Teaching the Unteachable: If You Can Imagine It, You Can Achieve It

I understand how you feel. With some students, you feel like you are endlessly adding fuel to a dying fire. You correct feet, arms etc to discover that they un-correct the moment you let go. It is like working in a factory on an item that will not sell. Our task is to sculpt bodies, but some bodies will never execute the correct technique. These students are not lazy. Most have an outstanding work ethic. They always show up, ready to dance and take whatever is before them with great attitudes. But life in general often dishes out great injustices. These people are endowed with few physical or often mental assets to help them with the demands of dance. Their bodies forbid them to advancing, some more than others, let alone have a dancing career.

We as instructors painstakingly aim for strong legs, a 3/4 releve beautiful arms and supple bodies. Luckily we gain strength, stamina and some style. For dance it takes three main attributes- talent, passion and the ability to implement corrections. Some people only come with passion or drive. You can correct the technical problem but there is no improvement. you cannot beautify their line. It is so unfair you want to cry. You wonder if what you are doing has any merit what so ever.You wonder what you are doing wrong.

You need to keep a mental list of the positives that come out of a quality dance education even if it does not produce a dancer.It will instill poise and fitness for life and a cultural education.It teaches alignment, body awareness and a way of presenting oneself in any situation. Helps to develop an appreciative audience. Gives physical and mental exercise that prevents senility, and aids in the formation of new connections to the brain made even stronger with the added use of music.

With all this in mind, remember all students, even those with little aptitude benefit from taking class. This type of thinking will give you the strength to continue doing, what you do so well, week after week and class after class.

This idea came to me after discussing with another teacher of mine about her choreography and observing classes and teaching every week. With keeping the positive thoughts that benefit any student of dance, do not give up. Teaching is a hard career to choose. Constantly remind yourself that not everyone has the passion for dance, the ability in body mind or spirit. r the talent. The benefits are great!

Art/Dance Academy Complex in San Diego North County is home to Tales1001
Check out our web site = http://www.tales1001.com/
E-Mail =Tales1001@sbcglobal.net

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What Do Kids Need When Taking Dance Classes?

If you're interested in signing up your children for dance classes, one of the first questions parents ask is 'What will my child need?' Most studios have rules on the type of clothing and shoes that need be to worn during the class, but parents aren't sure why these special items are necessary. Before signing your child up for dance lessons, learn what they will need to participate and, more importantly, why they're necessary.

Clothing

A leotard and tights are some of the most common clothing items worn during lessons. Some studios even require that students all wear the same type of uniform such as black leotards and pink or white tights. But why is this important?

Leotards fit closely to the body because this way an instructor can easily see the dancer's movements. The instructor will be able to easily see if a student needs further instruction or practice when going through the steps. Additionally, having everyone wear the same clothing means that instructors can tell with just a glance whether someone is dancing off beat or needs more help staying in tune with the music.

Shoes

The type of shoes required depends on the type of lessons. A ballet class, for instance, will require special ballet slippers, while a tap class will require tap shoes. As dancers become more skilled at different types of dances, different shoes may be required. An advanced ballet class will likely require toe shoes, while an advanced tap class might require tap shoes with a small heel over flats. Before purchasing footwear for a ballet class, ask the teacher if he or she prefers pink or black. Typically teachers will want each student in the same color.

Hair

If your child's hair is longer, she may be asked to pull it back during classes. Teachers often request that the hair be pulled back in a bun, though a ponytail might be sufficient. This is because hair that is kept off the face allows the teacher to better see the lines of the neck and back.

Costumes

Most dance classes celebrate the end of the year with a recital for parents, grandparents and other loved ones. Students often work for the entire year on their recital routines and this typically means that they'll have a themed costume for each routine. These costumes can include sequins, tutus, headpieces and more. The cost of these recital costumes is usually above and beyond the cost of dance lessons and can cost anywhere from $50 all the way up to $300. If the cost of a recital costume is a concern, make sure to ask before you sign up for classes.

Extra-curricular activities such as a ballet class can be a fun way to keep children active and off the couch. Before you sign up, however, know what is expected of you as a parent. Check to see if your child will need anything special like clothing or shoes so there aren't any surprises when you arrive at the studio for your first lesson.

A Step Above Dance Academy offers dance classes in Batavia, IL. The school offers a number of different dance lessons in Batavia for students of all ages. If you're interested in learning more about a ballet class in Batavia or want to view a class schedule, visit their site.

