Ballroom Dancing

Our next entry comes from Nastia, who is writing about one of her favorite subjects, ballroom dancing.

"Dance is music made visible."

~ George Balanchine

In my description in the first post it's said that if I'm not lucky enough to marry some prince, I'd marry a ballroom dancer. I hope you'll understand why after reading this.

As this is happens to be a subject which I'm really passionate about, get ready for a long post with a lot of pictures :)

"Let us read and let us dance - two amusements that will never do any harm to the world."

~ Voltaire (French Enlightenment writer, historian and philosopher)

A little bit of history...

The term 'ballroom dancing' is derived from the Latin word “ballare” which means “to dance”

In times past, ballroom dancing was social dancing for the privileged, leaving folk dancing for the lower classes. However it should be noted even in times long gone, many ballroom dances were really elevated folk dances. The definition of ballroom dance also depends on the era: balls have featured popular dances of the day such as the Minuet, Quadrille, Polonaise, Polka, Mazurka, and others, which are now considered to be historical dances. At that time ballroom dance was just leisure, one of the ways to spend spare time, something which is now considered to be social dancing. It was also an art, exhibition dancing, like, for example, ballet.

In the end of the 19th century it became available for people from lower classes, who started to attend public dances or “social assemblies”. Later, in 1920th ballroom dance competitions were started to develop. They were unofficial and not very strict, because there wasn’t specific criteria how to evaluate dancers. That’s why in England in 1924 Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) started to create standards in music, steps and technique of dancing.

Therefore, people found out how to do every movement right or wrong. It meant that ballroom dance stopped being only leisure for people, it started to be competitive. Definition of ballroom dance in that time became equal to todays and it’s assumed that its homeland is England.

"The body says what words cannot."

~ Martha Graham (American dance choreographer regarded as one of the foremost pioneers of modern dance)


International Styles of Competitive Ballroom

For competitions from all ballroom dances which existed up until that time ISTD chose the most interesting and emotional dances, which can be transformed into sensual and artistic forms. I would like to give a little description and historical review of each dance.

There are 3 international styles of competitive ballroom:

- Standard

- Latin American

- 10 Dances

Both Standard and Latin American styles consist of 5 dances. Dancers can choose between Standard and Latin American styles or dance all of them, which means that they choose 10 dances. Standard and Latin American dances are very different from each other: they have different roots, dress code and even the shoes for these styles are different.

In Standard physical contact between man and woman is closer and permanent during the whole duration of dance. There's always a dress code for the Standard: long dresses for the ladies and bow tie and tail coats for the men.

In Latin American dances physical contact is more loose and often made only by hands. Sometimes partners are not touching at all, dancing their own part, and sometimes it's made much tighter, especially in Rumba. The dress code is also simpler: the women are often dressed in short-skirted open Latin outfits while the men are outfitted in tight-fitting shirts and pants. The goal is to emphasize the dancers' leg action and body movements.

Dances

Standard consists of 5 dances; I'll represent them in the order which they are danced during a competition:

Slow Waltz (English Waltz)

It should be mentioned that the roots of this Waltz aren't in England as you might think from its name, but in Boston, USA in 1800s. The name of the forerunner of our competition Waltz was The Boston. After the 1st World War The Boston came to England but the English changed it. During 1910-1914 many people went to the Boston club in the Savoy Hotel, Central London, where they created their own new style of waltz which had slower and more smooth choreography and was given the name Slow or English Waltz. And now it's the slowest dance in Standard.

Tango

In the beginning of the 20th Century the Tango was danced in small theaters for the High Society from Brazil. Until 1907 the Tango was not accepted in London, the dance was too passionate and, to European mind, wasn't decent to dance. After some stylistic changes the Tango was accepted by The English. From the original dance they saved only sharp-cut choreography with head and shoulder movements that suddenly switched over to stillness. But still the Tango is the dance of passion.

Viennese Waltz

It's the oldest dance out of Standard. This Waltz was created in 12-13 century in South German Alps Area and was called “German” at first. The Viennese waltz is different from other waltzes because of its fast rhythm and absence of much choreography: it has only nine figures.

