Ballroom dancing. Description and types
Ballroom dancing as an art, sport or leisure activity continues to be of interest to many people. different countries and nationalities. There are a lot of ballroom dances, but only 10 of them have gained worldwide popularity. These dances are included in the international dance program with uniform requirements for their performance.
See how many of the dances below are familiar to you.
Slow waltz
Waltz is the most airy and light ballroom dance due to the sliding, belonging to the European group of dances. The dance is characterized by long, flowing movements, continuous turns, as well as ups and downs. The dance is very graceful and elegant, from the outside it seems that the dancers move easily on the floor, almost effortlessly.
viennese waltz
This is a fast European ballroom dance with a subtle rise and fall. A simple and elegant twisting movement characterizes the Viennese waltz. This dance, according to most students of dance schools, is considered one of the most difficult dances to learn.
Tango is considered one of the most exciting ballroom dances in Europe. This sensual dance originated in Latin America in the first half of the twentieth century.
Slow Foxtrot
The foxtrot is very similar to the slow waltz in that it features many of the waltz's figures. The main difference is in the rhythm. The main figures are danced in a "slow fast fast" rhythm. The nature of the steps is sliding and smooth, with ups and downs, like a waltz. Dance from the European program.
Quickstep
The quickstep is a fast version of the slow foxtrot. It is a very fun and rhythmic dance, consisting of very fast steps, syncopated rhythms and runs. Quickstep is interesting to watch, simple figures are not difficult to perform. Therefore, acquaintance with ballroom dancing begins with it. The same applies to European ballroom dancing.
Samba, as one of the most famous brazilian dances is popular with young people and the older generation. Samba can be danced alone or in pairs.
Cha cha cha is one of five Latin American dance groups. It is a lively, flirtatious dance filled with passion and energy. The classic “Cuban moves” give the cha cha cha dance its own unique style. Partners work in a coordinated and synchronous manner, trying to perform each movement clearly and beautifully.
According to most, rumba is the most romantic and most sensual dance of the entire group of Latin American dances. Due to its ancient origins, this dance is often referred to as the "grandfather of Latin American dances".
paso doble
Paso Doble is considered one of the most temperamental and lively ballroom dances. Latin American program, created sometime in the south of France. This is a kind of fusion of music, dramaturgy and movements of the Spanish bullfight.
Ballroom dancing is not just dancing, it is a whole art, and at the same time science, sport, passion, in a word - whole life embodied in motion. Also ballroom dancing It is not in vain that they are called sports - this is a colossal workout for all the muscles of the body, as well as a correct and healthy cardiological load.
During the dance, the couple communicates with each other and with the audience with body language, which can express both a huge message of positive energy, and a gentle, peaceful, perhaps even dreary mood - an anguish of the soul, and this depends on the type of ballroom dance.
On this moment such areas as, for example, bachata or solo latina for girls are often considered types of ballroom dance, but this is not entirely correct. The traditional ballroom dance program (they are necessarily paired) includes ten dances, divided into a European direction or program (otherwise called “standard”) and Latin American (“latina”). So, what are the types of ballroom dancing - let's start in order.
Dance King - Waltz
The most noble and solemn dance classical program- slow waltz. This direction of the waltz originated at the beginning of the last century and has not undergone any changes since then. The dance has a very measured movement in three counts, like all waltz ballroom dances. , and accompanied lyrical music.
There is another waltz in the standard program - Viennese, which is distinguished by an abundance of rotations at a fairly high speed and is danced to a fast melody, thereby creating simply enchanting sensations for the audience.
Other elements of the European program
Filled with the breath of Argentine passion, tango is another element of the European program, very sensual, combining fast and slow movements. All types of ballroom dancing assign a dominant role to the partner, but it is tango that especially focuses on this.
The standard program also includes a slow foxtrot (they dance to a count of up to 4), which differs at a moderate pace with some transitions from slow and fast, and quickstep. The latter is the most mischievous dance of the entire program, based on jumps, quick turns. The task of the dancer is to combine these sharp movements with smooth transitions to very energetic music.
Dancing to incendiary Latin American rhythms
The types of ballroom dances of the Latin program are, firstly, no less exciting than tango, but at the same time, a very gentle dance - rumba.
The rhythm is slow, with an emphasis on even slower beats. Secondly, the exact opposite of rumba is jive, incredibly positive and very fast, the most modern and constantly acquiring new movements.
