Dance for Actors
Embedded Files
Dance
Dance
What is Dance?
What is Dance?
Dance has been around for many years and is a type of art form. It is made by using your body to create different movements and often has either a symbolic (representative), aesthetic (it looks nice), or both, meaning to it and is either improvised (made up as you go), or choreographed (set movements). The type of movements you create, or are choreographed, as well as where and when the dance was created, determine what kind of dance it is and what category of dance it falls under. Dance is usually performed with music, either as a backing track, live accompaniment or even the dancer playing an instrument themselves. There are two different types of dance; theatrical and participatory. Theatrical dance is performed to an audience and is done for the entertainment of others. Participatory dance is when anyone can join in with the dance and is usually for social purposes. Dance is also considered a good form of exercise, as it covers the whole body when your doing it, so exercises all your muscles and also releases endorphins (happy hormones) into your bloodstream.
Different types of dance styles.
Different types of dance styles.
The earliest historical record of dance is from 8000BC in China....that's a lot of years to create lots of different dance styles for lots of different reasons, too many to all list here. Here is a good handful to look at though with a few important techniques and terminology included:
https://www.masterclass.com/articles/history-of-dance#2yqwESGcrL65JkvXNc39lF
Ballet
Ballet
Ballet originated in the 15th century during the Italian renaissance and was later named a concert dance (performed to an audience) in France and Russia. Since then it has become a global dance style with its own vocabulary and its techniques have become an important foundation in many other dance styles. Here are some important positions and techniques in basic ballet:
1st-5th position
Takes the feet from a V, to an open V, to a sideways T, to an open T, to a wierd V (look at the video)
Plie
Bending your knees while having your feet in first position then standing again.
Tendu
Taking your one foot from first position and sliding it forward along the floor, then back again. Then sliding that same foot back along the floor and forward to join.
Pirouette
To turn on one foot/toes, usually with the other foot against the knee.
En Pointe
To balance on the tips of your toes
Demi Pointe
To balance on the balls of your feet (on your toes too!)
American Tap
American Tap
Tap dance uses metal plates placed on the soles of shoes to create noise when they hit the floor. This noise is then used like an instrument to accompany the movements the dancer is making. Tap dance was created and adapted to what we now know it as in America between the 17th and 19th century, but it has roots in Irish and west African dance traditions that date back over 300 years. A few basic tap steps are:
Ball heel
Where the ball of your foot hits the ground first, followed sharply by your heel.
Ball change
Standing only on the balls of your feet, alternate your body weight between your two feet and lift the alternate foot off the ground.
Shuffle
Balance all your weight on one leg while the other leg swing back and forth. When the swinging leg joins the weight baring leg, tap the ball of your foot against the floor.
Heel step
Stepping heel first and sharply hitting the ball of your foot of the floor.
American Jazz
American Jazz
Jazz is a dance style that originated in America in the early 20th century. It contains movements that are inspired from daily life, cultural practices and community beliefs and history. Jazz dance is an extension to African American dance styles that were created at the same time as Jazz Music was, but 'Jazz dance' and 'Jazz music' actually have very little to do with each other in todays world. Since the 1940's, Hollywood movies and Broadway shows have used 'Jazz' as a term to refer to the choreography created by artists like Bob Fosse and Jerome Robbins. Then in the 90's the term was used in Physical Education classes to refer to dancing to pop music. Since then, Jazz dance has simply been a dance that is done to Pop music and it is very rare to see a Jazz dance done to actual Jazz Music. Here are some Jazz techniques that have been used throughout Jazz:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jazz_dance
https://foundationsdancecollective.com/blog/10-basic-jazz-dance-steps-for-beginners
Chasse
This is where you step forward with one leg, meet it with the other leg, and step forward with the first leg again. It can be done in different styles and ways, the main concept is the same. Step, join, Step.
Jazz Square
This is simply making a square with your body. You take one foot and step forward, cross the next foot INFRONT and step to the side, take the first foot back and finally step the second foot back to neutral standing.
Pas de Bourree
(pronounced: pa-de-bore-ay)
A Pas de Bourree is a popular technique found in loads of dance styles. Its footwork is simple; Behind, side, front. Your take one foot and step behind, take the other foot and step sideways and take the first foot forward again.
Kick ball change
Kick ball change is literally that. Kick forward with one leg, step back onto the balls of the kicking leg, change your weight temporarily to the kicking leg (still on the balls of your feet!) and shift your weight back to the non-kicking leg. Repeat as needed ;)
Plie
Like Ballet, a Plie is when you bend your knees out and then straighten them again, while keeping your feet on the floor.
Isolations
Isolations are when you move an Isolated part of your body. e.g. tapping one of your fingers on a table is an isolation because you are moving ONE part only. Another (more advanced) example are rib isolations. You are moving ONLY your ribcage. Your abdomen/lower back, hips, shoulders, neck and head and rest of your body must be still.
Shimmy
Everyone knows the Shimmy! One shoulder goes back while the other goes forward... Swap it over... Speed it up! ...Make your body like overcooked spaghetti and Wiggle your bum. Finally, put on some music and SHIMMY!!
Jazz walks
Jazz walks are like normal walks, only sassier! Generally they are walks to the side and it is a simple; step, cross over, step. They can be done to the front or back (back Jazz walks are more like slides though), only when done to the front the feet don't cross OVER each other, they cross NEXT to each other.
Pivot
A Jazz Pivot is nice and easy. Its when you step forward with one foot and turn 180 degrees with both feet planted on the ground, so your facing the other way.
Pirouette
A jazz Pirouette is like a Ballet pirouette only the knee is pointing to the front rather than the side. The set-up is the same; feet together, one foot points out, then back, bend your supporting knee slightly, bring your pointed out foot up to your supporting knee but point your knee forward, turn on a rise, finish.
