Thursday, January 22, 2009

HiStOrY oF jAzZ dAnCe

http://flickr.com/photos/39486997@N00/1643241396/sizes/s/

World War I was followed by a period of time in which people believed in living and enjoying life as much as possible. During this time, jazz dance emerged in several areas. Jazz dance can be traced back to African American slaves who came to the United States. Forms of dance that blended elements from new and old culture evolved into the dance form now known as jazz.



Characteristics of Jazz today include:

  • bent knees

  • low center of gravity

  • body isolations

  • syncopation

  • pirouettes

  • high kicks

  • movemnet emanation from torso and pelvis

  • percussive movements

  • jazz shoes

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

JuSt DaNcE

Emotion is the dance club at Elizabethtown College. The mission statement of this club expresses that "Emotion is a club at Elizabethtown College that provides a creative outlet for students interested in dance and is interested in physical well-being. Emotion also strives to promote an understanding and awareness of dance, as well as to enhance the cultural life of the college community." Members of Emotion include students of Elizabethtown College at various levels of experience. The club tries to incorporate various styles and levels of dance to accomodate the range of interests among students.

To take part in this club, students must complete a half hour of service each semester. It is also important that members attend rehearsals for they dances that they chose to be in. Rehearsals take place once a week for 90 minutes. At the end of each semester Emotion performs their dances for family and friends. Each dancer can perform in three dances. This limit allows for more people to participate in the show.

The choreographers of Emotion are also students at Elizabethtown College. They dedicate their time to making their piece look great and pushing their dancers to learn new skills and techniques.

Everyone on campus is encouraged to take part in this club. It is a great opportunity for students to relieve stress and do something fun!