If a person does not like to dance, then he has not yet found his dance. The benefits of rhythmic movements to music have been proven even by doctors. It's a great hobby, a great way to pass the time, and an enjoyable type of exercise.
innumerable, everyone can find what he likes. Today we will talk about several topical areas. Some of them have appeared only in our days, some are gaining a second wind after many years of oblivion. Turn on the music, we're starting!
Modern dance styles for girls: list
How to stay in sports physical shape? Choose a dance lifestyle! Ownership of the body is given to everyone, but due to excessive modesty, not everyone can realize themselves in the indicated direction. Those who are especially modest can study at home, but it is more difficult and will take more time. In the case of pair types, if there is no pair, you will have to go to classes.
Dancing is good for health, both physically and mentally. Benefits for dancing:
- positive attitude;
- the formation of an even posture;
- physical activities;
- normalization of coordination of movements;
- stabilization of the vestibular apparatus;
- strengthening the heart;
- improvement in lung function;
- fun pastime;
- self confidence;
- new hobby.
This kind of art is an alternative to physical exercises in the gym. Such a hobby is suitable for representatives of all ages, physical fitness, body type, weight.
Dance moves turn flaws into winning virtues. Femininity will appear, gait will change, gestures will become smooth.
Modern trends contain dozens and even hundreds of styles. Consider popular and interesting varieties.
Twerk
Twerk, shake, booty dance - it's all about him. The dance direction, in which the masterful ability to shake the booty comes to the fore, came from Africa, and spread thanks to Miley Cyrus, who performed it incendiary at the MTV awards.
Booty dance - solo hips and buttocks. The dancers write out eights, vigorously contract their muscles, “vibrate” their booty (this element is called a “shake”). The upper body is practically not involved, but the performer has to tighten the upper abs properly in order to "keep the bottom".
Twerk does not imply a strictly defined rhythm or music. It is usually performed to rap and hip-hop.
Short shorts, bikinis, tight leggings or leggings are worn for performances and training. Shoes are required as comfortable as possible, so sneakers or sneakers are more often chosen. Also use knee pads so as not to get injured or bruised during a fast or long element.
Dancing booty dance, you will feel like a wild woman, inviting and frank, and at the same time it’s good to pump up your legs and buttocks.
Vogue
Vogue is a dance of poses. It appeared back in the 70s, when the professional modeling business began to gain momentum. People who could not get on the catwalks gathered in groups and imitated fashion models, depicting their frilly poses. Then came music, and just imitation became a cultural phenomenon.
Vog is characterized by emotionality, active rotation of the hips and arms, hypertrophied mannerisms, rhythmic falls. The main thing is to keep your face!
Vogue is performed under House, in tight, figure-hugging clothes, and certainly in high heels! The main element of culture are battles - competitions of dancers.
Despite the mannerisms and hypertrophy, vogue is a technical direction. Each gesture is carefully worked out, even the position of the hands matters, so a thorough warm-up takes place at the beginning of the workout.
Contact improvisation
Not all modern dance styles for girls involve solo performances or long-term mastery of choreography. Contact improvisation or CI is a movement of the soul, a way to feel your partner or try to recognize a stranger. The history of this direction begins in 1972, the progenitor is Steve Paxton, an American choreographer.
The main task is to keep continuous contact with the partner, continuing to move without freezing. Partners can touch as they like - with their backs, heads, hands.
Choreography and beauty of performance are not particularly important here, the essence lies in inner experiences and sensations. They dance KI in loose clothing that does not restrict movement, often barefoot, to calm, meditative music.
Today, CI is actively used in psychotherapy - the search for a point of contact in rhythmic expressive body movements to a musical composition helps couples to get to know and feel each other better.
Bachata
Another pairing style on our list is hot bachata. It appeared in the Dominican Republic in the bitter years of the early 20th century, when the only happy entertainment for the impoverished people was love and dance movements to music.
Bachata involves very close contact. Ligaments are mostly circular and smooth, no sharp turns or throws over the shoulder. The partner gently moves from one side to the other, the steps of the dancers are small and accurate, the hips move freely.
Bachata is also a style of music, so you won't have to choose a melody for a long time.
The form of clothing for classes is a skirt or dress for a lady, a suit for a gentleman. Shoes - shoes with heels in order to emphasize the movements of the hips. Dance movements of the body are sensual and passionate, but not sharp and assertive as in tango.
Popular styles, like hundreds of years ago, reflect the prevailing moods in society. Rhythmic and erotic movements based on close contact of partners are becoming more and more popular. Who knows, maybe we're getting closer?
go-go
The direction appeared in the mid-60s in the last century. Initially, it was a way to entertain guests in clubs, festivals, discos. It appeared in Russia later, in the 90s. Even if you are not a fan of nightlife, it is worth learning a few ligaments.
