Dance and Music of Foreign Countries PDF

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Dances and Music of Foreign Countries 1. China ( Chinese Fan Dance) The Chinese fan dance is performed in celebration of Chinese culture. It represents beauty, grace and delicacy, according to the Chinese Educational Development Project. It also expresses feelings of joy. The dance is composed of consistently changing rhythms paired with consistently changing body positions. 2. Japan ( Japanese Parasol Dance) The Japanese Parasol dance is an example of a simple Japanese dance that uses an umbrella. The dance is suited for girls making use of shuffling steps that is basic to a typical Japanese. The Parasol dance is from Kabuki. The song played during the dance is called Mikado (a song in 4/4 time). 3. México ( La Cucaracha) La Cucaracha (or in English, The little cockroach) is a traditional Mexican corrida or folk ballad from the early 20th century. It is a wellknown folk dance, often performed at parties and celebrations. 4. Italian ( Tarantella) Around the 16th century in Taranto, Italy, people broke into a dance to ward off death from the highly poisonous bite of a tarantula spider. They would dance in a frantic and hysterical fashion to fast music, and this is what later came to be known as Tarantella. Today, it is one of the most popular folk dances in southern Italy and also the world. With its hypnotic music set at a high tempo, Tarantella is also used for therapeutic purposes.

5. Russia ( Troika) Troika is a Russian folk dance, where a man dances with two women. The Russian word troika means three-horse team/gear. In the Russian

dance the dancers imitate the prancing of horses pulling a sled or a carriage. 6. England ( Galopede) During the 17th century, the contras were the rage of England. The English people had developed hundreds of dances to the extent they were called “dancing English.” They performed their dances almost in all occasions whenever opportunity afforded. The steps and figures were simple and easy to learn. Galopede is an example of contra dance. 7. France ( Minuet) The French people are noted as refined with restrained movements. In the 18th century, the Minuet was the principal dance of the court. It was used as the opening dance in court balls led by the King himself. This dance disappeared in the French courts when the contra dance was introduced in France in 1710. Many of the French dances are based in one or two steps. In 1891, the minuet was revived with new figures. 8. USA ( American Square Dance) The square dance reflects the color, the customs, and the casual life of the American people. Friendliness and good fellowship are the chief characteristics of square dancing. Dancers experience the joy of spontaneous

expression

that

follow

the

rhythm,

figures

and

smoothness of movement. The square dance involves dynamics in movement, poise in the body, the swish of the skirt, and smooth turns which create a beautiful form and beautiful picture in action on the part of the viewer.

9. Malaysia ( Joget) Joget (Jawi: ‫ )جججوڬيت‬is a traditional Malay dance that originated in Malacca. It was influenced by the Portuguese dance of Branyo which is

believed to have been spread to Malacca during the spice trade. In Malacca, it is better known as Chakunchak. The dance is one of the most popular folk dances in Malaysia and normally performed by couples in cultural festivals, weddings and other social functions. Joget also grew in popularity within the Malay community in Singapore after its introduction in 1942. 10.Thailand ( Kohn) Khon is a masked, stylized form of traditional Thai dance. The performers do not speak, but rather a chorus set to the side tells the story. The performances feature Ramakien, the national epic story of Thailand, and traditional costumes, including colored masks. The four main types of characters are males, females, monkeys, and demons with elaborate khon masks. 11. Vietnam ( Vu Phien) Devoted to the King's Mother, wife, ladies-in-waiting, princesses at weddings. 12.Korea ( Seungmu) Seungmu is a Korean dance performed by Buddhist monks. It is one of the most famous Korean traditional dances and designated as South Korea's important intangible cultural asset number 27 in 1969. It has been developed into a solo dance by professional dancers. 13.Persia ( Bandari) Bandari dance, a chain dance, is often referred to as Persian Bellydance. Bandari dance is a chain dance that often involves multiple people dancing and often perform this at parties, travelling around in a circle and sometimes stepping into the centre for a solo with encouragement from other dancers, the only variations are in the arm movementsBandar in Farsi means “harbour” or “port” and is used to refer to the region of southern Iran which is on the Gulf coast. It is a lively dance and has a natural bounciness to it.

