Dance: The Beautiful Art

It is natural to want to dance and move whenever we hear music. With the drum beat of a military march, we want to march in time; the smooth circles of a waltz have the power to make us feel like twirling forever; and a lullaby makes us lilt our bodies into sleep. Dance is a natural expression and is a natural response to music that is heard externally or sometimes but rarely, it is in resonance with the sounds of inner joy, to which only the individual is privy.

Most people wish to dance, or enjoy dancing. It is a feature in the life of most people throughout the world who reveal the differences in their culture through the different types of music and the different styles of dance movement they develop in their traditional art. There is a different between the dance of a country barn dance or western line-up with a country band and the rap dancing with its accompanying intonation and sounds; between the tap dancers metallic beat to a popular tune and the ballet dancers soft pointed feet describing the patterns of a classical piece; the passionate guitar and strong heel beats of a Spanish flamenco and the smooth swirls of an Austrian circular waltz to the strains of a violin.

Music provides the powerful influence which we seek to express in movement and dance. In addition, if our own emotions are moved, we can convey how we feel by injecting our emotions into our physical movements. If music uplifts us, we may dance but wish we could fly and the best we can do is to raise our arms and elevate our bodies from the floor as best we can. If the music on the other hand is sombre, we would rather dress in garments of grey and drop our heads to respond in heavy deliberate movements to show what the music intends.

For the professional dancer, it is music which dictates the mood and demands that a dancer surrenders his body to that music, not just for his own pleasure, but for the sake of a wider purpose. Then the dancer surrenders to music as if it were the conductor, as he seeks to make his body its complete or final instrument .The dancer can only surrender to the music if he wishes his body to serve to express its influence. To dance to a rhythm without conscious thought is a pure reaction - it is not an art.

Dancers are agents of the music - there to express something of the spirit of his inspiration of the composer. If we like the music we are asked to dance to, there is an easy relationship and harmony between the music, the source of it and our bodies. It is all in tune and the dancer can add the ingredient of his own intelligence and pour his feeling through his body language. If we are not attracted to the music then the dancer is a mere puppet. In the future, to use a dancer without him having conscious desire to express the music will be seen as dancer abuse! It is not a true and fine example of the art form at all unless music and dancer are as one.

If we hear discordant sound and it is the fashion to move to it, one must be very skilled or insensitive or perhaps both in wishing to express chaos and discord. Life's real discordant notes are only too well known in the reality of living without having to bold type it all. Modern times are difficult with little rhythm, melody or harmony in any popular music.

In discothèques the lighting makes jagged vibrations through the chaos and to a dancer who is sensitive to the loveliness and the harmonies of inspired music, it creates an atmosphere which is unintelligent, purposeless and insane. There can be no reason why such occasions are not banned because of the noise, so as to preserve the health and the hearing of everyone concerned. The brains of all who participate are damaged - to what extent, only the future will reveal. Participants do not deserve the name dancer but often are enslaved by drugs and the hypnotic drum beats.

Modern music is not harmonious. Therefore a dancer's body must become jerky and strained, stretched to an extreme tension, tested beyond its inherent strength, making demands which are acrobatic, exaggerated, unnatural and unattractive in the main. Beauty is the ingredient which is neglected, even forgotten. And in judging the result, anyone witnessing such movement to such music may gasp at techniques which extend the boundaries of body capabilities - but which leave the audience empty.

Music is best understood as food for the soul. This was and remains the classical approach to the art which was dedicated to either the purpose of delighting the listeners, telling a story, honouring a greater person, state, ideal , expressing a nation's spirit, or in spiritual dedication to religious worship and the glories of God. Music was an expression which served to enrich the listeners. At its best and most powerful, music can stir the spirits of thousands, who for a time experience the pleasure of a feeling of unity beyond the diversity in human life.

The dancer depends upon the music. Dance is music made visible!

Dance has always been a part of human culture and will no doubt remain so. In past eras, as in ancient Egypt, dancers were trained in the temples, dedicated to the gods, their art was sanctified and they were used within the powerful ritual which were used in ceremonies and outer rituals to involve the people and to amass group thought in prayer. In the ancient Indian traditions the temple dancers held also a place of respect and their music and dances were dedicated to the gods.

In ancient Greece and in fact, in all ancient civilizations, it was the same - there were the temple dances and there were the folk dances of the general populace.

In our western culture we have no such equivalent system which allows each to have its place. In fact in our Christian religion and worship there is no place and never one has been considered, for dancing.

So in our way of life, we are the poorer. We only have resort to the dancing of the masses - that which only expresses the spirit of the people - and this is always uninspired. But we have our classical music which has served to inspire many millions of people throughout the world. So in this, we have a 'conductor' but where are the dancers who can make their bodies instruments capable of expressing the exquisite sounds and spirit of such glorious arrangements of notes? There are thousands of dancers with skill but have they attunement to the spirit to fulfil the needs of the art?

There are many musicians trained in classical music and many dancers trained in classical dance. Surely they can support one another to act as twin arts in creating something really beautiful?

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dance

Introduction To Dance

Dance Dancing is generally considered an art because there are specific steps or foot movements that need to be observed and followed when one is dancing to a certain type of music. Grace as well as skill is essential for a professional dancer in their performances. Though not everyone is gifted with the elegance required in being a talented dancer, learning the basics in dancing is important since you never know when your terpsichorean competence is required. A number of people enjoy dancing as an outlet of releasing one's tensions after a hard day's work. There are individuals who go an extra mile in trying to learn a new dance step in order to be up-to-date with the latest dance crazes. Fortunately for those who want to learn, there are dance schools that offer formal as well as short courses in dancing. Everyday, new dance steps and choreography are being invented hence, the evolution of dancing continues.

Dancing can also be a form of exercise to burn unwanted fat away. Many exercise regimens today have incorporated dancing as part of their physical activities. The rationale behind such incorporation is that dancing utilizes almost all parts of the body leading to a healthy blood circulation within your body. By combining dancing with your daily exercise, you can enjoy yourself while keeping your body fit and trim.

Dance music refers to the musical compositions that accompany the performance of a dance. Music is an essential part of a dance as a dancer's movement and steps are executed to suit the rhythm or tempo of the musical arrangement. Perfect harmony in dancing is achieved when the dancer flawlessly moves in synchronism to the music that is being played.

The dance music is normally monikered the dance for which it was named after. At present, you have the following dances - the bolero, the cancan, the cha-cha, the fox-trot, the jitterbug, the mambo, the meringue, the minuets, the polka, the tango, the salsa, the swing, the twist, the waltz, folk dances, rock and roll, modern dance, among others. Aside from the music that accompanies the dancer, each dance boasts of having their respective trademark steps and movements that symbolizes the particular dance. Thus, just by looking at the foot works and the hand movements, you can easily identify what type of dance is being performed.

Costumes are likewise essential parts of a dance especially if one is dancing as a profession or when one is engaged in a competition. One should comply in wearing the proper costumes since you would want to avoid an accident while dancing. For example, if you were the female dancer, you would not want to slip on your flowing dress when dancing the tango or the swing. Keep in mind that although your dress or costume accentuates your dancing, it is best to put on something that is comfortable and suitable. Shoes are another consideration when dancing. You must use appropriate shoes that ideally fits your feet and will not hamper your movements.

To dance is an expression of one's individuality. There are many dance forms that you can try to your heart's content.
Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dance

The Waltz and The Tango

The Waltz

The waltz, formerly known as the "Waltzen", rose to popularity in many parts of Austria and Germany in the early 19th century. During this time, there were many variations of the dance and they were each called by the name of the region where it originated. The dance that came from Landl ob der Enns, which is a region in upper Austria, became popular and was well-known by the abbreviation "Landler". The Landler was originally danced using heavy shoes and was comprised of complicated underarm turns, stamping, slapping and hopping around. But by the 1800s, it was performed with lighter footwear. This new version had similar quick gliding steps from the modern waltz but was danced to a slower tempo.

Another variation of the waltz was the "Boston". This is a slower version of the more upbeat Viennese Waltz because it is danced at 90 beats a minute. It started in America around 1870. The Boston was distinct from the other versions of the waltz because it was the first ballroom dance to have the dancers' feet at a parallel position rather than in the usual turned-out position. However, it retained most of the turning figures in the waltz and introduced additional steps such as the dip, wherein the partners would hold hands on each other's hips.

The present form of the dance is thought to have been developed in England around 1910 and was a derived from both the Landler and the Boston. It this version, the performers are able to add more figures to the slow tempo. The slow tempo also allowed dancers to add slow "picture" steps and poses and syncopated beats to give the waltz light and shade to make it more fascinating to watch.

The Tango

The Tango is a light and energetic Flamenco dance that originated in Spain. The Modern Tango, however, is quite far from its origins for it is now a combination of different styles of folk dance. The Spanish dance and other Spanish folk dances spread to the South Americas when the Spanish conquistadors took over. This emigration supposedly contributed to the formation of the Modern Tango. However, the forerunner of the Modern Tango was the African "Tangano" dance and was imported when Negro slaves were brought to the Americas. Over the centuries, these dances merged with other folk dances of the New World.

These dances from Spain and Africa eventually became combined with another folk dance from Havana, Cuba known as the Habanera. This merge occurred in the slums of Buenos Aires, Argentina in the late 19th century but worked its way up to the upper classes in the early 20th century. The merge was known as the "Milonga". This dance is known and distinct for its softness and intimacy between the couple and the visual emphasis on the movements of the legs. However, this was considerably altered in Paris in the 1930s when the choreography was combined with the stiff torso seen in other ballroom dances therefore giving it a disjointed impression. The visual emphasis in turn was pointed at the torso and the heads of the dancers. This change is retained in the Modern Tango.

This dance was first performed for the elite of Western Europe by France's greatest music-hall luminary, Mistinguett in 1910 in Paris, France. After his performance, "Tango-mania" ran all over Paris, then London and even to New York despite of World War I.

The mania was taken even further when it was performed by Rudolph Valentino in his movie "The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse" in 1921. The Tango's fame is strong even today when Al Pacino and Gabrielle Anwar danced in "Scent of a Woman" in 1992 and Arnold Schwarzeneggar and Tia Carrere in "True Lies" in 1994 gave demonstrations.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dance

The History of Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom Dancing is when a couple performs any of the various social dances that follow a pattern of predictable steps. Examples of these dances are the tango, waltz, fox trot and quick step. It has an immensely amplified popularity spreading across Europe, the Americas and Asia. Ballroom dancing has had a relatively short but interesting history and has evolved from a recreational activity to a worldwide sporting event.

Ballroom dancing originated in England in the late 18th and early 19th centuries in which these dances, such as the waltz, were performed by the upper and elite classes of society in balls and parties. During the late 19th to the early 20th centuries, it became a trend among the working and middle class where they would go to gatherings and events in public dance halls. In the early 1920s, ballroom dancing competitions started to boom that in 1924, an organization was formed called the Ballroom Branch of the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing. The objective of this organization was to standardize and formalize ballroom dancing techniques, sets of steps and music to which it was danced to.

In legitimate Dance Sport competitions and in social events, there are five standard dances. These are the Modern and the Viennese Waltz, the Tango, the Slow Foxtrot and the Quickstep. These dances are standardized and categorized into segregated teaching levels and utilize vocabulary, rhythm and tempo and techniques which are accepted internationally.

Although these dances come from very different backgrounds and have special techniques, aesthetics, rhythms and tempos, they do share common qualities. All ballroom dances, as with all forms of dance, are expressions of feelings, thoughts and emotions. These dances may be stricter than other forms of dance and may limit the range of steps and body movement involved, but it is still one of the best expressions of love, joy and pain between two people.

Also, all ballroom dances are performed by only two people, usually a man and a woman. These dances are performed in a certain position termed as the "Closed Hold". In this position, the couple strictly remains in contact in five different points or places. These five points consists of three hand contacts, one elbow contact and one chest contact.

The first hand contact occurs when the man's left hand holds the lady's right hand. Second is when the lady's left hand is placed at the top of the man's right upper arm. In the tango, the lady's left hand is placed behind the man's arm, not on top of it. The third contact is when the man's right hand is placed under the left shoulder blade on the lady's back. The fourth contact is when the lady's left elbow rests on the man's right elbow and both arms are kept in a horizontal line. The lady's arms are held comfortably by the man's and permit her to follow the man's lead with ease. This also gives the couple the appearance of having a bearing of royalty. This is an important characteristic in the ballroom dances that came from Western Europe because these dances were performed in the royal courts. The last point of contact is where the right area of the chest of one touches the right area of his partner. This closeness allows very little room between the partners' faces thus contributing to the dance's romantic appeal.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dance

History Of The Swing

Swing Dance Anyone has the power and ability to showcase his individuality as he is presented with various ways of expressing himself. This can be done through the written word or by orally articulating his thoughts and ideas. Some people can better express themselves through singing songs that touch the heart while there are others who would rather perform in front of an audience to exhibit their artistic skills. Dancing is one way of displaying one's flare on the dance floor. Be it a professional or an amateur dancer, one thing is common in their experiences, that of an exhilarating feeling as one moves to the beat of the music and doing the appropriate movements.

Swing is one of the more notable and enduring dances that have been developed. When you talk about Swing, it is very interesting to note that there are a number of dance forms falling under this category. The swing dance includes the Balboa, Bop, Charleston, East Coast swing, Jitterbug, Jive, Lindy Hop, Push, Shag, West Coast Swing and Whip.

It was during the 1920s, in the United States, that people took their first steps to swing music. Swing traces its roots to Jazz music as the dance originated from the African American community during that period. The swing fever went on to conquer the rest of the world. From the late 1920s until the 1940s, these years are referred to as the swing era. Even today, the dance steps in swing are still being performed to modern music.

