Ballroom dancing has evolved to something more than just a social dance performance. Today, people train in various ballroom dancing techniques to join dancesport competitions as social events, sports activity, or even in the Olympics.
Social Dancing Or Competition?
Many classify dancesport as a type of social dancing, though this is mostly a misconception since dancers all flock to the dance floor and show off their techniques. In truth, this type of dance is classified as a sport activity that is mostly described as a competition to display assorted ballroom dancing techniques and maneuvers in front of the judges and live audience.
If you observe closely, dancesport competition follows a set of rules. Music denotes what type of ballroom dancing you are going to perform on the floor. However, dancers are free to come up with their own unique maneuvers to impress the judges and win the prize.
International Competition
The World Dance Council was once called International Council of Ballroom Dancing (ICBD) that regulates dancesport competition around the globe. The council was formed in 1950 in Edinburgh with affiliate sponsors including Ballroom Dancers Federation that helps regulate these competitions in various sectors in an international level.
The very first dancesport competition was held in 1909, the first team of ballroom dancing competition in 1932, and became a live TV broadcast in 1960.
Due to the insistence of the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF), the International Olympic Committee recognized dancesport as a sports activity in 1997 and included in their roll of sports competition though not all Olympic games have this in their main event.
In most cases, we can safely say that this ballroom dancing competition requires a sponsor before it can be included in Olympic Games with the inclusion of a vote among its council.
However, there have been many critics in the inclusion of dancesport as an Olympic event. Judging is often done through appeal and how dancers impress judges. Scoring in these competitions is considered to be dubious as well -- opening to the possibility of disguising fraudulent judgment with anonymous decisions with no definite criteria and scores.
Despite the subjective ruling of dancesport competitions, the ballroom dancing arena is still a much celebrated event in various countries around the globe.
Different Styles
Dancesport is not limited to specific ballroom dancing styles known today. Considering that it is dubbed as an International competition, various styles are known to be incorporate into dance routines that include standard ballroom, Latin American dance steps, Ten Dance, and diverse Rock and Roll maneuvers.
Today, this competitive dancing is introduced by various social groups to promote ballroom dancing to a whole new level. Television shows are known to use competitive dancing as a means to find new talents in the industry. Dancesport has also been introduced in social events, like college proms and athletic competitions.
Also, health groups reported that active maneuvers of ballroom dancing have a positive role in our body's health. Today, dancesport is being introduced as an alternative solution to main proper body function and weight loss.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Dance Choreographer
A dance choreographer can be easily described as a dance instructor. They don't normally follow the set of rules that is commonly found in fixed dance routines, like ballroom dancing, but follows their own experience to come up with unique dance notations that is quite common in dancing competitions where originality is a criteria.
Choreography
A dance choreographer bases its teachings in the art of choreography. It is considered as an art due to the various innovations that is mostly limited to the creativity of an individual.
By definition, choreography is the process of designing various form and movements of the human body -- much like a person teaching you new body motions through their own unique experience. Dance choreography has a more specific scope -- integrating new and unique dancing techniques and maneuvers through the inclusion of set dancing styles today.
For example, a dance choreographer can incorporate various dancing styles for a cheerleading competition -- like ballroom, Rock and Roll, and the likes to come up with a new dance maneuver.
Dance Routines
A dance choreographer teaching new dancing moves that involves various body movements -- not necessarily dependent on fixed dance moves today. In most cases, dance routines taught by a choreographer includes events, like cheerleading, gymnastics, cinematography, fashion shows, marching bands, ice skating, stage shows, and even in competitive dancing, like dancesports.
The technique of coming up with new dance moves is termed as dance composition. This includes 2 fundament techniques, namely improvisation and planned choreography.
The fundamentals of improvisation can be easily defined as "impromptu" dance lessons. No specific steps are followed and choreographers base body movements depending on the type of music used for the dance.
In most cases, improvisation is mostly determined by the personal interpretation of the instructor or the dancers itself. Planned choreography is purely the work of the choreographer. Movements and scores are all directed by the instructors without any need for personal interpretation from dancers.