The carefree Latin American dance cha-cha-cha is the most amazing invention of mankind, it is characterized by movements of the hips and legs that cannot be confused with anything, and a very interesting manner of counting (“cha-cha-1-2-3”).
Akin to the incendiary cha-cha-cha, the samba dance, which can be both quite slow and incredibly fast, so much so that the dancers have to show the highest level skill.
Samba is based on "spring" movements of the legs, combined with smooth movements of the hips. And of course, both samba and other types of ballroom dances of the Latin program are a clear rhythm and frantic energy that extends to the dancers themselves and the audience, even if the dance is performed by non-professionals.
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 directions can be called the following, the most popular and well-known:
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.
Each of them contains different kinds 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, since they had a great influence on the formation and development of many styles and trends of modern dance art.
free dance
First of all, this is a special worldview of the 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. As well as 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, various twists.
contemporary dance
It is quite reasonable to say that such popular in late XIX and the beginning of the 20th century, styles such as free dance and modern served as the basis for the formation of such a direction 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 modernist 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 country 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 pattern of movements, 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. The list of names of modern styles and trends 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 dances were perceived only as an art form, then the complication of technical and choreographic requirements for performance led to the need for an excellent physical form 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. Estimated at competitions ballroom dance Sport consist of a European and Latin American program, as well as a biathlon (competition in 10 dances).
Over time, new musical and choreographic styles and trends appear. And now such modern types of sports dances as break or locking, jumpstyle or pole dance (dancing on a pole) 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.
Once, when I was looking for mugs for my daughter, we came to an open day at a local recreation center and could not take our eyes off the couple on the floor. Arina immediately told me (and she was then 5 years old): "Mom, I want to dance in such a dress!" I had to sign up for ballroom dancing. Back then, I didn't know anything about them. Even now I rely only on our 4 years of experience, but now we have at least some luggage of our own mistakes and victories behind us. There are other people's stories that happen before our eyes. And I, the sample of 2013, would be happy to listen to the advice of those who understand the topic before making a choice.
And what is it for?
About the most important
Every person wants to be successful. Ballroom dancing will not give pleasure if the child does not have results on the floor in the form of points from the judges (and the motivation to just dance for the soul among ballroom dancers disappears quite quickly). Everyone can dance, but, of course, there are those who will find it easier. Pay attention to your child. Here are what I think are good prerequisites for successful dancing (I'm not saying that this is a complete set of qualities, and that if a child does not possess them, then he should not go to ballroom dancing!):
physical data. Flexibility, mobility, form, lightness: what is given by nature and improved in training!
Hard work, dedication. If a child is used to achieving results, and does not shirk at every opportunity, this largely determines success. 
Charisma. The child who can be called bright performs well. It is difficult for children who are timid or do not express emotions to count on the recognition of judges. At the same time, appearance is an important factor only from the moment when it comes to the harmony of the couple (the main thing is that the partners suit each other; individually, their appearance does not matter much).
Leadership skills. On the floor, the child will face competition. It is important that he approach this without fear, accepting a certain challenge, properly setting himself up for dancing among other dancers. Psychologically, it can be difficult to tune in to the fight. One was pushed in the back - and he went on dancing, the other was pushed - he was upset and barely finished the program.
Non-conflict. Ballroom dancing - pair dances. They are suitable for a child who is interested in dancing with someone, feeling a partner.
dance fanaticism. To love to dance is the most important thing in ballroom dancing. Usually, mothers of such children see a tendency to dance from a very young age. There are no ballers who do not like their work, believe me. If the child does not want to dance, it is better to take him away, give him to another direction, or do not torture him with dancing at all. Too much load in ballroom dancing weeds out children (like through a sieve) quite early, real fanatics remain.
Parents
Children usually start dancing at early age. Accordingly, in the first place, to start dancing is your decision. How younger child, the greater the role of an adult in his dance classes. Parents need to have almost the same qualities as a little dancer:
Sensitivity. Keep in mind that only you can notice the child's penchant for dancing. And when your joint journey into the world of ballroom dancing begins, you will share all the difficulties and enjoy the big and small successes of your child. You will have to be an assistant both at exhausting tournaments: suggesting runs in which a couple participates, and in routine training: from snacks to escorting to the place of training.
