Hello everyone, welcome back to my blog. I’m excited to share my final post about dance for 2025. After considering my options, I decided to go with the Legend level because I believe it fits where I am right now. In this post, I want to explore the concept of manaakitanga, discuss the role of dance in musicals, share some fun experiences, and reflect on what I’ve learned throughout this journey. I hope you find my last blog post enjoyable and informative.
What is Manaakitanga?
Manaakitanga is a Maori concept that emphasizes hospitality, kindness, and respect for others. It’s about taking care of each other and ensuring everyone feels welcome and valued. In the context of dance, manaakitanga can be expressed through teamwork and support among dancers, encouraging an environment where everyone feels safe to express themselves. It’s important to show respect to our peers and teachers, and to create a space where everyone can thrive.
How Can We Use Manaakitanga in Dance?
In dance, we can use manaakitanga by helping each other improve and celebrating our individual strengths. This might mean giving constructive feedback, offering encouragement during rehearsals, or simply being kind to one another. By fostering a supportive atmosphere, we create a community that uplifts everyone involved. Whether it’s during practice or performances, showing respect for our fellow dancers helps us all shine brighter together.
Dance in musicals
Dance in musicals is a vibrant and essential element that brings stories to life and enhances emotional expression. It combines movement, music, and acting to create engaging performances that captivate audiences. In musicals, dance serves not only as entertainment but also as a means of storytelling, helping characters convey their feelings and motivations. From lively choreography in upbeat numbers to graceful movements in more emotional scenes, dance adds a dynamic layer to the production, making it memorable and enjoyable for everyone watching.
What I Learned –
Throughout this dance journey, I discovered an overload of fun and exciting things. One of the most memorable experiences was playing games like the detective game and participating in “thethar sports,” which were great for bonding with my team. I also learned about different dance styles, which expanded my understanding of movement and expression. Additionally, I gained insights into the various elements of performance, such as costumes, wigs, shoes, and the backstage area. Understanding these components has made me appreciate the hard work that goes into putting together a production. One of the most enjoyable exercises we did was the Waka Waka. In this activity, a group of four of us tried to mimic some dancers on a screen. Although my team didn’t quite get it right, the boys in the group managed to pull it off. It was hilarious and taught us to have fun even when things don’t go as planned. I also developed skills in cat dances, which involved learning different movements specific to feline themes. It was both fascinating and enjoyable. Each new dance we practiced opened my mind to different forms of expression and creativity. As I wrap up this blog, I want to thank everyone who has been part of my dance journey. Dancing has taught me so much about teamwork, creativity, and the importance of kindness. I hope you enjoyed reading my posts this year, and I look forward to what the next chapter holds.
2nd task –
- Find 3 video examples of a dance style and insert it on your blog.
- Choose a dancer of a dance style/genre. Present your research on a poster in canva and include illustrations or pictures.
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Ballet
2.
Thanks for reading
Bye,
Shreeya