Im Rhythmus Bleiben

Rhythm plays a vital role in music, dance, and the martial arts. It features in sport as well. Little chance has a rowing team if the stroke is off. Even the sexual act enjoys some rhythmic motions.

So, what is rhythm? Looking at it musically, rhythm is the number of beats to a measure. A waltz is defined by three beats to a measure, the tell tale one-two-three one-two-three we know so well. Behind the complexities of the baroque music of Chopin a trained ear can still distinguish those same three beats. Even :wumpscut: released a waltz as the track Maiden. A waltz suggests a fluidity which is reflected in the spiraling dance sharing the name. A waltz can be smooth, and can be slow, or it can be mad. Yet, a waltz is always a waltz in the end.

Four beats to a measure is also known as 4 on the floor. It is the basic beat for most rock & roll. The one-two-three-four features in pop, rock, metal, punk, you name it. What distinguishes one genre from the next may be the backbeat, or the kind of percussion used. Tempo also plays a part. For instance, metal uses a lot of triple kick drum while goth often employs wooden percussion or a snapping snare. Meanwhile, industrial music has featured metallic percussion while electronica may use a simple digital effect. The 4/4 beat is very structured, yet still provides for a wide variety of musical techniques.

The 5/8 beat is very rare indeed. Since it sounds quite awkward comparatively, only the most experimental of artists try their hand at it. For instance, Einsturzende Neubauten. This is true also for 7/8 time, which has been used by the likes of Sting. Meanwhile 6/8 and 8/8 time, for those who know their fractions, are not a far cry from 3/4 and 4/4 time.

So rhythm is a number of regulated beats within a set measure of time. One can see how this may translate to sport, fighting, or the sexual act.

In sport, rhythm effects rowing, cycling, running, gymnastics, skiing, ice dancing, you name it. Rhythm implies harmony and harmony, balance. The same is true in the martial arts. Whether boxing or kung fu, the rhythm of strikes and/or kicks makes up certain combos. These combos are perfected through repeated exercises that they may be performed swiftly and accurately. In his movies, Jackie Chan strives for a rhythm to the fight sequences. As such, in post production the action on screen will match the soundtrack. Meanwhile, knowing the beat helps the stuntmen in staging the fight. Each beat is an attack or defense.

I needn't suggest how rhythm applies to sexuality as it seems rather obvious. I will only say that the best lovers know how to use rhythm to affect or postpone certain ends.