Classical Ballet

Classical ballet, system of dance based on formalized movements and positions of the arms, feet, and body designed to enable the dancer to move with the greatest possible agility, control, speed, lightness, and grace. Classical-ballet technique is based on the turned-out position of the legs, which increases the range of movement through added mobility in the hip joint and also imparts a more pleasing line to the extended leg. The subject matter of classical ballet may be romantic, realistic, or mythological; a variety of dramatic and emotional situations may be represented.

With six core recognised methods: the Cecchetti method, the Bournoville method, the Vaganova method, the French School, the Royal Academy of Dance method and the Balanchine method, ballet is studied professionally at top dance schools all over the world.

NeoClassical

Neoclassical ballet is a style of ballet that emphasizes fast-paced movements, minimalistic set and costume design, and abstract storylines, and de-emphasizes pointe work (the dance technique in which ballet dancers balance on their toes). In a neoclassical ballet, costumes, which are often simple leotards, and stage scenery, are minimal. This is in contrast to the grand tutus and elaborate sets favored in romantic ballet and some classical ballet performances. In addition, the neoclassical ballet technique emphasizes a ballerina’s movements as the main focal point of the production.

Pas de Deux

Pas de deux, (French: “step for two”), dance for two performers. The strictly classical balletic pas de deux followed a fixed pattern: a supported adagio, a solo variation for the male dancer, a solo variation for the female dancer, and a coda in which both participants displayed their virtuosity.

Character

Character dance is a specific subdivision of classical dance. It is the stylized representation of a traditional folk or national dance, mostly from European countries, and uses movements and music which have been adapted for the theater.

Character dance is integral to much of the classical ballet repertoire. A good example of character dance within ballet is the series of national dances which take place at the beginning of Act II of Swan Lake. The ballet Don Quixote also features many character variations based on traditional Spanish dances. Popular character dance adaptations for ballet also include the national dances of Hungary , Russia, Poland, Italy and Spain: csárdás, mazurka, tarantella, flamenco, etc.

Ethnic | National Folkloric

Jazz

Jazz dance pairs animated expressions with sharp yet fluid motions. One of the most distinct characteristics of jazz dance is the use of isolation, a jazz technique in which dancers isolate one part of the body. While this one part moves, the rest of the body remains still. Oftentimes, dancers isolate their head, shoulders, ribs, or hips.

Another characteristic of this American dance form is a dance technique known as syncopation. This is when dancers stress an offbeat note to grab the audience’s attention. By bending their knees, jazz dancers also maintain a low center of gravity to enhance different movements. Modern jazz emerged in the 1950s as Broadway show choreographers in New York City began incorporating jazz on the stage. Choreographers Jack Cole, Bob Fosse, and Gus Giordano have particularly influenced modern jazz. Today, commercial jazz is a popular form of jazz dance, combining elements of hip-hop and pop into stylized choreography.

Musical Theatre

Musical theatre is a form of theatrical performance that combines songs, spoken dialogue, acting, and dance. While musical theatre productions may include jazz dance as part of their choreography, the genre encompasses a wide range of dance styles and is not limited to jazz alone. Musical theatre productions can also feature tap dance, ballet, modern dance, and other forms of dance, depending on the specific show and its choreographer.

Contemporary

Contemporary dance is a style of interpretive dance that embraces innovation, blending techniques from various genres, including classical ballet, jazz, modern dance, and lyrical dance. This genre of dance, which focuses more on floor work over leg work and pointe, isn’t restricted by the rules that govern traditional dance forms. Instead, it relies on improvisation and versatility and is characterized by freedom of movement and fluidity, letting dancers explore the mind-body connection and ideally evoking emotion in the audience.

Contemporary dance is sometimes considered a form of storytelling, and dancers may use the medium to portray characters, replay events, or convey personal stories. Its routines may also communicate abstract ideas, such as ethical values, acceptance of self, and timely social issues. Costumes typically reflect the topic or tone of the accompanying music, and dancers often perform with bare feet. Performers may perform this type of dance to various musical styles, spoken word poems and songs, or silence.

