Ballroom dance must be performed in pairs. Such dances today are commonly referred to as standardized sports dances performed at dance competitions and ceremonial events. Today in the world of dance there are two main classifications, in the aggregate consisting of ten dance styles: European and Latin American programs. Read more about dancing below.
History of ballroom dancing
The origin of the concept ballroom dance" comes from the Latin word "ballare", meaning "to dance." In the past, such dances were secular and were intended only for the highest persons, and folk dances remained for the poorer segments of the population. Since then, such a class division in dances, of course, no longer exists, and many ballroom dances are actually ennobled folk dances. In particular, modern ballroom dancing big influence rendered the culture of the African and Latin American peoples.
What to call a ballroom dance also depends on the era. Various dances were presented at balls at different times, such as polonaise, mazurka, minuet, polka, quadrille and others, which are now considered historical.
In the 1920s, the Ballroom Dancing Council was founded in Great Britain. Thanks to his activities, ballroom dance then acquired the format of a competition and began to be divided into two groups - into sports dances and the so-called social dances. The program included: waltz, tango, as well as slow and fast types of foxtrot.
During the period of the 30s - 50s, the number of dances increased: such paired Latin American dances as rumba, samba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble and jive got into the program. However, in the 60s, ballroom dancing ceased to be an ordinary entertainment, since it required certain technical training from the dancers, and was supplanted by a new dance called the twist, which did not have to be danced in pairs.
Dances of the European program
The program of European dances, or the Standard, includes: slow waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep and Viennese waltz.
Slow waltz
In the 17th century, the waltz was a folk dance in Austrian and Bavarian villages, and only at the beginning of the 19th century was it presented at balls in England. Then it was considered vulgar, since it was the first ballroom dance where the dancer could hold his partner so close to him. Since then, the waltz has taken many different forms, but each of them is united by a unique elegance and romantic mood.
A feature of the waltz is the musical time signature in three quarters and a slow tempo (up to thirty beats per minute). You can master its basic figures at home on your own.
Tango is a ballroom dance that originated in Argentina at the end of the 19th century. At first, tango was part of the Latin American dance program, but then it was transferred to the standard European program.
Perhaps, having seen the tango at least once, subsequently everyone will be able to recognize this dance - this assertive, passionate manner cannot be confused with anything. A feature of tango is a sweeping step on the whole foot, which distinguishes it from the classic "flow" from heel to toe.
Slow Foxtrot
The Foxtrot is a relatively simple ballroom dance that provides beginners with a great foundation to build upon. Foxtrot can be danced in slow, medium, and fast tempo, which allows even beginners to move gracefully on the parquet without any special skills. The dance is pretty easy to learn from scratch.
The main feature of the foxtrot is the alternation of fast and slow rhythms, but the smoothness and lightness of the steps are necessary, which should give the impression that the dancers are fluttering over the hall.
Quickstep
Quickstep appeared in the 1920s as a combination of foxtrot and Charleston. Musical bands of that time played music that was too fast for the foxtrot movements, so they were modified in quickstep. Since then, as it has developed, this ballroom dance has become even more dynamic, allowing dancers to show off their technique and athleticism.
Quickstep combines many different elements such as chassis, progressive turns and steps, to name a few.
The Viennese waltz is one of the oldest ballroom dances, which is performed at a fast pace, which characterizes the first waltzes. The golden age of the Viennese waltz in Europe came at the beginning of the 19th century, when the famous composer Johann Strauss was still living and working. The popularity of this waltz rose and fell, but it never went out of fashion.
The size of the Viennese waltz is the same as that of the slow waltz, it is three quarters, and the number of beats per second is twice as much - sixty.
Dances of the Latin American program
The following sports ballroom dances usually represent the Latin American dance program: cha-cha-cha, samba, rumba, jive and paso doble.
Samba
This ballroom dance is considered the national dance of Brazil. The world began to discover samba since 1905, but this ballroom dance became a sensation in the USA only in the 40s thanks to the singer and movie star Carmen Miranda. Samba has many varieties, for example, the samba danced in Brazilian carnivals and the ballroom dance of the same name are not the same.
Samba combines many of the movements that distinguish other Latin American ballroom dances: there are circular movements of the hips, and “springy” legs, and measured rotations. However, it is not very popular to learn: the fast pace of performance and the need for physical training often deprive beginner dancers of enthusiasm.