14.Hawaii ( Hula) The hypnotic hula dance from Hawaii was created by the Polynesians of the country. The hula is performed either sitting or standing or a combination of both. The ukulele is an important accompaniment to the hula creating the soothing vibes alongside the dance form.

I.

China ( Chinese Fan Dance)

History

The traditional Chinese fan dance has been a part of Chinese culture for over 2,000 years. The dance was first introduced during the Han dynasty and has been a central part of familial life since that period two millennia ago. The fan dance is considered a folk dance that serves many different purposes, and there are two primary distinctions in the dance: civilian and military. The Han Dynasty is considered the first Chinese dynasty that cared about promoting and preserving artistic tradition. This is the primary reason why the Chinese Fan dance is still practiced today. The dance is usually learned from an older family member and is often performed at cultural festivals and other civilian events. This form of the fan dance usually includes colorful fans and other props. The military form of the dance uses no props, as it uses coordinated movements and weaponry to demonstrate uniformity and authority. For some, the fan dance is purely a form of entertainment. Historically, it served as a way to pass down customs and folklore, as the performer would act out stories and legends for their family and guests. The costumes worn during the fan dance are often determined by the purpose. For a civilian fan dance, beautiful costumes are worn, and the dance resembles a ballet performance. Military fan dances have no costumes, as the soldiers perform in uniform. Costume Girl ● Chinese blouse; ● Long and loose drawers (bottoms) of any color; ● Chinese sandals; and ● Big fan.

Figures of the Dance Steps: Get fans made of feathers or silk and hold them in each hand while standing. With your arms held out to each side, begin fluttering the fans while raising them above your head and lowering to the side. This step may be repeated throughout the choreography by facing different directions or including walking steps. As the choreography varies, the specific techniques of opening, closing and fluttering the fans remain. Rhythmic Changes: After lowering the arms while fluttering the fans, bring your arms in front of you (as if you are reaching for something). With a count of 8, open and close the fans by turning your wrists in and out. Repeat for another count of 8. Continue by tilting your upper body to one side while raising one arm overhead while the other arm is out to the side. Remember to keep fluttering the fans throughout all the arm and torso position changes. Lower arms back to the start position with arms to the side. Position: Bend your knees, moving up and down, while fans are held close together and arms are outstretched in front of you. You'll turn your torso to the right and left (see Fun Dance Workshop at dancemedia.com). Raise your arms abruptly overhead while crossing one fan in front of the other. Hold this position for a few seconds as this pose represents power. The dance will either continue with new positions or repeat the positions introduced earlier.

II.

Japan ( Japanese Parasol Dance)

History Japan is a small island but one which has an ancient and rich culture. The Japanese almost had a civilization of their own. For example, they have age old medicine practices, culture and even singing and dance. Karaoke itself is a kind of art that first was developed in Japan. The parasol is one such dance that originated in Japan, and has a rich history. The parasol dance is one such dance that involves dancing with umbrellas. These umbrellas are specially made for the dance. The dance involves girls shuffling steps and is a very typical Japanese dance. It might look very easy but it is such an ancient dance that it involves several techniques. Parasol actually originated from the kabuki. The song that is played while the dance recital is going on is known as Mikado. Women wear bright colored kimonos and carry a parasol which is an umbrella and also wear Japanese wooden shoes. These shoes have block heels and give the women the height. It is very difficult to walk in those shoes for normal people and leave alone dancing. The music may be played several times during the dance and it can go on for a long time. The parasol dance has been followed by the Japanese for more than 600 years now. It is a very articulate dance and it was once practiced by geishas or wheat we call them as escorts in the modern world. Japanese parasol dance is still alive in Japan today, but only very few people are trained in it. If you get a chance to see one of those performances, then you should consider yourself lucky.

Costume Girl ● Bright color kimono ● Bright colored flowers in hair ● Japanese parasol ● Japanese wooden shoes

Figures of the Dance Counting used in the dance: one two, to a measure: one, two, three, four, for two measures basic steps used: shuffling steps. Formation: in groups of four facing the audience. The open Parasol is held with two hands over the head, the hands holding the handle at chest level. They stand about four feet away from each other. One to any number of sets may take part in this dance. Steps of the Parasol Dance: 1.

Music A a.

Starting with the R foot, execute shuffling steps forward. Twirl

parasol overhead.

b.

