Ireland is aptly named as the land of dances. Irish dances have evolved throughout the century -- from ritual dances to modern steps that speak of complexity, finesse, and of course, custom of a nation rich in culture. Let's dive into history and find out how Ireland became a celebrated nation that popularized their unique contribution to the art of dancing -- the Irish Dance.
A History
Irish dance is part of the nation's culture even before the Celts stepped onto their shores. Native dancing was cultivated by the druids to celebrate the seasons and to worship deities and nature-god icons, like the oak tree. The Celts helped evolve the native Irish dance by introducing dancing styles from Europe. Similar contribution to the art was also made by the Normans in the 12th century.
Irish dance is classified into two categories with their own specific variations, namely the social dance and the performance dance. The Irish social dance is mostly performed during special occasions and holidays. This type of Irish dance is further broken down into 2 other categories -- the set dancing and "Ceili".
The more traditional solo social dance is called the Sean-nos Irish Dancing. This is well-known for its close-to-ground footwork following a slow tempo unlike stepdancing, as well as free arm movement and battering steps following accented music. The Sean-nos Irish Dance is mostly done solo, but can also be free-styled to include partners or small groups without any physical contact between dancers.
Irish performance dance can also be called as the "stepdance". If you were able to watch the "Riverdance" show in 1994 then you were lucky enough to witness the best Irish performance dance of the century. This type of dancing is well-known for its rapid movements -- mainly on the legs while the upper body is left almost stationary throughout the performance.
Stepdancing
Stepdancing is the modern form of Irish social dancing classified as a performance dance. The rapid leg movements and rigid upper body stance is made popular by the "Riverdance" performance back in 1994. Today, stepdancing is not only limited to performance and shows but is also popular in dance competitions composed for both small and large groups.
Also, stepdancing is further broken down into two types of steps -- the soft shoe and hard shoe. The soft shoe often follows the 4/4 tempo with movements including reel, light jig, slip jig, and single jig. Hard show follows the 2/4 hornpipe, hard or treble jig, treble reel, as well as the traditional steps. The name soft and hard shoe is also evident in the footwear used during their performance.
Old-Folk Irish Dance
The Irish social dance can be easily described as the Ireland's folk dance known as the "Ceili" -- a combination of Irish music and dancing during social gatherings. This can be performed solo or in combinations. In social events, the "Ceili" is often performed in 2 lines where dancers face each other, circular formation, quadrilles, or the long-line formation up to 16 dancers.
Friday, April 30, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Hip-hop
One of the most popular styles of dancing has always been hip hop dancing, especially with the more recent generations. And with a lot of movies dedicated to the hip hop dance culture, a lot of people are now beginning to gain interest in learning how to dance it. If you want to learn more about Hip Hip dance, then continue on reading this article.
What Is Hip Hop Dance?
Hip Hop dance actually refers to a form of urban ethnic dance that is performed to different styles of hip hop music. Although Hip Hop dance has some pretty basic forms or styles, it is actually a dance style that involves a lot of improvisation or 'freestyle' dancing. This is where Hip Hop dancers are able to put their personal touch and flavor into their dance routines. Hip Hop dancers often times engage in what we call as 'battles' wherein they perform dance moves and routines against another dancer, trying to outdo each other in their dance techniques. Once a battle begins, a cipher, which is a circular space that surrounds the dancers battling, is formed. All these components actually make the core of Hip Hop dance.
History Of Hip Hop Dance
Hip Hop dance made its mark early in the 1900's when it became a part of the Hip Hop culture, more specifically when people living in the Bronx, New York, began dancing it on the streets, especially when professional Hip Hop dance crews and groups began to form and compete against one another.
Hip Hop dance got even more exposure when some of their moves, such as the 'running man' and the 'cabbage patch', invaded into the mainstream dance culture. These were all made possible by the dedication and hard work by the different breaking, locking and popping dance groups and crews that influenced Hip Hop dance as we know it today. There are actually three different Hip Hop styles of dance that a person can do, and they are breaking, locking and popping.
