Kinematic evaluation of contrary body movement in sport ballroom dancing

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of the study was to analyse the contrary body movement in Viennese waltz performed by dancesport athletes and to determine its relationship on scores awarded by the adjudicators. Methods: Six high-level and six intermediate dance couples took part in the study. Each couple performed three identical series of three natural turns figure in the Viennese waltz. All of them were recorded on camera while performing to music. All the trials of each couple were evaluated by 6 international adjudicators as to the technical quality component from the Absolute Judging System. A device for measuring triaxial rotational angular velocities was mounted on the dorsal part of the pelvic girdle and on the back of the chest of each athlete. Results: An analysis of covariance revealed that the mean squares of the difference in angular rotation velocity of the pelvic girdle and thoracic spine of the tested dancers were strongly associated with scores given by the adjudicators (F1.9 = 11.5, p = 0.0240, p 2 = 0.449) independently of the assignment to the given group. Conclusions: The analysis and comparison of top level and intermediate athletes showed that the suggested method of measurement, presentation and analysis of the profile motion of pelvic girdle and chest motion may become a good tool for a general evaluation of the movement technique as well as a quick and effective qualitative and quantitative biomechanical assessment of selected components of movement technique in dancesport.