Original article

Choosing the Right Latin Dance Instructor

There have been concerns from beginners not feeling comfortable about the honesty of some instructors. There are smaller communities with fewer Latin dance Instructors to choose from, and then there are the larger communities which are saturated with instructors. So how does a beginner dancer know which dance instructor is being honest, and which dance instructor is 'trying to make the studio rent for the month'? As with many personal endeavors, there is only so much research that can be done. After that, one has to give it 'face time' to get the real feel whether the dance instructor chosen will be best suited for your dancing experience. Maximize your personal investment to experience all that comes with Latin dancing. Is the instructor honestly pulling out your full potential? Is the instructor right for your style and demeanor?

Checking Instructor Credentials: Most dance instructors will have a website with short instructional videos of dance styles provided in their dance school or academy. Review the videos and make sure you can feel a connection with that particular dance instructor's style of teaching the dance.

Beware of Recommendations: Of course friends will have recommendations, and being in a dance class with someone you know makes the beginner or intermediate experience less stressful. However, you will need to be the judge and decide if that style of dance instructor will be best for you. Similar to choosing your dance footwear, just because a friend recommends a certain style of dance shoes, doesn't mean that style will fit you. And of course, should a dance instructor not be a fit for you, use cordial etiquette with a smile, and give your thanks but no thanks, as you continue your search for the instructor that fits your needs.

Beware of Sales Pitches: In selecting a dance school or instructor, be realistic in fulfilling your dancing needs. Paying a higher price for lessons does not always guarantee quality instruction. Do the dance classes move too fast and the instructor seems to be watching the clock too often? Does it seem to be too much, or not enough instruction for one lesson? When you ask a question is it honestly answered to your satisfaction? Granted there are other students, but if you are paying and the cost is high, you should feel every right to get a full answer, and not be rushed on to the next phase of the lesson.

Consider Group before Private Lessons: When a personal decision is made to get involved in social dancing, most would think about taking private lessons. As with everything, there are pros and cons to this decision. Private lessons are best when comfort is found in connecting with an instructor that honestly understands your level and how to grow your dancing experience. A rush to private dance lessons can sometimes go to waste because you are missing out on the social aspect of dancing. Once the private lessons are done, there may still be a level of insecurity or lack of confidence to experience what you've learned when at a real dancing event without your instructor as a partner. For this reason, getting involved in group lessons is recommended first for beginners. Dancers are always meeting up at clubs and dance events, so it's no mystery that group lessons are the way to go.

Although this is not the bible on how to choose the right dance instructor, it is a brief guideline on where to start. The thought process for choosing any Latin dance Instructor is just like choosing your dance footwear. Is it a style you like? Are you comfortable and confident? Is it a great value? Social dancing is super fun, and just as in life, using your common sense feelings in addressing your comfort level can be applied to the same process in choosing dance lessons or a dance instructor, just as if you are choosing your first dance shoes. Keep dancing, and keep smiling!

Miguel "Mambo" DeLeon has been a Latin music entertainer for over 30 years. He is known in the Midwest Salsa and Latin Jazz scene as "The Pioneer" - "El Pionero" since the mid 80's. From the mid 70's he worked alongside Orchestra Charambo and backed up various vocalists from the Fania All Stars. Other artists include such legends as Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Tito Puente and many more.

Motivated by his fans with questions about dancing and what shoes to wear or not to wear, he has opened an online store which specializes in comfort fitting dance shoes with style. Visit Classy Dance Footwear today to find your desired dance shoes.

Original article

The Reason Why We Need Ballet: Video Games

As a ballet teacher both my wife and I have noticed a sharp drop off in the basic level of physical ability among our students and in particular among the 10 year old and younger segment. What we have come to realize is that in the rush of daily life a great many parents are both attempting to limit the use of babysitters or daycare if they can (no doubt a good thing) but in order to keep their children occupied the use of today's electronic devices from iPads to PS3 to Wii and so on have become extensively used. The outcome of this is a lot of sedentary behavior by children right at the age when they need to be spending a lot of time developing their general physical coordination and abilities. Ballet lessons are an excellent way to counteract this because children are four-dimensional beings whereas video games and electronic devices are all at best two-dimensional things.