Breaking
The Hip Hop dance style 'breaking', it actually has four basic forms that compose its foundation in order for you to be able to perform this particular style of dance. The four basic moves are the toprock, which are foot movements done while the dancer is standing up, downrock, which are foot movements done while the dancer is down on the floor while using his hands to support his entire weight, freezes, which are poses done by the dancer on his hands, and power moves, which are basically acrobatic moves that are fairly difficult to perform.
Locking
As the name implies, locking involves locking your body during a dance routine. A dancer is able to achieve this by simply pausing for a brief moment and then moving again after. This temporary holding of position is what is called a lock, and is usually performed together with popping movements.
Popping
The last style of Hip Hop dance, popping involves a jerking motion of the body which is achieved when a dancer contracts and then relaxes his muscles instantly. These pops or hits are actually timed and synchronized together with the music, which means that each movement is done in rhythm.
What Is Hip Hop Dance?
Hip Hop dance actually refers to a form of urban ethnic dance that is performed to different styles of hip hop music. Although Hip Hop dance has some pretty basic forms or styles, it is actually a dance style that involves a lot of improvisation or 'freestyle' dancing. This is where Hip Hop dancers are able to put their personal touch and flavor into their dance routines. Hip Hop dancers often times engage in what we call as 'battles' wherein they perform dance moves and routines against another dancer, trying to outdo each other in their dance techniques. Once a battle begins, a cipher, which is a circular space that surrounds the dancers battling, is formed. All these components actually make the core of Hip Hop dance.
History Of Hip Hop Dance
Hip Hop dance made its mark early in the 1900's when it became a part of the Hip Hop culture, more specifically when people living in the Bronx, New York, began dancing it on the streets, especially when professional Hip Hop dance crews and groups began to form and compete against one another.
Hip Hop dance got even more exposure when some of their moves, such as the 'running man' and the 'cabbage patch', invaded into the mainstream dance culture. These were all made possible by the dedication and hard work by the different breaking, locking and popping dance groups and crews that influenced Hip Hop dance as we know it today. There are actually three different Hip Hop styles of dance that a person can do, and they are breaking, locking and popping.
Breaking
The Hip Hop dance style 'breaking', it actually has four basic forms that compose its foundation in order for you to be able to perform this particular style of dance. The four basic moves are the toprock, which are foot movements done while the dancer is standing up, downrock, which are foot movements done while the dancer is down on the floor while using his hands to support his entire weight, freezes, which are poses done by the dancer on his hands, and power moves, which are basically acrobatic moves that are fairly difficult to perform.
Locking
As the name implies, locking involves locking your body during a dance routine. A dancer is able to achieve this by simply pausing for a brief moment and then moving again after. This temporary holding of position is what is called a lock, and is usually performed together with popping movements.
Popping
The last style of Hip Hop dance, popping involves a jerking motion of the body which is achieved when a dancer contracts and then relaxes his muscles instantly. These pops or hits are actually timed and synchronized together with the music, which means that each movement is done in rhythm.
Monday, April 26, 2010
Flamenco
One of the unique dances today is the Flamenco. This dance is rooted deeply in the cultures of Spain, though it is mostly centered in Andalusia, yet included in almost every social event in both European and Spanish countries today. This type of dance is closely followed by the rhythm and tempo of a guitar and the staccato clapping of the audience. Today, it is one of the most celebrated dances in the known world.
History
The Flamenco's history dates back to the Golden Age of the gypsies, though historians only found vague records in regards to where the dance actually came from. Studies show that the Flamenco is actually more into the category of music than a dance. The music, though its original composition was lost in history, are said to contain influences from Muslim and Christian cultures.
Many researchers believe that the Flamenco did not exist before 1780. Gypsies who were known to dance the Flamenco during their social gathers, mostly in secret, does not know when or where the dance came from -- only that it was passed on from generation to generation.