Hard work and dedication. Firstly, children "mirror" adults, behave in the same way - set an example for them. Secondly, a non-shifting intensive schedule is very exhausting. “Sometimes you can skip training,” some will say ... But at the tournament you will suddenly realize that skipping immediately greatly affects the quality of the dance. In addition, a responsible parent will remember that his child is not dancing alone. One of the partners did not come - the lesson was half-hearted for the couple.
- Non-conflict. The relationship between parents is no less important than between partners. Very often, couples break up at the request of relatives. If you could find mutual language with the "side" of a partner / partner - this is already half the battle! You should immediately talk honestly about how you see the near future. It is important to compare your views on goals, training process, frequency of performances, etc. The most successful couples are those where the parents work in tandem, think alike, and maintain warm friendships.
Preschool
If I could change something now, then before giving the child to ballroom dancing, I would take her to classical choreography for children. A rug, swimsuit, machine and mirrors, frogs, boats and bridges - something that will be interesting for a child of 3-5 years old. And only after that, at the age of 6-7, I would give it to ballroom dancing. Basics classical dance needed in every direction. This, in my opinion, is the basis, like letters for reading.
Club
The key decision is the choice of the club. What to take into account:
Location. There are many activities, so it is more convenient if the road to the place is not very long. Although I have heard many stories about how dancers come from another city, and we ourselves do this. :)
Trainer. main man for your child, as a teacher at school, lays down the technique and instills a love of dance. Naturally, you and your little dancer should like it - this is the key to success. You must trust the coach, he must treat his students with respect, be moderately demanding and love his job (both dancing and teaching!). They say that the class of a coach should be at least 2 classes higher than that of a dancer (I will talk about the classes below). If the coach is a judge, this is an additional important plus: (hereinafter we are talking about STSR - see explanation below). There can be several coaches in the club, and that's good - everyone has their own style; resulting in more diverse teaching. Sometimes there is a main trainer, and he periodically invites additional trainers so that the children perceive the material presented in a different manner.
acting couples. Ask how many and what couples are in the club. If possible, see how they perform. It is good when there are couples of different ages and classes, when the club has a moderate number of dancers. For example, the absence of pairs or 2-3 pairs should alert, as well as the offer to train with 20 pairs in a group. All this can be checked independently, if by name or on the map. All active couples will be shown in the table - study it. Successful couples perform regularly and receive qualifying points.
An important addition. There are 2 ballroom dancing federations in Russia - the Russian Dance Sport Union (STSR) and the Russian Dance Union (RTS). They even have their own tournaments at the international level, and the athletes of the two federations never meet on the floor. Any club to which you take your child will be a member of a regional organization (for example, in Moscow there is the Moscow DanceSport Federation - MFTS), which, in turn, will belong to one or another federation (MFTS is a member organization of the STSR). If not, then you just came to the circle, there the load will be small, and the result will be appropriate: for the soul. As far as I understand, there are more clubs in the STSR, it has its own database of athletes (you can find your dancer in the section), sports books are issued. In general, the CTSR is more of a sports federation, while the RTS treats dance more as an art. An important point: if you want to change the federation, then all the results are reset!
And one more digression. The club is like a second family. Children spend a lot of time together, with a coach, arrange joint holidays. Parents form their "community". Good when picked up good team, without odious personalities. :)
Curriculum, classes of skill and age
Your children will come to ballroom dancing to learn how to dance 10 dances in two directions:
Standard ( W- slow waltz, T- tango, V- Viennese waltz, F- slow foxtrot Q- quickstep)
Latina ( S- samba, Ch- cha-cha-cha, R- rumba, Pd- paso doble, J- jive)
At the very initial stage, young children are taught to dance the polka and sometimes disco, but these are dead ends of evolution. These dances are taught along with the slow waltz and the cha-cha-cha, the first true ballroom dances. As soon as a little dancer manages to learn three dances, the polka is forgotten forever. Quickstep and jive are added to the waltz and cha-cha-cha. And, finally, samba and Viennese waltz are connected to this four.
The basics of these 6 dances are learned at the first stage of education: at the ballroom dance school (SBT) under the "Mass Sports" program. This is still only preparation for serious dancing. Most often, children begin to dance one by one, as they say, solo. Gradually, the coach forms pairs. But SBT class tournaments are always held both for single dancers and for couples. All SBT dancers have a special skill class - H (beginner).
