Put on Your Dancing Shoes

Summertime’s A–Z of the dance styles performed

Photograph by Sheila Burnett

African-Caribbean Dance
Performed by Hackney Free and Parochial School
In general African-Caribbean dance is considered to be lively and upbeat. There are many different techniques and dances that portray a range of emotions. The main feature of African-Caribbean dance is the use of polyrhythm, which is where different rhythms are performed by the body at the same time.

Argentine Tango
Performed by Gateway Academy
This South American social dance style is performed in duets, with the male leading the female. In its early days it was practised by the men dancing with each other. It was originally developed in Buenos Aires but is now popular worldwide for its dynamic and seductive style. The embrace in tango is very close, allowing the legs to perform intricate flicks and turns.

Ballet
Performed by Marshalls Park School
This is a western style dance technique that began in the Renaissance period, with the birth of ballet as we know it today starting in France. It uses classical lines and is typified by grace and precision of movement. Ballet technique uses five main positions of the arms and legs, with pointe shoes often worn by female dancers to help create these long classical lines.

Bollywood
Performed by Forest Hill School
This dance form came out of the Indian film industry and is now popular throughout the world. It is known for being upbeat and often helps to tell a story or show emotions. Originally Bollywood dance drew inspiration from classical Indian dance forms and used the hand gestures, footwork and turning steps seen in these dance styles. Bollywood now draws inspiration from styles such as Hip Hop and Jazz dance giving it a modern look.

Capoeira
Performed by Gable Hall School
This dance style originated from Afro-Brazilian culture. In Brazil it is looked at as a social event and it is filled with traditions. Capoeira was originally a form of martial art but in Europe we have started to mix the movement style of Capoeira with dance and therefore we now look at Capoeira as a dance style. The movements in Capoeira consist of kicks, cartwheels and sweeps. The dance is traditionally performed in a circle by two dancers, or opponents, who attempt to outwit each other.

Contemporary
Performed by Southfields Community College
This is an umbrella term for dance techniques founded in the twentieth century that worked with ideas outside of ballet technique. The main features of Contemporary Dance are the use of parallel in the legs, curving, twisting and tilting the spine, as well as abstract gestures and embracing gravity in the use of floor work. Some of the main techniques under the heading of Contemporary Dance are Graham, Cunningham and Limon.

Disco/Freestyle
Performed by St Saviour's & St Olave's School
Disco/Freestyle is a modern dance form that came about in the 1970s in America. However, today it is seen all over the world on stage and in clubs. This genre includes runs, spins, kicks and leaps, with combinations of different arm and hand gestures.

Photograph by Sheila Burnett

Hip Hop
Performed by Paddington Academy
Hip Hop is a cultural and artistic movement that appeared in the US in the early 1970’s, mixing protest, joy and pertyu aspects. It is illustrated by four main means of expression: DJing, MCing, Dance (Bboying) and Graff. Hip Hop dance started with ‘funk styles’ such as Poppin and Lockin, which are top dances, then appeared Bboying, which is a more acrobatic dance that is influenced by martial arts. Those styles are part of what is called the ‘Old School’ styles. Then, from the early 1980’s, ‘New School’ styles came in with Hip Hop (also known as Hip Hop Freestyle or New Style) and House dance.

Latin American
Performed by Holland Park School
The easy going, vibrant energy that Latin rhythms inspire makes Latin American dance as popular today as when it was first brought to this country in the 1930s. It was a young man from the Basque region of France, Monsieur Pierre, who introduced this style to the English dance scene. Pierre was an accomplished dancer and teacher, with a special love and flair for Latin American dance. Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble, Jive and Cha Cha Cha were to become established favourites.

Lindy Hop
Performed by Brampton Manor School
This couples’ dance came out of America in the 1920’s with the birth of Swing music. The dance steps were developed from the Charleston with dancers improvising and adding fast spins, cartwheels, lifts and jumps. The Lindy Hop became known throughout the world, often referred to as the Jitterbug.

Salsa
Performed by Phoenix High School
Salsa dance has many influences including both African and Hispanic origins. It is a partner dance, with the male leading the female. Salsa is recognised for its expressive hip movements along with complex rhythms within the footwork and fluid turns.

Street Dance
Performed by Bishopsford Community School
This dance style has roots in Breakdance and Hip Hop, using the same style of movements and attitudes, but gaining its name for being a dance form that evolved on the streets. Today it is taught and used in many different settings, including schools, clubs and music videos. Street Dance is sometimes performed as a battle, in which two performers or groups will have a ‘dance off’ to see who has the best moves.

Photographs by Sheila Burnett

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