Passion In The Art
The success of dance choreographers in coming up with highly unique and quality dance routines is devoted to their passion in the art of dancing. If you ask dance instructors in how they come up with unique body interpretation to music, they will just smile and tell you that it's more on creativity than actual learning of fixed dance styles.
In some ways, we can say that this statement is true. Passion makes up 90% of their creativity and only 10% comes from their knowledge on fixed dance routines.
Another requirement of a dance choreographer is the need to go beyond the boundaries of dancing and into the realm of art. This is one reason why they are all unique -- coming up with their own dance routines with only a moment of thought. If you find a dance competition with only a single music as its theme, you will see that each choreographer will have their own interpretation.
Choreography
A dance choreographer bases its teachings in the art of choreography. It is considered as an art due to the various innovations that is mostly limited to the creativity of an individual.
By definition, choreography is the process of designing various form and movements of the human body -- much like a person teaching you new body motions through their own unique experience. Dance choreography has a more specific scope -- integrating new and unique dancing techniques and maneuvers through the inclusion of set dancing styles today.
For example, a dance choreographer can incorporate various dancing styles for a cheerleading competition -- like ballroom, Rock and Roll, and the likes to come up with a new dance maneuver.
Dance Routines
A dance choreographer teaching new dancing moves that involves various body movements -- not necessarily dependent on fixed dance moves today. In most cases, dance routines taught by a choreographer includes events, like cheerleading, gymnastics, cinematography, fashion shows, marching bands, ice skating, stage shows, and even in competitive dancing, like dancesports.
The technique of coming up with new dance moves is termed as dance composition. This includes 2 fundament techniques, namely improvisation and planned choreography.
The fundamentals of improvisation can be easily defined as "impromptu" dance lessons. No specific steps are followed and choreographers base body movements depending on the type of music used for the dance.
In most cases, improvisation is mostly determined by the personal interpretation of the instructor or the dancers itself. Planned choreography is purely the work of the choreographer. Movements and scores are all directed by the instructors without any need for personal interpretation from dancers.
Passion In The Art
The success of dance choreographers in coming up with highly unique and quality dance routines is devoted to their passion in the art of dancing. If you ask dance instructors in how they come up with unique body interpretation to music, they will just smile and tell you that it's more on creativity than actual learning of fixed dance styles.
In some ways, we can say that this statement is true. Passion makes up 90% of their creativity and only 10% comes from their knowledge on fixed dance routines.
Another requirement of a dance choreographer is the need to go beyond the boundaries of dancing and into the realm of art. This is one reason why they are all unique -- coming up with their own dance routines with only a moment of thought. If you find a dance competition with only a single music as its theme, you will see that each choreographer will have their own interpretation.
Monday, April 5, 2010
Classical Ballet
Considered by many as one of the most formal styles of ballet, classical ballet uses certain techniques and features that is unique to this form of dance style alone. People who wants to learn this type of dance usually start at an early age, mainly because younger people are more flexible, hence, are easier to train for this type of dance style. They can easily adapt to the physical demands of the dance, and are more capable of pushing their bodies to be able to perform the techniques and dance routines they need to do. Aside from that, ballet also involves a certain kind of mystique about it, making it appear magical to most people.
History
Ballet actually made its mark back in the 18th century, and has been given the prestige as the operas during that time. Jean-Georges Noverre's seminal work actually allowed ballet dancers to partake in plays as they were used to assist in the narration of the story by expressing character. Back then, the ballet dancers were made to wear corsets, wigs, hoops and high heels. Later on, ballet then got featured as interludes in operas.
It wasn't until the 19th century that ballet really experienced a great social change, as it was during this period that new techniques in ballet were introduced, such as the pointework, thereby propelling the ballet dancer into a symbol for a stage figure. This was also the time that ballet shoes or slippers were invented. Later on, they developed this persona as being delicate unearthly creatures that had the ability to simply glide or float on stage.