Music
According to research of renowned historians and dance critics, the Flamenco started off as an impromptu dance following a steady beat -- mostly staccato clapping of the audience. Later, it was modified its repertoire of movement to follow the complicated harmony produced by the "togue" (flamenco guitar), as well as the rhythmic clapping and stamping of the audience or the band. The dance was later termed as the "baile" -- a common social dance of those with Spanish decent.
Live Performance
The Flamenco dance went into the public scene later in the 1869. Due to its popularity, many have utilized its unique and appealing music and dance maneuvers to attract customers to public events and roadside cafes. Later, the dance was introduced as paid performance enjoyed by Spaniards and foreigners.
The year 1869 to 1910 is considered to be the Golden Age of Flamenco. The dance and music evolved as new inspirations and cultures were introduced into the mix. In the 19th Century, Flamenco was introduced in romantic theatrical plays that depict a woman seducing their partners into a web of romantic palette that is a favorite pastime in European countries.
Live Lessons
There is no fixed class in regards to how Flamenco is passed to the next generation. Gypsies passed the culture through watching and listening -- inviting their sons and daughters to social gatherings to educate them to the music and body interpretation that resulted in the dance.
This is one reason why the dance routine has shed its traditional form and has succumbed to the changes of modern world. Music critics shed light to the Flamenco being a dance of unlimited possibilities -- the creativity and personal interpretation of individual performers and musicians giving light to new maneuvers and techniques that shows the modern Flamenco we know today.
History
The Flamenco's history dates back to the Golden Age of the gypsies, though historians only found vague records in regards to where the dance actually came from. Studies show that the Flamenco is actually more into the category of music than a dance. The music, though its original composition was lost in history, are said to contain influences from Muslim and Christian cultures.
Many researchers believe that the Flamenco did not exist before 1780. Gypsies who were known to dance the Flamenco during their social gathers, mostly in secret, does not know when or where the dance came from -- only that it was passed on from generation to generation.
Music
According to research of renowned historians and dance critics, the Flamenco started off as an impromptu dance following a steady beat -- mostly staccato clapping of the audience. Later, it was modified its repertoire of movement to follow the complicated harmony produced by the "togue" (flamenco guitar), as well as the rhythmic clapping and stamping of the audience or the band. The dance was later termed as the "baile" -- a common social dance of those with Spanish decent.
Live Performance
The Flamenco dance went into the public scene later in the 1869. Due to its popularity, many have utilized its unique and appealing music and dance maneuvers to attract customers to public events and roadside cafes. Later, the dance was introduced as paid performance enjoyed by Spaniards and foreigners.
The year 1869 to 1910 is considered to be the Golden Age of Flamenco. The dance and music evolved as new inspirations and cultures were introduced into the mix. In the 19th Century, Flamenco was introduced in romantic theatrical plays that depict a woman seducing their partners into a web of romantic palette that is a favorite pastime in European countries.
Live Lessons
There is no fixed class in regards to how Flamenco is passed to the next generation. Gypsies passed the culture through watching and listening -- inviting their sons and daughters to social gatherings to educate them to the music and body interpretation that resulted in the dance.
This is one reason why the dance routine has shed its traditional form and has succumbed to the changes of modern world. Music critics shed light to the Flamenco being a dance of unlimited possibilities -- the creativity and personal interpretation of individual performers and musicians giving light to new maneuvers and techniques that shows the modern Flamenco we know today.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Waltz
People who dance ballroom is very familiar with the dance style referred to as a 'Waltz'. In most ballroom competitions, this form of dance is actually pretty popular, and is performed along with other dance styles. Unfortunately, not a lot of people know much about Waltz aside from the fact that ballroom dancers perform this style of dance. That is pretty much the extent of their knowledge about it. This article aims to give you more information about this particular dance style.
