Modern social dancing is not just a beautiful act, but also a hobby, useful physical activity and a great way to get to know each other. In this compilation, we want to tell you about nine of the most popular social dances that anyone can learn.
1. Swing
Swing originated in the southern United States in the 1920s during the popularity of jazz - it was often danced to the compositions of Louis Armstrong. At that time, there were no original musical and dance trends in America, and jazz, with the swing that grew out of it, became the first manifestations of the primordially American culture. For the first time they began to dance it in Harlem, the first swing dance was called the Charleston and was performed without a partner - the dancers simply abruptly threw their legs out with their heels, which resembled traditional dances African peoples. Little by little, the Charleston transformed directly into swing: the figures became smoother, they danced in pairs - the partner held the partner's hands.
Dynamic and beautiful swing was danced in clubs all over the country, and almost every city had its own style. The figures and technique of dancing changed over time, new directions gradually appeared: lindy hop, bilboa, and much later - boogie-woogie and rock and roll.
Modern swing is characterized by very fast and smooth kicking, high plasticity and emotionality. The partner plays a “leading” role, he directs the movements of the partner, who is required to be sensitive and able to adapt to the partner. The dance is built mainly on improvisation - freedom of movement is not limited by almost anything except jazz musical rhythm. Rehearse swing mostly just before the competition.
There is a swing school in almost every major city in the world. There are international competitions where the so-called "ballroom swing" is most often performed. It is characterized by clear, smooth, interconnected movements and a bright dance composition, as in the video below.
2. Argentine tango
Argentine tango first appeared in Argentina and Uruguay at the end of the 19th century. Oddly enough, it was danced in brothels and gambling establishments where men spent their time looking for affordable entertainment, women and dubious romance.
The customs of that time were quite strict, so that decent women could not even allow a partner to put his hand on her back - this was already considered reprehensible. Therefore, prostitutes were the first to dance the tango. The tango was characterized by close hugs, intertwining legs, grabbing, stroking and flirting glances, all with a blatant hint of obscenity. Of course, the women did not dance for free, and soon the men began to get together and practice on their own.
Tango gained wide popularity almost half a century after its inception. The young men taught dance, though less frank, to their girlfriends and relatives. From Latin America, tango came to Europe, where it acquired a modern look.
Now passion, close contact of partners, fast movements are typical for dance. The main role is assigned to a woman - all complex figures such as throwing out legs, turns and steps fall to her lot, the partner for the most part only supports. Argentine tango is popular all over the world. There are a huge number of styles, the most common of which are milonga, salon and liso. Improvisation plays a very important role in this dance. However, at international competitions held in all parts of the world, it is believed that a truly beautiful and professional dance must be rehearsed.
3. Viennese waltz
Contrary to the name, the Viennese waltz appeared not at all in Vienna, but in Germany, and a very long time ago - the first mention of it dates back to the 12th century. It is believed that it was then that the Bavarian peasants began to dance a similar dance. Later, the fashion moved to France - the appearance of the waltz is described in the Parisian newspaper La Patrie in 1559. A beautiful dance very soon gained popularity among the aristocracy - there are engravings and paintings depicting couples dancing the Viennese waltz, the most famous of which is the young Queen of England, Elizabeth I, flies above the floor in the arms of the Earl of Lancaster.
The main difference between the Viennese waltz and the classical waltz is that it is somewhat more dynamic, performed to faster, albeit smoother music. Like all waltzes, this dance is performed in three quarters, that is, there are three steps per beat. The man plays a leading role - he serves as a support and support for his partner, whose back during the dance is slightly tilted back in the shape. The Viennese waltz is a smooth dance, without sharp turns and tilts - it creates the feeling that the dancing couple seems to be floating above the ground.
The dance is not so easy to perform, at least to learn how to dance it beautifully, it will take a lot of practice and good plastic. The Viennese waltz is included in the top five dances of the European program, which says a lot.
4. Zouk
Zouk originated in the Caribbean in the 1980s. The word "zouk" from the French Creole language is translated as "party" - originally the zouk was danced at parties and discos. As the dance developed, numerous schools opened, new directions appeared. In the music to which the zouk is danced, African, Brazilian motifs, elements of flamenco and other musical trends can be distinguished. Zouk has gained the greatest popularity in French-speaking countries.
