Ballet Dance

Ballet dancing is a form of art that has been around from the times of King Louis XIV, it has been perfected through the ages and is now considered one of the most beautiful and classy dance forms in the world. It has made names like the Danish Royal Ballet or the American Ballet Theatre famous around the world. The fluid graceful ballet moves of the ballerinas have captured the hearts of millions worldwide and have created passions in the hearts of children and elders alike. Ballet has even influenced fashion and shoe design (many shoes today are molded from the form of the ballet pointe shoes. Ballet now is comprised of classical ballet, neoclassical ballet and contemporary ballet, there are slight differences between them like the position of the left arm or right arm during certain dance moves but the basis is common. Ballet is also considered a doorway to culture, mainly towards the musical side as classical music is almost always used when dancing.

Ballet is a difficult dance to learn, which requires great mobility and grace. Even though there is no official limit of age at which you can take up ballet parents usually take their kids to ballet lessons at very young ages because of said requirements. It is much easier for a child to learn ballet at young age because in our youth it is much easier for us to become used to the graceful motion and ballet moves. Some people argue that the best age for starting ballet is between six and eight years old but some dancers start even at four.

The ballet instructor acts as a guide for the young ones, working on their attitude and demeanor, on their grace and posture. Always make sure your child will be in a good environment, so he can learn as much as he can, and in the future to perform at the best level he will be able to achieve. Don't let him be overstrained as injuries often happen in ballet if you are not careful, the feet and body are subject to a lot of stress while practicing ballet moves like the arabesque and others.

All the ballet moves originate from the five basic ballet positions, these are the simplest stances in ballet allow the dancer to start any movement. For example the first position is used preceding certain steps, the second and fourth positions are used usually before a leap or a mid-air split, while the fifth position is used for strong turning motions like a pirouette. In ballet one's control over one's body is critical, even keeping your toes aligned can make a difference in the success of ballet moves.

Having your child attend ballet lessons and learn ballet moves, even if not to achieve performance in the domain, can be a great way to awaken his interest in culture and also to develop his body and grace to levels that will come in handy and will be appreciated in later years.

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Modern Dance

Have you ever wondered how modern dance developed? It has an interesting history. For instance: (1) The dancers that started modern dance did so to rebel against ballet, (2) they felt that classical dance was too rigid, and (3) wanted to create a dance that allowed self-expression and freedom of movement.

This article provides an overview of the history of modern dance.
Modern dance is one of the truly American forms of dance, which has now spread worldwide. It was created by combining moves and styles from a variety of other dance forms and individual self-expression. The art form grew out of a desire to rebel against the strictness of ballet.

Three female dancers are credited with starting the modern dance movement. Isadora Duncan and Ruth St. Denis wanted to create a new form of dance. They, along with German dancer Mary Wigman, set out to create something different. Other dancers were doing the same thing, but these three received the most recognition.

The three women rejected classical ballet techniques such as wearing specific costumes and shoes. They felt that ballet was too restrictive, and that dance should be more about self expression. This style of dance developed from this idea.

This form of dance was later heavily influenced by early choreographers such as Bob Fosse and Katherine Dunham. Fosse became a big theatrical success by using the energetic style in Broadway shows like, Damn Yankees, Cabaret, and The Pajama Game. And Dunham was one of the first African-American women to find great success as a choreographer. She started her own successful dance troupe, and earned the distinction of being an innovator in African-American modern dance.

Hollywood also embraced this type of dance, and was greatly influenced by the choreography and teachings of Matt Mattox in movies like Gentlemen Prefer Blondes.

This form of dance has remained a popular style in musical productions, music videos, and in dance competitions worldwide. It will remain popular as long as musicals are performed on Broadway.

When combined with expert choreography, and highly talented dancers, this type of dance exhibits an energy, power, and range of movements which is hard to match in any other style.

A lot of dancers start in ballet, and then move into modern dance. However, there are now classes devoted to modern so children can start young. It's recommended that children start training at an early age, no matter what style of dance they're studying.

Hip Hop Dance

Hip hop dancing is an urban ethnic dance form that has gained popularity in recent days. It is more common than the break dance of modern days. Hip hop dancing marked its beginning as part of the hip hop culture in the early 1900's, when the youth in and around Bronx, New York started dancing on the streets.

Hip hop dancing is an ideal way to express one's creativeness. It features self impressions and the dances come from the soul. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. There is breaking, popping, locking, and free styling in hip hop dances. The jumps, breakages, and rotations in the movements are combined in such a way that the dance style becomes an informal and explosive one.

Hip hop dancing is considered a good exercise for those persons who perform these dances. It helps the dancers to improve flexibility, to develop body balance, and to coordinate the muscles. This dance allows the dancers to improve their own style and to remain in good body shape. It also leads the dancers to a state of spiritual wholeness.

