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Dance is a form of artistic expression.
The art of dance in less than 300 words
What is dance?
Dance is a performance-based art form using the body and energy to execute choreographed or improvised movement typically set to music. Dance can be found in many different cultures and has a deep history. People dance for many reasons. Ceremonial, liturgical and worship dances tell stories, share heritage and culture, and express beliefs and prayer. Recreational dance includes social dance, education and dance training. Dance can be used as form of exercise to encourage physical fitness. Finally, dance is a form of artistic expression that may be performed by professional dancers in a theatre or some type of performance setting.
What are the main genres or styles that exist within dance?
There are many styles and genres that exist in dance. Cultural, liturgical, ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, ballroom, contemporary and modern are examples of some of the many dance styles and genres. Within some of these dance genres, there exist further subgenres or types. For example, the waltz, tango, foxtrot and samba can be found within ballroom dance.
What skills are required to excel at dance?
In a school-based program, students may have various levels of dance skills, experience or formal dance training. Teachers can differentiate learning based on the needs of individual or groups of students. Commitment to practicing technique, the ability to take risks, set goals and creative thinking are some basic skills that are important for students to aid in the development of overall dance abilities.
What are the benefits of dancing?
Dance is a wonderful art form that offers many benefits. Dance increases physical health, muscular strength, flexibility, social and cognitive development, collaboration and social skill development. Dance is also an opportunity for students to express themselves creatively and encourages an appreciation of the art form itself. Dance in its most basic form can be seen as a way to release stress, refocus, re-energize and express your feelings about a song ... it can be as simple as “let’s get up and move!”
The fine arts comprise four main disciplines: visual art, dance, drama and music. These can be subdivided into the visual arts, which express feelings, emotions, opinions or narratives through visual means; and the performing arts, which express opinions, emotions, feelings or narratives through means of performance.
Yvette Timtim-Ramirez
Dance 7, 8, 9, 15, 25, 35
Religious studies 7, 8, 9, 15, 25
Louis St. Laurent Catholic Junior/Senior High School Edmonton
Years teaching: 20
Main artistic discipline: Dance
Who or what inspired you to be a teacher?
My parents inspired me to become a teacher. Both my mother and father immigrated to Canada from the Philippines, and they instilled in me the importance of education. I also had wonderful elementary school teachers that I remember fondly and think about often.
What do you enjoy most about teaching?
Teaching is an extremely rewarding profession. I have taught most grade levels, and working with both younger and older students has shown me that the awe of learning and discovery is exciting and inspirational at all ages. Knowing that I was a small part of my students’ growth, successes and journeys as learners means a lot.
Who is your favourite dancer and why?
Tap was always my favourite dance style; I loved the rhythm my tap shoes made and the way I could manipulate or echo the beat of a song through my feet. Fred Astaire, Gene Kelly, Sammy Davis Jr., Gregory Hines and Savion Glover are tap dancers that I enjoy watching. They have their own unique styles but make dance look easy.
What work of art has inspired you the most?
Musicals, such as West Side Story, The King and I, Chicago and A Chorus Line, inspire me. Telling a story through song and dance is magical, creative and entertaining. Traditional ballets, such as Swan Lake and The Nutcracker, are also inspiring. The dancers are physically strong and muscular but move in such a beautiful and graceful way across the stage.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment as an artist?
I started training in dance at the age of three. The amount of training and experience I have gained over many years is something I am proud of. The opportunity to apply that to my career is a great accomplishment as well. I discovered something I love and have a passion for at a young age; I get to share that passion with my students, and hopefully inspire them, every day.
What aspect of being an artist brings you the most joy?
As a dancer, I really enjoy performing and sharing my passion for dance with others. It is also rewarding knowing that I worked hard to prepare, practice and train for that performance. As a choreographer and teacher, I get a lot of joy from seeing my dancers thrive, learn and grow into their own inner artists.