What I mean by that is children exist in three dimensional space and have a complex body designed to deal with a three dimensional universe. There is no owner's manual or quick start guide or Google-available cheat sheet of any kind to tell them how their body works. Add in to this the fourth dimension of time passing by and it quickly becomes apparent that it takes a bit of focus time to really learn how to deal with both the universe we live in and how the body moves through that universe. In the absence of being able to spend hours outside roaming around the farm or even playing outside in the neighborhood due to safety concerns, many children have definitely lost a lot of ground over their predecessors due to a lack of just general physical play time and activity. The average farm boy or farm girl "back in the day" spent much more time doing all types of physically complicated things whether doing work or occupying their time in a world without electronic immersion.

Video games and electronic immersion in general is at best a two-dimensional thing - all electronic images are totally flat and are really only a combination of pixels on a screen being lit, there is no real object there. Video games do take place with time so that adds a second dimension to them but even then, many games have slow down or speed up features altering the speed of time within the game which in my mind renders video game play completely useless to the development of a child outside of thumb/finger coordination. But there is far more to the body than the hands, far far more. The number of 6-10 year olds who are seriously challenged at skipping or skip traveling backwards, for example, is at least twice as high today as it was in the 1990's. To say nothing of the lack of imagination of children nowadays due to a high level of electronic immersion stunting the need to have a vivid imagination for the sake of creative play.

Ballet is a supremely four-dimensional activity. The Ballet student is on a quest to master three dimensional space with their body but added to this is the extra challenge of doing that on a tempo set to the time scale of the music the ballet is being done to, and over which you cannot have any control like you can on a video game. You simply must be able to control your body well enough in three dimensional space that you can accomplish the movements based on a time dimension. This is far, far more challenging and therefore far, far more beneficial than any video game or electronic device will ever be for childhood development. And, this is exactly what makes Ballet an absolute necessity in the 21st century world of iPads, PlayStation, smartphones and nearly 100% electronic immersion of children. The human body will not condition itself, it will not acquire stamina or flexibility or power nor will it maintain any of those once gotten without regular use in the real world under real conditions. With the heavy emphasis of creativity and imagination that also goes into it, Ballet is a perfect antidote for the highly interconnected sedation most children now live in.

Matthew Reinschmidt
Ballet Master,
Ballet North Inc
On the web: http://www.balletnorth.com/

Original article

Salsa Dance: Find That Latin Beat Everywhere

Now that you have the confidence and know the core principles and fundamentals of Salsa dance, don't restrict that knowledge to just the Salsa dance scene. Share that soul warming experience you have with the power of Latin dance and the fun of dancing everywhere you go. Variety is the spice of life, and with the addition of Latin dance to your repertoire of dance skills, show off your awesome glow and confidence. Anytime you hear any style of music that taps into that Latin soul inside of you, get up and dance it! Don't hold it back!

No matter what level you are at in your Latin dance skill, there are two points to recognize. One is the visual outer presentation of your ability. Second, and more important, is the personal and powerful inner passion that comes with Latin dance. There is no doubt that even though your skill level may be basic, it's that inner passion that raises any dancer's aptitude. Your inner passion is the fuel that takes you to that 'moment of Zen' when it seems that time stands still, and also puts that shine on your outer visual self. Everyone will want to share in your inner passion and glow no matter what your skill level.

As the saying goes, we only live once, and you should not pass up the opportunity to take that happy dance soul and apply the full liberating advantage at any given moment. DO IT! Dance to any live music show anywhere when the moment arises. You will be part of creating positive energy in every room and convert your personal soulful dance moment into everyone's personal moment. You will create a super 'domino effect' by one simple action in sharing your knowledge of the core principles and fundamentals of Latin dance. It's automatic that you will get a satisfied feeling knowing that you took advantage of that instance, that moment in time, that your 'Latin Dance Soul' called out and gifted you.

With Latin Jazz you will hear 'The Clave' and a percussion rhythm that, although it may not have vocals and the hot brass of Salsa, is very much danceable! So apply your skills to any and all music events you visit, not just Salsa events! Anyone who makes the initial commitment to Latin dance realizes at one point that it becomes a part of your being, part of your soul and has a positive impact in lifting self-esteem and confidence to shine in any room you enter. So don't fight your feeling, dance to that Latin Jazz beat that's calling out to you. You already have the confidence and excitement inside your soul that you want to be the first on any dance floor, and you know you are not alone.

It's very helpful being comfortable with your level of dance abilities and not to worry that you are not 'Dancing with the Stars' quality. However, if you watch the show, you see that they're not so great themselves. So get out there and dance whenever you hear that Latin beat and spread that inner glow. Keep Smiling...Keep Dancing!

