Essential Elements of Dance

[pygmalion]

As you probably know, I'm a dance generalist. I'm also an integration engineer, which probably doesn't help. :lol: :lol:

But I've been wondering lately how to put this whole dance picture together. Are there some things that are common between all dances?

We've spent a lot of time here analyzing individual dances and understanding differences in execution and style. But is there anything common between them all? In short, what are the essential elements that make dance, dance?

Philosophers are welcome to reply. Ordinary folks, too. :lol: 8)

 

[Vince A]

Well . . . not trying to funny, but to get this started . . .

There is music . . .
There is a form of a living being, usually human . . .
Bodies twist, turn, bend, etc. . . .
Legs and feet must be moving . . .
Arms raise and lower, push and pull . . .
The last three can easily be injured . . .
Hopefully there is mutual satisfaction during and after . . .
Hopefully there is pleasure in that satisfaction!

 

[Sagitta]

I like that Vince!!

As you probably know, I'm a dance generalist. I'm also an integration engineer, which probably doesn't help.

A bit off topic, , but what does an integration engineer, do?

Back on topic:
Many dances have common moves, such as right turn, left turn...Then there is dance music and non-dance music.

Are we considering partner dancing or all dancing, including folk, freestyle...?

 

[Vince A]

See??? We keep adding to this list . . . then we can put it all together in a supercomputer. The computer can digest it for a few weeks, then, "Voila!"


Everything we wnated to know about dancing in one easy to swallow pill!

Or, even better, our computers can dance for us!

Of course, it will dance like an integration engineer and will sport a sexy red dress! But still won't give us a picture in the avatar!

 

[msc]

Here are some tips, you don't need to do them socially, but they will help your appearance and body control. I can't think of any dances where they don't apply.

Always stretch the body. Always. If part of you is sagging, or not toned, it's very, very, noticeable.

Always keep the abdominal muscles contracted inwards. Again, if you don't do this, you'll sag in the middle, you won't have as much power and control, and it will again be very noticeable.

Always start all movements from the torso region. Arm movements, leg movements, even head movements, always try to start the motion from the torso.

Try to power body actions from the legs and feet. The more you isometrically press into the floor, the more power you'll have for body shaping. So, for example, in a Latin settle, initiate and control the motion with your abs and back muscles, but accelerate and broaden the motion with the power from your legs and feet. Same thing applies to swing and sway.

Always keep the arms connected to the back ... don't let your shoulders float up. That allows the leaders to lead from the body, and the followers to be sensitive to such leads.

 

[pygmalion]

This is good stuff, msc.

I was also thinking about stuff like posture, balance, and centering. Hmm.