Hearing the phrases " 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 the modern ballroom styles have real African “roots” that have been “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.
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 pair 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
Exists misconception that this dance owes its name to English word“foxtrot”, which translated means “fox gait”, however, in fact, the name comes from the surname 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, literally become one whole, merging into an ideal organism.
Classification of ballroom dances
All ballroom sports dancing 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).
- 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).
Modern dance consists of a huge number of types and subtypes of dance movements, therefore it is considered the most extensive section in choreographic art.
It includes such types of dances as ballroom, jazz, modern, contemporary and others a little less popular types modern dance. Each direction has its own characteristics, which makes modern dance a rich and vibrant direction in choreography.
Types of modern dances: jazz dance
Despite its name, modern dance is not so young compared to other types of dance art. For example, jazz dance is the most “mature” subsection this direction, since it originates at the end of the 19th century.
Jazz dance has its own movements, which differ in both dance techniques and manner of performance. This is step, funk, soul, Broadway jazz, classical jazz, Afro-jazz, street, freestyle and many other types.
The youngest direction of jazz dance is soul. His distinctive feature can be considered large number various movements per unit of tempo, which are performed with maximum stretching in time.
However, the most striking type of modern dance is flash jazz, which amazes with the complexity of dance tricks, virtuosity and a large number of dance techniques, which makes it similar to.
Jazz dance, especially street jazz, played an important role in the development of modern choreographic art and became the progenitor of one-day dances and youth dance styles such as boogie-woogie, break, rap, house. You probably noticed that the names of the dances coincide with the common ones.
Types of modern dances: ballroom dance
Ballroom dance today is an independent type of sports art, which was formed from a mixture of historical and everyday dance, jazz dance, as well as social one-day dances. In modern dance world ballroom dance includes Latin American and European programs.
The Latin American program includes dances such as:
- Cha-cha-cha
- Samba
- Rumba
- Paso Doble
- Jive
Performers of the European program dance:
- Slow waltz.
- Viennese Waltz.
- Slow foxtrot.
- Quickstep.
- Tango.
These types of modern dances involve beautiful movement not only bodies, but also faces. This gives ballroom dancing even more expressiveness and liveliness.
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Types of modern dances: modern
The peculiarity of this type of modern dance is its philosophical approach to movement and rejection of canons. classical dance. This species dance is characterized by the relationship between the dancer’s movements and the rhythm-forming fundamentals, as well as the search for a second and third plan musical accompaniment.
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Types of modern dances: contemporary dance
An important point in this modern direction choreographic art is the connection between the dancer’s internal emotional state and the form of dance itself. Сontemporary dance involves the maximum use of internal resources with the help various techniques, such as dance and contact improvisation, release.
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Many types of modern dances, as well as dances, are extremely popular both among young people and among older people. This is not surprising, because the beauty of the virtuosity of performing jazz dances, the soulfulness and harmony of the slow waltz and the transfer of state and mood in contemporary dance are not only very impressive, but also make you think about the scale of this direction in the art of choreography.
Dancing is one of the most amazing forms of artistry. They make it possible to be in unity with your body and soul, and also to be content with the freedom you have gained. In dance, a person can show all his feelings, emotions, love, passion. This type of art conveys to the audience the complete inspiration of the artist and composer, all the activity and even the hidden light.
Modern dance is contemplation of the splendor of the surroundings and the power of movements during dance literally enchant and can penetrate into the depths of the heart, since only here is stored the greatest happiness for humanity - the absolute experience of love. After all, love, without any doubt, works miracles!
Types of modern dances
Such dances are simply born for those people who cannot imagine their existence without the rhythms of today's music, who are ardent admirers of various discos and parties. And for those who want to achieve the perfection of their body. You can master the skill of excellent performance in dance styles such as:
- Hipe - a combination of different people in a dance.
- Disko.
- Hip-hop - small jumps.
- Slide man - moon steps.
- House.
- Plastic - plastic movements.
- X-D - program of modern club styles for youth.
- Break - floor dance.
- Club dance is a club performance that contains many basic movements from different styles.
You need to try and not be afraid
Dance is life. Only in this form of art are all potentials revealed. Dance is not only a sequence of automatic body movements, it is, first of all, a reflection of the soul and a demonstration of temperament. In a dance a person shows his small world and gives the subconscious a chance to express itself.
There are people who are ashamed of their movements. This especially applies to people. But children feel confident in dancing, and they can succeed the first time. They are not afraid that they may look ridiculous or funny. After all, dancing is also natural.
Health Benefits
Practicing any type of dance has a positive effect on human health. They produce plastic, strengthen all types muscle mass, develop coordination of movements and create good posture. In addition, dance lessons give determination and allow you to strengthen your will, which is of great importance in the current difficult world. Dancing is an ideal means for your own spiritual and physical development. They help relieve tension and help overcome depression. It’s not for nothing that psychologists recommend dance group physiotherapy.
