Popular Dances of the 1970s

By Lori Spencer

 

To re-create dances from the 1970s, it helps to familiarize yourself with the era and styles. Many of the most popular dances of this era originated in the United States and were popularized around the world through movies and TV shows. A good way to start learning about the dances of the 1970s is to watch films and television from the era; Saturday Night Fever, for example, is a film that put dancing at the epicenter of American popular culture. This 1977 movie sparked massive dance crazes such as the Hustle and the Night Fever…(cont’d)

 

Read the full story here http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-re-create-dances-from-the-1970s.htm

Popular Dances of the 1950s

By Lori Spencer

 

In the 1950s, teens often congregated after school to drink soda pop, spin records, also known as “platters,” and learn the latest dances. They would show off their moves at the local Sock Hop, an informal dance event that was usually held in the high school gym; to avoid scratching up the gymnasium’s varnished floor, students were ordered to take off their shoes. US music and culture had a strong influence around the world in the 1950s, as different types of music flourished during this decade, advances in technology made that music more easily available, and US servicemen stationed overseas brought the music with them. Popular dances included the limbo, the twist, the slop, and the Lindy hop, all of which…

Read the whole story here http://www.wisegeek.com/how-do-i-re-create-dances-from-the-1950s.htm

Characteristics of a Fanfare

By Lori Spencer

 

A fanfare is a bold and brief piece of music used to announce the coming of an important person or event. You’ll hear them at sporting competitions like the Olympics, at military and official government ceremonies, and often in movies or TV shows as opening theme music.

Featuring dotted rhythms, repeated patterns and a harmonic series of notes, fanfares are generally brass- and percussion-dominant. This is both to get the listener’s attention and impart a sense of importance to the event…

 

 

Continued at http://www.ehow.com/list_7465874_characteristics-fanfare.html

How to Play “Crocodile Rock”

By Lori Spencer

 

Elton John’s “Crocodile Rock” is a classic showpiece for any pianist and a fun challenge to play. The rest of the band will work hard trying to keep up with some unusual chord changes, while the singer gets to really stretch out the top of his falsetto range on the chorus refrain.

This lilting, 1950s-style rocker conjures up images of sock hops, Hula-hoops and drive-ins and will get people moving on the dance floor.

“Crocodile Rock” was written by Elton John and Bernie Taupin and appears on Elton’s 1973 album, “Don’t Shoot Me, I’m Only the Piano Player.” It is in the key of G.

Read more: How to Play “Crocodile Rock” | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7332311_play-_crocodile-rock_.html#ixzz1g8znRmgX

Pop and Lock Songs

By Lori Spencer

 

Emerging out of the West Coast disco and funk era with dances like the boogaloo, robot, the puppet, the King Tut, and the scarecrow, “popping” and “locking”–two distinctively different dance styles–finally hit the mainstream in the 1980s during the break dancing craze. Twenty years ago, rappers such as Run DMC, Kurtis Blow, MC Hammer and Whodini popularized the dance in music videos. Michael Jackson immortalized the “backslide” with his famous “moonwalk.”

Popping is still around today and is often performed to modern instrumental hip hop jams and various forms of electronica…

Read more: Pop and Lock Songs | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/list_7299118_pop-lock-songs.html#ixzz1g9EPRp73

Promoting the Art and Culture of Your Community Globally

By Lori Spencer

 

No matter where you live, something about your community makes it unique. Perhaps your town was once the site of a significant historical event. Maybe a president or famous celebrity hails from your city, or you currently have notable artists in residence. It might be the music, museums, culture, food, or indigenous people who put your hometown on the map. Whatever it is, you may want to tell the world about this special place and encourage people to visit…

Read more: How to Promote the Art & Culture of a Community Globally | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/how_7369606_promote-art-culture-community-globally.html#ixzz1g8swgpn2