Dancing as Exercise ... for your body and soul!
|
|
|
|
Instructor: Erika May of Inoor: World Fusion Bellydance Company
www.ErikaMay.net myspace.com/inoor
HELLO EVERYONE!
Welcome to our Dance learn and lunch. This workshop is intended to give you a basic understanding of dance as an art form and an exercise regimen. We will go through some full-body stretches and some basic solo moves from a variety of international forms of dance. Provided are a list of resources to pursue dancing.
Every Dance has a History
There is a history and idea behind every dance step. Dance, simply, is a series of distinct and repetitive movements. Most dance forms have an origin in human ritual. To name a few, dances have originated from farming, self-defense, and the simple act of walking. Women throughout history have displayed their sexuality and sensuality through dance. Unmarried Apache woman would dance for the men arriving home from a long looting session, and typically the best dancer would wind up marrying the male who brought home the biggest load.
Many dances have storytelling origins. Indian dance is full of gods and other character, and each move the dancer makes - down to the pinky finger - is an indication of the plotline.
Dance has a way of influincing the culture or the people involved in formal dancing, and has many times changed the history of its originating culture. King Herod offered dancer Salome anything up to half of his kingdom after he saw her perform. She asked for the head of John the Baptist, brought to her on a platter.
Songs and choreographed dances have been used throughout human history and throughout the world, as a show of solidarity within a community, a communal form of celebration, a way to communicate and pass on traditions, as exercise, preparation for battle, or for plain good old-fashioned fun (the YMCA anybody?)
If you are interested in learning more about the history of any type of dance, I highly reccomend Moving Histories, Dancing Cultures, compiled by Ann Dills, which is a compilation of academic essays. Many types of dance are represented in this encyclopedia, from Ballet to Egyptian Cabaret, Korean Dance to Stripping. It includes the histories of Male and Female dance, the history of various types of dances’ acceptability within society.
The Best Reasons to Dance
|
-Dance is FUN. It is direct proof that exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. It is, after all, simply about movement. There are infinate types of dance out there, and many qualified teachers willing to guide you through the process of learning the moves and developing your own style. -Dance is communal. People dance at concerts, clubs weddings and holidays. They dance with their friends and family. It is a celebration of life, a celebration of being in your own skin. Dancing with other people can develop friendships and relationships. As with any new-to-you activity, you often open yourself up to a new and exciting community. |
|
|
Remember: *always lengthen while you stretch* |
|
|
Core Conditioning |
|
Some Moves to Try Arms and Hands Arabic Arms Indian Classical Hands Big scoop in front Tribal Hands Florets Hand wave Upper Body Head Slides Indian “yes/no” head Quick Shoulder Shimmy Torso Twists |
|
Pittsburgh Resources for Dance This list is not comprehensive, but a guideline on where to start looking. In my humble opinion, the links here represent the best dance Pittsburgh has to offer. Dance link through Carnegie Library: www.clpgh.org/subject/dance/edu.html |
While every teacher of every style will have their own specific way of dancing, there are certain things to ask yourself as you approach regular classes.
-Is this something that interests me? Finding a class that you’re interested in can guarantee you’ll go back more often. Check out a bunch to start, and see what is keeping your interest.
-Is it at your level? You don’t want to join an advanced Ballet class if you don’t know what a Plie is. At the same time, if you’ve been taking jazz since you were five, maybe you only need one or two beginner classes to get you aquainted with Hip Hop. Just remember that going back to the basics, the fundamental elements of each dance style, is important at *any* level of proficency.
-Is the teacher supportive? Never take classes from a teacher who forces you into a move your body is not capable of. If your teacher doesn’t say “go at your own pace”, and is not an aerobics instructor or drill seargent, then you must go to a teacher who does. No Pain, No Gain is a very true concept, but there will be no gain at all if the pain is in your joints or if you’ve hyper-extended yourself.
-Are you improving? If you are, they great, you’re on the right path. If you don’t see any improvement then you should change up your regimen. Try to stretch deeper or drill for a little longer. However, every day treats your body a little different, so don’t force it on a day when your muscles just don’t feel like moving.
-A good class should also teach you respect. This is respect for yourself, respect for the teacher and other students, and ultimatly respect for your audience.
After class, treat yourself. Go grab dinner or a drink with your classmates. You’ve earned it! Plus, food and wine taste better after a good dance class.
About Today’s Instructor
EMay has studied American Tribal Style Bellydance, Turkish and Egyptian classical dances, Kalbelia and Rom (Gypsy) dances, as well as Tai Chi, Zillar, Mevlana Spinning and Fire Poi. She has dabbled in many other forms of dance, and taught herself through rapt observation.
She was a co-founder of Jalsah, a nationally-touring Middle-Eastern music and dance event, and performs with the troup Inoor. Additionally, EMay has written thesis papers on the histories of Bellydance, American Indian Dance & World Music.
She has been studying dance since she was 18 and teaching since 2004. Her primary ATS teachers have been Zafira Dance Company, who coined the term she uses to describe her dance, as “World Fusion Bellydance”.
EMay is also a musician with a specialization in arabic and turkish drumming. Studying the Darbouka since age 17, she recently began teaching and recording this music. She hosts world music events and brings internationally acclaimed artists to Pittsburgh through Your Inner Vagabond.
For class information, upcoming performances and events, kindly visit:
www.ErikaMay.net
Namaste,
emay
