Learning dance styles: a complete list. Dancing as a sport: choosing the appropriate direction What is the name of the type of dance

So, you decided to take up dancing, but don't know which style to choose? Did you come to the studio, see a list of unfamiliar names like Go-Go, Stretching, Waaking and the like, suggested to you by the administrator, and were horrified? Do not be afraid! This list represents different types of dances, and to understand what is right for you, we suggest reading this article.

First, let's define What gave you the idea to take up dancing? Have you fallen in love with a guy at a disco who moves cool, and are you embarrassed to approach him? Or did you decide to surprise your boyfriend with your new abilities, left alone with him? Or, once again looking in the mirror, did you suddenly decide that you have extra fat on your hips? Or maybe you just want to relax after work and add variety to your day? All this determines the purpose with which you come to the dance studio. And don’t be afraid to seem clumsy—you go to class to learn!

The most popular among girls today remains a direction called Go-Go. This is a dance that girls dance on the club stage, coming out to help tired visitors. Surprisingly, Go-go has been around for 50 years. It came to us from California as an alternative to striptease. This dance is aimed at liberation and development of self-confidence. It’s hard to say that this is some kind of independent style, rather a combination modern trends(strip, jazz, Latin, erotic dance, etc.) Go-Go will teach you to easily improvise to any club music, move clearly and beautifully, combine combinations of movements and correctly connect them together. Such preparation in a dance studio will give you confidence in your movements, a suitable emotional mood and a lot of internal positivity. In a club, you can immediately stand out from the crowd and attract the attention of even the most indifferent guy.

Lady-Mix or Lady-style are suitable for those who want to study several dance styles at the same time, but do not have the opportunity to attend them all. Of course, it is impossible here to, as they say, “in depth” understand each style separately, but in general outline you will master the elements of Erotic Dance, Jazz, Reggaeton, House, Salsa and even R’n’B. You will learn the most different movements, and no matter where and what clothes you find yourself in (be it a social corporate party, a prom or a “rapper party”), you will be able to surprise those around you.

Erotic Dance. Literally from the first lesson you will understand that you had no idea about your abilities! It turns out that you know how to move so erotically. And now it doesn't look as bad as before. You can come to Erotic Dance classes in heels without fear of breaking your leg. Here you will learn to move plastically, flexibly, gracefully, femininely and at the same time confidently and freely. Heels will help you develop coordination in your movements. Men won't be able to ignore you. The main thing is not to get too carried away!

There are also several varieties of Erotic Dance: Strip Dance - aimed at developing plasticity, flexibility and the ability to show all the attractiveness female body. Strip dance will reveal the secrets of a beautiful striptease. Another sub-style is Lap-dance - dancing on a chair (literally “on your knees”) is performed for one spectator. He might just be sensual dance with maximum contact with the viewer, and can be performed very spectacularly with sharp swings of the legs or overturning a chair (naturally, in the absence of a viewer on it). Poledance or the more familiar name pole dance (on a pole) is also born from the Erotic Dance style. Having seen at least once a professionally performed Poledance, few people remain indifferent. Many girls want to “be able to do the same.” But in fact, “pole dancing” is difficult to classify as dancing at all. It's more likely gymnastics, performed to stimulating music. Real Poledance is a lot of work with sports (one might say, strength) training and acrobatic stretching. It's good if you have choreographic training. Poledance is suitable for those who are bored with exercise machines in the gym, and simple fitness does not seem effective enough. You can be sure: ALL muscle groups swing on the pole.

And if you still prefer something in between fitness and dancing, come to Stretching. In this direction, most of the time is spent on stretching itself - standing alone, sitting, lying down and in pairs. Stretching exercises will help bring your muscles into healthy tone - relieve tension and pain, correct posture, increase physical endurance, learn how to properly regulate breathing and lose a little weight. The choice of teacher is important here - he must be sufficiently professionally prepared. Health is no joke. And most importantly, stretching classes increase the level of dance training, after which any elements different dances will be given to you with ease.