The name of this dance is a reference to the sounds the dancers make with their feet as they dance to the rhythm of the maracas. The dance evolved from the rumba and the mambo dance. Mambo was widespread in the USA, but its fast music was very difficult to dance to, so the Cuban composer Enrique Jorin made the music slower - and the cha-cha-cha dance was born.
A feature of cha-cha-cha is the so-called triple step for two counts. This feature made cha-cha-cha a separate dance, distinguishing it from mambo, although other movements are quite similar to this style. Cha-cha-cha is also characterized by minimal movements around the hall, basically, this ballroom dance is performed almost in one place.
Rumba has a rather rich history - it emerged both as a musical genre and as a dance style with roots in Africa. Rumba is a very rhythmic and complex dance that has spawned many other dance styles, including salsa.
Previously, this Latin American dance was considered too vulgar because of its uninhibited movements. It is still called the dance of love. The mood of the dance can change during its execution - from measured to aggressive. The performance style is reminiscent of mambo and cha-cha-cha styles. The main measures of the rumba are QQS or SQQ (from the English S - "slow" - "slow" and Q - "quick" - "fast").
"Paso doble" is Spanish for "two steps", which defines its marching nature. It is a powerful and rhythmic dance, which is characterized by a straight back, a look from under the eyebrows and dramatic postures. Among many other Latin American dances, paso doble is notable for the fact that you will not find African roots in its origin.
This Spanish folk dance was inspired by bullfighting, with the man invariably portraying the matador tamer and the woman playing the role of his cape or bull. However, during the performance of paso doble at dance competitions, the partner never depicts a bull - only a cloak. Due to its stylization and large number of rules, this ballroom dance is practically not performed outside of dance competitions.
Jive
Jive originated in African American clubs in the early 40s. The word "jive" itself means "misleading chatter" - a popular slang term among African Americans of the time. The US military brought the dance to England during World War II. There jive was adapted to British pop music and took the form it has today.
A characteristic feature of jive is the fast pace of the dance, due to which the movements come out springy. Another feature of jive is straight legs. You can dance this sports ballroom dance both on a six-bar count and on an eight-bar count.
An art such as dance began to develop at the dawn of the emergence of mankind. Primitive tribes had their own, special ritual dances, which were an important part of their traditions and life. Their descendants, who began to build the first states, turned these gestures into part of the sovereign symbolism. Thus, the first types of dances appeared, which to a greater extent testified to the origin of man, to his roots. Today people dance everywhere, and at the same time their movements are no longer limited by any framework that the state determines. Well, let's take a closer look at what types of dances are in various parts of the world and how they become popular all over the world.
What is dance
This term refers to a type of art in which artistic images are transmitted through plastic and rhythmic body movements. Any dance is inextricably linked with a certain music that suits its style. During this “ritual”, certain positions of the human body, the figures that he can show, transitions from one pose to another are very important. Considering what types of dances there are in our time, it is easy to assume that there are simply an uncountable number of such figures and movements. That is why they are divided into categories, which largely depend on the place of origin of a particular dance, as well as on its other features (pair, group, single, etc.).
The history of the origin of dance art
Even during the existence of primitive tribes, the earliest types of dances originated. They were given names depending on the emotions they accompanied. For example, a tribe could try to bring rain after a long drought, and for this a special ritual was composed, during which people moved in a certain way. Through rhythmic body movements, they thanked their gods, met the birth of children and saw off their dead ancestors. As an art form, dance was founded in antiquity. At this time, special choreographic performances dedicated to the gods began to appear in Greece and Rome. At the same time, the very first oriental types of dances are developing in Babylon, Assyria, the Persian kingdom and other countries of Asia. In the Middle Ages, this art turned out to be legal because of the spiritual views of mankind. But with the advent of the Renaissance, it began to develop and improve again. In the 16th century, such a kind of choreography as ballet appeared, which soon became a separate art form.
Classics and its varieties
Professional dancers, learning this art from an early age, initially master classical dances. Their types depend on which program is taken as a basis - European or Latin. What unites these two subgroups is the good old classical choreography, which has much in common with ballet. The bottom line is that rehearsals are held precisely to classical music, dancers perform stretching, study positions, plies, piques and other choreographic techniques. In the future, the quality of the dance will depend precisely on the purity and correctness of the execution of all these movements.
