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Trip the Light Fantastic- The delights of a Bespoke Dance Studio

Trip the Light Fantastic- The delights of a Bespoke Dance Studio

By Francesca McGlone on 3rd March, 2011

Dance is a highly enjoyable and expressive art form. The body is able to produce a bounty of beautiful shapes and stances in response to music’s varied character. The emotion that is present within music can be interpreted through dance, setting a tempo that remains steady or fluctuates rapidly, as a reflection of a specific mindset.

Dance, in all its forms, deserves a space that showcases its masterful movements. A private studio that sees tentative first steps evolve into confident displays can help to kindle a passion. As a non-verbal discipline, dance can communicate a great deal, possessing the power to tell stories and mirror a sequence of events. Interplay between dancers and facial expressions all help to set the mood, as defined sections that make up a beginning, middle and end all help to shed light on the complexities behind gentle sweeping steps and thunderous stomps.

Decorated Shed provide studios that can be tailor-made to your specifications. A dance studio could be built for personal use or as a profitable private dance classroom for choreographers, dance therapists and dance teachers. A reputation that is backed up by a professional looking studio will go great lengths to generate custom. A dance studio can be fitted with mirrored walls and hard flooring that can aid a dancer when perfecting certain movements. Owning an impressive dance studio, that is light, spacious and modern is a must when harnessing the full potential of every performance.

A dance studio is a fantastic way to encourage fitness, as dancing is sociable and fun. A modern dance studio that looks out onto garden views can have a positive effect upon attitude, where the liberating affects of nature can be harnessed.

Dance has remained as a strong presence through cultures and eras. Many cultural identities are tied up to a specific type of dance and costume.

Some styles of dance include:

Ballet: This graceful dance showcases a unique swan-like strength and precision, made up of poise, pointed toes and streamline figures, which are all part of a traditional ballet performance. Ballet also has elements of mime and acting as a narrative unfolds between the dancers. Ballet is a form of dance that is difficult to master and requires a lot of practice. Ballet emerged in Italy, firstly as a dance interpretation of fencing, which is still apparent with stretched out arms and stepped movements. The tights worn by both fencers and ballet dancers remain a key characteristic of the dance. Flexibility and flowing movements are central to this acrobatic form of dance.

Samba: Originating in Brazil and adopting an energetic style, the Samba id performed in triple time and is linked with flamboyant costumes. The dance has become a symbol of Brazil, where routines are often performed at the famous Rio carnival, as a celebratory display. Carmen Miranda is an icon often associated with the samba and was dubbed the ‘Brazilian Bombshell’. She helped introduce an exotic flavour to an American audience. The Samba, like many Latin dances is playful with a contagious feel-good vibe.

Tango: With its own distinct music and almost aggressive moves, the Tango remains unique. Originating in the suburbs of Buenos Aires, this passionate dance can be seen performed as entertainment on the streets, drawing crowds due to a bold display of controlled movements. The two dancers are usually enthralled with each other, unaware of an audience. The tango is also able to give an audience an insight into a story, as the dancing pair play out a love affair. The tango cannot fail to stir passion. Its theatrical form, created through dramatic music, fast footwork, sharp turns and leg hooks keeps an audience glued to their movements. This is a reactive and highly disciplined dance.

Belly Dancing: This is a provocative form of dance that is usually performed as a solo routine. Despite its name, the hips are actually moved the most; this is because the midriff is exposed. Elaborate, feminine costumes that float and add further movement are also part of the expressive qualities of belly dancing. Embellished, metallic and sheer fabrics and fringes all make up the appearance of a belly dancer, which is a huge element of the dance. As a predominantly female dance, learning belly dance routines in a studio gathers women together, as social, bonding event. It also allows students to indulge in imagination and effectively take on another identity, celebrating the form of the female body in the process.

Belly dancing techniques include:

The shimmy - a shimmering vibration of the hips, created using a variety of body parts, such as the knees, thighs or the muscles in the lower back. The shoulder shimmy uses the same kind of movement but is confined to the upper body.

Hip Hits - A staccato movement of the hips that flick out sharp movements, created through a quick shift of weight that punctuates the dance and picks up on the beats in the music.

Undulations - Rotating, fluid movements, incorporated into a dance routine. The most recognisable sequence of undulations is focused to the chest, in a forward, up, back and down movement that creates the impression of riding a camel.

Dance has many facets, making it a fascinating hobby that can enrich your life, while also improving your health and well-being at the same time. Practice is crucial to dance, so where better to perfect moves than in your very own light filled dance studio.


Category:  Garden Studios

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