Dancing for slimness
Ballroom dancing is perhaps the most beautiful and flexible sports variety. This is a real sport, regardless of what is called dancing. This sport requires a lot of energy and effort. Various competitions and championships keep dancers slim and toned, prepare them for self-control and perseverance, and develop confidence in victory and strength of character. At the same time it is enchanting and beautiful art.
Watching a dancing couple is a real pleasure. Dance is life that can be shown during performance. This is also a book that you can’t wait to read, and music that draws you in and carries you deep into the world of dreams and dreams. Ballroom dance is a performance in which only two dancers are involved - a woman and a man. The performance conveys the experiences, emotions and relationships of the couple. And therefore it is always in demand and modern.
Types of ballroom dances
A necessary accessory for this type of dance is a parquet floor. Only on such a floor covering, polished to a mirror finish, are the smooth movements of the dancers possible. Please note that parquet is very slippery and will require certain skills and experience. It is sometimes difficult for a beginner to maintain his balance and not lose his balance during each step.
Ballroom dancing championships contain two types of disciplines:
- Latin American dances (“Latin”) - rumba, samba, jive, cha-cha-cha, paso doble;
- European dances - slow and Viennese waltz, tango, quickstep (fast foxtrot) and slow foxtrot.
Slow dancing
This type of dancing has been valued at all times and was popular at any party, prom or wedding. As a rule, good and calm music is played under it; the gentlemen choose their partners to slowly spin around in the movement of pleasant sensations. But it’s not always the men who invite you to dance. After all, there is also a white dance. This is when ladies choose their own partners.
It is not always easy for a representative of the fairer sex to take the first step - to come up and invite young man dance. But slow dance may become opportunity start a conversation and get to know each other better. The main thing is not to be too annoying, but rather to present yourself as slightly indifferent and not show your passion. The ideal is to present your proposal so that it does not turn out to be uncompromising. And perhaps then the white dance can turn into a further family life for the partners.
Movement and dancing mean health and a beautiful body!
This type of art is very useful activity for a slim body and healthy body. What results can be achieved thanks to:
- strengthen the lower muscles;
- improve coordination of movements;
- form an even posture and;
- put away overweight and correct your figure;
- relieve stress and learn to cope with depression;
- develop muscle plasticity and relieve them from cramps;
- be able to keep your body in good shape.
In this combination, all the central muscles of the body are worked out; there is no need to perform monotonous, uninteresting body movements, as during ordinary exercises. All you have to do is turn on rhythmic music and enjoy the dance movements.
First, you should knead for five minutes, doing it with your pelvis, arms, body and head. Then do some squats and bends. Now that your body is warmed up, you can try to learn a few common dance moves. Ideally, you should perform them in front of a mirror. large sizes to control the accuracy of dance steps.
Newlyweds dance
The first dance is one of the most important and touching components of a wedding celebration for newlyweds. It brings back memories of the first meeting, a tender kiss and romantic evenings that the newlyweds had before the wedding. And just with the dance of the newlyweds, the entertainment program at the wedding party begins.
Music is usually ordered by the bride and groom. As a rule, this is “their melody”, which makes it possible to remember something wonderful that happened to them earlier. What direction of the first dance - waltz or fiery samba, energetic rock and roll or stormy foxtrot - is chosen only by the spouses.
There is only one important condition - the dance should not be ordinary, boring stomping of feet or ridiculous and funny body movements. After all, dancing is an opening of the soul, a manifestation of looseness and freedom of action at any time. entertainment event. And that’s why young people often go to a wedding before their wedding. dance groups to learn some unusual moves so that their first dance will be memorable for the rest of their lives.
Dance as an art form appeared a very long time ago. This is a unique and universal form of conveying to the audience their feelings, emotions and sensations, regardless of their gender, age, nationality and social status. The entire process of transmitting information takes place exclusively at the non-verbal level, with the help of movements, gestures and postures alone.
In modern dance art there are huge amount dance styles that are constantly and dynamically developing. Sports ballroom dancing is rightfully considered the most beautiful of them. Today, this dance direction has collected all the most romantic, sensual and vibrant couple dances. It is extremely popular among dancers, and competitions are held all over the world.
Modern sports ballroom dancing is usually divided into two large programs, Latin American and European, each of which consists of 5 dances. This is a trend with an extensive, rich history, its roots going back to ancient times, when beautifully dressed ladies and gentlemen danced these dances in large parquet halls at balls. Over time, they have noticeably changed and transformed, eventually transforming into a dance sport today. This is a competitive style, still performed by the gentleman and the lady, and still beautiful and bewitching. The history of ballroom dancing is vast and goes back many years.