Unlike most Latin american dance, there is no frank eroticism and sharp dynamic movements in zouk, it is performed to slow “dramatic” music, the dancers move smoothly and very plastically. Zouk is characterized by tenderness, humility, slight sadness and sensuality. In principle, it is quite simple to dance it, no special preparation is required, and anyone can take part in the competition by simply submitting an application. Of course, a couple of “masters” who deal with zook professionally will win, but this direction is also accessible to beginners.
5. Merengue
Merengue, both music and dance, comes from the Dominican Republic. The ancestor of the merengue is the tumba dance, which is not so common - it is very complex and is not suitable for the main purpose of social dances - entertainment and communication. A relatively simple merengue, which does not require memorization and reproduction of complex figures, quickly fell in love with young people and soon penetrated most Dominican parties. Now merengue is most popular in Latin America and the USA. Most of the performers live there.
Merengue is performed to incendiary dynamic music, where the main accompaniment instrument is the accordion. The contact of partners in the dance is minimal - both men and women dance his “solo”, touching rarely and mostly with their hands. Close bodily contact is not typical for merengue - both partners commit a large number of movements: rotation of the body, movement of the shoulders at a stunningly fast pace, circular movements of the hips.
Merengue is quite easy to learn on your own - improvisation is typical for the dance, and you only need to be able to withstand a frantic rhythm. As with all other dances from our list, there are competitions for everyone in the merengue. Of course, it will be difficult to get into international competitions as a participant, but at amateur competitions it is quite possible to have fun and learn something from other dancing couples.
6. Reggaeton
Reggaeton first appeared in Puerto Rico. Based on the name, the basics of the musical direction and dance originate from reggae music. Over time, very little remained of the classic reggae in reggaeton, but you can hear echoes of techno music, rap, bombs, captivity and hip-hop.
This dance is relatively young - it was first danced in the 1990s at discos and parties. The main thing in reggaeton is a strong rhythmic beat, it is extremely easy to move to this dynamic incendiary music. In this dance, too, there are no obligatory figures, but very fast rotation of the hips and stomach and movements of the shoulders at an unrealistically fast pace are characteristic, and these movements are performed by both partners. Another feature of reggaeton is its provocativeness - in the movements of the partners there is a clear sexual overtone, challenge, passion.
Reggaeton is especially popular in Argentina, where friendly competitions are even held and broadcast on it.
7. Hustle
Hustle is another disco dance style. It first appeared in Europe and America in the 1960s and immediately gained popularity among young people, because it did not require special preparation, was simple to perform, and at the same time beautiful and romantic. Almost any music is suitable for hustle - it is enough to feel the rhythm a little, and you can whirl with your partner. Dance appeared in the USSR in the late 1980s. By the way, it is he who is shown in the film "Beloved Woman of the Mechanic Gavrilov."
In the hustle, unlike many of the above dances, there is nothing provocative. His movements are just a six-count step, inside and outside single turns and not too close contact between partners. Although the Hustle was originally a social dance and was invented as a way to have fun and get to know each other, it is now used as a sporting event. There are many different directions in hustle, but the most interesting is jack-n-jill hustle: a couple at the competition goes to the floor and dances an impromptu dance to music unknown to them. The level of the dancer is determined by one of five classes - to get the next one, you must participate in competitions and win prizes.
8. Irish set dances
Irish set dancing originated in the 18th century. The merry Irish liked the classic French quadrille, perfectly suited to their folk melodies. The quadrille mixed with Irish dances like reel, hornpipe and jig, and the result was something unimaginable. In the next two centuries, it was danced everywhere: at village holidays, weddings, in pubs. Gradually, set dances replaced even the traditional Irish keili.
The most amazing thing is that the movements are mainly made only with the legs: all kinds of turns and jumps, sliding steps, overlaps and swift throws of the legs. At the same time, the body remains calm and hardly moves, and the hands, as a rule, lie on the belt. Irish dancing is a mixture of pride, hot temperament and mischief.
