Leinani Soto

Bruce, Leslie
English 301
24 September 2018

Dance
Dance is generalized as the act of moving the body in a rhythmic way. Typically but not always, a dance
is performed to music. The dancer(s) can go off of the lyrics of a song, or just simply move to the beat.
The purpose of dancing is to entertain, “[express] an idea or emotion, [release] energy…”, or to take in
the moment of merely just being active (Mackrell, Judith).

History of dance
Back to the earliest trace of human existence,
dances were performed “in ancient rituals,
spiritual gatherings and social events”
(dancefacts.net). It is believed that dance was
used as a way to interpret stories into a physical
representation.

Popular styles of dance

Amongst all the dance styles performed
White, John. “Indian Ritual by Algonquian Native Americans”

throughout the world, Jazz, Ballet, Modern/Contemporary, and hip hop gained the most popularity in the
United States over the years.
Ballet
Ballet is a classical dance form that originated in Italy. This style of dance is “characterized by
grace and precision of movement” (Allthatjazzdanceco.net). Ballet is considered the foundation of all
dance as other styles such as jazz and modern use technique from ballet as a framework. Jazz
“Jazz dance combines techniques of classical ballet and modern dance” (Allthatjazzdanceco.net). There
is a big emphasis on energy and style in jazz dance. It is typically a dance style
that is rhythmically accurate and entertaining to watch.
Contemporary/ Modern
While modern and contemporary dance utilizes ballet skills, it is altered. For
instance, the positions of the traditional footwork, hand placements, etc. are used but may look different
as the foot may be “flexed” rather than traditionally “pointed”. It was designed to rebel against the
traditional visual of ballet. This dance style allows the emotion(s) of the dancer to be seen through their
moves as they dance fluidly. Hip Hop
“Hip hop is referred to as a “street” style of dance portrayed in music videos. Hip-hop includes various
moves such as breaking, popping, locking and krumping” (Allthatjazzdanceco.net). This style of dance
is less technical and involves high energy, and because of this it is often seen practiced in both studio
and the outdoors.
Technique
Technique is the foundation for all dance movement. Without a strong technical foundation the
dancer would not be able to be attentive to the stylistic and performance aspect of dance. In order to
do proper jumps, turns, and leaps one must have
the correct posture and center control. “The
body's center is the focal point from which all
movement emanates, thus making it possible to
maintain balance while

executing powerful movements”

(danceconnectionrochester.com). In order to
improve on technique one must complete many
repetitions of the desired skill with correct
posture, stretch and maintain their physical
activity to improve their cardiovascular Dancer practicing

endurance and train their muscles. her technique in

class.

Attire for dance

Studio attire
While attending a dance class, the participant is expected to wear attire that enables them to properly
and comfortably dance. For instance, In a ballet class it is recommended to wear tighter clothes so the
instructor can make corrections and adjust improper body alignment. Moreover, In Hip hop the dancers
wear looser clothes such as street clothes and sneakers to match the style. Generally the dancers are
recommended to tie their hair back throughout the class to
avoid distraction.

Costumes

The costumes for performances are used to enhance the

dance piece and it can even help the audience get a clearer
understanding of the message (if any) that the dance is trying
to portray. Hair and makeup is to be done for shows as the
intensity from a stage light washes out the face. The hair can
be used as an accessory, for example in a hip hop dance one
can incorporate “hairography” by utilizing their hair as a
prop. Along with that, some dances might require a prop such
as a cane, flower, etc. to tie the visual together.
“Luck be a lady” dance costume

Reasons to dance
Social
Individuals take dance classes or participate in dance groups in order to
socialize with people that have the common interest in dancing. Performances
Some audition for dance shows to showcase their talents and love for dance. These shows serve as
great entertainment for the audience that comes to watch. Fitness
Dance has revolutionized throughout the years. Some take dance to simply get a good sweat in. With
fitness classes like Zumba, both experienced and inexperienced dancers are able to gain the benefits
from dancing all while still having fun.

