Introduction
Choosing a topic for my scientific work, I proceeded from the fact what I have been interested in for a long time. Ballroom dancing has been my hobby since I was three years old. The fact that people doing ballroom dancing are called dancers and sportsmen at the same time encourages me to compare sports and ballroom dancing. I am interested to know if ballroom dancing relate to sports or art.
The purpose of the study is to analyze dances and understand what they relate to.
The object of the study is attitude of people to ballroom dancing.
The subject of the study is ballroom dancing.
The following tasks are set in the work:
1. Study the literature on this topic.
2. Get acquainted with the history of dance.
3. Analise the information.
4. Answer the research questions.
5. Fulfill the research
The theoretical analysis of the problem allows us to formulate research hypotheses.
Hypothesis : Ballroom dancing is a form of dancing art which can be called sport.
Methods of research work:
data collection,
data analysis,
generalization of material
Chapter 1
The theoretical part
1.1. The history of the origin of dancing
Even in ancient times, dancing was one of the first languages that people could use to express their feelings. The first dances of antiquity were far from what is now called by this word? They had a completely different meaning.
Dance appeared much earlier than speech. When nature was raging, ancient people asked nature to calm down with their dances. In their dance they depicted a gentle wind, a kind sun, calm water. No event was complete without dance moves. With various movements and gestures, a person conveyed his impressions of the surrounding world, putting his mood, his state of mind into them. Exclamations, singing, pantomime play were interconnected with dance. The dance itself has always been closely connected with the people’s way of life. Dancing often served as means of mass suggestion and psychological manipulation. Here it is appropriate to recall African folk dances and rituals of shamans. They usually lasted for a very long time: several hours or even from sunset to sunrise.
Dance art has existed since ancient times. In many countries, dance is an important and integral part of culture. Dances are often accompanied by various public religious events.
Gradually, the movements of primitive dances changed. They became more complicated, smoother and more beautiful. This is how the art of dance, one of the oldest directions of folk art, appeared.[2]
1.2. The history of ballroom dancing
Dance is an art form in which artistic images are created using the movements of the human body and music. In a kaleidoscope of styles and a wide variety of dance styles, which often have common roots and traditions, ballroom dancing stands out. The Great Soviet Encyclopedia gives the following description of ballroom dancing: it is a dance that serves for mass entertainment and is performed by a couple or a large number of participants at dance evenings (balls). [7]
The birthplace of ballroom dancing is considered to be England. At the end of the XVIII - beginning of the XIX century, ballroom dancing was a privilege of high society, an integral part of high-society balls. The "social adaptation" of ballroom dancing occurred in the late XIX - early XX century, thanks to the middle class who attended public dance halls.
The beginning of the 20s of the twentieth century was marked by the development of ballroom dancing competitions. In 1924, a Department of Ballroom Dancing was established in England under the Imperial Society of Dance Teachers. The task of the "Society" was to develop standards for music, steps and techniques of ballroom dancing. English specialists standardized all the dances known by that time - waltz, fast and slow foxtrots, tango. This is how competitive dancing arose, and since then ballroom dancing has been divided into two directions: sports and social. In the 1930s and 1950s, the number of standard ballroom dances increased due to the fact that five Latin American dances were added to them (in this order: rumba, samba, jive, cha-cha-cha).
Since the performance of ballroom dancing requires certain skills and training, their popularity in society has declined over time. The advent of the twist in the 1960s marked the end of pair dancing. Such dances as waltz, tango, foxtrot, etc. have actually ceased to serve for mass entertainment. A new round has begun in the history of ballroom dance.
It is obvious that ballroom dancing, which has a rich history, has various shades, is enriched by national stylistics, and continues to change continuously thanks to the skill of new talented dancers.[5]
1.3. Formation and development of dance culture in Russia
The concept of "dance" was given to the Russians by Poles who arrived in Moscow with Dmitry the Impostor during the Time of Troubles. Before that, there were no "salon dances" in Russia, as in Western Europe. There were women's dances in the chambers, and dances flourished among the people. "Mummified amusements", combined with dancing, were considered "the soul-destroying invention of the devil", "demonic game".
Under Mikhail Fedorovich Romanov, entertainers, Germans and Poles, including dancers, were invited for the royal fun. At that time, the love of dancing developed not only at the royal court, but also among the noble Moscow people who organized their home theaters.
