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Misty Copeland First Black Woman to be Named Principal Dancer

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Misty Copeland First Black Woman to be Named Principal Dancer

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Do you like to ? When you hear your favorite song come on the radio, do you begin to move to the beat? Dancing can be a wonderful way to express yourself artistically !

We like to watch dancers on television, too. Over the past several years, dancing shows have gained huge audiences. People can't seem to get enough of dancing!

If you've ever watched professionals dancing on television, in a movie, or as part of a live show or , you've probably noticed that their moves appear to be carefully planned out. What might look spontaneous at times was probably out and for hours before the first performance .

And who's responsible for all that careful planning? While the dancers themselves may come up with ideas from time to time, the person responsible for putting it all together into a beautiful, compelling performance is the choreographer .

Choreographers and direct routines. They not only and perfect moves, but they also practice them to make sure that they coordinate with music and provide entertainment for the . The word "choreography" actually comes from the Greek words that mean " writing."

Some famous choreographers, such as Bob Fosse, George Balanchine, Alvin Ailey, and Martha Graham, may work as artists who own their own choreography businesses. Other choreographers might work for studios, universities, or movie or television production companies.

Choreographers might work with individual dancers or large groups. As they teach moves by example, they also provide encouragement and to the dancers. While the final might be just a few minutes long, it can take weeks and even months to perfect even a short .

In addition to professional dancers, choreographers often use their knowledge of and the body's movements to choreograph routines for a wide variety of other types of professionals, including gymnasts, cheerleaders, synchronized swimmers, divers, and ice skaters. Anyone who must perform a to music can benefit from the help of a choreographer . Modern choreographers often use advanced technology to synchronize moves with lights, music and video presentations!

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Do you like to ? When you hear your favorite song come on the radio, do you begin to move to the beat? Dancing can be a wonderful way to express yourself artistically ! We like to watch dancers on television, too. Over the past several years, dancing shows have gained huge audiences.

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Do you love to ? If you're like many people, the to move along with your favorite music just comes . When your favorite song comes on, do you throw your hands in the air and like you just don't care?

Of course, some people take very seriously as an art form. They it like a sport or a musical instrument - or both! - as they seek to perfect their moves. Who are we talking about? dancers, of course!

is a special type of performance that began in the 1400s during the Italian Renaissance . From Italy, it was further developed as a concert form in both France and Russia.

Today, is a very technical form that has a very specific set of movements with names. Learning also means learning a whole new vocabulary that goes along with the art form!

Unlike modern dances set to popular music, is usually performed to music. dancers carefully perform choreographed moves to the music in a way that can tell a story or simply be beautiful to watch.

is not an easy art form to master. There are many different steps and movements to learn. It can take years and years of to master the basics and take part in professional performances.

If you've ever seen a performance , you may have been impressed with the way dancers are able to balance and on the tips of their . dancing requires exceptional strength, , balance, and flexibility .

Both girls and boys can enjoy learning . In addition to having fun learning the basic movements, young dancers often find that teaches more than just technical skill. lessons can also instill , poise, self-confidence , and discipline .

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Today's Wonder of the Day may have you dancing on your tippy toes!