European program
- Slow waltz. This is the golden classic of the dance, which is always accompanied by the appropriate music in three quarters. For each measure, the dancers take three steps, with the first being the main one, the second determining the angle of rotation, and the third being the auxiliary one, allowing the weight to be transferred to the other foot.
- Tango. Initially, it was an Argentinean folk dance, but later became incredibly popular all over the world and moved into the category of European classics. Its essence lies in the fact that two partners move energetically and rhythmically to the appropriate music (it is also called tango).
- Viennese waltz. This is a kind of analogy to a simple waltz, only it is danced a little faster and more energetically.
- Foxtrot. This is a fast and bright dance, which is performed both in pairs and in group mode. It was invented by Harry Fox (hence the name) at the beginning of the 20th century, and since then its popularity has not faded.
- Quickstep. This is the fastest dance from the European classics. It is performed in 4/4 rhythm, and at the same time there are as many as 50 measures per minute. It takes years of practice and grueling practice to dance the foxtrot properly. It is important that all movements look easy, relaxed, and performed with incredible accuracy.
Latin American program
Here will be listed the popular types of dances, which today often go beyond the classics. On their basis, a wide variety of variations are created to simplify the choreography and make these dances accessible to everyone.
- Samba. Brazilian dance that originated from the fusion of African and Portuguese traditions. It is danced in 2/4 time, with up to 54 measures per minute. In the classical version, it is performed to the beat of drums or other Latin percussion instruments.
- Cha-cha-cha. Characterized by much slower choreography. Size - 4/4, there are 30 measures per minute. The most popular dance in Cuba, where it originated in the 20s of the last century. Today it is included in the classical dance program.
- Rumba. The slowest and most intimate dance, which is always performed in pairs. Accuracy is not important here, as in other types of choreography. It is only important that the poses of the partners are very beautiful, that they form unique figures, and at the same time, each of their movements should be as plastic as possible.
- Paso Doble. This dance has its roots in Spanish bullfighting. Here the partner often depicts a bullfighter, and his partner is a cloak. The essence of the choreography is a double step (which is why the name).
- Jive. African-American choreography, which also originated in the 20th century and became widespread in the United States. Jive is danced in swing mode, but at the same time it is very different from the modern analogue of the same name. Size - 4/4, number of beats per minute - 44.
Ballet
Everything is now existing species The dances are more or less based on ballet. This art officially separated from general choreography in the 17th century, when the first French ballet school arose. What are the characteristics of ballet? Here the choreography is inextricably linked with the music and facial expressions of the performers. As a rule, each production has a specific scenario, which is why it is often called a mini-performance. True, in some cases there are also "scenarioless" ballets, where the dancers simply demonstrate their incomparable and precise skills. Ballet is divided into three categories: romantic, classical and modern. The first is always a mini-performance on a love theme ("Romeo and Juliet", "Carmen", etc.). The classical one can personify any plot (for example, "The Nutcracker"), but at the same time, its important element is the choreography based on acrobatics and excellent plasticity. Modern ballet includes different types dancing. There are also elements of jive, and Latin choreography, and classics. A distinctive feature is that everyone is dancing in pointe shoes.
Contemporary choreography
Nowadays, all over the world, regardless of traditions and religion, modern types of dances are popular. Their names are known to everyone, and at the same time almost everyone can learn to perform them. Such body movements do not require special stretching, preparation or natural plasticity. The main thing is to join the rhythm and become one with the music. We note right away that all the dances that will be listed below are the basis for the so-called "club choreography". These movements are quickly learned and mixed by modern youth, resulting in a kind of mix that can be seen in any nightclub in any city in the world.
Modern dances
- Tectonic. Originated in the 21st century on the basis of jumpstyle, hip-hop, popping, techno style and so on. Always dancing to fast electronic music.
- Strip dance. This is the basis of any striptease, in other words, a dance that may involve further undressing. The essence lies in plastic movements, and also often in interaction with other objects. This is how the famous pool dance, lap dance, etc.
- Go go. Erotic dance that does not involve undressing. Aimed at entertaining the public in the club. It can contain any plastic elements that will match the playing music.
