U.S. patent application number 11/690609 was filed with the patent office on 2008-09-25 for method of and light system for dance instruction.
Invention is credited to Jeffrey Baker.
Application Number | 20080233548 11/690609 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 39765326 |
Filed Date | 2008-09-25 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080233548 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Baker; Jeffrey |
September 25, 2008 |
Method Of and Light System For Dance Instruction
Abstract
A method of using lights and a light system for teaching dance,
particularly to students with hearing impairments. The method or
dance instruction includes a light bar having a plurality of first
lights and second lights. The first and second lights are visually
distinguishable. The first lights are turned on and off to display
a pre-selected time signature pattern, and the second lights of the
light bar are turned on and off to display a pre-selected and count
time signature pattern. A light system for dance instruction
includes a light bar having a first lights and second lights, which
are visually distinguishable, and a control unit for: a) turning
the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a
pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second
lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected and
count time signature pattern.
Inventors: |
Baker; Jeffrey; (Toronto,
CA) |
Correspondence
Address: |
KILYK & BOWERSOX, P.L.L.C.
400 HOLIDAY COURT, SUITE 102
WARRENTON
VA
20186
US
|
Family ID: |
39765326 |
Appl. No.: |
11/690609 |
Filed: |
July 2, 2007 |
Current U.S.
Class: |
434/250 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G09B 21/009 20130101;
G09B 19/0015 20130101; H05B 47/155 20200101; A63J 17/00
20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
434/250 |
International
Class: |
G09B 19/00 20060101
G09B019/00 |
Foreign Application Data
Date |
Code |
Application Number |
Mar 22, 2007 |
CA |
2582513 |
Claims
1. A method of dance instruction comprising: providing a light bar
having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first
and second lights being visually distinguishable; turning said
plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to display a
pre-selected time signature pattern; and turning said plurality of
second lights of said light bar on and off to display a
pre-selected "and" count time signature pattern.
2. A method of claim 1 comprising the step of turning at least one
of said plurality of first lights of said light bar on and off to
display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected
exercise.
3. A method of claim 1 wherein there are four first lights and four
second lights on said light bar.
4. A method of claim 1 wherein said first lights of said light bar
form a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time signature.
5. A method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said plurality of
first lights and second lights of said light bar are flashing
lights.
6. A method of claim 1 wherein the pre-selected and count time
signature pattern are in synchronization with music.
7. A method of claim 1 wherein at least one of said first lights
and said second lights of said light bar is accented with
colour.
8. A method of claim 1 wherein said second lights are a smaller
size compared to said first lights.
9. A method of dance instruction of claim 1 wherein the dance is
ballet.
10. A light system for dance instruction comprising: a light bar
having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the first
and second lights being visually distinguishable; and a control
unit for a) turning said plurality of first lights of said light
bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern;
and b) turning said plurality of second lights of said light bar on
and off to display a pre-selected and count time signature
pattern.
11. A light system of claim 10 wherein the control unit is adapted
to turn at least one of said plurality of first lights of said
light bar on and off to display a pre-selected pattern representing
a pre-selected exercise.
12. A light system of claim 10 wherein the pre-selected and count
time signature pattern are in synchronization with music.
13. A light system of claim 10 wherein the control unit is a
computer.
14. A light system of claim 10 wherein there are four first lights
and four second lights on said light bar.
15. A light system of claim 10 wherein said first lights of said
light bar form a 2/4, 3/4 or 4/4 time signature pattern.
16. A light system of claim 10 wherein at least one of said first
lights and said second lights of said light bar are flashing
lights.
17. A light system of claim 10 wherein gel is used on at least one
of said first lights and said second lights.
18. A method of claim 10 wherein at least one of said first lights
and said second lights of said light bar is accented with
colour.
19. A method of claim 10 wherein said second lights are smaller
compared to said first lights.
