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International Dance Day Special – 29 April

Dance – an expression of love and happiness

Do you like to dance? Don’t you see your feet tapping and swaying to the tunes of music? Isn’t there an instant movement in the body when we hear a song or when we are happy? Yes, dance comes from within. Dance is a natural expression of love and happiness. 

Dance – Learning by ‘Doing’

We can see a lot of parents and children learning various dance forms. Any time is the right time to learn dance. The big prerequisite is that one should be ready and interested in dance. Often it is seen if either of the parents like dance, the child grows in an environment, where dance is appreciated. 

Teaching a child a dance form is one of the best ways for children to learn by ‘doing’. Not only does their physical flexibility and mobility increase, but dance also helps develop their emotional and cognitive skills. Because like love, dance is natural. 

Over the years, different dance forms have become part of different communities and countries. The world is becoming flatter and citizens are becoming more global. Now, these dance forms can be seen in all parts of the world and not just restricted to those communities and countries. 

International Dance Day

The International Dance Day is celebrated on 29^th April each year. It is, perhaps, a testimony to the importance of dance for both adults and children. Yet, the day is only a reminder of the potential creative arts like dance have on both the individual and society at large. So why not learn a dance form! It could be a classical dance or any other western dance form too.

Dance Forms

To lessen your confusion here is taking a look at some of the perfect dances that you can opt to teach your child this year.

1. Ballet

Ballet is an artistic dance form. It is performed alongside softer music. There are formal gestures and precise steps required in this. Classical ballet originated in Italy and then got popular across Europe and other countries. It requires the use of pointed shoes and frills in dresses. Ballet is one of the best dance forms to help get flexible. They learn the art of balance and the graceful movements of the arms and legs teach them proper poise and posture. Ballet also strengthens their core muscles. Besides, who doesn’t like wearing pretty frocks and shoes while performing?

2. Jazz

Jazz dancing finds its origins in the dance forms of Africa. It has unique movements, special foot dance and leaps. Jazz is both energetic, as well as a fun dance style. Of course, the dance form is also about creativity with dancers improvising on the moves to add meaning to the performance. Jazz helps children in coordination, improving their physical balance and health and is also a great way to exercise. 

3. Lyrical

Lyrical falls in between jazz and ballet. It is usually performed in groups. The dance form has a storytelling style. Children learn to enhance their expressions while trying to bring to life the musical story. The lyrical dance form is for those children who enjoy physical movements. Lyrical also involves leaping, somersaulting and different walking movements that can be learned by kids through practice.

4. Hip-Hop

Hip-hop is a dance form, as well as a music type. There is something distinctly typical about hip-hop including the wear the performers dress. It is a street dance form that emerged in the US. Hip-Hop includes a lot of creative expressions, such as rapping, deejaying, graffiti paintings and dancing. The dancing form has styles of popping, locking and breaking. For children, Hip-Hop is more than a dance form. It is understanding an entire culture of expression.

5. Contemporary

The contemporary dance form is a recent dance form addition that is a huge hit in the US and Europe. It is a fusion of many cultures and dancers learn to perform complex physical moves. The physical movements are often so pronounced that choreographers also use gymnastic moves in the dance form. This dance form helps children in acquiring an amazing level of flexibility and balance.

6. Zumba

Zumba is, of course, the most happening dance form today with even moms turning towards it for primarily fitness goals. This dance form includes fitness as a main aspect of dancing. Zumba classes are specially designed for kids where usually games and other cultural activities are added to help children learn the moves. It works great for kids who are hyperactive or overweight too.

7. Tap Dancing

The sound of ‘tap’ from shoes onto the dance floor is the central style of Tap dancing. This dance form is all about grace and teamwork. There is rhythm and elegance, as well as stretch movements for the body. Children learning Tap Dancing learn the art of discipline in the music and the overall dance moves help them understand rhythm and pattern. Tap Dancing is popular on Broadway and performed on many stages across the world.

8. Bharatnatyam

One of the oldest classical dances of India, Bharatnatyam is a wonderful combination of expressions and body movements. The dance form is centered on mythological stories. It is a great way for children to learn the ancient culture. Most popular in southern India, Bharatnatyam is taught in all parts of the country. The mudras or hand gestures play an important role in this dance form. It brings poise in ur conduct and flexibility in your body.

9. Kathak

Another Indian Classical dance Kathak is also a popular dance form and well known worldwide. The dance visually tells stories from the epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Kathak is also an extremely energetic dance. The dance form can help children burn all the extra calories and keep them fit. Like all other Indian Classical Dances, Kathak helps in hand, foot and eye coordination and helps children express their emotions through facial expressions.

10. Folk Dances

India is home to many rich folk dances. Depending on where you hail from, learning folk dances can be a great way to stay connected with one’s regional culture. Enrolling your child in a Dandiya class or Bihu dance class introduces them to their local dance form and heritage. Some of the other folk dances that one can try include Bhangra, Garba, Lavani, Hikat and more. Also, the folk dances are performed during festivals and occasions too, giving children the opportunity to showcase their skill and take part in the celebrations.

11. Bollywood Dancing

Now last but not least, everyone in India knows Bollywood dancing. Bollywood dance is nothing but the dance movements, which we see in Hindi movies. It is not a technical dance form, but one can find many classes for Bollywood dancing too. Most people believe that there is no need to learn Bollywood dancing, as the children can pick it up for the movies.  

The list of dance forms that exist across the world is huge. There are around 21 dance popular styles in the world, which are being learned widely across the globe. India has eight classical dances and many regional dances too. 

Learning Dance

Of course, there are a whole lot of dance forms that you can learn. You can enroll in various dancing classes too. However, the golden rule remains to think about your interests first. First, find out what dance forms interest you. If you are not sure, you can always begin with basic dance classes that help you learn body balancing, posture and stretches including gymnastics and Zumba. You can later decide on a particular dance form that you would like to pursue further.

As you grow, you will realise that performing arts play a great role in your personality development and careers too. There are several careers out there, which can be built on the back of formal dance training and courses.

Click here to request information on careers in dance and performing arts:

Careers Unlimited

Dancing is celebration, joy, happiness and fitness too.

Dance is a form of expression that comes out best when not forced or coerced. It is free-flowing and an act of joy that fills the artist with happiness and content. Dancing helps us retain our innocence and channelize our energy. Let’s understand the importance of creative expressions through dances that help us build our physical, emotional, social and intellectual skills.

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