What is Lyrical Dance

Dances characterize culture. Steps and choreographies vary depending on which part of the globe you are in. But there are dances that can be considered the mother of all dances, those that are uniform anywhere in the world like ballet and jazz. One significant development in the art of dancing is the lyrical dance. For most dancers, this is nothing but a combination, if not sophistication of contemporary dances that we already have. But this is not the case. Lyrical dance has developed its own art and has blossomed as independent from all the rest.

Lyrical dance is a contemporary dance, an amalgamation of jazz, ballet and modern dance that requires exceptional moves in performing. Preciseness in moves characterizes the dance. Couple this with the facial expression from the dancer, which brings an additional degree of difficulty. No clear beginning can be seen. No actual history to which one can see how the dance evolved. Modern day performers can be seen performing lyrical dance with the primary aim to display the emotions of a music or song. Conveying the emotions of every word in a lyric can only be done through powerful facial and bodily expression of the performer. The intensity of these expressions can be measured based on how they were able to paint a picture based on every word of the lyric of the song being danced. The clearer the picture painted, the more effective the facial and bodily expressions are.

One thing about lyrical dance is that this is not more concerned with the shape or built of the dancers. Unlike in certain dances like ballet where the dancer should be slim, lyrical dance requires only that the dancer is flexible. However, physique cannot entirely be disregarded. Lyrical dance includes difficult lifts, so the dancer should still be fit enough to perform this. In other words, while built comes of less importance in lyrical dance, it is however inevitable. The dancer should still be fit enough for the lifts.
Many believe that an older dancer is a better lyrical dancer than the younger people. This is because the latter just lacks the power to display the emotions required by the dance, as well as life experiences that will enable them feel and grasp the emotions needed. Exceptional young lyrical dancers however exist. There are those who despite their young age and lack of life experience still have the capacity to convey very well the messages and emotions of the songs. In lyrical dance, the movements of the upper body display a distinct character. It showcases angles unique in its own, something that cannot be seen both in ballet and jazz dance. One similarity however is the lyrical dance’s use of pointed toes. This is done during the performance of complicated lifts that the dance requires.

There are a number of different dances in the world now. Some are known, but some are not. But each of these dances is unique and independent from others, alive and kicking in its own beat. Lyrical dance has indeed developed its own identity, though many are still not aware of it. It is independent, and is easily blossoming in the world of dancing. Its high demand for expression and message will surely make its way up in the center stage soon.