the evolution of dance through the years
TRANSCRIPT
In 15th century The ballo first appeared circa
1453 as danced by Italian courtiers
The variations supported pantomimic dances (movement phrases highlighting dramatic storytelling).
As the name “ballo” implies, it was a precursor to “ballet.”
In 16th century The Nido d’Amore teaches the techniques for all the I
talian dance. It illustrates the social and technical intricacy of a renaissance dance suite.
The So Ben Mi Chi Ha Bon Tempo was written in Italy, it shows a multilevel nuanced flirtation between a Renaissance man and his lady.
In 16th century The Buffins was created in France. The Volta (a unique couple’s turning dance) originated i
n Italy and became popular in France and England. The Canari was introduced to Italy from the Canary Island
s.
Late 17th century & 18th century
The Minuet originated from France. The name first appears in the king’s dancing master. It was the most popular social dance of the courts during the first third of the 18th century.
The Contredance is a patterned folk dance.It is special for its signature formation: a line of female dancers faces a line of male dancers. It related to each member of the group, via a simple dance combination.
Late 17th century & 18th century
The Folies d’Espagne started as a popular dance tune from Portugal with a 3/4 time signature, flourishes for both musicians and dancers.
The Allemande is a complicated handholds dance between a man and woman. It become popular in France in the late 18th century. The rhythm, steps and embrace set the foundation for the Waltz.
Late 18th century
The Hornpipe was a popular, show-off dance, primarily practiced by British sailors. John Durang, the first great American dancer and popular performer, created Hornpipe dance in Philadelphia from Canadian and British immigrants. With its sailor-inspired moves, it was most popular during 1780-1800.
Early 19th century – Regency
The Early Waltz incorporated both the 18th century Allemande’s arm holds and a new revolutionary dance form , as a popular newspaper mentioned, or face to face. It took the basic foot pattern of the minuet and used it as a turn; the couple spun around the dance floor in mutually held cooperation.
Romantic Era The Cotillon (Cotillion) derived from certain 18th century
contradances for small groups in a square formation. The Waltz revolutionized ‘couple dances’ because it w
as a “closed dance” in which people danced “arm in arm.” The excitement of the Industrial Revolution and the romanticism of the era are reflected in the music and dance of the Waltz.
The Polka is a folk dance.The couple swirls around the ballroom, as in the Waltz; they are propelled with a simple chassé step and turning hop.
Romantic Era The Mazurka is a Polish folk dance and couple dances.The
most virtuoso couple dance of the 19th century, its hops and strong steps retain their rustic origins, and the dance provides a medium for expression of male strength and virtuosity.
The Galop (Gallop) originated in France; It is a simple, traveling couple dance where the man and woman simply chassé (slides sideward) down the ballroom.
1910s Ragtime The Animal Dance craze was directly correlated with the p
opularity of ragtime music. Both music and dance reflected the vibrancy of modern, urban influences.
The Brazilian Tango uses the one step and the two step in an innovative combination.
With roots in Africa, the Tango traveled to Spain, the Caribbean, and Argentina.
20th century 1920 Blackbottom Charleston
1930s –Dance Marathon, Movie Musical, Big Apple, Jitterbug
1940s – Rumba, Swing
1950s Roc ‘N Roll, Mambo
1960s – Twist, Mod, Psychedelic
1970s – Disco
1980s – Breakdance, Punk, Moonwalk
1990s – Vogue, Hip-Hop, Country Western