Slow Foxtrot

Slow fox is the dance which was born in 20th century in USA and was called so in honor of American musical and vaudeville dancer Harry Fox. The Foxtrot was introduced in Europe just before World War 1, and it was a passion dance with slow and quick movements. The European dance teachers were not enthusiastic about the "wild" character of the Foxtrot and started to polish it more. Since then, Slow Foxtrot has been a very charming and gallant dance.

Quickstep

The Quickstep is a quicker version of Foxtrot. This dance was created in the New York’s suburbs during the 1st World War and was danced by Afro-Americans at first. It’s the quickest dance of Standard which has a lot of choreography that was taken from another one American dance – Charleston. The Quickstep is a joyful and cheerful dance.

Latin American group also consists of 5 dances:

Samba

The roots of the Samba are in Africa, but most of the development is done in Brazil: you will recognize the Samba from the Carnival Parties. In 1925 the Samba was imported into Europe. This dance includes active hip movements and bouncing. It creates the atmosphere of a Brazilian carnival.

Cha Cha

Exciting Latin American dance appeared in the 1950th in Cuba. Cha-Cha-Cha is developed from the Mambo and this name was created because of a sound imitation of "shoes" from dancing Cuban women. According to its roots the Cha Cha Cha music should be played using staccato and maracas, allowing dancers to create happy, careless and a bit of a cheeky atmosphere.

Rumba

They estimate that the Rumba was brought to America by the African slaves. After World War II The rumba was further developed into the "Cuban Rumba». This dance is the slowest of Latin American dances which represents feelings between man and woman. It includes long and sensual jesters full of love.

Paso Doble

The Paso Doble is the only Latin Dance that doesn’t come from the Afro-American culture; the roots of the Paso Doble are in Spain. It’s a dance of Spanish gypsies. It has features of Corrida and Flamenco where the man is playing the role of matador and the women – his cloak. It’s a dance full of passion.

Jive

Jive is a rhythmic and swinging dance which was influenced by Rock&Roll, Boogie and African/American Swing. It was created in New York, USA in the 1940th. It's the fastest dance in Latin American program and always danced in the end to show that tiredness can't stop dancers from dancing.

Competitions commonly include events that group dancers by age, experience, or both.


Me as a kid :)

 

juvenile (less 12yrs)
junior (12-16yrs)

youth (16-19yrs)

adult

senior I (Over 35yrs)

senior II (Over 45yrs)

senior III (Over 50yrs)

Each group has its own specific rules connected with costumes, dances and number of elements. For example, juveniles don’t dance rumba, paso doble and slow foxtrot which are difficult for such young dancers because of showing emotions, characterizing these dances, and complicated choreography. Juveniles are allowed to dance only in one costume for both Standart and Latin American and it mustn’t be much opened.

From juniors to seniors dancers may dance all dances. Juniors also have some restrictions in costumes: boys aren't allowed to wear tailcoats and girls must dances in dresses without stones. Since youth dancers follow the full dress code.

Of course, to understand what ballroom dancing is it's not enough to describe it in words. So I prepared videos! I chose my two favorite dances in each style - Rumba and Slow Foxtrot and found them performed by my favorite couple. They are juniors, but they have already been called "dancing wonders". Multiple World Champions in both styles among juniors and I'm so proud that they are Russian! Meet these two incredible persons: Sergey Rozhkov and Marina Zaharova.

 

 

"Dance is the mother of the arts.
Music and poetry exist in time;
painting and architecture in space.
But the dance lives at once in time and space."
     ~ Curt Sachs (A German-born but American-domiciled musicologist. He was one of the founders of modern organology (the study of musical instruments)

  

Vietnamese Foods

Teacher's Note: Our first topic for this blog will be food from around the world. Our first posting comes from Ki, one of our students, who will tell everyone about Vietnamese food.


Vietnamese cuisine is a style of cooking derived from Vietnam with fish sauce, soy sauce, rice, fresh herbs, fruits and vegetables all commonly used. Vietnamese recipes utilize a deverse range of herbs, including lemongrass, mint, Vietnamese mint, long coriander and Thai basil leaves. Traditional Vietnamese cooking is greatly admired for freshness of the ingredients and for the healthy eating style.


The most common meats used in Vietnamese cuisine are fish, chicken, pork, beef, and various kind of seafood. The Vietnamese also have a strong vegeterian tradition influenced by Buddhist and Chinese values.


