A Quick History of the Heel
The Cuban heel as we know it is descended from the riding boots worn by, among others, the Mongolians in the 9th century. Chinese rice farmers and even Ancient Egyptian butchers wore similar styles, all aimed at keeping some of their food off the ground (and away from the mess in the latter case). By the 1600s France, they were considered the ultimate fashion accessory and were then stolen by the ladies in the 1980s to give themselves a masculine edge.
While Cuban heels is one common name for the style of shoe, it is also known as Latin heel because it works for so many Latin dancers. And also because the style really didn’t originate with Cuba. Dances such as the cha-cha, the rumba and the samba were done wearing this kind of heel from an early time and as these dances spread around the world, the Cuban heel went with them.
Famous Cuban Heel Wearers
In more recent times, perhaps the most famous wearers of the Cuban heels were the Beatles. In the 1960s, Chelsea boots with Cuban heels were the epitome of fashion and had a sleek look as well as adding a little height for the guys in question. Another famous wearer was the character played by John Travolta in Saturday Night Fever. The shoe went out of fashion along with almost everything else in the 1990s when grunge was the order of the day. But in the last decade or so, more people have taken to wearing the styles. One reason is a growing popularity with groups such as Franz Ferdinand and comedian Noel Fielding. The other is, of course, the growing love of dancing.
Dancing in Cuban Heels?
Cuban heels can be worn for more styles of dance than just Latin. For women, the Cuban heel tends to be between one and three inches high, with a 2.5-inch heel being an ideal height for Latin and ballroom dances. Often, these are open toed styles that allow more movement. For men, Cuban heels around 1.5 inches in height are ideal. They tend to be worn most often during competitions rather than just for practices.
As well as Latin dances, Cuban heels are popular for other styles such as Charleston as well as for musical theatre such as a chorus line. This is because the width of the heel gives them a greater stability than thin heels and are also more comfortable to wear. Even if you aren’t used to wearing a heel of this height, feet quickly adapt and an insole can be added for extra comfort.
Click here for a great range of Cuban Heel Dance Shoes for whenever you wear them.
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The term flash mob or flash mob dance seems to have been coined around 2003 and refers to an assembly of people that gather together to dance, sing or otherwise perform.
]]>When does a dance group become a Flash Mob?
The term flash mob or flash mob dance seems to have been coined around 2003 and refers to an assembly of people that gather together to dance, sing or otherwise perform. It isn’t used to refer to political gatherings or publicity stunts, though some have been used as advertising or to raise awareness of a brand or cause. If organised by a company for this purpose, they are often called smart mobs.
Flash Mob – The Beginning
The first flash mob was the brainchild of a senior editor at Harper’s Magazine called Bill Wasik. Back in 2003, he tried to set up a flash mob in Manhattan but the plan failed when someone tipped off the shop they were planning to target. The second attempt took place at Macy’s and was more successful as requests to join were sent covertly through a series of notices in bars and participants were sent to staging areas before being told where they were targeting.
Some 130 people turned up on the 9th floor of the store, wanting to buy an expensive rug. They claimed to all live together in a warehouse on the outskirts of the city and were shopping together. Suddenly, around 200 people appeared in the lobby of the Hyatt hotel and held synchronised applause for 15 seconds before dispersing.
Asked what the point of the experiment was, Wasik said that he wanted to poke fun at the attitude of conformity in society and show that people wanted to be a part of the ‘next big thing’. But the idea backfired on him and led to the flash mob concept.
Great Flash Mob Examples
Since then, the flash mob dance has taken place around the world in a variety of different forms. The ‘Frozen Grand Central’ is often credited as the first real flash mob and saw some 200 people suddenly freeze in the middle of Grand Central Station before suddenly walking away – the funniest part is the expression of the onlookers, who had no idea what was going on!
While this was a prank, a number of notable flash mob dances since then have been organised to promote or highlight a brand or event. Examples include the Sound of Music Antwerp, where around 200 dancers started dancing in the Central Station in Antwerp to advertise a TV show searching for someone to play the lead in a Sound of Music play – it received over 16 million views on YouTube.
Even famous people can be victim of a flash mob, as seen on the Oprah show. The live show included a performance by the Black Eyed Peas but no-one expected the whole audience to begin to dance!
Flash Mob dancing while looking spontaneous actually takes many hours of practice and planning but results with a very special experience for those both who take part and the unsuspecting audience. The Flash Mob dance format has been used from everything from proposals to promotions and everything in-between and are great for raising the profile of dance and bringing a smile.