Modern, or more correctly dance in the modern style, is a truly modern dance, which has a centuries-old history and is undeservedly forgotten. This dance is completely different from others. You just have to come to a couple of classes and it will absorb you from head to toe. The purpose for which you go to dance is important here. If you are a busy girl and are constantly in mental and emotional stress, modern will help you relieve stress and turn off your thoughts. Dance will allow you to forget about the bustle of the world around you, understand your body and the feeling of gravity, and completely relax to pleasant music. Modernism presupposes the absence of shoes and the loosest possible clothing. At the first lesson, you may not even have to dance - you will just begin to immerse yourself in the world of modernity and try to understand the mechanisms of driving forces in nature and the human body. The movements of modernity, based on inertia, may seem strange and absurd at first, but gradually you will stop being afraid to reproduce them, you will feel inner freedom, lightness, you will expand the boundaries of your own self, which interfere with Everyday life. In Modern dance you relax not only externally, but also internally. Modernism in a sense combines dance and meditation. Technique plays an important role in Modern, as in other dances. Here she helps to express emotions that simply ask to be poured into a Modern dance composition. You will feel that you simply do not have enough dance elements to fly in space, and you will ask the teacher to reveal the secrets of modernity again and again.

Solo Latina. It's rare that anyone can stand still after hearing the fiery rhythms Latin American dances, be it samba, rumba, salsa, mamba, cha-cha-cha, bachata or jive. At least a smile on the face and positive thoughts unite all the “listeners.” On a sad autumn evening, when you want to sleep, your head hurts and cats are scratching at your soul, try to force yourself to go to at least one Latina class and you won’t notice how even the most deep-rooted depression will disappear. You will not only receive a lot of positive emotions, but also master special language body, you will feel the freedom of the fiery rhythm, grace, femininity and energy. You can come to class in a flirty skirt and low heels.

Belly dancing is perhaps one of those dances that has existed since ancient times. To date, he has managed to mix dance styles from different eastern countries. For amateurs club dancing, perhaps at first the movements characteristic of belly dancing may seem unusual. In particular, in order to hold your hands, monitor your posture, be able to combine the movements of your shoulders and hips and, of course, shake your stomach (there are actually about ten types of shaking) require some physical and mental effort. But belly dancing was invented for a reason, since it has a beneficial effect on the health of the female body. He models perfect figure(truly feminine), trains breathing and the vestibular apparatus, pumps up the abdominal muscles, develops the diaphragm, forms beautiful hips, and does not load the joints. You can become a real woman and reveal yourself in classes Belly Dance. If your chosen one is worthy of you, and you want to inflame his sexual lust to the maximum - dance him a Belly Dance!

An art such as dance began to develop at the dawn of humanity. Primitive tribes had their own special ritual dances, which were an important part of their traditions and existence. Their descendants, who began to build the first states, turned these gestures into part of the sovereign symbols. Thus, the first types of dances appeared, which to a greater extent testified to the origin of man, his roots. Today people dance everywhere, and their movements are no longer limited by any boundaries determined by the state. Well, let's take a closer look at what types of dances exist in certain parts of the planet and how they become popular all over the world.

What is dance

This term refers to a type of art in which artistic images are conveyed through plastic and rhythmic body movements. Any dance is inextricably linked with a certain music that suits its style. During this “ritual”, certain positions of the person’s body, the figures that he can show, and transitions from one pose to another are very important. Considering what types of dances there are in our time, it is easy to assume that there are simply countless numbers of such figures and movements. That is why they are divided into categories, which largely depend on the place of origin of a particular dance, as well as on its other features (pairs, group, single, etc.).

The history of the origins of dance art

Even during the existence of primitive tribes, the earliest types of dances arose. They were given names depending on the emotions they accompanied. For example, a tribe might try to bring rain after a long drought, and for this purpose a special ritual was composed, during which people moved in a certain way. Through rhythmic body movements, they thanked their gods, welcomed the birth of children and saw off their deceased ancestors. As an art form, dance was founded in the period of antiquity. At this time, special choreographic performances dedicated to the gods began to appear in Greece and Rome. At the same time, the very first eastern species dances in Babylon, Assyria, the Persian kingdom and other Asian countries. In the Middle Ages, this art found itself beyond the line of legality due to the spiritual views of mankind. But with the advent of the Renaissance, it began to develop and improve again. In the 16th century, a type of choreography called ballet appeared, which soon became a separate species art.