The fracture occurred under Peter I. Peter introduced foreign dances. By the decree of the tsar, under strict cruel punishment, all Russian girls were ordered to dance. Russian ladies and gentlemen learned minuet, polonaise and counterdance from captured Swedish officers. Peter himself, his wife Catherine and daughter Elizabeth took part in the dances and did it quite gracefully. The attitude to dancing at that time was more like a serious, almost "state" affair, which was reflected in the entire order of dance assemblies.[1]
Thus, at the beginning of the eighteenth century in Russia, "harmless" at first glance dances turned into a kind of instrument of social struggle against "reactionary boyars". The inability to dance became shameful, therefore, the boyars began to write out teachers (dance masters) for themselves. At the assemblies, strictly developed rules of behavior, manners of communication with a lady in dancing and even in bowing were established. There were also fast dances, including improvisational ones.
Chapter 2
Dancing and children
2.1. The influence of dancing on children's development
The influence of dancing on physical health is great. In children who are engaged in this type of creativity, endurance increases, vascular walls and heart muscle are strengthened due to increased load. Blood circulates faster, which eliminates congestion, and this helps to fight any inflammatory process. As a result, children are much less likely to get sick. Blood saturates all organs, and most importantly, the brain, with oxygen and useful substances, which contribute to their development. Dancing helps to harmoniously develop all muscle groups and has a positive effect on the figure.
Dancing also has a very positive effect on psychological development and health. A child who is passionate about this kind of art trains the will, learns patience, and also experiences problems with self-esteem much less often. Dance involves the study of beautiful movements, which helps to accept yourself and your body, teaches you to master it almost perfectly. Lightness, as well as grace of movements, implies the transfer of these qualities into the sphere of communication. The child is liberated, his self-esteem increases, he becomes much more confident.[4]
The influence of dancing on the development of intelligence is great. Freedom of movement helps to improve creative thinking, promotes the development of the ability to improvise and spontaneity. The ability to develop a strategy of behavior in dance is a whole science that children are able to quickly and easily master.
The meaning of ballroom dancing is that they:
• Form a correct posture and a beautiful gait
• Develop a sense of rhythm
• Foster responsibility
• Promote adaptation in the team
• They teach perseverance and concentration of attention.
Chapter 3
We have compared some features characteristic of art and sport, which we can find in ballroom dancing
Table 1
№ |
sport |
art |
1 |
Physical strength |
expressiveness |
2 |
Flexibility and coordination |
artistry |
3 |
Endurance |
technique |
4 |
Musicality |
choreographic training |
5 |
Discipline and team spirit |
spiritual development |
6 |
Grace and style |
flexibility |
7 |
a competition |
self-improvement |
8 |
beneficial effect on posture |
Discipline and responsibility |
Now we can elicit the features common for both sport and dancing
Table 2
3.1. Why can dancing be considered a sport?
Dancing used to be considered an art form. Today it is customary to consider ballroom dancing as an "artistic sport". Why can dance be considered a sport? Because it requires from the dancer such qualities that are characteristic of most "real" sports.
Physical strength. Ballroom dancing can be compared with ice dancing in terms of the intensity of the supports and the complexity of the elements (many bundles came to ice dancing from ordinary dances).
Flexibility and coordination. These qualities are necessary for maneuvering on the parquet and performing shapes and lines. Similar qualities are characteristic of such sports as diving, sailing, surfing, basketball and even football, but this is closest to gymnastics.
Endurance. Competitions in dance sports are held in several rounds - from the preliminaries to the semifinals and finals. In each round, the dancers must perform five two-minute dances. A study conducted in 1996 showed that the degree of muscle tension and breathing rate of dancers who performed one two-minute dance corresponded to the indicators for cyclists, swimmers and middle-distance runners.
Musicality. All participants in sports dance competitions must demonstrate an understanding of music and rhythm in the same way as it is required in rhythmic gymnastics and figure skating.[3]
Discipline and team spirit. Dance sport is a team and solo sport. A team can be one pair . A team can consist of 16 members (8 pairs). The discipline requirements of 16 people performing up to 13 dance tempo changes, and at the same time constantly coordinating their position on the floor relative to other team members, are much higher compared to other sports.
Grace and style. Like ice dancing and rhythmic gymnastics, in sports dancing, an important component of success is the smoothness of movements and the attractive appearance of the couple.
From a physiological point of view, ballroom dancing classes will have a beneficial effect on posture. Consequently, athletes will have a healthy spine, you will look great not only in dance, but also going through life with your head held high. While practicing ballroom dancing or in a fitness center, absolutely all exercises will be obtained, because correct posture contributes to the correct and effective performance of the exercise.
Whether in training or at a performance, a dancer always needs to think about what step to take, where to turn, where the hand should be, etc. All this will contribute to the development of not only the ability to think quickly, but also help to manage your body. The body will always and in any situation listen to the brain. All movements will be organized and clear.
