What dances are included in sports dances? Sports ballroom dancing is a special kind of sport and art

Hearing the phrase “ballroom dancing”, many imagine luxurious 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 has invested in 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. Already by the 50s the number dance styles dominant in Europe has 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

First feature ballroom dancing- this is that they are all paired, 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 differ more freedom movements, and the 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 workouts, 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 appeared in the African communities living in Buenos Aires and was based on the ancient dance moves, 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 the 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 beats 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 at competitions and special events, but the Latin American style is quite popular among young people.

Dance sport (sport dances) includes three sections - standard dances, Latin American dances and 10 dances: tango, waltz, Viennese waltz, quickstep, foxtrot, cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, jive, paso doble. All these types of dances are paired, and a couple, as a rule, consists of a woman and a man.

Particularly popular today are: Cha-cha-cha, Samba, Rumba, Jive and Paso Doble. They are danced not only on professional competitions, but also at parties and various events. Each type of these Latin American dances has its own history of origin.

Once upon a time, a group of Romance languages, descended from Latin, did not specifically determine the direction of development of a culture that became widespread on the American continent. Today, dance program consists of three dances - from France, from Spain and from the USA. Also, I would like to note that the name “Latin American dances” rather comes from “Latin and American dances” rather than depending on geographical location territories in which all this was formed.

These three dances mentioned above arose from the fusion of European, Indian and Negro cultures. This is where it all really started.

Today, dancing is not only a sport, but also a favorite pastime for most people. As for the rules for holding sports dance competitions, I would like to note many points here.

Let's take, for example, types of competitions. Yes, various competitions can be held in sports dances: standard dances, Latin American dances, combination (this includes standard and Latin), standard forming, Latin American forming.

Also, competitions can be divided into:

1. Classification. Athletes of the same category participate in these competitions. Strict compliance with classification requirements is mandatory;

Competitions may vary in nature:

1. Personal. This type competitions involve determining the results of each pair that participates in the competition, as well as determining the place occupied by this pair;

2. Team. In this type of competition, the results of certain pairs of participants are determined, then everything is summed up and the overall team place is established;

3. Personal-team. This type of competition implies that points or scores will be awarded both to specific participating pairs and to all teams individually.

The competition program may consist of:

1. Standard form: waltz, Viennese waltz, tango, quickstep, slow foxtrot;

2. Latin American style: cha-cha-cha, samba, paso doble, rumba, jive;

3. Type of combination: this includes standard + Latin.

I would also like to note that at any competition it is unacceptable to violate the sequence: “hobby class” - “E class” - “D class” - “C class” - “B class” - “A class”.

Finally, let us remind you of what the musical accompaniment should be:

1. Dance tunes, which accompany all the actions of athletes at the tournament, must correspond to the volume of the room, must not have any distortion or noise, and its volume level must be normal;

2. Everyone's pace musical works are required to comply with internationally accepted standards;

3. The duration of the melodies must also comply with the standards established by the rules;

4. The length of the melody is calculated without taking into account the introduction.

Sports dancing is graceful look sports In order to become good dancer, a person must have a calling to become one.

Sports dancing is a direction that involves the use of movements and elements in the appropriate rhythm and sequence to predetermined music. Sports dancing is very popular, and all thanks to its beauty, sensuality and originality.

Due to popularity sports dances There are many directions of them. This article will talk about what types of sports dances exist and how they differ from each other.

Latin types of sports dances

This group of sports dances includes samba, rumba, and paso doble. It is noteworthy that all these dances are strikingly different from each other. For example, samba is characterized by a quick change of positions of both partners, as well as expression, passion, and activity of the hips. Samba is a compulsory dance in Latin American program.

Rumba is characterized by a more dramatic selection of music, the same activity, movement of the hips and a certain eroticism of movements. At the same time, initially the rubma itself was meant as a Cuban dance for cabarets and saloons. After rumba, it moved to the sports dance section, becoming part of the Latin American program.

Cha-cha-cha is also a sports dance that uses active movement of the hips, legs, and back. Some elements are not easy to perform, so experts recognize the cha-cha-cha as one of the most complex species Latin American direction. The movement in this dance is fast, the musical size is 4/4, the tempo is 30 (120 beats) beats per minute.

Modern types of sports dances

Types of sports dances are constantly changing and transforming in accordance with the origins of rhythms and movements. That is why now it is not dances such as rumba or waltz that are more popular, but those based on the use of new, bright melodies, such as strip dance, tectonics, and break dance.

Strip dancing is a mixture of pole dance moves and private dance with sporty elements and classic movements. Strip dancing is a real art of seduction based on dance movements. Strip dancing classes are held in small groups with the participation of girls only.

