On the Beat

Year 5 Jupiter discovering the BEAT and creating RHYTHMS with their bodies inspired by the internationally renowned show "Stomp".

Music usually has a strong pulse or beat like we just felt in our bodies, but there are other ways for dancers to move to music. Dancers can change the duration of their movements—they can make them last longer than one beat, they can choose not to move on a beat, or they can choose to fit multiple movements into a single beat. Also, if we listen carefully, we can usually hear other rhythms layered over the pulse of the music. Dancers can imitate rhythms they hear and feel, but it’s important to stay connected to the pulse, so that we are “anchored” to the music.

Joanna Ernest

Dance Teacher