Now set Irish dances are no longer so popular - you are unlikely to meet them at discos - not the kind of music. But all over the world, many championships are held on them, the largest of which are the All-Ireland Championship, the British Championship, the American National Championship and the World Championship. Everything you need to learn Irish dance- the ability not to stray from the rhythm and breathe correctly.
9. Rumba
Rumba was invented, oddly enough, by African slaves who lived in Latin America. Their own culture during the years of slavery was closely intertwined with the culture of the Spanish invaders. The word "rumbo" translated from Spanish means "fun". Initially, the dance was really dynamic, the music was like the famous melody "Kukaracha". But over time, the rumba was divided into two directions - directly rumba and cha-cha-cha.
The dance is characterized by smooth, erotic movements and wide steps of both partners. Rumba is considered a ballroom dance. The main thing here is the emotional content, light eroticism and drama. Music is slow and smooth. Sometimes rumba is even danced at weddings as the first dance of spouses in Latin America - the dance symbolizes family responsibilities and reverent love.
Of course, you can’t dance rumba in discos either, but this dance is popular in everything modern world. It belongs to ballroom dancing and is one of the five standard Latin American ballroom dancing programs.
Few people realize that behind the bright and spectacular ballroom dancing, a dancer hides a different life: victims, ambiguous sentences, terrible hints. As they say, every case, like a coin, has 2 sides. Let's look at the other side of bright and incendiary dances.
Most often, children fall in love with dance after their parents send them to some dance studio. As a result, growing up in a dance atmosphere, professional dancers are grateful for the support and bright life of their parents.
It is best to practice ballroom dancing from the age of 5 - 6. It is problematic for tall girls to find a dance partner. While there is no partner, in the studio the coach offers the girls to dance with each other in the classroom while they are in search. In ballroom dancing, there is always an urgent problem - the lack of partners.
Sometimes children are unlucky with coaches and then the child has to listen that they are wooden show-offs, of which good dancers cannot be made. This, of course, is sad. Parents are encouraged to listen at least a few times to how the choreographer communicates with students during classes. If you don’t like something, you should definitely transfer your child to another dance studio.
The whims of teenagers
Most of all, ballroom dancing is to the taste of girls. Many factors draw their attention:
- stage make-up for performances;
- chic hairstyles;
- toned body (ideal feminine figure);
— great attention(glory after victories);
- chic outfits (delightful dresses).
Sometimes, dancers during adolescence have turning points(change of interests). This happens around age 14. During this period, it is not uncommon for even world champions to want to give up ballroom dancing. Therefore, parents and coaches will have to make more efforts so that the child survives this difficult period and remained in line with his favorite pastime - ballroom dancing.
If a young dancer manages to overcome herself and the protests of adolescence, then the girl goes headlong into training, shows more enthusiasm during classes. As a result, dancing becomes the meaning of her life.
Expensive pleasure
Perhaps it is no secret to anyone that ballroom dancing is quite an expensive pleasure. Lessons from a professional teacher, costumes and special shoes cost a decent amount. In addition, dancers must pay for all competitions and trips to competitions on their own.
At first, all these amounts are paid by the parents, and later the dancers can provide for themselves.
In adulthood, dancers not only take part in competitions and dance, but also work as teachers with young dancers, which is what they earn their living from. Although the work of a coach is quite exhausting, the earnings are quite good. When the dancers can no longer perform on their own, they plunge headlong into the activities of the coach.
Restrictions and mode
Any dancer should always be irresistible, keep her body in great shape. It is not necessary to adhere to strict diets, but it is necessary to monitor nutrition throughout life. Sometimes you can pamper yourself and eat a small amount of sweet dessert (but not flour).
The trainer deals with his wards (partner and partner) 2 times a day (in the morning and in evening time). Classes usually take place 4 times a week. Before the competition, the number of training sessions increases dramatically. I have to spend almost a day on the parquet in hard work and practice dance program so that all movements come out perfectly.