]]>A little about the RAD
The RAD was founded in 1920 with the aim of setting standards for teaching dance around the UK. Today, the institute has a presence in 85 countries around the world including 36 offices and boasts some 14,000 worldwide members. Over 1,000 students are enrolled in the teacher training programmes offered by the academy and there are some 250,000 students following the syllabi for the exams. The current patron of the Royal Academy of Dance is her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II.
What are the RAD exams?
The RAD have organised a system that includes a number of different exams and assessments as students move through their different syllabi including those suitable for a wide range of age groups. They have a graded system with a big focus on creativity and musicality with all who pass the exams receiving a certificate of achievement as well as medals in some cases.
Teachers are responsible for deciding when a student is ready to take an exam and to move them through the different levels. However, there are target age groups for the different stages to help give an idea of when a child may be ready to progress.
Graded and vocational graded syllabus
The levels start with Level 1 and 2 of the Pre-school Dance Curriculum. These are suitable for children aged 2 ½ years to 3 ½ years for Level 1 then up to age 4 ½ or 5 for Level 2. Children must be five years old before they can start the graded syllabus. Then the following minimum ages apply:
To move onto the next level in the vocational graded syllabus there are certain pre-requisites that children need. For example, to move to Advanced Foundation, they must have passed the Intermediate exam. And to move to Solo Seal, they must have achieved a distinction at Advanced 2. There is no pre—requisite for the Intermediate Foundation or Intermediate courses.
Equivalent qualifications from certain other organisations are accepted to move up the grades. These institutions are the British Ballet Organisation, the British Theatre Dance Association, the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing and the International Dance Teachers Association.
Where do exams take place?
Normally, exams will take place in the teacher’s own studio. However, there is the option to join with another local teacher or to hold exams at the RAD headquarters depending on the circumstances.
Ballet Uniform for RAD
The RAD also sets its own ballet uniform requirements which is fully stocked at Tokyo Monster dancewear – Click here to view the RAD Uniform Range – if you have any questions about which uniform is appropriate for you, you can discuss this with your ballet teacher or contact Tokyo Monster – as baller teachers themselves they always give great advice!
]]>Why take up dancing?
Okay so it looks like fun and all those gorgeous outfits are a real attraction but what are the health benefits that you can gain from dancing? For starters, it is a brilliant way to shed the calories that we acquire from our food and don’t always run off during our normal daily activities. Dancing increases the circulation, making our whole system operate more efficiently and it is estimated that some dances can burn 5-10 calories per minute!
All that dancing around also has a positive effect on bones and joints. It can help stave off conditions such as osteoporosis and also lowers levels of oestrogen in post-menopause women. This is a good thing because oestrogen prevents bones from absorbing calcium and this in turn causes them to weaken.
Dancing is about movement and to be successful, you need to work on your balancing. While this makes you a better dancer, it also helps to strength muscles and to get the central nervous system working properly. It can even help reduce the risk of heart conditions as it encourages the efficiency operation of the cardiovascular system.
Look Great in Dancewear!
Along with feeling great, there is also now a huge range of different types of dancewear available for every style of dance and type of body. From trendy leotards to cute dance trainers, dance branded t-shirts to unique dance skirts and great dance shoes and accessories. Click here to see our full range.
Mental as well as physical benefits
The physical benefits to dancing are substantial and there are also mental benefits to dancing that may be a little more surprising. For instance, learning a dance can help boost memory as we get older. Studies have shown that aerobic exercise prevents and even reverses the volume loss in the part of the brain that controls memory, the hippocampus. This loss is often to blame for conditions such as impaired memory and even dementia in some cases.
Stress reduction is an important thing at any stage in life and taking up dancing is a great way to do this. By putting aside your problems and involving yourself in the dance you can relieve your stress and enjoy yourself. The calm that you find from this can help you deal with stress during your daily life better as well.
Dancing is fun!
Finally, let’s not forget that dancing is fun! You can meet new people or develop a new shared interest with someone already in your life. It is a social activity and a good reason to get out of the house, change our routines and try something new. We learn about the dances and the cultures behind them, broadening our horizons and leave the studio with a better sense of self-worth. Dancing really can make you glow and helps people take pride in their appearance too.
]]>Dance Shoes – The Starting Point
Always the most important part of any dance bag – dance shoes are the start of you dance bag! Different dances require certain footwear, for ballet you need ballet shoes with the correct tapes, modern and many lyrical styles of dance needs jazz shoes, choose from split or full sole. Tap shoes come in a range of styles and you can choose from toe taps or toe and heel taps depending on your style and personal choice. You can see the full range of Tokyo Monster Dance Shoes here:
Top Dance Bag Tip: Make sure you haven’t outgrown your shoes if you’re returning for the new dance season and check they are in good condition.
