Instead of focusing on getting the basic techniques right, many dance studios in Hong Kong tend to teach more variations to group classes. Perhaps there is a marketing intention behind it. And it is true that many beginner students feel that a teacher is knowledgeable if he or she can teach variations in a class.
These students do not understand the importance of basic techniques. They are too eager to learn a few moves quickly and hit the dance floor right away. The situation is somewhat similar in Japan. Recently, dance studios tend to teach many variations in both Ballroom And Latin group classes. In many of these classes there are more female than male students. The proportion is about 20 females to just 6 males. The female students are being taught variation figures and dance with the few male students on a rotation basis.
Some 20 years back in Japan, Ballroom Dance beginners did not learn any variations at all in classes. Only those professional or amateur competitors with fixed partners or demonstrating teachers would dance variations. Variations are not for the regular Ballroom Dance hobbyist.
The Definition Of Basic Techniques And Syllabus Figures
Basic techniques are the fundamental components of a particular dance style. The syllabus figures are some commonly known patterns created by internationally recognized Ballroom Dance authorities for dancing using such basic techniques. Many of these syllabus figures are actually made up of groups of basic techniques.
In International Latin American dances, the most known basic technique is the Rumba Walk -Forward And Backward. Without knowing how to dance the Rumba Walk correctly, it is just not possible to master the Rumba. Likewise, Cha Cha Walks and Locks, Samba Walks and Locks, Paso Doble Walks and the Jive swing actions are all basic components of the specific dance styles respectively. Basic techniques and the related syllabus figures are easily recognizable and predictable. They are like a platform for everybody to learn Ballroom dancing from scratch.
Reasons For Dancing Variations In Choreography
Variations are steps derived and developed from the very basic techniques and syllabus figures. Dancers must understand the basic techniques and figures before they can dance variations. For example, the Back Basic Overturn is a commonly danced variation in Rumba. But for beginners, it is not easy to master the figure without a good understanding of the regular back basic and backward hip twist actions. This is like understanding a math formula before solving a problem.
Variations are often danced to break the monotony of sheer basic syllabus figures. Instead of easily recognizable steps, often times these variation steps with high level of technical difficulties are created in dance choreography to surprise the audiences. A typical example is the use of syncopated timing in variations. Dancers must know how to dance in regular timing before they can dance in syncopated timing.
More importantly, the reason for dancing variations is to demonstrate the skill level of the dancers. That is why in competitions and demonstrations, professional dancers tend to dance more variations than just basic syllabus figures. This also proves that without a solid foundation and understanding of the basic techniques, it is rather difficult for beginners or hobbyists to imitate these moves although they may look easy on the surface.
Variations Are Definitely Not For Beginners
It definitely takes time for beginners to master basic techniques in Ballroom Latin dancing. Beginners must understand that nothing can happen overnight and dancing is no different. Basic techniques and steps are not necessarily boring. Top class professional dancers can still look good when they dance the basic technique and steps.
The video shown here is a good example of basic figures danced with style. So beginners must not be too greedy to jump into variations before they understand how they are developed from the basic figures. They can still look good when they dance the basic syllabus figures well. Variations are also better danced with fixed partner as both dancers must understand how the variations are transformed from the original basic style.
References:
- Otani, Toshihiko, "Building A Solid Foundation", p.88 Dance Fan Magazine (in Japanese) No. 284 August 2009 Byakuya Shobo.
 |