Dancers may get up late in the morning, because a good night's sleep is a great asset to a dance career. After all, it will allow you to get a charge of vivacity and energy, look amazing and not be afraid of the appearance of dark circles under the eyes. And proper facial skin care will give radiance and beauty, so necessary during grueling journeys and preparations. For example, the carrot hendel mask, reviews of which can be found on the Internet, wonderfully helps to maintain beauty and look great.
Professional ballroom dancers have practically no free time. They either train on their own or work with small children. Such a luxury as rest, professionals can afford about 2 times a month.
Side effects
Very often, young people who are engaged in ballroom dancing cannot find themselves close to heart a person who would not put an ultimatum "love or dance." Meeting and spending time with loved ones is an unheard-of luxury for a dancer. If there is still a soul mate, then you should prepare for constant scandals about jealousy for dance partners.
There are also cases when, after any tournaments or competitions, fans or judges pester the dancer. The fact is that many Latin American dances scoring program require stage short seductive dresses. And some individuals misinterpret this and begin to think that all dancers are easily accessible girls. And this is a completely erroneous opinion. Such proposals are perceived by the dancers as an insult.
Defeats and victories
Each victory is perceived by the dancers as a great joy, an understanding that all the work was not in vain.
It is very important to receive rewards for your labors and efforts. Defeats are very difficult for the contestants to take, especially if the couple was sued at the competition, giving prizes to individuals who paid for their victories.
Partners
Finding a good talented partner for a ballroom dancer is hard enough. During a dancing career, very often you have to change your partners several times. After all, young guys gradually get tired of dancing and choose other professions.
Mastering the basic dance moves for beginners is easy with easy-to-follow video tutorials. The main thing is to honestly assess your capabilities and choose the appropriate dance style. Some directions are too complicated and not suitable for beginners, so before starting the first lesson, you should carefully study what types of dance exist and which one is right for you.
Club dance go-go
Go-go dance originated in the 60s of the last century in American nightclubs. It was originally based on dance moves twist, which the girls performed right on the tables. Then the owners of one of the clubs guessed to place the dancers in cages suspended from the ceiling, and thanks to this technique dancing go-go became incredibly popular: exquisite and sensual movements attracted a huge number of visitors to the club.
This dance requires great physical strength, significant flexibility, looseness and an impeccable sense of rhythm. It is usually performed under contemporary pop music, includes many different styles such as strip dance, hip hop, twerk and others. It will not be easy for beginners to master this dance from scratch, but it is still worth a try. The advantage of go-go is that dancers are allowed to improvise, and there are no clear rules by which moves are judged.
The group of Latin American dances includes the famous salsa, rumba, bachata, cha-cha-cha, merengue. This direction is perfect for beginners, simple for beginners easy to master, they allow you to develop a special grace, sensuality and plasticity. Thanks to the video lesson, you can independently learn how to dance beautifully and after a few lessons, shine on the dance floor!
Latin American dances are based on passionate, energetic movements of the hips, relaxed and filled with freedom, a straight, proud posture and a high chin. It is important to consider that all steps are performed on half-bent legs. This direction requires good physical preparation, so beginners should not expect lightning-fast results, but perseverance will definitely bear fruit.
Tango
This is a beautiful and passionate dance, which is usually performed in pairs. There are several varieties of tango: Argentinean, Finnish and ballroom. The first option is the most popular, and the last, ballroom, is often chosen by happy newlyweds as a wedding dance.
master basic steps and even beginners can take positions, but in order to master the true skill, you will have to sweat a lot. The dance moves for beginners are easy to remember and the couple always moves counter-clockwise.
One of the most popular directions for girls is oriental dances, as the movements are very simple and beautiful, they help to relax and awaken sensuality. Belly dancing is much easier than strip dancing, does not require physical training and special flexibility, so you can master it in the most short time.
Initially, this ancient dance was performed by concubines for their master, but today it is danced even in discos. Basic belly dance moves for beginners include hip swings, soft movements arms and chest. The video lesson will allow you to learn how to move rhythmically and beautifully.
To learn how to dance, you need to overcome shyness and own laziness. Thanks to simple video workouts, beginners can try different directions and choose the one that works best and gives the most pleasure. Basic dance moves for beginners are easy to master, and regular practice will help you achieve the desired level of skill.
