How To Train Your Foundation

Welcome to our guide on foundation training in dance. Whether you’re just starting out or seeking to refine your skills, this journey explores the transformative impact of building a solid foundation in various dance styles. From Ballet’s precision to Hip Hop’s groove, we’ll delve into the fundamental principles that underpin dance mastery. Join us as we unlock the secrets to unlocking your full potential as a dancer.

Why is it important to train your foundation?

For a significant stretch of time, and even persisting to this day, dancers have been primarily fixated on mastering flashy choreography. Every time a cutting-edge concept video dropped or a team wowed audiences at a competition with their performance, or a renowned choreographer unveiled a jaw-dropping routine, the dance community was swept up in a frenzy to learn these trendy, attention-grabbing moves.

However, a noticeable shift has been occurring in recent times, with a growing emphasis on the importance of honing one’s foundational skills. Many dancers have found themselves grappling with advanced choreography, only to realize they lack proficiency in fundamental techniques. Others may excel at executing rehearsed routines on stage but feel inadequate when it comes to improvisational freestyling. As a result, there has been a resurgence of interest in revisiting the basics or starting anew to establish a more robust foundation upon which to develop their artistry.

Investing time and effort in refining your foundation yields tremendous benefits. Just as a sturdy building begins with a solid groundwork, so too does the journey toward mastery in dance commence with a strong foundation. It provides the essential framework upon which intricate moves and techniques can be built, fostering growth, adaptability, and versatility.

In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the multifaceted aspects of what constitutes a dancer’s foundation and delve into effective strategies for training in each of these fundamental areas.

Why is it important to train your foundation?

Foundations of movement, in general

Foundations of movement encompass a broad spectrum of basic principles that serve as the bedrock for any form of dance expression. For those who are new to the world of dance and find themselves unsure of where to begin, the journey starts by immersing oneself in the fundamental elements of music and movement.

At its core, this entails mastering the rudimentary actions such as swaying your head to the rhythm, synchronizing hand claps with the beat, and executing simple steps in time with the music. These seemingly elementary exercises lay the groundwork for developing a deeper understanding of rhythm, coordination, and spatial awareness, all of which are essential components of dance proficiency.

By diligently training your foundation in this manner, you are laying a solid groundwork that transcends the boundaries of any specific dance style. Whether you aspire to groove to hip-hop, glide gracefully through ballet, or sway sensually in salsa, the foundational skills acquired through these basic exercises will serve as invaluable tools that can be seamlessly applied across various dance genres.

Embracing and honing these foundational movements not only fosters a stronger connection to the music but also cultivates a heightened sense of body awareness and control. Moreover, it instills a sense of confidence and fluency in movement that paves the way for more advanced techniques and choreographic exploration in the future.

In essence, by prioritizing the development of these foundational skills, you are laying the groundwork for a lifelong journey of dance discovery, enabling you to embark on any dance style with confidence, poise, and proficiency.

Fundamental styles

Within the vibrant landscape of Hip Hop, Street, and Funk dance styles, certain genres are hailed as the bedrock upon which contemporary movements have flourished. Referred to as Fundamental or Foundational styles by many dancers, these genres are deeply rooted in freestyle expression, originating from dynamic social environments and competitive battle scenes where dancers innovated, influenced, and disseminated iconic moves.

Delving into the essence of these foundational styles unveils a rich tapestry of techniques, grooves, and movements that form the very fabric of modern choreography. By tracing their origins, one can discern the evolutionary journey that has led to the dynamic choreography prevalent in today’s dance landscape.

Embarking on a journey to train in these foundational styles not only equips dancers with technical proficiency but also fosters a profound understanding and appreciation for the art of movement. It offers a gateway to immerse oneself in the vibrant tapestry of cultural heritage, social dynamics, and artistic expression inherent within these dance forms.

Let’s explore how you can cultivate your foundation in four quintessential styles: Popping, House, Breakin’, and Hip Hop.