Miguel "Mambo" DeLeon has been a Latin music entertainer for over 30 years. He is known in the Midwest Salsa and Latin Jazz scene as "The Pioneer" - "El Pionero" since the mid 80's. From the mid 70's he worked alongside Orchestra Charambo and backed up various vocalists from the Fania All Stars. Other artists include such legends as Larry Harlow, Ismael Miranda, Willie Colon, Celia Cruz, Hector Lavoe, Ruben Blades, Tito Puente and many more.

Motivated by his fans with questions about dancing and what shoes to wear or not to wear, he has opened an online store which specializes in comfort fitting dance shoes with style. Visit Classy Dance Footwear today to find your desired dance shoes.

Original article

Ballet Workouts on DVD

When considering taking up ballet as a form of exercise, sometimes taking classes is not an option. Perhaps no adult ballet classes are offered in the area where you live, or your schedule simply cannot commit to specified class times. Whatever the reason, there is still the option of using ballet as a workout in the comfort of your own home by means of ballet workout DVDs.

The aim of such DVDs is not to train you in ballet technique, rather, to use certain features of ballet and dance in general to provide a fun, yet physically beneficial product. Most of such products on the market are affiliated with dance companies or choreographers, who tailor these workouts specifically for people with no technical training. Moreover, most feature established professional dancers demonstrating the exercises.

My personal favorite of such products are the New York City Ballet Workout DVD's. Although an established and world renowned ballet company produces these videos, the workouts are easy to follow, even for people with no background in dance, without being over-simplified, as some other DVDs tend to do. That way, the practitioner is busy thinking on the sequence and form of the steps, and not on the fact that they are actually exercising. This is a good form of distraction for those who dislike the repetivity of gym exercise, as you do not focus on what you feel, because your mind is too busy thinking on what your body should be doing in the first place.

There are two existing DVD's produced by New York City Ballet, Workout 1 and 2. Workout 1 introduces several ballet exercises, 17 to be exact. These exercises range from warm-up exercises, to footwork, abdominal exercises, and stretches. although there are no Barre exercises, as is usual in Ballet classes, this is made up for in their floor barre exercises, which is essentially doing barre work on the floor. It is arguable that floor barre achieves better muscular results that regular barre work as one is working more against the weight of their own body than when standing up.

The second Workout DVD is similar to the first in structure, but a little more faced paced than the first. It contains new exercises and combinations, as well as a glossary of ballet terminology. It is recommended to start with the first DVD, and move unto the second after you feel confident enough with the first DVD. You could then possibly alternate between the two choosing what pace would be most suitable for that particular day.

Both products are professional, user friendly, and the DVD's are easy to navigate. Good music accompanies both DVDs, which is a lovely change from the generic music that some dance workout DVDs use.

Weather you choose to join a Ballet class or workout at home, a workout DVD is always a good product to have at hand, perhaps for the days when you cannot make it to class or as additional training.

Valentina, dancer, fitness enthusiast and long term ballet practitioner. I believe that dance is an art form that can be enjoyed by anyone, and therefore encourage people to practice dance for different reasons.

Original article

Why Send Your Children to Ballet Dance Class?

Why would parents send their young kids of 3 years old or 4 years old to ballet dance class. It doesn't need us to tell you that it is normally the parents that want their children to learn ballet, rather than the children like to dance. In this article, we tell you why we send children to learn ballet when they are young.

Ballet helps to foster child discipline. During the class, the ballet teacher will guide each and every children the proper dance steps and dance moves. So children will required to follow the teacher guidance to learn to dance properly. They follow instruction so that they have the proper dance step and posture. This ensure discipline inside the children.

Ballet class is also a platform to learn on group dynamics and provide plenty of opportunity for social interaction. A typical class of ballet lesson consists of 4-12 children. During the class, there will be interaction within children. They make friends and started showing each other the right dance move, or even tell the other kids what was wrong with their moves. Thus for home school children, this is a place where your children will get to know friends of their age. Often they are ballet performance from the class too. Children learning ballet together will be asked to performed in the group, thus they will be required to sync up and foster "team work" within them since young.

Even if professional ballet dancer is not what you envision your child to be, ballet students will learn and practice good body posture and learn to take care of their body fitness. Children who learn ballet since young will practice good body posture. It is the key element when performing ballet. They have to stand straight up. You don's see ballerina with hunch back. Ballerina is also required to watch out their body fitness. Ballet is just like exercise, children who likes to stay at home and play computer game at least can be send to a ballet class once or twice a week to get some stretching and exercise while having fun with other kids.

