The purpose of this blog was to explain the skills set that I am hoping to pass on by my joint run club Salute. This information goes towards my Arts Award.
To me Salute is a diverse club that allows students who have learnt various dance styles out of school or those who are staring right from scratch to come together and work on something they are really enthusiastic about. We are just about to start the second school term and we have already completed a four minute dance piece that will be performed in the annual Dance Showcase. The dedication from many students has been phenomenal and this is a personal thank you to all the students who attend every week willing to learn. The group is far better than what we had ever expected which is so rewarding when we are choreographing and preparing for each session.
Skills
Originally when we began this club I wanted to share 3 skills in particular. For many years I have been trained in very traditional dance subjects and from my experience I have chosen these skills, as I believe they are vital in becoming a more all rounded dancer.
TECHNIQUE – Technique defines how to move your muscles, and which muscles to use in what way in order to make your dancing look the way it should. We need it as proper technique allows you to perform harder elements because doing it properly is the only way to do them without falling. It defines you as a dancer and stronger technique is distinguished as each movement is built up and holds so much effort.
TECHNIQUE IN SALUTE IS SHARED BY THE INTENSIVE WARM UPS AT THE BEGINNING OF EACH SESSION WHICH CONSISTS OF MOVEMENT THAT WILL LATER BE INCLUDED IN THE ROUTINE.
CONFIDENCE AND STAGE PRESENCE – Confidence is having the strength of believing in yourself, as a dancer if you were performing ‘with confidence’ it suggest that each movement was exerted with strength, determination and passion. This is useful as it allows you to really stand out from the crowd. With dance, when performing with confidence it won’t make you look silly, it will make you possess the skills of a professional. Confidence interlinks with stage presence because if you have the confidence you are able to express yourself better.
EACH SONG IN OUR PIECES REFLECTS A DIFFERENT PERSONA, WE DEVELOP CONFIDENCE THROUGH ATTITUDE AND EXPRESSION WE WOULD LIKE ALL THE STUDENTS TO HAVE.
ENTHUSIASM – Enthusiasm is to be passionate, keen and excited about something. With regards to dance if you do not have the enthusiasm in whatever piece you do it is truly reflected. It suggests laziness in a sport that requires a lot of energy.
ENTHUSIASM HAS BEEN SHARED AS WE TAKE ON BOARD THE IDEAS OF THE STUDENTS IT’S A WAY OF ENSURING THEY ARE ENJOYING THE SESSIONS AS MUCH AS WE ARE.
Reflection
So far the group has been a pleasure to lead. Every week they maintain the skill sets we reinforce which allow us to move at such a fast pace. We like to teach all the choreography with basic technique and they spend at least one session on a detailed technique class. I think this is beneficial as it allows us to run through the work and then define it later one when everyone is a lot more confident. Considering we have already finished a piece it is safe to say that the method is working! For the upcoming term we plan on spending one week on technique and then we are beginning our second slot for the showcase.
Rushey Mead Arts Award 