Dance Styles
Acro
Acrobatics is one of the latest dance styles that help you acquire agility, balance and motor coordination by incorporating flips, jumps and rolls. Learn new moves which you can add to your repertoire of performing arts skills.
| Clothing | Barefoot is most suitable and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Acro please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Argentine Tango
Argentine Tango is a social dance style that requires a partner. Dancers doing the Argentine Tango should be in a close embrace, where the man leads and the lady follows. Argentine Tango covers a variety of dance styles: Tango canyengue, Tango orillero, Salon tango, "Estilo milonguero" (tango apilado/confiteria style), Tango nuevo and Show Tango. Argentine Tango differs from Ballroom Tango in most aspects – music, posture, the embrace, movement and steps.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothing and footwear |
| Further info | More information on Argentine Tango please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Ballet
Ballet is a formal style of dance. It is excellent for improving agility, coordination, flexibility, grace and strength. Ballet teachers use a 'barre' (bar) for support during ballet exercise. These exercises consist of repetitive moves in a variety of set positions.
One of the most popular dance styles, ballet is best known for the “point” technique where dancers use shoes that are especially created for dancing on their toes. However, this is only one facet of ballet – one that requires a whole lot of training before the dancer masters this move.
Some of the most famous ballets include Giselle, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake.
| Clothing | Ballet shoes (socks or barefoot are also suitable) and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Ballet please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Belly Dance
Belly Dancing is an ancient dance style, an art form where sensuous dance moves and fluid snake-like arm and hand movements are necessary. Isolation movements are vital, particularly when it comes to the hips and pelvis. One of the most sought after dance styles, belly dancing can improve overall fitness, posture, flexibility, suppleness, and strength.
| Clothing | Tight fitting tops, long skirts with tights and bring a scarf. |
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Further info
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More information on Belly Dance or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Breakin'
Modern dance styles come and go but Break Dancing has become a classic, one that is likely to stay. Also known as breaking, this dance style falls under the very expansive banner of Urban Dance. Breaking is growing increasingly popular, with so many people learning how to perform it, not to mention the attention this dance style is generating from both the media and entertainment industry.
Breaking includes top or up rock, footwork, spinning moves (power moves), and the freeze. While people tend to pick up power moves most of the time, there is so much more to breaking than just these types of dance moves. In fact, even people with less physical strength can perform breaking.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothes that you can move in and runners. |
| Further info | More information on Breakin' or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Broadway Dance
Broadway Dance or New York Jazz belong to dance styles that emphasise performance and characterisation skills that is centred on jazz as seen in large musical productions like Chicago, Moulin Rouge and Mamma Mia. Beginner classes are perfect for people looking for some fun and wanting to get fit. The more advanced dance classes ideally cater to dancers who are up for the challenge.
| Clothing | Jazz shoes/runners (runners, socks or barefoot are also suitable) and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Jazz/New York Jazz please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Capoeira
Distinctive among the other dance styles, Capoeira is a Brazilian martial art that merges elements of music, self defence techniques, acrobatics, dance and tradition. It was created by the African slaves in Brazil around the XVI Century as a way to resist oppression and fight for freedom.
Capoeira is a dance like a fight, a fight like a dance. Capoeira is a "jogo" (game), where partners exchange movements of defence and attacking a constant flow utilising the rhythm of the music. Other dance styles focus on fluid movements and grace but Capoeira is different. It is a combination of ritualised combat, trickery and grace. Capoeira is an acrobatic and beautiful avoidance of physical combat. Capoeira also helps develop other skills such as concentration, self defence, endurance, balance, flexibility, co-ordination, rhythm and confidence. It is an excellent cardiovascular practice to keep you fit while having fun.
Capoeira Angola
With the advent of Mestre Bimba's Capoeira Regional in the 1930's, the traditional Capoeira Angola is generally performed to a slower rhythm. Movements are closer to the ground as compared with Capoeira Regional. Angola games usually last longer and a premium is placed on the body dialogue, the aesthetic qualities of the game and the 'malandragem' (a tricky or deceitful act).
Capoeira Regional
Among all of the Capoeira dance styles created in Bahia in the 1930's by Mestre Bimba (Manuel Do Reis Machado). Bimba modified many of the existing kicks in the traditional Capoeira to create a more upright and aggressive style. Capoeira Regional is usually practiced to a much quicker beat while dance rhythms are created by Bimba. Today the Regional style of Capoeira practiced by Bimba and his pupils is rarely seen. Contra Mestre Bene created the Associacao Batukege Capoeira at the end of the 1990's in Salvador Bahia. Instructor Vira Lata has been involved in the development of the group since 2000 in Brazil, the United Kingdom and now in Melbourne, Australia.
| Class times | Please see the timetable for more information |
| Cost | $18 casual class (discounted passes are available) |
| Clothing | loose comfortable clothing |
| Further info | More information on capeoira please go to www.batukegecapoeira.com |
Contemporary
Contemporary is among the most distinctive dance styles often described as earthy. An artistic combination of ballet techniques and naturalistic movements, contemporary dance style includes a lot of floor work and turn in of the legs.
| Clothing | Foot Undies or barefoot and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Contemparary please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Hip Hop / Funk
Hip Hop is one of those dance styles that belongs to the Urban Dance banner. The most famous of all dance styles, hip hop has become widespread as seen in music video clips especially urban performers. In fact, this dance style has grown so popular, you may even find it in video clips of more mainstream artists such as Britney Spears and Justin Timberlake.
