Tuesday, 16 October 2012

4 Things To Look For When Choosing A Studio For Dance Classes

If your child has shown an interest in taking dance classes, choosing a studio is likely one of your biggest priorities. Before you spend hours driving around to different studios and looking around, call a few and ask a couple key questions to make sure you're signing up for a program that's right for you. Here are a couple things to ask so you can ensure you've found the right place for your children to learn to dance.
Look For Instructors Who Enjoy Working With Kids
Many studios have a number of classes that cater to children of all ages. If your child is starting to learn to dance and they're very young, ask what kind of experience the instructors have with little ones. A teacher who focuses on lessons for high school students will need very different experience than one who teaches pre-schoolers. One of the biggest differences is that teachers who work with pre-school students will need nearly endless amounts of patience since children this small can be a little difficult (but fun!) to teach.
Look For Studios That Offer Flexible Class Times
Busy parents need a lot of options when it comes to dance lessons. Instead of finding a studio that only offers a class once a week, look for one with a number of different options for dance lessons. One benefit of finding a studio that has many different classes is that you'll likely be able to make up a class in case your child is sick on their regular class day. Another benefit is that many offer Saturday classes, which are vital if you're a working parent.
Search For Studios With Many Different Types Of Dance Classes
If your child isn't sure what type of lessons they want to take, look for a studio that offers a number of different types. These can include beginning ballet, tap and jazz, as well as hip hop, adult contemporary and even yoga! Studios with so many different options mean that you won't need to go from studio to studio if your child wants to try something new.
Ask About The Fees
Lastly, ask about the fees. It's fairly standard to pay a registration fee, as well as monthly or quarterly fees to take the lessons. Some studios do offer a discount to students or families that participate in more than one lesson a week. Also ask if there will be any additional fees for a recital. Dancers will need a costume that matches the rest of their class, but there might be optional fees for photos, videos, advertisements in recital programs and more.
Choosing the right program so your child can learn to dance is vitally important. A great teacher and studio can help set your child up for a lifetime love of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and more. Don't leave this to chance -- do your research to make sure you're choosing the right program for your child.

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First Five Ideas to Avoid Dance Related Accidents

Here we will discuss five ways to help with any situation.
1. Dancers should be more physically fit - Make sure your body is strong before you start a performing schedule. Do not push until you are physically able.
2. Eat, drink and live for a performer's needs - Avoid smoking. A dancer's diet needs to be carefully planned and structured to fit into work, class, rehearsal and performance schedules but provide adequate nutrition. It is critical that dancers have great nutrition. The correct amount of an adequate supply of fluids, calories to match work demands, good quality protein plus vitamins and minerals is required.
3. Warm-up and Cool-down training - Dancers should exercise 30-45 minutes daily plus a good short warm-up period prior to performance. The daily workout should include relaxation exercises, body alignment, flexibility exercises, balance and coordination of breathing. Some cross training helps too, if possible.
A warm-up prepares and focuses the mind and body for performance. A good warm-up is 10-15 minutes long. It (A) raises the body temperature. (B) raises the heart rate and increases the circulation of oxygen, nutrients and waste materials from the body. (C) improves the viscosity of the sinovial fluid in the joints. As the body temperature rises, the ability to stretch increases, so stretching should begin after the warm-up. Warm-ups are also a time for the dancer to better understand his/her body and take personal responsibility for needs, such as special stretching or strengthening.
Most classes cannot devote enough time to a comlpete warm-up, stretch and cool down. You have to be responsible on your own. This is especially important for amateur performers.
4. Stretching - Stretch at the end of any activity. Stretching makes a great cool-down. Stretching allows the muscles to stretch to the maximum. Also use deep breathing and visualization while stretching.
5. Better awareness of anatomy and how the body works - a clearer knowledge of how the dancing body works can often cure a problem before it starts. Teachers and coaches must insist on proper technique, strengthening and conditioning. Watch for repetitive compacting of the lower extremities. This leads to chronic fatigue of the area. Failure to absorb the shock of impact can be the result of weakness, fatigue or lack of flexibility. Achilles tendonitis is related to fatigue.
Read and digest these five ideas. Work on these five. Remember dance is serious exercise. Be prepared.

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How To Dance Hip Hop?

