Do The D.A.N.C.E.
1, 2, 3, 4, FIGHT!
Everyone is always down to go dancing in every event. Having fun with friends and family, enjoying. Even going to a dance concert, show or recital is a good way to admire and learn about different dance styles like Ballet, Jazz, or Hip hop.
Dancers were trained by artists, perfectionists, and professionals, and when they dance, the expression of the passion and feelings come out on stage. Once they’re finish, both male and female dancers both bow to the audience as they listen to the applause they deserve.
But even if you’re a dancer or not, dance still brings a big amount of energy to the dance floor. Moving your body, shaking those hips while yelling the lyrics out brings each individual closer.
From the Top
Dated at 3300 B.C, archaeologists found 9,000 year-old paintings in India and Egyptian tomb paintings illustrated dance movements and figures. From there, it has been proposed before the inventions of writing languages, that dance was a significant part of the oral and performance method of telling stories down from generation to generation.
Evolution of Dance (1920s-2010s)
1920s — Flapper girls dancing to the Charleston and shimmy all night. Picking their feet up in every “Gatsby” party (insert DiCaprio meme of him holding a wine glass with fireworks in the background).
1930s and 1940s — Jazz dancing to the sound of the trumpets, swing dancing competition in every night club, until the Germans banned it. Thanks Germany. However dancing was an escape for everyone who enjoyed going to the club and let loose.
1950s — The rock and roll era! dances like the twist and jitterbug were introduced in the 1950s. It was a year of rebellion because of the dances, and controversies like Elvis Presley’s rocking plevis, and dirty dancing.
1960s — If you’re a die-hard fan of “Hairspray,” then you most likely know every dance step they perform in the film. The swim, the mashed potato, the shimmy, loco-motion and more.
1970s — During the mid-70s, disco was born! People spent to Saturday night dancing to funk, soul, and almost every song that the iconic pop group Bee Gees sang. Dances like the hustle, the bump dance, and line dances brought fun, joy, and some strut on the dance floor. Especially the YMCA.
1980s — Old skool hip hop was THANKFULLY introduced. All our favorite retro dances were the running man, macarena, sprinkler and the iconic moonwalk (we miss you M.J.).
1990s — Hip hop and line dances were still popular. Dances like roger rabbit, the BACKWARDS running man, new kids on the block, and everyone’s favorite move to do when they think they can’t dance — the robot.
2000s — Popular songs had some dance routines to it. Almost EVERY song did. Electro, pop, or hip hop. All songs like “Teach Me How To Dougie,” “Party Rock Anthem,” and the iconic “Crank That Soulja Boy.”
2010s — Now, hip hop is taking over. Moves like the whip, milly rock, dab. And nowadays whenever every individual hears a song, any kind of song (mellow or rock or hip hop), they just dab. It’s almost something everyone is used to doing which is very comedic. OH! Don’t forget the Gangnam Style!
The Cultural Dances
The Athletic Side of Dance
There’s always arguments about dance being a sport. Others see dance as athletic, while others see it more for entertainment. Reasons for people saying that dance is a sport, is because for every sport you need years of training. Anything that includes muscular endurance, flexibility and skills represents an athlete. When you’re a trained dancer, you need stamina and good technique including flexibility. However other people disagree on dance being called a sport. They consider it more as an art because of the soft movements. Although, not all dance styles are considered a sport.
We all know that Ballet is more of an art. Even I as a dancer who dances different styles agrees with that. Ballet is the soft side. I can think of it as a sport when it comes to competitions.
High school sports like Cheerleading and Dance were classified as the “sideline chicks,” but when competitions starts, the stamina, skills, and years of professional training comes out. In the end, dancers and cheerleaders prove that they have the strength to carry their team…literally, while other sports just carries a ball.
My opinion:
I personally think that dance is a sport. I do agree that it’s for entertainment, but so are sports like football, soccer, and basketball. Dancers are athletes.
Read if you think dance is a sport:
Read if you think dance is not a sport:
Myths vs. Facts
The Side Effects Dance
There are of course the negatives of dance. Being in rehearsal from 3pm to 9pm almost everyday can take up your social life and school. Dance can also affect health issues. People ask why dancers are skinny, why they look unhealthy, and why do they spend so much time in dance. As a dancer, I too had problems with my body. Nothing serious, but it’s more of how conscious I am with my weight. Making sure my dance partner can carry me and looking very pretty in a tutu.
I decided to interview my friend Hannah, and she too experienced issues in her dance life.
Dance is tough, and sometimes it’s something you can’t deal with as you grow older. But the best part about dancing, is that you can express yourself and shaking all the sadness and anger off. It may be difficult to be disciplined and to be expected to be amazing, but dancing is worth it. It’s a good way to relieve stress.
If you used to dance, here’s a funny video to watch. It will either make you feel nostalgic, old, or make you cry and laugh at the same time.
My Favorite Movie (Dance related, OF COURSE!)
Center Stage is a movie about a group of young dancers who were accepted in the American Ballet Theatre. They learn about discipline, physical issues, and proving dance masters that they’ve worked so hard to get in. Dance, obviously revolves around this movie. However it’s not only ballet that’s the main style in the movie, they also learn other dance styles like salsa, jazz, even a mixture of ballet and hip hop.
Here’s the final dance in the movie:
I asked all my friends that love to dance to send me videos of them dancing their hearts out. Here’s the video I created. #D.A.N.C.E
Dancing is my passion, and I will never stop. If you don’t like to dance, that’s fine! But try it. If you have a creative mind, think about it and take it out on the dance floor. You have some anger and sadness out? Listen to songs that will make you smile and dance! If you’re already a dancer trying to reach your dreams into being a professional performer or a dance teacher, NEVER STOP! It’s cheesy, I know. There may be ups and downs, but it’ll make you stronger. Learn from it. Keep on dancing!
