Chinese Traditional
For More Information please contact Michelle Xing Chen
phone: (832)483-9584
e-mail: michelle.chen2006@gmail.com
Through dance classes we introduce Chinese heritage to the children from China and children of Chinese families. In-Step Dance collaborates with schools, libraries, community centers and adopted families to conduct Chinese dance classes at the studio. In-Step Dance provides the teacher, curriculum, and music.
Through a progression of songs and dances, the dance classes teach hand movements, foot steps, breathing method, body stance and coordination. The emphasis is on balance, harmony, self-confidence, and teamwork. In the class, the teacher also teaches Chinese for the beginners: “How are you?”, “It is OK”, “Let’s try again”, “We are friends”, “Let’s dance”, “and thank you for today’s class”.
CHINESE DANCE HISTORY According to archeological findings, Chinese dance has a history of over five thousand years. Until the Han dynasty (206 B. C. – A. D. 220), most of the Chinese dances were originated from the folks. During the Han period, a musical entertainment court was established for the imperial family, which was essentially a center for systematically documenting and enhancing folk songs and dances. Because of the political stability and the economic prosperity of the Tang dynasty (A. D. 618 – 907), poetry, music and dance were given opportunities to flourish. The Tang dynasty has been regarded as the golden age for dance in ancient China.
Dances in the Tang dynasty inherited techniques that were developed in the past dynasties such as Zhou, Qin, Han, Wei, Jin, and Nanbei. During the early Tang period, Buddhism was introduced to China and because trade and social relationship with other countries rapidly expanded, dances were influenced by folk dances of other countries such as India, Rome, Persia (Iran), Korea, Cambodia, Burma, Vietnam, and other Central Asian countries. In addition, it also combined with other forms of fine arts such as painting, scenery, and colorful costumes as well as poetry, classical music and drama. The combination of these colorful traditions brought the performing arts to a new peak of entertainment.