What Is Dance?
Dance is the body’s movement to music in a rhythmic way. The purpose of dance can be an expression of emotion or an idea, enjoying the movement itself or a way to release energy.
Dance Is an Art
The art of dance includes two main concepts. The two main concepts of dance are dance as a powerful impulse and dance as a skilled professional with choreographed art. Dancers can become skillful performers entertaining spectators. The art of dance is often used in religious ceremonies and cultural celebrations.
Learning to Dance
Many parents place their children in dance classes and programs as an extracurricular activity. Some children really enjoy dance and continue through their teen years and some even into adulthood. In Canada, there are many forms of dance. Some types of dance are:
- Jazz
- Hip Hop
- Tap
- Ballet
- Modern
- Lyrical
- Contemporary
- Highland
- Line Dancing
- Irish Dancing
- Belly Dancing
Jazz
Jazz is one of the more popular dance styles. Primarily jazz dancing encompasses all dance styles. It is a high energy dance style that most often includes upbeat current popular songs. Jazz includes dramatic themes, upbeat music, and amazing choreography.
Hip Hop
Hip Hop dancing is also referred to as Street Dance. This style of dance is accompanied by urban music, rap music, and hip hop music. This style of dance is more on the freestyle side as opposed to predefined choreography. Hip Hop dance is a way to perform personal expression.
Tap
Tap is a style of dance where the use of feet is essentially as percussive instruments. Special tap shoes are worn for this dance style designed with metal plates on the heels and toes, referred to as taps. The two most popular tap dancing styles are Broadway Tap and Rhythm Tap.
Ballet
Ballet is the most challenging dance style to master. Typically ballet is the foundation of many forms of dance. Most often, music associated with ballet is orchestrated music. Ballet is a great teaching tool. It is a combination of coordination, musicality, and technique, which is essential in any dance style.
Lyrical
The lyrical dance style is a combination of ballet, modern dance, and jazz. This style of dance conveys feelings and emotions through selected songs that emphasize certain emotions. Some of these emotions expressed through lyrical dance are:
- Love
- Despair
- Grief
- Longing
Regardless of the dance style you choose, they are all a great way to release stress and create a feeling of freedom.