Hip hop dancing is enjoyed by all ages and all sizes. For leisure, for career or just to work out, dancing can be a very fun activity to bond with friends and family.
However, the learning curve might be quite steep for some because of the fast and physically demanding movements. The key is to focus and keep practising.
Many who want to learn how to dance hip hop are willing to put in the hard work but don't know where to start.
This article help you understand the different types of hip hop dance moves and styles and perhaps from this list, you can find your favourite and get started with that.
Here is a list of some of the more popular dance styles people love (in no particular order):
Breakdancing
Also known as B-boying or breaking, breakdancing is a popular form of street dance since the early 1970s that began as part of hip hop culture among African American and Latino youths in New York City.
Usually danced to breakbeats
, b-boying consists of four primary elements: toprock, downrock, power moves, and freezes. These elements will be discussed in more detail in another article.
Locking
Originally known as Campbellocking, locking is a style of funk dance that involves freezing from a fast movement and "locking" in a certain position, holding that position for a short while and then continuing in the same speed as before.
What makes it interesting is that although it relies on fast and distinct arm and hand movements, it is blended with more relaxed hips and legs.
Lockers often execute large and exaggerated movements which are rhythmic and tightly synced with hip hop dance songs. If you are quite the extrovert, this may be the style for you as it is rather performance oriented which largely involves interacting with your audience by smiling or giving them a high five. In addition, some locking moves are quite comical in nature which makes it very entertaining to watch.
Locking is typically danced to traditional funk music, such as that produced or performed by James Brown.
Popping
Sometimes mixed up with locking because they are always put together, popping is a form of street dance originating from California since the 1960s-1970s. One of the original funk styles, it is based on the technique of quickly contracting and relaxing muscles to cause a jerk in the dancer's body. That jerk is referred to as a pop or a hit.
With its crisp and sharp movements, songs used by poppers are usually heavy on rhythm so that dancers can create the robotic feel to a song with a combination with various movements and poses.
Poppers usually integrate other styles like robotic, waving and tutting to create a more varied performance.
There you go, these are just some of the 3 popular hip hop dance styles people love. Go to any studio in your area and you will find individual courses teaching you each of these hip hop dance moves.

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Finding The Best Dance Classes: 3 Types Of Lessons For Kids

Dance classes are fun for children of all ages, but if you're looking for a class for your child, you might be wondering just how to find the right type. There are many different types of classes, from jazz, to ballet, to tap and each one offers a different dancing style. Learn about these classes, what you can expect during the class, and what your child will need to have in order to participate.
Jazz Dance Classes
Jazz dance classes are peppy and fun for kids! The music is typically popular and may even be on the radio's top 40 list. The moves are upbeat and may contain leaps, jumps, spins and more. Female dancers typically wear tight clothes, such as shorts or pants with a tight top or bra top, while male dancers wear a T-shirt with a tank top underneath and a pair of pants or shorts that allows for easy movement. Special shoes are available in either nude or black and can be a lace up or slip on style. These shoes have a small heel and are available with or without small rubber pads on the soles. If you're signing your child up for jazz dance classes, ask the instructors what type of shoes you should purchase since many instructors want all the students to have the same style or color.
Ballet Lessons
Ballet lessons are one of the most popular types of lessons for kids. Children will learn a combination of traditional moves and turns and the focus is on making each movement as graceful as possible. Kids will need a special type of ballet shoe and may eventually require a special type of pointe shoe that will allow them to dance on their toes (though this can take years and years of practice). Some teachers may ask that students wear special clothing for class, typically a plain black leotard, pink tights and pink shoes. Male dancers typically need a plain white T-shirt, a pair of black tights and black shoes.
Tap Dance Lessons
Unlike other type of lessons, tap dance lessons want kids to be heard! Children wear a special type of shoe with metal taps attached to the heel and the toe of the shoe. These taps help create specific sounds as dancers move around. There are a number of popular moves that take advantage of these taps during tap dance lessons, including the shuffle, the brush and the ball change. If your child is interested in this type of class, talk to the teacher about what type of attire is necessary. Many lessons only require comfortable clothing that doesn't inhibit movement, but your teacher may have more specific wardrobe requests.
If you're not sure which type of class is right for your child, consider trying to find a lesson that includes a combination of different types or talking to the instructors at the studio. Doing this can help ensure that your kids are having fun and that's the biggest reason to start dancing!

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Dealing With Criticism in the Dance World: Turn Negative Into Positive

REMEMBER THE REASON WHY - You go to dance class to learn and improve. To improve in anything, we need feedback to know what is working and what is not. Just being told the positive will not help you grow. Try not to take criticism personally. It has nothing to do with you just what is happening in dance at this moment. It relates to your technique and ability. Getting negative feedback does not mean you are not talented. Even professionals get criticized. The instructor is the coach on your side. Coaches use pointers to make you look your best before you go on stage. I know when I correct it is because I believe the person not only can correct a situation but is capable of it. Someone with no ability usually gets less feedback. That does not mean she is better. It usually means there is nothing to work with, or at least not yet.
CONSIDER THE SOURCE - Feeling overwhelmed or bombarded? Take a moment to prioritize. A comment from a teacher means more than from a fellow student. Remember in choreography the choreographer has final say about the execution. Technique related comments are different from remarks about your body. The latter will hurt even if intended to help you. Don't automatically strike out advice from other sources. These can help you too. Always let teacher make final changes though.
LEARN WHEN TO LET GO - Your first instinct is probably to repeat. repeat, repeat. Sometimes, no matter how hard you try, the corrections will not take place that day. That is OK. Sleep on it and look at it again with fresh eyes. Odds are that your body is just over tired and needs a break. Your body needs time to adjust. This is not the same as giving up. Remember, there is a learning curve to everything. Sometimes just block it all out and forget it for now and it will happen. Do not over think. Enjoy the parade.
BE KIND TO YOURSELF - Handling criticism with maturity and positivity requires inner strength. You have to love yourself and forgive yourself. Just remember, a dancer never stops learning. Once one challenge is overcome a new one will crop up. Learn to work within your body's limitations. We all have them. As you progress you will become your most important critic. Stay humble. Develop a tough skin. Just be the best dancer you can, and the best person. Enjoy taking to the stage.