Ballroom
Ballroom
Foxtrot
The Foxtrot was created in the 1910's and peaked in popularity in the 1930's. It is a flowing, partnered dance that follows a slow, slow, quick, quick foot pattern in a 4/4 time signature (top number shows how many beats to the count, bottom number shows what note to count).
Swing
Swing Music is a type of Jazz music, and Swing dance is done to Swing music (funny right?!) It was originally called the 'Lindy Hop' and originates from African American dances. It was created in New York, America in the late 1920's and is a very up-beat, happy dance and includes famous dances like the 'Jitterbug', 'Jive' and 'Boogie-woogie'.
Polka
The polka (or 'Pulka' in Czech where it originates) is an upbeat dance that involves hops, skips and turns and was supposedly founded by a little bohemian girl while she was playing. Her teacher noticed the movements and made a note of her steps. By 1835, The polka was being danced in Prague! (Fun Fact: 'Pulka' means half-step in Czech, and you can see why! The polka is full of half steps)
https://www.bellaballroom.com/dance-lessons/social-dance/polka/
Quickstep
Quickstep
The Quickstep was created in the 1920's as a combination of the foxtrot, Charleston, one-step, shag and Peabody dances, to create a fast paced dance that both worked with, and contradicted the music, but created a flowing, entertaining dance. Since its creation in the 1920's in England, it has become one of the most popular ballroom dances, becoming a standardised (equally taught and performed) dance in 1927. It differs from the foxtrot slightly, in that the leading dancer (usually the male) steps his feet closed, rather than keeping them open with the followers feet. There are three main steps in the Quickstep; The Chasse, the Lockstep and the Quarter Turn.
Chasse
This is where you step to the side with one leg, meet it with the other leg, and step to the side with the first leg again. It can be done in different styles and ways, the main concept is the same. Step, join, Step.
Lock step
A lock step is a 3 part step. You take a step forward with one foot (Foot A). Take another step forward with the other foot (Foot B). Now, when foot A goes to step forward its going to 'Lock' against the back of Foot B, and Foot A is going to step forward (think of your feet like Newtons Balls in this). then repeat.
Quarter turn
A Quarter turn is a very small movement in dance and it is literally just turning your body while doing the steps you already know. e.g. your doing a Chasse with your partner, Step, together, step. While the leader is doing the final step, they just turn their body to the left or right. The partner will have to take bigger steps to accommodate for the turn but the steps are still the same. Step, together, step.
Charleston
Charleston
The Charleston is an upbeat, fast paced dance that was most popular from the late 1920's to the 1940's. Its named after the Harbour city of Charleston in South Carolina and can be performed as a solo or partner dance, making it a great dance for most occasions. The Charleston has origins in African American dances, particularly a dance called the 'Juba' that was brought to Charleston along with enslaved people, however the Juba was more wild than white people liked so it was calmed down a bit (but only a bit!) and named the Charleston. This dance still contains lots of kicks, jumps, arm flails and other big movements though, so here are a few to look at:
Grapevine
The grapevine is where you step to the side with one foot, cross behind that foot with your other foot, step sideways with the first foot again and join your feet together. You then repeat the process on the other side.
Pivot
A Pivot in the Charleston is where you rotate your body around using one foot as an anchor point and the other for movement. e.g. step forward on your left foot. Anchor the ball of your left foot and toes to the floor (this means they shouldn't leave the floor). Step forward with your right leg, turn your body so your right leg is behind again, and step forward with your right. Repeat the process.
Bees Knees
For the Bees Knees, you bend your knees and put your left hand on your left knee, your right hand on your right knee. Pull your knees together and subtly change your hands over so that your right hand is on your left knee and your left hand is on your right knee. Open your knees out and keep your hands where they are. Close your knees together again and subtly change your hands back so your left hand is on your left knee, your right hand is on your right knee. Open your knees up and repeat.
Charleston step
This is the Step that most people associate with the Charleston. You start by taking one foot forward, that same foot then goes back. Then your other foot goes back, then forwards again. You can start on either foot, the pattern is the same. Forward, Back, Back, Forward.
Step and tap
Your start off with your feet together, hip with apart. You take your first foot and step forward on it. Then, with the heel of your other foot, tap the ground Infront of your first foot. Step back on your second foot and with the balls/toes of your first foot, touch the ground behind your second foot. Repeat.
Latin
Latin
Rumba
The Rumba (or Rhumba) is an Afro-Cuban originated dance that became popular in the early 20th century. It appeared on the east cost of America in the 1930's and there are two types; American Rumba and International/European Rumba. American Rumba follows a slow-quick-quick timing rule, placing steps on the 1st, 3rd and 4th beat of a note. International or European Rumba follows a quick-quick-slow timing rule, placing steps on the 2nd, 3rd and 4th beats of a note.
Samba
The Samba is the National dance of Brazil and is danced every year during the Carnival Celebrations. Its origins however date back to African slaves who were working on Brazilian plantations, dancing in a circle around one central member. When slavery ended, the dancers moved from the city and started up dance troups to perform at carnival. This has been performed for over 100 years and is still performed every year.
https://www.imageballroomdance.com/post/what-is-ballroom-samba-free-dance-tutorial
Salsa
Salsa Music is a style of music that combines Cuban, Porto Rican and American influences and elements and this music is used in Salsa Dance. Salsa dance has been around for many years and is danced all around the world. It can be a partner, group or solo dance and was deemed 'Salsa' in 1960's New York.
Tango
The tango originated between Argentina and Uruguay, along the Rio de la Plata in the 1880's and is a partner dance known for its sexual and tense atmosphere. It was initially performed in brothels and at port bars for entertaining business customers and quickly spread to the rest of the world. However, in the 1900's, international society was quite conservative and so the dance was deemed inappropriate due to its sexual movements and experienced culture shock (the shock of moving from one culture, where an action is deemed normal/acceptable, into another culture where the same action is deemed unacceptable). The dance is still practiced today by millions of people around the world and has many variations, all revolving around a leader and a follower. The leader offers suggestions for movements and leaves it up to the follower to respond. This creates an improvised but captivating dance piece.