Classical Ballet Style
Classical ballet is known for putting a lot of emphasis on execution and method of how the dancer moves. They can appear as if they are defying the laws of gravity wherein they create a perception that they are flying on stage as they dance. They may even give the illusion that they are hovering.
Female Ballet Dancer Outfit
When training or dancing classical ballet, women are supposed to wear a typical ballet outfit, which basically comprises of a flesh, pink or blue colored tights and a leotard of any color and style. A wrap-skirt is not necessary, but students can still opt to wear it if they like. They wear flats, which are sometimes referred to as soft technique shoes, and are pink or beige in color. They may also wear pointe shoes, but only after receiving a certain level of training.
Male Ballet Dancer Outfit
Men, on the other hand, basically wear the same thing in the sense that they wear tights and a leotard or a form-fitting shirt. They also wear flats, or soft technique shoes, which are black or white in color.
Ballet Training
In classical ballet, there are over seven different training styles that classical ballet dancers could go through, the most common of the training styles being the Vaganova method, Royal Ballet School method, Balanchine Method, Cecchetti method, and the Royal Academy of Dance method.
When ballet dancers train, they are required to acquire a certain level of skill and strength, and these factors will later on dictate what level of ballet he or she would be able to do. For example, ballet schools do not actually allow their ballet dancers to wear pointe shoes, not until they reach a certain age, and if they are able to meet the skill and strength requirement that they need for their age and body type.
Wearing of pointe shoes at such an early age before the dancer is actually ready, both skill-wise and strength-wise, then the dancer might experience some form of injury or damage to her feet later on. This is why ballet dancers go through a rigorous training regimen, especially since strength and skill is needed to be able to dance this particular style.
History
Ballet actually made its mark back in the 18th century, and has been given the prestige as the operas during that time. Jean-Georges Noverre's seminal work actually allowed ballet dancers to partake in plays as they were used to assist in the narration of the story by expressing character. Back then, the ballet dancers were made to wear corsets, wigs, hoops and high heels. Later on, ballet then got featured as interludes in operas.
It wasn't until the 19th century that ballet really experienced a great social change, as it was during this period that new techniques in ballet were introduced, such as the pointework, thereby propelling the ballet dancer into a symbol for a stage figure. This was also the time that ballet shoes or slippers were invented. Later on, they developed this persona as being delicate unearthly creatures that had the ability to simply glide or float on stage.
Classical Ballet Style
Classical ballet is known for putting a lot of emphasis on execution and method of how the dancer moves. They can appear as if they are defying the laws of gravity wherein they create a perception that they are flying on stage as they dance. They may even give the illusion that they are hovering.
Female Ballet Dancer Outfit
When training or dancing classical ballet, women are supposed to wear a typical ballet outfit, which basically comprises of a flesh, pink or blue colored tights and a leotard of any color and style. A wrap-skirt is not necessary, but students can still opt to wear it if they like. They wear flats, which are sometimes referred to as soft technique shoes, and are pink or beige in color. They may also wear pointe shoes, but only after receiving a certain level of training.
Male Ballet Dancer Outfit
Men, on the other hand, basically wear the same thing in the sense that they wear tights and a leotard or a form-fitting shirt. They also wear flats, or soft technique shoes, which are black or white in color.
Ballet Training
In classical ballet, there are over seven different training styles that classical ballet dancers could go through, the most common of the training styles being the Vaganova method, Royal Ballet School method, Balanchine Method, Cecchetti method, and the Royal Academy of Dance method.
When ballet dancers train, they are required to acquire a certain level of skill and strength, and these factors will later on dictate what level of ballet he or she would be able to do. For example, ballet schools do not actually allow their ballet dancers to wear pointe shoes, not until they reach a certain age, and if they are able to meet the skill and strength requirement that they need for their age and body type.
Wearing of pointe shoes at such an early age before the dancer is actually ready, both skill-wise and strength-wise, then the dancer might experience some form of injury or damage to her feet later on. This is why ballet dancers go through a rigorous training regimen, especially since strength and skill is needed to be able to dance this particular style.