Origin
The Waltz dance style is actually derived and has evolved from two different Austrian styles of peasant dances from the 18th century, namely, the walzer and landler. During those ancient times, peasant dances were performed wherein the man and woman danced in a way that they were having close contact to one another, as compared to upper class dances, wherein the partners always kept a certain distance between them as they performed their dances.
Now that the peasant dances have evolved from what it was before, some of their basic dance moves are now replaced with different styles and methods. An example of this is the replacement of stomping and clomping with gliding, giving these modern versions of the old dances a sense of smoothness and gracefulness in their movements.
Waltz Basic Steps
There are actually a lot of different steps that you can use when dancing Waltz. You can actually use a variation of different steps. However, all these different variations and different steps can be taken from six basic steps in Waltz. These six basic steps are actually referred to as the Waltz basic box step. Master these four steps and you should be able to dance the Waltz already. Add a little bit of your own variations, direction changes and lifts, and you should be able to come up with a dance step that is more complex.
The Waltz Basic Box Step
Basically, you perform the Waltz basic box step with two complete one-two-three counts. What happens is that the person leading the dance steps first with his left foot, while the follower steps the right foot back at the same time. After that, the leader then steps to the right using his right foot, and the follower simply follows the leader and steps her left foot in the same direction. Then, they both simply close their feet together, with the leader bringing his left foot together with his right, and the follower bringing her right foot together with her left.
The leader then steps back using his right foot, and the follower simply steps forward with her left foot. After which, the leader then steps his left foot to the left, and the follower does the same with her right foot. Then they close out the steps by simply closing their feet together, wherein the leader simply brings his right foot together with his left, and the follower does the same, bringing her left foot together with her right.
Types Of Waltz
There are actually a lot of different kinds of Waltz dances. You have slow versions of the Waltz called the Slow Waltz, and you also have faster versions of it, such as the Viennese Waltz. Some styles of Waltz require that you only have closed figures while performing the routine, while others allow for more movement and variations in posture and form.
Where Can You Learn Waltz?
There are actually a lot of places wherein you can learn Waltz. Dance studios, especially those that offer ballroom lessons, would be able to provide you with some assistance with regards to this. You simply need to enroll in a class, and find a partner to dance with, and you should be on your way.
Origin
The Waltz dance style is actually derived and has evolved from two different Austrian styles of peasant dances from the 18th century, namely, the walzer and landler. During those ancient times, peasant dances were performed wherein the man and woman danced in a way that they were having close contact to one another, as compared to upper class dances, wherein the partners always kept a certain distance between them as they performed their dances.
Now that the peasant dances have evolved from what it was before, some of their basic dance moves are now replaced with different styles and methods. An example of this is the replacement of stomping and clomping with gliding, giving these modern versions of the old dances a sense of smoothness and gracefulness in their movements.
Waltz Basic Steps
There are actually a lot of different steps that you can use when dancing Waltz. You can actually use a variation of different steps. However, all these different variations and different steps can be taken from six basic steps in Waltz. These six basic steps are actually referred to as the Waltz basic box step. Master these four steps and you should be able to dance the Waltz already. Add a little bit of your own variations, direction changes and lifts, and you should be able to come up with a dance step that is more complex.
The Waltz Basic Box Step
Basically, you perform the Waltz basic box step with two complete one-two-three counts. What happens is that the person leading the dance steps first with his left foot, while the follower steps the right foot back at the same time. After that, the leader then steps to the right using his right foot, and the follower simply follows the leader and steps her left foot in the same direction. Then, they both simply close their feet together, with the leader bringing his left foot together with his right, and the follower bringing her right foot together with her left.
The leader then steps back using his right foot, and the follower simply steps forward with her left foot. After which, the leader then steps his left foot to the left, and the follower does the same with her right foot. Then they close out the steps by simply closing their feet together, wherein the leader simply brings his right foot together with his left, and the follower does the same, bringing her left foot together with her right.
Types Of Waltz
There are actually a lot of different kinds of Waltz dances. You have slow versions of the Waltz called the Slow Waltz, and you also have faster versions of it, such as the Viennese Waltz. Some styles of Waltz require that you only have closed figures while performing the routine, while others allow for more movement and variations in posture and form.