Classics and its variations

Professional dancers, learning this art from an early age, initially master classical dances. Their types depend on which program is taken as a basis - European or Latin. These two subgroups are united by good old classical choreography, which has much in common with ballet. The bottom line is that rehearsals take place to classical music, the dancers do stretching, study positions, plie, pique and other choreographic techniques. In the future, the quality of the dance will depend precisely on the purity and correctness of all these movements.

European program

  • Slow waltz. This is a golden dance classic, which is always accompanied by appropriate music in three quarters. For each beat, dancers take three steps, with the first being the main one, the second determining the angle of rotation, and the third being an auxiliary one, allowing the weight to be transferred to the other leg.
  • Tango. It was originally an Argentine folk dance, but later became incredibly popular all over the world and moved into the category of European classics. Its essence lies in the fact that two partners move energetically and rhythmically to the appropriate music (it is also called tango).
  • Viennese Waltz. This is a kind of analogy to a simple waltz, only it is danced a little faster and more energetically.
  • Foxtrot. This is a fast and vibrant dance that is performed both in pairs and in groups. It was invented by Harry Fox (hence the name) in the early 20th century, and its popularity has not waned since then.
  • Quickstep. This is the fastest dance from the European classics. It is performed in 4/4 rhythm, and there are as many as 50 bars per minute. It takes years of practice and grueling training to dance the foxtrot properly. It is important that all movements look easy, relaxed, and performed with incredible precision.

Latin American program

Popular types of dances that today often go beyond the classics will be listed here. Based on them, a wide variety of variations are created to simplify the choreography and make these dances accessible to everyone.

  • Samba. Brazilian dance, which arose from the fusion of African and Portuguese traditions. It is danced in 2/4 time, with up to 54 bars per minute. In the classical version, it is performed to the beat of drums or other Latin percussion instruments.
  • Cha-cha-cha. Characterized by much slower choreography. The time signature is 4/4, there are 30 bars per minute. The dance is most popular in Cuba, where it originated in the 20s last century. Today it is included in the classical dance program.
  • Rumba. The slowest and most intimate dance, which is always performed in pairs. Accuracy is not important here, as in other types of choreography. It is only important that the partners’ poses are very beautiful, that they form unique figures, and at the same time, each of their movements should be as flexible as possible.
  • Paso Doble. This dance has its roots in Spanish bullfighting. Here the partner often portrays a bullfighter, and his partner - a cloak. The essence of the choreography is the double step (hence the name).
  • Jive. African-American choreography, which also arose in the 20th century and became widespread in the United States. Jive is danced in swing mode, but at the same time it is very different from its modern analogue of the same name. Time signature - 4/4, number of beats per minute - 44.

Ballet

Everything is now existing species dances are more or less based on ballet. This art officially separated from general choreography in the 17th century, when the first French ballet school emerged. What are the features of ballet? Here the choreography is inextricably linked with the music and facial expressions of the performers. As a rule, each production has a specific script, which is why it is often called a mini-play. True, in some cases there are also “unscripted” ballets, where dancers simply demonstrate their incomparable and precise skills. Ballet is divided into three categories: romantic, classical and modern. The first is always a mini-play on a love theme ("Romeo and Juliet", "Carmen", etc.). The classic one can personify any plot (for example, “The Nutcracker”), but its important element is choreography based on acrobatics and excellent plasticity. Modern ballet includes different types of dances. There are elements of jive, Latin choreography, and classical music. Distinctive feature is that everyone dances in pointe shoes.

Modern choreography

Nowadays, modern types of dances are popular all over the world, regardless of traditions and religion. Their names are known to everyone, and at the same time almost everyone can learn to perform them. Such body movements do not require special stretching, preparation or natural plasticity. The main thing is to join the rhythm and become one with the music. Let us immediately note that all the dances that will be listed below are the basis for the so-called “club choreography”. These movements are quickly learned and mixed by modern youth, resulting in a unique mix that can be seen in any nightclub in any city in the world.

