Lesson-3_4_5

note. Benefits of dancing

Dancing allows people to be more physically, mentally, emotionally, and socially dynamic. It is also another way to have fun while exercising. Dancing is a whole body workout for people who would like to explore their creative and athletic or sporty sides.

physical benefit

• provides cardiovascular conditioning, which controls blood pressure and the risk of heart disease.

• boosts bone density along with muscular strength and coordination

• Improves balance, stamina, core stability, and flexibility that help keep muscles and joints health.

physical benefit

• Maintains and improves body coordination.
• Enhances muscular strength and endurance.
• Promotes good posture and lowers back pain.
• Reduces excess body fat, which in turn reduces the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and heart disease.

mental benefit

• Improves mental alertness and sharpness.
• Reduces the risks of Alzheimer’s disease and dementia.
• Helps enhance decision-making skills.
• Reduces stress, depression, and loneliness

social benefit

• Makes one feel better and more alert.
• Promotes a feeling of inner peace and healing, harmony, joy, and vitality.
• Offers a creative avenue to express oneself.

social benefit

• Improves self-esteem, confidence, and self-worth.
• Brings together people who share a common interest.
• Establishes new friendships, connections, and eventually a support network.
• Opens new career opportunities.
• Offers insight into other cultures, traditions, and more.

note

note. The repetitive practice of movements that require extreme flexibility, strength, and endurance makes dancers prime candidates for injuries caused by the overuse of muscles. one way of preventing injuries in dance is knowing how your body works and what it needs to train, perform and stay healthy.

Flexibility, alignment, strength and stamina, coordination and technical skill, and general body maintenance.

Safe dance principles are based on improving the following main areas of basic body fitness:

good posture

is vital for control, safety and expression.

correct postural line

• Runs from the earlobe, center of the shoulder and hip, front of the ankle, down to the foot.
• Shoulders, hips, and knees should be on the same level along the imaginary line.
• An imaginary point under the navel is where the center of gravity is and shifts depending on the shape and weight distribution of the dancer.

• Weight too far back
• Failing to turn out from the hips
• Twisted hips
• Feet overturning/rolling
• Misuse of muscle groups

Examples of faulty/wrong Alignment in training:

scoliosis

Symptoms: From the back, appears to be an S or C curve.

Causes: Numerous misalignments

lordosis (swayback)

Symptoms: from the side, exaggerated lumbar curve

Causes: Weak abdominal muscles, tight lumbar spine and hamstrings.

flat back

Symptoms: Flat lower back (opposite ofLordosis)

Causes: Weak lower back muscles; tight hamstring

kyphotic spine

Symptoms:
• From the side, abdominal round upper back

Causes:
• Tight chest muscles; weak upper back

• Wear proper fitting clothing and shoes.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Resist the temptation to dance through pain.
• Pay close attention to correct technique.
• Be mindful of the limits of your body and do not push yourself too fast too soon.
• Perform proper warm-up and cool-down exercises.

note. Things to remember to prevent injury:

• cultural identity

• worship

• social interaction

Dance has been the avenue for the expression of

• art

• competition

• entertainment

Dance is a form of

Dance as Cultural Identity

Every nation, country, region, and tribe all over the world has its own style and way of dance to express and communicate their distinct cultural and social identity.

Dance as Cultural Identity

Any of these dances are still performed to preserve the traditions, lifestyles, and rich heritage of their ancestors.

liturgical dance

he Christian Church during the medieval period banned many dance forms except the _

Dance as Worship

• This dance is performed during religious worship services and festivals.

• At present, the choreography may be free in form, but it should respond to the lyrics of religious music to enhance the prayer or worship experience.

Dance as Expression of Rebellion

In history, dance has been used to express rebellion against power and authority. Oppression and lack of acceptance in society are some of the reasons for rebellion.

Oppression and lack of acceptance

some of the reasons for rebellion

Capoeira

The African slaves in Portugal, who worked in the fields of Brazil during the 16th century, conceptualized a dance that combined martial arts, music, and sports to express their cultural identity and serve as a tool for self-defense. This dance is known as _ and was considered illegal even after slavery ended.

classical dance

Has evolved over 400 years. Its technique is structured and specific, codified and stylized.

classical dance

Ballet, Kabuki, Kathakali, and Bharatanatyam are a few examples.

Classical Dance

Experts, practitioners, and teachers carefully kept the unique steps, positions, techniques, and styles of choreography.

Modern Dance

Started during the early 20th century when dancers and choreographers began to contradict the formalism of classical dance forms.

Modern Dance

Their movements were free, more expressive, and broke down traditions. Their style and technique were more powerful, incorporating many different cultural influences.

Dance as Competition

Different age groups and levels of proficiency provide young dancers the opportunity to compete in regional and national dance-offs.

Dance as Competition

These dancers are trained to compete and perform in front of small and large audiences. Performances in front of judges are usually highly energetic and physically demanding.

ballet, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, modern, dance sport, and tap.

Dance competitions showcase different dance styles such as

dance tournaments

are part of an industry controlled by production companies and well-known international organizations.

entertainments

During the early history of dance, professional dancers worked as

note

note. Acrobats and musicians who entertained royalty were the first recorded in ancient Egypt, while in ancient Greece, dance was part of theater.

Medieval and Renaissance period

nobles and peasants in this period used dance as entertainment and amusement.