Hip Hop choreography makes use of the same components and techniques found in other forms of Urban Dance. These include Popping, Locking and Breaking. Meanwhile, martial arts dance styles like Capoeira are also looked to for inspiration.
A regular Hip Hop class begins with a short warm up then proceeds to stretching. Once the warm up and stretching is done, the class performs a series of isolation exercises. These special exercises teach dancers how to move different parts of their body separately. The last section of this class is where the teacher puts together a short routine using a choreography that is both distinctive and can be performed along with the music chosen for that set.
Funk dancing is like the dance styles performed in the latest music videos. These classes are so much fun and patterned after the latest music trends. Funk is a great workout because you won’t even realise that you are exercising. It’s a great beginning for new dancers, especially for those who have never taken a dance class before. A class normally begins with a funky warm-up, light stretching, a special routine and finally, a short cool down.
| Clothing | Running shoes and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Hip Hop / Funk or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Jazz
Jazz is a combination of dance styles that come from the musical theatre arts. Also known as modern dance or jazz ballet, it is often used in musical theatre, commercials and music video clips. Jazz takes some technique from Classical Ballet.
A typical jazz class begins with a warm up that is focused on stretching and isolating different body parts. Then the class starts learning separate moves like turns, jumps, leaps and pirouettes. A short, step-by-step routine is taught accompanied by popular music (i.e. Top 40, Pop or RnB). The class ends with a short cool-down and stretching.
| Clothing | Jazz shoes/runners (runners, socks or barefoot are also suitable) and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Jazz/New York Jazz please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Latin American
Dance Sport Australia and the Australian Dancing Society have embraced this stricter form of Latin American dancing as it has definite and specific moves and techniques that can be easily judged by adjudicators in open competition. Compared with other dance styles, Latin American dancing is a bit more technical at the end of the day one is far better off ability wise. The classes are taught in a relaxed environment although dancers follow a syllabus with exams that they work towards. There are five dance styles included in the Championship Dances. They are: Cha Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and the Jive.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothing and footwear |
| Further info | More information on Latin American or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Le Bop Modern Jive
Le Bop, also known as Modern Jive, has origins that can be traced back to France in the 50’s. It was very popular in the nightclubs of Europe. Over time the style has developed to encompass an eclectic mix of hot moves from Jive, Lambada, Dirty Dancing and many other styles of dance. This collage of dance styles against a backdrop of retro and today’s dance music can be heard on commercial radio stations and at nightclubs.
You do not need to bring a partner with you as everyone gets the opportunity to dance with everyone in the class. As a social night, it is a great way to meet some fantastic people.
Beginners with absolutely no previous dance experience need not worry as Le Bop is easy to learn. In fact, we guarantee to have YOU dancing after the first lesson! If you already have some dance experience, Le Bop can encompass some of the moves you already know, while leaving plenty of room for self expression. Currently there are over 400 moves, with more dance moves invented almost weekly. Of course, you can get away with knowing far fewer.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothes and footwear. |
| Further info | More information on Le Bop at The Space or around Melbourne can be found at http://www.lebopdance.com |
Lyrical Jazz
Lyrical Jazz combines the styles of ballet, jazz and contemporary and is commonly set to popular music. Lyrical dance uses the lyrics of the music as inspiration to express emotion and gesture.
| Clothing | Jazz shoes or Foot Undies (runners, socks or barefoot are also suitable) and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Lyrical Jazz please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Progressions
This particular style of dance involves different combinations of kicks, jumps and turns that will test and enhance your jazz technique, movements and dance styles.
| Clothing | Jazz shoes or Foot Undies (runners, socks or barefoot are also suitable) and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Progressions please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Reggaeton
Reggaeton is a mixture of Jamaican and Latin American influences blended with Hip Hop and Electronica beats. It’s a combination of dance styles from the modern era.
| Clothing | Running shoes and comfortable clothing that you can move easily in. |
| Further info | More information on Reggaeton please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Salsa
Salsa music and dance has its origins in the Caribbean and South America, but has developed all over the world. It is the most popular among a variety of Latin dance styles. It has developed into an international phenomenon, taking the world by storm! It has become more than a casual past time for many. It is a passionate lifestyle for thousands of people all over the world.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothing and footwear |
| Further info | More information on salsa or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Stretch & Strengthen
This non-impact class uses stretch & strengthen techniques suited for dance styles that will assist dancers to develop & strengthen core muscles while at the same time develop, maintain & improve flexibility. This class is suitable for students of any level from beginners to professional dancers.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothing and footwear |
| Further info | More information on Stretch & Strengthen classes or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Tap
Tap is a style of dance distinguished by percussive footwork that marks out precise rhythmic patterns on the floor. Tap Dancing was developed in the United States, but owes much of its development to dance styles that include Irish solo step dance, the English clog dance, Spanish Flamenco and African dance movements.
Tap shoes, leather soled shoes that have had metal taps and sound plates attached to them, are recommended. Beginners can make do with street shoes until they decide to purchase tap shoes.
| Clothing | Comfortable casual clothing. Tap shoes are most appropriate but are not nessecary as a regular pair of hard soled shoes with a relatively low heel will suffice. |
| Further info | More information on Tap or any other class please contact The Space on (03) 9529 3949 or email info@thespace.com.au |
Last Updated (Friday, 01 July 2011 14:57)