We believe that dance is more than just a series of steps—it’s a conversation. And like any good conversation, the quality of your dialogue depends on the words you use, the way you deliver them, and how well you listen and respond. In the world of dance, this means mastering the essentials and building a robust vocabulary that allows you to express yourself with clarity, creativity, and confidence.
The Building Blocks: Essential Skills as Grammar and Alphabet
Before we dive into the exciting world of dance vocabulary, let’s talk about the foundation. Imagine you’re learning a new language. The first thing you need is a grasp of the alphabet and basic grammar—the rules that structure your sentences and make your speech intelligible. In dancing, the ‘essential skills’ are your grammar and alphabet. They’re the fundamental techniques that allow you to control your movement and communicate clearly with your partner, no matter the style or tempo of the music.
We believe that mastering these basics is crucial—but we also recognize that, to truly converse through dance, you need a rich vocabulary of moves.
Expanding Your Dance Vocabulary
In dance, learning vocabulary doesn’t mean memorizing a set of moves to regurgitate on cue. Instead, it’s about creating a repertoire of movements that you can draw from, mix, and match to suit the moment. It’s about having the flexibility to respond to the music and your partner in real-time, crafting a dialogue that’s spontaneous, dynamic, and engaging.
Think of your vocabulary as a collection of words and phrases that you can use to tell your story. Just as a writer chooses words that best express their ideas, a dancer selects movements that best convey their emotions, the music’s nuances, and the connection with their partner. The richer your vocabulary, the more options and ideas you have, and the more varied and interesting your dance conversations become.
Classic Roots and Modern Inspirations
The vocabulary we teach in these courses is a blend of tradition and innovation. Many of the moves have deep historical roots, tracing back to the dances of the early 1900s. For instance, moves like the Fishtail, Camel Walk, and the Grind are not just fun to dance—they carry the legacy of the African American communities that created the blues. Katrina Hazzard-Gordon, in her book Jookin’, delves into these historical dances, highlighting how they were born in the jook joints and dance halls of the South, where blues music and dance flourished.
Hazzard-Gordon describes these spaces as “the crucibles of black dance creativity” where “the Fishtail and Camel Walk, among others, became popularized” (Hazzard-Gordon, Jookin’). These moves aren’t just steps; they’re part of a rich cultural tapestry that connects us to the roots of blues music and dance.
But the dance floor is also a space for evolution. Alongside these classic moves, when we dance we personally enjoy drawing inspiration from other adjacent dances, such as Lindy Hop and Balboa. Allowing these other dance styles to influence our movement brings a different energy and flair, adding to the diversity of our dance vocabulary. And then there are the moves we create in the moment, created out of pure improvisation. We do not claim that all these moves have historical roots to the origins of blues dance, however if executed with a blues aesthetic we believe they fit well to the music and have a place within an improvised blues dance.
Courses to Broaden Your Conversations
Our Vocabulary category offers a range of courses designed to help you expand your dance vocabulary, ensuring you’re never at a loss for words on the dance floor. They also teach you a whole lot of technique and musicality (but shh… that’s our little secret!). Here’s what we have in store for you in The Blues Room:
1. Our Favourite Moves
These are the moves that make us feel alive on the dance floor! In this course, we share our personal favorites, ranging from beginner-friendly to advanced techniques. You’ll learn moves that we love to dance socially, giving you a variety of tools to show off and have fun. Whether you’re looking to add flair or refine your style, this course has something for everyone.
2. Jookin’ Moves
Dive into the world of Jookin’, a group of blues dances with deep roots in African American communities. Originating in the Mississippi Delta’s jook joints, these moves carry a shared aesthetic that’s all about groove and connection. This course offers a range of Jookin’ moves that will enrich your vocabulary and deepen your understanding of blues dancing.
3. Catches
Ever wanted to catch, absorb, and redirect energy like a pro? This course is all about adding dynamic catches to your vocabulary, improving your turning technique, and enhancing your partnering skills. These moves are incredibly versatile, allowing you to create a more interactive and responsive dance experience.
4. Four Corners Special
The Four Corners is more than just a move—it’s a playground for creativity. In this course, we explore countless ways to turn, travel, and spice up this classic idiom dance. By the end, you’ll have so many variations in your pocket that you might just dance Four Corners for an entire song!
5. Dips & Tricks: Vol I
Ready to add some drama to your dance? This course focuses on dips and tricks that will help you hit those breaks, finish songs with style, and add a touch of theatricality to your dancing. With moves at various levels, there’s something here for everyone looking to take their dance to the next level.
6. Dips & Tricks: Vol II
For those who loved the first volume, we’re bringing you even more dips, tricks, and challenges in this advanced course. It’s perfect for dancers who are ready to push their boundaries and add some serious wow factor to their repertoire.
7. Late Night Blues
There’s something magical about dancing late into the night when the music slows down, and you’re in the groove. This course is all about those subtle, soft, and deeply connected moments on the dance floor. We’ll explore ways to relax into the music, connect with your partner, and find new expressions in the quietest moments.
A Final Notes
We’re passionate about helping you become a more expressive and versatile dancer. While we place a strong emphasis on essential skills and musicality, we know that having a rich vocabulary is key to keeping your dance conversations lively and engaging. So, come join us in one of our Vocabulary courses—where the moves are fun, the techniques are hidden, and the possibilities are endless!
References
Hazzard-Gordon, K. (2010). Jookin’: the rise of social dance formations in African-American culture. Philadelphia PA: Temple University Press.