Often, children that learn ballet have self-confidence as they will need to perform in front of audience. Dancing in public does required a lot of confidence. For shy kids, they can start by performing in public with a group of young kids. Doing so for a few rounds will definitely boot up their confident and in no time, you will be surprise that this shy kid may actually perform solo!

Last but not the least, ballet is the root of all dances! Master ballet when they are young, and they can pick up any other dance easily in future. Regardless whether it is a jazz, modern or ballroom, once children learn ballet, they can master any of the dance easily.

Original article

Achieve Health Through Dance And Have Fun With Ceroc Dancing

Have you ever heard of Ceroc? Well if you have the success and popularity has obviously reached your senses! Ceroc it has to be said has over the last few years achieved remarkable success and the dance style has franchises all over the world from the United States to the UK to Australia. Dance sure has been championed by Ceroc and Ceroc has become very popular in the UK and is found in every major town throughout the land.

So what is Ceroc dancing exactly I hear you say? Well Ceroc is best described as blend of various dance styles, specifically Salsa, Jive, Ballroom and Rock & Roll but unlike Salsa and other Latin dance styles does not contain the complex footwork which means it is easier to focus on the rest of your body. Ceroc is also sometimes dubbed "Modern Jive" due to its mixing of Jive tempos in conjunction with other Latin based tempos and movements.

Ceroc was first seen as a dance format in London around 1980 and is attributed to the work of James Cronin who held the first Ceroc event in the Porchester Hall in London in 1980. It must be said that the roots of what was to become Ceroc are found in post WW2 France, while the modern form of Ceroc lies more within the 1980's. By the late 1980's and early 1990's Cronin and a Sylvia Colmen had set up Ceroc Enterprises and Ceroc was then made a trademark. By 1994 Ceroc teachers were starting to be taught and subsequently licenced and by about 1994 "Taxi Dancers" were introduced into events to assist beginner dancers. In 2004 Ceroc Enterprises were running over 100 different venues and in 2006 started to run "weekender" events. So you will not be surprised to hear that Ceroc Enterprises has franchises in France, Italy, Canada, USA, Ireland and Hong Kong, there are also related Ceroc organisations in Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and Dubai.

Anyway that is the brief history lesson, Ceroc is one of the newer dance forms like Zumba and akin to Zumba has spread dramatically in a short space of time and has become a very popular way to dance, achieve fitness, have fun and meet new people.

So heh I guess you're wondering what this Ceroc dance is all about! You have had the brief history and an the introduction and if your still reading (of course you are) you must be wondering how this Ceroc dance stuff works right. Just so you know I personally do Ceroc myself from time to time so have some direct experience. Ceroc is as mentioned earlier a blend of Salsa, Jive, swing and even some would say dirty dancing and like many Latin based dance styles is a male lead dance which can be danced to music as wide ranging as 50's swing, 80's pop, Blues, to modern pop music. The tempo can vary considerably to be honest speaking from experience; you can be dancing to some slow 80's love ballad, then dancing to some funky salsa tune and within the next song be dancing to Lady Gaga! For those of you who have tried Salsa then you will know that within Salsa footwork is seen as a core component of the dance style. Footwork takes a backseat in Ceroc and unlike Salsa footwork is simpler and not as ridged. That said Ceroc has footwork and steps like any other Latin based dance style, the footwork is based on an in-and-out style with either foot stepping back and the weight being transferred onto that foot before either the same foot returning to the original stance or the other foot moving to complete a move.

You can be forgiven for feeling that due to Ceroc being a partner dance that you need to bring along a partner or friend, well rest assured this is not the case as you can simply turn up! A regular Ceroc night works by people rotating along during lessons so everyone gets the chance to dance and during freestyles the floor is yours, freestyles work by either asking other people to dance or being asked to dance yourself. Ceroc is a very social and fun dance and is a great way to meet new people and achieve dance fitness at the same time, believe me it will get you in shape and also keep your joints in tip-top condition.

