Ballroom Dancing vs. The Martial Arts

Here's a topic I started on Dancescape and DanceTalk some time ago that I've decided to bring over here:

In addition to dancing does anyone here either actively train and practice in the martial arts or done so in the past? Mentor, I know you have.

I took classes in Tae Kwon Do briefly some years back and while this is different from dancing I did find one similarity in learning each of these and that is the emphasis on technique, timing and focus. Each time I took a lesson or class in one it reminded me of the other in this respect. That's my perception anyway.

While they have similar priorites, it might be interesting to take a look at the similarites. When I think of Tae Kwon Do, the priorites are:
1. Conditioning
2. Speed
3. Technique
4. Knowledge of Patterns (Forms)
5. Balance
When I think of Ballroom Dancing, priorities would include:
1. Technique
2. Knowledge of Patterns (Routines)
3. Appearance
4. Balance
...just my initial thoughts.

I have been practicing Aikido for 12 years now, and there is no question
in my mind that dancing and Martial Arts are extremely similar.

Think about it.

Both are simply forms of expression.

wwwsalsarhythmscom said:

Both are simply forms of expression.

Click to expand...

Hmmm, while it makes sense to me in some respects, I've never really heard of martial arts as being a form of expression before. I can see where the choice of one style vs. another is quite similar to the choice between dance styles in so far as that all have particular focuses and differences of emphasis, etc., but all are still about bodily control, movement, and mastery. But I get the feeling that you meant something more then this... Could you please expand?

Also, it seems to me that aikido, maybe along with judo, are particularly well suited to dancing given their emphasis on balance and flow between two bodies...

Hey SD,

I will definitely expand on my point.

First of all, you are 100% on target regarding Aikido, balance
and flow of both the "attacker" and yourself, must be in some
cases flawless.

Personally, I was attracted to Aikido because of it's fluidness
and the real power within it comes from a lot of sources that
ultimately you control.

But, to answer your question regarding a form of expression.

All Martial Arts are forms of expression. Expression of religion,
of Ki (chi) which is your life force. All of these are expressed
by the physical moves demonstrated.

You see, the physical moves and the physical performances,
which at times appear to be at the level of miraculous, are
really expressions of the deeper inner strength of man. Each
form regardless of style has so much meaning behind it, that
I am sometimes amazed how people take these for granted.

Of course the problem lies in the fact that many instructors
are saying that kata's (forms) are no longer needed. Thank
god for the fact that many still do practice them.

But basically when you look at a kata being demonstrated, every
movement means something, and every movement expresses something
that goes a lot deeper than the physical act itself. Thereby
expressing religion, life force, and other esoteric principles.

Hey salsarhythms,

Thanks for the elaboration!

I guess part of why I wasn’t entirely catching your drift is that while I have some training in shotokan karate, and took a little aikido years ago, most of my training is in krav maga, which – as a military combat style (vs. a martial art) – doesn’t have some of the same elements you are referring too.

I've met quite a few people in dancing who have a background in the martial arts; one of the instructors at my studio is a black belt in the Korean arts.

Dancing attracts people with many diverse backgrounds.

I also see a similarity between dance and Tae Kwon Do. Particularly when you get to the more advanced forms, there is a real emphasis on speed versus silence. In my mind, this is very similar to the sharp and seemingly abrupt movements followed by followed by stillness (or silence) that you see in more advanced dancers.

One of the newer instructors at my studio is a black belt in Ju Jitsu along with her boy friend who usually attends the dances. They did a professional WCS routine in which she flipped him in dramatic fashion and this was no swing type of move. 8)

My 2 cents....

Having studied both Martial Arts and ballroom dancing, a few observations...

Both have the concept of a 'connection' with another. In one, it is a partner, in another it is an opponent.

Both have technique and patterns (kata, forms, syllabus, etc...)

Both aim for fluidity of movement and thought.

It should also be noted that the world's greatest martial artist, Bruce Lee, was also a Cha-Cha champion.

Nice to "see" you agai Taita Any chance you can provide some more info on Bruce's cha-cha?

Hi Taita!

The point you make about connection is a good one. I never looked at it that way, but you're absolutely right. I can't count how many hours I've spent in class, learning to find and use the pressure points on an opponent. That is one of the connections! :idea: I just never saw it that way before.

And that is a totally cool bit of info about Bruce Lee. You learn some great stuff in these forums.

I didn't know that Bruce Lee was a dancer.

For a very short period of my life, I spend some time in a cardio kickboxing class and I have taken about a year of ballroom dance lessons...not really sure if that makes me qualified to jump into this discussion, but I just wanted to add my opinion:

I think dance and martial arts have several similarities and can definately draw upon one another's strengths:

Strength - both mental and physical
Endurance
Concentration
Energy behind/with the movement
Respect for the artform and it's instructors
Respect for competitors/oponent
Grace
Stamina
Precision/Accuracy
Speed
An awareness of oneself and his/her surronding and partner/oponent
Practice
Skill


I also think both dance and martial arts are well choreographed. It is my understanding that in martial arts there are certain moves used for "blocking" or "attacking" just like there are certain combinations paired together for dancing.

I think dancers can benefit from martial arts and vice versa.

Bruce Lee and dance

Hi Guys!

It's certainly glad to know I am welcome. To add some more insight before I drop back into lurk mode....

Bruce Lee started dancing when he was about 14 years old. His favorite dance was Cha-Cha. As you can imagine, he became very good at it. I understand that at one point, he carried a card listing over 100 cha-cha patterns! :shock: Eventually, he became the Hong Kong cha-cha champion before coming to America. I also understand that one of his first jobs in the US was as a..... dance instructor! In those days, he would also attend social dances on occassion. It was at these events that he would sometimes give an impromptu kung-fu demonstration during intermissions. People then started to ask him about his kung-fu. The rest, is history.....

8)

back to lurk mode....