Since ages Dance has been a favorite hobby of children and adults alike. In the current times people are clubbing this beautiful form of art with exercise to keep fit physically, mentally and also spiritually. Learning an art form like dance has numerous advantages. Most importantly dance is a soulful art; it holds in itself a beauty, an ecstasy that only the dancer can experience. For a dancer there is nothing more blissful than dance.
Apart from the sheer bliss dance has many other advantages. Learning to dance in a group imbibes synchronization and coordination. Working in a group makes one more patient and conscious to the needs of others. Team work is something everyone needs to learn and apply in every walk of life. Dance makes you a wonderful team worker- in the most harmonious way ever. Learning to Dance is an excellent way to meet new people and have a healthy social life. It improves the overall feeling of well being.
Dance can work wonders with your body. Being one of the best ways of a work out, dance can give you those tantalizing curves and the flat belly you so dream of.
Other than the visible external benefits of dance are the beautiful things it does inside your body. Dance sets right that little annoying thing called the heart. Also it is great for the lungs. It increases the bone density and improves the muscle tone. Also it is one of the most effective and the most interesting ways to shed those extra pounds you hate so much.
as it does good to the rest of you, it is also a boon to your brain. Dance can really help you to improve your posture, balance and concentration. The improvement in your posture adds on to the grace with which you carry yourself. Dance is a sure stress buster and one good confidence booster. It is good for the overall brain activity and relaxes and releases tensions.
The advantages of dance are many and people are recognizing this fact fast. Dance is being used as a commercial item and is being sold. Dance academies are being set up to give dance classes. Dance camps and dance events are being held. Special stores for dance dresses, dance shoes and dance accessories are being opened and are doing incredibly good business. So, all across the beautiful art form is spreading smiles. Be it for the young amateur dancers who are eager to learn the dance moves or the dance teachers who take infinite delight in teaching others to dance or the retailers who are earning big bucks by selling dance or the accessories it uses. All of them are sure having a ball!!!
Thursday, August 26, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Let’s do it the Hip Hop Style
So many types of dances, so many ways to rejoice! Dance is a sure accompaniment to celebration. Every culture, every country has specific dances it loves to perform at functions and ceremonies. Dance has been the defining point of many cultures. Many dances remained to the geographical boundaries of the place of their origin but others moved on, moved to various lands to become more popular than other dance forms, to cross all the borders and to be seen as pure art leaving behind all prejudices of race and country.
One of many such dances is the hip hop. Primarily an African- American dance, hip hop has come to be one of the most popular of dance forms. From television to films to parties to the street, the influence of hip hop is to be seen everywhere. The dance style is casual and funky. The dance is mostly free style and improvisational. No fixed rules or particular movements guide the dance. The dance comprises of three main styles namely breaking, locking and popping. The three elements that make up the core of the dance are free styling, battles and ciphers.
The dance came out of the shadows over 30 years ago in 1970s. The most popular groups to which the credit goes for the popularization of the dance are Rock Steady Crew, The Lockers and The Electric Boogaloos. With time the dance form evolved to include “running man” and the “cabbage patch” and together they became the fad dances.
The commercial dance industry soon picked up the signs that hip hop is going to hit it big time. Dance concerts, movies and television started using the dance as a money making machine. And sure enough anything with the hip hop added was an instant success.
Now hip hop is seen as a flourishing genre in dance that has a good amount of potential. There are special dance classes and dance events that are held for hip hop. It is sure traveling places and becoming evidently more popular day by day.
One of many such dances is the hip hop. Primarily an African- American dance, hip hop has come to be one of the most popular of dance forms. From television to films to parties to the street, the influence of hip hop is to be seen everywhere. The dance style is casual and funky. The dance is mostly free style and improvisational. No fixed rules or particular movements guide the dance. The dance comprises of three main styles namely breaking, locking and popping. The three elements that make up the core of the dance are free styling, battles and ciphers.
The dance came out of the shadows over 30 years ago in 1970s. The most popular groups to which the credit goes for the popularization of the dance are Rock Steady Crew, The Lockers and The Electric Boogaloos. With time the dance form evolved to include “running man” and the “cabbage patch” and together they became the fad dances.
