Exploring the World of Dance: My Personal Journey

Dance is a form of expression that transcends cultural and language barriers. It is a language that speaks directly to the soul and helps to convey emotions and feelings that are often too complex to put into words. Over the years, I have found myself drawn to various styles of dance, from hip-hop to contemporary, and even ballet.

My Favorite Dance: Hip-hop

One of my favorite types of dance is hip-hop. This type of dance is fast-paced and full of energy. The quick beats make you want to move and express yourself in ways that are truly liberating. From breakdancing to street dance, hip-hop offers a diverse range of styles that are constantly evolving. It is a form of dance that is fun to perform with friends and it’s great to feel the rhythm together.

Contemporary Dance: A Personal Favourite

However, while I enjoy the energy and excitement of hip-hop, my favorite dance form is contemporary. Contemporary dance is fascinating because of its expressive fluid movements, which can capture a wide range of human emotions and experiences. It is a wonderful way to express myself and enjoy the joy of moving freely. When I was around fifteen, I started attending dance classes at the local Youth Centre. At that time, I was particularly drawn to shuffle dance. This dance became a favorite hobby of mine, and even as an adult, when a upbeat tune comes on, I cannot resist the urge to dance around the house.

Popularity of Dance in the 1980s: The Dead Fly Dance

The dance world experienced some peculiar trends in the 1980s. One such dance was called the Dead Fly. This dance involved lying on your back on the floor and waving your arms and legs around. It was a unique and rather entertaining dance that was popular during that time. Alongside the dance craze, there was also a cocktail called Spock's Coffin that had to be drunk through a straw while lying on your back and singing "Amazing Grace." The Dead Fly dance and the Spock's Coffin cocktail were a whimsical way to enjoy the upbeat and lively atmosphere of the 1980s.

The Diversity of Dance Styles

Ballet, contemporary, and modern dance all have something to offer. Ballet is a beautiful and graceful style that interprets music in a mesmerizing way. Contemporary dance, on the other hand, brings a plethora of styles into a single performance, thereby enhancing the dancer's ability to express emotions. Contemporary dance offers a much wider range of movement and expression than ballet, making it a versatile form of dance. Similarly, modern dance allows dancers to express political, religious, and social justice issues through their movements. During the Black Lives Matter protests, I witnessed a group of dancers performing a tribute to George Floyd, which was a powerful moment of connection and expression through dance.

My Dancing Life

I have enjoyed all types of dance, but each has its own charm and allure. When I was in the mid-1980s, I tried tap dance, but I found it challenging to perform without judgment. I love the fun and non-judgmental nature of hip-hop, especially when I can dance with my students and their friends. Dancing has always been a source of joy and creativity for me. I have even choreographed ballet to music by Led Zeppelin, which shows my playful and experimental side in dance. In essence, all dance is my favorite because it is a form of self-expression that knows no bounds.

Whether it's hip-hop, contemporary, ballet, or other styles, dance is a constant source of inspiration and joy in my life. So, let's raise a high-five to the magic of dance, and remember that whatever form it takes, it is always worth the rhythm and beat.