The lesser known Dance Styles

Hip hop, salsa, contemporary, ballad, belly dancing, kathak, bharatnatyam are the first few dance styles that will come to one’s mind (especially in India) when asked about dance style. But it’s time to update the knowledge of dance styles by acquainting yourself with these truly amazing dance forms. Let’s get started

Foxtrot-It appears like Waltz but differs in time signature. It consists of slow and quick rhythms and has a progressive and flowing dance style. The dance style gained its popularity in 1920’s and was introduced by a man named, Harry Fox in 1913.  The dance position is that of normal ballroom style and this type of dance was mostly used for social events in the 20th century. The Footwork in this dance form is relaxed and has continuity as its main attribute and hallmark.

Jitterbug- The dance probably has the most interesting story of origin. The name was originally used for alcoholics (can you relate the term jitters now?) and subsequently became associated with people who danced without any restrain and danced their heart out, Sounds interesting?  The dance resembles Lindy hop and jive in its fundamental form and demands a lot of exuberance and lifts.

Fandango-It originated as a folk dance in Spain in the 18th century. The dance consists of tease and taunt the first dancer initiates the dance with rhythms and second dancer follows the lead with a more elaborate style. The beauty of this dance is in the swift footwork and use of heels to form complex patterns. The dance style usually has very typical Spanish attire the women wear gowns and men wear waistcoat.

Hustle-This dance form is a mixture of swing the dance gained its popularity in 1960s and is very popular in New York. The movements in hustle are generally smooth and can be slotted or rotational. The foot-work of the dance is quite simple and the pattern structure is attainable relatively quickly.

Bachata- It’s a dance which traces its origin to Dominican Republic and back then the dancers shook their leg to the music created by every day. The footwork concentrates on a set of three simple steps that are coupled with four beats of music.  The dance is for people of all ages. The overall emphasis of the dance is seen through alluring hip and body motions. Initially thought to be a low class dance Bachata eventually found its way to the top

Bolero- This dance originated in Spain. This dance requires rise and fall body movements like in contra body movement. This slow, smooth and romantic dance has established its own style in Brazil, which is quite different from International Ballroom Bolero. The dance should tell a story of a couple falling in love and is danced to the slowest rhythms of Latin dance (but not necessarily).  The partners often change positions from very close to single and then back together.

 

Anubha Gautam

Student of English honors in Delhi University.I love to write , dance and acquaint myself with new trends.

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