Contemporary dance developed in the twentieth century, thanks to some of the most notable pioneers of modern, postmodern, and contemporary dance: Isadora Duncan, Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Merce Cunningham, Jose Limon, Loie Fuller, Ruth St. Denise

Modern

Modern dance is a highly expressive style of dance that challenges the structured dance technique of classical ballet. The focus of modern dance is expression, rather than following a rigid set of postures or technical positions that ballet dancers are trained in. Modern dance movements are considered freeform and fluid, and are often inspired by other dance styles—like African dance, ballet, and folk dance. Though modern dance technique is considered more relaxed and natural than ballet, it can require considerable core work and strength. Modern dancers often perform barefoot, in tight costumes that showcase the shapes of their bodies.

There have been many modern dancers throughout the decades who have left their legacy in the world of modern dance. Below are some of the famous names of the modern dance world: Alvin Ailey, Katherine Dunham, Martha Graham, Lester Horton, Doris Humphrey, Jose Limon, Pearl Primus, Paul Taylor, Twyla Tharp, Charles Weidman

Lyrical

Lyrical dance challenges choreographers and dancers to use motion to interpret music and express emotion. A lyrical dancer's movements attempt to show the meaning of the music. Lyrical is a very passionate and emotional dance style. It portrays certain emotions such as love, and tells a story through every movement made. Lyrical dance has a relatively recent history and a genesis based on the coming together of ballet with rock/folk/pop/alternative music and a variety of jazz dance styles and modern dance. It is mainly performed to music with lyrics, and the song's lyrics are a driving force and key inspiration for the movement. Choreography is often emotional, gripping, and exquisitely delicate, all at the same time.

Lyrical dance gained its name not because the lyrics of a song are indeed sometimes highlighted over the rhythm, but because of the meaning of the word lyrical: having a poetic, expressive quality; musical; characterized by or expressing spontaneous, direct feeling; expressing deep personal emotions or observation; highly rhapsodic or enthusiastic.

Thematic

The Thematic Dance routine is a medium for Teams to express themselves artistically in the shape of a theme, a mood or dramatically as skilful exponents of precision. It must be realised that this segment differs from the Thematic Drill and Exhibition Drill Routines in that Teams are expected to be more theatrical, more expressive and more artistic, displaying skill in characterisation.

The Thematic Dance Routine is a display where in Teams may perform a free-choice interpretation of a story/theme/dance/pantomime within the specified rules. Movement must correlate to the music being played, and the idea being expressed should be reasonably clear. However, it should be remembered that a certain amount of license will be given to artistically present an idea in accordance with the performer’s interpretation of it. The display should demonstrate variety, versatility, physical flexibility, some difficulty with sureness of performance and have visual value. The total effect should blend visually and musically and above all be artistically or dramatically entertaining. The work must be set to the music being played and choreographed to come within the context of the idea being presented. The movements themselves should be “in character” with actions sequenced to create interest (highlights).

Show Dance

Show Dance in the broadest sense is based either on any Jazz/Lyrical, Ballet and/or Modern and Contemporary dance technique.    Other dance disciplines can also be incorporated but cannot dominate.   The dancer's personal interpretation should be clearly evident when using any of these disciplines or styles.   Show Dance allows the use of lifts (except for Children), acrobatics, props, lip-sync and other theatrical effects.   All Show Dance presentations shall be based on a concept, story, theme or idea. There must be a title of the Show. The concept, story, theme or idea must be fully understandable and will be expressed by means of dance movements that adhere to the piece being presented, along with being creative, imaginative and original. The piece must have Show Value and entertain the audience.

Acro Dance

Street Dance | Urban

Street dance is an umbrella term for dance styles that have their origin on the streets. Depending on who you ask, you'll get a wider or narrower range of dances that are considered street dances. A common interpretation is that street dances are the dance forms that originated in the urban areas of the United States and are considered to be part of hip-hop, funk and club culture.

Hip-Hop / Popping / Locking / Breaking / House dance / Krumping / Clowning / Waacking / Voguing

Mtv Commercial

Style generally based on Hip Hop and its new style. It is mainly inspired by pop culture and its products – video clips from MTV or Video Dance, built mainly for show and maximum spectacle. Extreme emphasis is placed on the visual style, overall image, perfection of clothes, colours, refined style, ubiquitous temptation and perfect technique. That is why MTV Style is danced on high heels too. No stylistic boundaries here are insurmountable.

K POP