Cha-Cha
Cha-Cha
The Cha-Cha-Cha (Or Cha-Cha) originates in Cuba and is danced to a type of Cuban music called Cha-Cha-Cha music. It is thought to have been 'Invented' by violinist, composer and music director; Enrique Jorrin. Jorrin (along with Orquesta America) performed in Havana where he played Danzon music for people to dance too. He noticed that people were struggling with the rhythm of the Danzon Mambo (a type of dance danced to Danzan music) and so began composing songs that had a distinct melody on the first down beat and a less layered rhythm so that people could dance to it easier. When these songs were performed, Jorrin noticed that the triple step the dancers had improvised made a 'Cha Cha Cha' sound, Thus, this type of dance was named the 'Cha-Cha-Cha', and is now associated as being one of those dances with a triple step in.
Rock step
A Rock step is where you take one foot back, 'rock' your weight back briefly onto that foot (or balls or your feet usually), and return your weight to your original foot.
Folk, Tahitian 'Ote'a
Folk, Tahitian 'Ote'a
The Tahitian Otea Is a traditional dance from Tahiti that involves rapid hip movements that are performed to percussion music. The dancers stand in lines and perform movements whilst shaking their hips in time to the music. This dance is one of only a few dances that existed before European times that was originally a male only dance, but now; men, women and mixed gendered groups dance this as the Hura (women's dance) and 'upa'upa (couples dance) have since disappeared.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/%27ote%27a
https://dchippodrome.com/2020/10/28/glossary-of-tahitian-dance-steps/
Tamau
Side to side hip movements with your knees bending, creating a 'U' shape.
Fa'arapu
The hips circle side, back, side, front in a 3D Circle, with your knees bending to accentuate the circle. This must be seamless and is a fast movement.
Ami
The Ami is a hip circle with an extended leg. The hips rotate sideways, Backwards, sideways and forward in a slow fashion.
Flower
In this movement, the dancer is in a deep bend with one heel off the floor. You then circle the hips in a figure 8 (forward, side, back and diagonally forward, otherside, back) in an up and down motion to enhance the movements.
Varu
This movement is another figure 8 movement of the hips. Start off with both knees bent. Then alternate facing your hips to the left and right corners of the room. Once you have done that, add in heel lifts. If your right hip is forward, your left heel should be raised. Same for the other side. Next pull your tummy in and add some hip swings to change between left and right sides. Now do this continually and seamlessly.
Afata Box
The Afata Box (Or Diamond depending on positioning) involves 2 pieces of footwork and 4 hip movements. First step forward with your left leg and raise that heel off the floor. Move your right hip forward, then to the right. Lower your left heel, swap your body weight over to your right foot and raise your right heel. Take your left hip to the Left, then forward. Repeat to create the movement.
Folk, Belly Dancing
Folk, Belly Dancing
Belly dancing originated in Egypt more than 6000 years ago and is a middle-eastern, torso and hip oriented dance. It has many different variations depending on the region and country you're in, not just for technical movements but for the costume you wear as well. Historically, its believed that Belly dancing used to be a fertility ritual, helping to prepare a woman's body for childbearing and birth, and was spread across the world by Romany travellers when they moved on from Egypt.
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Belly_dance
https://www.insure4sport.co.uk/blog/origins-of-belly-dancing/
Arabesque
An Arabesque in Belly dancing is a simpler version of a Ballet Arabesque. Your simply take one leg back, keep your core engaged, back and legs straight and lift the back leg off the floor slightly. Point your knee out and keep the leg strong.
Backbend
A backbend is just that. Bending backwards. Make sure to keep your centre of gravity central to your body by bending your knees and shifting your weight slightly over them.
Barrel Turn
A barrel turn is when you start off standing, bend over slightly and then rotate your body round (keeping your head as still as possible), go into a backbend and continue turning round until your back where you started.
Belly Flutters
Belly flutters are probably the movement you associate the most with belly dance. It is where the dancer contracts and relaxes their abdominal (tummy/belly) muscles in such a way that it looks like the dancers belly is waving or 'Fluttering' down their body.
Belly Pop
A belly pop is where your 'pop' your belly out and bring it back in without moving the rest of your body (it doesnt require you to move your spine or hips).
Chest circle
A chest circle is when you move your chest to the side, up, other side and back to neutral. Your hips and neck should stay still while your chest is moving.
Folk, Hawaiian Hula
Folk, Hawaiian Hula
The Hawaiian hula has been around for centuries and was initially created as a way of telling a story through dance, accompanied by chants (Oli) or songs (Mele). Hawaiian mythology believes that the Hula was birthed by the goddess of Love and forests, Laka, on the sacred hill of Puu Nana in Kaana, Molokai. The Hula has two main categories: the Hula 'auana, and Hula Kahiko. When the hula was first danced it was known as the Kahiko and was performed with chants and traditional instruments, such as bamboo pipes and tall drums. However, after the arrival of the westerners and their influences over the 19th and 20th centuries, the hula evolved into what is it today, the Hula 'auana (which means to wander or drift). This type of hula is danced with more modern instruments (like the ukulele) and songs.
Ha'a
This is where the dancers stand straight with bent knees.
Lewa
The Lewa involves slowly stepping from right foot to left foot while lifting your alternating hip up, swaying between the steps.
Hela
The Hela is where you take one foot forward and touch either the balls and toes of that foot, or the entire foot on the floor, then bring it back to join your other foot. It is then repeated on the other side. Your weight should always remain off the forward leg.
Ka'o
Ka'o is where you bend your knees and lift your hips up individually, swinging between the two.
'Ami
The 'Ami is when the dancer stands, feet shoulder width apart and knees bent. They then rotate their hips around in a big circle.