Modern dance

  • Tectonic. It arose in the 21st century on the basis of jumpstyle, hip-hop, popping, techno style, etc. Always dancing to fast electronic music.
  • Strip dance. This is the basis of any striptease, in other words, a dance that may involve further undressing. The essence lies in plastic movements, and also often in interaction with other objects. This is how the famous pool dance, lap dance, etc. were born.
  • Go go. Erotic dance that does not involve undressing. Aimed at entertaining the crowd in the club. May contain any plastic elements that will correspond to the playing music.
  • Hakka. A dance that originated in the Netherlands, in hardcore circles. His movements are based on music in this style.
  • Jumpstyle. The dance, based on jumping, is one of the few modern ones that is danced in pairs. But at the same time, it has a peculiarity - partners should not touch each other.
  • D'n'B Step. This is exclusively an attribute of the drum and bass style. Choreography always depends on the rhythm and tempo of the music.
  • Shuffle. The dance originated in Australia and is based on jazz. All movements, in particular the steps characteristic of this style, are performed to electronic fast music at a faster pace.

Based on the plot of the movie "Step Up"...

After the first part of this wonderful film was released, young people actively began to study all kinds of street dances, which are characterized by freestyle and at the same time incredible plasticity and precision of movements. Let us list their main types, which have already become “street classics”:

  • Hip-hop. This is a whole cultural movement that originated in the 70s in New York among representatives of the working class. It covers not only unique choreography, but also slang, fashion, behavior and other areas of life. Within the hip-hop culture, there are a wide variety of dance types, more or less difficult to perform. This includes breaking, DJing, MCing, club hip-hop and much more.
  • Breakdancing, also called b-boying. Initially, it was part of hip-hop culture, and then, due to its uniqueness, it became a separate dance.
  • Crip Walk. A dance that originated in Los Angeles. Characterized by steps that are performed in the spirit of improvisation, at a very fast pace.
  • Popping. The dance is based on the rapid contraction and relaxation of muscles, due to which the human body shudders. It is important to observe certain positions and postures in which such movements look most impressive.

In the spirit of folk traditions

In each state, in addition to the flag and anthem, there is another, no less important attribute - dance. Each nation is characterized by its own movements, its own rhythms and tempos that have developed historically. Based on the characteristics of the choreography, you can easily determine what nationality a person is and what country he represents. Such performances are performed mainly in a group, but there are some exceptions when only two partners perform. Now we will look at the types of folk dances that are the most popular all over the world. By the way, some of them became the basis of classical choreography, and some served as an excellent start for the development of street dancing.

Dances of the peoples of the world

  • Attan is the official folk dance of Afghanistan. It is also performed by many neighboring peoples in various variations.
  • Hopak - dance of the peoples of Ukraine. Always performed in national costumes, in a very fast and energetic rhythm. It is characterized by jogging, squats, jumping and other active body movements.
  • Trepak is a native Russian dance, which is also common in Ukraine. It is always performed in a bipartite meter, and is accompanied by fractional steps and stamping.
  • Zika is a famous Chechen dance performed exclusively by men. As a rule, it is an accompanying element for important religious events.
  • Krakowiak is the most famous Polish dance. Performed in a fast rhythm, always with a straight back.
  • Round dance. A dance-game that was previously popular among many nations. The rules are different everywhere, but the point is that a huge number of people take part in the round dance.
  • Lezginka is the most famous choreographic performance in the Caucasus. It is danced by Chechens, Armenians, Georgians, Azerbaijanis and many other peoples.

Types of oriental dances

In the east, the art of dance had a completely different development than in the countries of Europe and America. Men here always performed group mini-performances that accompanied some important events. A woman's dance is a kind of sacrament. A wife can dance only for her husband, and alone. This choreographic culture has been widespread from time immemorial throughout Western Asia, but in each country it has its own characteristics. Therefore, now we will look at what types of dances exist in this or that Eastern state and how they are characteristic.

  • Turkish. They are always performed in bright costumes, accompanied by fast music. They are characterized by rhythmic movements, very high plasticity and even acrobatics.
  • Egyptian. This is the most modest oriental choreography. The costumes are restrained, as are the movements, and the music is slow and measured. There is no place for frivolous body movements in Egyptian dances - this is considered debauchery.
  • Arabic. This is real scope for improvisation and variation. If you know what types of dances there are in the East and how they are performed, you can put all the techniques and techniques together, and you will get an excellent performance in the Arabic style.
  • Lebanese. The most unique and unusual. They combine elements of Turkish and Egyptian choreography. Therefore, fast and rhythmic movements alternate with slow and measured ones. The action is also characterized by the use of foreign objects (cymbals, canes, etc.).
  • Persian dance consists of graceful movements that mainly involve the arms, head and long hair.