Striptease, Strip plastic, Pillon
Striptease is the art of seduction... It is interesting because it is able to reveal femininity, sensuality and sexuality in a dancer. Becoming on a par with a man, a woman of our time is increasingly forgetting to be a woman. Stripping refreshes instincts, breaks the shackles of stiffness, teaches you to express feelings and emotions. Pillar training, in turn, gives amazing physical training.
Difficulties: Rhythmic gymnastics skills, good stretching and a beautiful figure are required.
Top Break Dance, Dup Step, Popping, Electric Boogie
The dancers of these genres are real "dance magicians", originating from the art of pantomime. What they do is amazing! Not for nothing, today there is no one cooler than breakers in modern dance. In their speeches we see highest level control over the body, the most complex elements, so unimaginable that sometimes it even hurts to watch. Excitement bordering on horror!
Difficulties: to really achieve something in breakdancing, you need to devote yourself to it. And you need to be extremely careful, it does not do without injuries.
Go-Go, Waking, Vogue
Just what you need for fashionistas who are hungry for the stage! Highest Degree posturing and acting skills. They play on the elegance of forms and lines that reveal the beauty of a half-naked body. Vogue and Waaking are "pathos for whites." The Vogue style is characterized by model poses, it imitates catwalk walking. The style of Waaking, which took a lot from Vogue, is dominated by hand movements (the name itself translates as “waving hands”), they borrowed many movements from locking. Go-Go is a looser style that mixes the previous two and adds elements of other styles, such as the strip. This is the most popular style dancing nightclubs.
Difficulties: excellent physical data and moral readiness are required to perform on stage practically in underwear.
Jazz Modern, Contemporary Dance
Modern interpretation ballet, which preserves aesthetic traditions, but gives freedom and flexibility of technique, abolishing the rigid standards of the classics. Choreography is at the heart of these styles. Most of the higher educational institutions under contemporary dance are represented by Contemporary. But the paradox is that this genre is completely unsuitable for dancing to a modern dance music. This is purely a stage dance technique.
Difficulties: in order to achieve success in this style, you need to practice from childhood.
Classic. Choreography
The highest "theatrical" form choreographic art, the embodiment of the highest aesthetic ideals. This is an exclusively stage dance, focused on the audience. It is characterized by strict standards and high requirements for performance techniques, many of which are performed at the limit of human capabilities. In terms of complexity, the elements of ballet can only be compared with the elements of break dance.
Difficulties: professional pursuits ballet does not pass without a trace. Extremely high demands leave their mark on the formation of the body, especially since ballet should be practiced from childhood, while the body is still supple. Possible damage to ligaments, tendons, joints, overdeveloped individual groups muscles and more.
Latin American dances, salsa, hustle
These destinations are extremely popular today. This is not only dancing, this is leisure, communication, discos. These styles bring people together: energetic, passionate movements, exciting swaying of the hips ... Although these are mostly pair dances, they are organized in such a way that you can easily change partners and make new acquaintances. And they do not require special training, they are quite simple to learn.
Difficulty: on initial stage for lovers of complexity is not enough, the main thing is to find a suitable partner.
Lower Break Dance
The lower break is a masterpiece of modernity, bordering on the impossible, going beyond the limits of human capabilities. It has absorbed the elements and style of Hip-Hop culture, performed to the music of DubStep or Hip-Hop. The technical essence of the style is the control of "torque" in all possible positions, i.e. continue to rotate with changes in position on any points of support, even on the head. This is the most complex acrobatics superimposed on the rhythms of music. Suitable for short, stocky dancers.
Difficulties: Extremely difficult to prevent injury
Flamenco
Folk spanish dance with mandatory traditional costumes. Flamenco is particularly dramatic and attracts a fairly mature audience. This is a spectacular and expressive genre filled with passion. He is characterized by a specific choreography of the hands, active beating of tap-dancing trills and luxurious pas in frilled chic skirts in a gypsy manner.