Kaholo
The Kaholo is a footwork movement that involves stepping one foot out, bringing the other foot to meet the first foot, stepping the first foot out again and tapping the second foot to join the first. The steps are then repeated on the other side. Step, join, step, tap.
Folk/Ceremonial - Maori Haka
Folk/Ceremonial - Maori Haka
The Haka, refers to a wide variety of ceremonial dances performed by the Maori people (People from New Zealand). It is a performance that involves quick and sharp movements, feet stomps, exaggerated facial movements (tongues out, showing the whites of your eyes) and shouts/chants from the performers. Its traditionally performed by men and women for a range of occasions; to welcome distinguished guests, to acknowledge achievements, to celebrate and to mourn. The Haka became more widely known when New Zealand sports teams began dancing the Haka before a game. Initially danced in 1888 by the football team, New Zealand's Rugby team, The All Blacks, have continued this tradition since 1905.
Novelty Twist
Novelty Twist
The twist is a rock n roll inspired dance and became a worldwide hit in 1959 and into the early 60's where it became a dance craze. The Dance 'the twist' inspired Hank Ballard's song "The Twist" when he saw teenagers dancing it in Florida around 1958. Dick Clark (American TV personality) noticed this too and suggested that Chubby checker re-records the Twist with Cameo Records (the video above), which was released in 1959. It became No.1 in 1960 and was a popular dance among adults, (it was out of fashion for teenagers by this point). The Twist is easy to dance, with the dancer standing, feet shoulder width apart, arms out and bent at the elbows, and move both knees side to side, move both arms opposite to the knees and let your body wiggle!
Disco Waacking
Disco Waacking
Waacking dates back to the 1970s and stems from a dance called Punking. Punking was a dance in the 1970s that was created by the underground gay community of Los Angeles during the disco era. At that time, a "Punk" was a derogatory term for a gay man, and this type of dance was popular in the underground gay community, so it was named the punk, or Punking. The term "Whack" was being used to describe a specific arm movement in Punking, where the arms are raised over the head and back down in a rhythmic style. Since many people didn't want or like the derogatory association from Punk, with Punking, they renamed this dance to "Waacking", from the movement the "Whack".
Roll, Hit, Pose
This is where your take your arms, roll them towards your body (Roll), brush your shoulder, bring them out Infront of your body and up, bend your elbows so that your hands touch the back of your neck (hit), and reverse the process. Straighten your arms, bring them down and up to roll to finally finish with your palms facing out, ready to hit your legs for the 'Pose' (Pose).
Around the world
Around the world takes the same movements of a Roll, Hit, Pose, but rotates the body from left to right during the 'Hit' part.
Jump
This movement is when you lift your arm(s) over your head and just as your shoulder wants to rotate round, your chest pops out. While your chest pops out, you jump up with bent knees to finish the movement.
Disco Robot
Disco Robot
The Robot (also called the mannequin or dancing machine), is a type of street dance that's often confused with popping because of the similar look of the movements. The dance "The Robot" is named because the dancer performs the movements in a jolted way, making the moves look mechanical, or like a robots movements. The robot became famous in 1980 when Michael Jackson performed it during "Dancing machine", by the Jackson 5. Although it became famous in 1980, it originally dates back to the 20's where it was used in theatres for miming (to act without words).
Isolations
Isolations in the Robot are just sharper and more varied Jazz isolations. Its where you move one part of your body at a time. In the robot, body parts are usually isolated next to each other and one after the other to give a robotic feel and look.
American Moonwalk
The moonwalk, originally called the 'Backslide', is a type of popping dance move that was made famous by the artist Michael Jackson. It involves the dancer moving their legs, knees, feet and hips in a way that make them look like they are moving forwards, while actually moving backwards.
Street, Hip-Hop
Street, Hip-Hop
Hip-Hop is a type of street dance that is danced to Hip-Hop music or has evolved because of Hip-Hop culture. It was created in the 1970 from a mix of dances including up rock, funk and breaking styles, around Bronx in America. It was created as an entertainment source for neglected people living in poverty stricken areas, as a way to escape their real lives and Hip-Hop culture has 5 elements: Deejaying (Creating music on turntables, in real time), Emceeing (The MC hypes up the DJ and gets the crowd dancing), Graffiti (using paint to create art on outdoor spaces), Breaking (The original dance style of Hip-Hop) and Knowledge (combines the other 4 elements and refers to the knowledge of self, designed to empower the oppressed by giving back to the community).
Bounce
A bounce in hip-hop is where you are bouncing up and down using your knees.
Rock
The rock is where you rock your hips back and forward, keeping your legs locked so the rest of your body rocks too. The rock can also be done to the side, but the knees can bend when you rock side to side.
Smurf
The Smurf is where your bouncing up and down and adding in arm movements. The arms are up and bent, and you rotate them round, continuously almost like your swimming. Finally, add in some body twists and your doing the Smurf!
Gucci
The gucci is where you start off in a Rock and add in arm movements. Your start off rocking to one side and the opposite arm is up and bent (imagine a boxer pose) and your fist moves up and down (like banging on a table.) You then swap over and repeat on the other side.
Brooklyn Bounce
The Brooklyn bounce is where you jump and one foot is crossed over the other. The jump can be used to switch feet and move around. This jump must be kept low though, don't jump high.
Bart Simpson
The Bart Simpson is where you step to one side with your arms out to the opposite side. Then as you bring your other leg in to join, you bend both arms in and then up. You then repeat on the other side. Your knees should face the direction your travelling and your arms should face the opposite direction to your knees.
Bizmarkie
The Bizmarkie (or Biz) is where you hop from side to side and alternate lifting your opposite arm up and clicking it down Infront of you. (If you jump to the left, your right arm goes up. If you jump to the right, your left arm goes up.)
Al-be
The Al-be is like exaggerated jump-running in slowmo!
