Swing Dancing History

The swing dance is not a single form/kind of dance but a group of various dances which developed in the earlier half of the twentieth century. These dance forms flourished with jazz or swing style of music. The origin of these swing dances can be traced back to the vernacular African American dance forms. Today, the most popular form of swing dancing is Lindy Hop. In fact, many of the swing dance forms have descended from Lindy Hop. Other dances included in the category of swing dancing are Shag, Blue, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Rock and Roll, Hand Dancing, Modern Jive, etc. Read more on jazz dance moves.

Swing Dancing History
The art of swing dancing is influenced by many cultures and traditions. Apart from the Lindy Hop, various swing dancing forms have evolved from Charleston, Fox Trot, Tango and Waltz. The close dancing forms, Tango and Waltz were introduced in USA in the beginning of the twentieth century. Earlier, these dances were not accepted by the society; however, with rise in their popularity in Paris, the Waltz and Tango became instant hits in America. The dances like Truckin', Shim Shammy and Black Bottom are known to have preceded the swing dancing craze in the US. Variations that occurred in swing dances were numerous. Out of them, the West Coast Swing used a pattern of 6 beats. One can perform the West Coast Swing with any form of music. The East Coast Swing is similar to the West Coast Swing in terms of beats (6 beats are used). This dance includes stepping side-to-side. One has to take a step backwards after every three steps. Read more on how to tango dance.

Swing Dancing of 1930s
The 1930s history of swing dancing is presented in the paragraphs below.

• Balboa: This form of dance evolved in Southern California; it was generally performed as a ballroom dance. The Balboa swing dance is performed in a close embrace and quick footwork is its specialty.
• Lindy Hop: This form of dance evolved in a period between late 1920s and early 1930s. It is an 8-count dance and gives more importance to improvisation. The 'jazz' or 'blues' rhythm is used for this dance and it is adaptable to any form of music.
• Collegiate Shag: This dance form originated in the '30s decade in New York. It is said that the prefix, 'collegiate' was added to the name for attracting the youth to dance halls and studios. During the later half of twentieth century, the name collegiate shag however, became standard. This form of swing dance was performed with a 2-beat rhythm.

The '40s Decade Swing Dancing
Swing dancing history of the '40s decade is given in short in the following paragraphs.

• Boogie-woogie: The boogie-woogie dance developed in the '30s. This dance-form became popular with the rise in boogie-woogie music. Boogie-woogie dance is also known as the European form of East coast swing. Originally a six-count dance, the boogie-woogie has undergone many changes; it is now performed with 8-count variations. The boogie-woogie and various forms of rock music are used to perform this swing dance.
• Carolina Shag: During the 1940s, the Carolina Shag was performed between the Myrtle and Wilmington beaches. This form of swing dancing is associated with beach music.

The different forms of swing dances were popular amongst the youth. The college going crowd used to throng nightclubs for learning swing dancing in the '40s and '50s decade in the US. Since, there were no fixed or specific rules, various styles of the swing dance emerged. The 'New York Society of Teachers' began the work of documenting various forms of swing dance in the early 1940s. Thereafter, the Arther Murray Studios started teaching swing dance.

The swing dancing history is marked with changes and variations. Swing dancing was largely influenced by different types of dances and different dancing styles. Thus, one can see a lot of variety in this form of dance.

Modern Dance History

They say that dance is a manifestation of your expression. There is no emotion which is outside the purview of dance. For instance, you want to show your joy to the whole world, you dance. Dance is just about everywhere in our lives. Some of us have an inborn talent and have a sense of rhythm and grace, while some of us have to work really hard at dancing. But the question which keeps coming in my mind is that how and when did it all start? I found out quite a few interesting things about modern dance history. Let us go through it in details!

Modern Dance History Timeline

Even before dance started in the west, the Orient, specifically in India and around, classical dance forms had already started taking root with Bharartnatyam and a few others, based on 'natya shastra' (the science of dramatics). Dance was then perceived to be an extension of drama in India. Now we take a look at how things were in the west.

1903
History of modern dance cannot be complete without Isadora Duncan, thus we start off with that. In 1903, Isadora Duncan devised a dance technique, inspired by Friedrich Nietzsche's philosophy. Another thought process associated with this was the belief that the dance which the ancient Greeks did was the dance of the future. She proposed the concept of dance as a high and spiritual art.

1905
Well, another person who was going to be credited for what dance as we know it now was Ruth St.Dennis. She was greatly influenced by Sarah Bernhardt and a Japanese artist, rather dancer, Sada Yacco. Based on that, she came up with her own translations and performances based on Indian culture and mythology. She toured a lot researching on Oriental culture and arts.

1915
This was a major breakthrough in modern dance history. Ruth St. Denis again took a big leap ahead and founded with her husband Ted Shawn the Denishawn school and dance company. It was a perfect husband wife collaboration. Ruth took care of the creative department, while her husband looked after teaching technique and composition. The students of this school later on became members of the dance company and then formed their own dance schools. Read more on modern dance moves.

1923
Martha Graham, a famous student of Denishawn got out of the school and started working as solo artist.

1928
A couple of other students, Doris Humphrey and Charles Weidman establish their own dance school and company.

1933
Again a significant event occurred when Shawn starts his own all male dance group called Ted Shawn and his men dancers.

1949
Originally published in 1949, The Borzoi Book of Modern Dance captured the genesis of modern dance history. Margaret Lloyd comes up with a detailed, insightful and witty overview of the dance since its inception. Read more on Irish dance history.

1958
In March 1958, The Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater started along with a performance by Alvin Ailey and a group of young, black modern dancers. It was held at the 92nd Street Y, at Lexington Avenue.

1960's
Trisha Brown, at the age of 23, became one of the leaders of New York's Judson Dance Theater. Judson theater was a pioneering revolutionary movement that drastically altered the face modern dance in the year 1962. This was again a landmark in modern dance history. Read more on hip hop dance history.

1970's
This decade of 1970's witnessed radical, revolutionary and uplifting forms of dancing. It was a period of mixed happenings in modern dance history. Even though to some extent modern dance was gaining ground all over the world, the concept of indigenous modern dance companies still seemed to be a difficult proposition in Britain. Ballet dancing and other dance forms were becoming rapidly popular, though.

1980's till Now
In this decade the dance scene was flourishing with a number of dance schools, especially ballet and new dance forms emerged. The dancers in this era were not relegated to the traditions and conventions. These dancers started relying more on theatrical and literary elements, coupled with a strong visual impact, most evident in ballets and ballroom dancing. Mark Morris, who worked with Twyla Tharp and ballet dancer Eliot Feld and Karole Armitage - choreographer of the ‘Mollino Room’, are notable entities of the postmodern dance era. This was also the period - late 1980's and early 1990's that Michael Jackson shot to stardom with his killer moves, especially his trademark moonwalk along with his songs like Black or White, Dangerous and a caboodle of hits. The Europeans and Latin American countries were significant contributors in the development of modern dance and modern dance history.

The fundamental essence of modern dance is to look ahead and even though there is a divide between modern dance and the other stream of ballet, these can never loose their niche in the whole dance scenario. This modern dance has now paved way for innovations and contemporary dance forms. However, one does not know what are the steps ahead for modern dance and what is going to be there in modern dance history a few years down the line. Read more on Bachata dance history.

One thing though, is sure that dance will still have a very very strong socio-cultural connect and the platter of dance would get interesting and thought provoking as ever!

5 Reasons Why You Should Dance With Your Partner

Not everyone may like dancing, but you know what it's really fun and great for you especially once you're married! I'm about to share the reasons why below:

The first time I talked about this with a friend, he told me that the essence of dancing is to keep you physically fit. Becoming fitter can fight or lessen the speed of aging of an individual. If you are married this has to be a good thing right?

However dancing is not about physical fitness only. It may surprise you but dancing is also great for relationship development. This may sound strange but read on and I'll explain more. Learning about marriage is part of my job at this stage! I don't personally go to school to study about marriage and how to keep it healthy; however I do get ideas and thoughts every day.

Just today, I thought about the effect dancing can have on a married couple. Ok let's delve a little deeper:

1.) Dancing with your partner opens another opportunity for both of you to bond with each other. It connects the inner relationship between you as your eyes meet, your bodies get closer, and you can feel each others sense of love.

2.) When you dance, you hold and touch one another far longer than a quick hug. For some cases, there are couples who are not into hugging their partners at all. Probably they are used to just holding hands and saying I LOVE YOU.

And its true, dancing is just an alternative way of hugging one another. In fact, it put couples into a situation of releasing their feeling as their hands are tied, and bodies are closer.

3.) Maturely speaking, there are times in marriage life that you will not know the right point when you want to make love with your partner. But dancing together can put you both in a sensual mood. The dance steps and the music will instantly creates an atmosphere of love and affection for one another.

4.) Both couples probably have their own busy schedules everyday where it seems they have not enough time for each other. Dancing provides a special time for both of you to just talk, relax and share some new experiences that you tend to forget sharing.

5.) Dancing creates a connection! As you dance, there will be no practice required but the right connections within yourselves are made naturally. It is something really hard to explain, but as you both look into each other’s eye, non verbal communication takes place and creates an intimacy from within.

Flamenco Dance: Facts about Flamenco Dancing in Spain

The culture and history of Spain has always been influenced by many external factors and the location of the nation is one of them. Flamenco dance is one of the best examples to underline this fact. Flamenco is actually a musical genre, specifically belonging to the beautiful region of Andalusia. Though the etymology of the word flamenco is not very clear, it is said to be derived from the Hispanic-Arabic word fellahmengu, meaning - 'expelled people'. At the end of the Moorish reign, the word was used to refer to the Muslim Andalusian people. Initially, the flamenco dance was performed in and for small groups and that too very secretly. With time, it gained popularity and is now a very famous dance form. A brief acquaintance with Spanish history, is very important if we want to know the facts related to flamenco dancing.