Popping: Rooted in the funk and soul music of the 1970s, Popping is characterized by rhythmic contractions and releases of the muscles, creating the illusion of “pops” or “hits.” Training in Popping involves mastering techniques such as the Fresno, Boogaloo, and Robot, while emphasizing precision, control, and musicality.
House: Originating from the underground club scene of Chicago and New York in the 1980s, House dance is characterized by fluid movements, intricate footwork, and expressive gestures. To develop a solid foundation in House, dancers focus on mastering foundational steps such as the Jacking, Lofting, and Skates, while embracing the genre’s improvisational spirit and connection to the music.
Breakin’ (Breakdance): Emerging from the streets of New York City in the 1970s, Breakin’ is a dynamic and acrobatic style of dance characterized by floorwork, power moves, and intricate footwork patterns. Building a foundation in Breakin’ entails mastering foundational moves such as toprocking, footwork, freezes, and power moves like windmills and headspins, while prioritizing strength, agility, and creativity.
Hip Hop: As one of the most influential and globally recognized dance styles, Hip Hop encompasses a diverse range of movements, including popping, locking, breaking, and party dances. Training in Hip Hop involves immersing oneself in the cultural origins and social contexts of the style, while mastering foundational elements such as groove, rhythm, and individuality.

In essence, by dedicating oneself to the study and practice of these fundamental styles, dancers can unlock new dimensions of creativity, expression, and cultural appreciation, laying the groundwork for a lifelong journey of dance exploration and growth.

Technique training

In addition to the freestyle-based foundational styles prevalent in Hip Hop, Street, and Funk dance genres, immersing oneself in structured technique training is equally invaluable for cultivating a strong foundation in dance. Styles such as Ballet, Jazz, Tap, and Contemporary offer a structured approach to movement, emphasizing precision, alignment, and artistic expression.

Each of these technical styles serves as a conduit for honing essential skills that transcend the boundaries of any specific dance genre. Whether one’s dance journey leads to the intricate footwork of Tap, the fluidity of Contemporary, or the grace of Ballet, the benefits of technique training are manifold.

Ballet: Renowned for its discipline and grace, Ballet is the cornerstone of many dance forms, providing dancers with a solid foundation in technique, alignment, and strength. Through meticulous attention to posture, turnout, and placement, Ballet instills a heightened sense of body awareness and control that is transferable to any style of dance. Moreover, Ballet cultivates qualities such as poise, elegance, and musicality, enhancing the overall quality of movement.
Jazz: Combining elements of Ballet, African dance, and modern techniques, Jazz dance offers a dynamic fusion of movement styles characterized by syncopated rhythms, isolations, and expansive gestures. By mastering Jazz technique, dancers develop agility, versatility, and expressive range, while exploring the interplay between athleticism and artistry.
Tap: Rooted in rhythmic footwork and percussive sounds, Tap dance is a celebration of rhythm, timing, and musicality. Through intricate combinations of steps and rhythms, Tap training hones auditory perception, coordination, and rhythmic precision. Moreover, Tap fosters a deep appreciation for musicality and improvisation, encouraging dancers to explore their unique rhythmic voice.
Contemporary: Blending elements of Ballet, Modern, and Jazz dance, Contemporary dance is characterized by fluidity, expressiveness, and emotional depth. Training in Contemporary fosters a sense of freedom and exploration, allowing dancers to push the boundaries of movement vocabulary and delve into personal expression. By emphasizing improvisation, partnering, and floorwork, Contemporary dance encourages dancers to embrace spontaneity, creativity, and individuality.

Enrolling in a beginning Ballet class at a reputable studio is an excellent starting point for anyone seeking to enhance their dance foundation. Beyond imparting technical skills, Ballet provides a framework for understanding alignment, posture, and movement principles that are universally applicable across dance styles. Whether one’s aspirations lie in the realm of classical Ballet or contemporary urban dance, the discipline and artistry cultivated through Ballet training serve as invaluable assets in every dancer’s journey.

Summary

This guide explores the importance and techniques of foundation training in dance. It emphasizes the significance of building a strong foundation across various dance styles, including Ballet, Hip Hop, Jazz, Tap, Contemporary, and more. By mastering fundamental movements, techniques, and principles, dancers can enhance their body awareness, control, and artistic expression. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced dancer, this guide offers insights and strategies to help you unlock your full potential and embark on a journey of self-discovery and artistic growth through foundation training in dance.