Hip hop dancing includes many steps and movements that are not present in ballet and ballroom dancing. The jazz, ballet, and other traditional dance forms are technical and require more formal training. There is a term for each and every movement in jazz and ballets. But this is not the case with hip hop dancing and the dancers experience freedom while dancing. The only thing the dancers should have is to become familiar with the dancing technique.

Hip hop dancing can be learned by all those who are interested in dancing. There is no age limitation or restriction for learners and dancers. It is also not necessary that the instructor should be a professional dancer. However, this kind of dance is slightly difficult to learn because of the various body movements.

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Salsa Dance

As the summer sun begins to set over Lake Merritt in Oakland, California, a pulsating rhythm rises up, echoing off the gently rippling waters and softly lit buildings of downtown. At the edge of the lake, a group of about twenty dancers weave in and out from under the vine-covered walkway. The men, stepping in perfect time to the percussion, effortlessly guide their female partners, whose skirts twirl flirtatiously from their swaying hips. Each couple seems to be lost in their own world of music, their eyes locked on only each other, and yet the entire floor throbs as a single heartbeat of movement.

This is the passionate Latin dance of salsa. Every first Sunday during the summer months, East Bay residents congregate at the northeast end of Lake Merritt to show off their salsa dance moves. Some are professionals; their bodies whip around one another in a blur of quick feet and sexy smiles. Others are beginners; their steps are simpler, sometimes only moving forward and back, but there is a spark in their movements as well, a subtle hint of the fire that is salsa.

Of course anyone is welcome to participate in this impromptu dancing out on Oakland's lake, just as anyone is welcome to participate out on any dance floor. However, just as out on any dance floor, you want to have the right moves. Salsa is simply a series of steps to a series of beats. Beginners should start with learning the basics by either taking a class or watching an instructional video on salsa dance moves.

Because dancing is an expression through the body, it is crucial how you hold your body throughout a performance. First, it is important to maintain excellent posture. Keep a straight back and push your shoulders down. An upright position will help you to keep your balance for turns. Also, it adds to the sharpness of your form and contrasts nicely with the movement your hips, legs, and feet. Another important factor is to always keep your thumbs tucked near your palms. This helps create crisp, clean exchanges between partners as any turns and spins require adept hand placements; thumbs will only get in the way.

There are two rudimentary positions in salsa. The first is the closed position. The male places his right hand on the female's left shoulder blade. In turn, the female places her left hand on the male's right shoulder. Both male and female hold one another's free hand away from the body with the arm bending straight up from the elbow.

The second position is the open position. The man holds his hands out in front of him, his arms bent forward at his elbows. His hands should be loosely cupped with his palms facing one another. The woman places her hands in his with the heel of her palms resting on his fingers, and her hands facing the floor. Remember, no thumbs!

For the purpose of keeping rhythm, salsa movements are broken down into counts, or beats, of eight. Steps are taken on counts one through three and five through seven for the most basic salsa movements, with pauses on counts four and eight.

Once you have achieved correct posture, position, and counting, you can learn the first steps in salsa! These steps can be done in either the closed position or the open position. Begin facing one another, in either position, with your feet together. To stay on the rhythm, take a step (or pause) for each count.

The male leads by stepping forward with his left foot on the first count. He then steps in place with his right foot. On the third beat, he steps his left foot back into its original position. The forth beat is a pause. On the fifth beat, the man steps back with his right foot. He steps in place with his left foot on the sixth count and steps his right foot back in place on the seventh count. The eighth beat is another pause.

Being led by the man, the woman steps back when the man steps forward and vice versa. For example, on the first beat she steps backward with her right foot. She steps in place with her left foot on the second beat. Then she steps her right foot back in place next to her left foot on the fourth beat and pauses on the third beat. The female then steps forward on the fifth beat with her left foot. On the sixth beat she steps in place with her right foot and steps her left foot back in place on the seventh beat. She pauses on the eighth beat.

Those are the foundational movements of salsa. It is highly recommended to supplement your understanding with instructional videos of salsa dance moves or a class in order to fully grasp body placement and movement. Once you begin to feel comfortable - smile, move your hips, and have fun! In the sultry summer months ahead, scenes like the one at Oakland's Lake Merritt are going to be taking place all over the country. Join in, and share the passion that is salsa.

Tango Dance

If there's one dance that people consider romantic and sexy, that would be the tango. It comes as no surprise that many people show a lot of interest in learning the famous moves they've seen in movies. Not to mention the sultry dresses women wear! As they swing and move their legs to the beat of the earthy and dramatic music, the swish of the skirt is a mesmerizing site indeed. Unlike the other ballroom dances, the movements involved in tango can either be slow and smooth, or sharp and strong. It is distinct in its own right and is easy on the eyes. A quick leg flip and a head snap usually signals the beginning of the dance.

