Physical Fitness & Me: January 2011

Dance Unit

Is Dance a Sport?

Many of you might ask, why we learn about Dance in P.E.? The reason is it is important you understand how your body moves and how you can move it in space. I have heard from many of you, "Dance is not a Sport" but the issue is centered on the meaning of the word "Sport."

According to the American Heritage Dictionary definition, Sport is defined as:

Sport \’spørt\ ( Noun )

An activity involving physical exertion and skill that is governed by a set of

rules or customs and often undertaken competitively.

Dance is a physical activity that has rules i.e. keep your turnout, point your toes, etc. In Dance much like many other Sports you must have dedication and time to train and condition your body for the rigors of movement. Training and conditioning involves all 3 components of Physical Fitness ( Cardiovascular Endurance, Flexibility & Stretching and Muscular Strength & Endurance ) and therefore is a Sport that, "involves physical exertion and skill" to accomplish a goal. Leaping and turns are not easily done without skill and technique. Observe and analyze the following photos and consider the power, strength and flexibility it takes to perform these types of movement. Do you believe you could recreate these same kinds of movements safely and accurately? Practice, dedication, physical endurance and conditioning allow these performers to make what is difficult look effortless.

*Dancers above are from the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater

1st Annual Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Dancing with the Students

ORDER OF PERFORMANCES / CLASSES

Lindy Hop ( 8:05 AM – 8:35 AM ) 8^th Grade

La Raspa ( 8:45 AM – 9:15 AM ) 3^rd Grade

Cotton Eye Joe ( 9:20 AM – 9:50 AM ) 5^th Grade

Lindy Hop ( 10:49 AM – 11:19 AM ) 7^thGrade
Chicken Dance / Macarena ( 11:25 AM – 12:05 PM ) Kindergarten

La Raspa (12:35 PM – 1:10 PM ) 2^nd Grade

Mexican Hat Dance ( 1:15 PM – 1:45 PM ) 1^st Grade

Virginia Reel ( 1:50 PM – 2:25 PM ) 4^th Grade

The Hustle ( 2:30 PM – 3:00 PM ) 6^th Grade

Dance Do’s & Don’ts

DANCING ETIQUETTE:

1. ASK TO DANCE AND ACCEPT THEM POLITELY. Gentlemen and Ladies don’t just stick your hand out. Look the person you want to dance with in the eyes and politely ask them for a dance.

2. PAY ATTENTION TO YOUR GRIP. Relax, don’t be pushy or clingy, or expect the other to hold you up. Watch the fingers in the back ( During Closed Position )

3. FOLLOWERS WILL FOLLOW THE LEADER. If followers want to dance with the wall, then by all means but your grade will be effected. However, for a great dance experience, enjoy the roller coaster ride and/or conversation that come along with it. Leads are working really hard to show you a good time.

4. HAVE GOOD HYGIENE. Use commonsense, no one likes a partner who doesn’t smell good.

5. LET THE LADY CHOOSE THE DISTANCE. So you’re dancing and your follower keeps getting away from you. Pick up the hint and let her. She probably has her reasons.

6. APOLOGIZE WHEN YOU BUMP OR KICK SOMEONE. Even if you are not sure whose fault it is. This is a hard one to remember, especially when the heels of your dance shoe are involved. Dancing is an art express it on the floor.

7. SMILE! Enjoy yourself, express yourself and HAVE FUN this Isn’t Math Or Science Class!

The Importance of Music

Before we can begin to Dance we first need to discuss the importance of Music and how it moves us. Music has a theme and with it a story of emotion that creates movement; happiness, anger, sadness, etc. which in turn produces soft, fluid, harsh, fast, slow, heavy or light movement. Consider the kinds of music you listen to throughout your day and how your mood dictates your choice. When you listen to music regardless of whether or not you like it, try to recognize the way it makes you feel and what kind of movement it inspires.

Can you feel the Beat?

What’s rhythm? If you listen for it, you can find rhythm just about anywhere: in a basketball being dribbled, raindrops falling, clapping of your hands or your heart beat. Rhythm is what makes music move and flow. Rhythm is made up of sounds and silences. These sounds and silences are put together to form patterns of sound, which are repeated to create rhythm. A rhythm has a steady beat, but it may also have many different kinds of beats. Some beats may be stronger or longer or shorter or softer than others. A song can use many different rhythms.

In addition to Rhythm we must also think about Tempo. Tempo is the speed of music. It’s a steady constant pulse, like your heart beat. Tempo can be slow or fast or in-between, and it can change during a song. Tempo influences how music sounds and feels. The same song will sound different if you play it slower or faster.

Rhythm and Tempo set the tone for how fast or slow you dance or how you will move. Think of some of your favorite songs and consider how it moves you?

Cardio Fun

From an early age we begin to appreciate music and how our bodies respond to the sounds and rhythms we hear. Music inspires movement and dance is inevitable. From boys to girls, young and old everyone loves to dance and loves how it makes us feel! Believe it or not dancing is also a great way to exercise! Dance is a great way to express yourself, have fun and get your Cardiovascular exercise too! Turn on your radio or iPod and feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up its DANCING TIME!!!

I’ve chosen the following videos for your viewing pleasure, so prepare to be inspired.

Babies feel it!