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DANCE STYLES TAUGHT Introduction - Tap - Jazz - Hip Hop - Characterised Dance - Mime and Movement - Singing and Acting - Introduction to Dance and Performance
Please note: Dance classes will not commence until 2008! There are many various styles and these vary between countries and within provinces or states of a country. What I can tell you is that no matter what type of styles are out there, all require basic fundamentals from which to build on. In most cases the basic fundamentals are the same. Some terminology between countries may vary, but the basic fundamentals still apply. Style does not particularly reflect the type of steps in a routine (choreography) we perform, but is determined by the type of rhythmical beating applied including the intricacy of the beats, extension and elevation of the body, use of arms, body and head, projection, presentation, facial expression, use of stage, the character we are portraying and most importantly how the music is interpreted. A pupil can progress through many styles of dance whilst they are learning. The more advanced the pupil, the more they learn variations to the basics which cross over into many styles of performance. I guess it could be said that the more the basic fundamental elements are mastered, the more the individual can vary the way in which they perform those steps or routines. The ultimate outcome of any fine performance, aside from technical ability, is the ability to perform in a way that audience members can thoroughly enjoy watching an item and feel that they have been adequately entertained. For very young children (3 to 8 years) who are performing for the first time, there is added value in watching these young dancers performing at their very best! Whilst their timing and technical ability may not be totally mastered for their age and level, the enjoyment of watching these youngsters can not be discounted. The basic fundamentals for any style of dance usually requires some warm up exercises, barre work, components (parts of steps), centre exercises, steps, partial routines and full routines. Tap styles taught include: Basic fundamentals utilising various rhythms, american tap, comedy, competitive, entertaining, individual solos, teams/troupes, celtic tap, song and dance items and male dance styles. These styles can be taught from beginner levels to advanced levels, particularly for competitive work. Tap lessons include barre work, components of steps, steps, and mini routines utilising various rhythms. Most lessons are progressive, although some difficult work is taught which allows an individual to master additional work within the general group lesson. Also taught are individualised partial routines at a suitable time when most pupils have mastered a reasonable amount of basic fundamentals. Boys classes are encouraged and will be dependent on the age and number of inquiries. Initially though, mixed classes may be the case until pupil numbers increase. What I always endeavour to do is amalgamate some of the many styles into most lessons (over a period of time), because if pupils are keen to learn - as I was, - then there is no holding back! It is unlimited the amount of joy tap dancing can bring. Interspersed with tap comes song and entertainment, skits and the like - obviously in the form of recitals and concerts - or for some, in the competitive arena. It is encouraged that pupils participate in the Singing/Acting classes to enhance their stage personality, projection and presentation. Jazz dancing styles can also vary but most dancing incorporates the isolation of the body and is dependent on the type of music used. Styles taught include the less "balletic" form using sharp moves and a combination of isolations throughout steps and routines. Certainly some steps can include a show/cabaret style which is part and parcel of all forms of soft shoe entertainment. Basic fundamentals taught still require an amount of barre work covering deportment, warm up exercises (including plies), centre exercises, floor exercises, partial routines and full routines. I usually incorporate an amount of "introductory" Hip Hop to younger pupils, but all too often it takes a good period time for young individuals to adapt to the co-ordination required for "Hip Hop" to look its best. Still, exposing the Hip Hop basics to younger children usually pays off! Also incorporated in this class is some "characterised" work which is usually enjoyed by one and all! It is encouraged that pupils participate in the Singing/Acting classes to enhance their stage personality, projection and presentation. In the future, separate Jazz Dance Classes (excluding Hip Hop and characterised dance) may be offered to those wishing to sit exams. Hip Hop has recently taken countries by storm, but still requires a certain level of ability to meet the demand that this style of dance possesses. Hip Hop will currently be undertaken as part of the Jazz Class. In the future if numbers allow, a separate Hip Hop Class (excluding Jazz and character dance) will commence with the possibility of individuals being able to sit exam work. This pertains to a very "loose" way of children being able to participate in simple routines without the hindrance of "over the top" technical requirements. It has proven to be quite relaxing and fun for pupils and is usually undertaken as part of the Jazz Class to provide an extra bit of variety plus extend individuals to the various styles that soft shoe dancing can bring. Mainly for preschoolers or young children who "don't know" what type of dancing they wish to learn - and allows for the introduction to learn dancing through characterised routines and a little tap and jazz. Included are basic fundamentals for movement including warm up exercises, but is primarily centered around confidence building through characterised routines and basic dance routines. Classes will also usually include some singing! INTRODUCTION TO DANCE (AND PERFORMANCE) These classes will be divided in to two groups
Although not part of "dance" as such, these classes can require basic movements and co-ordination of movements associated with singing and performing. This can have a flow on effect with regard to Song and Dance items and assist in the projection and presentation of dance items too. It also increases the individual's ability within the performing arena when adding this skill to a form of dance skill. Also included in Singing/Acting is the involvement of short skits and acting/miming various types of characters, thus utilising vocal and facial expression along with suitable head arm and body gestures appropriate to stage performance. Additional, is the participation of pupils being involved in musical plays, which requires an amount of acting and singing. Introduction also to microphone use for singing songs - and preparing advertisements (as we hear on the radio and television) Click here for further information on "Singing/Acting".
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