20. A light system for dance instruction comprising: a first light
bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon, the
first and second lights being visually distinguishable; a second
light bar having a plurality of first and second lights thereon,
the first and second lights being visually distinguishable; a
control unit for a) turning said plurality of first lights of at
least one of said first light bar and said second light bar on and
off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b)
turning said plurality of second lights of at least one of said
first light bar and said second light bar on and off to display a
pre-selected and count time signature pattern.
21. A light system according to claim 21 wherein the control unit
is adapted to turn at least one of said plurality of first lights
of said first light bar and said plurality of first lights of said
second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected pattern
representing a pre-selected exercise.
Description
FIELD OF THE INVENTION
[0001] The present invention relates to a method and system of
dance instruction. In particular, the invention relates to a method
of using lights and a light system for teaching dance.
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
[0002] Dancing is a very popular entertainment and art form that
requires the dancers to learn various steps of a particular style
of dance. Dance is a multifaceted area of study which provides the
student with opportunities to experience the physical, mental, and
emotional challenges of disciplined movement.
[0003] Children are often introduced to dance at a very young age,
sometimes as early as two years old. An important aspect of any
type of dance is developing the proper form and the right body
position. The benefits of dance to students are numerous and
include improvement in motor proficiency, skill accomplishment,
balance, fitness, body awareness and posture, as well as
discipline, physical satisfaction, emotional release, a sense of
camaraderie, and a higher appreciation for the arts. Potential for
self-actualization is developed and feelings of self-worth may be
increased.
[0004] Dance teachers typically use music and oral instructions in
teaching dance to students. The music assists dancers in letting
them know where they are supposed to be in the dance. However, such
methods of instruction fail to effectively teach dance to students
who are deaf tone-deaf, and/or hard of hearing. Often such a dancer
will use his or her eyes to watch and follow the movement of a
fellow dancer who may be able to hear and follow the music. This
often leads to frustration at the deaf student's lack of progress
and he or she may lose interest, thereby not enjoying way of the
benefits associated with dancing as a result of his or her bearing
disability.
[0005] There is a need to effectively teach dance to deaf students
or to those who are unable to hear and follow music. In particular,
there is a need for a method of dance instruction that will provide
deaf students with a sign count for each step in order to help them
establish a basic rhythm pattern and develop the inner rhythm and
timing for a particular dance.
[0006] U.S. Patent Application US 200610154220 filed Jul. 11, 2003,
by Toniolo, discloses a training device for novice/professional
dancers. The device includes a mat with foot positions, and a video
recording system and display that show the dancers what they are
doing along with textual feedback. The focus is on fundamental foot
position, and also teaches the use of signs or indicators on a
screen. Such a device allows students, including visually impaired
students, to determine the correct position of their feet and body
during dance. The device taught by Toniolo could be used by deaf
students to determine correct positioning. However, it would have
the same advantages and disadvantages as watching and following the
movements of a follow dancer, and thereby lead to frustration and
loss of interest.
[0007] Consequently, a need exists to effectively teach dance to
deaf students to enable then to enjoy the benefits thereof.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0008] The present invention relates to a system and method of
dance instruction wherein visual displays which are preferably
lights are used to signal time signature patterns.
[0009] According to one aspect of the present invention, there is
provided a method of dance instruction. The method includes
providing a light bar having a plurality of first and second visual
displays which are preferably lights. The first and second lights
are visually distinguishable. The first lights of the light bar are
turned on and off to display a pro-selected time signature pattern,
and the second lights of the light bar are turned on and off to
display a pro-selected "and" count time signature pattern. The
method may also include the step of turning at least one of the
first lights on and off, to display a pre-selected pattern
representing a pre-selected exercise.
[0010] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
method of dance instruction is provided having a first light bar
and a second light bar. Both the first light bar and the second
light bar have a plurality of first and second lights. The first
and second lights are visually distinguishable. The first lights on
the first light bar and/or the second light bar are turned on and
off to display a pro-selected time signature pattern. The second
lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar are
turned on and off to display a pro-selected and count time
signature pattern. The method may also include the step of turning
on and off at least one of the first lights of the first light bar
and/or the second light bar to display a pre-selected pattern
representing a pre-selected exercise.
