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Month: March 2017

The History of Swing Dance

By wati D Banerjee  |  

Some feel dancing is reciprocation of being alive, while some dance for enjoyment. But it is something that shows great energy on the part of the dancer. Dancing is nothing but moving the human body or any part of the body along with the music.

Among many dance forms which varies greatly in music selection to tempo of the music, the Swing Dancing is unique in its own way. It gets its name from dance developed during the swing era i.e. 1920-1940, with the popularity of the Big Band and its jazz music. Though, there are many forms and classes of swing dance which are known by different names, the name swing dance commonly refers to any of them. One of the most popular forms is known as Lindy Hop, originating in Harlem in 1930s.

The Lindy Hop dancers were initially known as Jitterbugs, getting their name from the twitchy movement that the dancers make. There are other forms such as Balboa, Collegiate Shag, etc., and more styles are getting developed every year. The dance became immensely popular with fast and intricate movements and dance moves. Charles Lindbergh was a revelation in this case and thus the name Lindy Hop came into being to honor his style of dancing.

Over the years, many other dance for began to develop like Boogie woogie, Rock n Roll and disco dancing which were only the derivatives of the original swing dancing. They grew in popularity and more people were attracted to the newer dance style.

The original swing dancing almost was reduced to a handful of dancers and by the 1960s, the culture almost vanished. Moreover the musical tracks were made more in favor of the other alternative styles of dancing. It remained out of any major stage until 1980s when it was introduced again by the French with a new name of French Jibe or Modern Jibe.

Eventually they started to get good appreciation and recognition all over the world. Slowly it emerged as one of the leading dance forms and became quite popular all over the world. It slowly made its way back to the UK in the early 1990s, and is danced to contemporary jazz music and modern music. There is a considerable variation and development taking place even in the recent times and can be found distinct to each other in different parts of the world.

The dance format skewed its way through many dance styles and classes since the early 20th century. In 1940s it grew popular as East Coast Swing and most commonly referred to as Six Step Swing. It also had a variation name West Coast swing which was more stylistic and lively. Imperial Swing, Washington Hand Dancing and push are its other form and variation which saw growing popularities in the 1950s.

Swing dance has rightfully found its place in modern art and culture with increasing popularity among dancers as well as common people. Many dance competitions are being developed where the subtleties of swing dance is judged based on timing, teamwork and technique among the dancing couples to select the winners, though the original Lindy Hop competitions only looks to select the most impressive dancer to be the winner without any of these criteria. There are many modern day dance groups who are keeping the tradition alive and taking it forward.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Swati_D_Banerjee/617179

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Three Types of Belly Dancing Styles

The art of belly dancing had its beginning in America during the 1950’s in America. It was marketed as a way to entertain your husband. It gained mass popularity, and has continued to be popular with thousands of women.

There are three popular styles which women can now pursue according to their individual interests.

Cabaret or night club dancing is very popular and in demand for entertainment functions.
Folkloric dancing is attractive to those who have an historic and cultural interest in Middle Eastern dancing.
Tribal Fusion is an American inspired dance blending Flamenco, Middle Eastern, and Ballet into its movements.
The costumes also help to indicate the style of dancing which is being performed.

Cabaret or night club dancing is Turkish and Egyptian costuming. These costumes are very figure flattering and made of glamour or fancy fabrics associated with evening glamour.
Folkloric consists of being covered from neck to ankle with cottons or wool fabric of colored patterns. The country being represented will dictate its style.
American tribal fusion costumes usually consist of black fitted pants with a bottom flare and black tops. Colored accessories of original inventiveness may adorn the basic pant and top. Tattoos are popular among this group of dancers.
Belly dancing enthusiasts in America have three choices of interests. This writer recommends taking cabaret and folkloric classes before attempting American tribal fusion. It is well worth understanding the steps, dance movements, and motivation behind each style.

Each belly dancing style has a different posture, attitude, and body movements. Some steps may feel very comfortable and other dance movements may require a great deal of effort and much practicing. Just as one progresses through the grades in school, likewise, it is worth progressing through the different forms of belly dancing until you find your niche.

Regardless of which belly dancing style you choose to study, there is much to learn and each style will hold your interest for many years.

All three belly dancing styles will help with physical fitness for both weight loss and physical toning. The costumes and public performing are other motivations for many women to continue a weight loss program. There are costumes which will help the dancer to maintain her attractiveness as she journeys towards physical fitness and weight loss.

Another feature of taking belly dancing classes is the satisfaction which women gain practicing their creativity, using their imagination, cultural dance education, and pursuing a hidden fantasy.

Summary: Women enjoy belly dancing for these reasons:

The art of dancing
Physical Fitness
Mental discipline
Psychological satisfaction with creativity, imagination, and fantasy
Wearing beautiful costumes
Possibility of being a public performer
Self-entertainment
Enjoyment and fun
Are you wanting to take dance lessons but confused about the different styles? Do you know which method is best for you? It can be confusing as to where to begin. More importantly is this style of dance for you? Resolve this problem with Belly Dancing – Sensual Essentials at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NBDKR84.

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Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/expert/Tricia_Deed/441960

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