Dance Sport – Different types of Dances
When we talk about dancing, images of tuxedos and elegant dress gowns come to mind, with partners swaying gracefully to the music. Many consider dance as a form of art, which is true. But what is unknown, is that dance is also considered as a sport - a sport so elegant and beautiful that competitions are formed around it.
Dancing as a competition is divided in two basic categories: The Latin-American dance form and the Standard dance form. Each category has been divided in five sub-groups. Let’s explore these categories to understand dancing as a sport competition.
Latin-American Dance
Latin-American dancing is said to have evolved from African dances. It is because of this reason that they have a fast-tempo with lively and fun music.
In international competitions, Latin American dancing is judged in five categories:
1. The Samba
Considered as one of the most difficult dances, the Samba is a fast and lively dance with complicated dance steps. The body is in a constant motion up or down, with knees and joints bowed and outstretched to resemble the rhythm of the music.
2. The Cha-cha-cha
This type of dance comes from the music and dancing roots of the Rumba. This dance is considered less serious and a more ‘natural’ form of dancing, where dancing partners are in a playful mood.
3. The Rumba
Originating from Cuban roots, this dance originated in dark night clubs. The dance is characterized as passionate and erotic, with loyalty and rejection as the theme of most Rumba dances. This dance is about the attraction, independence and seduction between two partners.
4. The Jive
The Jive is livelier than all the other dances, with characteristics of aerobics and roll.
5. The Paso Doble
This is a two-step Spanish dance where the women, acting as a red mantle for the matador, dance around the invisible bull. The music is very vibrant which is represented by the steps of the partners.
Standard dances
Standard dances are considered the most old-fashioned dancing forms, which are much more challenging than their contemporary dancing forms.
1. English Waltz
It is a gracious and peaceful dance, that is known as the king of dances. The slow sways and sentimental music make this the most harmonious dance.
2. Viennese Waltz
One of the oldest and fast tempo dances is the Viennese Waltz. It is different from the English Waltz in terms of the rotating turns that the partners take.
3. Tango
It is an Argentinean dance that has been reformed by the English to have flexible, tough and firm dance steps. It represents the adversities of men and women.
4. Foxtrot
Foxtrot is considered as a classy and ‘one of kind’ dance. The dance is characterized by fast turns and a pronounced poise, which is considered difficult.
5. Quickstep
Quickstep is a lively dance with fast paced and fluid steps, which almost resemble running.
These are the most famous dances that are considered as sporting events for many professionals. Different titles and medals are also won in such competitions. Dancing as a sport competition is becoming very famous because of the craze left behind by reality television dancing shows. Try your luck in one of these sporting competitions.
For great dance products shop online at vivaz dance.
Blackpool Dance Festival
Several dance festivals are celebrated in different parts of the seven continents. However Blackpool Dance Festival is one of the very popular and historic dance festivals celebrated by people worldwide. It’s an eight days long event that holds immense international significance for ballroom and Latin dancers from over the globe.
This grand festival is held in the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool, England. The history of Blackpool Dance festival dates back to 1920’s Easter. Since then this festival took toll and attracted several amateur and professional dancers to display their talents in dancing. According to a 2003 report, 1539 couples took part in Blackpool Dance festival from 54 distinct countries. These aren’t just numbers; they reflect the magnitude of this dance festival in the world. Germany, Japan, Italy, USA, Australia, Russia and Scandinavia have been some of the most regular teams of dancers since the inception of this festival. Their position has been unwavering, so far.
Initially, the festival featured only ballroom dancing, which was a huge success. As the Latin dancing further evolved in the late 20th century, the festival became host to Latin dancers as well, enriching the Blackpool dancing festival. Gradually, over the years, several branches of this grand event have been formed to facilitate the event with grace. As more foreign competitors joined the festival, British decided to start an event for British only. British National Championship thus evolved in the November of 1957 and is still a popular dance celebration for the British after so many years of its inception.
As the dance forms evolved and the response from various age groups of the audience invariably increased, more events were organized. Blackpool Junior Dance Festival, Blackpool Freestyle Dance Championship, and Blackpool Sequence Dance Festival are the major ones that appeal to the international audience.
Blackpool Junior Dance Festival is for people belonging to the age groups of 6-12 under the head juveniles and 12-16 under the head juniors. The festival always starts on the morning of Easter and is held at the Blackpool tower ballroom. Kids from all over the world come together to compete and learn from each other about different forms of dancing. Latin American, Ballroom, and Sequence dancing are featured in a total of 29 competitions over a week.
The Freestyle Dance Championship is held at the Empress Ballroom at the Winter Garden and features a variety of dances. Dancers from all over the world come to one platform and perform Solos, Doubles, Hip-hop, Slow dance, and couples.
Recently, a website of the Blackpool dance festival has also been launched to keep a track of all the audience and keep the followers of the event updated about all the details and upcoming competitions and dance news. The information regarding participation, sponsorship, etcetera is also available online.
If dance has been your passion and aspiration, you must consider applying to this biggest international dance competition, so rich in history and experience. Australian team has been participating since years, perhaps now it’s time for you to represent Australia.