Easy types of dances. Loved by many pole danc. Irish set dances

Modern dances have hundreds of styles, elements of which were created both in the present and in the past. The current trends have retained the aesthetic appeal of the movements, but at the same time they have become faster. They, like the rest of art, reflect the realities of our time and fashion trends.

What is modern dance?

This section includes different types, as well as variations of this art. Among the new directions, the following names stand out: modern dance:

    contemporary;

    folk;

    other more youthful hip-hop dances and so on.

Modern dance choreography is usually much more complex. It includes all existing elements and pas. In order to create new dance, you have to connect the old ones piece by piece.

Jazz dance

It is rightfully considered one of the very first among other modern variations. The history of this dance began at the very end of the 19th - beginning of the 20th century in the USA. Since then, he has successfully conquered all continents of the world.

In turn, completely new types of modern dances emerged from it. They differ not only in music and movements, but also in the concept itself.

Jazz movements:

    jazz classics;

  • freestyle;

All directions are similar to each other in only one way - they retain the chic of the roaring twenties. They are full of enthusiasm and cheerful music. In all these dances there is something from the Great Gatsby, from the luxury with which the aristocrats of that time surrounded themselves, and the passion with which the poor lived in the American ghettos.

Soul is considered one of the youngest on the list. A varied number of fast movements are performed per beat.

But flash jazz is more reminiscent of such types of modern dance as ballet.

Thanks to him, many different directions in fashion. They, as a rule, quickly became obsolete and were characterized by mass interest.

Ballroom dancing

Modern ballroom dance is no longer the same dance that was previously performed during formal receptions. Like a view contemporary art it combines some elements of old-time, traditional folk, ephemera and jazz.

During competitions, ballroom dancers usually show their skills in both European and Latin American styles of dance, which also belong to the ballroom type.

Names of modern dances in Latin American style:

  • paso doble;

In European:

    foxtrot;

    Viennese waltz;

    slow waltz;

    quickstep;

All these directions are performed in pairs. Dancers wear special costumes. All their movements are coordinated and identical to the movements of their partner.

These turns are performed in a room specially designated for them. Traditional European ballroom dances are performed to classical music.

Modern and contemporary

The dance appeared on the basis of the classical one. Nevertheless, modernity seemed to rebel against any rules that exist in the classics. Each movement in this direction carries a certain philosophical meaning.

Dancers don't just have to hit the main beat. They search for several rhythms at once in one melody and try to adapt to them.

The names of modern dances - modern and contemporary - are often classified in the same area. Both of these types may be involved in modern theatrical productions, where they tell a whole story.

This type of dance combines many various directions. In it the performer seeks to express own emotions, transfer your condition. Contemporary is most often associated with classical ballet, from which the dance takes its origins.

Folk dances

Despite the fact that folk dances are difficult to classify as modern, they continue to remain just as popular and in demand. This direction supports old traditions, introducing elements of native culture into art.

Russian modern dances contain both devotion to the history and past of their people, and completely new dance movements. They are popular not only among the older generation, but also among young people. Folk dances are performed to the accompaniment of appropriate music produced using ethnic instruments. The performers wear traditional outfits.

At the same time modern variety dancing may include elements of folk, jazz, sports, ballroom.

Break

It first appeared in America in the twentieth century. It is divided into such types of modern dances as lower and upper. During the low break, the performer can rotate on his head, jump on his hands, and spin his legs in a one-arm stand.

The top break is usually characterized by plastic movements. This dance is performed to a certain type of music. There is a subculture in which this type of art develops.

Belly dance

It can be classified as folk dance to some extent. Raks Sharqi, or belly dance, was born in Muslim countries. It was performed in eastern harems to delight the gaze of the ruler. Modern Muslim women dance it in front of their husbands.

Of course, dancing is best for lovers. But, nevertheless, it helps to develop grace, eliminates excess weight, helps eliminate some female diseases. Modern dances for children can also include it. Little girls are more flexible, and certain movements will go well with youth and enthusiasm. Belly dancing has several national directions. They are all good for health.

Modern dances for children

Children need to be taught the art of choreography from the very beginning. early age. From the age of two or three, private dance schools enroll their first students. There they are first introduced to basic movements, are working on plastic surgery. Children learn easily. In addition, they can remember the main differences various styles, movements that are characteristic of ballroom or jazz dancing.

In game versions, children are taught classic stances, hand position, and head rotation.