Sunday, April 4, 2010
Cheer Dancing
Cheer dance is the most common routine performed during sports events or competitions to deliver entertainment to the audience. However, practicing the basic cheer dance routines and performing them in perfect synchronization requires a great level of hard work and detail that utilizes both skill and determination.
To learn exactly how each routine is choreographed and how each step contribute to an entertaining whole, read about each aspect of the routine below.
Pre-Routine Preparations
When performing cheer dance for a competition, you need to focus on the criteria that the judges are looking for, as well as getting the audience involved. Some of the most basic technical areas to consider include techniques, dance moves, skill level, consistency, synchronization, and creativity.
However, a cheer dance routine consists more than just the dancing elements since it also combines cheer or chants, tumbling, stunts, and pyramids. It is therefore important to properly plan each routine, practice them thoroughly, and have self-discipline to ensure that each aspect of the routine are executed precisely.
Beginning
At the start, the energy level of the members are still high so you can expect a lot of high energy movements and dance routines. This is where you'd often witness a lot of basic stunts and tumbling. If you are coming up with a cheerdancing routine, this is where you need to choreograph the tumbling elements. You must also assign your best stunt performers and tumblers in the front for a clean execution. And since this is just the introduction to the entire routine, high intensity performance right off the bat is also a great way to capture the audience's attention.
Middle
Once you have grabbed the audience's attention, it is now time to move into the 'gist' of your performance ' the cheers and dance. If you can, minimize or totally avoid doing stunts here, or else it will become overkill. You need to showcase variety into your cheer dance routine and here is when you can do that. You can even use the beginning part of the routine as a transitionary period so you can get the dancers into their dancing positions. Avoid dancing as a full squad, instead you can divide them into small pockets for more coordination and to make the entire routine aesthetically pleasing.
End
Just as important as the start is how you end your routine. Hence, you must aim to make an impression on the judges and the audience. From performing in small pockets, you can let your squad performance as full team to make it visually impressive. However, settle for crisp yet manageable dance routines that creates an impact. You can also incorporate easy pyramid formation for the last time here.
Tips For More Coordination
In most cases, cheer dance routines are well planned and the dance moves or stunts are well choreographed but it could still turn disastrous if not executed properly. Hence, you must not aim solely for a creative routine, but a polished one. Use proper counting system for sharp movements and synchronization.
Take note of even the tiniest details as foot positioning, jumps, kicks, arm extensions, angles, and the like, to create more impression. And finally, time your routines properly and limit each dance move or stunt to no more than two minutes at one time for smooth transition.
But the most important tip to remember when performing cheer dance routines is to learn to have fun. Never forget to smile and always perform with confidence!
To learn exactly how each routine is choreographed and how each step contribute to an entertaining whole, read about each aspect of the routine below.
Pre-Routine Preparations
When performing cheer dance for a competition, you need to focus on the criteria that the judges are looking for, as well as getting the audience involved. Some of the most basic technical areas to consider include techniques, dance moves, skill level, consistency, synchronization, and creativity.
However, a cheer dance routine consists more than just the dancing elements since it also combines cheer or chants, tumbling, stunts, and pyramids. It is therefore important to properly plan each routine, practice them thoroughly, and have self-discipline to ensure that each aspect of the routine are executed precisely.
Beginning
At the start, the energy level of the members are still high so you can expect a lot of high energy movements and dance routines. This is where you'd often witness a lot of basic stunts and tumbling. If you are coming up with a cheerdancing routine, this is where you need to choreograph the tumbling elements. You must also assign your best stunt performers and tumblers in the front for a clean execution. And since this is just the introduction to the entire routine, high intensity performance right off the bat is also a great way to capture the audience's attention.
Middle
Once you have grabbed the audience's attention, it is now time to move into the 'gist' of your performance ' the cheers and dance. If you can, minimize or totally avoid doing stunts here, or else it will become overkill. You need to showcase variety into your cheer dance routine and here is when you can do that. You can even use the beginning part of the routine as a transitionary period so you can get the dancers into their dancing positions. Avoid dancing as a full squad, instead you can divide them into small pockets for more coordination and to make the entire routine aesthetically pleasing.