As soon as the children confidently dance the first six dances and are paired, the coach, by his decision, transfers them to the category "Sport of the highest achievements". From this moment we can say that your child is engaged in professional ballroom dancing. Together with the experience, the skill class of the ballroom athlete grows: they start dancing in class E (6 dances), then successively move to D (8 dances - tango and rumba are added), C (10 dances are danced from this class - slow foxtrot and paso doble are added) , B, A, S, M classes. In addition to the dances themselves, the classes differ in the permitted figures and lifts. The transition from class to class is based on the results of participation in tournaments, where couples earn points. Points are stored in a common database and pasted into a sports book. Upon reaching a certain number of points, you move to the next class).
In addition to mastery classes, there is a strict age gradation among ball dancers:
6 years and under - Children-0,
7 - 9 years old - Children-1,
10-11 years old - Children-2,
12-13 years old - Juniors-1,
14-15 years old - Juniors-2,
16-18 years old - Youth,
19-20 - Youth-2,
19-34 - Adults,
35 and older - Seniors.
The "age" of the couple is determined by the year of birth of the older partner (if the partner was born on July 25, 2005, and the partner - on December 10, 2006, then in 2016 the couple should dance in the category Children-2, and from January 1, 2017 - go to the category Junior- 1, as the partner turns 12 this year). This condition largely limits the possibilities of creating a pair.
Tournaments are often held strictly according to their age class. A couple where one of the partners is noticeably younger will find it more difficult to dance with more experienced peer partners in another pair. The difference in age in a couple cannot be more than 2 years.
Thus, your child inevitably moves in age to a new category every 2 years, and moves in skill classes depending on the success of his performance in tournaments. You can meet couples in C-class Children-2, and there are couples in E-class Youth. According to my observations, with the same skill class, pairs younger age dance better than their older "colleagues". Actually, ballroom dancers compete for points and transitions to new skill classes. :)
Pair
When your child comes to a ballroom dance school, he will dance alone, solo, even in tournaments for a while. This can continue for quite a long time, for example, 1 year. But loneliness will eventually come to an end and a couple will form. If this does not happen, then there is no suitable partner or the level of dancing does not allow the coach to pair the child. In general, a couple in ballroom dancing is a key phenomenon. If in mass sports you can dance without a partner, then in the sport of the highest achievements - no. Actually, the problem of not having a partner makes many people end their careers in ballroom dancing, sometimes very unexpectedly.
Creating a harmonious successful couple is a whole story. Initially, this is done by the coach. He draws attention to the level of dancing, the external harmony of the couple, takes into account the characters of the children and the ambitions of the parents. If the choice of a partner is not the first time, parents can also take part in this process. As a rule, the first couples are made up of partners of the same club. But not everything is always successful, sometimes you have to look for a new partner "on the side." It's quite difficult. According to my observations, it is a little easier to find a partner, because there are more of them. :) Therefore, usually girls go to the boys' club, sometimes after a competitive viewing - all this is a long and creative process.
In a couple, mutual understanding and sympathy are very important. There are cases when children deliberately step on each other's feet, put pressure on the bones of their fingers - in general, they interact not only through dance. Experienced parents pay attention to how their children communicate. True friendship can be the key to success, so it's great if there is an opportunity for some joint activities besides working on the floor - cinema, picnics, general trips to museums. If the children do not want to dance together, it is unlikely that something effective will come out - you need to think about changing partners.
After creating a couple, the realization comes that the partners are highly dependent on each other, that they have a common goal. One partner fell ill - both athletes miss the tournament; someone was in a bad mood - the couple lost. But if the partners have tried, then the result may be better than that of each individually, the laws of synergy are included. So a couple is very, very important. Dancing is no longer for yourself and responsibility in half.
A couple is usually created for a long time: for several years in a successful scenario. Sometimes, in order to create a movement, to open up new potential opportunities, it is recommended to change a partner. When - tell the coach. But we must understand that the new couple again needs time to dance, it will not immediately begin to shine on the floor ...
Clothes and hairstyle
In the training room, at first, you can get by with a sports swimsuit with a skirt for girls and sports trousers with a T-shirt for boys. But the shoes will have to be purchased almost immediately. In the future, you will want to please your dancer with special training clothes - they are comfortable and not easily soiled. For girls, special costumes: skirts and tops (or dresses), for boys - trousers and T-shirts. Usually this is a uniform black color, which can be found in specialized stores or on the Internet. With a hairstyle, everything is simple - so that the hair does not interfere.
