With the influences of “So You Think You Can Dance,” and “Dancing with the Stars,” we’re starting to hear about increases in attendance from some of our friends who own dance studios. These surges usually happen at dance studios after popular shows feature some form of dance. Just like gymnastics classes experience a big surge after every Olympics, adult dance classes fill up after dancing shows.
Ballroom dancing has become a hot commodity for adults because of these shows, as well as competitive ballroom dancing on public television. Most times when a new dance show comes to television, we have also seen a rise in popularity of those specific dances, as well as who is interested in learning. Even though the growth in ballroom dancing is more for adults than children, there are other areas that are becoming more popular for kids and the younger audiences.
Hip-hop dance has become a very popular form of dance for a younger audience. While most of the influence comes from the street, there are some shows on television, like “America’s Best Dance Crew,” which has an influence on the type of dance these younger audiences want to learn. However, younger hip-hop dancers are getting more of their influence from sources other than television, including online videos.
Because hip-hop is a newer, more informal style of dance, they aren’t bound by the traditions and expectations of ballet and jazz. So they can choose their own outfits. In hip-hop, the outfit is important, but is more or less influenced by the music and the type of dance. It is not leotards or articles of clothing like that, it is more loose pants and cut shirts. The influence is very urban. With the urban culture, dance is just becoming another form of expression.
However, as they grow older, we’re also seeing a number of dancers move from hip-hop dance to other more formal styles, like modern dance, which is increasing that art form’s popularity as well.
Photo: Andrew J. Ferguson