Confidence starts with Dancewear
Practice makes perfect with dancing but great dancewear can give you a confidence boost before you start so get dancewear you love and feel comfortable in. If you have been dancing for years, then you may just want a new pair of dance leggings or tights to finish or replace a look, or you may need a whole new outfit!
Current trends in dance wear means there are plenty of choices out there for the budding professional dancer. There are more athletic looking bra tops and snug dance pants to more flirty overdresses and leotards that look great. If you are studying dance to a standard where you are taking exams, then you may have to wear a specific uniform. You can view our entire range of dance leotards, including regulation wear here:
Warm Up Dance Clothing
Cardigans, legwarmers, sweat pants and other loose and warm clothing is always a great idea and keeping it in your dance bag ensures you won’t forget it, and remember to wear it when you warm down also! Ballet cardigans are a classic design perfect for most types of dance with their woolly fabric and tie around belt, these great and practical cardigans won’t come loose or get in the way of your ballet positions.
See all out warm up wear here
Dance Accessories make an Outfit
There are always extra things you need in your dance bag when you go to a class or an event. You don’t really want to be looking around for stuff or ruing a forgotten hairpin or two when you’re about to strut your stuff. Things to consider putting in your dance bag include:
The Dance Bag
Perhaps your dance bag itself needs an update, there are no rules about what a dance bag looks like, for some it’s a plastic bag, for others an on trend dance themed bag with all the pockets and straps needed to house all your dance kit. If you are taking your child to their first dance class, then a classic ballet case is nearly a rite of passage for young ballerinas! For older or professional dancer, great dance bags made by dance brands like Freed are popular.
For a great range of Dance bags for every type of dancer click here:
Before you set out to your dance class this new season, make sure your bag is ready for action and you have everything in it that you need. Then you can concentrate on being the dance hall diva who is always ready for action.
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Gymnastic Fantastic!
The Olympic gymnasts look amazing in their Gymnastic Leotards, and gymnastic uniforms!
For those hoping to take to the floor and perhaps become the next Amy Tinkler, choosing the right sport’s wear is almost as important as doing all that training. Thousands of hours of hard work go into making an Olympic gymnast and you need tonnes of dedication and focus to achieve the heights of a gold medallist. Starting off with the right outfit should put you in the mood to succeed.
Practice Makes Perfect
Even if you want to look fantastic during practice, you still need to make the right choices for gym wear. That means avoiding loose or baggy clothing which can get caught or outfits that are too tight as they will probably get in the way of performance. Many training gymnasts will wear a gymnastic leotard but there’s no problem with wearing shorts and a close fitting top if you want.
Gymnastic Leotards
The standard uniform for female gymnasts is the leotard and there are some fantastic designs available for both training and competition. There are sleeveless, long sleeve and unitard styles among others that all come in a range of soft fabrics. You can go for a bit of sparkle or something a little more understated, depending on your likes and dislikes. The key is to make sure that you are comfortable so that you can easily perform everything from the vault to the high bar. That means choosing the right design and the right material that feels great on you but allows you to move.
You can find our full collection of Gymnastic Leotards here:
Shorts and Other Outfits
Comfort is pretty important, especially when you are training. While many budding gymnasts prefer the traditional leotard, there are options such as shorts and tops as well as tightly fitting cycle type shorts and micro hipsters which look just as great. Tops can be crop or turtle neck and you can choose materials such as lycra that have a good deal of flexibility.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
When it comes to rhythmic gymnastics there’s room for a bit more style and panache. While other gymnastic pursuits involve wearing a team uniform that makes everyone look the same, rhythmic gymnastics requires you to make a visual impact from more than just your movements. Plenty of colour and sparkle is usually required, though you need to make sure that your gymnastic leotard is still comfortable to wear while looking the part.
Menswear for Gymnasts
As with the girls, the boys need to be as comfortable and unencumbered as possible with their clothes. Long spandex shorts and tight fitting tops are the order of the day. Looking great is all about muscular definition compared to female athletes, so leotard tops are the perfect solution.
Staying Warm During Breaks
Gymnasts, particularly in competition, will often be standing around waiting to perform. It’s important that you stay warm during these periods so making sure you have a snug tracksuit that keeps your muscles and joints supple and ready for action is almost as important as the performance wear.
Having the right gymnastic outfits not only makes you look fantastic on the floor, it also gives you a boost because you feel the part. The good news is there’s plenty to choose from if you want to stand out from the crowd.