History of Flamenco Dance

Andalusia is the extreme southern region of Spain and lies on the northern shores of the Mediterranean sea. It can be considered as the midpoint, that separates middle eastern Asia from Europe. This location had its own share of lows and highs in the formation of Spanish culture and the history of flamenco as well. The region was constantly exploited by many emperors, starting from the Moorish then Persian, Roman, Greek, Sephardis (Jewish) and finally the nomadic kings. These explorers were accompanied by traders, musicians, metal workers, palmists and dancers, who very conveniently mixed up with the local people. These people constantly moved in groups and were known as gitanos or the gypsies. Flamenco was initially the tradition of the Andalusian gypsy community, belonging to the the Guadalquivir valley.

All this started with the famous 'Reconquesta', that took place in the Kingdom of Castilla. It was a fight to get rid of the Muslim community and to get back the Christian honor in the Iberian Peninsula. It lasted for more than 400 years (from 712 AD - 1238 AD). By then all the Muslims were either expelled from the region or were converted to Christianity. In this time period, Flamenco dance was performed by the gypsies to express their anguish and despair, of what they went through, during 'Reconquesta'. It was the year 1782, when the Leniency Edict of Charles III, gave the gypsies a right to perform the dance in public.

During the Phoenician empire, Hindu dancers were chartered in the city of Cadiz, to entertain the people at the time of religious festivals. This embedded the Indian dances like Bharatanatyam, Kathak, Kathakal and Nianipuri in the flamenco. Flamenco got influenced by these dances and included the turnout leg position, angled body and arms, spread out fingers, rapid zooming turns and the percussive movements of feet along with the flamenco music and clapping of hands!

Facts about Flamenco Dance

The late 18th century was the period when flamenco was on total ascension. Performed at the 'cafés cantantes', it was really the time when flamenco dance was completely professionalized and taken to a newer level. With the passage of time a lot of improvisations happened and now flamenco has more than 50 musical styles, known as 'palos'. These styles are classified on the basis of their rhythmic patterns, modes, geographic origin, chord progression and the formation of stanzas. It was the time when the variegation occurred in the types of performing flamenco. Before it was permitted legally, flamenco was as if a private ritual for the gypsies, who performed the dance hidden from the other people.

Flamenco dance is combination of dance steps with the Andalusian folklore, folk songs and instruments of Mozarabic origin. Instruments like, tambourines, finger cymbals known as 'Castanets' and other tuneful musical instruments are also an integral part of the dance form. Flamenco dance is also greatly influenced by the Moroccan 'Shikhat' and African dance forms. The very first flamenco cante jondo (deep song), was a passionate cry of despair of the poor and marginalized Andalusian peasants. Every performance used to carry a message and it was conveyed through the rhythm of the flamenco guitar along with the chaps of the dancer and also the applauds from the audience. All these make flamenco an extremely passionate dance form, that touches the deepest of human emotions.

One simply cannot tell apart the flamenco music from Spanish flamenco dancing. Flamenco music is the inherent part of the Spanish culture, deeply influenced by various cultures but still totally distinguished. Songs, guitar and the dance are its 3 components. The melodious synthesis of all these integral parts of flamenco makes it a great dance form. The male flamenco dancer is known as 'bailaor' and the female, 'bailaora'. They wear some atypical theatrical flamenco dancing costumes. A bailaor wears a tight black or red tuxedo and flat Cordoban hats, while bailaoras wear a long and beautiful frilled dresses called bata de cola, colored black, white, red, blue and sometimes pink, accompanied with a shawl, high heels and a fan. They also wear a rose behind their ears.

Flamenco fiestas are organized in all the regions of Spain, but Andalusia is still holding the platform. Seville, Granada, Cadiz and Jerez de la Frontera are the three places famous for flamenco dances in Andalusia, where various flamenco dance shows are organized on the streets. There are numerous penas (flamenco clubs), in which the dance is performed and practiced on a regular basis. The flamenco dance is one of the best tourist attractions in Spain.

The popularity of flamenco dance is touching the skies even in the modern day Spain. Advent of the mass media, has taken flamenco dance, which started as an emotional outburst of the gypsies, to the world. Flamenco, has now become one of the most popular dancing styles in the world. Keeping the facts about flamenco dancing in mind, Venga, bailamos!!!

Flamenco - Passion and Expression in Spanish Dance

The centuries have seen flamenco progress from sombre, home based songs expressing feelings of hardship, to popular stage shows throughout the world. First performed by gypsies, it is an expressive form of dance, which has its roots in Andalucia, Spain.

Flamenco dancing is an expressive form of dance, which has its roots in Andalucia, Spain and more specifically, according to some experts, in Jerez de la Frontera. It originated among Indian gypsies who had arrived and settled in Spain after travelling around Europe in the early part of the 15th century, to later be joined by others who came from North Africa.

The gypsies brought with them their own language, Romano, and an oriental style of music never before heard on the Spanish mainland. As the centuries passed, the cultures of the local population of Jews and later the Moors all had an influence on the gypsy music with elements from their musical styles being incorporated.

From their arrival in Spain, the gypsies were classified as outcasts of society and special laws were made specifically for them. Forced to live in camps as they were not allowed to own any property, many took up work in local mines or in the fields of the region leaving those with any sort of skill to make a slightly better living in work such as blacksmiths and jewelers.

The people were treated badly and the flamenco song (the cante) was initially performed at family gatherings as a way to express feelings of depression and misery. During the early years, flamenco is thought to have been entirely a vocal art form, which was accompanied by the rhythmic clapping of hands.

King Carlos III changed the fortunes of the gypsies in the 18th century when he removed their specific laws and gave them the same rights as other Spanish citizens; however, this did not remove the stigma of mistrust that the Spanish people had of them. Due to their newfound freedom, the gypsies were able to improve their financial status and some of the previously out of reach items such as musical instruments became within their means, hence the arrival of the guitar (el toque) and its addition to the cante.

As the flamenco style of music became more popular near the end of the last century, performers began to appear at parties of the richer members of society with professionals staging the music and dance, the most popular of which were the fandangos, at ‘cafes cantantes’.

The ‘opera flamenca’ period followed as the flamenco gained in popularity and began to appear in theatre stage shows. These, however, tended to focus more on the melodic style of music – cante bonito – which did not express the passion as much as the early gypsy styles.

As the Second World War progressed through Europe there was little prospect of performances on stage, but during the 1950s festivals in Andalucian towns such as Malaga, Jerez and Cordoba rekindled public interest producing a new generation of performers.

The motions and facial expressions of the female flamenco dancers can be compared to those of Oriental dancers with the only exception being that they are more forceful. Each style of dance uses a handheld musical instrument - the flamenco dancer, castanets and the oriental dancer, finger cymbals – however; the cymbals used in flamenco are not traditional and have only been in use for the last 100 years or so.

The centuries have seen flamenco progress from sombre, home songs expressing feelings of hardship to popular stage shows throughout the world that continues to be developed.

Written by Mark Buckingham for Rentaccomspain.com. Rent or buy your perfect Spanish retreat direct from the owner.

Two Step Dance Instructions

Two step dance is a relatively simple dance form to learn. As you practice your dance steps, you can add more fancy dance steps that are related to the Texas two step dance. This two step dancing can be easily performed in a large group. The two step dancing involves moving around the floor in a full circle. You can spin and twirl as you move around the room when doing the two step dance.

Learning Two Step Dance Instructions
Before learning the two step dance instructions, you need to practice your rhythm. Try counting and tapping beats to become familiar with the two step dancing. The two step dance instructions involves dancing to a four count beat. Of these four beats, only three counts are steeped in the dance. So you should learn to count one, two, three instead of one, two, three, four.

Concentrate on your feet without the music on. Think about what you are doing and avoid looking at your feet. Men need to remember, the first step is left foot forward and women, right foot backward. The next step is right foot forward for men and left foot backward for women.

Now comes the fun part. The next two steps are fast steps. You need to take a small left and then right step in the same amount of time that was taken to take a full step forward. Do not pass the first step during your second quick step. Step half-way up your first foot. Once you get the hang of this, put on some music and practice the dance following the two step dance instructions. The dance is done in a standard ballroom dance frame.
The couple stands with their feet together facing each other. The male partner puts his left hand out with the arm bent slightly and holds the female partner's hand gently. The female partner places her left hand on her partner's shoulder. Bend the right elbow and placing the palm of the right hand lightly in the male partner's outstretched palm.

• Beat 1: The male partner steps forward with his left foot. This is the first quick step.
  
• Beat 2: The male partner brings the right foot up past the left and forward for the second quick step.
  
• Beat 3 and 4: The male partner steps forward with his left, but holds on for and beat to pass. This is the slow step.
  
• Beat 5 and 6: The right foot is stepped forward and holds on for an extra beat. This completes the basic form of slow step.

The female dance partner does exactly opposite of the male partner's two step dance steps. The female should follow the lead of her partner in reverse. Once you are comfortable dancing the basic two step dance instructions, try doing the pirouette. You need to turn a quarter on each of the first two steps and then pull a very fast half turn on the quick steps. Learn new tricks and steps from someone who is an expert in two step dancing.

So the next time you visit a country bar with western music turned on and people enjoying two step dancing, do not stop yourself. Go ahead, let your hair down and have fun dancing. The two step dancing is the best way to give your dancing skills a boost.

Dancing Styles & Dance Moves for Beginners

Learning to dance can be overwhelming if for those who think they got moves! It is important to start slow and build your comfort level. This article is for beginners and those wanting to learn how to dance.

There are so many different genres of dance that one can feel overwhelmed when he or she thinks of learning to dance. However it is not as complicated as it seems.

Firstly, to excel at a certain style it may take years of practice, to be able to cope with several types of dancing is not quite as hard. For many people who enjoy a range of activities, it is much more beneficial to learn a little about each style and not a lot about just one. This is because the usual person in today's world will be exposed and often "pressured" into dancing at a variety of events. Therefore someone may encounter hip-hop, ballroom, and break dancing styles all in a very short period of time.