The ability to dance in the Go-Go style will give self-confidence to any girl, teach you to catch the rhythms of music, control your body, and improvise beautifully.
Go-Go is distinguished by dynamic, temperamental, bright ligaments. Although it is considered a club erotic dance, it has nothing to do with striptease. The dancers don't undress to the music. Clothing can be chosen both revealing and more closed.
East style
Oriental dancing is the art of seduction that came from the east. Oriental charm is always fashionable and popular, perfect for beginner dancers. An exclusively feminine direction, ideal for owners of magnificent forms.
The movements are light, sensual, spectacular, fascinate with the beauty and grace of the curves of the body, help to forget about the complexes.
Performed exclusively in special "costumes". The right image will help you tune in to the oriental pace.
Popular destinations:
- Arabic - a popular direction in which gestures with loose hair play a key role;
- Egyptian - modest movements, more closed stage costume;
- Turkish - accompanied by revealing outfits, contact with the audience, there are dance movements on the table.
Dance has always been associated with the spiritual side and state of mind of a person. It is worth noting that even holidays and rituals were never held without a corresponding dance. Nowadays, there are a huge number of styles of this type of art, each of which has its own characteristics.
A bit about the history of dance
As mentioned above, dance is an art form that existed in antiquity. Literally everything had its own special style of dance: each rite, every holiday or event, not to mention individual peoples and tribes. In any case, it has always been important for a person, and earlier dances were worn more sacred character and in certain cases could be performed only by knowledgeable people who put a deep meaning into this action. Today, the art of dance is available to everyone, and the world knows a huge variety of dance styles and trends.
With the development of mankind, choreography also developed. Early with her help shamans caused rain and performed rituals, then, epoch after epoch, it became more diverse and colorful, different peoples created their own trends and styles, selected appropriate outfits for them, began to divide them into male and female. Each style has acquired its own rhythm and movement.
For a long time, the most famous and mass direction was folk dance, which was performed at all holidays and other events, but now this style is preserved only on stage, although in a number of countries it is still popular and is performed at weddings and other festivities. Today, modern rhythms, youth trends, corresponding to modern music, have gained the greatest popularity.
How did modern dance originate?
Modern dance styles began to appear in the first half of the 20th century, gradually pushing ballet art into the background. At first they penetrated the masses imperceptibly, but then various schools began to open that no longer adhered to the old rules. Thus, the ballet, which for a long time held a leading position, began to recede into secondary roles.
In general, that period was distinguished by unpredictable changes not only in choreography, but also in music. First became popular free style where there were no conventions, and they were replaced by freedom and improvisation.
Styles popular today
It is worth noting that the choreography never stands still, and even today the emergence and formation of new dance styles is proceeding at an active pace. But speaking more generally, it is worth highlighting several styles that were formed at the end of the 20th century and are still popular today. and here is their description:
Some of the presented dance directions are created mainly only for girls, but for the most part they can be performed by both sexes.
Today, the choreography should be free, modern, imbued with improvisation, and street dance has all these qualities. It is interesting precisely because it is performed by non-professionals and includes movements from almost all dance styles, even from classical ones. An interesting combination of one style with another, adapted to each other, filled with unusual beauty, so well-known hip-hop, popping, and many others stood out here.
Dancing for girls
Due to the fact that the choreography still attracts more female attention than male, then among the various dance styles there are a number of female ones:
- Bellydance, also known as oriental dance or belly dance. This style has gained unprecedented popularity among girls due to its color and incredible beauty. This is a truly feminine direction in choreography, which not only develops plasticity, but also strengthens women's health. Bellydance can be soft and fluid and yet rhythmic and filled with lots of movement;
- strip plastic is another popular style that develops the grace of the female body. Thanks to strip plastic, stiffness and complexes go away. This is a fairly frank dance, reminiscent of a striptease, but excluding the element of exposure;
- Go-Go dance is a club dance that combines rhythmic and strip-plastic elements;
- and, in fact, just a club dance, which includes elements from hip-hop, funk, go-go and many others. Here, both a combination of several styles and a separate selection of one of them are allowed.
In addition to these styles, such as modern, vogue, booty dance and many others are also popular. It is almost impossible to list all the styles, because there are a lot of them, but they all have the right to be noticed, since each of them has its own beauty and grace, its own unique rhythm and accent. Dance has always been, is and will be an integral part of a person's life, because emotions and a state of mind are transmitted through it.
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 performances, we see the highest level of 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! The highest degree of posturing and acting. 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 of dancing nightclubs.
Difficulties: excellent physical data and moral readiness are required to perform on stage practically in underwear.
Jazz Modern, Contemporary Dance
A modern interpretation of ballet that 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 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 of 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 ballet classes do not go unnoticed. 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. Damage to ligaments, tendons, joints, overdeveloped individual muscle groups and much more are possible.
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.