Where Can You Learn Waltz?
There are actually a lot of places wherein you can learn Waltz. Dance studios, especially those that offer ballroom lessons, would be able to provide you with some assistance with regards to this. You simply need to enroll in a class, and find a partner to dance with, and you should be on your way.
Wednesday, April 21, 2010
Tango
If there is one dance style that a lot of couples would like to learn, that is Tango. This dance style that originated from Montevideo, Uruguay, and more commonly, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a dynamic but very sensual type of ballroom dance style that exudes Spanish and African influences. Nowadays, there are a lot of different Tango dance styles, some of which are being used in ballroom competitions. However, these Tango dance styles that are being used in ballrooms are very different from Argentine Tango, as these more modern styles of Tango are easier to codify.
Tango Styles
There are a bunch of different Tango dance styles that have developed over the years, each one varying in technique and style. These differences are made even clearer as different influences, like fashions in clothing and music, differ from each and every Tango dance style. Some of the more well known Tango dance styles are Tango Argentino, which is basically one of the original Tango dance styles, Tango Oriental, Tango Liso, Tango Canyengue, Tango Orillero, Tango Salon, Tango Nuevo, Tango Milonguero, Show Tango, Finnish Tango, and Ballroom Tango. All these different Tango dance styles are danced using different types of music, such as Tango Electronico, Vals, Milonga, Alternative Tango, and simply Tango.
Ballroom Style Tango
One of the more popular styles of Tango dance is called Ballroom Tango. It is actually divided into two different styles, namely, the 'English' or 'International' Tango dance style and the 'European' Tango dance style. The English Tango dance style also evolved and created another style, which is the American Tango. Basically, English Tango more of a competitive style of dancing, while American Tango developed as a form of social dance that is more focused on the concept of leading and following skills of the dancers.
Basic Tango Steps
The most basic beginning for most Tango dance styles involves a slow-slow-quick-quick-slow counting, wherein the slow counts are held for about two beats, while the quick counts are only held for one. Performing this form of dance requires you to not drag or shuffle your feet, but rather, you need to strike the floor with your feet fairly quickly, sometimes referred to as staccato. However, you can drag or shuffle your feet during the final slow count. You should also keep your knees bent for most of the time that you are dancing Tango, however, a few exceptions can be made, depending on the routine.
Basic Tango Posture
There are basically two types of postures when dancing, which are basically either a closed dance position or an open dance position. When dancing Tango, you usually use the closed dancing position. This means that the partners are in a close hold to one another, wherein they need to maintain contact from their hips up to their ribcage. If you are still a beginner, you can actually keep a little bit of distance between you and your partner. Once you become more adept to dancing this style, then you can start dancing in the close position.
Benefits Of Tango
Research has shown that Tango, more specifically Argentine Tango, is able to help heal certain neurological diseases, one in particular is Parkinson's disease. Certain Tango movements, such as turning, moving at various speeds, dynamic balance, walking backwards and initiating movements, are all relevant in improving your balance, memory, heart health, as well as assist in losing some weight.
Tango Styles
There are a bunch of different Tango dance styles that have developed over the years, each one varying in technique and style. These differences are made even clearer as different influences, like fashions in clothing and music, differ from each and every Tango dance style. Some of the more well known Tango dance styles are Tango Argentino, which is basically one of the original Tango dance styles, Tango Oriental, Tango Liso, Tango Canyengue, Tango Orillero, Tango Salon, Tango Nuevo, Tango Milonguero, Show Tango, Finnish Tango, and Ballroom Tango. All these different Tango dance styles are danced using different types of music, such as Tango Electronico, Vals, Milonga, Alternative Tango, and simply Tango.