The commercial dance industry soon picked up the signs that hip hop is going to hit it big time. Dance concerts, movies and television started using the dance as a money making machine. And sure enough anything with the hip hop added was an instant success.
Now hip hop is seen as a flourishing genre in dance that has a good amount of potential. There are special dance classes and dance events that are held for hip hop. It is sure traveling places and becoming evidently more popular day by day.
Friday, August 13, 2010
It Takes Two to Tango
Influenced by the Spanish, the dance form took birth in Argentina and Uruguay in around 1850- 1890. The dance was originated in the lower middle classes in Buenos Aires among the former slave people, as it was performed at their candomble ceremonies. The music that was used was created by combining a number European music types as the people who practiced it were mainly European immigrants, chiefly French, Spanish and Italians.
The term “Tango” was associated with dance in the year 1890. Earlier the dance was quite obscure as any other type that sprung up in those days. Soon the dance gained popularity and spread across borders, changing a little in form every time it travelled. The dance in time also crept into theatres and clubs and had started to have well defined performances. Over the time the dancers and orchestras travelled to various countries and this helped the fame of the dance spread across continents and became popular in many other countries like Paris, London and Berlin. Towards the end of 1913, it hit New York in the USA.
As it travelled places and times, the dance form saw many alterations and variations. It carried them along and now we have various sub- types in the dance. Some of the popular sub types in the genre are- Tango Argentino, Tango Oriental (uruguayo), Tango Canyengue, Tango Liso, Tango Salon, Tango Orillero, Tango Milonguero (Tango Apilado), Tango Nuevo (New Tango), Show Tango (also known as Fantasia), Ballroom Tango, Finnish Tango etc. All these sub types use variations in the techniques and the music used. The dance changed as much as it moved from one place to another as it changed over decades.
The dance can be performed in an open embrace where there is space left between the bodies of the lead and the follow or a close embrace where the lead and the follow connect either from chest to chest or the upper thigh, hip area. The factors that have altered the dance form range from time and geographical area to clothes in fashion and the space available for the dance. For example the Milonguero is a dance form that uses a real close embrace and short steps. This happened as the dance form was originated in the crowded downtown clubs in the early 50’s.
Be the sensual technique or the flirty dance dresses, the dance soon became a favorite of half of the world. The dance uses special dance apparels and heels as dance shoes this also influenced trends all over. All in the entire dance is beyond doubt a favorite across half of the world!!!
The term “Tango” was associated with dance in the year 1890. Earlier the dance was quite obscure as any other type that sprung up in those days. Soon the dance gained popularity and spread across borders, changing a little in form every time it travelled. The dance in time also crept into theatres and clubs and had started to have well defined performances. Over the time the dancers and orchestras travelled to various countries and this helped the fame of the dance spread across continents and became popular in many other countries like Paris, London and Berlin. Towards the end of 1913, it hit New York in the USA.
As it travelled places and times, the dance form saw many alterations and variations. It carried them along and now we have various sub- types in the dance. Some of the popular sub types in the genre are- Tango Argentino, Tango Oriental (uruguayo), Tango Canyengue, Tango Liso, Tango Salon, Tango Orillero, Tango Milonguero (Tango Apilado), Tango Nuevo (New Tango), Show Tango (also known as Fantasia), Ballroom Tango, Finnish Tango etc. All these sub types use variations in the techniques and the music used. The dance changed as much as it moved from one place to another as it changed over decades.
The dance can be performed in an open embrace where there is space left between the bodies of the lead and the follow or a close embrace where the lead and the follow connect either from chest to chest or the upper thigh, hip area. The factors that have altered the dance form range from time and geographical area to clothes in fashion and the space available for the dance. For example the Milonguero is a dance form that uses a real close embrace and short steps. This happened as the dance form was originated in the crowded downtown clubs in the early 50’s.
Be the sensual technique or the flirty dance dresses, the dance soon became a favorite of half of the world. The dance uses special dance apparels and heels as dance shoes this also influenced trends all over. All in the entire dance is beyond doubt a favorite across half of the world!!!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Dance and Culture
Since time immemorial dance and culture have been interwoven. Almost all the ancient civilizations of the world had their distinct forms of dances. Along with the evolution of the humankind evolved the dance forms. Across continents and oceans, different cultures segregated and each culture adopted its own dance form. Just like food and clothing, dance also became one of the chief defining characteristic of a culture. It might be difficult to list all the dance forms that are prevalent in the world, as there are so many. Many dances are being carried forward from the ancient times and some are now no more practiced. A website on the internet lists 91 dance forms. In actuality the figure is much higher. Like other art forms, dance has also been ever evolving. So many new dance forms have developed during the past years.