- Hakka. A dance that originated in the Netherlands, in hardcore circles. His movements are based on music in this style.
- Jumpstyle. The dance based on jumps is one of the few modern dances that are danced in pairs. But at the same time, it has a feature - partners should not touch each other.
- D'n'B Step. This is exclusively the attributes of the drum and bass style. Choreography always depends on the rhythm and tempo of the music.
- Shuffle. The dance originated in Australia and is based on jazz. All movements, in particular the steps inherent in this style, are performed to electronic fast music at a faster pace.
According to the plot of the movie "Step Up" ...
After the first part of this wonderful film came out, young people actively began to study all kinds of street dances, which are characterized by freestyle and at the same time incredible plasticity and accuracy of movements. We list their main types, which have already become "street classics":
- Hip-hop. This is a whole cultural trend that originated in the 70s in New York among the representatives of the working class. It covers not only unique choreography, but also slang, fashion, demeanor and other areas of life. Within the hip-hop culture, there are a wide variety of types of dances, more or less difficult to perform. These are breaking, DJing, MCing, club hip-hop and much more.
- Breakdance, also known as b-boying. Initially, to be part of hip-hop culture, and then, due to its uniqueness, it became a separate dance.
- Cripwalk. A dance that originated in Los Angeles. It is characterized by steps that are performed in the spirit of improvisation, at a very fast pace.
- Popping. The dance is based on the rapid contraction and relaxation of the muscles, due to which the human body shudders. At the same time, it is important to observe certain positions and poses in which such movements look most impressive.
In the spirit of folk traditions
In each state, in addition to the flag and anthem, there is another equally important attribute - dance. Each nation is characterized by its own movements, its own rhythms and tempos, which have developed historically. According to the peculiarities of the choreography, one can easily determine what nationality a person is, what country he represents. Such productions are performed mainly in a group, but there are some exceptions when only two partners perform. Now we will look at the types of folk dances that are the most popular around the world. By the way, some of them became the basis of classical choreography, and some served as an excellent start for the development of street dances.
Dances of the peoples of the world
- Attan is the official folk dance of Afghanistan. It is also performed by many neighboring peoples in various variations.
- Hopak - dance of the peoples of Ukraine. Always performed in national costumes, in a very fast and energetic rhythm. It is characterized by jogging, squatting, jumping and other active body movements.
- Trepak is a primordially Russian dance, which is also widespread in Ukraine. It is always performed in two-part meter, accompanied by fractional steps and stomping.
- Zika is a famous Chechen dance performed exclusively by men. As a rule, it is an accompanying element for important religious events.
- Krakowiak is the most famous Polish dance. It is performed in a fast rhythm, always with a straight back.
- Round dance. A dance game that was previously popular among many peoples. The rules are different everywhere, but the bottom line is that a huge number of people take part in the round dance.
- Lezginka is the most famous choreographic performance in the Caucasus. It is danced by Chechens, Armenians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis and many other nations.
Types of oriental dances
In the East, the art of dance had a completely different development than in the countries of Europe and America. Men here always performed group mini-performances that accompanied some important events. The dance of a woman is a kind of mystery. A wife can only dance for her husband, and alone. Such a choreographic culture has been common for centuries throughout Western Asia, but in each country it has its own characteristics. Therefore, now we will consider what types of dances are in a particular state of the East and how they are characteristic.
- Turkish. They are always performed in bright costumes, to fast music. They are characterized by rhythmic movements, very high plasticity and even acrobatics.
- Egyptian. This is the most modest oriental choreography. The costumes are restrained, as well as the movements, the music is slow and measured. There is no place for frivolous body movements in Egyptian dances - this is considered debauchery.
- Arabic. This is a real scope for improvisation and variation. If you know what types of dances there are in the East and how they are performed, you can put all the tricks and techniques together, and you will get a great production in the Arabic style.
- Lebanese. The most unique and unusual. They combine elements of Turkish and Egyptian choreography. Therefore, fast and rhythmic movements alternate with slow and measured ones. The action is also characterized by the use of foreign objects (cymbals, canes, etc.).
- Persian dance consists of graceful movements that mainly involve the hands, head and long hair.
How did belly dance come about?