The purpose of this article is to give an overview of the main types of dance and some of the moves needed for each.

Hip-hop is a great dance style to be familiar with as it can be used whenever there is a faster beat. Also, don't think that hip-hop is just for those with baggy pants and lots of neck chains, anyone can benefit from acquiring this skill.

The most basic element of this genre is time-steps, a name also used for ballet moves. These require that you step in certain directions in time with the beat that is playing. "Step-tap" is one of these moves where you step to one side and then follow with your other foot and tapping it as it lands, continue this left and right.

A variation of this is "tap-step" where you tap with your first foot. You can experiment with many variations of these time-steps and maybe even create some of your own.

Another basic movement which looks great with a fast beat is isolations, where you separate movement in the upper body from the lower body. This can mean moving your shoulders back and forward while the rest of your body is still or swiveling your ankles creating movement while the rest of your body is still. These moves are the basics of hip-hop dance and should help in any club or dance party.

Ballroom dances can be some of the most difficult to perform perfectly due to the high levels of coordination required. However with some very handy tips, you should be able to impress, even if it's only at your next wedding.

Firstly, always move in a counterclockwise direction and the closer you are to the middle of the dance floor, the slower you should go. This is a helpful tip to remember as it gives direction and purpose which will affect the rest of your dancing. Another easy tip is that if you are a woman, you should start with your right foot as opposed to a man, who should lead with his left.

If you want to impress your dancing partner, try this one technique. Just before you launch off, lean into the direction you will go and lean according to how far you will step. This tells your partner you are ready to go and does not jerk them roughly. These tips will hopefully save you from embarrassment on the slower dance floors where everything is under scrutiny.

Although break dancing may sound like something you would never want to do let alone try doing, break dancing for beginners can give you a few simple moves that will help keep you in time with the beat while helping you relax and enjoy your time spent dancing.

These moves are for the club or disco although you are free to show them off at the next ball or wedding you attend. The first move is the hand glide and just requires you to put one hand on the floor and tuck the other into your chest, then use your free hand to push yourself around until you are spinning on your hand. You can go as fast as you can manage. A head spin is a great looking move which isn't as hard as it seems, place your head and hands on the floor and spin around. Much practice may be needed!

Not only are these moves fun, but they are great at building muscle strength.

So don't worry if you can't master all of these techniques, as long as you got some handy tips then you are already much better off. You are probably now a much better dancer than the average person. If you were very intrigued by one or more of these styles then maybe you should take up a course in your local town or city in order to really improve your skills. You may not have seen yourself as a dancer but it is something that with a little practice, anyone can impress with.

Types of Dances and Different Dancing Styles

Dance is one of the most beautiful forms of art that has grown in leaps and bounds. Dance is no longer just a hobby; it is also one of the most lucrative professions as well! Besides, dance therapy is very much in vogue these days simply because the experience of dancing helps a person to heal from within. Dance is a form of expression that helps a person to discover a whole new world! The different types of dances and dance styles that are prevalent all over the world are an indication of the popularity of this art form. From the olden days till date, dance has always been performed for social reasons or even for purely aesthetic reasons. The various types of dances are also considered as an entertaining way to remain fit!

Every dance form has its own unique identity. Each dance is beautiful in its own way and has a different appeal to it. Every country has a distinctive fashion about its dance styles and these dance forms have crossed the borders to become some of the most sought-after dance styles till date. Let’s take a look at some of the various types of dances and different dancing styles that exist today.

Types of Dances and Different Dancing Styles:
Ballroom Dance:
The Ballroom dance is one of the most entertaining and elite styles of dancing. In the earlier days, Ballroom dance was only for the privileged class of people. This style of partner dance originated in Germany but is popular all over the world. Today, the popularity of Ballroom dance has spread to many corners! This dance includes many other dance styles. There are many dance techniques that have been developed especially in America. The International Standard recognizes around 10 styles that belong to the category of Ballroom dance where as the American style has few forms that are different from those included under the International Standard.

Different Styles that belong to International Standard:
Tango: It definitely does take two to tango and this dance also belongs to the American Style category. Like all Ballroom dancers, the male has to give the lead to the female. The various moves used all make the dance look even more beautiful to the onlooker. This International Standard varies from the American Style in terms of movement.

Waltz: The Waltz is danced to slow beats and is an equally beautiful dance form. The Waltz dance is one of the slow and most attractive and rhythmic styles ever. When danced by the International Standard norms, this dance is performed more closely towards each other as compared to the American Style.

Foxtrot: Foxtrot, as a dance style, gives a dancer flexibility to combine the slow and fast movements together. This social dance was named after the actor Harry Fox.

Viennese Waltz: This style of Ballroom dance is based on the original form of the Waltz dance. There are many versions of this style of dance. This dance originated in the latter period of the 18th century.

Quickstep: This style belongs to the International Style of Ballroom dancing which originated in the 1920’s. This dance includes many steps with quick momentum.

Cha-Cha-Cha: The Cha-cha-cha simply called the cha-cha is a type of Latin American dance which is very rhythmic in its appeal. This dance is energetic with slow movements as well.

Rumba: This sensual dance is based on slow hip movement. Rumba belongs to the International Standard as well as the American style. This dance is known for the beauty of the steps that are co-ordinated on a slow rhythm.

Samba: This beautiful and energetic dance also has many forms. The steps may differ in Samba that is danced as per the Ballroom style and the traditional style Samba.

Jive: This is yet another lively form of Ballroom dance. This dance is also amongst the five dances that belong to the Latin American dance styles.

Paso Doble: This lively dance is also an International Latin dance style with less emphasis on the hip movement. The basic structure of this Latin dance is based on the sounds and the movements used in Spanish bullfights.

Different Types of Dances that belong to American Style:
Bolero: This type of dance style is basically slow and has originated in Spain. It can be danced solely or as even as a couple.

Mambo: Mambo is a Latin dance that makes the use of many steps which are considered complex in origin. Mambo is also known as the base of Salsa dance.

East Coast Swing: This type of partner dance is based on the Lindy Hop. East Coast Swing dance consists of many simple steps that follow the basics of Lindy Hop.

The Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Cha-Cha, Rumba and Viennese Waltz also belong to the American Style of dances.

Other Styles of Ballroom Dances:
Salsa: Salsa has it’s base in areas of Cuba and Puerto Rico and Latin America. This partner dance is a very sensual form that is known for the flirtatious and lively steps. While dancing the salsa, the couples can even perform on one spot without traveling all over the floor. The dance steps of this very beautiful dance show many influences from other dances such as the Mambo, Changui, Palo, Rumba etc. There are many other various forms of the Salsa such as the Cuban style, New York style, Colombian style and the Los Angeles style.

Merengue: This type of dance requires the partners to be together in a close position. The steps are often in circular movements or away from each other in a sideway fashion. There are many intricate steps to this dance. The various handholds are an indication of the same.

Bachata: This is a romantic style of dance that finds its origins in the Dominican Republic. The Bachata is on the similar lines of the Merengue.

Lambada: Sexy and stylish, Lambada is a Brazilian dance that is performed in partners or even groups. This dance was particularly in the limelight because of the famous track ‘Lambada’ by a music group, ‘Kaoma’.

Polka: This is a style of dance that also refers to a type of music. The Polka is a fast dance, which is also present in various styles.

Hustle: The Hustle is performed as a Ballroom dance and is very popular in the nightclubs as well. The Hustle was particularly popular due to the movie, ‘Saturday Night Fever’ where one could notice two types of this dance form.

Swing Dance: The Swing dance style originated in the 1920s – 1930s. There are many versions of the Swing dance such as the Lindy Hop, Jitterbug, Boogie Woogie, West Coast Swing, Rock and Roll etc. Rock ‘n’ Roll is a very sporty form of dance that is extremely popular as well. Boogie Woogie is another dance style that is seen mainly in Europe. This dance is also seen in competitions.

Ballet Dance:
The Ballet dance is a very beautiful form of dance with a formal look. This dance was developed in France and Russia. There are many ballet schools around the world that teach all about the various technical terminologies in relation to classical ballet. The classical Ballet is the most formal style of ballet. Apart from this, there is the Neoclassical ballet and Contemporary Ballet.

Breakdance:
Michael Jackson popularized Breakdance to a huge extent. Breakdance is actually a form of street dance that was a part of the hip-hop culture. The many movies based on Breakdance have also been an indication of its popularity. Breakdance is relatively a male dominated type of dance style. This type of dance is characterized with the typical ‘battles’ between groups. The ‘Downrock’ and the ‘Freeze’ are some of the typical forms of Breakdance. The various clothing styles used while performing Breakdance is a distinctive part of this form of dance.

Hip Hop Dance:
This style is actually a street dance style and is a combination of dance moves combined with loads of attitude as well as colorful dancewear. In the early days, this style was generally seen in breaking and from there on, one could witness many innovations in this dance style. There are various other styles used with hip-hop dance, which includes popping and locking. The hip-hop outfits have to be selected with care, which helps to add to the overall appeal of the dance form.

Step Dance:
This category includes dances that make use of footwork. These types of dances generally require one to have a rigid stance with more movement of the feet. Step dances are basically social dances. A good example of this dance would be the Irish dance.

Tap Dance:
Tap dance is an extremely popular form of dance. Here the emphasis is on the movements of the feet and steps that create a tapping sound. This dance finds its origins in the United States. The tapping sound is due to the presence of metal plates on the soles of the shoes.

Flamenco Dance:
The Flamenco dance and music is very much a major part of the culture of Spain. The beautiful songs play a major role for this type of dance style. This beautiful style is also particularly noticeable due to the gorgeous costumes. The music always includes the Flamenco guitar.

Fandango:
This dance style is one of the main dances in Portugal. It involves the tapping of the feet and quick changes of the position. This is a folk dance, which has its origins in Southern Spain. However, there are many theories about the origins of the same.

