This question may be relevant for professional dancer, or even for non dancer who may have seen Show dance performances in its diverse glory and choreographic interpretations. In this article I will provide information about the origin of the term and the dance style that is so popular in Finland.
Resources for this blog post I gathered from Finnish show dance teachers and my local, current vision and understanding of What is a Show Dance in modern Finland.
Begining of it all
In 1980’s the term of show dance has arrived in Finland, thru the IDO (International dance organization) competitions. The term and dance style is relatively quite young, only 40+ years, but it’s phenomenon international soul and relativeness to modern life made it successful and ever evolving, enchanting for Finnish dancers and choreographers.
Speaking of dance style the quote ,,Show to show something,, is more then perfectly suitable to the show dance. It is believed to be an expressive, entertaining performing art, and much like dance theater it highlights moods and emotions. It is an art form: entertaining, eye-catching and diverse dance style.
Show dance characteristic is storytelling, importance of concept, context. The concept of performing piece usually can be understood by the visual appearance, then the through dance moves. Influencing an audience in some way is also important: Influence may vary and viewer for example may be moved, exited, terrified, laugh, cry, and etc. In my opinion this range of emotions, themes, technique and music makes Show dance a Phenomenon.
Show dance is a competitive dance sport. It was discovered through a competition number and influenced a birth of a whole new dance style and competitive sport. Competition numbers, choreography’s, dance technique and attire has evolved thru time and became more refined and challenging. Dance numbers are usually short, only couple minutes long, choreography’s build en face (towards the audience), and infused with challenging elements, requiring physical strength and flexibility.
Technique and Influence
Show dance technique is a mix of several different dance styles, and techniques. However, it does not has its own dance technique, and neither has the boundaries of what can be done in a dance performance, or choreography. That’s why choreography’s are so bold and technically rich. Show dancers are expected to be trained in several different dance styles and being able to incorporate their knowledge in performances.
Movies, musicals, music videos, jazz, modern and ballet dances strongly influenced a Show dance. Ethnical or folkloric dance elements are also widely used, and for example, many performances have been build around African, Chinese or Finnish, among other, traditional dances. Media made possible for dance culture to become more global and diverse.
Growth of the show dance classes and also amateur dancers, expanded show dance in Finland so much that now, In the university of Applied Sciences (Oulu), interested one can major in Show dance, and become a show dance teacher.
To be inspired
Show dance creators were influenced by the musicals. I have gathered a small list of movies that was mentioned in the resources, and added modern musical La la land on top of the list, as in my opinion it also has an accent of show dance. Have a lovely movie time.