Reebok
The Reebok is where you step forward with one leg, rock back onto the other leg, step down onto the first leg again, rock back onto the other leg again and then do 3 small steps (first leg, second leg, first leg) while changing direction. You then repeat on the other side (you can add any arm movements!)
The prep
The prep is a small routine that consists of 5 movements. The first is your basic bounce, but you bounce twice on each side. Next, you bring both hands up to infront of your face, palms facing you and bring your hands up and down (one up, one down) to do the 'Mirror'. Then you are going to move over to the other side of your body and with one hand, 'brush' your opposite shoulder. Next, you move to the opposite hip to your shoulder and use your other hand to 'Brush' your hip. Finally your going to use both hands (one after the other starting with the non-hip-brushing-hand) to touch your head. Bounce all the way through, swapping sides after 2 bounces and start with the mirror, go into the shoulder brush, then the hip brush and finally the head brush. Repeat.
Dance in Film, TV and Theatre.
Dance in Film, TV and Theatre.
Dance really varies in film, Tv and Theatre but as an actor, being able to dance is always going to be a huge bonus to you! The most common types to find are the popular dances; Ballet, Tap, jazz, Street/hip-hop, classic ballroom etc and musical theatre dance often involves chasse dance styles. Dance is used in film, TV and Theatre to convey or enhance the emotion of a scene, to create a rhythm change that keeps the audience engaged and to help tell the story. Most commonly dance is used on stage in the theatre but it is becoming more and more popular to incorporate dance into TV and Film. Here are a few examples of (my favourite) film and TV dances:
As a kid this was one of my favourite films, and this dance in particular always grabbed my attention. Maybe its because not only are they dancing but also using props (basketballs) at the same time, and I found that really talented, or maybe its because the dance acted out what the song was saying, I'm not sure, but its one of my favourite dances. Its a fast paced hip-hop dominated dance that uses hip-hop bounce variations throughout but is not necessarily a dancers dance, as the majority of the movements are simple and require more acting than dance technique to pull off. The dance break at the end involves strong stomps and claps followed by a floor roll. The players then do a few head movements, followed by some spinal rolls. They then jump, spin and do some basic arm and footwork before a knee slide into the middle. This is then followed by a group dance where they perform basic basketball techniques, grab the ball and roll it across their chest before repeating the process. Its then followed by more choreographed and jazzed up basketball movements before they shoot for the net.
I feel like every girl in my year 4 class knew this song! This is again a song that is very acting based (with props) with a few basic dance moves incorporated into the chorus. These dance moves are mostly hip-hop/street movements and include turns, isolations, marches, jumps, arabesques and other specialist movements that individual actors do separately.
One of the Disney iconics! This dance is again for actors but does have more complex movement in it, mostly because this includes a mixture of hip-hop, whaacking and Cheer dancing (cheerleading dancing), which is heavily influenced by gymnastics. This dance includes skips, jumps, isolations, lifts and partner work but the chorus is pretty simple:
A few steps and arm pumps, a clap over the head, a few more steps and a sassy turn, lean forward, make a sun with your hands and arms up and down. Take a few steps and pump your arms as before, turn, lean to the side and arm reaching out, bring it all back to the centre, hands out and up while you walk.
This song is from one of the most well known musicals out there and involves lots of Ballroom style techniques from the quickstep, Charleston and Jive. The dance is upbeat, bouncy and full of exaggerated twists and turns, but generally doesnt have movements that are too complicated, they just require lots of energy which is difficult to sustain, even for the pros!
This song is comprised of equal parts acting and dancing, with most of the acting occurring during the verses and the dancing during the chorus. This dance has many jive and jazz elements and is full of bounces, jumps and turns. This dance is slightly more complex than other "Hairspray'' dances, because there are multiple dances happening at once, its faster and longer than others, and the technical steps are more advanced than previous dances.
This dance is one of the older ones and is one of the easier ones to pick up, as its generally only a few steps that are repeated and the rest of it is just the actors exaggerating movements (walks, skips, bounces etc). Although this is a relatively simple dance, it requires a lot of stamina and strength from the actors and dancers, due to them rhythmically jumping, singing and the height of the jumps they are performing all at the same time.
Possibly one of the sexiest dances from Mamma Mia, the majority of this song is acting...until the flippers come out!
Toward the end of this song, 20 men (give or take ;) ) appear out of a boat and lift Sky off of Sophie. These men plus Sky then go jump-walking onto the pier and strike a manly pose. They then begin performing a selection of dances, some funny, some group work, upside down, you name it, they probably did it! They finally finish with a one-legged 'swim', followed by a waddle and a jump off the pier into the sea. Not full of dance, but one of the most memorable dances of the film!
Oh if Tanya isn't the real hero of the movie, I don't know who is! During this song she has the perfect balance of acting and dance, showing the boys exactly what a woman in her Prime looks like! With partner and group work, lifts, turns and lots of jazz and hip-hop elements, this dance is mostly chorus based but flows into and out of the chorus through the verses with movements and small dance techniques dotted into them. The majority of the dance happens towards the end and comprises of partner work, solo work, group work and a final group jump from the boys at the end.
Why its Greased Lightning! Although John Travolta is a trained dancer, he make it look effortless in this song! With a lot of Jazz and Jive elements, as well as isolations and sharp arm movements, this dance is eye-catching right from the start, using lots of Hips and knees to accentuate movements. And of course, the iconic, "greased lightning" dance.... a slow moving arm from right to left, then sharply up and out, up and out, then repeat on the other side.
The main dancer in this song is Danny (Travolta) but the other cast members dance too, they just generally do small acting based movements rather than actual dance techniques throughout.
