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ABCs
of DANCE
Before we could enter the university, we had to go through elementary and high school to
prepare us for the course expertise we wanted to pursue. We had to learn the basic Rs --
reading, writing and arithmetic -- otherwise it would have been almost impossible for us
to comprehend the concepts of algebra and trigonometry, appreciate the beauty of
Shakespeare's poetry, or establish the logic (or illogic) behind the plunder of the
Philippines by the Marcoses. Our early education helps us gain the knowledge and
experience to understand and solve problems, think of and create wondrous works of art,
and help ourselves and others improve their lives.
The same is true with music and dance. Yes, we do
have to go through some sort of elementary and high school level in music and dance, in
preparation for a more creative and enjoyable dance experience. Yet the basic learning
need not take as long as years, though the continuous learning and practice never ends.
"Victoria's Dance
Secrets" adapts a simple learning approach to dancing which the author learned from
her mentor. Ms. Skippy Blair's Universal
Unit System (UUS) of dance education is by far the most comprehensive and logical
learning tool which the Dance Addict has come across. It comes complete with the 3Rs for
dance.
Just like music, to which dancers
move, dance has a list of rules to follow, based mainly on the capabilities and
limitations of the human body. In this section, we learn about these rules, and in the
process get to learn and understand the 3Rs of dance.
And just like in school, learning
will necessitate exercises and practice. So even as you read, view and listen to concepts
online, you will really have no choice but to lift those feet, sway those bodies, and
generally move to get the feel of what we're explaining. Ready for more?
Check
out an excellent article on Learning
Basic Steps in Ballroom Style from the New Zealand Dance website.
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Dance patterns in "Victoria's Dance
Secrets" were based on the Universal Unit System as outlined by Ms. Skippy Blair in
her book
From Disco to
Tango and Back |
The
complete edited version of
VICTORIA'S
DANCE SECRETS
will soon be available online.
Watch out for it. |