[0011] According to another aspect of the present invention, there
is provided a system for dance instruction. The system includes a
light bar having a plurality of first and second visual displays
which are preferably lights. The first and second lights are
visually distinguishable. The system also has a control unit for:
a) tuning the first lights of the light bar on and off to display a
pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the second
lights of the light bar on and off to display a pre-selected "and"
count time signature pattern. The control unit of the light system
may also be adapted to turn at least one of the first lights on and
off to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected
exercise.
[0012] According to a further aspect of the present invention, a
light system for dance instruction is provided having a first light
bar and a second light bar. Both the first and the second light bar
have a plurality of first and second visual displays which are
preferably lights. The first and second lights on both the first
and second light bars are visually distinguishable. The light
system also includes a control unit for a) turning the plurality of
first lights of the first light bar and/or the second light bar on
and off to display a pre-selected time signature pattern; and b)
turning the plurality of second lights of the first light bar
and/or the second light bar on and off to display a pre-selected
and count time signature pattern.
[0013] According to another aspect of the present invention, a
light system for dance instruction is provided having a first light
bar and a second light bar. Both the first and the second light bar
have a plurality of first and second visual displays which are
preferably lights. The first and second lights on both the first
and second light bars are visually distinguishable. The light
system also includes a control unit for a) turn the plurality of
first lights of at least one of the first light bar and the second
light bar on and off to display a pre-selected time signature
pattern; b) turning the plurality of second lights of at least one
of the first light bar and the second light bar on and off to
display a pre-selected "and" count time signature pattern; and c)
turning at least one of the plurality of first lights of the first
light bar and the plurality of first lights of the second light bar
on and off to display a preselected pattern representing a
pre-selected exercise.
[0014] The light system and method of the present invention
provides hearing-impaired students, including deaf tone-deaf and/or
hard of hearing students, with visual cues designed to communicate
musical time signatures. The visual cues of this invention may
include a rhythmic sequence of lights that can be used in any type
of dance that involves accompaniment as well as creative dance and
movement games. Thereby, the method and system of the present
invention allows for effective instruction of dance to hearing
impaired students.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION THE DRAWINGS
[0015] In drawings which illustrate by way of example only a
preferred embodiment of the invention;
[0016] FIG. 1A is a front view of a preferred embodiment of an
apparatus of the present invention;
[0017] FIG. 1B is a first light bar of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0018] FIG. 1C is a second light bar of an alternate embodiment of
the present invention;
[0019] FIG. 2A is a front view of a horizontal light bar displaying
the start of a 2/4 time signature;
[0020] FIG. 2B is a front view of a horizontal light bar displaying
the second half of a 2/4 time signature;
[0021] FIG. 3 is a front view of horizontal light bar displaying a
plurality of second lights showing "and" counts;
[0022] FIGS. 4A, 4D and 4C are front views of oscillating first
lights on a vertical light bar demonstrating a leg bend with
"plie";
[0023] FIGS. 40, 4E and 4F are front views of oscillating first
lights on a vertical light bar demonstrating a leg straighten
movement;
[0024] FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D are front views of oscillating first
lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating an outwardly
"battlement tendu";
[0025] FIGS. 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H are front views of oscillating first
lights on a horizontal light bar demonstrating a movement wherein
the leg closes to 1.sup.st or 5.sup.th position;
[0026] FIG. 6A is a front view of a first lights on a horizontal
light bar demonstrating a jump landing in a closed position;
[0027] FIG. 6B is a front view of a first lights on a horizontal
light bar demonstrating a jump landing in an open position; and
[0028] FIGS. 7A, 78, 7C and 70 are front views of oscillating first
lights on a vertical light bar.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
[0029] A preferred embodiment of the present invention relates to a
system and method of dance instruction. As shown in FIG. 1A, an
apparatus 10 is provided for implementing the system and carrying
out the method of dance instruction. The apparatus preferably
includes a first light bar 12 and a second light bar 18. In the
preferred embodiment, the first light bar 12 is horizontal and the
second light bar 18 is vertical. The first light bar 12 and the
second light bar 18 are preferably connected. The connection is
preferably such that the first and second light bars form the shape
of a cross, as shown in FIG. 1A. However other connection
configurations such as a T-shape are within the scope of the
present invention.
