Importance of Rhythm
Rhythm facilitates a seamless flow of emotions and ideas that further differentiates a work of art from the daily objects of monotony. It plays a substantial part in dance as well without which, for the most part, a performance can appear both lifeless and disconcerting. Artists spend years perfecting the sense of rhythm with ease and infuse it within their daily lives. Technically, tempo beat and body movement communicate rhythm from one individual to the next. These elements are quintessential of rhythm and should be preserved in art forms. In dance, coordination with music and body accentuates the quality of performance. Different dance forms apply separate space with rhythm; however, irrespective of the genre an artist should have an acute sense of rhythm. Developing a queer sensitiveness to this concept or element insignificant to rectify errors and improve in the domain. Instructors always provide a brief introduction to the idea of rhythm on the very first day to help learners perfect it with rehearsals and errors.
Application Of Rhythm In Dance
In the domain of dance, professional artists often take the liberty of experimenting with rhythm to create new stories and deliver exceptional performances. Albeit they maintain brilliant synchronization, nonetheless the quality of performance remains high. It influences how a dancer is interacting with the audience and what message is conveying through the art form. The process of sharing something- emotion, feeling, or a story- through the implementation of rhythm is highly esteemed in any work of art. Therefore, a rhythm not only helps one with improved coordination skills but also facilitates communication overcoming possible hurdles. In-depth research into the field of human interaction has shown how important in rhythm in daily lives that perhaps evades human consciousness. Nonetheless, rhythm has already constituted interpersonal communication and embodied in the activities that one does.
How to learn about rhythm in dance?
Keeping one’s sense of rhythm could help in discovering peace and serenity that dance could offer in abundance. Here is a brief overview on how to learn the basics of rhythm in dance-
· Find the beat-
Listening to the music compilation time and again and dedicating hours to memorizing every single pulse of it is crucial. It could shape how one uses body and mind while performing. Counting the beat and replicating it inside the mind is also helpful in knowing the nuances of this concept of dancing fine-tuned. It results in a performance cohesive and wholesome- a treat both to the performer and viewers.
· Reading theory-
In-Depth comprehensibility of this concept by reading books and opinion pieces could help one attaining the precision. The human body could be moulded according to the beat of this rhythm without any incoherence or disruption. Each performer should put maximum effort into learning more about how rhythm is intricately associated with the human body.
· Workshops and Practice
To overcome the first limitation, it is necessary to explore the beautiful pattern involved in rhythm to which a dancer is expected to move and dazzle. What counts when one is trying to infuse rhythm into dance? The details could be grasped under the strict guidance and supervision of professionals. Varied ways are applied in the art of inducing designs of rhythm within a performer. Without attending workshops or engaging in long practice sessions, it is almost impossible to unearth the truth about cadence.
Throughout the world, the gift of artistic sensitiveness to rhythm is viewed as a boon; it could be harnessed and developed for adding a sense of sublimity to the performance.
Why do we need rhythm?
It goes without saying how rhythm steadily intensifies the charisma of a dance performance. Artists have opined that without it, any form of work retains a degree of superficiality forever spoiling the delight of watching an artistic creation. Perhaps it is one of the reasons why dance instructors are stern about providing direction about cadence and helping budding dancers express themselves through it.
- Salsa- as a genre it is characterized by a sharp sense of timing, and fast body movements attuned to either polyrhythms or single, customized rhythm. Dancers are required to catch the metrical quality of each rhythm and simultaneously understand the context of the performance. There are always stipulated patterns. Nonetheless, each dancer is asked to acquire the knowledge of metrical pulse without any flaw or misconception. It restores balance and beauty to the dance form and separates one style from the other. Besides rhythm, a formal structure of body gestures and vigour is maintained.
- Hip Hop- the dance form is punctuated by different patterns of rhythm and intensity. Each time a dancer missed one beat, it disturbs the flow of the performance and the ensuing interplay between body and music. Hip-hop is extremely focused on delivering a specific message to the viewers who would somehow evade the eyes unless a performer knows the rhythm by heart. There might be nothing vividly lyrical on the surface level. However, one who can capture the concept would know how enchanting the presence of lyrics and meter within the art is.
In music, rhythm is entirely dependent on the piece and individual perception that is being invested within the work of art. It follows a symmetrical pattern, almost regular and continuous. Any level of inconsistency in rhythm is promptly eliminated to bring a sense of delight and style within the art form. It will hardly be an exaggeration to conclude that rhythm propels a listener to stick to the composition and become unified with it.
Rhythm bridges the gap between the creator and his/her creation to render the piece purposeful and aesthetic. Many artists conserve rich knowledge about rhythm and psychological impact that it might bring about within the listener. The same is also applicable in dance, and therefore, critics, as well as artists, have always remained enthusiastic about knowing the origin of the piece. The goal is to dissociate its construction. Rhythm certainly forms an integral part in this construction of an art form that unites human emotions and experiences beyond geographical boundaries.
Author: Frank Taylor