Dance is a fascinating hobby that allows you to develop various muscle groups of the body through constant training. Dancing classes discipline, strengthen health and willpower. A person involved in this sport is much less likely to be diagnosed with various diseases. But dances are different: ballet, oriental, stage. All these types are united by the same name: choreography. As a form of art, this concept is recognized by many.
What is choreography?
Choreography is translated from the ancient Greek language as a round dance plus record (write). In other words, this is the ability to compose a dance. In its original meaning, it was translated as the art of recording dance movements by the choreographer.
The word choreography itself appeared around 1700, then they called it the dance shorthand system. Then the meaning of the term changed and they began to call them musical performances and the art of dance as a whole. Related areas, such as figure skating, are often also referred to as choreography.
History
Choreography appeared a very long time ago. Scientists testify that in ancient Egypt people already tried to record movements in dance with the help of hieroglyphs. But still, more or less this art form has become stronger and has made itself known today.
The forerunners of modern choreography teachers were dance masters who served at the royal court. They taught the monarchal persons graceful and smooth movements, and also introduced such a thing as dance etiquette, which we still use today.
Choreography systems
In the 19th century, dancer Arthur Michel Saint-Leon published his treatise, “Wall Choreography.” Subsequently, the German teacher Friedrich Albert Zorn developed some provisions from the scientific work of his colleague. Dance in this treatise was recorded using conditional schematic images in the form of figures that denoted different positions in the classroom.
At the beginning of the 20th century, many systems appeared, of which the most popular were the Rudolf Benes systems, which later became known as the “Choreology”. The development of Rudolf von Laban, whose work was called “Laban Notation”, also gained confidence.
Both systems have advantages and this is not in dispute. But Laban's work traces attempts to create a simple method that is suitable in order to fix the dance in any style and the accuracy and laconicism of movements. Also in the “Laban Notation” special signs are used that show the viewer's associations with the pattern of dance steps. This system uses a vertical letter indicating special columns for each part of the body.
In "Choreology" a five-line mill is used to record movements, which, in turn, is placed under a musical notation. Such a system is also simple and straightforward, but most choreographers prefer to use the Laban Notation because of its greater accessibility and simplicity.
Basic concepts of choreography
Classical choreography for beginners adults and children contains the same concepts, the differences are only in the complexity of the elements of the dance. The difficulty of the technique of performing movements also increases. However, those who are engaged in a lot and hard will overcome any obstacles in their path.
The very first condition of choreography is eversion. What it is? This is the student’s ability to turn the hip joint outward, which can allow the foot and foot to take the main positions in the dance. If this property is not given to a person from birth, then you should not lose heart. It can be developed through long and hard training.
The second condition for choreography as a form of art is a pose. This concept means a static figure that determines the position of the body of the dancer, his head, arms and legs. It is necessary to pay attention to how the dancer is located in relation to the auditorium. Based on this, you can determine whether his posture will be: open or closed.
Here are a few basic poses in choreography: a croissant, arabesque, efas and ecarta.
The third condition for choreography is position. This term refers to the main provisions of the limbs. For example, the dancer's feet should always be on the floor of the hall. Thanks to the positions, the dancer’s body acquires a special grace, hands - freedom of movement, and the whole dance - expressiveness and charm.
The main positions of the legs in choreography
Above has already been mentioned about the importance of the development of eversion. It is she who helps the legs to stand in the main position. There are six of them:
- The first - the feet are turned outward, but at the same time they touch with the heels. As a result, the legs of the dancer should form an angle of 180 degrees on the floor, in other words, form a straight line.
- The second is very similar to the first and, in fact, is its derivative. The legs should also be rotated 180 degrees, but between them now a distance is formed equal to the length of one foot.
- In the third position, the heel of the first foot should be pressed to the middle of the second, while the legs still form an angle of 180 degrees.
- The fourth legs should be parallel to each other and resemble the equal sign. The distance between them should be the length of the foot.
- The fifth position is not much different from the previous one: in it the feet are tightly compressed with each other, socks with heels cover each other. It turns out the same “equal” sign, only the distance between the legs is much smaller. How to correctly carry out this position, the choreography teacher will tell you.
- In the sixth - the dancer will need to place the feet parallel to each other, but perpendicular to the whole body.
Now you know the main positions of the legs in the choreography. And even if you are not engaged in professional dancing, you will need this information to develop your horizons
Ballet dancing
Ballet is the highest form of choreography as an art form. In it, he rises to the level of musical stage performance. The main means of expression in ballet is the system of European classical dance. Artists of this direction have a training program that has already been formed and has developed over many centuries.
Stage dance
This type lies at the very basis of the expressive means of ballet. It is a type of choreographic art, which involves the creation of some image on the stage. Stage dance is intended for the audience and has many varieties.
Disciplines of stage dance:
- duet classic;
- historical;
- national characteristic;
- acting skills;
- modern dance.
When you come to the choreography studio, the teacher will tell you this information and teach each of these types of dances. The main thing is not to be shy and not afraid of anything, to be confident in yourself and your abilities.
Where to go to study in the field of choreography?
If you want to rush through your whole life in a whirlwind of dance, then just visiting a choreography club will not be enough. Since the mid-90s of the last century, such a direction as “Choreographic Art” appeared. Two types stood out from it: a ballet dancer, as well as an artist of a folk dance ensemble. Students in this specialty are trained at two levels: basic and advanced.
Since 2007, the direction "Choreographic Art" has been divided into two specialties:
- The art of ballet (here it is understood that the student will be trained only in ballet dancing).
- The art of dance (here you can learn the art of folk, sports, pop, modern and other dances).
If you are interested in choreography as an art form, then establish whether you have the ability to learn this. Visit a dance studio and consult with a teacher. If you decide to connect your whole life with this occupation, you will not regret it, because dance is one of the most wonderful hobbies in the world.