[0030] The present invention is also not limited to the first and
second light bars being horizontal or vertical or otherwise
straight in shape. The first and second light bars nay be curved,
for example, and may have various other shapes and designs. In
addition, in alternate embodiments, the first and second light bars
need not be connected. FIGS. 1B and 1C show alternate embodiments
where the first and second light bars are not connected.
[0031] Although it is preferred to carry out the present invention
with the apparatus 10 having both the first light bar 12 and the
second light bar 18, the present invention may be carried by
operating either the first light bar 12 in isolation, as shown in
FIG. 18 or the second bar 18 in isolation, as shown in FIG. 1C.
[0032] The first light bar 12 includes a plurality of first lights
14 and a plurality of second lights 16. In the preferred
embodiment, the first light bar 12 has four first lights 14 and
four second lights 16. In alternate embodiments, the first light
bar 12 may have either more or less than four first lights 14 and
may have either more or less four second lights 16. Similarly,
second light bar 18 has a plurality of first lights 20 and a
plurality of second lights 22. In the preferred embodiment, the
second light bar 18 has four first lights 20 and four second lights
22. In alternate embodiments, the second light bar 18 may have
either more or less than four first lights 20 and may have either
more or less four second lights 22. In addition, in alternate
embodiments the number of first lights 14 and second lights 16 on
the first light bar 12 need not be the same. Similarly, the number
of first lights 20 and second lights 22 on the second light bar 18
need not be the same.
[0033] The first lights 14 are visually distinguishable from the
second lights 16. Similarly, first lights 20 are visually
distinguishable from the second lights 22. In the preferred
embodiment, the second lights 16 are smaller than the first lights
14 and similarly, the second lights 22 are smaller than the first
lights 20. Other modes of visually distinguishing the lights known
in the art are within the scope of the present invention such as
the use of different colours, tones, shapes, size, etc.
[0034] The first lights 14, 20 and the second lights 16, 22 of the
first light bar 12 and the second flight bar 18 are preferably
lights which can be seen in all areas of a studio or stage so that
deaf and/or hearing impaired dancers can understand the differences
in tempo without having to look directly at the lights. When a
single light in a normally lit room is turned off and on, a person
is able to see the effect of the light anywhere in the room. Any of
the first lights 14, 20 or the second lights 16, 22 of the first
light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 may also be coloured to
accent and/or specify beat in bar music.
[0035] The first lights 14, 20 and the second lights 16, 22 of the
first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 preferably use gel,
which assists with the prevention of glare and stops the lights
from shining onto the stage.
[0036] The light system also includes a control unit (not shown)
for a) turning the plurality of first lights 14, 20 of the first
light bar 12 and the second light bar 18 on and off to display a
pre-selected time signature pattern; and b) turning the plurality
of second lights 16, 22 of the first light bar 12 and the second
light bar 18 on and off to display a pre-selected and count time
signature pattern.
[0037] A control unit (not shown) is operatively connected to the
apparatus 10. The control unit can be programmed to turn at least
one of the plurality of first lights 14 of the first light bat 12
and first lights 20 of the second light bar 18 on aid off to
display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected
exercise, as shown in FIGS. 2A and 28. Several pre-selected light
patterns corresponding to pre-selected exercises can be programmed
into the control unit.