Difficulties: at the initial stage, there are few difficulties for lovers, 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
Spanish folk dance with obligatory 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
Oriental dance, Tribal
Art of seduction, erotic dance of the 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 the expressiveness of curvaceous 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 to different music, for this a few 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 rigid 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. The highest form of possible paired dance art.
Strip
This is the most ancient, and at the same time the most modern style of 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.
club dance
The broad concept of "club dance" includes many movements of various styles. They can be performed synchronously or solo. Club dance today is divided into 2 directions: to music with a direct rhythm and to music with a broken rhythm. Straight rhythm is classical electronic 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 dance styles, 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 cardboard boxes laid out on the street, which 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 get not only an excellent sports form, but also provides 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.
To express the emotions and feelings that overwhelmed them, expectations and hopes, our ancient ancestors used rhythmic ritual dances. As the person himself and the social environment that surrounded him developed, more and more different dances appeared, becoming more and more complex and refined. Today, even experts will not be able to indicate the name of the types of dances - all performed by people for centuries. However, dance culture, having passed through the centuries, is actively developing. On the basis of folk and classical, new and modern styles and trends appear.
What it is?
Before considering what types of dances are, let's clarify what it really is? The most short-lived and most complex of the arts, in which the human body and its plastic possibilities are used to create a unique image, is dance.
It is impossible without the personality of the artist and music. The performer, starting from the content of the musical work, builds a “picture” of the dance and embodies his vision and sensory perception in motion. This action can be used as a way of social communication and self-expression, a competitive sports discipline and part of a religious cult, as well as a demonstration art form that is constantly evolving and changing. All new styles and forms, different types of dances appear in it, the variety of which puts even specialists into a dead end.
History of appearance
The very first dances of people were ritual, performed by them in the hope of a successful hunt or a bountiful harvest, healing the sick or winning a war. Over time, rhythmic movements were generalized, which was the beginning of the formation of ethnic art, which each of the peoples has its own characteristics and traditions.
All the variety of dance steps originated from the main types of human movements - running, walking, jumping, swinging and turning. Over time, the following types of household (for oneself), as well as performed for show - cult and stage ones appeared.
Main directions
Among the various dance styles and trends that exist today are the following, the most popular and famous:
In this article, we will consider in more detail what types of dances are in modern
Beginning and middle of the 20th century
Such a division into two stages is not accidental. According to many performers of the beginning of the last century, dance as an art form had to reflect a new reality, and not adhere to the canons of the old ballet schools “frozen” in time. At this time, such choreographic directions arise, which are still popular today, such as:
- Free dance.
- Modern.
- Buto.
- Contemporary (Contempo).
- Jazz Modern.
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 himself 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
Emerged 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 the free one, he denies any ballet norms and strives 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 styles in the late 19th and early 20th centuries as free dance and modern served as the basis for the formation of such a direction as contemporary (contempo). This one 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 Land of the Rising Sun. This dance seeks to show the earthliness of the everyday life of an ordinary person, as well as to 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;
- club.
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. The performer is not limited by 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:
- New style (NewStyle).
- Krump is short for Kingdom Radially Uplifted Mighty Praise, meaning "Empire of the Absolute Power of Spiritual Praise".
- Locking.
- Popping.
- L.A.Style.
- Crip walk (C-walk).
- Brakedance.
- Hip-hop (Hip-Hop).
This is a temperamental, bright and incredible mixture of various modern styles that allows you to express yourself in motion. Everyone, as they say, “on hearing” the name of the types of dances in this direction:
- Tectonic or electro dance.
- House (house).
- Jumpstyle (jumpstyle).
- Melbourne shuffle (shuffle).
- Waacking (waking).
- Go-Go (club Go).
- Square dance (square dance).
- DnBstep.
- 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 dancing was perceived only as an art form, then the complication of technical and choreographic requirements for performance led to the need for excellent physical shape of those who do it. Today, 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. Evaluated at the competitions consist of three parts: compulsory, original and free.
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. For those who do not seek to win international competitions, but try to keep their own body in good shape, fitness classes in various dance techniques can be recommended. Twerk, high heels, go-go, strip plastic, belly dance, zumba, sexy R&B, ragga, booty-dance - these are the most sought-after in beautiful dances. Girls are attracted to them not only by the opportunity to correct the figure, but also to improve plasticity and increase their own self-esteem.
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 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 outward with their heels, which resembled the traditional dances of the 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 for the 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, in international competitions held in all parts of the world, it is believed that a truly beautiful and professional dance should 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, you will need long training and good plasticity. 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 dances, 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 body contact is not typical for merengue - both partners make 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. All you need to learn Irish dance is the ability to keep up with 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" in 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 at discos either, but this dance is popular throughout the modern world. It belongs to ballroom dancing and is one of the five standard Latin American ballroom dancing programs.