Tournaments are another story. In the youngest age category"Children" (both in grassroots sports and in elite sports) all girls dance in rating plain dresses, and boys in white body shirts and black trousers. Costumes in Children are universal for all dances. Our first dress was very similar to a simple leotard with a skirt - that was enough - you could dance in it both in training and in tournaments. Gradually, the desire came to take a dress in which you will no longer sit on the floor in the gym, although it also meets all the rating criteria. There are a lot of models, although they are limited to a certain set of styles of sleeves, necklines, skirts - you can find it in the store or order individual tailoring. The first option for the initial stages seems to me more rational, but it is important to choose what really suits your child. The costume, especially for a girl, should stand out on the parquet, emphasize the features of the child's appearance.
Difficulties begin with the Junior-1 category, i.е. from 12 years old. From this moment on, you will understand that a suit may well cost half the salary, that it most likely needs to be sewn to order and somehow coordinated with a partner. Standard and Latin require different costumes, including shoes. Children are forced to quickly change clothes between programs, so by adolescence they automatically cease to be embarrassed by each other (I myself observed how they quickly grab dresses and trousers interspersed in the locker room and change clothes at speed). The older the dancer, the less restrictions on outfits and appearance. In the future, rhinestones, makeup, jewelry, high heels are allowed. But until the age of 14, everything is rather restrained.
Hairstyle. The sooner you learn how to create it yourself, the better for you. At first, you can just make a bunch with hairpins, and the boys gently comb their hair. Then you will realize that shaggy children on the floor are quite a sight and you will want to use some hairspray to fix the hair. Then you notice a girl with curls on a smooth head, and when you have a partner and an incentive to look better than others, you will strive to do some kind of special hairstyle. Again I send everyone to the Internet, since the creation of hairstyles is a separate big topic. The main thing: the hairstyle should be very neat, the couple should look well-groomed and neat.
I have a whole hairdressing set at home: hairpins, nets, varnish gels, sparkles, clips and special combs ... It takes me about 1 hour and 0 rubles (not counting the cost of consumables) to do my hair at home, at the tournament the image of the studio is offered to inexperienced parents hairstyles from 1000-2000 rubles. and often also about 1 hour in time.
Workout
Training is the key to success and the main thing that will take time when practicing ballroom dancing. Get ready for some serious work:
Group lessons. Coaches usually arrange 2 group sessions per week where children learn and repeat the choreography, most often individually. As a rule, these workouts are either separately in the standard or in Latin (but at first, while there are few dances, they can be mixed). The duration is set by the trainer (eg 1.5 hours).
Run. At the training run, children learn to move on the floor in conditions close to tournament ones. If the child has a partner, then the technique of movements is worked out in pairs. The duration is usually 1 hour.
OFP. Strength exercises and stretching, elements classical choreography are the necessary conditions High Quality dance, lightness on the floor. So as much as it may seem like a waste of time to you, a far-sighted coach will conduct such classes, at least 1 hour a week.
Master classes in acting. It's good to have the opportunity to improve. psychological aspects dancing. It is specific for ballrooms, a lot comes with experience, but the advice of professionals helps a lot. 
Training in other clubs. Well, if there is an opportunity to sometimes get to training in other clubs (sometimes coaches agree on this), this allows you to learn something new. But all this is relevant not at the first stages of training. :)
Individual sessions. When creating a couple, the question of individual lessons arises. This is a special time (45 min. - 1 hour) when the coach can set up a program for the couple, work on their own mistakes, and give the couple maximum attention. The number of these sessions depends only on the ability of the coach and the desire of the parents (which, in turn, depends on financial constraints). Usually offered from 1 to 5 classes per week, as I imagine it. We go to 2-3 classes a week.
