The Art Forms of Dance and Gymnastics

Sinziana Preda

Ms. Peters

English 12

September 1,2012

The art forms of dance and gymnastics

Gymnastics and dance have many similarities. They both require much flexibility

in order to perform the difficult movements. Also, much endurance is needed for long

intense routines the dancers and gymnasts perform. Grace and flexibility is very important

during a dance performance and also during a gymnast's floor exercise and balance beam

routine. A dancer's performance and a female gymnast's floor exercise routine are both

performed to a piece of music of their choice. The choreographed routine and the music

usually reflect their personalities. These forms of art are both very similar in the fact that they both use body movements and are performed to different styles of music. That is where their similarities end, however , as they differ by their purposes and that dance is commonly performed with multiple people whereas gymnastics is solo.

The art of dance and the sport of gymnastics are very similar to each other, but yet have

their differences. Dance is a display of the human body expressing a choreographed

routine of leaps, turns, jumps, and series of fluid movements to music. Gymnastics is a

competitive sport developed from physical exercise and designed to demonstrate ones

strength, balance, flexibility, and body control. Dance is a form of art while gymnastics

only shows artistic ability in certain events.

Gymnastics and dance do have their differences though. For instance, a dance

routine usually has meaning and tells a story for the audience's enjoyment. A gymnastics

routine is performed for the sole purpose of a score given by the judges. Gymnastics

includes four events; the balance beam, uneven bars, the vault, and the floor exercise. A

dance performance takes place on a wood floor and can include settings and props.

While in gymnastics the use of props is not permitted. A gymnast wears a leotard while

competing. This allows her non restricted movement to perform the required tasks. A

dancer usually wears a costume that goes along with the theme or story of the music.

These costumes can range from skin tight unitards to long flowing dresses.

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