End
Just as important as the start is how you end your routine. Hence, you must aim to make an impression on the judges and the audience. From performing in small pockets, you can let your squad performance as full team to make it visually impressive. However, settle for crisp yet manageable dance routines that creates an impact. You can also incorporate easy pyramid formation for the last time here.
Tips For More Coordination
In most cases, cheer dance routines are well planned and the dance moves or stunts are well choreographed but it could still turn disastrous if not executed properly. Hence, you must not aim solely for a creative routine, but a polished one. Use proper counting system for sharp movements and synchronization.
Take note of even the tiniest details as foot positioning, jumps, kicks, arm extensions, angles, and the like, to create more impression. And finally, time your routines properly and limit each dance move or stunt to no more than two minutes at one time for smooth transition.
But the most important tip to remember when performing cheer dance routines is to learn to have fun. Never forget to smile and always perform with confidence!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Ceremonial Dances
Most people view dancing as a sacred act, especially among those cultures that perform ceremonial dances with religious and cultural importance. Indeed, they are still practiced even during today's modern times to enrich one's culture and history.
Dance and Religion
A religious taboo continues to exist when it comes to incorporating dancing as part of religious activity. Some people think that dancing is not enough to renew energy in both mind and body through dancing, while others believe it to be quite a powerful spiritual experience.
There are several manifestations of religious activities through dancing. One of the most common ways of incorporating religion through dance forms is via rituals. The act of dancing is believed to help a performer enter a trance state that will open up their spiritual path to an empowering religious experience and communicate with the divine being. Other dances also incorporate spells or prayers.
Native American Dancing
The Native Americans had quite an interesting perspective on dancing. They perform dances for varius reasons and believed that the beat of the drum served as the spirit that guides them spiritually. Hence, Native Americans performed what was to be later on considered as ceremonial dancing since they danced for joy, rain, grief, in preparation for war, and for worship. It is for this same reason such that dancing was embedded not just in their individual identities, but has become part of tribal history. Ceremonial dances played a huge role in the Native American heritage and culture.
But still, there remained to be a few others who performed dancing because of the music and for the enrichment of this art form.
Kerala Festival Dancing
Kerala is a Southwestern Indian city known for its local festivals and celebrations. During these cultural and religious festivities, ceremonial dances are an integral part of the celebration and has earned its social importance throughout the years. Here are some of the Kerala festivals that involve various types of ceremonial dances:
' Onam: This is a popular festival in Kerala that is observed with much gaiety and fervor, typically held between August and September. There are a lot of dancing involved that represent religious harmony amongst various families. There is also a ritual attached to the ceremonial dances that require the performers to wear new clothes, or paint themselves with bright yellow, red, and black colors. Meanwhile, the music is produced through cultural instruments thakil and udukku.
' Mahasivarathri: This is an annual festival observed by the Hindus that involve lots of ceremonial dances as a way to commemorate the death of Lord Shiva in an effort to save the world of destruction.
' Vishu: This festival is held during the month of April, which is the New Year according to calendar of Malayalam. Like the above festivals, there are ceremonial dancing involved mainly to thank for the abundant supply of fruits, flowers, cereals, and coconuts, while also wishing for good luck in the coming year.
Asian Ceremonial Dancing
There is a distinct correlation between drama, music, dance, and culture in majority of Asia. Hence, costumes and particular dance movements hold a sacred cultural importance, often depicting historical events, legends, mythology, and deep ceremonial activities and worship. Each performance of ceremonial dance could last for several hours, depending on the event being portrayed or the particular cultural event being commemorated.
Dance and Religion
A religious taboo continues to exist when it comes to incorporating dancing as part of religious activity. Some people think that dancing is not enough to renew energy in both mind and body through dancing, while others believe it to be quite a powerful spiritual experience.