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Monday, 15 October 2012

How To Learn To Dance

There are a couple of ways to learn how to dance and before you start, it's important to learn about them.
The most obvious way to learn to dance, of course, is to go to a class.
This method of learning has both advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully examined.
There are some big advantages to going to a class. You will get direct feedback from an instructor as you are dancing so you can correct any mistakes you are making.
There is also the social aspect of going to a dance class - you can meet new people who have similar interests.
Of course, there are disadvantages to attending a dance class as well. Going to a dance class is the most expensive way to learn how to dance, and not everyone can afford to take a class.
It can also be difficult to find the time to attend a dance class. A busy work schedule can get in the way, as can a busy home life and social life. If you have children this can be especially difficult as it means finding someone to watch your kids while you go out.
Another disadvantage of taking a dance class is that some people would rather not have an audience while learning something new, especially an audience of strangers. If you are just starting out and are a bit shy, you may find it difficult to attempt new dance moves with people watching you.
Another way to learn to dance is by watching videos.
This method, as with taking a class, has some advantages and disadvantages.
The biggest advantage of learning to dance from a video is the scheduling flexibility. You can play your video whenever you have some spare time instead of having to follow a rigid class schedule. This is especially beneficial for people with children and people who work shift work.
Learning to dance from a video is also a very inexpensive way to do it.
After your initial purchase you can watch the videos over and over as many times as you want as opposed to having to keep paying for new classes.
Plus the videos can be your dance sequence "notes", whenever you forget about the steps or sequence or how to "move", you can play them anytime even weeks or months and years later.
Learning to dance in the comfort of your own home has an advantage over taking a class due to the fact that when you're at home by yourself or with your partner you are more relaxed because you're not worried about looking awkward or clumsy in front of strangers.
Being relaxed will help you master the steps far more quickly.
If you have a spouse, learning to dance from a video can be a fun and romantic way to connect with each other. Light some candles and spend some time just focusing on each other and on learning a new skill.
This is a huge advantage for parents because it can be done after the kids go to bed.
There are, of course, a couple of disadvantages to using a video.
You will miss out on the feedback you would get from a teacher.
One way to overcome this is to have your spouse or a friend watch you while you practice and compare you to the video so they can give you feedback.
You can also use a mirror to watch yourself while you learn.
Another disadvantage is the fact that you are missing out on the social aspect of dance.
If this is a concern, keep in mind that once you have mastered your moves, you can hit the dance clubs and meet all kinds of new people!
Deciding which method to use can be a bit difficult, but the easy decision to make is that YOU should learn to dance!

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Sunday, 14 October 2012

Men's Dance Classes: Helping Guys Hurdle Their Shyness of Dancing

Dancing has always been one of the foremost recreational and social activities of both men and women. This statement was especially true during the time when technological advancements such as various electronic gadgets, appliances, and the internet were still pipe dreams grasped only by the wily minds of science fiction authors. Young people specifically flocked to establishments such as ballrooms, discos, and eventually, nightclubs, because dancing also enables them to bond and socialize with other people who share their love for moving to the music. But this does not mean that it has already been cast by the wayside in this day and age, for there are still many people who enjoy dancing, and many social events and gatherings today involve and incorporate this method of artistic expression.
But while there are many women who enjoy dancing and can move gracefully whilst doing so, there are not as many men who are, which is probably due to a variety of reasons. Perhaps the most common reason as to why there are many men who are shy whenever the subject of dancing comes to the fore is that they believe that it goes against their masculinity or the macho image that they have. Another probable reason when it comes to men's shyness when it comes to swaying to the beat is their fear of public embarrassment or their lack of confidence whenever they take the floor.
Thankfully, a solution presents itself in the form of men's dance classes, which will enable men to learn and perfect different styles so that they will be able to conquer their fear of stepping out and showing their moves. One of the advantages of enrolling in lessons for men is that guys will have the chance to learn moves and styles from professional instructors themselves, who will patiently teach them until they have mastered each step. Those who choose to enroll in men's dance classes will also have the luxury to choose which style to learn and master, and will be taken under the wing of seasoned professionals which is why a lot of males who wish to conquer their fear enrol in these types of classes.
But in the end, men who are only beginning to learn how to boogie should realize that making mistakes is part of learning, and they should learn to merely laugh at them rather than beat themselves over it and take it seriously. Aside from enrolling in men's dance classes, men should, above all, believe in themselves that they can do just as well as anyone else, in order for them to fully conquer their shyness when it comes to strutting their stuff.

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