Styles Of Dance
Ballet
The word ‘Ballet’ comes from the Italian word “Ballare” which means to dance. It is an artistic dance form characterized by precise set steps, positions and gestures and the use of pointe shoes at advanced levels.
Ballroom
Ballroom is a form of dance traditionally performed in couples as seen on ‘Strictly Come Dancing’. Dances include the Waltz, Quickstep, Foxtrot, Tango and Viennese Waltz.
Cheerleading
Cheerleading is a dance form which originated in the USA at Sports Games with the purpose of cheering on one’s team and exciting the crowd with spectacular moves and tricks. It is characterised by energetic jumps, slick arm positions and the use of poms.
Choreography
The art of creating dances.
Classical Sequence
Set dances which originated in the Ballroom danced in couples.
Country & Western
Line Dancing inspired by Country and Western music.
Freestyle/Disco
A dance form which has developed since the 1970’s with a range of styles from Disco to Upbeat moves often reflecting music current in the pop charts.
Hip Hop/Street
A style of dance which had its start from the streets. It encompasses different styles such as break-dancing, tutting, popping, krumping.
Latin-American
Traditionally danced in couples to rhythms from Latin America. Standard Latin dances are Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Jive and Paso Doble. Other rhythms include Salsa, Mambo and Merengue.
Performing Arts/Musical Theatre
An art form encompassing Drama, Singing and Dance to create stories for the stage as you would see in London’s West End or on Broadway.
Rock & Roll
Traditionally danced in couples to the Rock and Roll music of the 50’s. Highlights include kicks, flicks and partner lifts.
Salsa/Mambo
A Latin American form of dance popular in clubs.
Social Dance
Dancing for fun at dances usually in couples performing Sequence and Ballroom routines.
Song & Dance
Song & Dance at Theatre competitions includes part singing and part dancing; often taken from musical theatre.
Speech & Drama
Speech & Drama exams study vocal exercises, speech exercise and acting techniques.
Stage/Jazz
This is the style you see most often in the theatre – originally a break-a-way from Ballet and the strict turned out positions.
Tap
Tap dancing involves making
sounds and rhythms using the feet as a musical instrument by wearing shoes with
metal taps attached to the bottoms.