There are several manifestations of religious activities through dancing. One of the most common ways of incorporating religion through dance forms is via rituals. The act of dancing is believed to help a performer enter a trance state that will open up their spiritual path to an empowering religious experience and communicate with the divine being. Other dances also incorporate spells or prayers.
Native American Dancing
The Native Americans had quite an interesting perspective on dancing. They perform dances for varius reasons and believed that the beat of the drum served as the spirit that guides them spiritually. Hence, Native Americans performed what was to be later on considered as ceremonial dancing since they danced for joy, rain, grief, in preparation for war, and for worship. It is for this same reason such that dancing was embedded not just in their individual identities, but has become part of tribal history. Ceremonial dances played a huge role in the Native American heritage and culture.
But still, there remained to be a few others who performed dancing because of the music and for the enrichment of this art form.
Kerala Festival Dancing
Kerala is a Southwestern Indian city known for its local festivals and celebrations. During these cultural and religious festivities, ceremonial dances are an integral part of the celebration and has earned its social importance throughout the years. Here are some of the Kerala festivals that involve various types of ceremonial dances:
' Onam: This is a popular festival in Kerala that is observed with much gaiety and fervor, typically held between August and September. There are a lot of dancing involved that represent religious harmony amongst various families. There is also a ritual attached to the ceremonial dances that require the performers to wear new clothes, or paint themselves with bright yellow, red, and black colors. Meanwhile, the music is produced through cultural instruments thakil and udukku.
' Mahasivarathri: This is an annual festival observed by the Hindus that involve lots of ceremonial dances as a way to commemorate the death of Lord Shiva in an effort to save the world of destruction.
' Vishu: This festival is held during the month of April, which is the New Year according to calendar of Malayalam. Like the above festivals, there are ceremonial dancing involved mainly to thank for the abundant supply of fruits, flowers, cereals, and coconuts, while also wishing for good luck in the coming year.
Asian Ceremonial Dancing
There is a distinct correlation between drama, music, dance, and culture in majority of Asia. Hence, costumes and particular dance movements hold a sacred cultural importance, often depicting historical events, legends, mythology, and deep ceremonial activities and worship. Each performance of ceremonial dance could last for several hours, depending on the event being portrayed or the particular cultural event being commemorated.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Breakdancing
Breakdancing started in the streets of Bronx back in the 1970's. It was first classified as a type of street dancing involving remixed music with highly-advanced and sophisticated maneuvers. Today, breakdancing is a popular modern dance routine performed around the world -- either as a friendly competition between "crews" out in the streets or parks, dance events between groups, and of course, international competition sponsored by big names in the industry.
History
If you study dancing history then you will see that breakdancing is nowhere to be found in the records. The trend started in the streets of New York -- a way for kids and teenagers to show off their "cool moves" with the inclusion of music. It was observed that this form of modern dance is a combination of athletic moves and dance maneuvers -- with emphasis on extreme "power moves" with "freezes" during breaks in the music. The trend started with the Latinos and Black youths in Bronx, but was later performed by the general populace and eventually in the international level.
Naming
Breakdancers don't like to be called as such. They have their own terms to define who they are in this modern dance routine. Notable performers often term themselves as "b-boy" or "b-girl" and the dance itself is named as "breaking"
Break And Dance
Breakdancing got its name from the "breaks" in the music where performers put a halt on their extreme dance moves to show off. In most cases, the musics are remixed to fit in these breaks to allow more emphasis on the maneuvers. There are 5 moves incorporated into this modern dance routine, namely:
1. Toprock - steps performed while standing;
2. Downrock - emphasis of feet and body movements on the floor. This is often termed as footwork or floorwork;
3. Power Moves - these are termed as acrobatic maneuvers that require physical strength, balance, and stamina. Initial movement includes circular maneuvers for the body to gain momentum to execute power moves;
4. Freezes - the performer stays in a pose, usually after executing power moves, during the break in the music;
5. Suicides - this is an extreme maneuver that usually denotes the end of a routine.
Requirement
If you break down the fundamentals of "breaking", one will observe that the emphasis is more into the person's physical strength and balance. The moves can be quite tricky and require complete control of the body or ends up in very painful consequences brought about by lack of timing and experience.