]]>Live ballet is immersive and fascinating, but not all ballets can capture the attention of younger dancers. While they may enjoy ballet, sitting for 2 hours, asked to be quiet and follow complicated choreography may be too much of an ask – so here are a few different ballets that are perfect for the budding - but young - ballet dancer.
Short Ballet’s for Small People
Northern Ballet create beautiful ballets, short in length and magical in storytelling specifically for little ones. At only 40 minutes long and telling tales children know well like The three little pigs, the elves and the shoemaker and Goldilocks and the three bears – these ballets are a captivating experience and introduction to ballet for children aged 4 and over. Only available across the north as part of Northern Ballet’s tours and special appearances these shows have been sold out and well worth a visit if you are in the area when they are on!
Sleeping Beauty Ballet
Sleeping beauty is an enchanting ballet, and an easy well known story for little ballerinas to follow and understand. Based on the classic fairy tale of Sleeping Beauty – of Aurora, a princess, who pricks her finger on a cursed spindle and falls into an enchanted sleep. Only true love’s kiss can wake her and the story unfolds with magic, a handsome prince and an eventual wedding celebration.
The English National Ballet offers a specially created version of sleeping beauty made for children three and over as part of their ‘My First Ballet’ series.
The Nutcracker Ballet
As this beautiful ballet is set at Christmas time, this ballet often becomes a Christmas family tradition. The story is of Clara, the Sugar Plum Fairy, the Mouse King and other magical characters along with the more traditional story of girl meets Prince! Put that together with the brilliant Tchaikovsky score, stunning costume and holiday themed props - makes this a wonder of colour, rhythm and movement for children to watch and enjoy.
Coppelia Ballet
A light and happy ballet story with life-size dolls, girls pretending to be dolls to capture the attention of their beloved and a happy ending makes this a light-hearted, easy to follow and very endearing production for young ballerinas to watch. Traditional costuming, and choreography that includes humour, mine and a small cast of characters makes Coppelia a beautiful ballet for all the family.
Cinderella Ballet
A well-known story with key points in the story making this ballet easy to follow. From the appearance of the fairy godmother to losing the glass slipper, children will know what is going on, who is who and be siding with Cinderella to find her Prince again. Magic, dance, and happy endings means that Cinderella is always a favourite for young dancers.
For a great range of ballet wear for all occasions, click here:
]]>Dance is a great way to learn new moves and get fit at the same time. If you can’t get to a studio or class then the good news is there are plenty of DVDs, online videos and games to help you get in the groove.
We all get more out of an exercise session when it’s fun to do and dancing is one of the best ways to get those muscles toned and give yourself a good cardio workout. With so many products on the market, it’s not so easy to find the right one that fires your enthusiasm.
Whether you’re a salsa fanatic, belly dancing fan or want to throw down some serious moves on the dance floor at your local club, here’s our quick guide to some of the best videos on the market:
Dance DVD's
There are plenty of dance DVDs out there on the market, particularly since the rise of shows like Strictly Come Dancing. If you want to learn how to move your hips like a Latin master or improve your footwork on the dancefloor, these choices are ideal.
Zumba: One of the most popular crazes in recent years, this is the perfect whole body workout that sculpts and tones in no time at all.
Strictly Fit: There are a number of DVDs available now from the Strictly Come Dancing team including different dances styles including Latin.
Davina Fit in 15: If you like your dance exercise in short bursts then Davina McCall’s tabata routine will not only get you burning calories but also loosen up your body for more intensive dances.
YouTube Videos
There are thousands and thousands of videos on YouTube developed by both amateurs and professionals that are free to access. These include:
The Vixen Workout from Candice Craig: If you want to shimmy and shake your way to a better body and loosen up those joints, then this ten-minute video is perfect if you have a little spare time.
Bombay Jam Bollywood Workout: Another short burst of activity, great for all you lovers of Indian Dance delivered by the ClassFit Sugar Dance workout team.
Latin Dance Workout: If you want something more intense to get your hips moving in rhythm, this 49-minute workout starts slow and builds up some serious energy.
Dance Party Workout: Fast and furious, this 30-minute mix of party styles from Ryan Heffington should hit the spot for those who want a more focused dance blast.
Video Games
Good video games that actually work are still few and far between for dance but there are some gems out there. Makes sure you have the right extra equipment to get the feedback on screen which helps improve performance:
MTV’s Dance Central: A game for Xbox which works in association with a Kinect motion sensor that mimics your movements, Dance Central has a strong play list including top performing artists.