What is the most important thing in sports? That's right – a competition! That is, the struggle for victory, the desire to be stronger, more resilient, to show the best results. There is also such an aspect in dance! Contests, battles. In addition, as already noted above, ballroom dancing is called sports–ballroom, and their competitions are no different from sports. Dance tournaments are divided into tournaments for mass sports and for sports of the highest achievements. Dancers who already have dancing classes perform at such tournaments. For high results, they are awarded sports categories, as in any other sport. Competitions are held starting from the qualifying rounds: 1/8, 1/4, 1/2 finals (semifinals) and the final. Sometimes tournaments start with 1/64.(сноска) [6]
3.2 Why is ballroom dancing a form of art?
Of course dance is a form of art! However, many people argue with this, trying to prove that dance is a physical activity, and therefore a sport. Let's figure out who is right.
The main thing in the dance is its content. This is what makes dance a form of art! Dance is not intended to show the best physical results. What makes it beautiful, first of all, is expressiveness and artistry, and the technique here is just a means. The better the technique, the stronger the artist, the more he can convey to the audience with his performance, and the more beautiful he will look on stage. Sport takes a lot from dancing. For example, none of the performances of gymnasts or figure skaters will be able to receive a medal without dance expressiveness. Therefore, athletes of these types necessarily receive choreographic training, where they are taught not only technique, but also the basics of artistry. Even the most technical gymnasts will lose to those who will not only show the elements on the carpet, but also play the image!
Professional choreographers in sports and ballroom dancing call a dance class a workout. This name is suitable for sports, when they train some skill, work out an element. In dancing, it is correct to use such names as rehearsal or lesson.
So, on September 8, 1997, a significant event took place in the world of dance sports. On this day, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) announced the full recognition of the International Dance Sports Federation (IDSF) as a "Recognized Federation" and a full member of the IOC. This recognition is considered worldwide as the main achievement of the IDSF and dance sports in general. It also appeared the culmination of a long history of the development of sports dancing, six years of hard work of the IDSF, huge efforts of national Federations and hundreds of thousands of dancers around the world. This all speaks in favor of the fact that dancing is a sport. This is all true, but there is also the International Dance Committee (WDC), which believes that dancing is still a form of art. It includes the Russian Dance Union.
But, still, considering that dance is still beauty for the eyes, soul, body, then we can come to the conclusion that dance is the most harmonious kind of art, which will include not only spiritual development, but also physical! Dance makes a person beautiful, flexible, teaches you to hear music, and therefore helps you become more cultured, reveal yourself, improve! In addition, you can compete in the dance. One does not interfere with the other.
Dance is a lot of opportunities, which are a new life, new acquaintances and new goals. In order to feel this world, you just have to come to a dance school,start from any direction, and you will feel how your life will be painted with new colors. Children engaged in dancing, succeed in their studies, are ahead of their peers in development. These children are very disciplined and responsible. Therefore, they do a great job with the lessons.
Dance reveals and cultivates spiritual powers, cultivates artistic taste and love for the beautiful. If you want to be young all the time, dance and strengthen your health in dancing.
Conclusion
As a result of the work done, it turned out that dancing is a useful activity for a child. My hypothesis was confirmed: dance is a very special kind of art. It is something more than just moving to music. Dance is a big concept that includes a variety of movements, a certain composition, a suitable melody and an idea. Without these components, the dance loses its meaning, ceases to be interesting for the viewer. This is a way of working on yourself, helping to achieve success in any field of activity. And dancing is also a wonderful medicine that helps to get rid of many diseases and strengthen your health.
Thus, we believe that ballroom dancing is an amazingly harmonious combination of art and sports, spiritual and physical perfection. All dancers get the load as athletes. It is not for nothing that European dances are called ballroom, and Latin American dances are called sports.
Dancing is a unique way to stay in shape for people of any age, social status and any complexion. As you can see from my work, dancing has a lot of positive aspects, and most importantly, dancing is new sensations and new discoveries.
Bibliography:
1. The Abc of dancing / Author-comp. E.V. Dinits, D.A. Ermakov, O.V. Ivannikova. - M.: AST: Stalker, 2005.
2. Baryshnikova T. "The Abc of choreography" M., Rolf 2001.
3. Kasatkina L.V.Dance is life . St. Petersburg, 2010.
4. Kozina D. Dance with us / Kozina D. // Education of schoolchildren. - 1999. - No. 3.
5. Mishchenko V.But. Sports ballroom dancing for beginners . Moscow, 2007.
6. Romm V. V. "Dance and health", ISA, 2005.
7. Smith L "Dancing. The initial course" M., Astrel 2001.
8. Internet resources: