My topic about dance has helped me learn a lot more about a very important topic to me. I learned that there was no definite time when dance began but that the history dates back a very long time ago. Dance has been around since the beginning of time and will continue to to be around forever. It has changed dramatically from when it first began and is very different than it used to be. Doing this project helped me realize that there is so much more to learn about dance and the history of it.
https://sites.google.com/site/dancingthroughyears/
Monday, March 26, 2012
Project Thus Far
Thus far, I have really enjoyed finding research about dance and the actual history of it. Although I dance almost everyday and have been dancing my entire life, I have never actually searched deeply for information about dance or how each style came to be. This project has helped me to better learn about my passion and it was a topic that I could really relate to.
Sunday, March 18, 2012
This is a video from the show called "So You Think You Can Dance." The two dancers are Travis Wall and Heidi Groskreutz. This is just one of thousands of dances performed each season. This is a dance show that showcases some of the best dancers in the world in a competition to find the best dancer overall. This is a great television show that shows many different dancing styles, some that people may not be familiar with or have ever heard of before. I think this show is not only for entertainment purposes, but it can also be to educate people about what dance really is and to inspire others who are interested in dancing. Some styles appeal more than other do. It just depends on what you are interested in. This particular video is a contemporary piece. Contemporary is a style that feeds off of ballet. Contemporary is a less strict version of ballet that allows you to move your body and a more free way and to flow your body more. Contemporary dances usually have a personal story and a meaning behind it. The meaningful story usually relates to the choreographer and that makes it easy for them to actually make up the dance.
Why do some styles of dance grab people's attention more than other styles?
perf. "Travis and Heidi-Calling You (Contemporary)."YouTube. N.p., 28 Mar 2011. web. 18 Mar 2012. <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=38XIFZLlIiM>("YouTube")
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Modern Dancing
Born in the early 20th century, modern dance is a dance style that centers on a dancer's own interpretations instead of structured steps, as in traditional ballet dancing. Modern dancers reject the limitations of classical ballet and favor movements derived from the expression of their inner feelings. During the 1900's, European dancers began rebelling against the rigid rules of classical ballet. Turning against the structured techniques, costumes and shoes of ballet, these dancers favaored a more relaxed, free style of dancing. Modern dance pioneers often danced in bare feet and revealing costumes. In the United States, several dance pioneers paved the way for American modern dance, including the legendary Martha Graham.
Characteristics of Modern Dance:
Modern dance encourages dancers to use their emotions and moods to design their own steps and routines. It is not unusual for modern dancers to invent new steps for their routines, instead of following a structured code of technique, as in ballet.
Another characteristic of modern dance in opposition to ballet is the deliberate use of gravity. Whereas classical ballet dancers strive to be light and airy on their feet, modern dancers often use their body weight to enhance movement. A modern dancer rejects the classical ballet stance of an upright, erect body, often opting instead for deliberate falls to the floor.
Modern is a style of dancing that is very strange and different from the other types of dancing. Some teach modern dancing as sharp, strong movements, and some teach it as soft and fluid movements. Martha Graham is a legendary women in the dance world and is one of the most well known modern dancers. She created a style of modern dancing and has her own dance company called the Martha Graham Dance Company, which she started in 1929. Even though she passed away in 1991, she is still remembered and thought about all the time. She had such a strong passion for dancing and never let go of her dream. "Dance is the hidden language of the soul", said Martha Graham.
Why is't modern as popular as is was 50 years ago?
80 years ago this month
"The dance began, a primitive expression of fundamental emotion. Legs and arms flexed into angular patterns, her movements started and stopped in abrupt rhythm, her body strained ecstatically, her eyes stared fixedly upon. Remote and unseen objects, and her body, wildly summoned into dynamic action, became an integral part of the dance picture. A dance like this was never seen in Europe.
... She thrills the mind, not the physical senses. Her vigorous, vital movements have completely brushed aside the trivialities and trifles of the dance; she gives us breadth, sweep, elementals, essentials, freedom. Her dynamic force is exhilarating in its intensity and power."
On Mary Wigman from the January 1932 issue of The American Dancer (one of two magazines that later merged to become Dance Magazine).
Dance began as just an experiment of movements and grew into much more. Dancing is using your body in different ways to express emotions through your movements to music. Dancing today has grown into so much more than it used to be. Now, there are so many types of dancing. Some of which include ballet, modern, tap, jazz, and contemporary. I think that dance is very enjoyable for people to watch other people dance. That is why we now have live shows and television shows about dancing. Dancing is also based on certain cultures. Different areas of the world have their own style of dancing that they do.
Why is it that certain cultures and parts of the world are more passionate about dancing and love it more than others?
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