How to do myths dance
Myths, Games, and Dances | Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
MYTHS
Stories, myths, and legends are a universal characteristic of human cultures. They were passed on verbally from one generation to the next for thousands of years before the advent of written language. Tales were told around the fire in the evening for entertainment, and in the process they also served to teach children the social standards and history of the group. Some were adventure stories, some were funny and others were explanations of natural phenomena and features of the environment. Many of the most interesting and beautiful Indian legends are about the sky.
Chumash Sky Stories
The Sparks of The Sun
The Sun carries a torch of tightly rolled bark to light the world. After his daily journey across the sky, he snaps his torch to throw sparks which are the stars.
The Boys Who turned to Geese
Long ago, when animals were people, there was a little boy whose mother and stepfather wouldn't give him anything to eat, though they had plenty for themselves. So the boy went off to find his own food and met another boy who was also abandoned. Raccoon came along, felt sorry for the two boys, and helped them dig roots to eat. In the next few days, five more hungry abandoned boys came by, and they all went to stay with Raccoon in the temescal (sweathouse). Finally they decided to go north and take Raccoon with them. So they sprinkled themselves with goose down and sang songs. For three days they went around the temescal, singing and rising higher and higher off the ground. But Raccoon couldn't fly even though he was covered with goose down. All the mothers came to see the boys and begged them to come down, but they refused. They all turned into geese and flew away to the north, to become the seven stars we call the Pleiades. And when geese cry, they sound just like a little boy.
The Three Worlds
There is this world in which we live, but there is also one above us and one below us. There are two serpents that hold our world up from below.
When they are tired they move, and that causes earthquakes. The World above is sustained by the great eagle. He never moves, he is always in the same spot. When he gets tired of sustaining the upper world, he stretches his wings a little, and this causes the phases of the moon. When there is an eclipse of the moon it is because his wings cover it completely. And the water in the springs and streams of this earth is the urine of the many frogs who live in it.
Thunder and Lightning
Thunder Makes Zaca Lake
Zaca Lake was formed when Thunder sat down there and made a great hole in the earth. There was once a village there, and one day, a man saw Thunder and said insulting things to him. The rest of the people ran away in fear, and when they looked back, the man was gone and there was water where Thunder had sat down.
There are two brothers who live in the upper world. They sometimes play the hoop-and pole game. One rolls the hoop and the other runs after it and tries to pierce it with his pole.
That is what causes thunder. Also they can throw a light they have to make lightning, and when it hits the ground it makes flint.
GAMES
The Chumash had two types of games: games that required skill to play, and games of chance. They often gambled on the outcome. Each village had a special area, called malamtepupi, where games were played. The ground there was made level and smooth, and a low wall surrounded the playing area.
Hoop and Pole Game
Hoop and Pole or payas, was very popular among Chumash boys and young men. A ring or hoop made from a willow twig wrapped in buckskin, about four or five inches in diameter, was rolled along the ground in a straight line. To one side and about twelve feet away, the player armed with a six-foot long wooden spear waited for the ring to roll by. At the proper time he would throw the spear, aiming for the center of the ring. Spearing the ring was worth one point. There could be two or more players, and when one of them had twelve points, the game was over.
A variation of this game was to shoot an arrow through the ring as it rolled past.
Peon
Still popular among Southern California Indians, peon or 'alewsa was a game commonly played by the Chumash. There are two teams of two or more players each. Each of the players of one team has one black and one white short stick or bone, which they hide in their hands. After hiding the bones, the hands are brought in front and the arms folded.
The purpose of the game is to prevent the opponents from guessing which hand the white bone is in. The opposing team has a "killer" and it is up to him to guess by bending his head in the direction of the hand that he thinks holds the white bone. He does this for all of the players. If he guesses right the umpire gives him a counter stick. His team then hides the bones for the other side to guess. If he guesses wrong, he receives no stick. The game is played until all the counter sticks (as many as fifteen) are in the possession of one side, which is then declared the winner.