Teachers allow you to create your own movements, thus developing the child’s imagination.

Modern dances for children form basic knowledge about this art, introduce them to history, and teach the perception of music.

Of all the existing options, they try to choose ballroom ones. They combine more classic movements and a variety of styles.

The music to which all types of modern dances are performed can be selected to suit the tastes of children and modern fashion.

Another effect of these classes is the feeling of one’s own Self, one’s beauty. The child sees that he is beginning to cope with the assigned tasks, that he looks beautiful while performing.

Dancing breaks down psychological barriers. They liberate a person, make him more self-confident, and therefore open to others.

Modern dances perform the following functions:

    children become more cheerful and confident in their abilities;

    posture is corrected;

    gait becomes better;

    is improving fine motor skills and dexterity;

    coordination of movements is improved;

    endurance increases;

    persistence appears in achieving the goal set for oneself;

    Problems with his own inferiority disappear, the child understands that he is better than he thought about himself.

How to tell a story about a man and a woman if you are not a writer or director. How to express it so that it is a real dialogue of souls and hearts. Where they laugh, cry and are jealous. They can hate and forgive each other in one second. It seems that the thread of their relationship is about to break, but passion is already replacing anger, and then tenderness and a little fatigue remain. Or in another way, where in the detachment and distance between partners a lively and strong range of feelings can be traced, only it is expressed restrainedly and a little coldly.

How to tell your story and convey the energy and emotions that live within you? We know how to do this - in couples dance lessons. They have firmly won their place in the hearts of people around the world, divided into sports ballroom and social dances.

There are 2 programs in sports ballroom dancing:

  • Latin American - samba, cha-cha-cha, rumba, paso doble And jive.
  • European - quickstep, foxtrot, slow waltz, Viennese waltz And tango.

Technique is highly valued here - precise execution of elements, mastery of steps, positioning of hands, body, even turning and tilting the head. Everything, right down to the costume and image, is strictly assessed by judges at tournaments.

Social Latin American dances are performed in a cafe, at home, at a party - anywhere. And their main message is to move as you want, just do it with the mood. These include: bachata, hustle, salsa, merengue, dream, cha-cha-cha.

The art of pair dancing develops people in many ways.

Firstly, it educates physically - it trains the muscles, makes the body fit, slender and resilient.

Secondly, during the classes he teaches you to do those movements that previously seemed impossible to perform or memorize. Combine the work of the arms, legs and head, with each part of the body performing separate movements. But such work incredibly trains the brain and memory. Thirdly, dance is a real therapy for the blues and bad weather, and dancing in pairs is an opportunity to get to know each other from a new side. Acquire special closeness in relationships, strengthen mutual understanding and develop the ability to hear, and most importantly, feel each other.

Come dance your stories at the Dance Academy.

Club dance

Mambo

In Haiti, a “mambo” is a voodoo priest; for rural residents, a judge, doctor, fortune teller, spiritual mentor and organizer of dance fun.

However, in Haiti there was no dance with this name. For the first time, such dances appear in Cuba, where there were large settlements of Haitians. The invention of the mambo is credited to Perez Prado, who performed it at the La Tropicana nightclub in Havana in 1943. In New York, the dance first appeared in New York's Park Plaza Ballroom, a favorite hall of black dancers from Harlem. Mambo made a splash in other clubs in 1947 - at the Palladium and other famous places such as The China Doll, Havana Madrid and Birdland.

Modified version of "Mambo" (the original dance that Prado danced was greatly simplified - thrown out a large number of acrobatic elements) was presented to the public in dance studios, resort hotels, nightclubs in New York and Miami. It was a complete success! Happy mambo dancers became affectionately known as "Mambonics". The mambo craze did not last long; today mambo in the West is simply one of the popular Latin American dances. The teachers came to the conclusion that this dance is one of the most difficult in terms of technique and musicality.

Merengue

Latin American dance of Dominican origin, also adopted in the USA. Moving in bipartite meter, the dancers emphasize the first beat with a walking step, and on the count of “two” they make an inward movement with their knees pressed against each other. The cheerful, slightly syncopated dance melody consists of two periods of 16 bars each. A typical merengue consists of an introduction (jaseo) and interludes (jaleo).