In most cases, professional breakers who teach breakdancing often start their lessons in improving a performer's physical strength and balance. Each maneuver is executed individually until they learn to grasp complete control of their body and proceed to more complicated techniques.
There has been a major debate saying that breakdancing is more into power than style. However, breakers classify themselves into these two fundamentals -- one incorporating the use of power to amplify and support their moves, while one group focus more into mastering unique "power moves" to their dancing.
History
If you study dancing history then you will see that breakdancing is nowhere to be found in the records. The trend started in the streets of New York -- a way for kids and teenagers to show off their "cool moves" with the inclusion of music. It was observed that this form of modern dance is a combination of athletic moves and dance maneuvers -- with emphasis on extreme "power moves" with "freezes" during breaks in the music. The trend started with the Latinos and Black youths in Bronx, but was later performed by the general populace and eventually in the international level.
Naming
Breakdancers don't like to be called as such. They have their own terms to define who they are in this modern dance routine. Notable performers often term themselves as "b-boy" or "b-girl" and the dance itself is named as "breaking"
Break And Dance
Breakdancing got its name from the "breaks" in the music where performers put a halt on their extreme dance moves to show off. In most cases, the musics are remixed to fit in these breaks to allow more emphasis on the maneuvers. There are 5 moves incorporated into this modern dance routine, namely:
1. Toprock - steps performed while standing;
2. Downrock - emphasis of feet and body movements on the floor. This is often termed as footwork or floorwork;
3. Power Moves - these are termed as acrobatic maneuvers that require physical strength, balance, and stamina. Initial movement includes circular maneuvers for the body to gain momentum to execute power moves;
4. Freezes - the performer stays in a pose, usually after executing power moves, during the break in the music;
5. Suicides - this is an extreme maneuver that usually denotes the end of a routine.
Requirement
If you break down the fundamentals of "breaking", one will observe that the emphasis is more into the person's physical strength and balance. The moves can be quite tricky and require complete control of the body or ends up in very painful consequences brought about by lack of timing and experience.
In most cases, professional breakers who teach breakdancing often start their lessons in improving a performer's physical strength and balance. Each maneuver is executed individually until they learn to grasp complete control of their body and proceed to more complicated techniques.
There has been a major debate saying that breakdancing is more into power than style. However, breakers classify themselves into these two fundamentals -- one incorporating the use of power to amplify and support their moves, while one group focus more into mastering unique "power moves" to their dancing.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Belly Dancing
Belly dancing is one of the most popular dance forms today, particularly with women. One reason for that is that many believe belly dance can help tone your abdominal muscles, enabling one to achieve the right shape of abs and body contour. Regardless of your reason for performing belly dance, it is important to ease your way into mastering this particular dance art to ensure that you can enjoy each performance.
Basic Preparations
In an effort to study belly dance and its many variations throughout the years, many enter belly dancing schools. Enrolling yourself in a program is surely an effective way to quickly learn the basics of this dance form, especially with the help of professional guidance. But you must also take personal measures to ensure that you learn quickly and effectively.
The most basic tip that each novice must learn is that you must remove any sources of distractions. Although belly dancing might appear simple, it is actually one of the more complex dance forms that are defined by intricacy. Hence, you need to fully commit yourself into learning this dance form and each day in the program you will be taught new dancing principles that you can apply into your learning.
You must also set aside enough time for practicing daily, such as 1 hour of session per day, to get yourself accustomed to each dancing principle. Then, you can review what you learned and drill yourself with these new moves until they become familiar.
Obtain Belly Dancing Study Guides
The most basic study aid for learning how to belly dance is a suitable music. If you plan on practicing from home, you can seek the opinion of an expert belly dancer on where you can buy music that you can use for your practice. Or, you can also purchase a belly dancing instructional video, which is more convenient since you can view demonstrations of dance moves and follow based on the instruction given by the expert.