Ballroom Style Tango
One of the more popular styles of Tango dance is called Ballroom Tango. It is actually divided into two different styles, namely, the 'English' or 'International' Tango dance style and the 'European' Tango dance style. The English Tango dance style also evolved and created another style, which is the American Tango. Basically, English Tango more of a competitive style of dancing, while American Tango developed as a form of social dance that is more focused on the concept of leading and following skills of the dancers.
Basic Tango Steps
The most basic beginning for most Tango dance styles involves a slow-slow-quick-quick-slow counting, wherein the slow counts are held for about two beats, while the quick counts are only held for one. Performing this form of dance requires you to not drag or shuffle your feet, but rather, you need to strike the floor with your feet fairly quickly, sometimes referred to as staccato. However, you can drag or shuffle your feet during the final slow count. You should also keep your knees bent for most of the time that you are dancing Tango, however, a few exceptions can be made, depending on the routine.
Basic Tango Posture
There are basically two types of postures when dancing, which are basically either a closed dance position or an open dance position. When dancing Tango, you usually use the closed dancing position. This means that the partners are in a close hold to one another, wherein they need to maintain contact from their hips up to their ribcage. If you are still a beginner, you can actually keep a little bit of distance between you and your partner. Once you become more adept to dancing this style, then you can start dancing in the close position.
Benefits Of Tango
Research has shown that Tango, more specifically Argentine Tango, is able to help heal certain neurological diseases, one in particular is Parkinson's disease. Certain Tango movements, such as turning, moving at various speeds, dynamic balance, walking backwards and initiating movements, are all relevant in improving your balance, memory, heart health, as well as assist in losing some weight.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Square Dancing
Square dance is a classic art and dance form that was popularly paired with country and western American music. It involves vigorous dance routines in a single set that is performed by a group of four couples. Hence, each could make up one side of the square, which explains the name for this particular dance style.
When performing square dance, there is a caller nearby that calls out instructions to the dancers through the microphone to ensure cooperation amongst all dancers. Thus, the dancers on the floor has to perform whatever dance moves, spins, steps, and turns that is being called out by the instructor.
History and Evolution
This dance form has a long history that dates back to the 17th century, wherein it evolved from a different dance style known as quadrille. It also distinctively featured dance moves extracted from the Morris dance that was innovated around the same time period. As this particular dance style grew on popularity and was introduced in the US, more steps were added and some regions might even have their own variety that is distinct from the others. As it was introduced in the west, more square dancing forms were developed.
The traditional form of square dancing was most popular in the Appalachians, though. It often involves clogging and could either be done in quadrille form or not, but are combined with Scottish or Irish music. The western variety of square dance was distinct for its use of intricate footworks, which depend on the moves being called out by the caller on a microphone. Between 18th to 19th century in the US, this dance form was performed informally.
Role of Instructor or Caller
The caller plays one of the most vital roles during performance of square dance, hence each aspiring dancer need to understand what their role is. The main rule in square dancing is simple: listen to the caller!
Aside from calling out the moves to be performed by the caller on the floor, it is also the caller's responsibility to gauge the progress of a student. This will help a student's learning pace and to speed up the process of improvement with their learning. Hence, student dances are often recommended by callers for beginners to ensure that they begin at a level that they can handle.
Square Dance Lesson
When you choose to enter into a square dance lesson, it is important to equip yourself with the basic knowledge of what goes on during each session so you can come into each class well prepared. Most square dance lessons are sponsored by dance clubs that specialize in this particular dance style. As the caller instructs basic calls, the student gradually makes their way to the mainstream level. From the mainstream level, you move onto the Plus level.
The period of transition between each dance level would vary based on the intensity of the classes, number of students, and the skill level of the student. The level at which the caller is teaching could also be an important factor. It is not only beginners that enroll into a square dance lesson, experienced square dancers also attend these classes with the hope of learning new techniques and enhancing their skill level.
Enrolling into a Square Dance Lesson
If you are interested in attending a square dance session, below are some tips on finding classes to enroll into. Furthermore, you need to consider basic factors when choosing the right class for you:
' You can inquire into existing dance clubs in your area and ask if they offer classes for beginners. Obtain contact details of the individuals concerned and ask them about specifications to your class.