Tango is a dance made for lovers. While it has the same circular flow as most other styles have, there is a sense of need emanating for both the man and woman. It seems as if they crave for the touch of the other person while their feelings of passion radiate all throughout the dance. And although it looks very complicated, the basic choreography involves alternating movement of the feet. The man starts and the woman mirrors what he does. Some people prefer to learn the tango with the help of the instructor. While studios can be found practically anywhere, you can equip yourself ahead of time by learning the most basic steps:

1. Stand up beside your partner and hold him close.

2. As he moves his right foot back, you step forward using left foot. The foot moves to where the body leans. Keep your heel off the ground while your leg trails smoothly. Avoid bouncing at all costs. Allow your heel to touch the floor only when you take a step back.

3. As he brings his left foot to the side, do the same with your right. This lateral movement begins with the leading foot extending to either direction that is quickly followed by shift in weight. Your feet come together soon after.

4. Switch sides and mirror his movement.

5. As he pivots his right foot to the left, do the same with your left. The leading leg should pull your body weight.

6. Switch sides when he does.

7. Add toe-taps and a variety of other movements only when you've grown comfortable and familiar with the dance.

8. Think like a cat and try to move like one all throughout. And remember, some people believe that it is actually the women who do the first move. However it will be for you, you shouldn't act like a ragged doll being dragged around.

Tango is very much like walking with your partner. The major distinction here is that you face and hold each other close as you traipse your way through the floor. For those who feel the need to challenge themselves, the dance does get complicated. As for those who live in a world of self-reliance, there are those who believe that you can add your own personal movements to the dance. Just know that as an active participant, you must exude passion. After all, what good is the tango without the emotion?

Ingrid Michaelson is a 20 year instructor and career ballroom dancer. For more information on getting tango lessons in Boston, visit http://www.arthurmurrayboston.com/.

So you think you can dance?

You've been taking dance lessons, or you've been thinking of taking dance lessons while watching some dance videos on YouTube in order to see what you are up against. You make an appointment at a dance studio, or find an independent instructor and take a few lessons. Your teacher says you should come to a dance social and try out your new skills, but you are just not sure you have enough steps/rhythm/grace/confidence quite yet. How do you know when you are ready to show your moves to the world?

Well, first of all, let me assure you - you will never feel ready! Sorry. Not going to happen. Period. Unless you are one of those happy-go-lucky types that will try just anything and maintain a positive attitude, even if he or she falls on their face, you will never feel that you are completely ready.

Depressing? Wait! It gets worse! No matter how long you have been dancing, and even if you give up your career for professional dancing and devote hours a day to it, you will not feel ready to go out and show your moves to the public! EVER.

So what do you do? You go out there anyway! This is what professionals have to deal with all the time. Think for a second, what would you do if you had an important presentation at work tomorrow, but you just did not feel 100% ready. You'd probably stay up late and cram, but in the end, you'd go into the meeting and give the presentation, right?

Dancing works the same way. You just have to do it. It may not go smoothly from start to end. You may have a couple of moments when you have no idea what your partner is doing, or which dance is playing, and wish you stayed home instead. But remember, your first time, at anything, only happens that one time, and once it is over, your second time is bound to go much more smoothly! So take the leap, do the steps, and get lost in the rhythm!

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Dance Freak

Freak dancing is a form of art that is too expressive and suggestive in nature. In common, parlance it is also referred as dirty dancing where two partners rub their pelvic portions with each other along with predominant movements of their respective hips. There are different variants of freak dancing but the most noted one is the Caribbean style.

The Caribbean use this form of dancing mainly during the carnival season and it has gained popularity across all ages and sexes.

Freak dance is mainly a wild form of dance where two partners sensitize each other along with the music beat in a particular fashion. The core idea is to rub the groin of one partner with the butt of other in a synchronous manner along with the music beat.

There are different forms of freak dancing which are as follows

1. Wave - In this form, grinding movements are used along with the music beats.

2. Side to side- This is the form of freak dancing where the dancers stand beside one another and move their hips in both clockwise and anti clockwise directions as per music beats.

3. Sandwich- Sandwich is a form of group dance where two or more individuals of the opposite gender press one individual of a particular gender from all sides. Then in that fashion, only they dance along with the music beats.

4. Vibration Gyration- This involves rapid shaking of the body to the beat of the music.

The beauty of freak dancing is that it is not only constrain to a particular type of music for example hip hop music. Freak dancing can also be done with other form of music provided the two dancing partners are at absolute ease with each other.

Some basic hygiene is to be carried out during freak dancing. You should not intake to much of fluid before the dancing. Secondly, this being an intimate dance you should always draw a limit for yourself considering the fact to what extent you are comfortable with your partner. It is absolutely fine for you to walk away from the provocative dancing steps if you are not comfortable at all.

Though it seems that this form of dancing is very exciting it has its own limitations. It is not appropriate for all cultures. Rather it is very limited to some particular social class. Because of its controversial style, debates have already arisen regarding its usage in school colleges and bachelor parties.

Therefore, this is completely the onus of an individual of how to use freak dance, where to use freak dance and to what extent it can be used. Because at the end of the day you expect a form of dancing to be beautiful rather than being vulgar. and freak dancing is not an exception.

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