Almost all women in the world dream of mastering this choreographic style, but only a few master it perfectly. Many attribute Middle Eastern roots to it, but in fact the dance originated in India. Even before the birth of Christ, this custom was transferred from their homeland by the gypsies to Egypt, where it became popular. There began to emerge different kinds belly dancing, which soon spread throughout the Middle East. Well, consider which of them are now the most famous:
- Dance with the snake. It requires a combination of plasticity and courage, as well as the ability to handle this animal.
- Dance with fire. During the setting, torches, candles, lamps with essential oils and much more that glorifies the cult of fire.
- Dance with cymbals. This percussion hand instrument is a relative of the Spanish castanets. Performing rhythmic body movements, the dancer accompanies herself.
- Raks-el-Sharqi is a belly dance that involves the area from the navel to the hips.
- Raks el Shamadam - an act in which a woman dances with a candelabra on her head. Very popular in Egypt.
Types of sports dances
Sports dances are a kind of analogue of ballroom classical choreography. The difference lies in the fact that the dancers are trained according to a more rigorous and enhanced program, with a special emphasis on stretching, accuracy of movements, and speed of their execution. An important component of any sports dance is not the beauty of the production, but the technicality of performing all movements. In general, this subgroup consists of choreographic productions known to us, among which there are standard European and Latin programs.
Conclusion
We examined what types of dances exist in different countries, decided on their styles and features. As it turned out, each choreographic production has its own pace, rhythm, and character of performance. Also, many dances cannot exist without facial expressions, certain costumes, style and even the mood of those who perform them. Therefore, if you are going to master this art, it is important to initially decide in which style you like to dance the most, and which one suits you best in terms of capabilities and even in terms of the structure of the figure. And in the future, for self-improvement, you only need diligence and practice. Dare!
There are a large number of types of pair dances that can bring great pleasure.
Many girls today opt for hip-hop, ballet, tap or jazz. However, if you have a desire to push your horizons, try partner dancing!
Want to dance with a partner? Then read my selection of the best dance styles!
One of my favorite pair dances!
Swing is a broad concept and includes several types, including West Coast Swing, East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Blues, Charleston, Shag and Balboa.
Most of them are fast and energetic. But the blues is slower and more sensual. However, they are all quite funny, and you will definitely love them!
Salsa is another social dance that is very easy to learn.
If you want something charged with Latin sensuality, then choose it!
Today, many dance clubs teach salsa, and some also teach merengue and bachata.
3. Sports ballroom dancing
Sports and ballrooms include many types, including waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz and quickstep.
They often have competitions, so if you have a competitive spirit, now you know what to choose!
4. Latin American dances
Latin American are also competitive, that is, they host multiple competitions. Among others, they include jive, rumba, cha-cha-cha, paso doble and samba.
They are usually taught along with ballroom dancing.
5. American smooth
American ballroom dancing is very similar to international. However, as a rule, they are performed in a more relaxed manner and with slight changes in the basic movements. They have a greater social bias and are not competitive.
6. American Rhythm
American versions of Latin American dances also have some similarities with international dances, but may not be included in the competition.
Typical representatives of the American rhythm are swing (similar to the international jive), cha-cha, bolero, mambo and rumba.
Again, if you're into social dancing, then this is for you!
7. Argentine tango
Argentine tango is one of the most sensual pair dances. It is unlikely to remind you of classical or American tango.
It is believed that American tango symbolizes the beginning of a relationship when you experience passion. Latin American reflects the next stage, when you can't put it down to each other. Well, in the classic one, relationships are shown 20 years later, where you can hardly stand each other.
In addition to modeling the stages of human relationships, these varieties of tango have little in common. So if you want to dance with your loved one, then I would recommend Argentine tango!
I love to dance and got a lot of positive emotions while learning.
What couple dances do you like?
We tried to make a classification of dance types with the possibility of describing each dance direction (links with the name of the dances are clickable). This classification of dance types will be updated and supplemented over time and with the addition of new styles and types of dance.
Main directions
Among the various dance styles and trends that exist today are the following, the most popular and famous:
Ballet
● classic;
● romantic;
● modern.
Ethnic (folk) dances that reflect the essence and rituals, traditions and rituals of certain peoples. Among them are the following groups:
● European;
● Asian (oriental);
● African;
● Latin American.