How did belly dancing come about?

Almost all women in the world dream of mastering this choreographic style, but only a few master it perfectly. Many attribute its origins to the Middle East, but in fact the dance originated in India. Even before the birth of Christ, this custom was transferred from their homeland by the gypsies to Egypt, where it became popular. They began to emerge there different kinds belly dancing, which soon spread throughout the Middle East. Well, let's look at which of them are now the most famous:

  • Dance with the snake. It requires a combination of flexibility and courage, as well as the ability to handle this animal.
  • Dance with fire. During the performance, torches, candles, lamps with essential oils and much more can be used that glorifies the cult of fire.
  • Dance with cymbals. This drum hand tool is a relative of the Spanish castanets. Performing rhythmic movements, the dancer accompanies herself.
  • Raqs el-Sharqi is a belly dance that involves the area from the navel to the hips.
  • Raqs el-Shamadam is a performance in which a woman dances with a candelabra on her head. Very popular in Egypt.

Types of sports dances

Sports dancing is a kind of analogue of classical ballroom choreography. The difference is that the dancers are trained according to a more strict and intensive program, with special emphasis on stretching, precision of movements, and speed of their execution. An important component of any sports dance is not the beauty of the performance, but the technicality of performing all the movements. In general, this subgroup consists of choreographic productions known to us, among which there are standard European and Latin programs.

Conclusion

We looked at what types of dances exist in different countries and determined their styles and characteristics. As it turned out, each choreographic production has its own tempo, rhythm, and character of execution. Also, many dances cannot exist without facial expressions, certain costumes, style and even the mood of those who perform them. Therefore, if you are going to master this art, it is important to initially decide which style you like to dance in, and which of them is most suitable for you in terms of capabilities and even the structural features of your figure. And in the future, for self-improvement, you will only need diligence and practice. Go for it!

Development modern dance began in the last century. Street dancing, modern ballet and other styles ceased to be underground and appeared on the largest stages. Now all these types of dances can be divided into several subgroups.

Contemporary ballet

This style includes jazz-modern and contemporary. In some dance schools this dance is called body ballet. The origins of modern ballet lie in the art of “free dance” by Isadora Duncan. Classic ballet poses and movements are used here, but they are more flexible and performed without the use of pointe shoes. The dance pattern itself is very dynamic, it expresses human emotions and experiences. Modern dance is a small performance dramatic story to the music. Contemporary, in addition to ballet movements, uses qigong and yoga practices. Contemporary philosophy is self-knowledge, self-discovery through dance, liberation from internal complexes and free movement.

Having appeared in poor American neighborhoods, street dancing gradually conquered the whole world. Now there are several styles of these dances: popping, locking, tectonic, krump, hip-hop, dubstep, breakdancing, etc. Street dancing uses dynamic, sharp movements with elements of acrobatics. They are often improvisational and performed to any music with a clear rhythm. Natural plasticity plays a big role here, physical strength and dancer's endurance. In street dance, the main thing is not to tell a story, but to amaze with its energy and dynamics. So-called battles are popular among dancers - improvisational competitions for the title of the best dancer. Battles are held in special clubs or right on the street.

In the popularization of street dancing big role played cinematography. “Street Dancing”, “Honey”, “Brotherhood of Dance”, “Street Dancing” - all these films ensured an influx of students into modern dance schools

Club styles

These include jazz-funk, wacking and voguing, industrial. Club dances are dynamic and use both their own elements and borrowings from other styles. These types of dance combine sharpness and plasticity; they are spectacular and somewhat mannered. Often in dance studios there is a general direction club dance, which combines several types of club dances. During the lessons, individual elements and combinations are studied that can be danced in clubs. Great importance is given to technique and improvisation, as well as the entertainment of the numbers.