Popular dishes:

Noodle dishes:

Name: Banh hoi.

Description: An extremely thin noodle that is woven into intricate bundles. Often topped with spring onion and a complementary meat dish such as roasted pork.











Name: Mi Quang.

 Description: A popular and extremely complicated noodle dish, originating from Quang Nam (province). Mi Quang varies in its preparation but features sharply contrasting flavors and textures in a shallow bowl of broth, noodles, herbs, vegetables, and roasted rice chips.








Sticky rice dishes:

Name: Banh chung.

Description: Sticky rice wrapped in banana leaves and stuffed with mung bean paste, lean pork and black pepper, traditionally eaten during the Lunar New Year. Banh chung is popular in the North, while its cousin version banh tet is more popular in the South. Banh tet has the same content , except cylindrical in shape and lean pork is substituted with fatty pork.





Name: Xoi

Description: Sticky rice with coconut milk, cooked the same way as one cooks rice, or steamed for a firmer texture and more flavorful taste. It comes in a great number of varieties. There are different types of Xoi:

This sticky rice is called "Xoi Gac". It made with the aril and seeds of Gac fruit.

 This sticky rice is called "Xoi La Cam". It made with the magenta plant.

And this sticky rice is called "Xoi Ngu Sac" - 5 colored purple from the leaf extract of the magenta plants, green from pandan leaf, red from Gac fruit, yellow from mung beans, and the white color of natural glutinous rice.









Dumplings and pancakes:

Name: Banh beo.

Desscription: A central Vietnamese dish consisting of tiny round rice flour pancakes, each served in a similarly shaped dish. They are topped with minced shrimp and other ingredients such as chives, fried shallots and pork rinds.










Name: Banh xeo.

Description: A type of crepe made out of rice flour with tumeric, shrimps with shells on, slivers of fatty pork, sliced onions, and sometimes button mushrooms, fried in one or two teaspoons of oil, which is the most popular oil used in Vietnam. It is eaten with lettuce and various local herbs and dipped in sweet fermented peanut butter sauce. Rice papers are sometimes used as wrappers to contain banh xeo and the accompanying vegetables.


Desserts:

Name: Che.

Description: A sweet desert beverage or pudding usually made from beans and sticky rice. Many varieties of che are available, each with different fruits, beans ( for example mung beans or kidney beans), and other ingredients. Che can be served cold or hot.










Name: Kem Flan.

Description: Caramel custard with a layer of soft caramel on top, as opposed to creme brulee, which is custard with a hard caramel top. The dish is eaten throughout the world.

Vietnamese cuisine is very well known in the world. Vietnamese are very happy and glad to invite foreigners and share their delicious foods.

Coca-Cola - "Life Begins Here"

Teacher's Note: The next entry comes from Nastia, and will talk about the history and culture behind one of the most recognized brands, Coca-Cola.

As our main topic has recently been food, I’ve decided to write here about one thing, which seems to me the most international one, well-known in every corner of our immense world: Coca-Cola. Everyone has seen it, everyone has tried it and almost everyone likes it. But how many of you know about the history of  the brightest example of globalization? It’s actually very  interesting! You have an excellent chance to find out about it right now!

The prototype Coca-Cola recipe was formulated at the Eagle Drug and Chemical Company, a drugstore in Columbus, Georgia run by John Pemberton. It was originally sold as a coca wine called Pemberton's French Wine Coca. He may have been inspired by the formidable success of Vin Mariani, a European coca wine.

In 1886, when Atlanta and Fulton County passed prohibition legislation, Pemberton responded by developing Coca-Cola, essentially a non-alcoholic version of French Wine Coca. The first sales were at Jacob's Pharmacy in Atlanta, Georgia, on May 8, 1886. It was initially sold as a patent medicine for five cents a glass at soda fountains, which were popular in the United States at the time due to the belief that carbonated water was good for the health. Pemberton claimed Coca-Cola cured many diseases, including morphine addiction, dyspepsia, neurasthenia, headache, and impotence. Pemberton ran the first advertisement for the beverage on May 29 of the same year in the Atlanta Journal.