Ballroom dancing of the 20th century is based on European dance, which at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries was heavily influenced by African and Latin American culture. Almost all modern ones take their roots in African culture, however, over time, they all changed under the influence of European culture.
In the 20s of the 20th century, a special Council responsible for ballroom dancing arose in England. Its specialists brought all dances known at that time, such as the waltz, foxtrot, and tango, to common standards. At the same time, competitive dancing arose and ballroom was divided into sports and social. By the 50s, the number of ballroom dances had increased significantly: they included rumba, samba, jive, paso doble and cha-cha.
Each of the dances has a rich history. For example, the slow waltz owes its appearance to the Boston Waltz, which originated at the end of the 18th century. He was extremely popular not only in America, where he appeared, but also in England. After World War I, this dance changed noticeably and marked the beginning of the slow waltz in its modern version. Tempo - 30 beats per minute in 3/4 time signature. It is melodic, gentle, and gives dancers a feeling of calm, intimacy and detachment.
Controversy among researchers is also raging about the origin of the Viennese Waltz: some believe that it originated from the Ländler - the Austrian folk dance, others are sure that its connection with the perky Provençal dance of the volta is obvious. At the beginning of the 19th century basic movements Both the volta and landler steps were adjusted to a certain rhythm, and this is how the main step of this dance appeared.
Foxtrot, in turn, was known as one-step and two-step. Only in the 20th century did this dance begin to be performed without any inversion: during the dance, the dancers’ feet remained parallel. This was a real revolution in the dance world. Performing the foxtrot is considered quite difficult and requires enormous concentration, good balance and precise control over your movements.
In the twenties, the foxtrot was performed at a tempo of 50 bars per minute, but later the music for it was stretched. The old foxtrot was transformed, enriched with elements of other dances popular at that time, such as shimmy and black bottom. As a result of all these experiments, a quickstep appeared - a fast foxtrot, performed at a tempo of 50-52 bars, and the dance itself, in addition to the main steps of the slow foxtrot, was enriched with movements introduced from outside.
The cha-cha-cha dance owes its appearance to the English teacher Pierre Lavelle. Returning from Cuba, where he studied Afro-Brazilian culture, Lavelle became more convinced of his idea that Rumba could be performed at a faster tempo. In 1952 in England he presented completely new dance, which caused an instant sensation. The time signature of this dance is 4/4 and the tempo is 30 beats per minute.
Samba is a dance that came to us from Brazil, but is of African origin. In the 16th century, many of their traditions and dances came to Brazil along with dark-skinned people from the Congo and Angola, which gained popularity among the local population and began to develop and change. The greatest popularity of this dance is in European countries occurred in the middle of the last century. In 1956, the popularity of samba spread throughout the world, and the dance itself was standardized for competitive performance. The musical size of this dance is 2/4, and it is performed at a tempo of 50-52 beats per minute.
Rumba came to us from Cuba and is also of African origin. There are many versions of the appearance of this dance: some believe that the rumba was originally a pantomime with sexual overtones, others claim that it was an imitation of animals, and others associate it with African slaves. Rumba came to America in the thirties of the last century and was a mixture of classical rumba with other dances, and the steps and movements were not yet fully formed. Much later it was developed final version, which is included in the competition program today. The size of this dance is 4/4, the tempo is 20-25 beats per minute.
The Paso Doble came to us from Spain and depicts a bullfight, where the partner acts as a cape, and the music is based on the march with which the bullfight begins. This dance was especially popular in the 30s of the last century in the aristocratic circles of Paris, and after the Second World War it found its way into competitive program dancing. The musical size of this dance is 2/4, its tempo is 60 beats per minute.
The jive dance originated in the United States and was extremely popular among the black population. It takes its origins from the ritual dances of the Indians and is also based on African culture. In the 1880s in America, dance competitions were held among the black population for the highest quality performance of this dance, where the winner received a big pie. Initially, it was a youth dance that was not popular with the older generation. Moreover, they even tried to ban it, since its performance in dance halls interfered with other dancers due to the fact that the jive was performed on the spot and interfered with the progress of the rest of the dancers along the dance line. Later this dance was transformed into other forms such as boogie-woogie, bebop, etc. Today on dance competitions This dance is performed last and requires enormous stamina from the dancers. Its time signature is 4/4 and its tempo is 40 to 46 bars per minute.
The history of the development of dance styles is truly exciting. All ballroom dances, without exception, have many decades of improvement and a host of cultural influences that have influenced them. Each of them has a unique flavor and character. That is why these dances are so wildly popular even many centuries after their appearance and gather a lot of fans around the world!
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