Monday, 15 July 2013

What is Modern Stage?

So far, we have taken you through two of the three types of dance that are taught here at Body Works- Ballet and Tap. The third one is Modern Stage.

The question 'What is Modern Stage?' is answered very well on the NATD website, so we're going to take some information from their page- http://www.natd.org.uk/exams/modern.asp

  • "The Modern Stage branch has a syllabus which helps prepare children in the basic modern technique. The exercises within each grade are devised to prepare the body to stretch, limber and strengthen so as not to cause injury when attempting the more difficult movements, eg. splits"

  • "Each grade is divided into sections for:
Rhythm...
Essential for keeping in time with the music and with other dancers on the stage,
 for example in the big group numbers in 'Cats'!
http://www.catsthemusical.com/the-show/synopsis/
Use of Arms...
Jazzy arms from the 2002 movie 'Chicago' starring Catherine Zeta Jones
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0299658/?ref_=sr_2

Limbering...
If all parts of the body are well limbered (i.e. if the muscles, ligaments and tendons
 of the legs, torso, back and arms are flexible) the dancer can
make movements look impressive but effortless
Turns and Kicks...

BodyWorks students Anushya and Ashwini pirouette on stage in our 2012 school show 'Kaleidoscope'

Dance Movements and a Dance."
Dancers in the musical 'The Lion King' use leaps to represent gazelles moving across the African plains
http://www.thelionking.co.uk/about-the-show/


  • "As the children progress to the major examinations, a higher standard of performance prepares them for entry to full time vocational schools or auditions for the professional stage."

  • "Modern dance in any form, Jazz, Lyrical, Funky etc. can also be used as one of the dances in our Theatrical and Cabaret Awards, again working on the performance as well as the technique."