"We dance for laughter, we dance for tears, we dance for madness, we dance for fears, we dance for hopes, we dance for screams, we are the dancers, we create the dreams."
Jitterbug is informal, relaxed, simple, and casual, without affection, which does not mean so casual as to be sloppy. It basically emphasizes smoothness on the dance floor, and keeping time with the music with none of the flourishes that could be interpreted as exhibitionism, narcissism. Style is much more important than how many exotic acrobatics one can perform. Because of cowboy boots, jitterbug is more likely to feature a flat-footed glide with some heel and toe touches rather than a lot of "toe type" dancing.
It's a strenuously acrobatic dance consisting of a few standardized steps augmented by twirls, splits, somersaults, etc., popular esp. in the early 1940s and performed chiefly to boogie-woogie and swing.
Jitterbug will really make you want to "jump, jive and wail."
Group dances are danced by groups of people simultaneously, as opposed to individuals dancing alone or individually, and as opposed to couples dancing together but independently of others dancing at the same time, if any.
The dances are generally, but not always, coordinated or standardized in such a way that all the individuals in the group are dancing the same steps at the same time. Alternatively, various groups within the larger group may be dancing different, but complementary, parts of the larger dance. An exception to this generalization must be pointed out where groups of individuals are dancing independently of each other, but with the purpose of creating a "group" feeling or experience, such as might accompany various forms of ritual dancing.
Jitterbug is all about
creating imaginative dances with an understanding of current
practices, whilst drawing on the conventions and traditions of the
past through your group work you should be able to perform and
interpret dance ideas demonstrating technical and expressive
skills, and safe practice. Try to develop communication abilities
clearly in written work, show knowledge of the choreographic and
performance process in your own or professional work; analyse and
compare professional dance works. For a good dance performance you
should be able to appreciate the significance of your technical and
expressive dance skills and at the same time understand the
contextual influences on dance. Evaluating and distinguishing
between facts and opinions, would better off your
performance.
Judging Criteria:
A. Contents:
- Variety of dance positions, dance movements, and/or combinations as appropriate to the specific dance.
- Difficulty of dance movements and/or combinations from one dance position or alignment to another.
- Uniqueness or originality of dance movements & continuity of dance movements.
- Continuity of dance movements and/or combinations to either interpret dance theme and music, or to demonstrate dance control. This refers to exceptional phrasing which includes spontaneous adjustments of dance pattern for irregularly phrased musical selections.
B.
Execution:
- Basic pattern, rhythm, timing, and phrasing between partners and to the selected music.
- Proper performance of footwork, hand, head, arm, and body movements through dance variations; to include balance and centering through executed movements.
- Alignment, framework, and proper presentation of dance positions and include smoothness of follow.
- Coordination between the team members is also very important for a good dance performance.
C. Style:
- Artistic interpretation and choreography projected through dance movement as it relates to the selected music and the specified dance category.
- Attentiveness, enthusiasm, enjoyment of the dance, and general good partnership as perceived through appropriate presentation of lead and follow roles.
- Flair and accent of dance movement, generating an atmosphere and instilling a mood appropriate to the specific dance category.
D. Audience Impact:
The overall general effect and impression of the dance(s) will also be considered.
"Dance is your pulse, your heartbeat, your breathing. It's the rhythm of your life. It's the expression in time and movement, in happiness, joy, sadness and envy."
The western group dance competition in
Antaragni, is undoubtedly one of the most
awaited events of the festival. The competition is being witnessing
some of the best performances over the last few years, and the
stage is set once again being bigger and better this time. The
event offers a stage for the most talented college troupes around
the country to show their mettle. It's all about the electrifying
music, the shimmering lights and thoughtful
choreography. The Energy expression and the
passion, the electrifying atmosphere, the beats, the talent and
huge crowd applause, it's the time to get your dancing boots
on.
Photo Credit:
Dance, by
clearlyambiguous
