STYLES OF DANCE

Ballet

Ballet for pleasure, Ballet for the more serious-minded. This classical style of expressive movement has something to offer for everyone. Ballet dates back to the 17th century. The conventional steps, grace and fluidity of movement are still found in Ballet today. Choreographers have been influenced by composers through the ages. Ballet has a technique which is the foundation of all dance.

Tap

Tap is rhythm - rhythm is tap. Its origins are many and varied. Americans claim its origin dates from the African Jazz age. The Irish stake their claim to the Jigs and Step Dancing. The English relate back to northern Clog Dancers but whichever one chooses to believe, Tap is as popular today as it was in the heyday of the great Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly musicals. Evergreen shows, 42nd Street and Crazy For You, and the more recent Stomp and Tap Dogs highlight the great diversities of style and music in tapping. The IDTA has recently launched its new Tap Grade Examinations. Thousands of examinations and medal tests are held each year for children’s, students and professionals and a wide range of tests are available for adults of all ages. A gentle, rhythmical and enjoyable way to keep fit!

Theatre Craft

This most exciting dance form encompasses the wide spectrum of productions that are Musical Theatre. Shows like Grease, My Fair Lady, Bombay Dreams, The Lion King etc all diverse styles but all embraced by the Theatre Craft Title. A dance form for theatrical performance, preparing the body physically through exercise and stimulating artistic ability through dance movement, improvisation and interpretation of music. The use of hand props, make up and much more - it provides all the 'must have' qualities for today's amateur and professional dancer.

Cheerleading

Cheerleading involves Cheers, Chants, Dance, Tumbling, Gymnastics, Jumps, Partner Stunts and Pyramid Building. Accepted as an athletic discipline in it's own right in many counties it goes far beyond entertaining at ball games. Cheerleaders must be able to lead cheers, synchronising and motivating large crowds with personality, spirit, positive attitudes and be role model examples of good sportsmanship and behaviour. They must also be knowledgeable P.R. representatives and be able to communicate with young and old alike. Competitions, Parades, Carnivals, plus charity and community events are all part of their schedule.

Freestyle

Freestyle is the trendiest and most popular form of dance in the UK today. In involves runs, spins, kicks and leaps as well as many other diverse steps and movements with lots of different arm and hand actions. The music can be fast and 'beaty' or slow and sensuous, allowing dancers of all ages to use freedom of expression to enhance their style.

Musical Theatre

So you wanna be a star? Or maybe you just want to have the moves - and the fun - of the stars. So start with the IDTA's Musical Theatre Syllabus! A fusion of all modern music and dance styles, Musical Theatre takes you to inspirational heights. The spotlight's on you!

Street Dance

Have you ever seen the hottest pop band's music video or performance on Top of the Pops? Then you will already know what Streetdance looks like. Streetdance takes any form of popular music - from pop to hip hop - and choreographs routines to the beats. We have seen that, only too often, the most successful pop acts have made it big by combining Streetdance routines with their tunes and lyrics.