In each of them there are different types of folk dances: group, individual, pair and others.
historical dances
These are dances popular in past eras and performed today, for example, ballo, contradans, polonaise and others.
ballroom dancing
Includes two main programs: European and Latin American.
Here is the name of the types of dances included in the Latin program:
In the standard European program, the following types of dances are performed:
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 special outlook performer, formed under the influence of Nietzsche's ideas. The performer, denying the canonical rules of ballet choreography, sought to combine dance and real life, manifesting itself as a liberated spirit of creativity. It was on the basis of the free style that such trends as modern and butoh, jazz-modern and contemporary were born and developed.
Modern
Established at the beginning of the century, this dance direction is very popular today and is one of the leading ones in the Western choreographic school. Just like free dance, modern denies any ballet norms and seeks to embody various forms on the stage using new original methods. It is characterized by semantic fullness, 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 styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as free dance and modern served as the basis for the formation of such a trend as contemporary (contempo). This dance, as an art form, offers the dancer, through various choreographic styles, to demonstrate as fully as possible in improvisation all the inner emotions and resources he has.
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 jazz-modern dancer becomes another musical instrument that manifests the melody through the plasticity of its own body.
Buto
This is one of the youngest dance techniques that appeared in the fifties of the XX century in Japan. Buto, despite its rather long existence, remains the most difficult for people in the Western world to understand today. It is based on the cultural, philosophical, religious and aesthetic values of the Land of the Rising Sun. This dance seeks to show the earthiness of everyday life. ordinary person, as well as comprehend and demonstrate the body and its capabilities in space and time.
Modern dance of the late XX and early XXI century
The whole variety of contemporary dances can, of course, be conditionally divided into two large groups:
● street;
street dance
Hip-hop and Krump, popping and locking, breakdance and C-walk - all these are the names of the types of dances, "born" not on stages and in choreographic studios, but on the streets and in the courtyards of megacities, discos and clubs.
Most of them are based on hip-hop. In street style, the performer is not limited to any form and can boldly improvise and experiment, creating an individual and unique movement pattern, as well as interact with both other dancers and the public. In a "pure" form, they are extremely rare, and for the most part they began to be performed in clubs, and not on the streets, which is why they often fall into the club category.
Here are the most popular and common destinations:
● Ragga (ragga) and many others
It is impossible to list all kinds of dances. List of titles modern styles and directions is constantly changing and supplementing. Today, dancing is not only a plastic art, but also a fairly common sport.
Dance Sport
If in the old days dancing was perceived only as an art form, then the complication of technical and choreographic performance requirements led to the need for an excellent physical form of those who do it.
Today, the main types of sports dances are, first of all, ballroom dances. Their feature is the performance by partners of a set of certain mandatory movements and figures to a predetermined music. The ballroom dances evaluated at the competitions consist of a European and Latin American program, as well as a biathlon (competitions in 10 dances).
Over time, new musical and choreographic styles and trends appear. And now such modern views sports dances like break or locking, jumpstyle or pole dance (pole dancing) are attracting 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.
- Regular dance classes will make your body slimmer. During training, from 200 to 800 kcal are burned per hour - no worse than when doing fitness.
- You can strengthen the respiratory organs and the heart, increase the endurance of the body, cleanse the blood vessels of cholesterol.
- and gait - something that you can be proud of after regular practice. Dancing will help you learn how to hold your back correctly.
- You will develop excellent coordination, responsiveness and flexibility of the body.
- Become communicative and self-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 unloading.
- You are in a great mood. After a gym or fitness training, many people feel tired, and after dancing, on the contrary, a surge of strength and vigor.
Which direction to choose
pinterest.comHip-hop is a cheerful, perky and very energy-intensive youth dance direction. You will be able to express your emotions, feelings or protest, to be liberated thanks to the movements that the body itself suggests. This is drive and adrenaline, the spirit of competition and leadership. Rules and restrictions are blurred here, but at the same time, a bright, clear style is felt.
This direction is characterized by movements that are turned down, relaxed half-bent knees and the body, which is in a low fit. High jumps are replaced by sliding on the floor, there is a quick and unexpected transition from undulating and slow movements to sharp and clear ones. The dancer should appear completely relaxed and the dance should be cheeky.