The first swing dance was the Lindy Hop that was danced in the Savoy Ballroom in Harlem, New York. The Lindy Hop can be executed to any jazz or blues music. Then came the Jitterbug, Charleston and other variations of the swing dance. The basic differences with these swing dances involve the step patterns that may consist of 6 or 8 beat rhythm units. Some swing dance makes use of spinning and pushing moves mixed with some kicking moves, which makes this dance style truly quite energetic to accomplish. Swing may also be combined with other well-known dance styles. As an illustration, the dance "swango" is a mix of swing steps as well as that of the tango, another favorite dance.

Ever since swing was first done on the dance floor, numerous competitions have cropped up showcasing the swinging prowess of its followers. Dancing contests generally distinguish between ballroom swing and street swing. The former follows strict step patterns as it is danced mostly during competitions for ballroom dancing while the latter is more flexible to interpretations. The type of swing dance performed should likewise conform to the music being played. Swinging jazz music is apropos to Lindy Hop and ragtime music is most suitable to Charleston. Hip hop Lindy, as the term implies is danced to the tempo of hip-hop music while Country Western Swing is apt to country and western music. Each state in America also have their respective popular swing dances that includes the West Coast Swing in California, DC Hand Dancing in Washington, DC, Imperial Swing in St. Louis, Missouri, Supreme Swing in Tulsa, Oklahoma and Whip in Houston, Texas.

Swing dance is certainly one of the dance styles that will be passed on from one generation to the next as its steps continue to evolve.

Michael Russell Your Independent guide to Dance

Shall We Dance?

No surprise, given the popularity of shows like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance, but dancing has become one of the hottest hobbies and sports – yes, sports – in the world today!!
Would you believe that a non-profit organization called USA DANCE is an affiliate member of the United States Olympic Committee (USOC) and is recognized by both the USOC and the International DanceSport Federation (IDSF) as the National Governing Body of DanceSport in the United States? (DanceSport is the competitive version of ballroom dancing.)
What does this have to do with you?
My dating friend, whether lady or gent, you need to get your booty out there on that dance floor and kick up those heels, because dancing is where it's at for today's dynamic duos.
The benefits of dancing are amazing both for you as an individual as well as in your coupling efforts.
Let's look at a few of them:
General Benefits

First, ballroom dancing gives you an enhanced appreciation of music and its rhythms. It will help your sense of balance, and promote more fluid movement in your walking and running.
You'll make new types of relationships with others. Dancing with a partner in harmony gives you a more open, understanding, responsive, and supportive relationship both with your partner as well as with others. Overall, your outlook on life will become more positive.
Physical Benefits

Dancing is a great body conditioner, even if you can only manage to do it once a week. But if you can dance two or three times a week, you'll increase your stamina, you’re your heart stronger, strengthen your legs, and generally tone your body. And as mentioned above, you'll become more balanced, fluid, and flexible.

Mental Benefits
Mentally, dancing serves as a wonderful stress relief. A pressure-cooker day melts away when the evening eases you into the arms of your dance partner. Sleep that night is sound and sweet.
Becoming a competent dancer also provides an excellent learning experience in discipline, goal setting, planning, achievement, assuredness, self-confidence and pride in your abilities. These favorable attributes transfer into all other areas of your life as well. The payoff can be significant!

A third benefit involves that old saying "use it or lose it."
Learning and remembering the many steps and movements required of the various dances provide a significant mental challenge and a constant stimulant to the brain. Surely this is why avid dancers usually remain mentally alert, regardless of age.

Social Benefits
A good dancer is a definite plus to social occasions -- especially you men. If a man takes the time to become a skilled and confident, but not overly forceful leader, his presence is appreciated by every lady in the room. A good dancer does not need to be handsome to be popular. Similarly, a lady who is a good dancer radiates grace and charm, regardless of whether she is a physical beauty.
In both your business and professional life, you'll be amazed at how your ability to dance affects your popularity and attractiveness to people of both sexes. And these days, with dancing as popular as it is, it is almost essential to be able to dance well in order to truly function at many social occasions.
When adults become involved with ballroom dancing they meet many new people who have a similar interest and develop lasting friendships with many of them. Many dancers say that ballroom dancing adds an entirely new and very beneficial dimension to their life.
In sum? Learn to dance: it is a valuable skill that will enhance your life in every way.


About the Author

Rafael Corney is a dating coach and has decided to put his knowledge to the Internet, and help thousands of (classy young) men to learn and master the skills that are essential for a long lasting relationship as well as how to spark the attraction that a woman can feel in his “zone”.
He can be reached at his blog www.Rafael-Corney.com