Country And Western Dance Essay

Country and western dance is an informal and relaxed style of dancing. It is not sloppy, but emphasizes smoothness and no hip movement. It is easy to learn and a great way to exercise and have lots of fun. Country and western dances have many different types of movements within its dance style. The movements found are form, repetition, and rhythm. It also is a form of social dance. Line dancing is a style of country and western dance that is a group dance that uses all of these types of movements. "Country line dance is a popular style of dance in which a group of people performs a sequence of steps in unison while facing each other in rows.(dance.about.com)

In line dancing we can see how form is a major type of movement. " The form of the dance-its details and structure-gives us insight into the subject matter. (Page 259) Line dancing is a a dance that focuses on foot movement. Most line dancing is a pattern of repeated foot movement. This structure excludes hip movement and variation from the repetition.

Repetition is found in the dance when the foot movements and our bodies move the same way over and over again. An example of repetition is when the dancer moves their foot a certain amount of times in and then spin; we expect to see this pattern again in the dance. Repetition creates an expectancy because viewers anticipate certain movements. In line dancing this is a major movement because the dance is structured by repetition and the use of the same movements. "Repetition or the lack of it- as in music or any serial art- becomes one of the most important structural features of the dance."(Page 259)
Lastly, rhythm of the music being danced to enhances the foot movements and body movements.

During line dancing the timed movements with the music creates an energy. This energy creates a balance and understanding of the dance. For example, when the music makes a beating sound and the dancer stomps their foot in a certain way it enhances the dance. In the textbook, The Humanities, the authors state that, "Careful repetition of movements is often patterned on the repetition in the music to which the dancers perform." This statement confirms that rhythm intensifies the movements and makes the dance more powerful.

In conclusion, form, repetition, and rhythm all play a major part in country and western dancing. These movements help to create a better understanding of the dance and why the music and the body movements increase the dance performance. This social dance is a relaxing one that is easy to learn and is a healthy way to work off excess

energy.(261)