Only for girls

There are several styles of dances, usually performed only by girls. This is go-go, strip dance, ragga, booty dance, high heels, sexy r"n"b. Dances in these styles are performed to various musical compositions, but all of them contain sexy, feminine movements, hip waves, hair swings. Some of these types, such as go-go and high heels, are danced only in heels. Women's styles are very popular, and several festivals dedicated to these types of dances are organized every year. And famous go-go and strip dance dancers are in demand in many prestigious clubs. Often in dance schools there is a separate direction of lady's dance, where elements of all women's styles are studied, the main emphasis here is on plasticity and sexuality.

IN Lately women's styles became popular among men as well. Recognized stars of the high heels style are Janis Marshall and the group Kazaky

Dance acrobatics

This substyle includes acrobatic dance itself, as well as dancing on a pole, aerial ring and canvases. These styles are based on acrobatic and gymnastic movements: jumps, somersaults, twists, stances, flips, etc. The dancer can also use movements from other dance styles, but they should not dominate. The main difference between these types of dances and ordinary acrobatic sketches is the presence of a specific theme, idea and composition of the performance. Acrobatic dancing requires serious physical training and stretching. Professionals and amateurs often suffer injuries and bruises, but rarely do any styles surpass acrobatic dances in complexity and dynamics.

Modern couple dances

Improvisational couple dances are extremely popular now: hustle, west coast swing, bachata. These styles originated in the last century, but have become widespread only now. Modern couple dances feature simple movements - steps, turns, hip swings. You can master them very quickly, and dance to almost any music. Couple dance lovers regularly organize friendly parties where they practice their skills.

Cheerleader performances sports teams, which originated in the USA, have become popular here too. Cheer dancing is a dynamic and spectacular style, usually performed with pompoms in hand. Complex productions contain acrobatic elements, group support, rebuilding and pyramids. Cheer dance teams usually consist of 8-16 people, so synchronization is very important in the dance. Unlike classic cheer, cheer dancing does not use chants, but focuses on choreography, plasticity, and dance dynamics. Performed to fast, fiery compositions, cheerleader dances are present both at sports matches and separately at thematic festivals and competitions.

To express the emotions and feelings that overwhelmed them, expectations and hopes, our ancient ancestors used rhythmic ritual dances. As man himself and the social environment that surrounded him developed, more and more different dances appeared, becoming more complex and sophisticated. Today, even experts will not be able to indicate the name of the types of dances - all performed by people over the centuries. However, dance culture, having passed through centuries, is actively developing. Based on folk and classical ones, new and modern styles and trends appear.

What it is?

Before we consider what types of dances there are, let's clarify what it really is? The shortest and most complex of all forms of art, in which the human body and its plastic capabilities are used to create unique image, is a dance.

It is impossible without the personality of the artist and music. The performer, starting from the content piece of music, builds a “picture” of dance and embodies his vision and sensory perception in movement. 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 demonstrative art form that is constantly evolving and changing. More and more new styles and forms, different types of dances appear in it, the diversity of which confuses even specialists.

History of appearance

The very first dances of people were ritual ones, performed by them in the hope of a successful hunt or a bountiful harvest, healing of the sick or victory in a war. Over time, rhythmic movements were subjected to generalization, which served as the beginning of the formation of ethnic art, which has its own characteristics and traditions for each of the peoples.

All the variety of dance steps originated from the basic types of human movements - running, walking, jumping, swinging and turning. Over time, the following types appeared, everyday (for oneself), as well as those performed for show - cult and stage.

Main directions

Among the various existing today dance styles and directions can be called the following, the most popular and well-known:

In this article we will consider in more detail what types of dances there are in modern

Beginning and mid-20th century

This division into two stages is not accidental. According to many performers at the beginning of the last century, dance as an art form was supposed to reflect new reality, and not adhere to the canons of old ballet schools “frozen” in time. At this time, such choreographic trends emerged that are still popular today, such as:

  1. Free dance.
  2. Modern.
  3. Butoh.
  4. Contemporary (contempo).
  5. Jazz Modern.

Let us dwell in more detail on each of them, as they had a great influence on the formation and development of many styles and directions of modern dance art.

Free dance

This is, first of all, 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 creative spirit. It was on the basis of free style that such movements as modern and butoh, jazz-modern and contemporary arose and developed.

Modern

Originating at the beginning of the century, this dance style is very popular today and is one of the leading ones in the Western choreographic school.

