Is an expression of the body, following rhythmic
patterns, and is usually accompanied by music. People still dance mainly for four reasons: a. To please gods b. To please others c. To please themselves or self –expression d. To build community within an ethnic group or social interaction BENEFITS OF DANCE 1. Physical Good way to develop your cardiovascular and muscular endurance Improves coordination, balance, flexibility, and body composition Helps improve bone density, thus helps prevent osteoporosis 2. Mental/ Emotional Helps keep the brain sharp Decreases depressive symptoms Increases self-esteem and improves body image Aids in releasing emotional and physical tension 3. Social Gives sense of togetherness within a group Encourages positive social interaction and interpersonal relationship in a group
4. Cultural Promotes cultural values ELEMENTS OF DANCE Space- direction, size, level, and focus Time Energy 2OTH CENTURY MODERN DANCE AND BALLET
“The body says what words
cannot.” -- Martha Graham MODERN DANCE is a style of dancing where dancers are free to express their feelings through movements without adhering to any rules in dance particularly that of ballet. CHARACTERISTICS OF MODERN DANCE Interpretative instead of using sets of steps and dance books Looks improvised Loose movement and gravity plays an important role Tells a story through the dance Use motions, props, music, and lights to show emotions Costumes were important to the overall dance BALLET The word ballet was taken from the Italian word ballare, meaning to dance. It was in the 15th century during Renaissance period when ballet began in Italy. A system of dance based on formalized movements and positions of the arms, feet, and body designed to enable the dancer to move with the greatest possible agility, control, speed, lightness, and grace. BASIC DANCE POSITIONS IN BALLET Classical Ballet Modern Dance Modern Dance Ballet Do a lot of floor work and Upright choreography choreography on the like leaps and turns ground Erect spine C-Shaped spine Point shoes or ballet Barefoot or light shoes slippers/ballet shoes Heavy movements Light on their feet Costumes made to show Elegant structured movement costumes to show beauty The Pioneers of Modern Dance RUTH ST. DENIS & TED SHAWN (1877-1960) Created a dance wherein she portrayed an Egyptian goddess. Founded Ruth St. Denis School of Dancing and Related Arts Denishawn Company MARTHA GRAHAM (1894-1991) American dancer and choreographer Learned to dance at Denishawn Studio in NYC She danced and choreographed for over 70 years. Founded her own dance company “Martha Graham Dance Company, technique, and theatre founded in 1926. ISADORA DUNCAN (1877-1927) American dancer Accrediting with inventing “modern dance” “Her dances appeared natural and so free- flowing that it looked like it was being created on the spot” MARIE LOUISE FULLER (1862-1928) She was an American actress and dancer who was a pioneer of both modern dance and theatrical lighting techniques Multicolored lights on silk “The dancer’s body is simply the luminous manifestation of the soul”