By APRIL REYNOLDS

akr011@latech.edu

 

Whether it is the latest trend or one that has stood the test of time, dance crazes are having rhythmically inclined students everywhere shape their bodies to these signature moves.

Carranzo Meeking, a junior French major, is one of these. He said he started dancing in talent shows his junior year in high school and still carries out this tradition.

“I’ve been performing in the Tech talent shows since 2003,” Meeking said. “I draw inspiration from all types of dances because I’m influenced by all forms of dances.”

Missy Crain, director and owner of Missy Crane Dance Studio and artistic director for Louisiana Delta Ballet, said her company focuses on ballet, but people who engage in dance recreationally seem to be more into fad dances.

“Pop locking is definitely popular with young people, and it’s attributed to the hip-hop culture,” Crain said.

Meeking said he loves hip-hop and freestyle dance but is not partial to one type over another. He even incorporates dance techniques from Indian, Latin and African cultures into his performances.

“Dance is my passion,” Meeking said. “I can’t say I have a favorite, because I love all styles of dance.”

Beverly Maggio, an instructor for the department of health and exercises, said there are three major categories under which dance crazes fall.

These categories include social or ballroom, fad and theatrical dances.

“Ballet, modern and tap are theatrical because they are to be performed on a stage, unlike ballroom, which can be performed anywhere,” Maggio said. “Fad dances refer to dances pertaining more so to younger generations that are done in clubs.”

Meeking said the “jig,” a new type of sway or stagger-like dance, is the most prevalent of fad dances.

“‘Jigging’ is one thing I know is popular with a lot of people,” he said. “It’s something everyone can do.”

Though fad dancing may seem to be the most well-liked style for young adults, social dance is on its way back up, Crain said.

“Ballroom dancing is really coming back,” she said.

Maggio said she agrees because social dances are traditional and will always have a place alongside all other dance movements.

“The Waltz will always be a traditional, appropriate dance because of occasions such as weddings, balls and banquets,” Maggio said.

She said ballroom dances, such as the salsa and the jitter-bug, are very popular with students in her social dance classes. She said “dances take on the mood of a country,” and the jitter-bug incorporates a lot of fun kick steps and struts from its era.

“Swing dances are taken from the swing and Big Band Era, and students always want to learn the jitter-bug,” Maggio said.

Though the jitter-bug is still trendy, even today, whether it is the jitter-bug or the jig, Meeking said dance trends come and go.

Meeking said, “Dance styles change by the day, so there’s no telling what people will be doing tomorrow.”