Dance is an art form that has been around for centuries, and it has evolved over time to encompass a variety of styles. Ballet is the basic foundation of most forms of dance, and it is essential for strengthening the arms, legs, and trunk, as well as developing flexibility and technique for jumping and turning. It is a structured class that teaches students definitions, terminology, and proper technique. Everything learned in ballet is translated into values that can be used to pursue other forms of dance.
The alignment and musicality it requires are just a few examples of important qualities in most dance styles. In addition to ballet, there are many other dance styles around the world. Japan is home to Noh, a form of dance theater that eventually gave rise to contemporary Japanese dance called Butoh. African dance forms played a fundamental role in the development of new dance styles, such as tap, hip-hop, jazz, and modern dance. Hula is a rich and colorful solo dance that is danced in a straight line, in a circle or following the pattern of “follow the leader”.It is important to have a solid foundation and technique in dance if you want to achieve longevity in your career.
Ballet is two important parts of this technique that decrease the likelihood of injury in ballet, sports, and other forms of dance. Caitlin, a native of Nashville, Tennessee with degrees in interpretive dance and Economics from Southern Methodist University, stresses the importance of exploring and applying all different dance styles to expand one's vocabulary and knowledge. However, “dance history courses tend to focus primarily on the historical lineage of ballet and modern dance forms” and very little time or recognition is devoted to artists from those respective fields who were not white. It is worthwhile for potential employers to reexamine what constitutes a qualified instructor in a dance modality that is not widely accepted or taught in the United States. In conclusion, having a strong foundation in ballet is essential for any dancer who wants to pursue other forms of dance. It provides students with essential skills that can be used to pursue other forms of dance.
It is important to have a solid foundation and technique in order to achieve longevity in one's career. Additionally, it is worthwhile for potential employers to reexamine what constitutes a qualified instructor in a dance modality that is not widely accepted or taught in the United States.
