Ballet is one of the most popular forms of dance in the world. There are over 100 different types of classical ballet. These dances include, but are not limited to: Step Dancing, Tango, Tap, Modern and Old Timey Swing Dance. All these styles have their own unique style and history. Some dancers do not consider themselves professional ballet dancers; they prefer other kinds of dance such as jazz or tap. However, there are some professionals who practice all types of dance.
The term “Sport” usually refers to any activity involving physical exertion. Sports include many activities like running, jumping rope, swimming and others. Many sports involve competition between teams or individuals. A team may compete against another team or even against an opposing country (or city). The word “art” generally means something that is beautiful and artistic rather than anything physically demanding.
For example, a painting of a landscape might be called an artwork rather than a sport.
In addition to the above definitions, there are several other terms used when discussing ballet:
Classical ballet is the oldest form of dance in which men and women perform together. Classical ballet originated in Europe during the 18th century and was brought to America by French immigrants. Today it is performed around the world in many different styles including modern, swing, tap and hip hop.
Contemporary dance is a form of dance that focuses on movement and emotions rather than on the traditional aspects of ballet, such as music and theater. Dancers wear very little clothing, if at all, and routines are usually not set to music. Unlike traditional ballet, contemporary routines can be very fast or very slow.
Folk dance is a general term for dances that have developed over long periods of time within a culture. Dances like the Mexican hat dance and the Irish jig are both folk dances. Each nation usually has several different types of folk dances. Some of these dances are popularized through songs, such as “Hava Nagila.”
Many dances have religious origins, for example many Indian dances are religious in nature and express ideas or stories from the Hindu religion. Other religious dances include the Israeli Hora and the American square dance.
In some cultures dancing is reserved for special occasions.
Sources & references used in this article:
Physiological fitness and professional classical ballet performance: a brief review by EA Twitchett, Y Koutedakis… – The Journal of Strength & …, 2009 – journals.lww.com
Classical ballet: the full-contact sport by MF Stretanski – American Journal of Physical Medicine & …, 2002 – journals.lww.com
Do increases in selected fitness parameters affect the aesthetic aspects of classical ballet performance? by EA Twitchett, M Angioi, Y Koutedakis… – Medical problems of …, 2011 – sciandmed.com
Associations between turnout and lower extremity injuries in classical ballet dancers by V Negus, D Hopper, NK Briffa – Journal of Orthopaedic & Sports Physical …, 2005 – jospt.org
Video analysis of classical ballet performance by E Twitchett, M Angioi, Y Koutedakis… – Journal of Dance …, 2009 – ingentaconnect.com
Time motion and video analysis of classical ballet and contemporary dance performance by MA Wyon, E Twitchett, M Angioi, F Clarke… – … journal of sports …, 2011 – researchgate.net
After the fall: reflections of injured classical ballet dancers by R Macchi, J Crossman – Journal of Sport Behavior, 1996 – search.proquest.com
The demands of a working day among female professional ballet dancers by E Twitchett, M Angioi, Y Koutedakis… – Journal of dance …, 2010 – ingentaconnect.com