|
|
Junior Dance Class (age 9-18)
Classic Chinese dance training not only improves a junior’s appearance, but is also an artistic nurturing for his/her mind. Years of practice has confirmed that long and systematic training helps students to build up a perfect shape. They will develop elegant posture and conduct. They will have keener and sharper senses. In addition, dance training helps students to nurture a positive and optimistic spirit. With a deepened understanding of traditional Chinese culture, students will have better character and moral values.
Dance Fundamentals
Students will learn the basic concepts and terminology of Chinese classical dance and to develop a command of the fundamental techniques and dance movements. The course includes: The basic elements of Chinese classical dance: * Bar exercises * Center exercises * Floor exercises * Jumping and leaping * Basic technical combinations
Tumbling
Classical Chinese dance also includes training in tumbling skills or “blanket fundamentals” (literal translation of the Chinese words). This course covers techniques in tumbling, leaping, rolling, turning, falling, etc. Such training is highly intensive and physically challenging, and requires comprehensive technical conditioning. The Chinese term “blanket fundamentals” was used because dancers in China used to practice on blankets to avoid injury. Today we use safety mats. Through blanket fundamentals the movement of the dancer’s body becomes more coordinated. Such training can also enhance the body’s flexibility and control. In the dance performance, blanket fundamentals have become indispensable techniques in expressing characters, presenting plots, and enhancing the expression of feelings.
Bearing and Form
Bearing and Form is a general name for “Shen Fa” and “Rhythm”. “Shen Fa” refers to dance form and movements, while “rhythm” refers to the inner spirit of the art form. Only when these two elements are articulately combined and incorporated can the characteristic styles of classical Chinese dance and its aesthetic essence be truly expressed. Classical Chinese dance is particular about the use of hand, eye, body and step. It is also particular about form, spirit, strength and movement. All these become the fundamental elements of “Shen Yun” in classical Chinese dance. Form means external physical posture, movement, and the connection of movements. Spirit refers to one’s ability to express the required emotions of the piece. It also represents the dancers ability to act and convey specific traits of characters from history and folklore. Strength means physical power applied to the execution of various artistic relationships, such as light vs. heavy, slow vs. fast, intense vs. weak, long vs. short, and rigid vs. soft. Movement refers to rules for each intricate physical dance technique or body movement.
Flexibility
This course is focused on extending the body’s flexibility and capabilities.
Chinese Folk and Ethnic Dances
China, a country with an ancient civilization, is composed of 56 ethnic groups. Every ethnic group and every region has its own unique history, culture, geographical features, environmental circumstances, and living customs. Therefore Chinese folk and ethnic dances are characterized by their remarkable diversity, rich content, and distinctive styles and rhythms. With these unique styles, Chinese folk and ethnic dances vividly represent the distinctive characteristics, sensibilities and customs of each ethnic group, as well as the spirit of their hopes and ideals. For example, through tough physical postures, movements, and dance styles, Mongolian dances present the optimistic and fearless Mongolian character. Yang’ge dance from northern China often features a bold and passionate character; while the lantern dance from southern China is known for its soft beauty and delicacy.
Dance Repertoire
Dance is a comprehensive art form. Dance artists need to first understand and master the basic skills and techniques. After thorough integration and refinement, dance artists connect the basic movements into rhythm-based, beautiful sequences, and only then are they created into something ready for a dance performance. Only through formal and orderly training can the dance artists create a dance to express what is being conceived, to proficiently express the content of the dance. Through physical movements dancers express thoughts and convey the inner beauty to co-dancers and to the audience.
The highly challenging dance techniques based on jumps, tumbles and turns can play a key role in highlighting the atmosphere and feelings, sometimes offering the finishing touch to a performance. All these techniques make the dance more attractive, and at the same time, elevate the dance production to a higher level of expression.
A set of coherent and fluent movements, highly synchronized and rhythmic, is very helpful in training one’s dexterity and responsiveness. Meanwhile, the interesting features of the dance performances draw and focus the dancer’s attention. And finally, through dances, dancers can observe their inner world, experience the perception of life. |