Wii Just Dance: It may not be up there with Xbox and Playstation but Wii dance games can get you burning a bunch of calories to some great tunes.
Dance Dance Revolution: Available for Playstation, Xbox and Wii, this game uses a foot placement mat and delivers an intense body workout. You can even add your own music to make it more interesting.
When Nureyev entered the scene, a new age dawned for male ballet dancers. He is celebrated as one of the best dancers of the twentieth century and performed ballet as well as modern dance. He experimented passionately with new and expressive artistic skills, creating a new role for the male ballet dancer. He was no longer just a support for the female dancers, he could take centre stage and even perform as a soloist.
Roshon Fegan
Fegan is an accomplished dancer, despite his young age of 24. He is best known for his role as Ty Blue on ‘Shake it Up’, but dancing is his true passion. His ballet skills are extraordinary and he shows a very promising career in the future. He is multi-talented, being skilled in acting, singing, and dancing – a combination that most envy.
Most famous for his role as a dancer and choreographer in the evocative and sensual ballet film, Black Swan, he is a gifted dancer off the camera as well. In fact, his work is so widely appreciated and applauded that he was made Director of Dance at the Paris opera ballet in October of 2014. He has been in a number of large performances, including The Nutcracker.
George De La Pena
Pena is an American ballet dancer, theatre performer, and a choreographer. He is highly skilled in all these areas and held in high regard for his work, both on and off the stage. Originally, he was trained as a concert pianist, but switched to ballet as he felt a stronger pull to the art. During the 70s, he rose to success and fame after joining the American Ballet Theatre. It was not long before he became a soloist, dazzling the crowds with his beautiful routines.
Mike Raven
Raven was exceedingly popular throughout the 60s and 70s. He was admired by many for his great skill and grace during ballet shows. Aside from being a dancer, he was many things in his life – including an author and a sheep farmer. All of his experiences helped him to grows as a person, and a dancer. He was intense, often eliciting emotion form the audience that they did not necessarily expect. Those who watched him dance were certainly not disappointed.
Serge Lifar
Lifar is considered one of the most famous and extraordinary male ballet dancers of the twentieth century. He is widely regarded and acclaimed as one of the best of his time, and his home country are so proud to call him their own that his face is printed on their currency. He was a ballet dancer, writer, and choreographer, and skilled in all of these areas.
For our full range of ballet Dancewear see the Tokyo Monster Website.
]]>However, if you have not thought that far ahead (or even if you have) it is always important to keep your options open and have plenty of fall backs should anything go wrong. It’s worth learning more than one style. So here are a few of the styles you should consider learning of you are looking for a musical future. There are so many styles to learn and choose from, and it’s always worth ensuring you know the basics.
Ballet Dancing
Classic and elegant, ballet may seem like the obvious choice. It has a wide range of applications and the learning process can help you to become more agile and flexible. The gymnastics learned from this form of dance may also come in handy in the future – especially as many musical incorporate gymnastic dance routines into their performances. This dance form is often the starting point for every other type of dance and so is well advised to take some classes!
Modern Dancing
Modern dance incorporates several different styles, all of which can be combined or used separately and are well worth learning. Styles such as jazz and the general ‘Broadway’ style are included in this definition. There is fluidity, and a lot of hand movement and general exaggerated body language. Sometimes this can lead to sexual, provocative dancing (depending on the performance). This requires a great deal of defined hip movement that can be clearly seen and read.
Tap Dancing
Tap dancing is often seen as comical and amusing. However, it can also be very serious and complex, especially in a musical sense. Types of tap can vary from jazz to funk, depending on the type of performance that is being given.
It uses the beat of the music to create a steady and catchy rhythm, allowing the dancer to tap along with it. In the newer funk variation, hip hop has been combined with it to create a more youthful and modern feel. The genre can only keep developing to meet with the times.
Ballroom Dancing
Classical and elegant, ballroom dancing is becoming a lost art form. It is the definition of sophistication and grace, allowing the dancers to show a level of grandeur not often found on the stage.
Even if not used in its full form a lot of the time, the basics of ballroom can be useful when it comes to keeping time and also moving with your partner at a steady rhythm. There are still several performances out there that use ballroom either as a main dance or incorporated with other forms of dance.
For the Broadway stars of the future we have put together a great range of ‘Broadway Basics’ in our online store that includes things like character shoes and leggings. If musical theatre is your future get kitted out at Tokyo Monster Dancewear.
