What is Character Dance?
Character Dance is a unique subdivision of classical ballet, inspired by European national and folk dance traditions and styles. These dances are adapted for theatrical performances, adding a unique layer of storytelling and cultural richness to ballet.
Styles of Character Dance
Character Dance encompasses various folk dance styles from different countries, each bringing its own flair to the ballet stage.
Dance | Country of Origin | Characterised by | Mood and Tempo |
Mazurka | Poland | Stamping feet and clicking heels | Lively, strong accent on the second or third beat -- unique, syncopated quality |
Csárdás | Hungary | Dynamic tempo changes and passionate flair | Typically begins slowly and then accelerates to a faster pace |
Flamenco | Spain | Dramatic upper body movements (powerful hand clapping) and intricate footwork | Strong rhythmic patterns, often accompanied by soulful guitar music |
Tarantella | Italy | Quick steps and lively movements reflecting the celebratory nature of Italian festivals | Upbeat tempo, spirited style, usually accompanied by tambourines |
Hopak | Ukraine | High jumps and acrobatic movements | Performed with great energy and athleticism, incorporating impressive leaps and spins that highlight the dancer’s strength and agility |
Trepak | Russia | Vigorous, high-energy movements and rapid, rhythmic footwork and impressive jumps | Often performed with a strong, rhythmic beat that showcases the dancer's stamina and agility |
The Role of Character Dance in Ballet
Introduced in the 19th century, Character Dance was embraced to enhance the versatility and originality of ballet choreography. It plays a crucial role in setting the scene and advancing the plot in many ballets. Usually, Character Dances depict scenes of large gatherings or festivals and celebrations, enriching the narrative with cultural and emotional depth.
Why is Character Dance important?
Character dances enable dancers to tell a story through movement, incorporating props and miming to enhance their performance. Character dance can help dancers develop skills such as:
Musicality and Rhythm
The intricate rhythms and musical patterns, such as syncopation, help dancers refine their sense of timing and musical expression.
Technique
Character Dance usually involves hopping and running steps, sharp movements and fast footwork, allowing dancers to improve their technique.
Coordination and Trust
Partner and group work in Character Dance foster greater coordination, trust, and confidence, skills that are crucial for advanced ballet partnering such as the pas de deux.
Expressiveness
The use of props like watering cans and garlands helps dancers convey emotions and the narrative more vividly.
Character Dance in Classical Ballet
Character dances are featured in renowned ballets, showcasing its importance in this art form. Some examples include:
Swan Lake - Particularly in Act III, where the Hungarian Dance offers a vivid portrayal of cultural festivities.
Giselle - Character dances help convey the spirit of peasant life.
The Sleeping Beauty - Featuring a variety of character dances that enhance the celebratory atmosphere of the court.
Watch the videos here to see the stylistic differences between traditional ballet and character dance :
Swan Lake Act III Hungarian Dance by American Ballet Theatre
Coppélia Mazurka by English National Ballet
Character Dance in Training
Character Dance is also a significant component of ballet training. The RAD ballet syllabus includes Character Dance from Grade 1 to Grade 8, including dances from Russia, Hungary, Ukraine, Poland and more. This allows young dancers to develop a broader skill set and a deeper appreciation for different styles of ballet.
Character dance plays an integral role in a dancer's training, allowing them to learn the art of storytelling with the understanding of specific cultures. It not only enhances dancers' technical skills and expression, it also develops their coordination and ability to dance in a group. This aspect of ballet training fosters a greater appreciation for cultural traditions and prepares dancers to convey rich narratives with authenticity and expressiveness. For now, remember to understand the meaning behind the dance and keep dancing! 🩰✨
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