Jazz Dance:
Jazz dance finds its origins in the African American culture. From the olden days till date, there are many influences that have added a variety to this dance form. One can see many overlapping of steps in Jazz dance, which are similar to various other styles. The common steps in Jazz dance are the ball change, the pivot step, the toe rise, the pirouettes, Jazz walk etc. Jazz dance is basically an energetic form that is equally graceful like other dances. This type of dance can also incorporate various styles.

Folk Dance:
Folk dances are always performed in groups at social events. This does not mean the dancers need to be professionally trained. A folk dance can be attempted by all types of common folk. Every country and region has its own unique style of folk dance. There are various forms of folk dances one can see all over the world. From the energetic Indian folk dances to the Scottish Country dances, folk dances have their own beauty and charm.

Modern Dance:
Modern dance involves the use of many dance steps that are unusual and often interpret a dancers emotions and moods. The dancer in this case typically performs on bare feet. In Modern dance, it’s not only the choreography that speaks about the emotions to be conveyed. The lighting, costumes and props are used with great creativity to create interesting and unusual dance sequences.

Country/Western Dances:
These types of dances are performed on country music. These social dances follow the typical pattern where the male leads in the dance and the partner follows. Therefore, this dance style includes both, the partner as well as the group dances. The country/western dances, which are partner based, include the Two Step, Waltz, Polka, Cotton Eyed Joe etc. The group dances include the Line dance, the Square dance, traditional Square dance, modern Western square dance etc.

Contra Dance:
This dance is a form of folk dancing. Here, the couples have to dance in two lines. These couples also have to face each other. There are various sequences, which couples need to perform. This social dance is a very fun form and also very easy to learn.

Belly Dance:
There are many theories about the origins of this form of dance. Some say this dance originated in ancient Upper Egypt were as few say its basics were developed in Uzbekistan and then were passed on to India. Belly dance is more particularly danced in nightclubs and is now also emerging as a new way to remain fit, especially for the ladies! The basic steps involve the use of circular movements by the hips with a shimmy for the shoulders. Belly dancing would require one to be really flexible. The costumes are rather bold for the ladies. This is often combined with face veils and hip belts.

Traditional Indian Dances:
India is a land of great mix of cultures, which witnessed in the wide variety of dances that can range from folk to the classical style. The Indian dances all vary as per the region it originates from and each have a distinct style from the steps to the kind of costumes worn. Besides, these dances also represent a particular culture. The steps are based around a strict style that is followed by all the students. Improvisations come in later. The dance also makes the use of ‘Natya’ or acting to portray the story being told. Many of the dances are based on religious mythologies.

Kathak:
Kathak is characterized with the fast footwork and the many numerous ‘chakkars’ or spins used in the compositions. This dance originated from the Northern part of India. The name is actually a Sanskrit word which means katha-to tell a story. Kathak, like all other traditional dances of India follow the pattern where the Guru passes on the knowledge to the student, also known as the ‘shishya’. Kathak is also performed in various styles or Gharanas, such as the Lucknow Gharana, Jaipur Gharana, Rajgarh Gharana and the Banaras Gharana. Today, with the popularity of fusion, Kathak is used in combination with modern steps to create a fine blend of beautiful compositions!

Kathakali:
The main feature about Kathakali is the striking costumes and makeup. This is a form of dance drama that originated in the Southern state of Kerela. The make up used is one of the most interesting features of this dance. This is an elaborate procedure, which is combined with a large headgear.

Mohiniattam:
This dance has its origins in Kerela. A very graceful dance, the performance in this case is generally solo and mainly by women. This type of dance includes very rhythmic movements with elaborate mudras. Mudras are hand gestures used to express a particular meaning.

Bharatnatyam:
One of the popular dances in India along with Kathak, Bharatnatyam dance has its origins in Tamil Nadu. This dance uses the base of story telling combined with pure dance movements. The dance is also distinctive due to the particular styles of dressing and make up. The origins of this dance go back to the Natya Shastra. In the ancient days, this dance was performed only by the Devdasis. However, in the recent times, this dance is not only popular in India, it has traveled across the globe as well.

Odissi:
This type of classical dance is also amongst the most popular types of dances seen in India today. This classical dance has its origins in Orissa, India and can be distinguished from other styles of Indian dance due to the specific movements of the body. Like all other forms of Indian classical dance, the knowledge is passed on from the teacher to the student (Guru to Shishya).

Kuchipudi:
This classical Indian dance has its roots in Andhra Pradesh. Danced on the accompaniment of Carnatic music, this dance is also gaining popularity outside India. The style may be a little similar to Bharatnatyam, however, there are many unique steps that belong purely to this dance.

Manipuri:
Manipuri is quite different from other forms of Indian dance in terms of the costume as well as the dance steps. The dancer uses subtle movements and the costumes are quite different in appearance. Basically, a dancer uses many rhythmic movements that gives a very soft appearance overall. The costume can be distinguished easily due to the stiff cylindrical skirt.

Sattriya:
This traditional style of dance originated from Assam. This style of dance was the creation of Sankardeva. As per the records, its observed only males performed this dance style. Initially, there was a delay in the inclusion of this style of dance as a traditional Indian dance. However, since 2000, it received the recognition by the Sangeet Natak Academy.

Some of the Popular Folk Dances in India:
Bhangra:
A very lively dance, the Bhangra has its origins in Punjab. The energetic movements, particularly of the men, accompanied by the beating of the drums are a sight to behold! The costumes are colorful and add to the liveliness of the atmosphere. Bhangra music and dance is now incorporated even in pop music and has spread to many areas around the world.

Lavani:
This folk dance is very popular and was first seen during the Peshwa rule. This dance is accompanied by typical music where the lead dancer is accompanied by a group of other dancers in the background. This dance has its origins in Maharashtra.

Garba:
This Indian dance is often compared to the social dances that are seen in the West. Garba is danced in a circular format amongst groups and has its origins in Gujarat. Like any other Indian classical dance, this dance is performed also for religious purposes. In the modern times, Garba also sees influences from Raas- another traditional dance. The Dandiya Raas is very popular and is performed with sticks.

Dekhni:
Dekhni is one of the popular folk dances of Goa. This dance has an interesting combination of Western as well as Indian music and is always centered on a girl. The theme is based on a girl who wants to cross the river and needs to persuade the boatman to help her cross the same. The other dancers carry small lit clay lamps.

Bollywood Dance:
The Indian film industry Bollywood is known for its inclusion of the song and dance routine in all the movies. Form the olden days till date; there has been a massive change in the styles that are presented. The dances in the olden days were subtle and often incorporated folk dances as well. However, in the recent times, women especially have been given a bold look and there is the inclusion of discotheque sequences and steps that are very typical of Bollywood. The craze for this song and dance routine is such that there are special shows designed for the fans abroad so that they can get a glimpse of their favorite stars grooving to all hit numbers!

This was a glimpse of all the types of dances and different dancing styles that are performed all across the world. It’s interesting to note the different variations and styles and to a dancer, the limits are endless! Dance is all about finding a form of expression and enjoying to the fullest. Dance thus help people to cross barriers without worrying about language or cultures!

Learn How to Dance Via the Internet

Learn how to dance with the aid of Internet videos. Hip hop, Moonwalk, breakdance, etc.

I have recently undertaken the task of learning how to dance. If you are like me (I know that we at least have this website in common), your manual dexterity is limited to timing mouse clicks in order to bring down orcs and trolls, but not so graceful when coordinating multiple body parts. I am writing this article to give you the head start that I wish I had gotten.

What you will need:
1. A high-speed Internet connection
2. A full length mirror, preferably a wide one
3. A door with a lock
4. (Optional) A few adult beverages to loosen you up

Step 1: Setting the Goal

My goal is to learn how to Moonwalk, and be able to perform a few generic moves that won’t cause people to laugh at me. You may wish to learn how to breakdance, how to hip hop dance, or even how to booty dance; it doesn’t matter the Internet won’t judge you, but your friends might if you don’t remember to clear your recent Google searches.

Step 2: Find a Good How-to Video Source

I recommend an aggregate video site, this will put several quality (hopefully) dance instructors at your whim.

Step 3: Choose the Music

Get comfortable with the music that you will be dancing to. If you are going to a specific show in a month or to, practice to the music that you know will be playing at the club.

Step 4: Practice

Don’t get angry, if it doesn’t come easy, think of it as leveling-up; you will be able to Moonwalk or breakdance or whatever you choose soon enough. This is a process, it’s not automatic. This is going to be a time commitment, don’t forget that.

Step 5: Practice Some More

Step 6: Show Off your New Dance Moves

For me, this took a few months, so don’t worry if it takes a while. Just remember, keep repeating Step 5, if you want to get better.

I hope that this article helps; at least it’s a start.

History of Jazz Dance

What is Jazz Dancing all about?

Jazz dancing involves movements that are specially choreographed to West African music compositions. The movements are termed as Jazz, basically an umbrella term, and set to 'blues' notes, poly-rhythms, improvisations, the 'swung' note and syncopation. Jazz dancing relates to several dance styles that are related, such as ballet, tap and the African American rhythms-and-dance styles. This dance form originated in the late 1800s. The trend took time to catch on, but eventually did, by the mid 1900s. Till the 1950s, jazz dancing was largely referred to as tap dancing, because of the routines set to jazz music. The Jazz Age was characterized by the popularity of dance forms such as the Cakewalk, Charleston, Jitterbug, Black Bottom, Boogie Woogie and the Lindy Hop. These styles developed at various venues and were executed by dedicated enthusiasts who made simple steps look elaborate.

Who Invented the Jazz Dance Technique?

Early experimentation with the jazz dance form is synonymous with names such as Katherine Dunham and Jack Cole. Katherine Dunham is recognized as the 'Grandmaster of Jazz Dancing' the world over, while Jack Cole is considered the 'Father of the Jazz Dance Technique'. These choreographers were key inspirations to other exponents of the art such as Matt Mattox, Jerome Robbins, Gwen Verdon, Bob Fosse and Eugene Louis Facciuto. It was not until the 1950s, that these pioneers developed routines based on the essence of traditional Caribbean dance forms and created a unique performing art. This was also the era when other dance and music forms were developing and being experimented with, the world over. Jazz soon evolved on Broadway into an improvised version referred to as 'Modern Jazz'. This smooth style, that is still taught extensively, created its own evolutionary path. The best jazz dance performances included styles popularized in Broadway hits, such as Cabaret, Chicago, The Pajama Game and Damn Yankees.

