Topmusicanswers
- Why do dancers only count to 8?
- Why is music counted 8?
- How many counts do we use per bar in dance?
- Why do musicians say 1234 and dancers 5678?
Why do dancers only count to 8?
In music there are typically 4 counts, or beats, per measure. In dance, a measure is usually “musically paired” with a second measure. These two measures equal a total of 8 counts, which is why dancers count in sets of 8. 8 counts keep track of the beat and tempo, but break up the song into manageable sections.
Why is music counted 8?
Most of the music you hear everyday - Western, Pop, Rock, Classical, etc. - is structured in repeating sets of 8 beats. In dance, a measure is usually “musically paired” with a second measure. ... The 8-count helps to make this synchronization easier, pairing moves with a naturally repeating beat within the music.
How many counts do we use per bar in dance?
The musicians are counting each bar with four beats per bar (measure) but actually there are only two accented (louder) beats per bar, on the "1" and the "3". These accented beats provide the pulse of the music. The dancers are counting these accented beats in their "8" counts.
Why do musicians say 1234 and dancers 5678?
For several hundred years now, dance music has been set up to have two bars of 4/4 which dancers count them as 8. To actually answer the question, dancers usually do moves in 8 counts, 5,6,7,8 is how they count-off to start the next 8 count move.