Shinny
One of the most popular of team sports among the Chumash was tikauwich, or shinny. During large ceremonial gatherings, an entire village might play against another, with as many as two or three hundred players on the field. The game required a square playing area of about 300 yards on a side. Each team had facing goal posts, and the players were armed with shinny sticks, much like hockey players. The object of the game was to put the small wooden ball through the opponent's goal post by striking the ball with great force. Women seldom got into fights during the game, but men often fought to blood. The Ventura Indians had a great reputation as shinny players. It was the custom for the winning side to give half of the money it won in betting to the chief of the village hosting the fiesta. In that way they helped to cover the costs of the ceremony.
DANCES
Ceremonial fiestas were attended by people from many Chumash towns. At these gatherings, dances were performed that honored the creatures in the Chumash world.
The Bear, the Blackbird, the Fox and the Coyote all had their own dances, as did creatures of the sea like the Swordfish, the Barracuda and the Seaweed. Dancers wore special regalia and body paint for each of these dances, and there were particular songs that went with each one. Many dances were performed just for fun, but some had important religious significance.
What was the most important dance?
The Swordfish Dance was one of the most important held at ceremonies. The dancer wore an actual swordfish skull decorated with shell inlay, or a headdress to symbolize the "sword." The Swordfish was given offerings of beads and other gifts because he was believed to be the chief of all the sea animals. When whales were stranded on the shore, they were said to have been driven ashore by Swordfish as food for the people. In fact, swordfish sometimes are known to attack whales, so this Chumash "myth" was founded upon direct observation.
For more information on the Chumash and the Swordfish in prehistory follow this link (Links to “Swordfish in Chumash Prehistory” article)
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Dance Lessons - Common Myths About Dance Debunked
Dance is a beautiful art form that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels.
However, there are some myths about dance that many people believe to be true, which can sometimes prevent them from getting involved in dance. In this article, we will debunk four common myths about dancing and explain the truth behind these misconceptions. Keep reading to learn more, and be sure to explore the dance classes we offer at K2 Dance Studios on Corona for everyone from minis to adults and seniors!
Myth #1:
Dance Is Just for Girls
Truth: While it is true that many girls enjoy dancing, boys are also great dancers! In fact, some of the most famous and successful dancers in the world are men. There is no one type of person who can or should dance — anyone can learn to enjoy this activity if they put their mind to it.
At K2 Dance Studios, boys and girls alike can learn how to dance in a fun and encouraging environment. We offer lessons for beginners as well as advanced dancers, with dance classes such as hip hop dancing, jazz dance, acrobatics, tap dance, ballet, contemporary dance, basic training (for younger students), and more!
Myth #2:
You Need Good Rhythm for Dance
Truth: While having a good sense of rhythm is definitely helpful when learning to dance, it is not necessary.
In fact, many dancers do not have natural rhythm and still manage to succeed in the art form.
Here at K2 Dance Studios, we teach our students the basics of rhythm so that they can better understand how to move their bodies to music. In many dance classes, there is a strong emphasis on rhythm where students will learn about beat matching and how different rhythms influence movement in different types of dances.
Myth #3:
Dance Is Just for Little Kids
Truth: While it is true that young children enjoy dancing, people of all ages love to dance as well. In fact, many people start dancing in their teenage and young adult life and become quite talented at it!
At K2 Dance Studios, we offer dance classes for all ages! Whether you’re a child just starting out, a pre-teen looking for a new hobby, or a young adult who wants to learn some fun moves, we have the perfect dance class for you.
Myth #4:
You Have to Be Born With Natural Talent
Truth: Talent is important, but so is hard work and dedication! Anyone can spend the time learning about dance and building physical strength to become an amazing dancer in their own right.
But with enough practice, anyone can learn how to dance. It's all about working for it!
Regardless of your age or skill level, dance is a great way to get active, have fun, and meet new people. So don’t let common myths about dance keep you from chasing your dreams. At K2 Dance Studios, we offer a variety of dance classes for all skill levels. Our professional instructors will work with you at your own pace so that by the end of each lesson, you’ll feel comfortable and confident on the dance floor. So what are you waiting for? Come learn how to dance today!