Just like free, he denies any ballet norms and strives to embody various forms on stage, using new original methods. It is characterized by semantic content, a wide range of movements, high jumps and flexibility, “broken” poses and movements, unusual for ballet choreography, and various twists.

Contemporary dance

It is quite reasonable to say that styles such as free dance and modern, popular at the end of the 19th and beginning of the 20th centuries, served as the basis for the formation of such a movement as contemporary dance. This offers the dancer, through various choreographic styles, to demonstrate as fully as possible in improvisation all his internal emotions and resources.

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 modern performer, as well as movements inherent in the classical ballet school. Thus, the body of a modern jazz dancer becomes another musical instrument, manifesting melody through the plasticity of his own body.

Butoh

This is one of the youngest dance techniques, which appeared in the fifties of the 20th century in Japan. Butoh, despite its rather long existence, remains for people today Western world most difficult to understand. It is based on the cultural, philosophical, religious and aesthetic values ​​of the Country rising sun. This dance seeks to show the mundane nature of everyday life for the average person, as well as to conceptualize and demonstrate the body and its capabilities in space and time.

Contemporary dance of the late 20th and early 21st centuries

The whole variety of modern dances can, of course, be divided into two large groups:

  • street;
  • club

Street dance

Hip-hop and Krump, popping and locking, breakdancing and C-walk - all these are the names of types of dances “born” not on stages and in choreographic studios, but on the streets and courtyards of megacities, discos and clubs.

Most of them are based on hip-hop. The performer is not limited to any form and can safely improvise and experiment, creating an individual and unique pattern of movements, as well as interact with both other dancers and the audience. They are extremely rare in their “pure” form, and for the most part they began to be performed in clubs rather than on the streets, which is why they often fall into the club category. Here are the most popular and common directions:

  • NewStyle.
  • Krump is short for Kingdom Radically Uplifted Mighty Praise, meaning "Absolute Power Spiritual Praise Empire".
  • Locking.
  • Popping.
  • LA-Style.
  • Crip walk (C-walk).
  • Brakedance.
  • Hip-Hop.

This is a temperamental, bright and incredible mixture of diverse modern styles allowing you to express yourself in movement. As they say, everyone knows the name of the types of dances of this direction:

  • Tectonic or electro dance.
  • House (house).
  • Jumpstyle (jumpstyle).
  • Melbourne shuffle (shuffle).
  • Waacking (wacking).
  • Go-Go (club Go).
  • Square dance (square dance).
  • DnBstep.
  • Ragga (ragga) and many others.

It is impossible to list all types of dances. The list of names of modern styles and trends is constantly changing and supplemented. Today, dancing is not only a plastic art, but also a fairly common sport.

Dance Sport

If in earlier times dancing was perceived only as an art form, then the complication of technical and choreographic requirements for performance has led to the need for excellent physical fitness for those who do it. Today sports dances- these are, first of all, ballrooms. Their feature is that partners perform a set of certain mandatory movements and figures to predetermined music. Evaluations at competitions consist of three parts: compulsory, original and free.

Over time, new musical and choreographic styles and directions appear. And now such modern types of sports dances as breaking or locking, jumpstyle or pole dance(pole dancing), 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 preparation. For those who do not strive to win international competitions, but try to keep their own body in good shape, we can recommend fitness classes in various dance techniques. Twerk, high heels, go-go, strip dance, belly dance, zumba, sexy R&B, ragga, booty dance - these are the most popular among beautiful dancers. Girls are attracted to them not only by the opportunity to correct their figure, but also to improve their plasticity and increase their own self-esteem.

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 of modern dances stand out:

    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 fun 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 that beggars 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 fashion trends have appeared in the world. They, as a rule, quickly became obsolete and were characterized by mass interest.

Ballroom dancing

Modern ballroom dance- this is no longer the one that was previously performed during ceremonial 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 in one melody at once 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 different directions. In it, the performer seeks to express his own emotions and convey his state. Contemporary art 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 pop dances can include elements of folk, jazz, sports, and 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 attributed to folk dances to a certain degree. Raks Sharqi, or belly dance, was born in Muslim countries. It was performed in eastern harems to please 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, and 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 trends. They are all good for health.

Modern dances for children

Children need to be taught the art of choreography from a very 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 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.

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