Some of the dances popular in the United States of America are Ballet, Ballroom Dance, Disco, English Country Dance, Ethnic dance, Flamenco (Spanish/gypsy Jazz dance), Meringue (Latin Club), Mexican Hat Dance, Salsa dance, Samba dance, Tap dance, Waltz (ballroom, social), Wolosso (Ivory Coast), Western swing, West Coast Swing ("WCS"; Swing,) etc. some of these were adopted from other cultures and some were developed in America itself. Dances have proved to be a great way to socialize. Dance camps and dance events can be great avenues for the young to come forward and showcase their talent. Even the professionals take delight in such events as they see young amateurs learn from their mistakes. These camps also serve to be a potent venue for people from different backgrounds to come together and know about each other. This is how relations develop, this is how cultures evolve.
Dance and dance apparels have been allies in transforming cultures over the years, across borders. Dancers have spent fortunes on dance dresses and dance shoes, to get the right get-up. Dance costumes and make-up are a vital part of a dance performance. All the three combined become a specific dance type which ultimately accounts for the tradition of that dance. The costumes are generally chosen as per the convenience of the dancers. Different geographical locations have different requirements hence they account for different types of costumes. The costumes of various types of dances are also influenced by the native dress of that place. All in all we cannot deny the interdependence of the two- dance and culture. Both have helped each other to grow, develop, evolve and sustain.
Some of the dances popular in the United States of America are Ballet, Ballroom Dance, Disco, English Country Dance, Ethnic dance, Flamenco (Spanish/gypsy Jazz dance), Meringue (Latin Club), Mexican Hat Dance, Salsa dance, Samba dance, Tap dance, Waltz (ballroom, social), Wolosso (Ivory Coast), Western swing, West Coast Swing ("WCS"; Swing,) etc. some of these were adopted from other cultures and some were developed in America itself. Dances have proved to be a great way to socialize. Dance camps and dance events can be great avenues for the young to come forward and showcase their talent. Even the professionals take delight in such events as they see young amateurs learn from their mistakes. These camps also serve to be a potent venue for people from different backgrounds to come together and know about each other. This is how relations develop, this is how cultures evolve.
Dance and dance apparels have been allies in transforming cultures over the years, across borders. Dancers have spent fortunes on dance dresses and dance shoes, to get the right get-up. Dance costumes and make-up are a vital part of a dance performance. All the three combined become a specific dance type which ultimately accounts for the tradition of that dance. The costumes are generally chosen as per the convenience of the dancers. Different geographical locations have different requirements hence they account for different types of costumes. The costumes of various types of dances are also influenced by the native dress of that place. All in all we cannot deny the interdependence of the two- dance and culture. Both have helped each other to grow, develop, evolve and sustain.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Healing with the Rhythm
Dance has long been associated with spirituality and healing. In the ancient times many dances were performed to either ward off the evil or to appease the Gods. Different dances were practiced for different Gods. In the present times one may not perceive dance as a way to wash away sins or atonement and just shoo away the idea as archaic. It may be discarded as an ancient myth or a tribal superstition.
But even the modern day psychologists cannot deny the healing powers of the art. A trend that is gaining exceeding amount of popularity is that of dance therapy. In this therapy, dance becomes the healer. In therapeutic dances, every level of human existence is touched upon- the body, the mind and the soul. The dances performed for therapeutic purposes are especially according to the ailment. The dances are designed so as to focus on the problem area in such a way that that body part is focused upon which needs to be healed. Dance therapies have proven to work for common problems like high blood pressure, imbalanced blood sugar and high level of stress.
The beautiful art is put to use to cure some serious ailments too in form of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). The psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance is made for improving the emotional, cognitive, social, behavioral and physical conditions. The movements are designed in such a way that they strengthen the body/mind connection through body movements and improve both the mental and physical well-being of individual. This in turn gives a healthy balance and sense of wholeness.