By the way, now it is not strip plastic that is becoming increasingly popular, but go-go dance, so common in clubs. Go-go is a fiery rhythm combined with complex movements and active hip work.

Breakdancing is a completely different type of dance with complex tricks that are performed both in a standing and lying position. These types of sports dances have become widespread due to the promotion of rap culture to the masses. Breakdancing includes complex, sometimes even acrobatic movements combined with standard dance plasticity and rhythm.

Each type of sports dance is unique and inimitable, but each of them truly allows you to feel how the rhythm of movements affects the modern life person.

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, to move in complete harmony with rhythm and perform all dance moves 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 in these programs keeps its own traditions and history, but they all have a specific goal: to 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, sports also play an important role in ballroom dancing. 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 movements, 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 during classes and training, 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!

26.03.2007
Elena Izmailova

Do you want your child to have good posture and correct gait? Do you want your child to feel the rhythm? You want your child to play sports, but for health reasons he cannot go to school sport sections? Then you can give it to the Sports Ballroom Dancing section.

Many parents try to captivate their child different types wrestling, football, hockey, gymnastics. But for some reason, few people think about what sports ballroom dance is. Yes, yes, it is sports, because currently it is a full-fledged sport in which categories are assigned, called classes in dance.
Sports ballroom dancing is a set of dances that includes two programs: European and Latin American. IN European program includes: slow waltz, quickstep, tango, Viennese waltz, slow foxtrot; The Latin American program includes dances: cha-cha-cha, jive, rumba, samba and paso doble. Because Since ballroom dancing is a specific sport, dances are learned gradually, and each dance consists of a certain set of figures, the complexity of which also increases over time.
It is clear that not every child will become a good dancer right away. But the first skills acquired in this section will help even if not very much. capable person In the future, it’s good to dance at discos, control your body, have an idea of grace, a sense of rhythm, tact.
During training, emphasis is placed on two aspects:
1. dance technique - a set of figures and technical elements, as well as their high-quality execution.
2. musicality of performance - starting from “getting” into the rhythm of the dance and ending with a sense of music, giving it certain meaning and moods.
Another one of the inseparable parts good dance- this is facial expressions, gestures and the nature of the execution of figures that convey an emotional manifestation to the dance.

What kind of dances are these for which such demands are made?
Standard program- denoted by St.
1. Slow waltz
Appeared in late XVIII century. The tempo of the Slow Waltz is 30 bars per minute, and the musical time signature is 3/4. This is a dance of tender relationship between a man and a woman.
2. Quickstep or fast foxtrot
The name comes from “Quickstep” - “quick step”.
Modern Quickstep, performed at a tempo of about 200 beats per minute (50-52 bars). It uses both the basic steps of the Slow Foxtrot and fast figures introduced from outside.
3. Tango
One of the names of this dance is “dance with a stop.”
It is performed at a tempo of 30 - 32 beats per minute.
4. Slow factrot
One of the ancient names for this dance is one-step or two-step.
Faxtrot is considered one of the most difficult dances and is studied in higher classes. Dancers are required to control every movement, balance and smoothly glide across the floor.
5. Viennese Waltz
It is performed in 3/4 musical time, and the tempo at ballroom dance competitions, in contrast to the slow waltz, is 60 beats per minute.

Latin American program- denoted by La
1. Jive
The word “jive” possibly comes from “jev”, which means “dismissive talk”. There is a translation option from English word- “jibe”, i.e. "mockery")
Musical time signature Jive is 4/4 and the tempo is 40 to 46 beats per minute. Jive because pretty fast pace requires high endurance from dancers.
2. Cha-cha-cha
The name Cha-Cha-Cha may have come from Cuban dance"guaracha".
The musical time signature in Cha-Cha-Cha is 4/4, and the tempo is 30 beats per minute.
3. Rumba
The name “Rumba” when translated from Spanish means “feast”, “raut”, but there may also be a comparison with the term “rumboso orquestra”, which means musicians performing dance tunes.
The musical size of the Rumba dance is 4/4, and the performance tempo is 25-27 beats per minute.
4. Samba
The musical size of Samba is 2/4, it is performed at a tempo of 50 - 52 bars per minute.
5. Paso Doble
The name "Paso Doble" means "double step" in Spanish and may be derived from "Paso a Dos", which means "dance for two".
Paso Doble is a dance that needs to be “beat”; therefore, the dancer must have an excellent sense of rhythm and composition. That's why this dance is performed in high schools.
The musical time signature of the Paso Doble is 2/4 and the tempo is 60 beats per minute.

And in conclusion, I would like to note that sports ballroom dancing is one of the most beautiful views a sport that is never too late to start practicing.

Note.