Salsa

A style of Latin American music meaning "sauce", with Native American, Spanish and African ingredients. The term “salsa” was coined in the 20s by Chano Pozo, a Cuban percussionist and first-wave emigrant to America from Cuba. The boom of salsa came in the 70s, when in the USA, Africa and Latin America Huge salsa festivals began to be held, filling stadiums, and a huge number of CDs were recorded. New York immediately made salsa more commercial and, thanks to the powerful broadcast radio stations of New York record companies and the active distribution of CDs, this product reaches us. Indigenous Latin American salsa is warmer and not as popular here.

Hustle

Translated from English it means “hustle and bustle.” Pair dance, based on improvisation and “leading”.

The progenitor of the hustle (more precisely, all its versions performed in three and six counts) should be considered the Latin American hustle. Life was given to him by street dancers from among the numerous gypsies and Latin Americans (mainly Cubans) in the southern part of the American state of Florida. Trying to adapt their own dance skills (based on salsa and West Coast swing) to the completely inappropriate but wildly popular disco rhythms of the early 1970s, the dancers created a unique precedent - a dance in which three beats are performed in four beats. movements (the Latin American hustle is performed in six counts “one-two-and-three-four-five-six” - 1-2-&3-4-5-6). The resulting dance was first known as disco swing, but in New York it was considered a variation of West Coast swing and continued to be called “West Coast Swing.”

Ballroom dance

Samba

Brazilian dance in two-part time signature; in an expanded sense, the word “samba” is applied to all dances of Brazilian origin. There are two different types sambas: rural samba, which is characterized by sharp syncopation, and urban samba with a smoother rhythm. Samba carioca (carioca is one of the names of a resident of Rio de Janeiro) is a stylized urban dance. Samba was introduced into professional music by E. Villa-Lobos and Camargo Guarniero.

Cha-cha-cha (Cha-cha-cha)

The dance, which uses the rhythmic structure of the mambo or rumba, was first performed by the Cuban Orchestra América in 1953. The basic time pattern is slow, slow, fast, fast, slow and the last three rhythmic beats corresponding to the syllables "cha-cha-cha". In the first recordings of the dance on records, it was called mamba. The rhythmic section gradually grew in size and the dancers adjusted to the new slow rhythm, doubling the time signature on counts of 4 and 1 and replacing the light hip movements with three steps; after four years, the initial rigidity of the model was overcome, and three steps began to be performed with a typically Cuban swing in the hips.

As with most Latin American dances, the charm of the cha-cha-cha lies not in the intricacy of the movements, but in their grace and naturalness.

Rumba

Contemporary Cuban dance of African-American origin. Rumba is performed in four-beat time, and the rhythmic pattern changes almost in every measure; In general, the rhythm of rumba is characterized by syncopation and repetition.

In the taverns of Havana, rumba is often performed to the accompaniment of ensembles using improvised materials - for example, bottles, spoons, pots. The main rumba theme is usually eight bars long, with a dominant rhythmic beginning, while the lyrics and melody are in the background. Rumba entered the pop scene American music in 1930

Jive

Jive originated in the 19th century in the southeastern United States, and some believe that it was black, while others believe that it was a war dance of the Seminole Indians. The fate of the reincarnations of this dance is endless: from ragtime to swing in the 1910s, to the Lindy Hope already in the 1920s, to the jagberg in the 1930s-40s, to rock, boogie in the 1950s, and finally from Be Bop already a modern version of jive. One of forever fashionable dances, leaving no one indifferent.

Very strong influence Jive is influenced by such dances as Rock and Roll and Juterbug. Jive is sometimes called Six-Step Rock and Roll. Jive is very fast and uses a lot of energy. This is the last dance danced in competition and the dancers must show that they are not tired and are ready to perform it with more effort. The fastest of all ballroom dances.

Pasadoble

Paso Doble literally means double step. Although the paso doble is closely associated with Spain, it contains many French terms, which, as some experts note, reminds us that the paso doble was originally a French dance. The warlike, restrained rhythm of the paso doble, undoubtedly akin to flamenco, conquered the whole of Spain, a country in which bullfighting is considered the most ancient and true tradition of the people.

Spanish culture has always preferred the taste of death, challenge and risk. The competitive paso doble is technically very difficult to perform. However, there is also a publicly accessible form of this dance, widespread in Spain, France and Latin America. This is the kind of paso doble that is danced in numerous clubs and dance centers around the world.