Jazz Technique

Today, jazz is presented in many different forms at special dance schools and performances by dance troupes around the world. Even now, this popular dance form follows the dictates of musical theater choreography. The Jazz technique is based on the execution of stylistic leaps and turns and correct posture. The finesse depends largely on properly executed moves and strong and sharp body movements. The ballet technique works well on the downbeat of jazz music. Elements such as 'center control' and 'spotting' enables the dancer to maintain balance and poise, while executing powerful movements, such as pirouettes and fouetté's. The dance form requires warm-up routines that are inclusive of moderate to intense stretching exercises. These are important to generate the muscle tone that adds to the grace and fullness of each move, preventing ligament injury.

This very versatile dance form is best executed with leather jazz shoes, footwear designed to help the dancers move smoothly, especially when executing difficult turns such as the pirouette. The common jazz dance movements include the toe rise, straddle split leap and jete. Jazz is now recognized as a major dance form mainly due to its popularity on music videos and television shows. The energetic dance, showcases individual style and an originality that only the jazz dancers can interpret and execute. The fancy footwork and quick turns culminate in a dance style that is synonymous with grace and balance. Jazz dancers are encouraged to add their own attitude and personality to each step, making the basic turns and signature 'jazz walk' look unique every time.

History of Disco Dance

The history of disco dancing dates back to the 1970s when African American and Hispanic communities across the United States of America popularized a music genre, that went by the name of 'Disco'. A trend that started in Philadelphia, resulted in the popular club culture, flickering multi-colored lights and heavily sequined apparel. All through the 1970s, dance enthusiasts gyrated to the tunes of David Mancuso and Manu Dibango. In fact, the 1972 album release by Manu Dibango, called 'Soul Makossa', is recognized as the first disco music record. The trend caught on quick and a dance form just as unique was showcased on disco songs performed by Bee Gees, Donna Summers and The Jacksons.

Disco dancing evolved alongside musical influences by Rock, Soul, Blues and Funk music on the genre. Individual styles were choreographed to meet the demands of the soaring sound effects, reverberating vocals and the popular quaver and semi-quaver hi-hat pattern. Soon the Hustle became a common name for a number of individual moves. This partner-dance involved elaborate hand movements and sleek twists and turns. It was not very different from the Swing of the 1950s-1960s. Much of disco dancing came from older dances. The moves were combined forms of the Mambo and the Salsa. Dancing in a line was popularized first in Florida and New York City, during the early 1970s. The dance incorporated the Salsa foot rhythm and in time introduced the hip sways of Swing.

A disco craze was born out of the line-dance, in 1975. Actually, the name 'Hustle' was given to the first dance identified with this music genre, after the popular Soul City Symphony and Van McCoy song, 'The Hustle'. Thereafter, dance moves choreographed to promote 'Disco Baby', by David Todd, became a rave in the new discotheque venues across New York City's East Side, and subsequently the rest of the world. While the song earned McCoy the title of 'Top Instrumental Artist – 1975', the Hustle was taken to the next level. Hustle moves soon resulted in the popular, jerky, back and forth movements of the 'Continental Walk'. The dance moves became as bold as the music, incorporating suggestive jumps, forward and backward, and elaborate clicking of the heels.

The 'Bus Stop' was another line-dance that actually took on variations with regards to location and time! All through 1976 and 1977, the dance was popularized via instructional videos and live shows. A variation of the Merengue, Bus Stop involved hip rotations that helped change direction and partner orientation. Subsequently, 'the 'Electric Slide' was born. This freestyle dance genre continues to be the popular Disco dance trend till today. Other developments in the history of Disco dancing include variations known as the 'Tango Hustle' and elaborate versions of the Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Tango, Bolero and other partner dances. Beyond the Hustle, a number of variants of the line-dance and couple-dance forms emerged, ensuring that the music and dance genre popularity-fluctuations remained pretty much in-sync. Disco dancing now includes steps that are common to the Charleston, Foxtrot, Hustle and Swing. Freestyle dancing, with a lot of snap, attitude and periodical acceleration in movements give simple footwork the right rhythm against the backdrop of a fusion of Jazz, Calypso, Rock and Funk. Disco moves are now choreographed to infuse foot work with hip and toe rhythms of the Lindy Hop, Balboa, Jive, Rock and Roll, Hip-Hop, Jitterbug and Collegiate Shag.

Mambo Dance Steps

Mambo was widely popularized in Cuba by Prado Prez, in the 1940s. When Perez Prado and his orchestra toured United States in 1951, he created a craze on the New York dance floors with his mambo and came to be known as the mambo king. Mambo was second only to the rumba, another Cuban-African dance which spread in the United States like wildfire. Mambo became a popular dance form in dancing competitions in the halls of New York. Dancers twisted and turned and threw their partners, arms, legs and hands in the air while swaying to the mambo rhythms.

Mambo dancing is basically a 4/4 steps dance form. There are no movements on the first step of every 4/4 beat. This is followed by quick-quick-slow beats. When moving forward and backward, dancers sway their hips, which looks like a fluid motion flowing with the music. The fast-stepping mambo gave rise to another form of dance known as the 'cha-cha'.

Mambo is easy to learn but these basic steps may take little time to master.

Mambo Dance Moves

• Stand facing your partner. Place your feet together.
  
• Place right hand on your partner's waist and extend your left hand, palm facing up and arm bent to your side.
  
• Hold your partner's hand in a loose grip and wait for the music to begin.
  
• Do not move when you hear the first beat. On the second beat, step back with your right foot. On the third beat, shift the body weight to your left foot.
  
• Step forward with your right foot and bring both feet together on the fourth beat. The body weight has to be shifted on the right foot again.
  
• After pausing for the fifth beat, shift your weight to your left foot and step forward on the sixth beat.
  
• Shift the weight back to your right foot on the seventh beat and on the final eight beat shift your weight back to your left and step back, bringing your feet together again.

The female partner dances on the exactly opposite dance moves of the male partner. She has to follow her man's lead, dancing backward when he moves forward and moving forward when he dances backward.

If you wish to jazz things a bit, then you may try the "Drag-Her-Around" mambo moves, also called the cross-body lead. The lead faces the wall and at the end of the move the follower faces the wall. This is a three step dance, where the weight is shifted on the same feet, similar to the basic mambo steps. The variation in this form is the 180 degree pivot turn that is performed after the first weight shift. The lady partner just follows her lead and takes the steps forward and across the lead's left side. She also performs the 180 degree turn but she breaks it up in two 90 degree turns in the second and final step.

The crossover break is a stylish variation, when both the lead and follower keep their hands connected. Their feet turn one-quarter away from each other. They move into the 'ballroom' position, that is, the 'fifth position'. The weight should be completely placed on the rear foot.

Mambo dancing is very energetic and full of life. It has been widely popularized today after the initial cool down brought about by Ricky Martin in the 1990s. This is the dance from where the term 'shake it' was first coined, due to the hip movements involved in a mambo dance. The dancers appear passionate about each other and one can feel the intensity of emotions flowing through their bodies while dancing a mambo. Try the mambo dance steps to liven up your spirits as Lou Bega rightly says in his song:

Mambo mambo eh eh
The babes are all around me
Mambo mambo eh eh
Dancin all night long
Mambo mambo eh eh
The babes are all around me
Mambo mambo eh eh
To the break of dawn

Swing Dancing: The Fundamentals of Classical Swing Dancing

It seems only yesterday that we were listening to bands such as The Cherry Poppin’ Daddies and The Mighty Might Bosstones on almost every radio station within earshot. Perhaps that's because it was not all that long ago that bands such as these were leading the revival of the Swing culture in America. Although Swing had remained alive through its influence on other dance and musical genres, it was not until a few years ago that the big band sound and dance that defined an era re-emerged onto the American landscape. The contributions of Swing to American dance and music are often overlooked or are too subtle to detect, but there is no question that the influence is very real and very important.

Swing finds its roots in 19th Century youth adaptations of the waltz and polka, where it eventually evolved to influence nearly every generation of dance that would follow. By the 1930s, swing jazz was creating an entirely new entertainment atmosphere, with dance moves and an attitude that the world had never seen before. Swing brought with it a style and a language all its own and it was not long before those unique qualities began to ingrain themselves into the fabric of the American culture.

Salsa Dance Costumes: Salsa Dance Wear and Shoes

If you really wish to understand Salsa dance completely, I would suggest you actually learn a few steps to experience the exhilaration I can associate with this form! Salsa dance has its roots in the Caribbean, Latin and North America. This style of dance, being a partner dance, my only advice to you (as per personal experience) would be to ensure you have a very talented and dedicated partner as well! The name ‘Salsa’ is actually a Spanish (American Spanish) word which means sauce. This is because Salsa dance is a very sensuous style of dance with loads of flirtatious moves and this definitely gives it a saucy and spicy flavor! This is probably why Salsa dance has also gained popularity amongst couples, as learning Salsa dance is not only about perfecting the moves and techniques, but also a great way to spend quality time as far as couples go. Besides, it is also a fantastic way to relieve stress and improve your body posture and your memory as well. One of the main benefits Salsa dance can offer you is the motivation to remain fit always! Salsa dance wear is full of flowing fabrics, sparkling outfits, flirty short skirts and fitting dresses! Well, if you really wish to dance Salsa whether on a professional or personal level, the wide options for Salsa dance wear would definitely give you reason enough to be fit and have a toned body!