With shuffling steps turn around in place clockwise. Twirl the

parasol over the R shoulder. c.

Repeat (b) turning counter clockwise. Transfer parasol to the l

shoulder. d.

Turn right about and repeat (a) going to the proper place. Twirl

parasol overhead. Finish facing front. e. 2.

Repeat (b) and (c).

Music B a.

Step R sideward (ct. 1), step L close to R foot (ct. 2), bend knees

slightly (ct. 3), straighten knees (ct. 4). Bend the head slightly to the right side, parasol resting on the R shoulder (do not turn). b.

Repeat (a) to the left side, starting with the L foot. Transfer the

parasol to the L shoulder (ct. 1-4). c.

Repeat (a) and (b).

d.

With no. 1 leading, execute shuffling steps moving clockwise.

Each group makes its own circle. Twirl parasol on the shoulder (8cts.). e.

Turn right about and repeat (d) counter clockwise. Transfer

parasol to the L shoulder. 3.

Music 3 a.

All bend forward and drop to your knees. Place the parasol

behind. Bend trunk slowly forward until the head touches the floor (obeisance) (8cts). b.

Raise the trunk slowly and take the parasol with both hands and

place it in front (8cts). c.

In kneeling position, sit on the heels (Japanese fashion). Raise

the head and look around the parasol at the right side (4cts.) and to the left side (4cts.). d. 4.

Repeat ©.

Music A a.

Each girl rolls her own parasol around self clockwise (4cts.) and

counter clockwise (4cts.). b.

Roll it in front sideward right (2cts.) and sideward left (2cts.).

c.

Repeat (b).

5.

d.

Repeat (a) and (b).

e.

All take parasols and stand up with the write foot (4cts.).

Music B a.

All face right, holding the parasol with two hands at high level

(top toward the audience, handle toward the rear). b.

Execute shuffling steps forward, twirling parasol clockwise (4cts.)

c.

Turn left about, repeat (a), parasol top toward audience, (4cts.)

d.

Turn right about. Repeat (a) and (b).

e.

Execute shuffling steps forward to form a square, each girl

occupying a corner, facing a common center. f.

Turn around in place clockwise (2M) and counter clockwise (2M)

as in figure I (b) and (c) finish facing the center. g.

Turn around in place as in figure I (b) twice (8cts.) finish facing

proper places. h. i.

Repeat (a) going to place. With no. 1 leading each set turn once, clockwise and then exit.

Use shuffling steps throughout, twirling the parasol on the shoulder. Note: If more music is needed, part C may be repeated as many times as necessary.

III.

México ( La Cucaracha)

History “La Cucaracha” is a traditional Mexican/Spanish folk song. The exact origins of “la Cucaracha” (Spanish: Cockroach) are unknown. It has been suggested that it was composed following the expulsion of the Moors from Spain on January 2, 1492, whilst others say it is about Mexican revolutionary Pancho Villa’s car, which frequently broke down and earned the nickname la cucaracha from villa’s troops. The lyrics consist of independent verses, often improvised. The one prototypical verse is: La Cucaracha, la cucaracha/ Ya no puede caminar/ porque no tiene, porque le (the cockroach, the cockroach/ he can’t walk anymore/ because he doesn’t have, because he lacks/ Marijuana to smoke). This version is supposedly about President Victoriano Huerta, who was a notorious drunk and user of narcotics. To confuse things further, during the Mexican Revolution, the song was frequently given political lyrics by rebel and government forces alike. Today, the song is primarily regarded as Mexican, though it was probably originally written in Spain. All about the Dance La Cucaracha means “The Little Cockroach''. This is a dance known to all Mexicans. This dance is usually performed during the social gatherings. There are as many meanings of “La Cucaracha '' as there are versions of it. The same can be said for the word itself. The word can refer to the insect. It can also be used to refer to a person derogatorily by association with a cockroach. It has been used as an underworld slang term for marijuana or a marijuana cigarette stub (whence the American slang term “roach clip”), or tobacco adulterated with marijuana, or tobacco adulterated with anything. It has been used as slang for a vehicle or train car without any wheels. Costume Girl ●

White short- sleeved blouse heavily embroidered in beads with a full skirt of green and red (occasionally white

● The skirt reaches down to the ankle ● High heeled slippers are worn ● Over the blouse a long sash or scarf called a “roboza” is arranged in a certain way.