Slow Waltz

It originated in the old folk dances of Austria and Southern Germany. The name comes from German word walzen - “to spin”, “to spin”. The closest predecessors of the waltz can be considered the fast “German dance” and the slow waltzes - ländlers, which came into fashion ca. 1800. German dances are found in J. Haydn, W. A. ​​Mozart and L. van Beethoven.

The first mention of the waltz itself dates back to around 1770. At first, this dance aroused strong resistance from both guardians of morality and dance masters. For some time, the waltz existed within the framework of English country dance (country dance), but soon gained independence and came out on top among ballroom dances, popular in Vienna, Paris, and New York.

Viennese Waltz

Although the waltz was a huge success and created a real sensation in many European courts, in the most the beginning of the nineteenth century, the official attitude towards the waltz was very cautious - at balls in Vienna itself, the waltz was allowed to be danced for no more than 10 minutes: hugs between a gentleman and a lady during a dance were considered not entirely appropriate. But it was no longer possible to stop the waltz, and when in 1815, after the victory over Napoleon, the congress of the victorious allies was held in Vienna, the waltz was selflessly danced at all the balls - enchanting, magical, brilliant. It was then that the waltz acquired its specific feature - an accentuated rhythm, which made this dance more elegant and more romantic.

Tango

Tango is a unique fusion of traditions, folklore, feelings and experiences of many peoples, which has a long history. With the creation of the first “sociedades de negros” at the beginning of the 19th century in Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the word “tango” began to be called both these societies and their dance parties. What was played at these parties had little in common with the music that had spread through expatriate circles in the Rio de la Plata since the mid-19th century. In the ports of Buenos Aires and Montevideo, the most diverse cultures merged into one new one, with which the new settlers identified themselves, and the tango we know appeared.

Quickstep

By origin, a fast dance in a two-beat measure, performed somewhat slower than the one-step, after which the foxtrot gained popularity in the USA ca. 1912. After the First World War, due to the spread in dance music « jazz style", the term "foxtrot" began to refer to any jazz-like dance music in two-beat time signature (except Latin American tangos and congas). In the 1920s, different types of foxtrot were popular, quickly replacing each other, among which are the Charleston and the black bottom.

Slow Foxtrot

In the early 1930s, a calmer slow fox (“slow foxtrot”) appeared. It reached its popularity in the 40s of the twentieth century. The tunes written by Frank Sinatra, Glen Miller and many other musicians have become true classics. The characteristic steps in slow fox are long and sliding. The rhythm of the dance is less than 30 beats per minute.

Sports dance

Disco

Disco dancing appeared in the mid-70s. Their simplicity, ease of learning, amazing cheerfulness - all this created such popularity that is still relevant today. The tune “Do Hustle” was released after the famous movie “Saturday Night Fever”. Hollywood star John Travolta, the most popular group The Bee Gees' simple and melodic melodies brought disco rhythms and dances to the top of popularity. Flashing lights, mirrored walls, loud pulsating beats, high fashion and much more have made disco dance the most desired dance all over the world.

The disco dance itself was extremely simple and erotic - unlike the acrobatic stunts of rock and roll, the classic twist and swing movements, which by this time had already turned into “dances for the ancestors”, no special skills were required to dance disco — you just had to feel the rhythm well. This disco was the first to throw out the cry “Just move your body”!

In Europe this trend is known as disco-fox (in Germany) and disco-swing (in Switzerland), and in America as disco-hustle.

Hip-Hop

Hip-hop - party, R"n"B-party, MTV-style - Do you know these names? A huge number of dance schools teach the very popular style of hip-hop today. But, perhaps, not everyone can answer the question - where did this dance style come from?

The “ancestor” of dance hip-hop is African jazz (translated as improvisation), and the first performers were African Americans. Afro-jazz exists to this day as a separate dance movement. But if we consider Afro-jazz as an ethnic dance, then initially it was night festivities and dances around the fire of black tribes. We can say that hip-hop is a street style that closely resembles the so-called Street jazz (street improvisation). Like any other style of dance, Hip-Hop (and, therefore, R"n"B) is not only a dance, but also a clothing style, a behavior style, a lifestyle.

R&B

The R"n"B style came to us from the black neighborhoods of Latin America. R"n"B parties are now the most fashionable not only in the West, but also here. The most prominent representatives R"n"B rhythms include such personalities as J. Timberlake, Five, J. Lopez, B. Spears and others. R"n"B is quite difficult to single out into a specific dance style; first of all, it is a mixture of hip-hop, locking, pops and funk. The trend, very popular among modern youth, first appeared in America in black neighborhoods. Nowadays R"n"B is danced in the most advanced European clubs. Don't you know how yet?

