Dance at football. At first glance, there is a chasm between them. One is art, the other is sport. One requires rhythm, the other strength. But if you look closer, it becomes clear: football is a dance, only rough, masculine, in boots and on the grass. Dribbling is a pas-de-deux with a ball. Celebrating a goal is a soloist's exit. And fan sectors releasing waves are a choreographic troupe of thousands of people. In this article, we will explore all the points of contact between football and dance.

Football as dance: the Brazilian school

Brazilians do not play football, they dance it. Garincha, Ronaldinho, Neymar, Vinicius — their movements are like samba. Finesses with body transfers, "chapa-de-suya" (a cut with a step), deceptive movements with the hips — all this is from the dance culture. European coaches often criticize Brazilians for "excessive theatricality," demanding pragmatism. But when Ronaldinho scores while dancing, the whole world admires. Brazilian goal celebrations are a small carnival. Players start dancing on the field, sometimes to music from speakers (as Neymar did in "PSG"). FIFA long fought against dances, considering them a provocation, but eventually surrendered.

Celebrating a goal as a dance

Every footballer comes up with his own dance after a goal. Cristiano Ronaldo ("Siuu"): a jump, a twist in the air, landing with arms spread wide — this is a winner's dance. Messi points to the sky — a ritual dance in memory of his grandmother. Bale depicted a heart with his hands. Griezmann repeated movements from Fortnite. Clubs establish their own "dance" traditions: "Liverpool" the whole team locks hands in a clasp; "Real" — group hugs. The most creative footballers rehearse in advance.

Figure finesse: from mento to elastico

Technical elements of dribbling have dance names. "Elastico" (from the word elastic) — a cut where the ball first moves in one direction and then sharply in the other. This is similar to the movement of hands in belly dance. "Rabon" — a kick with a foot that crosses over the supporting (like in salsa). "Finesse with a step" — an imitation of a step, like in step dance. "Reverse pasta" — a pass through oneself. Defenders do not like dancing dribblers, but fans love them.

Street football and futsal: dance in a tight space

Street football is maximum freedom. There is no coach, no tactics. There is only a ballet on the asphalt. Finesses, wall passes, checking. Futsal (mini-football) due to small areas and a light ball is also closer to dance: players spin quickly, pass with their heels, imitate a pass. The famous futsalist Falcao (Brazil) was recognized as the best thanks to his acrobatic shots.

Fan choreography: tifo and waves

Fans on the stands also dance. Chanting to rhythmic claps is a dance of the voice. "Wave," when people stand up and sit down, — this is a mass choreography. Ultras organize "tifo": huge banners, mosaic of cards, pyrotechnics. In Italy and Argentina, fans sing and dance the whole match. This is a dance of unity.

Dancing coaches and assistants

Coaches on the bench can also dance. Jurgen Klopp is famous for his jumping technique of celebrating a goal, when he runs to the fans and throws himself into their arms. Jose Mourinho, when "Real" scored, made circular movements with his hands. This is also a dance. Assistants sometimes run onto the field and dance cancan. Even referees dance (sometimes from joy that the match is over).

Crossover: dancers-footballers, footballers-dancers

Some famous dancers have professionally played football, and vice versa. Michael Jackson in the clip "Jam" played with Michael Jordan in basketball, but football also appeared. The famous ballet dancer Sergey Polunin admitted that his movements were inspired by football finesse. Footballer Peter Cech (known in the past) studied ballet to improve coordination. In the Netherlands, there are football clubs that practice ballet exercises to prevent injuries.

Commercialization: advertising where dance and football are together

Adidas and Nike shoot clips where footballers dance to music. The advertisement "Write the Future" (2010) featuring stars, the dance break of Ronaldinho. FIFA series games contain dance celebrations. Dance schools offer classes in football finesse. This is mainstream.

Dance and football are not a metaphor. This is reality. When you are on the field, you dance with the ball, with the opponent, with the crowd. You dance from joy, from despair, from anger. And in this dance — all life.

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