Difficulties: need a keen sense of rhythm
East Dance, Tribal
The art of seduction erotic dance East (ancient striptease). It is performed in specific costumes with ringing scales, which enhances the musicality of the dance, synchronization with the music. Oriental dance is rich in all kinds of techniques in plasticity, rhythm, replete with small details and decorations. Really professional dancers fascinate with the beauty of the curves of a semi-naked body and clear, finely drawn movements. Unlike other styles, “oriental dancers” delight with expressiveness magnificent forms, the ability to profitably reveal the features of the female figure.
Difficulties: small shaking, vibrations are harmful to the not yet formed female body.
The basis of modern dance, improvisation for the dance floor
Base of Modern Dance- dance format for the dance floor, suitable for music of different genres. This is a universal dance technique that is combined with any style, type and manner. It is not required to memorize dance sequences and performances, the dance is built on the principle of a constructor: there are basic elements and rules, how they fit together. Having studied several movements and learning how to combine them with each other, you can improvise under different music, for this, several months of training are enough. The whole dance is based on rhythm, plasticity and coordination of movements.
Difficulties: to achieve beauty and ease in improvisation, it takes time to restore atrophied muscle groups.
Shuffle, House, ElectroDance, Tecktonik, C-walk
Active styles for expressive youth: techniques with swings and jumps to music with a direct rhythm. Extremely energy-consuming, attract a lot of attention and require a lot of space. You will be unlucky if you find yourself next to such a dancer on a crowded dance floor, since this does not happen often, but these styles have become a hit at street festivals! These techniques turn you on - you just want to join and start dancing. But the dancers are not enough for a long time, because. the set of movements is not particularly large and varied, and all are quite energetic.
Difficulties: finding a place to fulfill them
R'n'B, Hip-Hop
Initially, R'n'B is a culture of funk, jazz and soul. She also contributed to the emergence of rock and roll. In the future, R'n'B and Hip-Hop began to actively mix, because. they are both part of the African American culture. Today, R'n'B as a dance includes any possible technique, but all of them are performed in a particularly pathetic manner, in the obligatory ultra-fashionable outfit. R'n'B classes are a great solution for those who want to "show themselves." This style gives self-confidence, a sense of one's own coolness and sexuality, it is a cure for complexes and insecurity, which young people lack so much; that is why it is purely a youth movement.
Hip-hop, however, is a serious direction, where the pathos is justified by the really cool training of dancers who do not neglect breakdancing.
Difficulties: constant psychological pressure within the team, where the spirit of struggle and competition reigns.
ballroom dancing
Pair dance with strict choreographic standards. The dancers are completely attached to their partner, who is extremely difficult to replace.
Flaws: injury, occupational diseases. Considering that this is a professional dance for participation in competitions, the loss of a partner almost always entails the collapse of the dancer's professional career.
Advantages: fully reveals the topic of interaction with a partner. Supreme form possible paired dance art.
Strip
This is the most ancient, and at the same time the most modern style dance. It is constantly changing, as the standards of femininity and masculinity change. You can dance it in different ways, but the meaning does not change. This is a dance that arouses sexual interest, allowing you to enjoy your image, the effect that you produce. This is the most emotional style of dance, in which the features of male and female movements are maximally expressed. There is a very thin line between the most beautiful and the most disgusting. Therefore, high qualification of the choreographer is simply necessary.
The broad concept of "club dance" includes many movements of various styles. They can be performed synchronously or solo. club dance today it has been divided into 2 directions: to music with a direct rhythm and to music with a broken rhythm. Straight rhythm is classical Electonic music like Disco House, Techno, Progressive. A broken rhythm is a break beat, breaks, R'n'B, Hip-Hop.
Jazz-Modern
Born at the time of the relevance of ballroom dancing, modern jazz is a combination of classical techniques, street styles dance, jazz improvisation.