When this film debuted in 2017, it was anticipated to leave jaws dropped, and it certainly did with this dance! Immediately the dance starts off high energy, with leaps and a group run. Acrobatics slowly creep their way in until the chorus when the dance just explodes! The actors/Dancers in this are tasked with maintaining an upbeat floor routine, singing along, working around pyrotechnics and effects as well as aerial choreography too! Behind all the in-your-face bits though, the backing dance is deliberate, exaggerated movements to compliment the fast-paced chorus that everyone does at the end of the piece.
The first half of this song focuses on the acting aspect of this particular story, however after a minute or so, the choreography starts. The choreography is generally simple movements that are acted through and tweaked for each actor so that the dance looks dynamic while having the same choreography taught. The dance continues on with props that are used to exaggerate the movements completed by the actors. These movements are repeated but tweaked each time to further add to the dances dynamic.
This Song was already amazing before Jonathan Bailey got his gorgeous paws on it. The characterisation he puts into his movements helps sell the pompous and egotistic nature of Fiyero but its often difficult to carry that characterisation into a dance and maintain it whilst carrying out the choreography, not for Bailey though. The transition between acting movements and dancing is seamless and you can only really tell from the music change. He also is challenged with lots of small intricate movements, such as opening two books with his feet, so he can step onto said books, and that's just the beginning. The song continues while the scenery moves around (literally, in a circle) and the actors/dancers have to dance on a moving floor, as well as avoid other cast members who are positioned on said moving floor. One of the moments that makes this dance iconic though, is Jonathan Bailey positioning himself on a rotating rafter, singing upside-down and using only his thigh muscles to hold himself there. The song then transfers more into a group dance, with the whole library getting involved with partner work, spins, lifts, acrobatics and footwork movements incorporated until the end.
This is a fun dance that requires lots of energy and a thorough warm up despite being done entirely sat down. The beginning of this song is very static with both actors singing straight toward the camera. However this all changes when the first verse has finished and suddenly a lot of isolated head and shoulder movements are used. The heads move very sharply and quickly (as you can tell by Vanessa Hudgens' hair!) with the shoulders accentuating the movements. The hands follow along with some basic supporting actions. The song then gets more upbeat and the whole body begins to get involved, with the legs swinging and relaxing on parts of the chorus, the head and shoulders are still the leading parts of this dance. Some partner work begins to incorporate itself with mirrored actions and the energy is increasing. There is then one section where 1 of the dancers stands behind the other dancer. Although they are standing, the actions are all in the head, arms and shoulders. Finally the song finishes with both dancers sat down with only their heads moving again, in sharp isolations. Because this dance is so heavily head and neck isolation oriented its important to do a thorough warm up to prevent possible injury.
More examples of dances in film and TV
More examples of dances in film and TV
Warm up and dance choices
Warm up and dance choices
This is a video of my warm up from the 17 March 2025.
Originally, I wanted to do a wide variety of dances to show a wide variety of techniques and styles that I could perform. I Wanted to do Jazz dance, waacking and street dances as examples and so originally chose to do: 'All that Jazz - Chicago', 'Footloose- The umbrella academy' and 'Das Sound Machines' last song from Pitch perfect 2. However, I arranged to have the dance studio to myself (as that's the only way I can get quality dance work done) for 2 Monday sessions, the 10th and 17th of March which meant that my time frame was going to be tight. Therefore, I would only learn parts (about 1-2 minutes) of each dance, to still show the technique, but also accommodate the time frame I had. I rehearsed and recorded 'All that Jazz' on the 10th March 2025. Unfortunately, my fibro decided to have a bit of a flare up and messed up the plans for the 17th a bit. Because of my increased pain levels and decreased movement ability, I decided to switch up the remaining dances for slow ones. After doing some quick dance video research, the slow dances in film and TV tend to fall into two categories: specialist dance (like professional ballet from Billy Elliot) or partner work (ballroom mostly). As much as I like to believe I am a decent ballerina, I am in no way qualified (or able) to perform complex pirouettes, arabesques and split leaps, just like I cant backflip or do gymnastics well (which is another solo 'dance' style that appears in TV and film). So that left me with partner work....without a partner....hard, but not impossible! I ended up choosing to do the 'Beauty and the Beast' dance from the live action Beauty and the Beast, 'The Laendler' from The Sound of Music, and seeing if I could remember a dance I learnt back in Stagecoach to 'When your an Addams' from The Addams family.
All that Jazz- Chicago the Musical
All that Jazz- Chicago the Musical
This was the first dance I decided to learn for part of my Dance for Actors unit. This is a very well-know, Jazzy dance that requires strong but slow-ish movements which often are what actors are required to do. When actors are dancing they are usually singing or acting/speaking along too, which requires a lot of breathe worth and breath control, saving enough air in your lungs to sing/speak while using that air to oxygenate your muscles while they dance. I went through the dance section by section, watching the YouTube clip, copying the movements, refining and rehearsing the movements and then combining those movements with previous movements and the music.
When your an Addams- The Addams Family
When your an Addams- The Addams Family
This is the first dance of the 17th and a dance that I originally learnt years ago, back at Stagecoach Performing arts. This was a dance choreographed for 6 main leaders and 2 groups of 3 or 4 backup dancers. The 6 leaders played the 6 main characters (Gomez, Morticia, Wednesday, Pugsley, fester, and Grandma) and sang along to the music, while the backup dancers acted as the ancestors. In this version I haven't sung along as my voice sounded very distorted so distracted from the dance analysis and viewing in playback. Considering I learnt this back in 2019-ish (5+ years ago!) I think I remembered it quite well!
Tale as old as time- Beauty and the Beast
Tale as old as time- Beauty and the Beast
This was the second dance of the 17th. A lot of this is three-step waltzing and was relatively easy to do whilst imagining a partner, however when it came to the twirls (where the male guides the female around him in a circle), it was very difficult to gage the timings, placements and arm-movements because of the lack of person to act as a physical block or guide for movements. I tried improvising with a light stand and dress, that seemed like a good idea but just ended up getting in the way and then settled on a wheely chair. This helped a bit because at least I had a physical object that could move easily around me, but the height wasnt correct and it was in the wrong place for certain movements so I ditched it in the end.
