Dance Styles

There are many styles of dance from around the world. Sometimes, it becomes complicated when trying to figure out the differences between their movements. That is why this hub page has been created. To educate anyone who wants to learn about dancing, and it's various forms. Thank you for visiting my hub page, I hope you enjoy it!

Ballet is a specific style of dance. Its performances are based upon various techniques, which are applied to certain methods. Typically, ballet is practiced in a ballet school or dance studio, but its practioners are not limited to either. For a performance to be considered a ballet, it must include dance, mime, acting, song, or any of the like; with each piece coming together in a perfectly choreographed movement. There are many locations around the world where the study of ballet takes place. Its popularity is influenced by region, and can range from cult status to hardly known. Either way, one thing is certain. Ballet is considered one of the most aesthetic and complicated forms of dance. Its origins seem to be created from myth, with the legend continuing to live on through many talented and dedicated artists.

While it’s exact creation and evolution is not known, there is speculation that the style we now call ballet originated from Italy in the early 1400’s. Its progression, however, was due to the catalytic endeavors of the French. With two of the world’s most talented and artistic cultures molding its core, ballet rapidly became a popular form of entertainment. This solidified ballet’s reputation among the affluent. From here, many different teachers of the dance formed their own styles, and these eventually branched off into their own schools, which are now taught throughout the world. Some experts can even recognize these different styles, and associate them with their geographical birthplaces. The same can be done for its teachers.

As ballet increased in popularity, more and more people attempted to get involved. To add to the already historic list of countries who have taken ballet as their own, Russia was next in line; specifically, Moscow. To this day, there are many talented performances coming out of Russia. People now argue that Russia is the Mecca of the ballet world, but this is purely based upon individual opinion. Although arguments are made about this throughout the ballet world, most people would agree that ballet is perhaps the most well known form of dance.

Part of the reason for its popularity amongst pop-culture, can be associated with its whimsical movements and song. Children tend to attract more to ballet than other forms, mainly young girls. The costumes alone are enough excite the imagination of a little girl wanting to grow up as a ballerina. And, in western culture as well as parts of Europe, The Nutcracker has become a household name. This is one of the ballet’s most famous performances, and it is heavily associated with Russia. Seeing as its composer was born and raised in Russia. His name was Tchaikovsky, and he was a man well known for his musical talents throughout Europe.

Overall, ballet’s popularity seems to be increasing at a steady pace, and with proper education and exposure. It shows no signs of going dormant any time soon. It is even offered in many schools throughout the world, as it promotes discipline, focus, the will to work, and of course, fun!

The term ballroom dancing is derived from the Latin word “ballare”, meaning, to dance. This style of dance originated in the West, and was once considered a social event for the rich. Ballroom dancing was considered one of the highest forms of entertainment to the upper class. This was because ballroom dancing allowed people of power and privilege to meet and network with each other. It was considered chic, and anyone who was anyone was doing it; regardless of interest. Its roots can be identified with certain European styles of dance, as the dance is very formal and its movements seem fluid and yet guarded. It was meant to be elegant without being overly sensual or wild, which can also be identified with European culture.

There are many styles of Ballroom dance as well, with each one varying by era and geographical location. It was mentioned previously that ballroom dancing originated in the West, but it has now expanded across the globe and is enjoyed by people everywhere. Some of the styles people partake in are: the Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Pas de Gras, and Mazurka. Although, these are not the only styles, they are the most popular; each one expressing different emotions and styles of the form ballroom. However, throughout each style one thing seems to be constant, and that is the “leader” and “follower” role. They seem to be pretty self explanatory, and there is only a select number of styles which break this mold.

Within America’s pop-culture, ballroom dancing seemed to be greatly influenced by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers; famous actors who performed ballroom dancing, and with their performance brought great popularity to the dance. From this, ballroom dancing became more and more popular as time went on. It soon reached the point where ballroom dancing hit competitive status, and people around the world show off their talents in tournaments. Not only did people compete in the past, but in today’s society it has become something of a cult classic.

One of the major reasons this can be said, is because of the sudden hit reality show “So You Think You Can Dance”. Which, is a show where celebrities are paired with professional dancers, as they train together in order to compete in front of judges and the American public. This show has continuously topped the charts for television ratings, and shows no signs of stopping.

Tap dancing is not only a form of dance, but a form of music as well. It combines the skill of a dancer, with the musical talents of a percussionist. The metal plates on the bottom of the shoe allow for a tapping sound to be made when the dancer connects with the ground. The sounds can be controlled through the speed, frequency, and pressure applied to the dance moves. The form of Tap Dancing originated in the United States in the early 1900’s. This style originated from “clog dancing”, which took place in northern England, as well as some Irish and Scottish jigs. However, tap dancing grew and was made famous in the United States.

Tap dancing has been said to originate in the five-points of New York around the 1830’s. Where people of many different backgrounds came together to perform this style of dance. And, this is where it evolved throughout the ages to become what it has today. It flourished in 1900-1950, where it became part of the mainstream through the new advances in media and technology. The more people who were exposed to it, the more tap dancing grew. It seemed to be taking over some of the older styles, such as ballroom. Vaudeville and Broadway were perhaps the biggest influences on Tap. It spread the dance around throughout the country. People at that time were still very interested in dance, and television as well as radio was not as big a contributor to entertainment.

One reason tap dance became so popular, is because it wasn’t always choreographed. Meaning, more people were willing to give it a try, and not as worried about doing it wrong. Tap dance is like jazz, and it can be for the most part, improvised. This gave rise to many new styles, which were separated only by geographical location. However, one thing is for sure; tap dancing will always be a major part of American culture, and seems to have a good shot at making it’s way into our dance halls and streets of the future.

Jazz dance can be interpreted as a larger part of many other forms. For example, tap dance, ballet, and African-American styles. Its fluid movements seem to mimic a combination of all three. Jazz dance like the music, is largely improvised, which is one of its most disguising feature. It is easy to recognize, yet at the same time you may never seem the same dance twice. Although, people do perform choreographed versions of jazz dance; not all have to be. Its origins are believed to come from African-American vernacular dances, the early 1800’s.Once again, as time went on, Vaudeville and Broadway took over and increased the styles popularity significantly.

Many people referred to jazz dancing as tap dancing, because of similarities in the movements. Professional dancers, however, knew the difference and did their part to make the differences known. One of the best known performances is of the teachings of Bob Fosse, a legendary dance instructor. Today, one of the best known forms of jazz dance can be seen in Las Vegas, where the majority of its shows are of the style. However, this is not the only place it can be seen, and it is practiced by many young men and women around the world. It has become more of a past-time than a form of entertainment. With high schools, public theaters, and universities partaking in the teaching of Jazz dance, it seems as though it will remain another intricate part of American history.