Top break dance
A combination of all “old school” styles, such as plastic, slides, king-tat, robot. Break Dancing is exciting, vibrant, and colorful. For this reason, he became very popular. Break dancing first appeared in the South Bronx (Big Up's to da Bronx!) in the 70s. At first it was danced on laid out in the street cardboard boxes that turned the sidewalk into a stage. Street dancers mixed dance aerobatics with martial arts and disco dance, and each performer crafted his own style. Music poured from portable stereo tape recorders. Now it's a personal way to get in shape and have fun!
go-go
A dance technique that allows you to get a crowd of spectators using standard artistry techniques, wide, amplitude movements that capture attention, courage and game. One of the main elements of Go-Go is the expression of sexuality and the minimum amount of clothing.
street dance
In the early 70s, a huge number of groups dancing on the streets formed in the USA, subsequently reincarnating into culture. It has incorporated a popular form filled with elements of various dance styles.
Stage, power style of synchronized dance, which allows you to work out the quality, endurance. A large number of synchronous connections of popular movements and courage are presented.
Powerful dance style for the stage, where movements are performed with full force and at high speed. This style features a large number of "wide" movements, swings, rotations and reversals.
Slide man ( moon walk)
All kinds of moonwalks in all directions. This technique is perfectly combined with plastic. The style is based on moonwalks, which give an illusory effect of sliding on the floor. The style includes more than 20 types of gaits. Swimming or sliding then semi is an illusion created with your feet. This creates the feeling that you are trying to go in one direction, but you are actually moving in another direction. A classic example of this effect is the 'Moonwalk' made famous by Michael Jackson. The actual illusion is an old Mime trick.
Disco
As a result of the "psychedelic revolution" of the late 60s, a culture of music, fashion, and dance was formed. The manifestation of one's individuality in this form is relevant to this day. The disco style influenced many other styles that appeared later.
R&B
It has gained great popularity all over the world, thanks to the music to which it is performed. This trendy dance direction helps to acquire not only a beautiful sportswear, but also provide an opportunity to show "aerobatics" in clubs. The style evolved from "Hip-Hop", became more diverse and complex. The abbreviation "R&B" stands for "Rhythm and Blues". As a rule, it is danced at the level of improvisation.
Trance
Trance as a stylization of dance technique, with a softer nature of movements based on the specific features of electronic trance music, has absorbed mostly movements that can be performed by anyone without special physical training. This is a dance of deep feelings, not always clear to others.
Dancing is not the most obvious item on the list of male hobbies, but nevertheless, this activity, which combines sports and communication, is gaining more and more fans around the world every year. Dancing helps keep you in good shape, improves your posture and coordination, and opens the way to themed parties and new acquaintances. For all this, it is absolutely not necessary to exhaust yourself with training and hone your skills for years - modern popular directions, united by the common name "social dances", are open to everyone, knowledge of the basic movements and, of course, desire is enough.
Today we will talk about the most common types of social dances and where, how and with whom you can join them.
What is social dancing
The expression “social dances” came into Russian as a translation from English (“social dance”), and often its meaning remains not entirely clear. In fact, it simply refers to all types of dances that are not a sports discipline, are available to everyone, but still have certain rules and accepted movements, unlike, for example, dancing in a nightclub.
Social dancing is a great hobby
As a rule, social dances are paired, while the task of the partner is to choose the sequence of movements and direct the partner, who, in turn, must follow him. Often the process involves the exchange of partners. There are no ready-made schemes in modern dances: the set of movements is always improvisation. Of course, it is desirable that both partners know at least the basic steps, but the main thing is the willingness to listen and adapt to each other. Any dance is a kind of dialogue, which ideally should leave only positive emotions.
Popular types of social dances
Nowadays, there are a large number of popular dance styles: from sensual Latin American to catchy Irish, as well as various modern variations of European and American dances. The choice is limited only by your taste, and, of course, by what clubs are in your city. Let's take a look at some of the most common styles.
Argentine tango
The famous sensual tango dance appeared at the end of the 19th century in Argentina and Uruguay and then gained popularity around the world. Today there are various variations of this direction, but if your goal is not professional tournaments, but the new kind leisure, look for "Argentine tango".
In this dance, more attention is given to the partner: it is the girl who performs various spectacular movements, such as throwing out legs, turns and steps. At the same time, the partner moves less, his task is to guide and support. Tango involves quite close contact, passion and some sharpness of movement. This dance looks very impressive from the outside, even if the partners are just beginning to comprehend its features.
