A Time Motion and Analysis of Partnering Skills in Latin-American Dance Using a Semi-Automatic Tracking System: A Case Study

Abstract

The aim of the research was analysing motion and partnering skills by examining different relation positions between dance partners, distance covered and speed of movement in Latin-American dance. The sample consisted of three elite Latin-American dance couples simultaneously danced each of five Latin dances consecutively. Dances were recorded using two cameras-first was used to determine the path of the dancers' movement (secured to the ceiling of the hall), the second camera was located on the side of the dance floor to facilitate annotation of the dancers' posture relationships. The overhead footage was later transferred to a PC and analysed with the tracking system. With a specifically designed annotation system we categorised five different relationship postures exhibited between male and female dancers. We used two-way ANOVA for establishing differences in motion regarding gender and different dances. Results showed no differences between gender, but significant differences in speed and distance covered between dances. Samba and Passodoble seemed to be the most dynamic dances, with longest distance covered and highest speed of movement, followed by Cha Cha and Jive whereas activity in the Rumba took place in a relatively small area of the dance floor. Dancers were in open positions 99% of the time (except Passodoble-87% and Cha Cha-91%), either touching or not touching each other, with focus on the partner evident between 40% and 60% of the time in all dances. These findings tended to confirm rather than dispute the apriori expectations of individual dance choreographies.

Partnering Effects on Joint Motion Range and Step Length in the Competitive Waltz Dancers

“…The trajectory of the waltz is a wide movement in space, primarily in a circle. 1 The most salient characteristic of ballroom dance is its closed-hold position 2 in which the upper body segments of the male and female dancers are connected. Partnering is essential when dancing in the closed-hold position.…”

Injuries in Ballroom DanceSport: A Retrospective Study on Prevalence and Relation With Demographic Data

“…Ballroom dancers move closely with their partner, maintaining a right trunk rotation towards the partner, 28 a hand-hold position during their movement across the floor. 34 The hold technique ideally has to be held in a static position from elbow to elbow in the horizontal plane; otherwise the artistic performance may be compromised. Couples performing in Standard dancing, train this hold technique during many hours per week.…”

Correlation Between Technical Characteristics and Performance Style of Amateur Youth Latin Dance

“…The technical feature of Latin dance is to complete various technical movements with the cooperation of. Therefore, in the analysis of the time characteristics of the movements, it is necessary to describe and summarize in combination with the melody, time value, speed and other aspects of the performance style [3][4]. Through comprehensive analysis, it is concluded that the movement time characteristics of amateur youth in Latin dance are mainly manifested in the rhythmicity, separability and mobility of movements [5].…”