Dancehall ABC

Dancehall ABC/ Reggae
Since then Reggae and Dancehall music has evolved from simply genres that have for
decades defined a people, to genres with a global impact. Having both originated from
Jamaica, however, and considerably miniscule details to separate the two, Reggae and
Dancehall are often mistaken as being one in the same. So, where does the distinction
lie
In essence the dissimilarity can be found first in their general sound and secondly in the
prevalent themes. The history of both genres puts these differences into perspective.
Reggae music postdates other forms of Jamaican music such as Ska and Rocksteady. It
emerged in the 1960s coinciding with the Rastafarian movement. For the most part
reggae artistes were heavily influenced by this movement which gave the genre its
spiritual core. It bellowed the struggle of a people centered around issues of poverty,
politics and oppression 'inna babylon system'. In the same breath it promotes positive
vibrations, peace and righteous living.
Roots reggae, as it is also known, is characterized by 'one-drop' riddims which typically
features afrocentric influences or acoustics. Lover's rock is the more romantic side of
the genre, mostly apolitical as love and passion takes the forefront of the lyrical
content. Popular reggae song includes Stir It Up by Bob Marley and Here I Come by
Dennis Brown.
Often referred to as reggae's rebellious cousin, Dancehall music emerged as an under-
ground genre almost two decades later. Sound systems began stringing up on street
corners attracting large crowds of locals, resembling a dance hall, hence its name.
Artistes would toast (similar to rap) over digital riddims (rhythms) as opposed to the
usual playing of prerecorded music. The fast paced tempo laid the foundation for a
genre with dancing, sexuality and "gangster life" at the heart of it. The dancehall
market was initially concentrated in Jamaica especially for the members of the inner-
city communities. It was often seen as very coarse and raunchy with no apologies.
Some prime example of this includes Love Punany Bad by Shabba Ranks and Boom Bye
Bye by Buju Banton.
Artistes like Capleton and Sizzla later introduced a more conscious side to the dancehall
through the influence of the Rastafarian movement. Buju Banton and Anthony B were
also strong contributors in this category with songs like Untold Stories and Damage
respectively.
Essentially the two create completely different vibes. Reggae has a reserved personality
as opposed to dancehall's exuberant demeanor. Hardcore excitement pulsating through
your stereo is typical of dancehall music. It is raw and uncut as it delivers the common
reality of the everyday Jamaican. Dancehall is also more dynamic than Reggae as it is
known to introduce new ideas from slangs to fashion fads to dance moves. On the flip
side Reggae is feel good music, a subtle chimer. Head bops and steady rocks as you
drift to a meditative state, that's the power of Reggae. Bob Marley's words best sums
up the genre when he noted, "…when it hits you, you feel no pain."
Basic Dancehall Steps
Frog Back
Our first dancehall move is the Frog Back. This is all done in a squat position so you
know you’ll be working your thighs and calves. There’s also an arm movement with it
and the trick is to move the arm opposite the leg that’s moving. So sort of like walking,
it’ll come natural.
Butterfly
This is a very popular Hip Hop move that you probably didn’t know came from
Dancehall. You’re dipping your knee in the gap in between your legs one at a time.
When you get the hang of this move, it’s really fun to let loose and groove to your
own beat with your upper body. Do this for 5 minutes straight and believe me, you’ll
feel the burn!
Tick Tock
Just like a clock, your hips will tick tock and let’s start in a clockwise motion. To slow
things down a bit, there are four corners you should hit; front, right, back and left.
Once you get used to the rhythm you can try to go a little faster and even try counter
clockwise. And challenge yourself by squatting down lower and see how low you can
go!
Step Back with Booty Pop
Not only was hip hop influenced by dancehall, twerk dance was also derived from
Jamaican moves. This one is a really fun move because not only do you get to make
that booty pop, you also incorporate your standing strength and try to walk backwards.
A little trick to get your booty to really pop is to place your thumbs on your lower back
muscle and try to push it. Try it out and pop it, babe!
Dirty Wine Squat
Ooh, we’re getting to the super fun moves! Here’s another move that will improve your
standing strength, in a wide squat stance, you basically do the tick tock really fast
while going down to the floor and back up. If you repeat this move a couple of times,
you’ll feel a burn in your inner and outer thighs. This is a fun one to do while doing
mundane chores like dusting or washing the dishes. Try it out for yourself!
Knee In Dab
This one’s for the kids! Dabbing is a trendy dance moves for the kids and teens, so
you’ll definitely be a hit when you master this move. You don’t know it, but you already
know half of this move. You bring your knee in just like in the Butterfly and then DAB.
That’s right, we’re doing the dab.So you drop your head into your slanted bent arm
while the opposite arm is raised straight in a parallel direction. It’s just like sneezing,
but with style �
Jump and Wine
I saved the best one for last! This is my personal fave, the Jump and Wine. You start in
a squat position and jump up and go down doing the Dirty Wine! I have sooo much fun
doing this move and jumping in different directions that I really don’t feel like I’m doing
a workout, but after repeating it over and over, I definitely feel it in my legs and my
calves. OH and I dare you not to smile while do this move.
Source: https://hipshakefitness.com/dance/learn-7-basic-dancehall-moves/

Dancehall ABC

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dancehall ABC

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dancehall ABC

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

Dancehall ABC/ Reggae

Basic Dancehall Steps

Step Back with Booty Pop

Dirty Wine Squat

Jump and Wine

You might also like