Who suits
Anyone who is young or feels young, confident and daring. Hip-hop can be a useful 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 research Kids inactive most of the time during dance classes, hip-hop is the most useful dance direction for a child: 57% of the training time a person is in motion. Scientists recognized flamenco as the least active: in this case, the children were mobile only 14% of the time.
Peculiarities
- The main distinguishing feature: hip-hop is not danced 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 leg pants, sneakers, baseball caps, hooded sweatshirts.
- Hip-hop is always open to experimentation and improvisation. An important role in this direction is played by character, namely, confidence, self-affirmation, a certain stubbornness and perseverance. This type of dance will help you become more daring, psychologically liberated and open in communication.
- Such a dance perfectly works out the muscles of the legs, arms and shoulder girdle, improves fine motor skills.
Contraindications
Hip-hop can be considered a set, so the contraindications are standard, as for regular workouts. With extreme caution should be taken to such activities for people who have problems with knee joints because they carry a lot of pressure.
pinterest.com Training combines aerobic exercise with elements of a seductive dance. Each lesson includes a warm-up, including stretching, and learning the dance sequences. The muscles of the legs and arms, hips and buttocks, abdomen, back and chest receive an excellent load.
Beginners will have to master the basic elements: waves with the body and arms, circular movements with the hips and chest, backbends while standing, sitting and lying on the floor. As you progress, the training includes complicated dance combinations with elements of acrobatics (splits, flips, racks).
Who suits
This type of dance was created for all girls and women, regardless of their physical form, appearance and age. If you not only strive for a beautiful figure and graceful walk, but also want to learn how to love yourself, attract and seduce the opposite sex, then strip plastic is ideal for you.
Peculiarities
- Strip plastic will help to overcome the complexes more easily, will provide an opportunity to see your body and its advantages in a new way, as well as correct or hide flaws. 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, without which it is impossible to perform high-quality dance elements.
- The program also includes a fashion show. It will take a few weeks, and you will begin to move smoothly and uninhibited, and the gait will become easy.
- Another advantage is that many of the movements are done with arch 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 a training, reincarnation takes place, you can 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
An obstacle to classes can be diseases of the respiratory system, heart, blood vessels and joints. With osteochondrosis, there is a limitation: you can not twist strongly in the spine. At the same time, strengthening the muscles of the back and abs, stretching the muscles of the hips, shoulder girdle and pelvis will help to significantly alleviate the manifestations of the disease.
idance-nyc.com This is one of the sexiest destinations, which helps to prolong the youth and attractiveness of a woman. Mandatory components of oriental dances are strikes (sharp movements of the hips) and vibration in combination with smooth waves, circles, eights. Movement coordination is very important. The dance pattern should look holistic, capturing all the attention of the viewer.
Who suits
Ideal for mature women. Unlike jogging or aerobics, belly dancing is a gentle form of physical activity. This means that you can perform movements without putting too much stress on your knees, shins and feet.
Peculiarities
- You can start mastering the eastern direction even in poor physical shape: belly dance will independently prepare your body for the necessary loads.
- This type of activity helps to form a feminine figure. Since the movements of the hips in this dance are quite complex in terms of coordination, those muscles that are difficult to use during normal exercises are being worked out. Such fphysical activity contributes to a healthy flow and facilitates childbirth.
- After 2-3 months of belly dancing, women feel better in case of gynecological diseases. Blood circulation improves, especially in the pelvic organs, inflammation of the appendages disappears, menstrual pains are forgotten.
- Being engaged only in 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, the back of the thigh, the gluteal muscle, and triceps practically do not work.
Contraindications
Latin American dances (salsa, bachata, cha-cha-cha, mamba, rumba)
Latin American dances are known for their fiery, impulsive and positive nature. The lessons consist of three parts:
- Warm-up - semi-circular rotation of the head, hips, circular movements of the shoulders and the like.
- The main part is learning movements and their repeated repetition.
- Cooldown - usually static stretching exercises and dance moves at a slow pace.
Who suits
This type of training is ideal for energetic and emotional people. It embodies the incendiary rhythm and clarity of movement. Latin American dances are also a great way to warm up relationships in 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. Also, this type of dance helps to improve the heart rate.