In total, about 7-8 hours of training per week is obtained ... Of course, at the initial stages there will be no such load and, it is quite possible that for 6-7 years old you will be offered about 1.5-2 hours per week of group training. But after a year, you will feel how you accumulate hours of dancing. :)
Tournaments
Tournaments are the motivation of ballrooms. In tournaments, you can show yourself and earn points to move to the next class. As a rule, they take place on Sundays, less often on Saturdays, so for dancers Sunday is a completely reserved day. Very often, tournaments for beginner dancers are held in the morning (and then older and more experienced dancers perform). Registration for the tournament opens 1.5 hours before the tournament and ends 30 minutes, according to sports books (and for beginners, according to birth certificates). All tournaments are paid, both for participants and for spectators. Participation in each type of program is paid, so several tickets are usually bought for a participant. Each solo participant or couple is given a number (in a couple, it is attached only to the boy's back). For beginners, tournaments are held a little differently than for those who compete in the E-class and above. Small athletes perform solo or in pairs in the categories H-3 (i.e. dance 3 dances), H-4, N-5, H-6 (i.e. dance all 6 dances) and ALL receive diplomas I-III degree depending on the outcome. In addition, competitions are organized in individual dances (for example, a slow waltz cup) and a super cup in all dances, where everything happens approximately like in adults: places are distributed between participants, and the winner / pair of winners receives a cup as a reward.
Dances are judged by a jury. I won't touch upon the judging system much now. There are no special strict evaluation criteria, so the objectivity of refereeing is achieved due to the number of judges (but this does not always help). There is a lot of talk about dishonesty of judges, bias, etc. Sometimes they even arrange independent competitions "judges without their couples." It is difficult for me to comment on this, since I am not an expert and an interested person, so I will simply keep silent. The main thing to remember is that it is more difficult to sue a bright strong couple than an unremarkable one that does not dance very cleanly. In the case of qualifying performances in the categories H3-H6, each dancer / couple is awarded level 1-3 by the judges, then the average is considered. In cups, the system is 1/16, 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 finals (depending on how many couples participate). At the intermediate stages, it is enough for the judges to give crosses to the dancers they like, and in the final to distribute the first 6 places. When there are many participants, they are divided by visits. At the same time, if the numbers of participants are announced for beginner dancers, then starting from the E-class, the changes of entries should be monitored by the athletes themselves or their parents! All information is posted on an information board or shown on special displays. And here are the most exciting moments: you can see if your child has passed to the next round or not.
Tournament schedule is known in advance. It is posted, as a rule, on the website of the regional organization. Stay tuned, tournaments can be added months in advance, and sometimes 2-3 weeks in advance. Their schedule and other details are subject to change!
An important point: attaching a number to the back of the dancer. This must be done quickly, as there are times when different numbers are given for each category of dances, and there are no large gaps between entries. There are several ways to do this:
Take the number printed on paper and pin it with 4 pins. Fast, cheap, but unreliable, since the paper can tear, wrinkle and the number will look untidy, and in the worst case, it will not survive until the end of the tournament.
The organizers always offer the option to laminate the number, attach pins to it. Reliable, but expensive (lamination of one number - 100 rubles, sometimes you need 6-9 different numbers for a major tournament).
Insert the paper number into a regular A4 paper file, fold the excess part of the file, and secure the protected number with pins. It turns out almost easy lamination. Free, but not always quickly you can change the number.
Use a special number holder. It consists of buttons that are sewn onto the shirt and a plastic envelope that is fastened with buttons on the back. Reliably, quickly, but you have to find it, and it's not very easy (you can look it up in field stores at tournaments), and you won't be able to sew buttons off your shirt anymore, i.e. 4 buttons will be on the back even when they are not needed, for example in demonstration numbers.
Don't forget to bring money, a sports book, a suit, food and water, warm clothes, a holder for a number (or pins for a number), a file for certificates to the tournament.
Fees
After the first year of study (and maybe even during the winter holidays), professional clubs offer summer/winter dance camps. Consider that the children's camp is thematically focused. You can ignore this offer, but if you are in a pair, then it is better to discuss this issue together. At the training camp, children train intensively for 5-7 hours a day, they go through the same classes, but in a short time and usually with more individual training. The purpose of the training camp is to prepare athletes for the new season after the holidays. If there were rearrangements in pairs (and this usually happens at the beginning of the year), fees help children dance faster. Usually the camps are an adventure and the kids really like them. For small children who are not used to being away from their parents, it can be difficult, but tolerable, since there are very familiar people nearby (after all, it’s not a camp where unfamiliar children get into the shift). Sometimes fees are held for several clubs at once (if the clubs are small). Therefore, different coaches will work with your children - usually a whole team.
Price
Well, about the price. Expenses are rising gradually.
