Ballroom Dance Walk as a Corporeal Technique

Centers of Gravity used for Ballroom Dance Walking and Japanese Nanba Style Walking

Abstract

This paper presents the author's observations of three-dimensional (3D) motion analysis of ballroom dance and aims to contribute to the study of human walking. Specific examination was applied to the state of being center-balanced. This term differentiates the center of gravity (COG) used in the ballroom dance walk and that of everyday walking by Japanese people, which is instead front-balanced. This study clarifies the COG placement when center-balanced walking is achieved, with examination of differences between movement of the COG during the usual daily walking of Japanese people and during a standard ballroom dance walk. Furthermore, reasons for recommending a center-balanced walk in ballroom dance are discussed.