The Laendler- The Sound of Music
The Laendler- The Sound of Music
This was the 3rd dance of the 17th. The dance started off well and I was picking it up quickly enough, but I did not realise quite how many spins the female dancer does and how they would effect me. Usually I don't get too effected when I'm turning (as I have been taught to spot really well), but the 4 turns that the female does in a row made me feel a bit nauseous the first time practicing. Maybe its because I couldn't spot correctly (as my focal point kept switching between the wall, camera and monitor to watch the dance), maybe the fibro pain was manifesting into nausea, or maybe my body was telling me to stop pushing it too hard, I'm not sure...but the sick feeling didn't improve...and the turns kept coming. What started as a relatively simple dance with not too complex steps was turning into a real challenge to do and I only managed a small section of the dance, but the end goal was met...show off a different dance skill set.
These are two dances, choreographed by Phoebe Pope that I took part in.
The first character I played was Carmilla in "Respectless" from a programme called Hazbin Hotel. Phoebe choreographed the majority of the dance for herself but needed a few people to interact with. My dance movements were very simple and I picked them up quite easily, however we didn't rehearse much before the video and there was quite a while between rehearsals that we did do, so some of the finer moves of my dance got lost in the final piece. The Next piece we did was a group dance to "Thank you and Goodnight" from the same programme. This time I played Charlie, along with other dancers to support Phoebes main choreography. This dance had more dance elements in than the previous dance which was nice because it meant I could challenge myself a bit more. This dance we rehearsed more and I spent longer on (because its a more complex dance) so this one turned out really well and I didn't miss as many small details as I did previously.
Evaluations
Evaluations
All That Jazz- I think my dance of "All that Jazz" is ok. The walks are slightly out of time (maybe that's just how the camera has recorded it though), and the strength of the moves varies slightly between strong and gentler but overall its a consistent strength throughout. The biggest thing I can notice is toward the end. When the "I hear that father Dip is gunna blow the blues" section comes on, the bent knee in is supposed to be wider and more obvious. Because I wasnt 100% confident on the lyrics (and you can see that in where my eyeline shifts to), I was concentrating on too many things at once and so only remembered the footwork for this bit just before it happened, so didn't have the time to step out for that movement. Luckily I could make up for it in the next movement but that threw me for the rest of the dance I was paranoid about the lyrics or the footwork. The biggest thing I can take from this is to learn things one at a time. Learn the songs lyrics first so that you can focus on the footwork later, and if you need too, prioritise the dance.
When you're an Addams- I'm actually quite happy with how this dance has turned out, although its very odd looking at it without the rest of the group! The flow overall is good but there was the odd mistake that I noticed (during the ballroom-samba-ey bit, the left arm didn't flow round like the right one did, it juddered and seemed to go the wrong way) and the characterisation wasnt held up throughout the dance. During the beginning it was held up perfectly, but once the miming started, the characterisation faded to neutral, when in the beginning I portrayed a sneaking, odd, inquisitive and bold character, and then the line dance turned happy and excited, which although if you knew my character would fit, doesnt line up with my current portrayal, Although it is very hard to continue a characterisation while dancing so maybe I just didn't allow myself enough time to fully connect with the character. What I've learnt from this is to spend the time to connect with a character before trying to dance with that character...who knows, maybe they have 2 left feet?
Beauty and the Beast- This dance was not a fun one to do...Not only was it difficult to determine parts of the dance due to the films portrayal, but the whole dance is a partner dance, which is not easy to do with no partner. I managed ok up until the more intimate partner work, e.g. the turns, spins, lifts and ducks. I even tried with a chair and light stand and they each had their drawbacks. The light stand was the right height but still...the chair was the wrong height but could be moved. So, the majority of the dance is a combination of basic ballroom footwork and techniques which I did well, the footwork was obvious and meaningful, the weight stayed on the balls of my feet rather than on my heal and I used light footsteps. I was a bit behind on the three spins (if you listen carefully to the music you can hear a twinkley bit where the turns are supposed to be) but without a partner to help keep the timings correct I think I did a reasonably good job. What I've learnt from this is to ask for help! I didn't want to do anything that would rely on another persons commitment this term (as not only do we all have personal projects to do, but not everyone in class is as committed as I am to rehearsals), but this dance has proved that I physically cannot do it on my own and as performers, we work as a team.
The Laendler- This is another partner dance and you can tell that I'm struggling to without that support. Especially in the beginning, the female turns whilst the male guides her in the right direction and offers balance support. I had neither so just went in a wobblily circle in the centre of the room. You can also notice where the partner is missing, when I'm supposed to do a palm-touch turn (a turn while mine and my partner palms touch). This turn is weak and obviously shows where the single dancer can be lazy and not fully rotate their shoulders round, whereas if the partner were there, the palms touching would force both dancers shoulders to fully rotate around. Overall, this dance is definitely the weakest of the dances and shows up major flaws with solo dancers attempting partner work alone. This dance also highlighted one of my weaknesses; nausea. When I was 15 I thought I was really good at spotting, and would be able to do 60 turns in a row. I still think I'm a pretty good spotter, but the turns in this dance made me incredibly nauseous (maybe you can see it on my face in this video?). I wasnt spotting well in this dance because of the multiple focal points I had to use in place of a partner, and on some of the turns I may not have spotted at all which wouldn't not have helped, I had also had a very busy week prior and so was running on fumes. It could have been any number of these factors that caused this but throughout the video I was struggling with the nausea I was feeling and so the energy and characterization is virtually non-existent. What can I learn from this? ….When to stop. I was feeling tired during Beauty and the Beast and so should have quit after that recording, however I wanted a good selection of dances for a portfolio to showcase my skills (3+) and only had this last day with the dance studio, so it was my last opportunity. In hindsight, it didn't actually get me any more skill range showcased because an awful lot of the steps were in other dances, the only thing it showed was my ability to turn in lots of circles, oh well, spin-athon anyone?