' Ask them about the frequency of your class. Some might be held daily or bi-weekly, so you must choose depending on your personal schedule.
' Inquire into the cost of the program, as well as the mode of payment.
' Look into possibly getting free lessons, on top of your regular sessions.
' Seek professional opinion from square dancers about the level at which you must begin with. Hence, you can adapt learning at your own natural pace and have more fun with your square dance lessons.
When performing square dance, there is a caller nearby that calls out instructions to the dancers through the microphone to ensure cooperation amongst all dancers. Thus, the dancers on the floor has to perform whatever dance moves, spins, steps, and turns that is being called out by the instructor.
History and Evolution
This dance form has a long history that dates back to the 17th century, wherein it evolved from a different dance style known as quadrille. It also distinctively featured dance moves extracted from the Morris dance that was innovated around the same time period. As this particular dance style grew on popularity and was introduced in the US, more steps were added and some regions might even have their own variety that is distinct from the others. As it was introduced in the west, more square dancing forms were developed.
The traditional form of square dancing was most popular in the Appalachians, though. It often involves clogging and could either be done in quadrille form or not, but are combined with Scottish or Irish music. The western variety of square dance was distinct for its use of intricate footworks, which depend on the moves being called out by the caller on a microphone. Between 18th to 19th century in the US, this dance form was performed informally.
Role of Instructor or Caller
The caller plays one of the most vital roles during performance of square dance, hence each aspiring dancer need to understand what their role is. The main rule in square dancing is simple: listen to the caller!
Aside from calling out the moves to be performed by the caller on the floor, it is also the caller's responsibility to gauge the progress of a student. This will help a student's learning pace and to speed up the process of improvement with their learning. Hence, student dances are often recommended by callers for beginners to ensure that they begin at a level that they can handle.
Square Dance Lesson
When you choose to enter into a square dance lesson, it is important to equip yourself with the basic knowledge of what goes on during each session so you can come into each class well prepared. Most square dance lessons are sponsored by dance clubs that specialize in this particular dance style. As the caller instructs basic calls, the student gradually makes their way to the mainstream level. From the mainstream level, you move onto the Plus level.
The period of transition between each dance level would vary based on the intensity of the classes, number of students, and the skill level of the student. The level at which the caller is teaching could also be an important factor. It is not only beginners that enroll into a square dance lesson, experienced square dancers also attend these classes with the hope of learning new techniques and enhancing their skill level.
Enrolling into a Square Dance Lesson
If you are interested in attending a square dance session, below are some tips on finding classes to enroll into. Furthermore, you need to consider basic factors when choosing the right class for you:
' You can inquire into existing dance clubs in your area and ask if they offer classes for beginners. Obtain contact details of the individuals concerned and ask them about specifications to your class.
' Ask them about the frequency of your class. Some might be held daily or bi-weekly, so you must choose depending on your personal schedule.
' Inquire into the cost of the program, as well as the mode of payment.
' Look into possibly getting free lessons, on top of your regular sessions.
' Seek professional opinion from square dancers about the level at which you must begin with. Hence, you can adapt learning at your own natural pace and have more fun with your square dance lessons.
Friday, April 16, 2010
Modern Ballet
When people are asked about which type of ballet style they would like to learn how to dance, most of them said that they would like to learn how to dance modern ballet. However, when I asked them what modern ballet really was, most of them could not even clearly define to me what modern ballet was. If you are one of those people who want to learn more about this particular dance style, then you are in luck. This article will provide you with some information about modern ballet.
Style Of Modern Ballet
For those people who do not know much about modern ballet, it is actually a form of dance that traces its roots on influences made by both classical ballet and modern dance styles. Although it does not have a specific, well-defined 'technique' that would differentiate it from classical ballet, it does take certain techniques from classical ballet, such as the pointework, and combines it with the fewer restrictions of body movement and range of motion that modern dance styles offer.
