The Renaissance period witnessed the emergence of ballet as a distinct dance form. In the 15th and 16th centuries, Italian and French courts developed ballet into a highly stylized and structured art. You might have heard of famous ballets like “The Nutcracker” and “Swan Lake.” These dances told beautiful stories with every leap and twirl.

Modern Dance Revolution

The late 19th and early 20th centuries saw a rebellion against the rigid structure of ballet. Modern dance pioneers like Isadora Duncan and Martha Graham sought to break free from tradition. They introduced more expressive, improvisational movements, focusing on emotion and individuality rather than rigid technique.

Swinging to the Beat: Jazz and Hip-Hop

In the early 20th century, jazz music gave birth to a new form of dance. The Charleston, the Lindy Hop, and the Jitterbug became wildly popular during the Roaring Twenties. These energetic, syncopated dances reflected the spirit of the era.

Fast forward to the late 20th century, and hip-hop dance emerged as a cultural phenomenon. Originating in the Bronx, New York, this street dance style is characterized by its improvisational nature, intricate footwork, and urban flair. Celebrities like Michael Jackson and Janet Jackson popularized hip-hop-inspired moves that we’ve come to know and love, such as the moonwalk and the pop and lock.

The Contemporary Dance Scene

Contemporary dance blends elements of ballet, modern dance, and even hip-hop, allowing for a wide range of creative expression. Dancers like Alvin Ailey and Pina Bausch have made significant contributions to the contemporary dance world, exploring themes that relate to our own feelings or emotions such as who we are, loss, love and many more.

The Power of Dance in Pop Culture

Social media platforms like TikTok have further accelerated the spread of dance trends, making it easier for anyone to become a dance sensation. With new moves and songs trending every week, it’s easy to pick up a new dance for fun. Pop culture has integrated dance more into our everyday lives, making it so anyone can participate!

The Future of Dance

Dance is a beautiful art form that has been passed down through generations. From the graceful ballet dancers of the past to the cool hip-hop moves of today, dance has a rich history full of stories and emotions. It’s important to remember that anyone can dance, even if you haven’t practiced.

So why Nan’s school of dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise, and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels. 

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t forget to register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Life Lessons Learned Through Recitals
• Performing Do’s and Don’ts

Has anyone ever randomly asked, “Are you a dancer?” Have you ever wondered what gave you away? You were simply standing in line at Starbucks, how could they tell? Over our years of dance experience at Nan’s School of Dance in Raleigh, one thing we have learned is that the general public can spot a dancer anywhere! We’ve narrowed it down to just five common characteristics that give it away. Here are 5 ways to spot a dancer, from Nan’s School of Dance.

The Way They Stand

There is no denying that dancers stand differently than everyone else. The first thing to notice in their stance is their posture – a dancer has good posture. A dancer won’t be slouched over, they are standing nice and tall with their shoulders back. The next thing someone may notice is their feet. People may see the natural turn-out of their feet and legs. Maybe they stand unknowingly in the fourth position pose? Whichever pose they unknowingly use, it is a dancer’s pose, and it is giving them away!

Their Physical Strength and Flexibility

Dancing requires both physical strength and flexibility. Dancers spend hours in the studio practicing so they must have the physical strength and stamina in order to perform. They have excellent core strength. They are also very flexible and can extend their arms and legs in various positions as well as hold them in place. They have excellent balance and their movements are graceful.

Constant Moving

Dancers may not realize it, but they are always moving. Maybe it is the love of dance that keeps them moving or maybe it is all the hours rehearsing, but whatever the reason may be – dancers are never still. The new choreography they learned in class is what they are subconsciously doing as they walk down the street. Dancers are going to dance, and people are going to notice!

The Clothes

When you see that dancer in line at Starbucks, they have most likely come from class. This means that they are wearing tights that are rolled up to their calves or cut off at the knee. They are wearing flip flops showing their taped toes, warm-up gear, and loose-fitting tops. There is no denying that they are a dancer.

The Hair

Dancers always have their hair pulled back. It is second nature to them because they do not want their hair in their face. They most likely have it pulled back in a bun or a french twist and that hairstyle is letting the whole world know that they are a dancer!

Want to Read More About Dance?

Take a look at some of our other articles about dance.

• Is Competition Good For Kids?
• Five Ways Your Child Will Grow Through Dance

Why Nan’s School of Dance?

At Nan’s School of Dance, our goal is to provide top-quality instruction at a competitive price. We encourage our students to reach technical proficiency in their favorite dance form and build self-discipline, poise and self-esteem. We offer instruction in Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Acro, and Pre-Dance, at all levels.

We love having new members in our dance classes and will help get your child acclimated to our dance school to make them feel right at home. When your child attends Nan’s School of Dance, they will become a part of our dance family and share in our love for dance!

Don’t Forget to Register!

From ballet to hip hop, we offer dance classes for ALL ages and skill levels in a variety of styles. We place students in classes that will challenge them while offering a fun atmosphere for learning and growth. We also offer Mommy & Me classes, (18 months – 2.5 years). Register online or give us a call at 919-803-6044 to hold your spot!

*Feel free to follow us on Facebook | Twitter | Instagram