]]>Whatever your reasons for wanting to learn ballet you’re going to need a good teacher and that might be harder than you think. There’s plenty of options out there in most UK town and cities so how do you go about picking the best teacher you can? With our helpful tips you can ensure you get the best teacher for your money and enjoy learning this wondrous classical dance style.
Qualifications Are Key
There’s many dance qualifications available and if you're not familiar with them it can get quite confusing. Don’t be worried about asking you ballet teacher about their accreditations, the good ones will be happy to share their dance education and experience. The type of dance teacher that you choose and their qualifications can also have links to which exam boards they use for ballet examinations.
There are many different types of dance qualifications at various levels awarded by groups like The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) or The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) - these are two of the larger UK wide ones but you may also find more locally based qualifications. Exam boards like the RAD have dance qualifications that range from G.C.S.E and A-Level to degree level qualifications and beyond, if you are looking for this type of dance qualification ensure you do your research before jumping in.
Remember experience also plays a part in qualifications someone could have many certificates but may never have taught before so make sure you consider this. You may also be wise just trying a single one off lesson first before committing to long-term plan to make sure you’re comfortable with your teacher.
Find The Ballet Style for You
There are several styles of ballet and while some teachers may have an understanding of multiple types some may only specialize in certain types. While there are many styles they’re usually placed into the following four categories: Romantic Ballet, Classical Ballet, Neoclassical Ballet and Contemporary Ballet. So make sure you research the types of ballet you want to learn before searching for a teacher.
Check The References
It’s something many people will either forget or not want to ask but you really should and don’t worry no professional teacher will take offence from you asking for references. You can ask for professional references which will give you an idea about their skills or you can ask for references from other customers to see how they are as a teacher. Many teachers offer an introductory lesson to see if you (or your child) likes the class, so take the opportunity to ask questions of their other students (or parents)
Look Around
You might be thinking this is all well and good but where exactly do I find a dance teacher? Well there’s lots of places to look the internet is of course a great resources with sites like ITSD Dance Teachers, The Royal Academy of Dance (RAD) and there’s even Facebook groups that will help put you in touch with dance teachers in your local area. And of course there’s more traditional methods like phone books, community notice boards and business flyers and cards. You can also check out dance studios and leisure centres to see what they recommend and they might also make great starting points for your search.
Ballet Shoes & Ballet Uniforms
Many ballet schools and ballet teachers will have specific uniforms that you will be asked to wear for classes or examinations, these can include things like which colour ballet shoes to wear or what style and colour leotard is appropriate – do you wear dance tights or dance socks? Some dance teachers are very flexible with what you wear so you can choose how to express your love of dance in your own way!
For a full range of ballet shoes and ballet uniforms and leotards click here
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Just as warming up before the lesson is important, ensuing you have the correct warm up gear is equally so – we stock a great range of cardigans, leg-warmers and other dance warm up gear that looks great and performs well until you are ready to take them off when you are warm enough.
]]>You might be surprised by this if it’s your first dance lesson but it’s essential to ensuring you get the best dance experience possible. Every tutor will have their own preferred warm up routines and they will often vary so people don’t get to bored repeating the same movements.
Warm Ups – What Are They Like?
Now don’t worry you won’t have to pull off at lot of complex moves or anything like that, in most cases warm ups are stretching routines or simple rhythmic movements. Your instructor might also decide to rehearse some dance moves that you’ll be using later on in the class.
Typically warm ups will be around 5 minutes long but can be much less or more depending on how long or advance your class is. Warm ups are generally followed with a cool down period at the end of the session, these generally involve slower rhythmic movements and exercises that will help decrease your body temperature and prevent symptoms like light-headedness and dizziness.
Some of the more common or standard warm up exercises include movements like neck isolations that help you move more fluidly and increase agility, leg swings that are commonly used in ballet to increase blood flow and fluidity and heel raises that help with balance and ease of movement during dancing.
The Benefits of Dance Warm Ups
So now we've examined the ways in which warm ups can work and how long you’ll have to do them for the question remains why we exactly need to them and why they’re so important? Warm ups are important because they prepare the body for the physical exertion you’ll be partaking in later. Whether it’s dancing, running or various sporting activities warm ups are a universal way to ensure you have a productive and enjoyable session.
Warm ups help raise your internal body temperature and will help increase your heart rate and blood flow to the muscles so you can perform better. Joints will also be better mobilised with an increase in synovial fluid and it’s the perfect way to prepare yourself both mentally and physically for your dance lesson ahead.
It might seem unlikely that all this can come from five to ten minutes worth of gentle warm up exercises but it really does make a difference, just ask anyone who’s tried dancing before doing a warm up routine. Warm ups are important for getting your body ready for the task ahead and it will also help prevent the risk of injury and can even help prevent muscle soreness.
