Do The Cha-Cha-Cha

The very lively beat of the cha-cha-cha, sometimes shortened to cha-cha, is characteristic of Latin American ballroom styles. The dance was, in fact, named after the lively sound made by the dancer's shoes scraping the floor in rhythm to the quick beat. The cha-cha is another of the Latin dances with origins in Cuba. The development of the dance into an international ballroom dancing event was achieved with the help of a European man known as Monsieur Pierre.

Beautiful Latin costumes do much to add to the upbeat rhythm of the cha-cha, especially when they feature fabric cuts such as fringe that can fly freely with movement and create a blur of bold color to catch the eye.

Cha-cha is usually danced informally to Cuban music, or Latin pop and rock. Professional ballroom dancing usually features music that is more lively and maintains a steadier beat than Cuban-style dance which has fun changing rhythms.

Dancers learn specific hip and leg movements that are easily recognized characteristics of Latin-style dances. Many ballroom costumes for Latin dancing have extreme hip-accentuating features that draw attention to this key part of the body, such as slits, ornate beading, or extra fabric.

A Latin costume worn while performing the cha-cha is more likely to be short, as well, to allow for free leg movement and to add to the sensual appeal of the dance.

Traditional Spanish-styled Latin costumes feature multi-layered ruffles and often a bare midriff. The spiciness of Latin dancing does not escape the dance, even at the professional ballroom dancing level.

Men's ballroom costumes for the Latin dances such as a the cha-cha are also more attention-grabbing than their more subdued counterparts, often featuring deep v-necks, interesting accents and pops of color to accentuate the female's Latin dance costume.

The cha-cha is a very beautiful dance form that is one of the most lively and energetic of the Latin ballroom dances. The upbeat music, the eccentric moves, and the bold style of its costumes work together to create an unforgettably appealing impression that radiates energy and enjoyment of life through dance.

Take the time to learn the Latin dance, and have some fun. It is not very hard once you master the basic moves that make it, and you will enjoy the added benefit of an invigorating workout at the same time. Additionally, you'll enjoy wearing colorful Latin costumes while strutting your stuff!

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

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Capezio Dancewear for Different Dance Styles

The primary purpose of Capezio dancewear is to allow you to both look and move as a dancer. Capezio dancewear includes many different items, such as leotards, tights, tutus, wrap skirts, and of course, shoes. Dancewear must either accentuate or complement your body's movements while you dance.

For example, the graceful elegance of ballet should be apparent in every movement of your body, and to emphasize this fluidity you need the appropriate form-fitting ensemble. Capezio leotards and tights are designed to illustrate your body to the audience during every pirouette, jeté, and arabesque. Wrap skirts and tutus are specifically structured to draw attention to your legs and movement without distracting from your dance. And, pointe shoes, which are the most essential ballet accessory, are crafted to elongate your legs and feet and to enhance your dancing.

In tap dance, your costume may be flamboyant and bold, since the key element of your Capezio dancewear is your tap shoes. The audience's ears and eyes are automatically focused on your tapping feet. Tap shoes are the focal point of a tap dance performance, and as such, they must not clash with rest of your costume. The type of tap shoes you wear depends on your dance routine as well as you or your instructor's personal preference.

Modern dance does have as strict a dress code. Capezio dancewear for this genre is generally simple and understate, which represents its less rigidly stylized nature. Modern dance incorporates elements of ballet and jazz. And, similar to the wardrobe for ballet, your attire for modern dance should be form fitting to permit you to move your body in the appropriate ways. In a performance, you may wear a dance dress, which is basically a camisole leotard that has a light, sheer, flowing skirt attached to it. A dance dress is usually a solid color. The most notable staple of modern dance is the fact performers are usually barefooted. When you do modern dance, your bare feet and uncomplicated attire enhance your body's innate flexibility.

Modern dance also has less regimented rules about hairstyle. Tap and ballet generally require you to wear your hair up to highlight the lines of the neck, face, and shoulders; modern dance, on the other hand, only requires that you keep your hair back in practice, your hair may be loose or down in a performance, depending on the nature of the dance number. In dance, your hair do is an extension of your costume and it is styled accordingly

Capezio dancewear is not just your uniform, it is an extension of the dance itself.

NYDancewear.com is your go to shop for all your dancewear needs. You can find Capezio leotards and Mirella shoes here, for practice and for performances

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To Flirt or Not to Flirt on the Dance Floor

Now one of the great things about the salsa dancing scene is that for the vast majority of people it's mainly about the dance. Now lets be honest, while I definitely agree with this flirting is a part of our day to day lives and the dance floor is no exception. When I dance I am not doing it with the intention of meeting someone to take home or even to date. I would say this is true for many of us but who is to say that you can not put flirting into your dance?

If you are new to dancing I find that this comes naturally (engaging with your partner) but for some reason it seems to go away the more you dance. Veteran dancers heed my words! All the moves, styling, footwork or whatever will not make you a memorable dance unless the other person you are dancing with is part of that experience. I still think about a dance I had in Montreal with a performer, a great dancer, but absolutely dead in how she interacted with me. She seemed so focused on her styling and looking good in front of others, barely a smile the whole dance. I spent most of it wondering what I was doing wrong.

Now I am just as guilty of this, I have noticed it in myself and its something I am trying to curb. How many times have you seen awesome dancers who have a business expression on the face? Its weird and way too serious. There is also the question of what to do in classes. Its important to be aware because of this. Here is a general rule in classes your energy needs to be 50% less than on the dance floor. Mellow out in class. Focus on getting the moves right not on trying to flirt or engage your partner in conversation during moves. As an instructor it is very distracting to be explaining something while someone else cannot stop flirting with whomever they are partnered with. Keep in mind your partner will feel the same way too.

Take this as a tip, too much eye contact = creepy, no eye contact = boring little eye contact after a spin accompanied with a grin=money. Keep in mind I am not talking about actual flirting, but rather putting in the spirit of flirting into your 3-5minutes with this other person.

Here is a summary. Put flirting into your dancing, not actual flirting but flirting behaviour. Grins, looks, hips, etc. For good measure sprinkle in a little body role once in a while too. Remember at the end of the day its a partner dance, a street dance, a social dance.

Ivan Wan
Salsa Dancer & Teacher
Vancouver, BC, Canada
http://www.dance4uvancouver.com/

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