Usually, modern ballet uses turned-in positions, as well as more innovative styles and moves. This means that the dancer is able to interpret and use ballet concepts and apply them in more modern styles.
Origin Of Modern Ballet
Modern ballet is believed to have been influenced by George Balanchine, a person considered to be the pioneer developer of the modern ballet dance style. His style of modern ballet actually uses different techniques, such as flexing hands and legs, using off-balanced positions, and the turned-in legs. His style also uses different non-classical costumes, such as tunics, unitards and leotards. Later on, Balanchine's style of ballet developed into a style that was influenced by Baryshnikov, and then developed into a more modern and contemporary style of ballet.
Similarities With Classical Ballet
As mentioned earlier, modern ballet has taken some things from classical ballet, which is why it isn't that far fetched to think that there are some certain similarities between them. One of their similarities is that both dance styles uses the French language for some of their dance terms and vocabularies. Both dance styles uses well trained dancers that are equipped in terms of technique and performance. Also, both dance styles have a very strong affinity and connection to music.
Difference With Classical Ballet
Although both dance styles are pretty similar in a couple of things, they do have certain differences that helps create a distinction between the two dance styles. One of the main distinction between the two styles is that modern ballet focuses more on the movement of the dancers instead of the storyline of the performance.
In terms of style, modern ballet does not focus too much on symmetry, as evidenced on how modern ballet performances seem to disregard the balance on the stage. Also, modern ballet dancers allow their body to twist and bend and curve as they dance, whereas classical ballet dancers try to maintain an upright posture by keeping their backs straight.
Which Is Better?
Although these two ballet dance styles are pretty different from each other, they actually both have their own good aspects and bad characteristics. It all boils down to personal preference. You just need to pick one that would work best for your style of dance.
Style Of Modern Ballet
For those people who do not know much about modern ballet, it is actually a form of dance that traces its roots on influences made by both classical ballet and modern dance styles. Although it does not have a specific, well-defined 'technique' that would differentiate it from classical ballet, it does take certain techniques from classical ballet, such as the pointework, and combines it with the fewer restrictions of body movement and range of motion that modern dance styles offer.
Usually, modern ballet uses turned-in positions, as well as more innovative styles and moves. This means that the dancer is able to interpret and use ballet concepts and apply them in more modern styles.
Origin Of Modern Ballet
Modern ballet is believed to have been influenced by George Balanchine, a person considered to be the pioneer developer of the modern ballet dance style. His style of modern ballet actually uses different techniques, such as flexing hands and legs, using off-balanced positions, and the turned-in legs. His style also uses different non-classical costumes, such as tunics, unitards and leotards. Later on, Balanchine's style of ballet developed into a style that was influenced by Baryshnikov, and then developed into a more modern and contemporary style of ballet.
Similarities With Classical Ballet
As mentioned earlier, modern ballet has taken some things from classical ballet, which is why it isn't that far fetched to think that there are some certain similarities between them. One of their similarities is that both dance styles uses the French language for some of their dance terms and vocabularies. Both dance styles uses well trained dancers that are equipped in terms of technique and performance. Also, both dance styles have a very strong affinity and connection to music.
Difference With Classical Ballet
Although both dance styles are pretty similar in a couple of things, they do have certain differences that helps create a distinction between the two dance styles. One of the main distinction between the two styles is that modern ballet focuses more on the movement of the dancers instead of the storyline of the performance.
In terms of style, modern ballet does not focus too much on symmetry, as evidenced on how modern ballet performances seem to disregard the balance on the stage. Also, modern ballet dancers allow their body to twist and bend and curve as they dance, whereas classical ballet dancers try to maintain an upright posture by keeping their backs straight.
Which Is Better?
Although these two ballet dance styles are pretty different from each other, they actually both have their own good aspects and bad characteristics. It all boils down to personal preference. You just need to pick one that would work best for your style of dance.
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