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.
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