certain norms, rules and pace that must be followed.

Latin American includes such styles as:

  • cha-cha-cha (from 30 to 32 beats per minute);
  • jive (42 to 44 beats per minute);
  • paso doble (60 to 62 beats per minute);
  • rumba (from 25 to 27 beats per minute);
  • samba (from 50 to 52 beats per minute).
The European one includes:
  • tango (from 31 to 33 beats per minute);
  • slow waltz(from 28 to 30 cycles per minute);
  • quickstep (from 50 to 52 beats per minute);
  • slow foxtrot (from 28 to 30 beats per minute);
  • Viennese waltz (from 58 to 60 bars per minute).
These days, European ballroom dancing is hardly seen at nightclub parties. Most often they are performed in competitions and ceremonial events, but the Latin American direction is quite popular among young people.