Great Dancewear Helps Warm Up Routines
Just as warming up before the lesson is important, ensuing you have the correct warm up gear is equally so – we stock a great range of cardigans, leg-warmers and other dance warm up gear that looks great and performs well until you are ready to take them off when you are warm enough.
Safe & Fun Dance Lessons
Don’t be tempted to just jump right in to a dance class, and follow your dance teacher or dance instructors lead when warming up before and then warming down afterwards it will make your lesson all the more enjoyable and more importantly it will ensure you are exercising and dancing safely and not putting any undue pressure or strain on your body. Warm ups are universal in their value and they’re the best way to make sure you have a fun, safe and productive dance lesson.
]]>Who can forget John Travolta at his stylish best on the dance floor dancing to impress the crowd to the Bee Gees. The white suit is also a classic, and his moves are imitated on dance floors (often at weddings) across the country!
Featuring the dancing duo of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers in full floating costume dancing cheek to cheek in effortless style and fantastic feathers for a very romantic and charismatic dance.
A classic plot of boy meets girl and then we follow their journey as they try to break the dancing mould by choosing to perform unconventional steps at a national dance competition – and they are in it to win it! This is a beautiful movie by acclaimed director Baz Lurhman and it has some great dance portions but our favourite has to be when Scott is introduced to Flamenco and told to ‘Dance from the heart!’
There are a lot of great singing and dancing numbers in this classic musical, not least the dream ballet sequence featuring the incredibly talented Cyd Charrise, or when Donald O’Connor does a series of vertical back flips in ‘Make em Laugh’ before crashing through the wall to finish! But our favourite has to be the tap number in the Moses Supposes Routine. The synchronicity between Gene and Donald is something that shows incredible skill, speed and technical ability along with just a little bit of dancing magic!
Another 80’s classic with Kevin Bacon, with a group of teens expressing themselves through music. Kevin Bacons freestyle dance mixing gymnastics is truly beautiful to watch but the best bit is at the end when the whole town gets footloose on the dancefloor.
Imagine if everyone in your school knew how to do the hand jive! From the classic Greased Lightning, to the school dance off, there are some amazing bop along moves in this well-loved musical and we couldn't pick a favourite dance!
While not a technical dance, The Time Warp is a universally acceptable dance pretty much anywhere, everyone knows the steps and can join in at a moment’s notice! The costumes in this offbeat musical are also fantastic!
Leotards and Legwarmers at the ready in this dance classic! Dancing like she has never danced before, the welder by day, stripper by night star of the show has an iconic movie dance moment at the final audition of the movie dancing to the theme tune of the film and it has become a classic!
You will be forgiven for getting up and joining into the well-loved ‘Shake a tail Feather’ song and dance in the great blues brother’s movie.
This has to be one of the best romantic feel good movie dances of all time. From Baby learning the steps to practicing the lift in the water to finally pulling it off in the finale dance we are with her every step of the way – and the outfits are pretty cool too!
While there are so many more to mention, these are just the tip of the on screen dance numbers that we love to watch again and again!
]]>There are literally hundreds of types of dance out there, just waiting for someone to perform them. Here are just a few to whet your appetite:
Lindy Hop
Born out of the Swing era of the 20s and 30s in New York, specifically Harlem, Lindy Hop was a grand fusion of many different styles but has jazz at its heart. Throw in a bit of tap and little nod to the Charleston, and you have a dance that always manages to delight audiences.
Can-Can
Mostly associated with the Moulin Rouge in Paris and a single famous piece of music, the can-can is a showgirl favourite that originated way back in the 1940s. Noted for being totally risqué and its repetitive high kicks, when Jacques Offenbach’s Infernal Gallop begins most people know just what to do.
Tango
Any lovers of Latin ballroom will know how sensual and moody the Tango can be. The dance developed in Argentina and Uruguay in the late 19th century and is one of the most recognisable and popular dances in the world. There are many different types of tango depending on where they originated but each is characterized by strong movements and just a hint of moodiness.
Quick Step
If you’re light on your feet and have enough air in your lungs, the quick step is the dance that will light your fire. The quick step originated in America in the 1920s. It requires an upbeat performance with quick music where the partners move at a furious but effortless pace across the ballroom floor.
Street Dance
Street Dance is noted for its urban grit and developed largely outside of dance studios. It’s more about free expression and the different styles vary according to regions but mostly have their origins in jazz and hip-hop. Usually associated with less affluent areas, street dance is often used as a way of bringing the young in communities together.