Myths and misconceptions about dancing
Dancing , like any other kind of art, is surrounded by a lot of speculation, stereotypes and misconceptions. All sorts of myths can be heard from people you know and strangers, read on the Internet, or think up on your own. And most of them prevent us from joining the magnificent, all-consuming Dance Universe.
Fortunately, many judgments are erroneous and have nothing to do with reality.
Let's debunk the most common myths that limit our freedom right now.
Misconception No. 1. Dancing is not a sport
Dancing may not resemble classical sports training, but it is also wrong to call it solely a way of passing time. Usually, classes are accompanied by a loss of a huge amount of energy, a lot of physical activity. The heartbeat and breathing become more frequent, blood circulation is activated, almost all body systems are mobilized. With such regular lessons, the muscles become stronger and stronger, you become more enduring and fit , the body takes on even more attractive curves.
By following the rules of rational nutrition and not missing classes, you can "hone" your physical form to perfection. Well, why is this not a sport? Even if you practice dancing at an amateur level, such activity will give an effective result.
And what about professional dancers? Constant exhausting practice of movements and parts, continuous improvement, development of excellent flexibility and plasticity, competitions, championships, achievements can just be compared with serious sports.
Misconception No. 2. It takes talent to dance
You can often hear that not everyone is good at dancing. That for this there must be a natural predisposition, special physical data, innate flexibility and a sense of rhythm. There is only a small fraction of truth in this opinion. In most cases the skills and achievements of a dancer are determined by hard work on oneself . Surely you have even come across such a simple but effective formula: “1% talent + 99% labor = success.” This is the whole point. To achieve something, you have to sweat a lot.
Naturally, someone needs less effort and time to master dancing. But, in any case, nothing just happens. If you have a strong desire to achieve your goal, nothing can stop you on the way to it.
Fallacy #3. You need to learn to dance on time
Many adults who want to start dancing are stopped by the age stereotype. Many people think that it is simply too late for them to master this new activity for themselves, since everything should have its own time.
And now remember the cases when long-term dancers and teachers shared their stories about how they ended up in this industry at a very young age. Surely at least one such person can be found in your environment. By their examples, they prove that the main obstacle that prevents us from fulfilling our dream is ourselves. You can start classes both at 15 and at 55 years old . As for social dances, they do not have any restrictions and age limits at all. That's why they exist, to unite different people.
Choose the dance direction , first of all, based on your sense of self. Styles do not set any specific boundaries. It’s just that at a certain age they help to open up better. For example, breaking and hip-hop are more popular among young people, as they are culturally close to them. But if we consider bachata , argentine tango or salsa , they are more suitable for older people.
Fallacy #4. Special training is required
Many people believe that in order to dance, you must be in excellent physical shape, be exceptionally slim and fit. Looking at how some dancers skillfully flutter around the stage, perform complex combinations, easily sit on the splits, the thought arises: you should not even try. Of course, in order to be able to do this, you need to be prepared. But, here's the thing: everyone who dances masterfully started small. They also did not know how, but they achieved everything with their hard work. Therefore, if you think that you will never be able to do it like others, discard these thoughts. If you really want something and are ready to act, then you will definitely achieve it. This principle remains unchanged everywhere and always - not only in the field of dance.
There is another side to the issue that needs to be taken into account. In some styles, stretching or the ability to do a handstand is completely unimportant.
It is enough to feel the music, be able to relax and enjoy the movements of . Dance is a way of self-expression, which means that it is available to everyone and everyone.
Misconception #5. You can learn only one style
If you think that you need to develop in any one dance direction, then you are very mistaken. Just think: what will prevent parallel classes, for example, salsa , contempo and zumba ? On the contrary, you will be able to enrich your range of motor skills, expand the range of skills.
Let's open a little secret. In all directions of dances, approximately the same elements are repeated. Differences in execution, or rather, in accents. Having thoroughly studied the basics of one style, it will be much easier for you to navigate many others. Therefore, if you want to try yourself in different types of dances, do not deny yourself this.