By 1888, three versions of Coca-Cola — sold by three separate businesses — were on the market. Asa Griggs Candler acquired a stake in Pemberton's company in 1887 and incorporated it as the Coca Cola Company in 1888. The same year, while suffering from an ongoing addiction to morphine, Pemberton sold the rights a second time to four more businessmen: J.C. Mayfield, A.O. Murphey, C.O. Mullahy and E.H. Bloodworth. Meanwhile, Pemberton's alcoholic son Charley Pemberton began selling his own version of the product.

John Pemberton declared that the name "Coca-Cola" belonged to Charley, but the other two manufacturers could continue to use the formula. So, in the summer of 1888, Candler sold his beverage under the names Yum Yum and Koke. After both failed to catch on, Candler set out to establish a legal claim to Coca-Cola in late 1888, in order to force his two competitors out of the business. Candler purchased exclusive rights to the formula from John Pemberton, Margaret Dozier and Woolfolk Walker. However, in 1914, Dozier came forward to claim her signature on the bill of sale had been forged, and subsequent analysis has indicated John Pemberton's signature was most likely a forgery as well.

In 1892 Candler incorporated a second company, The Coca-Cola Company (the current corporation), and in 1910 Candler had the earliest records of the company burned, further obscuring its legal origins. By the time of its 50th anniversary, the drink had reached the status of a national icon in the USA. In 1935, it was certified kosher by Rabbi Tobias Geffen, after the company made minor changes in the sourcing of some ingredients.

Coca-Cola was sold in bottles for the first time on March 12, 1894. The first outdoor wall advertisement was painted in the same year as well in Cartersville, Georgia. Cans of Coke first appeared in 1955.The first bottling of Coca-Cola occurred in Vicksburg, Mississippi, at the Biedenharn Candy Company in 1891. Its proprietor was Joseph A. Biedenharn. The original bottles were Biedenharn bottles, very different from the much later hobble-skirt design that is now so familiar. Asa Candler was tentative about bottling the drink, but two entrepreneurs from Chattanooga, Tennessee, Benjamin F. Thomas and Joseph B. Whitehead, proposed the idea and were so persuasive that Candler signed a contract giving them control of the procedure for only one dollar. Candler never collected his dollar, but in 1899 Chattanooga became the site of the first Coca-Cola bottling company. The loosely termed contract proved to be problematic for the company for decades to come. Legal matters were not helped by the decision of the bottlers to subcontract to other companies, effectively becoming parent bottlers.

Coke concentrate, or Coke syrup, was and is sold separately at pharmacies in small quantities, as an over-the-counter remedy for nausea or mildly upset stomach.

Advertising

Coca-Cola's advertising has significantly affected American culture, and it is frequently credited with inventing the modern image of Santa Claus as an old man in a red-and-white suit. Although the company did start using the red-and-white Santa image in the 1930s, with its winter advertising campaigns illustrated by Haddon Sundblom, the motif was already common.Coca-Cola was not even the first soft drink company to use the modern image of Santa Claus in its advertising: White Rock Beverages used Santa in advertisements for its ginger ale in 1923, after first using him to sell mineral water in 1915.Before Santa Claus, Coca-Cola relied on images of smartly dressed young women to sell its beverages. Coca-Cola's first such advertisement appeared in 1895, featuring the young Bostonian actress Hilda Clark as its spokeswoman.

Logo design

 The famous Coca-Cola logo was created by John Pemberton's bookkeeper, Frank Mason Robinson, in 1885.Robinson came up with the name and chose the logo's distinctive cursive script. The typeface used, known as Spencerian script, was developed in the mid 19th century and was the dominant form of formal handwriting in the United States during that period.

Robinson also played a significant role in early Coca-Cola advertising. His promotional suggestions to Pemberton included giving away thousands of free drink coupons and plastering the city of Atlanta with publicity banners and streetcar signs.

Designer bottles

Karl Lagerfeld is the latest designer to have created a collection of aluminum bottles for Coca-Cola. Lagerfeld is not the first fashion designer to create a special version of the famous Coca-Cola Contour bottle. A number of other limited edition bottles by fashion designers for Coca Cola Light soda have been created in the last few years.

In 2009, in Italy, Coca-Cola Light had a Tribute to Fashion to celebrate 100 years of the recognizable contour bottle. Well known Italian designers Alberta Ferretti, Blumarine, Etro, Fendi, Marni, Missoni, Moschino, and Versace each designed limited edition bottles.