In 1619, Slave Traders brought the first African Slaves to America, the slaves brought with them, their own culture, traditions, and heritage. The same culture, traditions, and heritage that influences African American culture to this day.
What is Stepping?
Most people have never even heard the term ‘Stepping’, yet it is the root, the grandfather, maybe the great grandfather of many of our dance styles. Using your feet to create rhythm is universal, the Dutch used wooden clogs, the Irish developed a style of dancing, best portrayed by Michael Flatley in Riverdance, the Brits have Morris Dancing, and the Americans had Fred Astaire. Using the feet to provide rhythm are universal. The foot is a great instrument. And one that is ideal for providing back up to either vocal or instrumental accompaniment.
Stepping takes a look at the many and varied versions of this genre. From soldiers marching, to high energy stage shows, it is all the same basic strategy.
This is an interesting DVD, it might sound a little niche, and I guess it is, but it is also illuminating. A fine example of an art form that has diversified. And all art forms do that over time.
You can get your own copy of Stepping from MVD.
Simon Barrett
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1 user commented in " DVD Review: Stepping – The Documentary "
Follow-up comment rss or Leave a TrackbackI haven’t seen the DVD but the synopsis on the web page above mentions the Dutch dancing in clogs (difficult) but fails to mention British clog dancing from England, Wales and Scotland. This was performed in wooden-soled shoes. There were and still are many variants. British clog dancers travelled the world either as emigrants or more likely as music hall stage artistes. Wooden-shoe step dancing also featured on the stage in the USA in the 1800s. Also the old step dancers of Ireland would be appalled to be compared to the Riverdance styles which is pure choreographied theatrical style. The old styles of Ireland were elegant and low to the ground – quite unlike even the little girls in highly embroidered dresses. There there is the step dancing of itinerants and lumber workers in New Zealand, Australia, and Canada etc. More info. can be found at http://chrisjbrady.com
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