Salsa Dance Costumes: Salsa Dance Wear and Shoes
You might wonder why all this hype and talk about Salsa dance wear and shoes! Well, for starters, no dance can ever look complete without the right attire. Be it Jazz, Ballet or even traditional Indian dance wear, these need to be complemented with the right costumes as well as music for any dance form to look complete. (Especially when it is on a professional level.) Salsa dance costumes and having the right pair of salsa dance shoes can help to enliven the dance performance and add more sparkle to it. So, how does one go about choosing the right Salsa dance wear?

If you are a beginner it may not always be necessary to wear formal clothing, but it would always be advisable to stick to the dress code of the class as it helps you get the feel of the dance in totality. Salsa dance costumes are more formal in their appearance and if you are looking to set yourself apart from the rest of the crowd, I would suggest you look for sexy Salsa dance wear embellished with sparkling sequins, beads and rhinestones. Salsa dance dresses can range from short to long dresses with slits at the sides. When you go in for Salsa dance costumes, the key factor is the comfort and the versatility it can offer. The Salsa dance incorporates a lot of legwork and twists and turns, so the dancer needs the dress to offer freedom of movement. You can look for cowl necks, halter necks with some hip accents that rate high on the glam factor. Mini dresses can also set the dance floor ablaze in hot red tones or shades of pink or purple. These are bound to make heads turn and add pizzazz to your performance as well. You can even team shiny halter tops with short skirts if you wish to avoid a one piece dress. This would help you mix and match it with other items in your wardrobe. Look for asymmetrical lines, mermaid skirts, crinkled mesh skirts that can be combined with sleeveless or halter neck tops. If you dare to bare, you can even opt for a convertible halter top. Such convertibles can be used in various ways and can help you achieve many looks with one single piece! Pants can also bring about a welcome change in your wardrobe. You can opt for palazzo pants, which are fitting at the hips and flared below. My personal favorite would always be a black or red dress with shimmer as this gives a very feminine look and accentuates the overall look of the dancer and the performance as well. Men need to keep it formal in shades of black or browns and should complement what the partner is wearing. Go in for fabrics that have a bit of shimmer and sheen to it as well.

Salsa dance shoes would require the females to wear high-heeled sandals or stilettos. These need to have an ankle strap. Pumps are an option as well. Most often Salsa dance shoes are made of leather and the heels are necessary because it helps the dancer in getting that added lift to dance steps. You need to find a pair that fits well and is high on comfort. Salsa dance is all about the footwork and the last thing you need are aching feet! Men’s Salsa dance shoes need to be lightweight with suede soles. Look for basic colors that will help you mix and match. Most of the Salsa dance shoes have Cuban heels, which are around 1.5 inches in height.

So, what are you waiting for? It’s time you pick your red-hot number, grab your partner and hit the dance floor!

Ballroom Dance Clothing and Shoes

Dressing for ballroom dance is a lot like getting ready for the prom. You have to find the perfect dress (or suit and tux if you're a guy), perfect shoes, and coordinate your hair and makeup for a complete look. However, getting ready for an evening of ballroom dance is slightly more complex than dressing for the prom. While the concept is the same, a lot of factors need to be taken into consideration when choosing ballroom dance clothing and shoes.

First of all, there is really no set dress code for ballroom dancing, which leaves you with the freedom to choose your attire to your comfort and practicality. Whether you are dancing a slow dance such as the waltz or an upbeat dance like the jive, you need to choose attire that you can move easily in and won't get tangled up around your partner. For example, consider choosing a dress made of silk; it flows easily and doesn't tangle.

Remember that although ballroom dancing is a formal and elite event, your dress doesn't have to be covered in heavy sequins, jewels, or feathers. Choose a dress with a moderate amount of accents, as overbearing decorations can easily get in the way and cause discomfort to both you and your partner. Fashion is definitely an important factor, but not as important as your level of comfort while dancing.

Choosing shoes for ballroom dancing are just as important as choosing the dress. However, the shoes you wear largely depend on what type of dance you will be performing. There are special shoes for jazz dances, jive dances, swing dances, etc. Therefore, advance preparation is the key for choosing the right shoes. Most ballroom dance shoes are lightweight - heavy-soled shoes can greatly obstruct your dancing and leave you with extremely sore feet. The maximum height for ladies' shoes is three inch heels, whereas men's shoes are around one and a half inches.

Like choosing a dress, shoes for ballroom dancing should not be based on appearance alone. Again, you will have to jump, twirl, and kick in these shoes, so you need them to be comfortable and supportive of your feet. Most ballroom dance shoes are open-toed, although this may not be the best choice. This easily exposes your toes to be stepped on, so consider going with a close-toed shoe. If you find that the heel is too uncomfortable, you can purchase insoles designed specifically for women's high heel shoes. The last thing you want to do is damage your feet, legs, or back because your shoes did not fit properly.

Finally, beware of shoes with tight back straps or are heavily decorated. This can cause undue rubbing on your feet, which in turn leads to nasty blisters. Shoes that are too busy could easily damage during dancing, so try to keep accents to a minimum when choosing your ballroom dance shoes.

By following these tips to choosing your ballroom dance dress and shoes, you will not only be fashionable but comfortable - the most important factor in any type of dancing!

Ballroom Dance Shoes that Keep You in Step

Top quality selection of dance shoes, leotards, dancewear, dance accessories, ballroom shoes, and more, all at discounted prices for women, children, and men. Our easy, secure shopping allows you to look great and feel great without hassle and without breaking the bank.

For ballroom dance shoes that keep you in step, count on Dance 4 Less. Offering top quality ballroom dance shoes at discounted prices, we keep you in step with your dance moves and in line with your finances. From Latin, to Salsa, to Swing, you’ll find the perfect shoes for your ballroom performance that won’t cost you a fortune.

Proper Ballroom Dance Shoes

We understand that it is difficult to get the most from your dancing and to put on the best performance if there is something wrong with your ballroom dance shoes. For the ladies who are taking the lead from the men and therefore dancing backwards quite a bit, the last thing you need or want is your strap slipping from your heel and you falling down. Proper dance shoes are one of the most important attire in your dancewear.

The heel of the shoe is also very important in ballroom dancing, especially for the ladies. These types of move require you to keep most of your weight on the front of your foot as you endure spins, stomps, and the like. Having proper ballroom dance shoes is the key. It’s also best to have smooth sole shoes so you can glide your foot easily. The proper dance shoes are not just need for performance day, but to practice in as well.

Ballroom dancing techniques and some of the Latin dance techniques require you sliding your foot as you move across the floor with your partner. It would be ideal for your shoe to stay on and in position when you do this. It would also be ideal for your shoe to be comfortable. Style and appearance is one thing. Comfort is another. With Dance 4 Less, you don’t have to choose. You can have both.

We offer a full line of styles, colors, and sizes for professional ballroom dance shoes. Whether you are looking for open toe or close toe, we’ve got what you need at a price you want. We also carry men’s and children’s ballroom dance shoes.

Other Dance Items

Be sure to look through our full collection of ballroom dance shoes and other dance shoes, such as tap, jazz, and ballet. We also carry dancewear such as ballroom dresses, leotards and other dance clothing. Our website offers a sizing chart to help you determine the proper order. Don’t forget to take a peek at the various dance accessories we offer, such as bags and taps.

Check out our Internet specials and clearance items that are always available. We offer secured online shopping and most items are in stock and ready to ship. Our return policy is hassle free and our custom service department is top-notch. No wonder we are the premier online provider of ballroom dance shoes, dance wear, and dance accessories.

The Ballroom Centre

There are many technical terms used in ballroom dancing to describe processes on how to move one’s body to execute the correct movement. This instruction would be advised by a teaching during a ballroom/Latin dance class course or in a number of private lessons. Many top professionals use the term "centre" of our body in other sports this maybe referred to as "the core".

Many athletes have found their core’s in their chosen sports. You too can use your centre to improve posture, strengthen your back and prevent injury. The importance of a strong centre is essential if a dancer is to progress to a higher level.

The centre or core or the inner unit has been a term used to describe the muscles which add strength and stability to the spine and pelvis and run the whole length or your torso. These muscles play a vital role in posture, (especially for the ballroom dance frame) injury prevention and increased efficiency and power for most dance movements. They provide stability to the spine, pelvis and shoulder and therefore a solid foundation for movement in all the ballroom and Latin styles. These muscles are the link from your lower body to upper body and they help control a multiple of movements for changes in direction, shifting one’s weight, and the transfer of energy especially when floor craft is applied (i.e. for navigational purposes when avoiding collisions or a smaller ballroom dance floor).

The muscles that make up the (ballroom and/or Latin) centre may vary depending on which professional you speak to. Most coaches however would agree on a number of key muscles which are responsible for keeping our posture upright and active. These are the Rectus Abdominals which are located along the front of the abdomen, The Erector Spinae muscles, these run between the neck and lower back and finally the Multifidis which are located under the Erector Spinae, which run along the vertebral column. The Internal and External Obliques which are found along the front and side of the abdomen and the Transverse Adbominis which is the deepest abdominal muscle and wraps around to provide protection and stability to the spine. Lastly the hip flexors and gluteals also help to provide stability to the hips and spine.

By dancing certain ballroom and Latin dances you can train you body and improve your core or centre. Your posture will become better than ever and this in turn will increase your energy levels and confidence to participate in dances you may have sat down for in the past. It is important to work within your limits but also discover newer dances to challenge yourself to progress. Another important point is to remember to balance all your dances. In the past many have said that Abdominal Strength is all that is needed to prevent back pain. Exercises in the form of one or two Latin or ballroom dances can definitely help prevent injuries but it must be worked on in conjunction with others to make an effective centre.

Not only does great centre help but the secret to a great dance life with longevity has many paths, and not just the one’s mentioned above. Reducing heart disease, weight loss, lowering blood pressure and regular exercise such as ballroom dancing can help increase your dance life. Some tips to help you along the way could be, don’t smoke, reduce salt and saturated fat intake, follow a low glycaemic food index, choose fruit as a snack, eat smaller serving sizes by using smaller plates and cups, eat slowly and stop when full, limit alcohol intake are just a small number of the things you can introduce to help you on your way. As always you should consult your medical practitioner before trying any changes to your eating or exercise regime.