From the very beginning, you will have to fork out for group classes and shoes - these are minimal expenses. Prices in the Moscow region for group classes are about 2000-4000 rubles. 2-3 lessons per week. Keep in mind that shoes more than for the season are unlikely to be enough: ballroom shoes are special, with soft leather soles. Price from 2000-2500 rubles.
As soon as you have to perform at the tournament (hardly in the first six months), you will need to purchase a suit for performances. But for now, it’s simple, which means it’s budget-friendly. I think in the H-class you can even take a used one. Avito is full of offers, and a new one is not very expensive. A simple dress can be taken from 1000 rubles, the ceiling is not limited, you can find a rating dress for 6000 rubles. :) Get ready that you will have to pay for participation in the tournament, this is about 400-600 rubles. for one competition (gradually the child will want to compete and will participate in the Cups) and a spectator ticket. Do not forget about lamination of the number (if you have not prepared other options - see above). Plus the cost of food, since the tournament is a long event. Usually in the H-class, this results in 2000-3500 rubles. at once.
Further, the expenses for individual lessons (individuals) already in pairs will be added. The cost of individuals depends on their number. Approximately one individual will cost 20% of the cost of group lessons per month. You can start with 1 indiva per week. For us, 2-3 individuals are optimal, but there are those who practice every day. This is an expense item that depends on you and the partner's parents. Negotiate among yourselves.
Training fees for 2 weeks will cost 30,000-35,000 rubles. But it all depends on the price of accommodation and the number of individual lessons.
Upon receipt of an athlete's qualification book, a fee is charged (one-time), as well as for membership in a club (annually). I do not remember the exact amounts, but no more than 400-700 rubles. in every case.
At major competitions, sports insurance is needed (cost from 450 rubles) - this is unlikely to be relevant at first.
For each section, you can write a lot more, but I set myself the task of only approximately describing what awaits you and your children, if you suddenly decide to send them to ballroom dancing, and what you need to pay attention to. And yet, if you are serious, then you will have to delve into the topic yourself.
Hearing the phrase "ballroom dancing", many imagine luxurious dresses, exquisite men's tailcoats and a quiet classical music. This is because the word "ball" is associated with solemn royal events and events that we read about in children's fairy tales.
In fact, secular, non-professional, couple dances, which originated in the Middle Ages in Europe, began to be called “ballroom”. 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 dancing developed from European dances, in which elements of Latin American and African culture were introduced. In fact, most modern ballroom trends have real African "roots" that have been "polished" European masters And dance schools.
Separation of ballroom dancing and novelties 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 the directions available at that time, such as:- foxtrot (fast and slow);
- waltz;
- tango.
Today, thousands of large and small classical dancesport competitions are held every year. In most cases, they are divided into three programs - Latin American, European, and "top ten".
Everything you need to know about ballroom dancing
The first feature of ballroom dancing 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, bewitching look dance. Techniques developed over the years have been brought to the perfect balance so that the dance is not just movements to the music, but a combination of harmonious steps that create the perfect ensemble.Speaking of contacts, Latin American dances are distinguished by greater freedom of movement, and partners most of the time touch only with their hands. At some moments, the contact is completely lost, and sometimes it is strengthened, during the performance of special figures.
IN modern world The popularity of ballroom dancing has declined significantly, due to the fact that their performance requires special skills and exhausting training to constantly maintain shape.
In the sixties of the 20th century, the 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 have 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 bright 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 it "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 that 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 the shows of which people around the world began to go to lessons in order to master this beautiful, rhythmic and passionate direction.
Foxtrot
There is an erroneous opinion that this dance owes its name to English word"Foxtrot", which in translation means "fox gait", however, in fact, the name came from the name of the person who became the founder of the style - Harry Fox.
Introduced in the US in 1912, the foxtrot immediately after the First World War won the hearts of Europeans.
A 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 of the fact that partners, in the process, become literally one whole, merge 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 cycles per minute);
- jive (from 42 to 44 beats per minute);
- paso doble (from 60 to 62 beats per minute);
- rumba (from 25 to 27 cycles per minute);
- samba (from 50 to 52 cycles per minute).
- tango (from 31 to 33 bars per minute);
- slow waltz (from 28 to 30 bars per minute);
- quickstep (from 50 to 52 beats per minute);
- slow foxtrot (from 28 to 30 bars per minute);
- Viennese waltz (from 58 to 60 bars per minute).
