Features of technical and choreographic training for children aged 7–8 years old in sports dances

The article presents the features of using various methods and means of technical and choreographic training of children aged 7–8 years old who are engaged in sports ballroom dancing. Aim of research is improving the technical and choreographic training of beginner dancers. Pedagogical observations of 21 training sessions were conducted at the sports dance club "Amateur Lviv", in which 14 beginner dancers (7 dance couples) took part. According to a survey of 15 Ukrainian specialists in ballroom dances the most effective methods in teaching children aged 7–8 years old in sports dances are the method of performing figures with the direct assistance of a coach, the method of performing figures in parts and the competitive method. The average score in the group according to the criterion "musicality" increased from 1,72±0,09 points at the beginning to 2,12±0,11 points at the end of the experiment, which is 23,5% improvement; according to the criterion "technical quality" from 1,63±0,05 points to 2,11±0,1 points, which is 29,4% increase; according to the criterion "partnership skills" from 1,59±0,09 points to 2,04±0,14 points, which is 29,3% increase; according to the criterion "choreography and presentation" from 1,57±0,14 points to 1,91±0,07 points, which amounted to 21,7% increase. The testing results proved the effectiveness of the proposed training methodology with the inclusion of a complex of rhythmic and choreographic exercises, rhythmic, jazz gymnastics, classical training and floor gymnastics in the educational and training process, which contributed an increase in the level of technical and choreographic preparedness of dancers aged 7–8 by an average of 25,5% according to all the studied criteria. The results of the study will contribute the introduction of new forms and methods of conducting classes with young beginner dancers.