Dance Groups are Key to Good Health

The quality of a person’s social life could have an even greater impact than diet and exercise on their health and well-being. The research in dancing or attending regular ballroom dancing classes and social events shows that membership of social dancing groups have a positive impact on health and well-being.

There is growing evidence that being a member of a social ballroom dancing group can significantly reduce the risk of health conditions that are commonly spoken about in the media. This highlights the importance of belonging to a range of social dancing groups, of hanging onto social dance groups and of building new social dance groups in dealing with life changes.

There have been studies that show evens one’s increased affluence will have no impact in the pursuit of increased happiness or good health. It has been said that most people in the developed world were no happier than people were in the 1950’s when money was scarce and affluence was hard to obtain. Today a typical twenty five year old is between three to ten times more likely to suffer major psychological problems compared to the 1950’s when they were less affluent. Also comsumerism and the pressure to succeed is creating an epidemic of unhappiness for people who are incapable of realising that certain desirable things in life are unattainable, and the inability to disengage from important but unreachable life goals maybe more common in our modern society. This explains the fundamental disappointment of modern life, the discovery that satisfaction of our desires for comfort, safety and material well-being do not reliably lead to personal well-being.

The highest level of happiness comes when people can give a wider meaning to their empty lives. Helping others through groups like social dancing can help people realise that there is something bigger and more important than themselves.

Well-being or good health isn’t just the absence of illness, it is very much a positive state. The single most potent and richest source of happiness is our relationships, companionship and love between friends and family. Humans are naturally highly social and crave the comfort of knowing they are valued members of a group that share experiences and emotions. The important thing is depth, the building up of relationships with people you know or the place you know or the job you do. One of easiest ways of securing long term happiness is to take up an activity that involves making friends. Taking group class lessons in ballroom dancing is a great way of creating and securing friendships. In today’s world the fun of partner dancing in groups and the physical exercise combined create on of the most effective stress releases of any recreational activity.

Ballroom dancing clubs are the perfect environment to meet new friends and are warm and friendly places. Ballroom dancing provides an ideal social climate in which to meet new groups of people. Learning to ballroom dance is a skill that will stay with you for the rest of your life, the benefit of being able to continuously meet new groups of people will never disappear.

In today’s negative pressure cooker world we live in, exercise and the fun of social partner dancing together create the best stress releases for all ages. Social ballroom dancing provides a relaxed atmosphere for both men and women to gather together and develop friendships and sometimes relationships. Social ballroom and latin dancing is a way to help you dress up and have a great time. Going out dancing and taking group class dance lessons allows you to forget about work and other problems life throws at us and focus on fun and friendship at any age.

Ballroom Dancewear and Dance Shoes

Ballroom dance is a dance form that personifies grace and elegance with the most classy and chic moves performed to perfection by the ballroom dancers. Ballroom Dance is like a mellifluous melody on stage where the man and the woman lose themselves and dance in unison as they twirl and swerve together.

What is Ballroom Dancing ?

The term ‘ballroom dance’ encompasses a number of partner dances, which have their origins in the Western world. Ballroom dancing is now a very popular dance form and is enjoyed both socially as well as competitively around the globe. Ballroom dancing competitions are very popular for the participants, the judges, view. Over the years, there have been many variants of the original ballroom dancing style in terms of the dance movements, the costumes and the overall style, however there are a few standard forms that are very popular. The standard international ballroom dance form includes the slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep. Whereas the international Latin ballroom dancing style includes the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble and Jive.

Ballroom Dancewear

Although the real beauty of ballroom dancing lies in its moves and postures, there are a few other elements that enhance the beauty of ballroom dancing - yes the dancewear. Right from the style length and color of the dress to the comfort and aesthetics of the footwear, every little thing matters! Ballroom dancewear has to be dazzling, elegant and comfortable all at the same time. The ballroom dancewear should be such that it brings out and enhances the beauty of the dance moves. For example a simple dress that has the right amount of flow to it can enhance the beautiful turns and swishes of a lady’s moves. On the other hand, a dress that completely masks the dance moves or even worse makes it difficult or uncomfortable for the dancer to perform are out of question.

Ballroom Dancewear for Women

There lie a wide variety of options for women while they are hunting for their perfect ballroom dancing dress. The silks, satins and chiffons, even the fabric choices are plenty.

Gowns and Dresses: A perfect ballroom dance gown or a dress can actually make you look beautiful and enhance your overall performance. Choose the right dress that will suit your body structure, hide your problem areas and accentuate the best features. You can choose, chiffon, silk, or even lycra. A costume that is custom-made with a combination of two or more types of fabrics can be a great idea, since fabrics like lycra can provide a comfortable fit whereas chiffon and silk provide the necessary flows and frills. Winged gowns look absolutely stunning and help bring a subtle touch of elegance to your dance moves. Those of you who have a slouching problem should preferably go for a dress that does not expose your back, since that might highlight the slouch. Also make sure that the length of the dress isn’t too long or too short. A dress that is too short might highlight the minutest mistakes during the dance whereas a very long gown cannot just hide your dance steps but also impede your movement while dancing.

The Skirt: Ball room dance skirts are either asymmetrical in shape or have a slit at one or both sides. Layered skirts with the use of fabrics that have a good flow and textures are in vogue. Attractive embellishments, designs and embroideries always enhance the look of any ordinary skirt however too much of intricate work should be avoided especially if the stitches are loose and there is a fear of beads falling off. The length of the skirt should suit the style of ballroom dancing, which changes with every form.

The TopThe tops worn by women during ballroom dance are usually fitted tops. Open backs with crossed spaghetti patterns at the back or even a tube top with sequins and stones can look absolutely stunning. Layered tops can look beautiful if they match your body type. Animal prints on your top can transform you into a dancing diva and beautifully compliment your skirt as well. Match your top with your skirt and team it up with some charismatic silk scarves and beads for the perfect ballroom look.

Ballroom Dancewear for Men

Picking out ballroom dance wear for men can be quite a task. The key to get your basics right and pick out a stunning costume that you will feel comfortable in.

Shirts: Men can have their pick from a wide variety of dress shirts. Do not shy away from dress shirts with sequels and glitter. Unless you feel uncomfortable, generally prefer a V-necked shirt. Stretchy material shorts are the trend in ballroom dancing, but go for it only if you are the best shape. Always see what brings out the best of your features. For the more formal ballroom dancing styles normal shirts with a tie or a tuxedo shirt with bow tie can be worn.

Pants: Sleek pants are preferred in ballroom dancing. The other option is tux pants, which go perfectly well with your tux shirt and bow tie. If at all you want to accessorize, you can sport a shiny belt that accentuates your hip movement.

Ballroom Dance Shoes

Your preparation for ballroom dancing can never be complete without the perfect pair of ballroom dance shoes. The right one can make or break a performance. The shoes should provide the perfect amount of grip and slide which is an essential element of ballroom dancing.

Ballroom Dance Shoes for Women
Women generally go for a good pair of heels or pumps that beautifully compliment their stunning outfits. Women are generally advised to wear closed heels and shoes that strap across the instep. Casual footwear like the sling backs and slip-ons are an absolute no-no. Remember that if you are a beginner and are not used to dancing with pointed heels, you should preferably opt for a low heel. The pumps used for ballroom dance are open along the sides and have a closed toe box. The sandals usually have straps and are open-toed. Usually these dance shoes are made of leather, are very light in weight and have suede soles that ensure the precise slide and grip while moving across the dance floor. Try and pick a pair that gives you the exact combination of comfort and style.

Ballroom Shoes for Men
Latin dance shoes for men are lightweight and flexible oxfords which have a Cuban heel and suede soles. In case you are looking for different color options, you can go for the classy black, the stylish white or the stunning the two-tone spectator ballroom dance shoes. Make sure the fit is snug, and the shoes match your outfit as well as the dance style your will be performing.

Always remember that beautiful attire can only accentuate your dance but cannot be a substitute for rehearsals and practice sessions. So practice your moves and postures to perfection, sport the most beautiful dress and the perfect pair of shoes and shine on the dance floor!

Ballet Trumps Opera and Theatre

Never mind the merits of opera and theatre - there's an art form that trumps both. Charlotte Higgins

You can assert - as was done on these pages recently - that opera is the finest art form of all, leaving theatre, that pedestrian, wordbound form, raving to itself while opera floats heroically into the stratosphere on a top C.

It's true that theatre beats every other art form hands down for sheer tedium - when it tries. Some of the longest, ghastliest evenings of my life have been spent subjected to the spoken-word theatre; guilty of these nights of torture have been some of our most esteemed national institutions (step forward, the Royal Shakespeare Company).

Opera-goers are more fortunate. It's such an extraordinarily rich art form that it's difficult to completely mess up every single one of its elements. If the production or acting is objectionable, then the music may be wonderful. If the musical standards disappoint, then there's still a chance you are witnessing a piece of brilliant theatre.

An hour of poor spoken-word theatre, on the other hand, can be irredeemable: you can feel that whole tortured lifetimes of pain have passed in a mere evening.

Even so, there exists an art form that can floor opera with one flick of its gracefully pointed toe: ballet.

There is no other art form that is so highly evolved, sophisticated, sublime, where absolute discipline of technique is allied with grace, beauty, sensuality and pure emotion.

There are things that theatre excels at: the march of logic, the clash of argument, the drama of politics. You could try to create a ballet around the state of the railways or the Saville inquiry - but I think it best not attempted.

Opera, on the other hand, does passion like nothing else. To hear the Liebestod at the end of Tristan und Isolde, after five hours of emotional turmoil, is a bit like imbibing in one go the essence of all the heartbreaks, longings and ecstasies you have ever experienced.

But ballet - ballet is another world. Ballet is about limbs and bones and muscle, about flesh and skin. It is visceral. Ballet is about what it means to be human while the blood pumps through our veins; about the things that are too strange, dense and delicate to be strangulated by human speech or song.