It is not enough to rely on video instructions and choosing the right music though, you must also look into developing your own fitness routine. Attaining enough flexibility in your body will give you an advantage when belly dancing. Focus the workout on your hip circle, or your rib cage area since this is where you will need the most amount of flexibility from.
Regular Practice
This should be an obvious bit of tip for newcomers to belly dancing. Do not be content with instructions in your dancing class or those you get from video instructions. You must set aside a time each day wherein you can practice whatever new moves you have learned and slowly gain mastery. Ideally, you should set aside at least an hour each day. But if you are busy, one or two days per week should suffice.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Unlike other dance forms, belly dancing actually requires performers to use appropriate attire to allow freedom of movement around the hips and lower body. Instinctively, wearing jeans and loose shirts is not allowed. You need to provide a full range of motion on your belly, hips, and legs.
The broomstick skirt is the most ideal clothing for belly dancing with the top edge preferably pulled down to your hips instead of waist. This will then bring focus to what your hips are doing such that you can execute each move properly.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Belly dancing might not be as intensive as other types of dances, but it is important to perform warm up and cool down before and after each dancing session, respectively. In the warm up process, it gets your body in the mood for dancing, which is crucial with belly dance since it requires grace in your movement and coordination throughout your entire body. Meanwhile, cooling down to ease your body back to its state of inactivity and avoid injuries, particularly to your lower back. Gentle stretching should be enough to cool you down.
Basic Preparations
In an effort to study belly dance and its many variations throughout the years, many enter belly dancing schools. Enrolling yourself in a program is surely an effective way to quickly learn the basics of this dance form, especially with the help of professional guidance. But you must also take personal measures to ensure that you learn quickly and effectively.
The most basic tip that each novice must learn is that you must remove any sources of distractions. Although belly dancing might appear simple, it is actually one of the more complex dance forms that are defined by intricacy. Hence, you need to fully commit yourself into learning this dance form and each day in the program you will be taught new dancing principles that you can apply into your learning.
You must also set aside enough time for practicing daily, such as 1 hour of session per day, to get yourself accustomed to each dancing principle. Then, you can review what you learned and drill yourself with these new moves until they become familiar.
Obtain Belly Dancing Study Guides
The most basic study aid for learning how to belly dance is a suitable music. If you plan on practicing from home, you can seek the opinion of an expert belly dancer on where you can buy music that you can use for your practice. Or, you can also purchase a belly dancing instructional video, which is more convenient since you can view demonstrations of dance moves and follow based on the instruction given by the expert.
It is not enough to rely on video instructions and choosing the right music though, you must also look into developing your own fitness routine. Attaining enough flexibility in your body will give you an advantage when belly dancing. Focus the workout on your hip circle, or your rib cage area since this is where you will need the most amount of flexibility from.
Regular Practice
This should be an obvious bit of tip for newcomers to belly dancing. Do not be content with instructions in your dancing class or those you get from video instructions. You must set aside a time each day wherein you can practice whatever new moves you have learned and slowly gain mastery. Ideally, you should set aside at least an hour each day. But if you are busy, one or two days per week should suffice.
Wear Appropriate Clothing
Unlike other dance forms, belly dancing actually requires performers to use appropriate attire to allow freedom of movement around the hips and lower body. Instinctively, wearing jeans and loose shirts is not allowed. You need to provide a full range of motion on your belly, hips, and legs.
The broomstick skirt is the most ideal clothing for belly dancing with the top edge preferably pulled down to your hips instead of waist. This will then bring focus to what your hips are doing such that you can execute each move properly.
Warm Up and Cool Down
Belly dancing might not be as intensive as other types of dances, but it is important to perform warm up and cool down before and after each dancing session, respectively. In the warm up process, it gets your body in the mood for dancing, which is crucial with belly dance since it requires grace in your movement and coordination throughout your entire body. Meanwhile, cooling down to ease your body back to its state of inactivity and avoid injuries, particularly to your lower back. Gentle stretching should be enough to cool you down.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)