- One of the important features is that you will not even notice the load on the body as a whole. The maximum that you will feel is a slight pleasant fatigue. This is due to the proportionality of the load on the whole body.
- Actively engaged Latin American dances, you can not only lose weight, but also pump your hips, if there is a tendency to this.
Contraindications
In the presence of cardiovascular diseases and problems with the musculoskeletal system, such dances are contraindicated.
val_th/Depositphotos.com One of the most popular workouts for weight loss. It has been distributed in over 180 countries. This fitness program combines elements of hip hop, salsa, samba, merengue, mambo, flamenco and belly dance. Its goal is to work out the maximum number of muscles, while not exhausting you with repeated repetitions of trivial exercises.
The direction was invented by the Colombian Alberto Perez (Alberto Perez) in the late 90s. He was a professional choreographer and devoted his entire life to teaching others Latin dances. Later, zumba became the basis for the training of many stars (Shakira, Beyoncé, Britney Spears).
Who suits
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
- Training is like a party where everyone is dancing using simple combinations of movements.
- You don’t need any special physical training to start exercising, so Zumba is great for beginners.
- The dance program is very diverse, which means that it will not be boring.
- The emphasis in training is on the lower body, which allows you to tighten your muscles well 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 time.
pinterest.com Contempo is a combination of dance techniques from Western (classical dance, modern jazz) and Eastern (qigong, taijiquan, yoga) arts of movement.
The main exercises are built by analogy with classical and modern ones: from simple to more complex. The lesson includes exercises in the stalls (work on the floor), relaxation techniques, as well as stretching.
Who suits
Amateur and professional dancers. Height, weight, complexion of a person are not important here. Contempo is suitable for you if you want to not only keep a good shape, move beautifully, but also know yourself.
Peculiarities
- Globally, contempo differs from other dance styles by its inward orientation, interest in the quality of a moving body, its relationship with space, time, and a partner. The dancer accumulates energy, thoughts, emotions inside 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 lifting, sudden stops (often on straight legs), balancing.
- Breathing during the contempo should be measured, as if it continues to move. Martial arts brought this requirement to the dance.
- Contempo gravitates more to the floor, while the lightness and expressiveness of movements are emphasized. Usually danced barefoot.
Contraindications
Standard restrictions for physical activities. Moreover, this type of dance is quite difficult, exhausting, and you need to be in excellent psychological shape for training. Long stretches, practicing jumps can exhaust a person with a fine mental organization and bring him into a state.
showbaza.ru This is a rather complex set of movements, during which you need to keep the whole body in tension. Training is often exhausting, with a fairly large load. Before starting, a 15-minute warm-up is necessary to warm up the main muscle groups, after which the basic elements of the dance begin to be worked out. For the performance of this style, not only the movements of the dancer are important, but also his appearance especially shoes. The most famous type of Celtic dance that everyone knows about is the step.
Who suits
Patient people who are attracted to the theme of social dancing. Complex combinations are inherent in this style, the elements of which will have to be learned not only in the classroom, but also at home (perhaps even mentally).
Peculiarities
- You have to get used to a rather unusual pose. The dance is performed on half-toes (the dancer raises his heels and stands on his toes), the upper body is motionless, the arms are always lowered. Basic rule - fast work legs.
- This is a group dance, therefore, on the one hand, you will have to give up all liberties, on the other hand, you will have to develop a sense of partnership when you feel yourself one with other people. Psychologists say that such training is especially useful for those who have difficulty joining the 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 curious feature is that it is better not to practice any other dances before starting training. Classical choreographic training 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 forget about the hands.
- The system of Celtic dances is extremely interesting in that 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 a few weeks of regular practice.
- Constant training will form the ideal calf muscles. Although any kind of dance has a positive effect on the muscles of the legs, the Celtic ones receive a well-deserved gold medal.
- This type of activity does not give any load on the hands, so if necessary (or if desired), you need to work out this zone separately.
Contraindications
Large shock loads (jumps) do not allow those who have problems with the heart, blood vessels, and spine to practice Celtic dances. Progressive varicose veins are also a contraindication.
We have looked at several basic dance styles from which you can start your acquaintance with the world of dance. Take a few classes and you'll see what's right for you. When choosing, consider your age, the complexity of training, your physical condition and goals.