Dance and 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 ballet with a ball. Celebrating a goal is the soloist's exit. And the fan sectors, sending 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 a dance: the Brazilian school The Brazilians do not play football, they dance it. Garincha, Ronaldo, Neymar, Vinicius — their movements are like samba. Body swerves, "chapa-de-suya" (cutting with a step-over), deceptive movements of the hips — all of this comes from dance culture. European coaches often criticize the Brazilians for "excessive theatricality," demanding pragmatism. But when Ronaldo scores, 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 dancing, considering it a provocation, but eventually gave in. Celebrating a goal as a dance Every footballer invents their own dance after scoring. Cristiano Ronaldo ("Siuu"): a jump, a spin in the air, landing with hands spread — this is the dance of the winner. 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" forms a lock with their hands as a team; "Real" — group hugs. The most creative footballers rehearse in advance. Figure tricks: from mentuz 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 resembles the movement of hands in belly dancing. "Rabon" — a kick wit ... Read more