DANCE

Dancing is a way of moving your body in time to music.
early people danced to please their gods. today most people dance purely for fun. it was not until the 12th century that dancing in pairs became popular.
the arrival of the waltz in the 1800s was shocking it was the first time that couples had held one another closely as they danced.
a revolution has taken place this century too, set steps have been replaced by solo dancers who make up all their own moves.



Proud to Dance
the spectacular flamenco dance comes from the gypsy peoples of Spain.
the dancers hold their heads up high as they stamp their feet and turn round. the women wear long, colourful dresses but the men wear black


Tap Tap Tap
Fred Astaire was one of the most famous dancers of this century
he tap dances his way through many shows and films
small pieces of metal, called taps, were fixed to the soles of his shoes.
when his feet touched the ground, you could hear the quick clatter of clicking metal


Moves Matter
classical indian dance has been performed for more than one thousand years.
sometimes the dancers just create shapes and patterns with their body
in other dances they use hand movements and mime to tell stories of hindu gods


One, Two. Three
the waltz is danced in triple time each bar of music has three beats
as the dancers swirl round and round they draw their feet together once every three steps