How easy is it to learn and pick-up Ceroc dancing I hear you cry! Well that depends on you, having other dance experience can help but it is not a requirement as when you start Ceroc you can learn at your own pace and begin with beginner moves before you learn the more harder moves. I would say that the moves generally have similarities with other Latin based dances notably Salsa and Jive and vary from being one handed to double handed moves. What is great about taking part in Ceroc as a beginner is that you are given a special extra helping hand in the form of "Taxi Dancers". Taxi Dancers are instructors that specifically teach new dancers and teach them in smaller groups away from more experienced dancers and are able to offer advice and guidance in a more relaxed setting. Taxi Dancers during freestyle segments on regular dance nights also are solely available for new dancers so if you're a newbie seek them out, if you don't they will find you so do not be shy and go for it!

I would say that getting fit and improving your dance abilities is a real distinct possibility with Ceroc as the moves can be learnt by anyone as Ceroc is highly accessible as a dance form and its popularity and success is evidence of this!

So what are you waiting for give Ceroc a go, you will not regret it trust me!

I am speaking from experience here too! I have every confidence that you will enjoy yourself and achieve dance success.

I am the website manager of healththroughdance.com I have set this site up due to my passion and interest in dance and its many physical and social benefits. I dance the Salsa and Ceroc personally and am keen to share my experiences and promote dance where I can as it has changed my life and most certainly for the better! For information on Zumba, Salsa, general dance, modern Jive look no further!

http://www.healththroughdance.com/

Original article

Salsa Dancing - The Beat of International Dance

Salsa dancing is popular all over the US, Europe, South America, Latin America and even parts of the Middle East. Salsa dancing originated from the Cuban Son and the Afro-Cuban dance of the 1920's - 1940's. The dance can be performed with a partner or line a line dance form or a circle. Salsa dancing has taken its own style in different areas. There is NY Style, LA Style, Cuban Style, Puerto Rican Style and several other styles. We are going to focus on NY Style.

NY Style Salsa Dancing is danced in a line. Nightclub Salsa is one of the most popular styles in New York City. It accents the second and sixth beat of the music. It was "invented" by Eddie Torres, the Mambo King. The NY Style Salsa dance is more elegant than the LA style. The NY Style is also referred to as Mambo Style or On2.

NY Salsa dance parties are quite popular. Women love to dress to impress, and often have custom made salsa outfits. Clothes can be bought on line or in stores. The outfit has to be comfortable to dance in and look great as well. Shoes can be open toe, closed toe, Cuban thick heels, boots, or platform shoes. Part of the elegance of the dance is the right shoes to go with the right outfit.

Men love to dress up too! Ladies and audiences love a well dress leading man. Men's salsa shirts have attached trunks with snaps at the crotch. Pants are high waist with no belt. This combination makes clothing comfortable with no worries of a wardrobe malfunction on the dance floor. Men's dance shoes have a 1 1½" heel. Shoes can be leather or sneakers.

There are several Salsa Dance Clubs in New York City. It is best to take lessons if you have never danced before. Classes vary from Beginner to Advanced. Beginner classes teach basic steps from the beginning, breaking down each step. Advanced beginner starts to put these basics together into a basic dance. Next is intermediate partnerwork. This is where a couple will start to master their turn patterns, execute multiple spins and style their movements. Finally, the dancers will be taught "Shines" which are solo steps where the dancer gets to showcase their moves and style to the audience.

Once you feel comfortable with your lessons and clothing, it's time to step out into the limelight. There are salsa socials, dance clubs, night clubs in every part of New York City. New York is a huge city, so it won't be hard to find a place to dance. There are clubs in Brooklyn, Queens, Staten Island, Bronx and of course Manhattan. You can go to a small, intimate club to one of the huge dance clubs with multi levels, depending on your personal preference and your companions. There are some reasonably priced clubs in Manhattan, but many have a cover charge, pricey drinks and expensive food. But, that's what Manhattan is about, it is the greatest city in the world!

Salsa dancing is a great way to get in shape by using all of your muscles. So put on your new dancing clothes and shoes, put on your makeup, grab your partner and go have yourself a great time.

For more information about salsa dancing and to learn about the various methods and classes visit http://www.newyorkcitysalsadancing.com/

Original article

Getting Ready For Pole Dance Performance: The Psychology Of A Dancer

If you are pole dancing you probably know, that learning to do all the tricks is one thing, but giving a performance absolutely another. To put on a truly amazing performance as a pole dancer, you must start with the most important part of the dance - the mind-set. When you have the correct psyche, you will look hot, even if you are wearing sweatpants! You must become someone else, and you can do several things to help you create your new, sexy, alter ego. That's the focus of this article - getting your mind ready to dance. Let's go!

