The Development of Competitive Ballroom Dancing in Ukraine from the 1990s to the Early 2020s

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyse the formation, trends, and characteristics of the development of competitive ballroom dancing in Ukraine from the 1990s to the early 2020s. Research methodology. To achieve the goal, the following methods were used: problem-chronological – to study the development of competitive ballroom dancing after the dissolution of the Soviet Union, which led to significant sociocultural transformations and the beginning of a movement towards European integration. Statistical method was applied to study the activities of numerous ballroom dance clubs and other dance associations; sociological – to analyse the role and function of competitive ballroom dancing in Ukrainian society; systematisation – to understand the combination of events that led to the emergence of a ramified network of sports organisations; synthesis – to analyse the interrelationships between competitive ballroom dancing and other components of ballroom choreography and art forms; included observation – to review individual competitions, championships, and contests in ballroom dancing and to understand them in advance. Scientific novelty. For the first time, an art-historical analysis of the development of competitive ballroom dancing in Ukraine has been carried out, highlighting the specifics of ballroom choreography in the competitive arena through the prism of the activities of Ukrainian dance organisations that have been operating since the 1990s. Conclusions. Today, ballroom dancing is an important part of the activities of a ramified network of sports organisations, which includes numerous ballroom dance clubs and other dance associations. Competitive and sports practice is the focus of ballroom dance clubs, Ukrainian and international dance and sports organisations, and is popular among the population and supported by the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Ukraine. It should be noted that insufficient funding, the cancellation of competitions, championships, and ballroom dance competitions due to objective unfavourable social circumstances (armed conflicts, economic crises, pandemics) can lead to a decline in the technical level of performers, loss of coaching experience, and the destruction of pedagogical schools with rich experience in training young performers.