You can compare Shakespeare's Othello to Verdi's Otello and find one or the other superior. So let's take Puccini's Manon Lescaut and MacMillan's Manon. You can keep your Puccini: I'd swap the whole opera to witness 10 minutes of Sylvie Guillem and Jonathan Cope dancing the first great pas de deux of Manon and Des Grieux. When I saw them do it at the Royal Ballet in February, Guillem took an earthwards plunge that could not more eloquently have conveyed her headlong descent into passion. Words could only have seemed a clumsy encumbrance.

It is true that stories from romantic and classical ballet tend to major on waif-like gels, hovering between childhood and adulthood, either copping it tragically, or luring men to their doom (or both). But one of the great advantages of ballet is its lack of literalism and its tendency towards abstraction. Despite the Royal Ballet's well-known acting skills I'm often inclined to mutter "let's just have some dancing" when there is a deal of storytelling going on. (MacMillan's Romeo and Juliet is, alas, guilty for me.) This abstraction of ballet, when it balances perfectly on a narrative framework, makes for art as refined and sophisticated as you can get. Giselle is as perfect a little jewel-like artwork as you could hope to find.

There's nothing more charming than ballet at its best - and charm, not to mention delicacy and grace, are hugely underrated virtues in art. I could bring you (more or less at random, from works recently staged in London) the sheer delight of watching Sylvia's leaping cohort of nymphs in the recent Royal Ballet staging of the eponymous Frederick Ashton ballet and Tamara Rojo's sexy little mermaid in Ashton's Ondine.

The charm and apparent delicacy comes, of course, at the cost of enormous discipline, physical effort and, quite often, pain. At a time when many in the theatre world are chasing the largely lost ideal of ensemble values, it's often overlooked that outfits like the Royal Ballet represent the real deal: a permanent company of extraordinarily talented individuals striving towards a collective perfection.

I am suffering withdrawal symptoms during the Royal's summer break. I hope to relieve the trauma with the Kirov's Swan Lake starring one of the greatest Odette/Odiles alive - Uliana Lopatkina, who has the most perfect arms I have ever seen. I'll also be going to the theatre and to the opera. And more often than I'd like, a little voice in my head will whisper: "I wish I were at the ballet."

· Charlotte Higgins is the Guardian's arts correspondent

© Guardian News & Media 2008
Published: 7/17/2005

Modern Talking Videos- UTube and Two Little Ballet Dancers Modern Talking Videos- UTube and Two Little Ballet Dancers

Modern talking videos are on the rise. We enjoy them on You Tube and others as they continue to spring forth with wonderful creativity.

I came across a YouTube yesterday that really made my heart smile. It is of two little girls doing their first ballet performance. Apparently one of the little girls costume began to unravel. The two little girls adorned in pink tutu's and pink tights, oh so cute, had to contend with a long string that continued to unwind as they tried to stay in step with their performance.

I recently wrote and and posted a contrasting UTube called, "Utube, Youtube, Thank You for the Inspiration That Motivates Creativity In So Many" about a video of the Chinese Ballet Circus pas de deux troupe du Guangdong. It is a complete contrast to the YouTube I write about now.

By viewing both You Tubes It reminded me that 'everything' for 'every single person' has a 'beginning'.

See yourself in this little YouTube... just beginning and realizing flight, coming across obstacles but continuing on with the dance none the less.

I do and you do too. Soo be gentle with yourself as you learn new things, enjoy the process.

Once you do master something? Keep it in your heart and memory those baby step to get to where you are.

Be patient with those who ask questions of you who are trying to learn what you have already mastered.

Stay humble and be generous with your knowledge, it can only make for a better world.

We are so lucky to have available to us little reminders, modern talking videos that let us have a glimpse of two little girls in pink tutus who are just beginning to learn the dance of ballet and life.

Very dear this adventure of life.

Improve Your Classical Ballet Work The Simplest Way

If you want to improve your classical ballet work, the simplest way is to first check your normal standing position. Before you put on your pointe shoes or soft ballet shoes and go to the barre, try this. In ballet wear so that you can see your posture, just stand in front of a mirror, relaxed. You'll see the qualifying factor and know if there is something basic to correct to improve your ballet classes.

Sometimes the simple things are the hardest to explain, but here goes:

Stand with your chest lifted, your shoulders relaxed, and your feet hips' width apart. Get your weight positioned evenly at the ball of the foot, the outside near the little toe, and the center of the heel (like a tripod). Notice how your hips and legs are positioned, naturally. If your pelvis is neutral and your ankles, knees and hips stack up symmetrically, you have the minimal requirement to proceed with nothing to fix.

If a hip or shoulder is lower than its opposite, you may have a skeletal misalignment, residual tension, or both. See a chiropractor, or you will be fighting this condition with lots of unnecessary tensing. It is also possible that one leg is shorter than the other, and it is good to know that, so you know how to work properly and use foot levelers if needed.

If your knees rotate in a little, causing a slight bow shape to the legs, then you need to use your thigh muscles to get your thighs and knees facing front, and over the ankles. Also note where your pelvis is here.

Now keep that placement and turn sideways. Turn your head, relaxed neck, and see if you have a plumb line going down through your body, from the top of your head, through the natural curves of your spine, hips, legs, and to your ankles. See if anything is pulling out of line. This can be very subtle if you are already trained. Your skeleton should be able to line up well without much work. If you are feeling a little tense, shake everything out and then place yourself again.

If your knees over-straighten and curve backwards, you have hyper-extended knees. You must learn to hold them straight so they can support you with strength. If your knees are bent a little forwards you can work on stretching and relaxing your all your hip and leg muscles and you will get gradual improvement.

Regardless of your training level, you can always check this basic posture to see if there is any misalignment or extra tension. It truly affects the finer details of the quality of your work. It also affects your risk of getting injured.

Checking postural habits and skeletal alignment is how you know if your good work, or talent, is hiding a potential problem. The qualifying factor may be the need to build strength in your core muscles, or do better relaxing and stretching.

To improve your classical ballet work, the simplest way is to fix a problem where it starts, rather than trying to see what is wrong in awkward multiple turns or struggling in grand allegro.

Dianne M. Buxton trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and Toronto Dance Theater. Click here for free articles on how to get exactly the right fit in ballet shoes and pointe shoes, The Perfect Pointe Book, The Ballet Bible, details about ballet technique, dance books, and full body workouts.

How Can I Improve the Basics of My Ballet Training Without A Professional Ballet School?

However, there are currently several good sources of basic ballet technique in text, photo and DVD form. The finer details of posture, turnout and placement can be understood and learned. Stretching safely can produce great improvement, whether or not you end up doing the splits.

How to improve the basics of ballet training can be done with the help of professional technique manuals. A student cannot train in pointed shoes without an experienced teacher. However, there are currently several good sources of basic ballet technique in text, photo and DVD form. The finer details of posture, turnout and placement can be understood and learned. Stretching safely can produce great improvement, whether or not you end up doing the splits.

Internet dance forums and chats can create a wonderful community for students, especially those in smaller towns with fewer dance studios to choose from.

One drawback, however, is the transfer of incorrect technical information that may lead to zero progress, or even injury.

For example, the basics of posture depend on enough flexibility for a dancer to stand with a neutral spine (normal curves and good abdominal support). This requires thigh muscles at the front of the leg, or hip flexors, and thigh muscles at the back of the leg, the hamstrings, that are long and flexible enough to allow the pelvis to retain a natural position. This is simply, neither tilted forward nor back in response to a short or tense muscle of the leg.

While flexibility allowing a ballet dancer to do the splits may seem like the ideal, a strong technique is required to hold the traditional ballet positions and leg extensions in a stable position. Without a strong core and uncluttered ballet exercises to build more strength, both adagio and grand allegro will be clumsy or result in injury.

A clean and accurate ballet technique benefits greatly from a student learning the basics of anatomy in regards to turnout, foot structure, the spine, and large muscle groups. The all too common knee injuries and sprained ankles can be prevented with understanding what is at stake when a dancer forces turnout, for example, or goes onto pointe too soon.

Dance students who are not ideally flexible, long and lean, or highly arched in their foot structure can still be strong. Holding the turnout you have means you can move and jump safely. Having strong extension positions and a strong core can mean you will do a fabulous series of turns in second, arabesque or attitude. Strength is more important than height of leg, for these showy spins.

Understanding the finer details of the basics of classical ballet technique will allow you to build strength faster, without developing over worked muscles that gradually become too tense to maintain good muscle tone. Learning to train your brain to improve your ability to envision your dance moves, and stay in a positive frame of mind will give you an edge. Yet, you must know what is accurate in order to envision it for the best results.

Learning the tips and tricks of safe stretching, and proper muscle care and relaxation will result in a steady progress and optimum results.

Study, in particular, the pre-pointed routines, including proper self-assessment, and well-paced home practice. Whether you are a would-be ballerina or are among the men in ballet, pre-pointed regimens benefit balance, foot strength, and lead to virtuoso professional footwork. Men and boys in pointed shoes is not a freak phenomenon, it's wise study, and more and more dance teachers allow the males to join basic barre work on pointed.

Pointed work should always be supervised. Problems with pointed work usually need to be corrected off pointed first. General technical weaknesses can be improved throughout class work, and then work on pointed will be accurate and can be done without a struggle.

If you would like to improve your ballet dancing beyond your local training, all the information you need is readily available. Give yourself some quiet time to study and learn some self-assessment tests to isolate your weaker areas. The basics of ballet training are well explained and are in your reach, even if you are far away from a professional ballet school.

Find out how a would-be ballerina and men in ballet get exactly the right fit in ballet shoes and pointed shoes, prevent dance injuries, get The Perfect Pointe Book, The Ballet Bible, and Deborah Vogel's products on injury prevention and functional anatomy. Dianne M. Buxton trained at The National Ballet School of Canada, The Martha Graham School of Contemporary Dance and Toronto Dance Theater.