Swing
Another popular trend, swing, originated in the United States in the 1920s, during the heyday of jazz. Gradually, it acquired various subspecies: lindy hop, boogie-woogie, etc. That's enough fast dance, it is performed in pairs without particularly close contact: a man holds a woman by the hands or at most by the waist.
Swing is based on improvisation, it can look completely different: from rhythmic steps and simple turns for beginners to complex acrobatics for professionals. However, the main thing is positive mood. And, of course, keeping the rhythm of the melody.
salsa
Salsa dance comes from Cuba and carries the idea of freedom and flirtation. It is characterized by relaxed, "flirting" movements. At the same time, salsa is often danced in groups, and the process involves a constant change of partners, which makes it possible to hone your skills with various strangers.
Salsa is a rather energetic dance with constant turns, interlacing of hands, the body is constantly in motion. All in all, the perfect cocktail of communication and fitness.
Bachata
Bachata is a dance from the Dominican Republic. This direction is considered one of the most sensual and romantic: partners dance in very close contact, their movements are smooth and passionate at the same time.
From the side of bachata, it seems simpler than many other varieties, but this is an illusion: the hugs, backbends and waves characteristic of this dance require good knowledge movement and body control. However, it is worth it: training will definitely pay off with the emotions that bachata gives.
Hustle
Hustle is a fairly young trend that originated in the 1970s. This dance is performed to disco music and is considered one of the simplest: it is enough to master a few basic elements and be ready to improvise. However, with a certain skill, he looks very impressive and incendiary - just remember the movie "Dirty Dancing".
Hustle is a very democratic dance, among its fans you can see people of any age and any build. A good option for newbies.
How to learn to dance
So, you decided to try to start dancing and decided on the direction. The next question arises: how to master these very basic steps and everything else?
Most effective way- sign up for courses. Social dancing is a popular hobby, so many clubs and private instructors regularly recruit groups of newcomers. In this case, you will take your first steps in a new business under the guidance of a professional who will correct your movements and always help with advice. In addition, group classes provide an opportunity to immediately hone the acquired skills with various partners.
If you are shy, want a more intensive program, or work a non-standard schedule, you might consider private tuition with a tutor. Of course, it costs more, but the effect will be obtained faster. On individual sessions you can go alone or in pairs.
There is also an option self-study by video. You can buy instructional DVDs or even find free lessons on the Internet: many teachers shoot videos of their classes to attract students. In this case, you can dance at home whenever and as much as you want, the only negative is that it is more difficult to track progress and correct possible mistakes.
Finally, there is an option for the gurus to search for special deals on the internet. Many dance clubs and schools periodically hold open free classes. Often such lessons are held outdoors in the summer. Of course, you won’t learn much in one lesson, but this is a great way to look at different dance directions and make a choice.
Where can you go to dance
Whatever wonderful courses you have signed up for, this is only an intermediate stage on the way to the world of social dancing. The fun begins when you master the basic movements (but remember that this takes at least 2-3 months of training!) And you can attend dance parties.
In winter, such parties are held in clubs, in summer - in the open air, for example, on the embankment in Gorky Park in Moscow. It makes sense to find out in advance which dance styles are popular in your city, because the acquired skills will definitely want to be put into practice.
What to do if there is no partner
It seems to many that dancing is an activity for a couple, but in fact it is a great hobby just for those who want to get to know each other. If you don't have a partner, don't worry! In 99% of cases on dance courses there are more girls than men, and you will simply pair up with someone who came without a partner. Concerning dance parties, then they are just created for new acquaintances! Without a doubt, there you will also find many free girls whom you can invite to dance. This is perceived as completely normal, the main thing is not to be intrusive if you suddenly get a refusal, and, of course, practice a little beforehand so that your partner does not have to do everything for you.
Conclusion
Dance is the oldest way of spending leisure time, entertainment and flirting, a couple of centuries ago, all the most interesting things happened at balls. Nowadays it has been transformed into social dancing - a hobby that will allow you to keep fit, learn to move better and hold yourself more freely, and also bring a lot of new acquaintances. Take a closer look: perhaps this type of leisure will become your new hobby.
