Increasing the level of performance in tango dancers using the turning board training device

Abstract

Argentine tango is considered a social leisure dance, but its evolution over the past two decades has brought it to elite level due to shows on several stages as well as national and international dance competitions divided into several categories. The current research was performed on a group of experienced tango dancers aged up to 35 years. The aim of the paper was to improve and increase the level of performance, proposing a new training method. The new method involves introducing and using the turning board training device in classical training. Initially, the turning board was invented for and used by ballet dancers, ice-skaters and gymnasts, but it was adapted for the first time in this research for Argentine tango through specific individual and couple exercises with the main goal of improving balance and pivots during the execution of this fundamental dance element that is present in almost every circular movement and change of direction. The research methodology used the well-established Y-Balance Test and Flamingo Balance Test as well as an invented rotation test on the turning board. The results of this method demonstrated a significant increase in coordination, balance, posture, spatial orientation and all turning movements involving pivots on the metatarsals around the vertical axis of tango dancers, who have improved both their individual and couple techniques. Following the results achieved, this paper can be considered a pilot study for future scientific research on Argentine tango as an art and elite sport.