Introduction to Square Dancing

Square dance is a classic art and dance form that was popularly paired with country and western American music. It involves vigorous dance routines in a single set that is performed by a group of four couples. Hence, each could make up one side of the square, which explains the name for this particular dance style.

When performing square dance, there is a caller nearby that calls out instructions to the dancers through the microphone to ensure cooperation amongst all dancers. Thus, the dancers on the floor has to perform whatever dance moves, spins, steps, and turns that is being called out by the instructor. 

Cheer dance is the most common routine performed during sports events or competitions to deliver entertainment to the audience. However, practicing the basic cheer dance routines and performing them in perfect synchronization requires a great level of hard work and detail that utilizes both skill and determination.

To learn exactly how each routine is choreographed and how each step contribute to an entertaining whole, read about each aspect of the routine below. 

Most people view dancing as a sacred act, especially among those cultures that perform ceremonial dances with religious and cultural importance. Indeed, they are still practiced even during today's modern times to enrich one's culture and history.

For people who don’t know, ‘Swing dance’ is actually a form of dance style that is directly associated with Jazz’s swing music in the 1920’s to 1940’s. Swing Jazz actually refers to the type of music that uses a blend crotchets and quavers, mostly from West African and African American music and dance. These syncopated timing, which are generally quarter and eighth notes, are regarded by most dancers as ‘steps’ and ‘triple steps’.

There are actually a lot of different swing dance styles that have developed from the original ‘Swing’ dance. Each locality actually has a different definition for their ‘swing dance’ and uses their own version of what ‘appropriate’ music they should use to accompany it. 

What is Capoeira?

Capoeira is an art form with an Afro-Brazilian origin. It is categorized as a dance form but is quite unique in its merging of various elements from music, dance, and martial arts. Historians and dance enthusiasts believe it first came about around 16th century when the African concept of slavery was introduced in Brazil. It wasn't long until its influences became felt across Afro-Brazilian generations, particularly in various Brazilian regions like Rio de Janeiro, Pernambuco, and Bahia.

Breakdancing started in the streets of Bronx back in the 1970's. It was first classified as a type of street dancing involving remixed music with highly-advanced and sophisticated maneuvers. Today, breakdancing is a popular modern dance routine performed around the world -- either as a friendly competition between "crews" out in the streets or parks, dance events between groups, and of course, international competition sponsored by big names in the industry. 

Belly dancing is one of the most popular dance forms today, particularly with women. One reason for that is that many believe belly dance can help tone your abdominal muscles, enabling one to achieve the right shape of abs and body contour. Regardless of your reason for performing belly dance, it is important to ease your way into mastering this particular dance art to ensure that you can enjoy each performance. 

If there is one dance style that a lot of couples would like to learn, that is Tango. This dance style that originated from Montevideo, Uruguay, and more commonly, from Buenos Aires, Argentina, is a dynamic but very sensual type of ballroom dance style that exudes Spanish and African influences. Nowadays, there are a lot of different Tango dance styles, some of which are being used in ballroom competitions. However, these Tango dance styles that are being used in ballrooms are very different from Argentine Tango, as these more modern styles of Tango are easier to codify. 

Tap or Tap dance is one of the most popular dance routines today. This type of dancing is defined by the percussive sound made by the metal plates -- called taps -- on the shoes; thus called tap dancing. Due to the musical quality of the sound made by the shoes, performers are described as both musicians and dancers that keep their audience glued to their performance. 

Almost all traditional dances today have taken its root in the African American dance back in the early 17th and 18th century. If you look at it closely, we can safely say that most of the techniques and dance maneuvers of known styles have its root in the vernacular dance routines practiced by Africans during their migration to the American continent.