● At its middle it is drawn straight across the waist of breast, crossed at the back, and the ends drawn up over the shoulders and left hanging down loosely each side in front or else the ends are tucked down each side under the sash in front. ● The hair is worn in two braids. Boys ● white “blouse” shirt, ● a low-cut vest, ● a jacket cut something like a long bolero, ● long rather tightly fitting pants decorated sometimes with silver buttons. ● On his head he has a huge sombrero ● on his arm he carries his brightly colored “zarape.”

Figures of the Dance FORMATION – couples are arranged informally around the room. The boy clasps his hands around his back; the girl holds her skirt gracefully at the side. For class instruction or demonstration, the participants may be arranged in any desired formation. Partners stand by side, the girl is on the right of the boy.

Music A. Play Once Partners face each other and do the cross-waltz steps revolving around each other. Starting with the R (right) foot, take eight cross-waltz steps forward moving clockwise. Crossing the R foot over turns the body to. the left and bring them into a position touching R elbows. When the L (left) foot is across the R, the left elbows are touching……………………………..8M Figure III Music B. Play Twice ● Partners are side-by-side facing steps front. The following directions are for the boy; reverse for the girl. ● Boy steps sideward L (ct. 1), steps R close to the L foot (ct.2), steps L sideward left again (ct. 3), stamps R foot in place (ct. 1), pauses (ct.2 and

3),

puts

weight

on

the

R

foot

……………………………………………………………………………..2M ● Three steps turn L away from the partner (ct. 1, 2, 3). Stamp R foot twice, keeping the weight on the L Foot (ct. 1,2), pause (ct. 3) ………………………………..……………………………………………8M ● Steps R sideward toward the partner (ct. 1), step L close to R foot (ct. 2), step R sideward again (ct. 3). Step L foot in place (ct. 1), stamp R foot twice (ct. 2, 3) …………………………………………..………………………………….2M ● Starting with the r foot, three steps sideward F to change place with partner. The girl passes in the front of the boy (ct. 1, 2, 3). Stamps L foot (ct. 1), pause (ct. 2, 3) ……...……………………………………………………………………….2M ● Repeat all from steps A-D starting with the opposite foot, finish in to the original position ……………………………………………………………………………...8M

IV.

Italian ( Tarantella)

History Tarantella, a couple folk dance of Italy characterized by light, quick steps and teasing, flirtatious behaviour between partners; women dancers frequently carry tambourines. The music is lively 6/8 time. Tarantellas for two couples are also danced. The taranttella's origin is connected with tarantism, a disease or form of hysteria that appeared in Italy in the 15th to the 17th century and that was obscurely associated with the bite of the tarantula spider; victims seemingly were cured by frenzied dancing. All three words ultimately derive from the name of the town of Taranto, Italy. Tarantellas were written for the piano by Frédéric Chopin, Franz Liszt, and Carl Maria von Weber. Costume GIRLS ● White skirt with bands of colored ribbons, ● white blouse ● velvet bodice ● red apron ● colored kerchief on head. BOYS ● Red knee breeches ● full white shirt ● red tie ● blue stocking drawn high above the knees ● red jersey cap

Figures of the Dance MUSIC - is divided into three parts: A, B, AND C COUNT - one, two to a measure one, two, three, four to measures. FORMATION - Partners stand side by side, girls at the right of the partners. Each girl carries a tambourine in her R hand. Two couples Nos. 1 and 2, form a set, one to any number of sets may take part. Figure 1 Music A – All face front. (a) Step-swing-hop sideward R. Raise the R hand over head and swing the L arm across the body on ets.1,2 [1M]. Repeat to L and reverse the position of arms cts. 3,4, (1M) 2M (b) take four touch steps in front, R alternately. Strike tambourine overhead on every touch steps (one touch step for every count) (2M) (c) Repeat (a) and (b), starting with the L foot. Reverse the position of arms. (4M) Figure 2 Music B - All face front. (a) Hop on the L foot times, making one complete turn to the right (cts. 1-4), the R foot is raised in front of the L knee. L hand overhead, R hand on waist (2M)

(b) Pivot turn right (cts. 4). Raise R hand overhead, L hand on waist. Strike the tambourine as the position of the arms are reversed, sh...