Dance is a universal language across many countries. People in different regions of the world have unique ethnic groups and cultural values, but dance is one thing that is common to them all.
All countries have dances that identify with specific regions and cultures. Canada, for example, has the Powwow dance, which is practiced all over the country, but different regions have their unique way of doing it.
So, dancing is a way of life; it is symbolic of beliefs and traditions, and it changes with time because every day, new dance moves are created. However, this guide discusses some traditional dances in Canada and the best place to get dance lessons.
What Are Some Traditional Dances in Canada?
Powwow Dance
Powwow dance is a traditional dance in Canada that expresses the indigenous culture, spirituality and history of the people. Although this dance did not originate in Canada, it later spread to Canada, and it is now practiced as a form of prayer and celebration of culture by the first nation' people in Canada.
The Powwow dance involves a variety of dance styles, drum songs and cultural regalia. The people participating in this dance learn about Powwow: how it came about, its importance to the people, teachings of integrity and respect and stories of each powwow dance style.
The traditional regalia identified with Powwow dances includes dressing in hair ties, beadwork, ribbon shawls, furs and other pieces. The celebration usually begins with a smudge ceremony for cleansing and ends with a demonstration of one of the three Powwow dance styles for women.
The Red River Jig
The Red River Jig is a traditional dance in Canada accompanied by a fiddle tune; it is currently practiced by both the First Nations and the Canadian Metis. The Red River Jig was a very popular dance among Red River's early settlers, including the Selkirk Settlers.
The dance was formed from the North American Indian dance - Powwow. Also, it contains some essentials of European reels and jigs.
In 1860 a man named Mr Macdallas played a fantastic tune at a Metis couple's wedding, and that tune later became the first recorded reference to the Red River Jig. Although the dance might seem old style, it is still an enjoyable dance that creates beautiful happy moments and bonds between people.
Square Dance
Square dance is a traditional dance that was promoted by Loyld Shaw in the 1930s. He wanted to preserve this dance form so it could last for many generations. The square dance is performed by couples, usually four, making eight people.
They dance in a square formation to a series or sequence of steps announced by a caller. Although square dances are very popular among couples, people of all ages can participate because the dance is known to effectively promote and maintain good health. It is also a fun way to meet new people and socialize.
La Gigue
La gigue is a traditional dance performed in the French Canadian culture across Canada and especially in Quebec. This dance is performed for fun and entertainment; it is a percussive dance that requires people to make sounds with their feet on the floor.
The movements of people's legs, ankles and feet are gentle and relatively small, so they do not have much amplitude.
La gigue was initially introduced to Canadians by Scottish and Irish visitors. Subsequently, tap dancing from Americans also influenced the LA gigue dance. Now LA gigue is performed in Quebec and other cities in Canada in the French Canadian culture.
Ballet Dance
Ballet dance is one of the oldest forms of dance; the word ballet itself means 'dance', and it started with the Italian Balletto. The dance was used as entertainment at weddings before some monarchs started requesting ballet performers for certain special events.
Discover the different styles of dancing throughout Canada here on Superprof.
Ballet is a form of visual art that expresses emotions and storytelling solely through dancing, facial expressions and gestures.
The ballet dance is performed with a set of costumes specifically designed for the dance alone, and to date, that attire has remained unique to ballet dance.
The dance is very interesting and heartwarming to watch, but if you are also interested in learning it, Superprof is the best platform for you.
What Will I Learn in a Ballet Dance Class?
As a beginner in a ballet dance class, you will learn basic steps and exercise; the steps are simple with slow tempos. As time progresses, you are expected to learn principles of movement, dance studio etiquette, how to act professionally and gain technique competency.
Dance moves for beginners in a ballet class include barre, center, adagio, allegro, and reverence.
- Barre
Barre is a basic dance move for beginners in a ballet class. In this early stage, dancers work on different sides of their bodies through exercises with the support of a barre.
Whether you are a professional or a novice ballet dancer, you will be made to perform barre work as it plays a significant role in preparing you for the second part of the dancing class.
- Center
After the barre warm-up classes, dancers move to the center of the room for more exercise. The exercises are a little bit different from the barre exercises, and this time, you don't get the support of the barre. In the center, you will learn positions, steps, and poses to gain a basic understanding of the ballet movement.
- Adagio
After the center exercises, you must now have a basic knowledge of what ballet dance is like, so in Adagio, you will move on to practice slow, graceful steps to help you develop control, balance and extension.
- Allegro
The allegro session of a ballet class will teach you livelier, faster steps that include jumps and turns.
- Reverence
Reverence is a show of respect and elegance; it is performed at the end of every ballet class. Reverence involves a series of curtsies and bows usually performed to slow music to acknowledge and respect the teacher, pianist and ballet tradition.
Where Can I Find the Best Vancouver Dance Classes?
Vancouver is a beautiful city in Canada with many professional dancers, and people that love to dance. However, those who can't dance might not be very happy about it as they end up always ruining the moments of fun and joy dancing brings for everyone.
So if you reside in Vancouver, Canada and want the best dance lessons on any of Canada's traditional dances, then Superprof Vancouver dance lessons are just what you need. Superprof offers fun and engaging dance lessons with plenty of games and good songs to keep students engaged.
The experienced tutors will help you start small and walk your way up to bigger moves, and the Vancouver dance lessons are focused on encouragement and positivity.
What are the Benefits of Taking Dance Lessons on Superprof?
- Dancing can relieve Stress and Anxiety
Like any other physical exercise, dancing enhances the release of endorphins- a hormone that makes one feel happy and relaxed. So dancing can quickly relieve you of stress and anxiety. In addition, it gives your body and mind time to relax and focus on something other than your worries.
- Dancing is Fun
Apart from the physical and mental health benefits of dancing, it is also a great way to have fun. Dancing brings families and communities together as it is an activity that expresses joy and happiness. It doesn't matter which style you dance, but as you start dancing, you will loosen up and feel that exciting rush of fresh energy.
- Dancing Help you Stay Fit
Dancing is also a sport because regardless of the type of dance you choose or how you learn, it will still do intense body movements. So it can help you burn unhealthy calories, improve your body shape and help you stay fit.
- Become Flexible
Dancing involves moving every part of your body, and many exercises are performed in dance classes. This can significantly improve your flexibility. Although it may not happen overnight, you will surely become very flexible over time.
- Meet New People
Dancing can help you meet new people and make new friends because you can dance with different partners in group dance classes. Also, a shared interest has been known as one of the fastest ways to get acquainted with people.
Is it better to Learn to Dance Online?
People have different preferences when it comes to learning; for some, learning online can be slow and sometimes hard to follow. However, Superprof offers in-person and online lessons.
Superprof can help you learn to dance online with some of the best professional dance tutors; the dance training includes dance moves for beginners and some more advanced dance moves.
In addition, if you prefer online classes, Superprof online dance classes are always fun, you can take the dance lessons anywhere and at any time, and you can learn at your own pace without pressure.
Do you have a passion for dancing? Then you shouldn't let it end with just having a passion. Instead, you should take a step further to learn dancing online or in person with Superprof.
Dancing is a great career choice as seen by many famous Canadian dancers, and it is becoming more and more interesting with new trends every day. So you can never be bored or unexcited about it.
You can learn dancing at any age to become a professional dancer or dance casually. However, whatever your reason is, Superprof got your back. Check out some expert dance tutors on Superprof and hire the best tutor for yourself today.
Read this guide if you want to know the origin of dance in Canada.
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