Modern social dancing is not just a beautiful action, but also a hobby, useful exercise stress and a great way to meet people. In this collection we want to tell you about the nine 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 styles in America, and jazz and swing, which grew out of it, became the first manifestations of native American culture. It was first danced in Harlem, the first swing dance was called the Charleston and was performed without a partner - the dancers simply sharply kicked their legs out with their heels, which was reminiscent of traditional dances of 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 techniques of dancing changed over time, new trends 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 based mainly on improvisation - freedom of movement is not limited by practically anything except jazz musical rhythm. The swing is usually rehearsed only before competitions.

There is a swing school in almost everyone big city peace. Exist international competitions, where the so-called “ballroom swing” is most often performed. It is characterized by clear, smooth, interconnected movements and a vibrant dance composition, as in the video below.

2. Argentine tango

Argentine tango first appeared in Argentina and Uruguay in the late 19th century. Oddly enough, it was danced in brothels and gambling establishments, where men spent their time searching for affordable entertainment, women and dubious romance.

The morals of that time were quite strict, so decent women could not even allow their partner to put his hand on their back - this was already considered reprehensible. Therefore, prostitutes were the first to dance tango. Tango was characterized by close embraces, intertwining legs, grabbing, stroking and flirtatious glances, all of which contained an overt hint of obscenity. Of course, women did not dance for free, and soon men began to get together and practice on their own.

Tango gained widespread popularity almost half a century after its inception. The young men taught dance, although less explicit, to their girlfriends and relatives. From Latin America, tango came to Europe, where it acquired its modern form.

Nowadays, dance is characterized by passion, close contact between partners, and fast movements. The main role is assigned to the 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. Very important role improvisation plays a role in this dance. However, at international competitions held in all parts of the world, it is considered that a truly beautiful and professional dance must be rehearsed.

3. Viennese Waltz

Contrary to its name, the Viennese waltz did not appear 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 Bavarian peasants began to dance a similar dance. Later, the fashion moved to France - the appearance of the waltz was described in the Parisian newspaper La Patrie in 1559. 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 shows the young Queen of England Elizabeth I flying above the floor in the arms of the Earl of Lancaster.

The main difference between the Viennese waltz and the classical one is that it is somewhat more dynamic and is performed to faster, albeit smoother, music. Like all waltzes, this dance is performed in three quarters, that is, there are three steps per measure. The man plays the leading role - he serves as support and support for his partner, whose back is slightly tilted back in the shape during the dance. Viennese Waltz- the dance is smooth, without sharp turns and tilts - it creates the feeling that dancing couple as if 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 one of the five dances in the European program, which says a lot.

4. Zouk

Zouk originated in the Caribbean in the 1980s. The word “zouk” is translated from the French Creole language as “party” - initially zouk was danced at parties and discos. As dance developed, numerous schools opened and new directions emerged. The music to which the zouk is danced can include African, Brazilian motifs, elements of flamenco and other musical styles. Zouk gained the greatest popularity in French-speaking countries.

Unlike most Latin American dances, zouk does not have overt eroticism and sharp dynamic movements; 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, dancing it is quite simple, 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 practice zouk professionally will benefit, but this area is also accessible to beginners.

5. Merengue

Merengue, both music and dance, originates from the Dominican Republic. The ancestor of the merengue is considered to be the tumba dance, which is not encountered so often - it is very complex and is not suitable for the main purpose of social dancing - entertainment and communication. A relatively simple merengue, which does not require memorizing and reproducing 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 fiery dynamic music, where the main accompanying instrument is the accordion. The contact of partners in the dance is minimal - both men and women dance it “solo”, rarely touching and mainly with their hands. Close physical 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 - the dance is characterized by improvisation, and you only need to be able to withstand the frantic rhythm. As with all other dances on our list, merengue competitions are held for everyone. 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 musical direction and dance originate from reggae music. Over time, very little remains of classic reggae in reggaeton, but you can hear echoes of techno music, rap, bomba, plena 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; moving to this dynamic, fiery music is extremely easy. This dance also has no obligatory figures, but is characterized by very fast rotation of the hips and stomach and movements of the shoulders at an incredibly fast pace, and these movements are performed by both partners. Another feature of reggaeton is its provocativeness - obvious sexual overtones, challenge, and passion are noticeable in the movements of the partners.