Occupations for dancers

Dance teacher
Dance teachers are expected to teach individuals at skill different levels the art of dance. Dance teachers
teach in “public or private schools, after-school programs, or private dance studios…”(Study.com). In
order to become a dance teacher a teacher education program must be completed, and after that a
certificate must be obtained. Teachers can make anywhere from $25,000 to $35,000 annually.
Choreographer
In order to qualify as a choreographer or a person who makes up moves for a dance all that is needed is a
high school diploma. Though that is “sufficient for this field, [a bachelor's degree is recommended]”
(Study.com).When going to school to obtain a degree a student usually majors or minors in performing
arts/dance. In order to be a successful choreographer one must have the availability to travel, possess
strong leadership skills and creativity. On average, the median salary earned annually is $44,250 as of
2014. (Study.com)
 Sideline dancers
Similar to choreographers, sideline dancers for pro
athletic teams must have the availability to travel.
The dancers must learn multiple dances and cheers
while going through a series of auditions and
interviews in order to make it on the team. Once they
are on the team they are expected to attend every
game and pick up the routines at a fast pace. Backup
dancer
Backup dancers go through a very similar audition
and interview process. They learn multiple dances to
perform and then eventually get to perform on a
stage with a singer, actor or even another dancer.
Their
Scales, Kristi. Dallas Cowboys NFL
cheerleaders

salary can range from $665 to as much as $2,000 a week (Bizfluent.com)

Movies and commercials

Much like booking a gig to be a backup dancer, the dancers must audition and provide a resume when
going to their audition. when looking to be in a movie, commercial or any other videos some might
require multiple auditions and interviews before getting booked.
 Citations

Bedinghaus, Treva. “12 Popular types of dance”, Thoughtco.com. 13 July 2018. Retrieved from:
https://www.thoughtco.com/types-of-dance-1007456

Bethany. “10 common Ballet Technique mistakes and how to fix them”, Balletforadults.com. 28 May
2015. Retrieved from:
https://www.balletforadults.com/10-common-ballet-technique-mistakes-and-how-to-fix-them/

“Class descriptions”, Allthatjazzdanceco.net. 20, September, 2018. Retrieved from:

http://allthatjazzdanceco.net/class-descriptions/

“Dance”, Wikipedia.com. 24, August, 2018. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dance

Goins, Jorie. “The average salary of backup dancers”, Bizfluent.com. 29 June, 2018. Retrieved
from: https://bizfluent.com/info-12085234-average-salary-backup-dancers
.html
https
“History of dance”, Dancefacts.net. 20, September, 2018. Retrieved from:
http://www.dancefacts.net/dance-history/history-of-dance/

“How to become a choreographer education and career road map”, Study.com. 20 September,
2018. Retrieved from:
https://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Choreographer_Education_and_Care
er_Roadmap.html

“How to become a Dance teacher: Step-by-step”, Study.com. 20 September 2018 Retrieved from:
://study.com/articles/How_to_Become_a_Dance_Teacher_Step-By-Step_Care er_Guide.html

“Jazz dance”, Danceconnectionrochester.com. 20 September 2018. Retrieved from:

http://www.danceconnectionrochester.com/dance/jazz-dance

“Luck be a lady”, Showcostumes.com. 20 September 2018. Retrieved from:

http://www.show-costumes.com/Luck-Be-A-Lady-Competition-Dance-Costume

Mackrell, Judith. “Dance: Performing arts”, Britannica.com. 28 June, 2018. Retrieved from:
 https://www.britannica.com/art/dance

Scales, Kristi. “Countdown to Auditions: DCC Roundtable on Performing the World-Famous DCC Kick
Line”, 5pointsblue.com.12 May 2017. Retrieved from:
http://www.5pointsblue.com/countdown-auditions-dcc-roundtable-performing-world-famous-
dcc -kick-line/

White, John. “Indian Ritual by Algonquian Native Americans”, Alamy.com. 20 September 2018.
Retrieved from:
https://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-indian-ritual-dance-by-algonquian-native-americans-
Watercolor-c1585-9082198