Modern and Traditional Dance

 Rifki Sepyan Habib

1910631060191

3 F

MODERN DANCE

a style of free and expressive theatrical dancing not bound by the classical rules of ballets and does not have many rules about the dancer's movements. example of modern dance :

TAP DANCE

 

Tap dance is an example of a non-partnered dance that is generally choreographed, with one or more participating dancers. A rhythmical tapping sound is attained by the dancer from the small metal plates on the dancer's shoes. It is in his way that the dancer also becomes a percussive musician. Tap dance is often characterized by syncopation and improvisation. Tap can also be performed without music, known as ‘Capella’ dancing. Another type of Tap dance is the ‘soft-shoe’ form, which is a style that is performed in soft-soled shoes without metal taps. The nature of the tapping in this style of Tap is more leisurely and smooth, and there is generally an element of humour within the dance routines. In contrast, the ‘buck-and-wing’ Tap technique is danced much more vigorously in wooden soled shoes.

Tap dance became popular from mistrel shows in the 19th century. It essentially derives from a number of sources, including the traditional clog dance of northern England, which requires no accompanying music, traditional Irish and Scottish step dances, and even African dances, which involve much rhythmic foot stamping to drumming. Even Spanish flamenco is thought to be a precursor to Tap, where the sound of the rhythm of the dancers’ steps is essential to the performance.

During the first half of the 20the century, Tap dance flourished throughout the US. It was at this time that Tap was performed mainly to jazz music, earning it the alternative name ‘Jazz dance’. However, from the 1950s, jazz music and Tap dance saw a decline in popularity. Rock and Roll music became popular and at the same time a new form of Jazz dance emerged. Although this new Jazz dance, as we know it today, may have emerged from Tap, it has since evolved separately, and so even though there may be some similar moves, Jazz dance is a dance form independent from Tap.

 

TRADITIONAL DANCE

 Traditional dancing can be another term for folk dance, or sometimes even for ceremonial dance. The term ‘Traditional’ is more frequently used when the emphasis is on the cultural roots of the dance. one of example for traditional dance :

KECAK

 

Krcak is a famous Balinese dance known for being the ‘fire dance’ with extreme fire attractions. Kecak is seen as a kinesthetic portrayal of a battle between Prince Rama with his army of monkey aid against the evil Rahwana. Other than that, many believe it’s influenced by a trance exorcism ritual.

This dance is best performed at dusk, because the fire attractions will be further accentuated. Its dancers consist of 150 male performers, sitting around a fire wearing nothing more than sacred Balinese sarongs. In the middle, there will be the leading priest, Rama, Shinta (Rama’s wife), Rahwana, Monkey King Hanuman and Sugriwa. Their performance consists of neatly-coordinated movements accompanied by rhythms sung by the dancers themselves.