Dances

   Modern Dances

Most people simply to have fun or to entertain others. But dancing also serves many other purposes.

For many people,dancing provides one of the most personal and effective means communication.

A dancer can express such feelings as joy, anger, or helplessness without saying a word.

Many schools and private studios offer classes in MODERN DANCE. These classes encourage  dance to

the students to express themselves through rhythmic movement. The field of dance therapy uses

modern dance to treat physically handicapped and emotionally disturbed people.

In many societies, dancing plays a role in courtship. It serves as a way for men and women to

become acquainted before they marry. In most Western countries, secondary schools and

university students get to know one another at dances.

 Popular and Modern Dances

  BALLET 

Ballet is a complex mixture of technique and basically a fair bit of coordination and musicality (which is feeling and moving with the music). You have to perform it confidently and it has to fit the mood of the dance and music. It is a very beautiful dance when it is done properly. But much more beautiful a 'Pas de deux en pointe'. It takes years and years to perfect and you have to be fit and flexible and also very committed.

  Waltz 

 

     The romantic Waltz is one of the most popular ballroom dances of all time. Considered by some as the "mother of present day dances" and the "backbone dance" of the ballroom, the Waltz is the basis for many dances. Developed in Germany, the Waltz is popular all over the world. A truly romantic dance, the Waltz is comprised of soft, round, flowing movements. The Waltz is a smooth dance that travels around the line of dance. Characterized by its "rise and fall" action, the Waltz includes a step, slide, and step in 3/4 time. Dancers should move their shoulders smoothly, parallel with the floor instead of up and down. Dancers must strive to lengthen each step. On the first beat of the music, a step is taken forward on the heel, then onto the ball of the foot with a gradual rise to the toes, continuing on to the second and third beats of the music. At the end of the third beat, the heel is lowered to the floor to the starting position.

Cha cha cha

 

 Cha-cha-cha may be either danced to authentic Cuban music or Latin Pop or Latin Rock. The music for the international ballroom cha-cha-cha is energetic and with a steady beat. The The Cuban cha-cha-chá  is more sensual and may involve complex poly rhythms.

Styles of cha-cha-cha dance may differ in the place of the chasse  in the rhythmical structure. The original Cuban and the ballroom cha-cha-cha count is "two, three, chachacha" or "four-and-one, two, three". The dance does not start on the first beat of a bar, though it can start with a transfer of weight to the lead's right.

Nevertheless, many social dancers count "one, two, cha-cha-cha" and may find it difficult to make the adjustment to the "correct" timing of the dance.

Tango

    The tango is a sexy dance of seduction. Although it may seem mysterious, the basic steps of the dance are relatively simple. Whether you plan to learn the tango for a wedding or for fun, Mahalo's guide to how to dance tango can help you avoid stepping on your two left feet (or worse, stepping on your partner's toes).

Rumba

                     

                  The Rumba is a dance that tells a story of love and passion between a strong, male lover and a coy, teasing woman. Full of sensual movements, the Rumba is considered by many to be the sexiest of the ballroom dances. "Rumba" is a term that refers to a variety of dances or a "dance party." This dance of love is one of the most popular ballroom dances and is seen around the world at nightclubs, parties, weddings and dance competitions.

     Samba

Samba is a lively, rhythmical dance of Brazilian origin in 2/4 time danced under the Samba music. However, there are three steps to every bar, making the Samba feel like a 3/4 timed dance. Its origins include the Maxixe.

The Samba music rhythm has been danced in Brazil since its inception in the late 19th century. There is actually a set of dances, rather than a single dance, that define the Samba dancing scene in Brazil; thus, no one dance can be claimed with certainty as the "original" Samba style.