DMT sessions are configured around four main stages: preparation, incubation, illumination, and evaluation. The theory of DMT is based upon the idea that “the body and mind are inseparable. DMT can be used to heal serious disorders and diseases. Although DMT is promoted to reduce stress and center the body, this therapy is very effective in helping to heal other disabilities and diseases. One such disorder is Autism as the therapists connect on a sensory-motor level and provides a sense of acceptance and expands skills and cognitive abilities and also increases maturity. Another area is Learning Disabilities. Movements to be performed focus on developing better organizational skills, learning/experiencing control and choice, building higher self confidence and new inspirations to learn.
The DMT can also be used in case of Mental Retardation as it improves the body image, social skills, coordination, and motor skills, and also promotes communication. The deaf and Hearing Impaired can also benefit from DMT as it reduces the feelings of isolation and provides inspiration for relationships. For the Blind and visually impaired, it improves body image, motor skills, and personal awareness. The Physically Handicapped can improve their motor skills and body image, and learn a way to communicate and express emotions. To the elderly it provides social interaction, expression, and exercise. Also it alleviates fears of loneliness and isolation. DMT can also be helpful in curing Eating Disorders by altering distorted body images which helps in ending destructive behaviors. For a PTSD victim it weaves together past and present through symbolism in a “safe place” to confront painful memories. DMT is also great for expecting mothers. It is used for Holistic Birth Preparation as it implores relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety, learn breathing techniques and release energy; it also builds confidence to help cope with labor, birth and early parenting.
Therefore we see that our favorite hobby is not just a hobby, it can be used to beautify lives and bring back vigor to the lives that have lost their luster.
Reference:- Wikipedia/Dance Therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_therapy
But even the modern day psychologists cannot deny the healing powers of the art. A trend that is gaining exceeding amount of popularity is that of dance therapy. In this therapy, dance becomes the healer. In therapeutic dances, every level of human existence is touched upon- the body, the mind and the soul. The dances performed for therapeutic purposes are especially according to the ailment. The dances are designed so as to focus on the problem area in such a way that that body part is focused upon which needs to be healed. Dance therapies have proven to work for common problems like high blood pressure, imbalanced blood sugar and high level of stress.
The beautiful art is put to use to cure some serious ailments too in form of Dance Movement Therapy (DMT). The psychotherapeutic use of movement and dance is made for improving the emotional, cognitive, social, behavioral and physical conditions. The movements are designed in such a way that they strengthen the body/mind connection through body movements and improve both the mental and physical well-being of individual. This in turn gives a healthy balance and sense of wholeness.
DMT sessions are configured around four main stages: preparation, incubation, illumination, and evaluation. The theory of DMT is based upon the idea that “the body and mind are inseparable. DMT can be used to heal serious disorders and diseases. Although DMT is promoted to reduce stress and center the body, this therapy is very effective in helping to heal other disabilities and diseases. One such disorder is Autism as the therapists connect on a sensory-motor level and provides a sense of acceptance and expands skills and cognitive abilities and also increases maturity. Another area is Learning Disabilities. Movements to be performed focus on developing better organizational skills, learning/experiencing control and choice, building higher self confidence and new inspirations to learn.
The DMT can also be used in case of Mental Retardation as it improves the body image, social skills, coordination, and motor skills, and also promotes communication. The deaf and Hearing Impaired can also benefit from DMT as it reduces the feelings of isolation and provides inspiration for relationships. For the Blind and visually impaired, it improves body image, motor skills, and personal awareness. The Physically Handicapped can improve their motor skills and body image, and learn a way to communicate and express emotions. To the elderly it provides social interaction, expression, and exercise. Also it alleviates fears of loneliness and isolation. DMT can also be helpful in curing Eating Disorders by altering distorted body images which helps in ending destructive behaviors. For a PTSD victim it weaves together past and present through symbolism in a “safe place” to confront painful memories. DMT is also great for expecting mothers. It is used for Holistic Birth Preparation as it implores relaxation techniques to reduce anxiety, learn breathing techniques and release energy; it also builds confidence to help cope with labor, birth and early parenting.
Therefore we see that our favorite hobby is not just a hobby, it can be used to beautify lives and bring back vigor to the lives that have lost their luster.
Reference:- Wikipedia/Dance Therapy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance_therapy
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