Reggaeton is especially popular in Argentina, where it even hosts and broadcasts friendly competitions.

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 - you just need to feel the rhythm a little, and you can whirl with your partner. The dance appeared in the USSR in the late 1980s. By the way, it is he who is shown in the film “The Beloved Woman of Mechanic Gavrilov.”

In hustle, unlike many of the above dances, there is nothing provocative. His movements are simply six-count steps, inside and outside single turns and not too much contact between his partners. Despite the fact that the Hustle was originally social dance and was invented as a way to have fun and get acquainted, currently sporting competitions are held on it. There are many different directions in hustle, but the most interesting is jack-n-jill hustle: a couple in competition goes out onto the floor and dances an impromptu dance to music unknown to them. The dancer's level 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 cheerful Irish liked the classic French quadrille, which perfectly suited their folk melodies. Quadrille mixed with Irish dances like the reel, hornpipe and jig, and the result was something unimaginable. Over the next two centuries it was danced everywhere: at village festivals, weddings, and in pubs. Gradually, set dances replaced even traditional Irish ceilidhs.

The most amazing thing is that the movements are mainly done only with the legs: all kinds of turns and jumps, sliding steps, sweeps and rapid 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.

Nowadays set Irish dancing is no longer so popular - you are unlikely to see them at discos - the music is not the same. But there are many championships held around the world, the largest of which are the All-Ireland Championship, the British Championship, the National American Championship and the World Championship. All you need to learn Irish dancing is the ability to keep the rhythm and breathe correctly.

9. Rumba

Rumba was invented, oddly enough, by African slaves who lived in Latin America. During the years of slavery, their own culture was closely intertwined with the culture of the Spanish invaders. The word "rumbo" means "fun" in Spanish. Initially, the dance was really dynamic, the music was similar to the famous melody “Cucaracha”. But over time, rumba was divided into two directions - rumba itself 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 emotional content, light eroticism and drama. The music is slow and smooth. Sometimes the 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 everywhere modern world. It belongs to ballroom dancing and is one of the five standard Latin American ballroom dancing programs.

Dance is a wonderful art that allows you to convey emotions, thoughts and feelings, talk about events through plasticity, movements and gestures to music. The list of dance styles is very large, allowing you to choose an activity depending on the character, tastes, and age of the person. And you don’t have to be a professional to feel the joy of dancing.

What are the dance genres?

All dance genres are divided into large groups:

  • classical dance (ballet);
  • folk or ethnic;
  • ballroom - Latin American and European program;
  • modern.

A separate group includes the historical movement - polonaise, ballo, contradance, etc. Not so popular today, they reflect the spirit of past eras.

Each genre includes a variety of types, interchanges from other directions, further development and complication of movements. Depending on the number of dancers, they can be individual, pair, or group.

Popular dance styles

Even the seemingly unshakable and unchangeable classic - ballet - is divided into separate styles:

  • classical;
  • modern;
  • romantic.

Dance styles of ethnic group:

  • African;
  • Latin American;
  • eastern;
  • European.

The basis of the ballroom direction is standard European and Latin American programs, 5 types in each.

Of particular interest is the variety of modern genres. They are not so strict in relation to innovations and allow constant changes and improvements. The free style that appeared at the beginning of the last century became the basis for the emergence and development of modern, contemporary, and butoh.

Modern is the most popular, spectacular dance that appeared at the beginning of the century. He denies the canons of classical ballet and includes the most original movements. Contempo uses a number of styles at once, maximum improvisation, conveying the whole range of feelings and emotions on the dance floor.

Butoh is a recently emerged Japanese dance technique, magical and incomprehensible. It embodies Eastern philosophy, aesthetics and religious values, which makes the dance very difficult to master. Western world, but all the more spectacular and bewitching.

Sports and club dance genres

Breakdance, Go, Tectonic, Hip-hop, Crump - just some of the dance genres from the large list of club and sports direction. These genres are preferred by young people; they originated in poor neighborhoods different countries world and conquered the entire planet.

The art of dance is fragile and short-lived. It is impossible to repeat an improvisation exactly; even classical movements will differ with each performance. The more interesting and valuable this activity is. The variety of styles makes it possible to practice it at any age, regardless of preferences, social status and other parameters.