Chances are you wouldn't recognize a pole dancer at the bank or post office or even when she is dropping her child off at school. There is a reason for that: pole dancers are not themselves when they are on stage; they are a fantasy. They become someone else, and for most dancers, that's the only way they can get up there and do it. All pole dancers have split personality. As soon as we get into our costumes and on that stage, we become the other person.

Pole dancing is all acting, and when you act, you become another person. To help yourself psychologically with this "transformation" you need a stage name to make your personality change tangible. When you have that name, you have taken the first step in becoming someone else. You have a name, and thus another complete personality.

You can choose an adjective that may reflect a small part of yourself, such as Spicy, Vixen, or Foxy. Standard stripper names are also always a good choice, because when you hear names like Bunny, Bambi, Candi, Coco, or Amber, you automatically think of someone hot.

Eve just a normal name you find pretty, like Brittney, Tiffany, Juliana, Veronica, or holly can work, or you can be creative with names like Aurora, Xandra, Harley, Blaze, Saber, Gypsy, or Lace. Two names are also very sexy, such as Sexual Chocolate, Sweet Thing etc.

Or you could follow that old schoolyard rule of picking your stripper name using the name of your first pet with the first street you lived on. In my case, my name would have been Lolly Main. That method could backfire though if you end up with something like Ralph Butterworth.

Overall, have fun picking your stage name. Be creative. Get your thesaurus if you need to. This will help you transform into another personality, relax and perform much better than before.

Julia is a fitness writer and a passionate pole dancer. You can check her latest reviews on different dance and fitness poles on her website, where she writes about Carmen Electra Pole, Peekaboo Pole, X Pole Xpert and other dancing poles brands.

Original article

8 Tips To Improve Your Dancing

1. Take dance lessons consistently. Whether its group classes, private lessons or online dance lessons, you need to keep sharpening your dance knowledge. The key is to have lessons on a consistent basis. That way your teacher will get to know what your strengths and weaknesses are and be able to help you improve quicker.

2. Practice frequently. Make it a habit to practice as often as you can. You can take all the lessons in the world but if you don't practice what you had been learning, you will not get anywhere. Make it a rule for yourself to practice at least 1 hour for every 1 hour of lesson.

3. Go out dancing on a regular basis. You need REAL WORLD experience so go out to nightclub, a Ballroom dance party or a studio party for social dancing. Try to lead and follow different people and see how it feels. After the night is over, analyze within yourself what you did right and where you can improve.

4. Have a goal. Having a specific goal will motivate you to get better quickly. You will work much harder if there is a specific event you are looking forward to. Review your goals daily or weekly for absolute commitment. Some examples of things you can work towards are competitions, showcases or a wedding dances,

5. Dance with people who are better than you. The more you dance with people who are better than you, the quicker you will get to their level. Dancing with advanced dancers will also push you outside of your comfort zone.

6. Take lessons from teachers who push you to your limits. It is important to find teachers that will expect a lot from you and don't settle for second best. The best teachers should be critical and yet provide guidance and instruction to help you become a better dancer.

7. Visualize your dancing. Have a clear image of what you want your dancing to become. You should visualize yourself dancing in your head daily. Then, when you practice at the studio try to move towards the image you have in your head. This clarity will help you work towards the dancer you want to become.

8. Make technique a priority: It's not what you do, it's how you do it. Many people want to do the triple spins and all the other "crazy material" way too early. Work on the fundamentals first. Remember, even basic steps can look amazing if done right.

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By: Leon Turetsky
Professional Dance Instructor

Original article

How To Find The Best Ballroom Dance Shoes

Ballroom dancing is a form of couple dancing originally undertaken by the upper classes. Deriving from the Latin word meaning "to dance (ballare)," ballroom dancing is meant to be done in a large room created specifically for this type of social dancing. Nowadays, people from all walks of life enjoy ballroom dancing, and competitive dance has become rather popular.

With competitive dance, it's necessary to have the best ballroom dance shoes available. The best ballroom shoes don't need to be terribly expensive - it's possible to find cheap ballroom shoes which work just as well as the pricier models. Here are some things to look for when shopping for the best shoes:

* Suede Leather soles. Brushed Leather soles are necessary for good traction on a slippery dance floor. You should be able to pivot on the balls of your feet comfortably in order to avoid knee strain. Some cheap ballroom shoes have rubber soles, which you'll want to avoid. Some of the best shoes for women also have suede on the bottom to provide a better gliding ability.