There is a tarantella dance.
It originated in one of the regions of Italy where many tarantulas live. People believed that fast movements help prevent a spider from attacking a person. Well, if he turned out to be stung, he needs to dance the tarantella as soon as possible.
Misconception #6. Most types of dances are exclusively female
Very wrong! Many styles of dance are known for being predominantly performed by men . There are also many styles in which the roles are distributed 50/50 ( tango , waltz, jive, rumba and many others). Today, more and more representatives of the strong half of humanity come to classes, attend master classes.
Naturally, it is still difficult to get rid of existing prejudices in our society, but we are on the right track. Just look at the "hot" Hispanic men. They are not afraid to be active performers, igniting with their energy not only their partner, but also the audience. And with all this, they do not at all lose their masculinity, but, on the contrary, emphasize it.
Fallacy #7. It is necessary to repeat everything strictly after the teacher
Of course, at first it is better to do this, because we need to have a template before our eyes, a certain ideal. But when the elements are studied, you feel the music and easily adapt to its rhythm, you can add something of yourself to the dance. This is the art of dance. It’s completely wrong to become someone else’s copy, you need to remain yourself even when performing the necessary elements. In general, the dancer is allowed to adapt the dance to suit himself. And even necessary.
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5 myths about dance - DanceStudioDanceStudio
5 myths about dance Learning to dance is not the same as learning to dance. The ability to dance is the ability to freely improvise. If you learn to dance from scratch on the basis of dance performances, then this is a myth.
Performances develop the skill of improvisation only in the long term (several years).
“Dance like a construction set” based on combining elements, on the other hand, develops the skill of free movement from the very beginning, so that good results can be achieved in a few lessons. Of course, such an improvisation will not look as polished as an emasculated bunch.
Myth No. 2: “I have no hearing”
Hearing is the perception of tonality, it is necessary to sing, but not necessary for dancing. The dancer must be able to get into the rhythm, which has nothing to do with hearing, this is a technical skill: have you ever heard everyone clapping their hands together at concerts? By the same principle, you adjust to the rhythm of the music. This is a primitive task that even a deaf person can cope with: he can feel the low frequencies of sound and can also get into the rhythm.
Myth #3: “I don't have talent”
You don't need talent to accomplish a well-defined task, it requires patience and practice.
To learn how to move, you need to put your muscles in order - develop mobility - and figure out how the body works. You don't need talent to learn how to write, you need technique and training, but to create masterpieces you need talent. You don't need talent to master dance technique, but it is necessary to create art!
Myth #4: “There are beautiful and ugly movements”
There are no beautiful and ugly movements, there are inappropriate movements. From the point of view of technique, it can be said that the dance is ugly if the dancer has poor physical preparation and the movements are sluggish and uncertain. But from an aesthetic point of view, it cannot be said that some movements are ugly. Dance is a reaction to sound, it can be anything. The dancer (in good shape) dances as he sees the music. In dance, one can oppose such categories as "high-quality - low-quality", "interesting - boring", "original - banal", "appropriate - inappropriate". But it cannot be said that the dance is “ugly”, beauty is a matter of taste.
Myth #5: “There are male and female movements”
In terms of dance technique, the physiological structure of men and women is identical, i. if you do not intentionally stylize the movements, then they will look the same on both a man and a woman. The only significant difference is that men are physically stronger, so power techniques are easier for them. In other words, there is no difference between male and female movements. Look at how teenagers move - the same way: they walk, they run. It is only when they become adults that they resort to stereotypes - consciously or not - that help them place accents: sexuality, coolness, fashion, etc.
It is believed that rhythmic dance is a male dance, plastic dance is female; rough (hard) movements are male, and soft (calm) are female. These are stereotypes. Not a single full-fledged dance can exist without rhythm (the basis of modern dance) and plasticity. Rhythm and plasticity, sharp and soft movements - all these are the basic components of modern dance, without which it is impossible to depict music, to achieve expressiveness and contrast.
