Abstract

Introduction. Acrobatic rock-and-roll is a synthetic sport where the technical complexity of acrobatic elements is inextricably linked to musicality, artistry, and aesthetic execution. In this sport, jazz elements, floor exercises, pirouettes, and jumps of varying coordinative complexity constitute the choreographic integrity of the routine. According to the rules of the WFADS, judges evaluate artistry and choreography, which makes choreographic training equal in importance to physical and technical training.

Objective of the study is to develop and experimentally substantiate a methodology for choreographic training of athletes aged 12-14 engaged in acrobatic rock-and-roll.

Methodology and organization of the study. The study involved 10 sports pairs (20 athletes) aged 12 to 14 years, engaged in acrobatic rock-and-roll. The duration of the experiment was 4 months – from August to November 2025.

At the beginning of the experiment, an initial diagnostic assessment of the athletes' level of choreographic preparedness was conducted using the expert evaluation method (a 5-point scale for each criterion – technique, coordination, musicality, expressiveness). Based on the results obtained, a control group and an experimental group were formed, which were as comparable as possible in terms of the level of choreographic preparedness (M±σ=15.8±0.45).

In the experimental group, during the main part of the session, choreographic elements were applied twice a week, including barre exercises (10-15 minutes); floor choreography (10 minutes); rotation exercises (15 minutes): relevé turns, single-leg rotations, preparatory exercises for performing pirouettes were performed to develop vestibular stability; and performance of dance combinations (executing dance combinations consisting of jazz elements, rotations, and jumps – 10-15 minutes). The control group followed the standard program without specialized choreography.

Results of the study and their discussion. During the experiment period, athletes in the control group showed a slight improvement in results (M±σ=16.6±0.89), while athletes in the experimental group demonstrated a significant increase in the level of choreographic preparedness (M±σ=20.8±0.75). To assess differences between independent samples, the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test was used. Since U_emp < U_crit (0 < 2), we can conclude that the differences between the groups are statistically significant (p < 0.05).

Conclusions. The proposed methodology using choreographic training tools (barre exercises, center exercises, floor choreography) is appropriate and effective for developing performance skills in athletes engaged in acrobatic rock-and-roll at the training stage.

References

1. Lisitskaya T.S. Khoreografiya v gimnastike [Choreography in Gymnastics]. 2nd ed., corr. and expanded. Moscow: Yurayt Publishing House, 2026. 242 p.

No. 5, pp. 39–39

Received: 20.04.2026 | Published: 08.05.2026

CC BY 4.0