* Ankle straps. Ankle straps on ladies' shoes aren't just aesthetically pleasing, they also provide support, and help in keeping the shoes securely on your feet.

* Proper support. Whether purchasing a pair of cheap ballroom shoes or ones costing hundreds of dollars, you'll want to be sure they provide proper support. Try your shoes on in the evening when your feet are swollen to ensure correct fit, and be sure to walk around for a while to really get a feel. The best shoes will have good arch support as well as a nice insole for cushioning.

* Carrying case. Since shoes are a bit of an investment, you'll want to have a place to store them to keep them in tip-top shape. Also, remember: even cheap ballroom shoes should never be worn outdoors, especially ones with suede soles, which can be damaged from wet sidewalks and streets.

* Attractive style. For all their function, the best shoes should also look good! There's no point in purchasing cheap ballroom dance shoes if they aren't attractive and don't make you feel more confident in your dancing AND your appearance. When you feel confident it shows through on the dance floor.

In the end, the best ballroom shoes are ones which you feel comfortable in. Whether you want cheap ballroom dance shoes or prefer to invest a pretty penny in a more costly pair, you should feel relaxed and confident in your choice. After all, ballroom dancing is all about having fun, and only happens when you're feeling secure with yourself.

http://www.tangorougeballroomdancewear.com/ offers the finest ballroom dresses/costumes & dance shoes in the industry. Nancy is a 5 year pro-am ballroom competitor, competing in both the American & International Ballroom styles. She is committed to providing quality ballroom dance apparel and accessories, and offers beautiful custom Latin dresses and more at discount prices.

Original article

Lap Dance Classes - Why They Are a Huge Waste of Time and Money!

Lap dancing may not be the world's oldest profession, but until recently, mainstream society has considered it along the same lines. That perception is changing rapidly. In the last few years, there has been a huge increase in popularity for live erotic entertainment, not only in strip clubs but in private homes as well. More and more, lap dance classes for women are being offered around the country in suburban and metropolitan areas.

Chances are, if you take 'professional' lap dance classes, you'll learn everything you need to know about lap dancing, whether it's for the fun of it or because you want to break into the erotic entertainment business. But if you're just a regular gal, you probably don't have a lot of extra money to throw around. That's A-OK! Why? Because you really don't have to pay crazy by-the-hour rates or course fees to take lap dance classes. You can learn what you need to know at minimal costs on internet websites like this one and others!

You probably already know that lap dancing is a type of erotic entertainment provided on request (and for a fee) to patrons of the strip club scene. It usually involves, among other moves, a dancer rubbing her body sensuously against her client's lap and groin, much to his enjoyment!

Most guys have this 'thing' about lap dancers. They secretly wished they were married or engaged to one! This is not to say that they don't totally respect you or that they would ever consider cheating on you with one of these dancers. But you can trust and believe that if you gave him the occasional steamy, sexy, hot lap in dance in the privacy of your own home, he'll be fantasizing about you and not that sexy, talented stripper at the nudie bar across town!

If you're looking for lap dance classes that will teach you how to dance like a pro, then the internet is all you really need. Instructional websites and articles will offer step-by-step instructions on how to make the right moves, what kind of clothes to wear, what kind of music to dance to, how to set the mood with lighting and aromatherapy so you can really turn a guy on and have him eating out of your hand in no time.

You can also find informative reviews about which of these classes are worth checking into, and which are a complete waste of time and money. And as is usually the case, you'll discover the most expensive programs are not necessarily the best!

The good ones are produced by some of the industry's top erotic dance pros from places like Las Vegas, Reno, Hollywood, Palm Beach. They don't have time to teach traditional in-person classes, because they're too busy making money! On the other hand, most of the "pro" strippers who are giving one-on-one instructions are doing so because they were not good enough to make a living at lap dancing -- so they try they hand at over priced online course teaching their trade. Be wary of such offers!

Having said all that, look around. Do some comparison shopping. Check the credentials of instructors offering lap dance classes online, and read some reviews by those who've tried these services before. You're sure to find the right site and the right course for you! Before long, you'll be wrapping your guy around your little finger because he's smitten by your sexy, sensual lap dancing moves!

For more information about where to get lap dance lessons or to just get a few tips for how to do a lap dance, visit LearnHowToLapDance.org right now. They'll teach your everything you need to know!

Original article