Words To Dance By

Definitions of Form & Function The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines function as “the special purpose or activity for which a thing is used”. The same dictionary defines form as “the shape of something”. These definitions can be applied to dance technique very directly. Are we teaching and learning the purpose of a plié, or are we merely bending and straightening our knees? Steps can be taught as form or function. The first tactic is it’s function, the later only its form. With that in mind I would contend that learning the function of a position or movement principle will lead more consistently to a technically sound form, but if it is only learned as a ‘step’ or form it will not necessarily become functional in its...

Style & Versatility An arabesque in ballet has the same anatomical and kinesthetic needs as an arabesque in modern dance. All arabesques require turnout, a spiraling spinal column with a well distributed arch, supported abdominals and expressive freedom in the upper body. It may be styled differently with such things as arm variations, head positions and height of gesture leg, but at the core of the movement the laws of nature and the anatomy of the dancer must be honoured. Therefore dancers must have a solid technical foundation that permits a versatility of style. Style is not technique, it is style. I would contend that versatile dancers actually have one universal way of moving that allows them to layer on style as needed. So for...

Welcome Welcome to Words To Dance By. It is a blog by me, Leica Hardy, about the art of dance, the art of teaching dance and the art of learning to dance. The decision to start a blog has been on my ‘To Do’ list for a very long time. Like all of my creative projects I let the idea simmer on the back burner of my mind until it comes to a full rolling boil. It’s only then that I feel ready to set it in motion. All good blogs, or anything creatively done well, will have a point of view and a vision. They drive the creation forward and give it purpose. So the first daunting task was to articulate what was at the heart of my blog and in doing so I also realized that I would be defining myself as a dancer, instructor and choreographer fo...