[0038] The control unit of the system is preferably a computer and
preferably has software programmed to produce predetermined musical
time signature (2/4, 3/4, 4/4) so that they represent their musical
value visually. The software can be designed with the ability to
alter the speed of the lights. The sequence of time signatures can
be linked together for individual choreographic works which contain
more than one time signature. The software is preferably run
through a special computer module which is hooked up to a computer
interface. The computer interface preferably uses the information
from the software program to control the first lights 14, 20 and
second lights 16, 22 that are seen by the dancers. The first lights
14, 20 and second lights 16, 22 on the first light bar and the
second light bar are preferably connected to the computer interface
by long cables to allow each bar to be mounted in separated
locations.
[0039] A preferred embodiment or the method of dance instruction of
the present invention involves turning the plurality of first
lights 14, 20 of the first light bar 12 and the second light bar 18
on and off to display a preselected time signature pattern, and
turning on and off the plurality of second lights 16, to display a
pro-selected "and" count time signature pattern. In addition, the
method also includes the step of turning at least one of the
plurality of the first lights 14 of the first light bar 12 and the
plurality of first lights 20 of the second light bar 18 on and off
to display a pre-selected pattern representing a pre-selected
exercise.
[0040] The pre-selected "and" count time signature pattern of the
method and light system of the present invention are preferably in
synchronization with music.
[0041] The first lights 14, 20 visually represent the musical
value. As shown in the first light bar 12 in FIGS. 2A and 2B, in a
2/4 time signature, the first two first lights 14, 20 will turn on
and off separately and continuously. In step one, as shown in FIG.
2A, the first of the first lights 14 will turn on while the
remaining first lights 14 stay off. In step two, as shown in FIG.
2B, the second of first lights 14 turns on while the remaining
first lights 14 stay off. This 1-2-1-2 pattern represents a 2/4
time signature. The pattern for a 3/4 time signature is
1-2-3-1-2-3, pattern for a 4/4 time signature is
1-2-3-4-1-2-3-4.
[0042] FIG. 3 shows the second lights 16 on the first light bar 12.
Preferably, the second lights 16 display the "and" count. This can
be done in a 4/4 pattern. Similarly, the second lights 22 on the
second light bar 20 are used to 16 display the "and" count which
can also be done in a 4/4 pattern.
[0043] Oscillating first lights 14, 20 can be used in the first
light bar 12 or the second light bar 18 or both to demonstrate
examples of specific dance movements. For example. FIGS. 4A, 4B,
4C, 4D, 4E and 4F demonstrate a "plie", which is a classical ballet
exercise. As shown in the embodiment in FIGS. 4A, 48 and 4C, the
oscillating first lights 14, 20 can be used to teach the "legs
bond" aspect of the plie, and as shown in FIGS. 4D, 4E and 4F, the
oscillating lights can also show the "legs straighten" aspect oil
the plie. The dancer need not count the beats, but simply follow
the lights down and up.
[0044] Another ballet exercise, the "battlement tendu", can also be
taught by using the oscillating lights of the present invention.
FIGS. 5A, 5B, 5C and 5D demonstrate a "battlement tendu" outwardly,
and FIGS. 5E, 5F, 5G and 5H demonstrate the leg closing to a
1.sup.st or 5.sup.th position. The oscillating lights have a 1, 2,
3, 4, 4, 3, 2, 1 sequence of first lights 14 on a horizontal light
bar 12.
[0045] FIGS. 6A and 6B show the first light bar 12 displaying a
pattern representing inner and outer leg positions.
[0046] As shown in FIGS. 7A, 7B, 7C and 7D, all light formations
that can be displayed on the first light bar 12 can also be
displayed on the second light bar 18.
[0047] As one will appreciate, the method of dance instruction and
the light system of this invention may be used with any type of
music that has a time signature, and/or to teach different types of
dance, including ballet.
[0048] Various embodiments of the present invention having been
thus described in detail by way of example, it will be apparent to
those skilled in the art that variations and modifications may be
made without departing from the invention. The invention includes
all such variations and modifications as fall within the scope of
the appended claims.
* * * * *