Hazbin Hotel dances- I really enjoyed learning these dances and thought they went really well. During rehearsals for "respectless" I would pick it up quick enough and then forget it next rehearsal (which was 2 or 3 weeks later) so was worried that I would mess the whole thing up during recording, but only a few small elements were missed out (such as the obvious stomp after the sideways shoulder shuffle) and the characterisation was held up nicely. The only annoying thing is the huge stain on my dress! "Thank you and goodnight" was good, we spent longer rehearsing it and did practice runs before recording. During these practice runs everyone made little mistakes each time, which is why we kept going to try and get the best recording. During one of the takes, I forgot how quickly the step kicks started in the line and so missed the cue very obviously. Another one of the takes I had mixed up my 'Love, Joy and laughter' movements and done the wrong arm work. But we eventually got the video and it looks really good! Characterisation is good throughout from everyone and we all worked well together.
Here is an example of someone who has made it in the industry as an Actor, Dancer and Singer
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Jackman
Hugh Michael Jackman was born in Australia on the 12th October 1968 to English parents, and grew up with his father in Sydney. He attended Pymbul public school and then progressed up into Knox Grammar school where he took part in its production of 'My fair Lady' in 1985, becoming the school captain in 1986. In 1987 he moved to England during a Gap year and became a Physical Education teacher but once the Gap year was over, he returned to Oz and took a course in communications, Graduating with a BA in Communications in 1991. In his final year at Uni, he decided to take a drama course for the extra credits it would give him. The production was of "The Memorandum" by Vaclav Havel, with Jackman starring as the lead. He later spoke about it and said: "In that week I felt more at home with those people than I did in the entire three years (at university)".
Once he completed his BA, he took part in a one-year course called 'The Journey' at the Actors Centre in Sydney. Jackman commented; "It wasn't until I was 22 that I ever thought about my hobby being something I could make a living out of. As a boy, I'd always had an interest in theatre. But the idea at my school was that drama and music were to round out the man. It wasn't what one did for a living. I got over that. I found the courage to stand up and say, 'I want to do it'." When he had completed 'the Journey', he was offered a role on a popular soap opera called "Neighbours", but turned it down to study further at the 'Western Australia Academy of Performing Arts, of Edith Cowen University' in Perth, Australia, where he graduated in 1994.
On the night of his final Graduation performance, Jackman received a call offering him a role in a 10 part series called Corelli, making this Jackman's first professional job. "I was technically unemployed for 13 seconds" he commented. Once Corelli's was finished, he moved into Stage work in Melbourne. In 1996, he played Gaston, in the local Walt Disney production of 'Beauty and the Beast', and Joe Gillis in 'Sunset Boulevard'. In 1998 he became known outside of Australia, when he played the leading role of 'Curly' in the Royal National Theatres stage production of "Oklahoma!" in the west end, London. This Performance earned him his first Olivier Award Nomination for best actor in a musical. In 1998-1999 he starred in: "Oklahoma!", "Erskineville Kings" and "Paperback hero".
In 2000 though, he really broke through into the acting world, with his portrayal of 'Wolverine' in X-Men. This earned him a Saturn award for Best actor and was only the start of his Marvel Journey. His Preparation for the character included watching programmes like 'Mad Max 2' and 'The Dirty Harry Movies' to gain inspiration for emotion conveyance through minimal words, walking round the house wearing claws to get used to the feeling (and not injuring himself! Forehead, cheek and leg injuries were reported!) and studying wolves and early Mike Tyson Fights to inspire the animalistic behaviour of the Wolverine, not to mention the insane muscle mass he had to gain during the later films. In total he did 10 Wolverine appearances in films: X-men (2000), X2 (2003), X-Men: the last stand (2006), X-men origins: Wolverine (2009), X-Men: First class (2011), The Wolverine (2013), X-men: days of future past (2014), X-men: Apocalypse (2016), Logan (2017) and Deadpool & Wolverine (2024) and it Earned him the Guinness world record for "Longest career as a live-action marvel superhero", although that record has since been broken.
In 2001 Jackman starred in "Kate and Leopold" as Leopold, and this earned him a Golden Globe nomination for best Actor. In 2004, Jackman won a Tony award and the 'Drama Desk award for outstanding actor in a musical' for his 2003-2004 Broadway portrayal of Peter Allen in "The boy from Oz". In 2008, he starred in "Australia" alongside Nicole Kidman and was named 'sexiest man alive' by peoples magazine.
In 2012, Jackman starred as Jean Valjean in "Les Misérables" and earned himself a Golden Globe award for best actor- Motion picture musical or comedy, and his first academy award nomination for best actor.
In November and December 2015, Jackman toured Australia performing his show: 'Broadway to Oz', which included songs from Les Misérables, Peter Allen and Australia, with a 150 piece orchestra, choir and backup dancers to support him.
In 2017, he performed in "The Greatest Showman", as the lead character 'P. T. Barnum', which earned him a Golden Globe Award for best actor, Motion picture- musical or comedy nomination, and a Grammy award for best soundtrack album.
In 2019, Jackman went on his first world tour: "The Man. The Music. The Show. " to perform songs from the Greatest showman as well as other Broadway numbers and had 88 shows in total across north America, Europe and Oceania. During this tour (which started in May 2019, Glasgow and finished October 2019, San Antonio, USA) he was appointed a "Companion of the Order of Australia" for "eminent service to the performing arts as an acclaimed actor and performer, and to the global community, particularly as an advocate for poverty eradication", in the 2019 Queens birthday honour.
In 2022-2023 he performed "The Music Man" on Broadway, playing Harold Hill. Although this received mixed reviews, Jackman received another nomination for Best Actor in a musical at the Tony Awards and was a box office success.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse