by Abigail

Assignment #1: Following the rhythm

alidete15 — 2014-09-28 14:00:35 UTC

The movie I watched was called, "Tap Dance History." This movie was talking about how tap dance was so amazing back then and when it was from soloists to acts and chorus to novelty. People found their start in Vaudeville theater then move to the big screen during the adman's of film. This movie also brings rare dance moves from the 1930s and 40s. It gave me informations about the performers unique history of the tap dance history.

When I was watching this film, I felt as if I was in there and dancing with these people. What caught my eye the most was the fact they were smiling and having a great time. They do not care what people think of them. They are enjoying themselves because they love it and that is exactly how I felt when I dance!!

My favorite tap dance history was Bill "Bojangles" Robinson, an American tap dancer and actor. When he did his tap dance on the stairs. When I am talking about stairs, I am not talking about the stairs that is for the house. I am talking about how there is a stairs that goes up and then there is a little platform and then stairs going down. What amazes me is the fact that he is able to follow the rhythm and beat to the music while using the stairs. If I was in his position, I would probably fall down and landed on my face.

Also, I never knew back then when they did not have tap shoes, they had to use the bottle caps between their toes in order to make the sound of a tap shoe. That astonished me the most out of all the films I have seen.

In order to be a dancer, one must understand the components that make up a dancer. In doing that, we have to search through historical era in order to understand the origins of dance and what make this dance looks so unique and different from others.

Cediel - Response to Abigail - Assignment #1

NivesArtista — 2014-09-29 17:17:56 UTC

You were impressed by Bojangles's famous stair dance. This dance has been copied over and over again by many dancers over the last century. You didn't talk about the diaspora link or what issues were raised in the film. You mentioned that " In order to be a dancer one must understand the components that make up a dancer." I agree with you and challenge you to dig deeper into the resource materials you are offered to use.

What questions came up for you while watching the film? You did not include your questions here.

Abigail Lidete/Artists Statement

alidete15 — 2014-10-09 04:46:34 UTC

Dance allows me to express who I am and what I love to do. I am able to smile every day and become more confident about myself. Dance also allows me to learn different cultural movements throughout the world and immerse myself in different cultures. For example, I was able to learn Brazilian dance at my high school. Learning about the origin of the beats and embracing the movements made me appreciate the culture in a new way. There is one person in my life that inspires me to dance and that is my mother. She was the one that wanted me to dance. She wanted me to be happy and be free. My mother was scared that I wouldn’t be open-minded and embrace other cultures or people. Because of dance, I was able to express my true identity through others and art and embrace the dream she had for me. I am able to find my happiness through dance and to be able forget what had happen to the past. It provides a unique place for me of passion and happiness that has yet to be replicated in other parts of my life. Life without dance would be meaningless to me. Losing it would be like losing a part of who I am. Dance is my comfort, dance is my sanctuary and no one can take that away from me.

Cediel - Response to AbbyStatement

NivesArtista — 2014-10-09 17:12:11 UTC

Do you actually "forget" what happened in your past?

I want you take this statement deeper. What connections can you make between things you have learned about the world through dance and your own cultural heritage?

Ron- Response to Artist Statement.

ronyaboy — 2014-10-15 18:30:35 UTC

What makes your art unique? I see why you dance, what about how you dance.

Halli- Response to Artist Statement

2014-10-19 17:34:20 UTC

Hey Abby! I can really tell how big of a role dance plays in your life as explained in your statement in dance class but how has it changed you? Before you started dancing what was holding you back from showing your true self? Also how old were you when your mom introduced you to dance?

Tiara: Response to Artist Statement

2014-10-20 02:42:52 UTC

I can see here that dance is really a major part of your life. It is really nice and its really good but you should explain more on why your mom didn't want you dancing at first? Like was she afraid or scared, but other than that it is pretty good.

Stevie- Response to Artist Statement

sharvey16 — 2014-10-20 20:17:58 UTC

I like how you are able to explain why dance is key to you but you should explain why your mom was against you dancing at first and what holds you back from showing your true self

Abigail Lidete/Artists Statement #2

alidete15 — 2014-10-20 21:24:38 UTC

Abigail Lidete/ The Spirit Moves

alidete15 — 2014-10-22 05:16:03 UTC

Cediel Response to Abigail

NivesArtista — 2014-10-28 19:17:40 UTC

Your Artist Statement reminds me of something you wrote awhile back.

Abigail Lidete

alidete15 — 2015-01-16 19:58:00 UTC

Style of Dance: Samba

Origin: Brazil

Evolution: The word "samba" is thought to be derived from the Kimbundu (Angolan) term semba, which referred to an "invitation to dance" as well as a common appellation for the dance parties held by slaves and former slaves in the rural areas of Rio.

Over time samba gained important influences not only from Brazilian predecessors such as the maxixe and the marcha, but the Cuban habanera and German polka as well.

Purpose/Function:

Citations and resources: http://www.sambassadorsofgroove.org.uk/history-of-samba.html,

What makes your dance form a 'diaspora' dance form?

Abby

opanije — 2023-02-07 18:36:21 UTC

Hey Abby! I found this padlet in Google, and though important to add that while Some of what you cited on samba is true, the true of roots lie within Candomblé in Bahia, much more than Marcha, cuban habanera and german polka. In fact Samba started in the outlying regions of Salvador in the late 19th century, before any of these influence would reach the region.
Source:
https://opanije.com/what-is-samba/
I'm a percussionist and Brazilian musician btw, so this is something I have learned over the years >)