Polka
The polka is an old fashioned dance that has its origins in central Europe during the 1830s where its popularity quickly spread to ballrooms everywhere. The dance has evolved over the years as it moves from country to country and is characterised by quick half steps and plenty of energy.
American Smooth
The American smooth is a freestyle dance that can have a mix of different influences including quick step, waltz and tango as well as extravagant lifts. If you’ve ever seen Fred Astaire and Ginger Rodgers on the dance floor, then you’ll know exactly what a smooth needs to be.
Cha Cha Cha
An energetic and skilful dance, the cha cha cha is fast, rhythmic and distinctly Latin, having its origins in 1950s Cuba. It’s characterised by strong hip movements and fast foot movements that continue unabated throughout the dance.
Belly Dance
With its origin in the Middle East, the belly dance has become popular as a fitness routine in the West because of the way it works on the central core. Usually performed as a solo, the costume is often as important as the dancing itself.
Kathak
Finally, if you like your Bollywood movies, Kathak is a traditional Indian dance that is usually compared to ballet because of its complex moves and routines. The purpose is normally to tell a story and one of the most famous exponents is Indian superstar Madhuri Dixit.
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Salsa – America
The Salsa is a popular international dance style that actually originated in New York City in the 1970’s although it’s strongly influenced by Latin American styles in particular many Cuban dances. Rhythm is very important in a Salsa dance but compared to other similar dance styles the Salsa is much freer flowing and less technical.
The Salsa isn’t the easiest Latin dance style but it’s still a good choice for beginners to tackle as it offers a good challenge and allows you to learn more technical skills.
Jive – America
Introduced in the 1930’s in America by African-Americans the Jive is actually a variant on the Swing Dance the Jitterbug. And as the proud distinction of being a dance style that is popular with all age groups despite its high speed and technical difficulty.
The more modern ballroom Jive is a little slower than the Jive of old but it’s still considered by many to be one of the more difficult Latin American dance styles but on the other hand it’s also considered by many to be one of the most fun.
Flamenco – Spain
Flamenco dancing is a dance that is now popular nearly all around the world, it originated in Spain and is one of only a few dances that as the distinction of being declared a Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO (The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) The Flamenco dance is loud and sensual so it’s a difficult dance to master but you’ll no doubt have fun learning it.
Cha-Cha-Cha – Cuba
The Cha-Cha-Cha is a dance that originated in 1950’s Cuba and it was developed from the Mambo. The Cha-Cha-Cha as many variants to it but it’s usually always an energetic and reasonably fast dance. It’s often thought to be one of the easier and simpler Latin Dance styles to learn so it’s usually the dance beginners will start with.
Samba – Brazil
The Samba is a dance that originated in Brazil although its roots go back to Africa, there’s many variants of Samba including versions used in group dances. It’s a fast and lively dance that as remained popular consistently popular since its introduction to Western audiences in the 1930’s.
The Samba is a good starting point for beginners to get into Latin dance styles and although it’s often considered moderately difficult it does offer a good challenge and allows you to learn the fundamentals of many other Latin dances. Plus doing a group Samba is always guaranteed to be fun.
Break Dancing – America
Break Dancing or B-boying is a style of street dance that originated in America during the 1970’s it’s a very popular dance style with youths, particularly in African American communities. And it’s gained fans from many countries like the UK, Japan, Russia and many others so you’ll find dedicated Break Dancing communities and groups all around the world.
Breaking Dancing uses four main elements in the dance: top rock, down rock, power moves and the final freeze. But there are many variants and styles to these moves so more complex Break Dancing can look very difficult to perform. While it will take a lot of study and practice you might be surprised how soon you get the basics down and then can start adding your own flavour to the dance.
Dancing around the World
We’ve only looked at a handful of the many international dance styles in the world and what is interesting is that despite how different our cultures and societies may seem at first, we all share a love of dance. Dance is in a way something we all share together and can enjoy learning and performing.
]]>Whatever you standard, or ambition, there are plenty of big dance competitions across the UK where you can easily get involved. And if you don’t have the moves that count, then you can simply go along and watch the spectacular performances on show.
The Great Big Dance Off
Getting kids involved in all aspects of dance, The Great British Dance Off is the only national school competition, catering for all styles of dance and all standards, from beginner to expert. It’s a way of building community, developing new skills and exploring the imagination. Kids go through regional heats to hit the final where competitors go into dance off against each other.
Strictly Come Dancing
No post about dance competitions could omit the daddy of them all, Strictly Come Dancing where various celebrities battle it out to impress a group of very grumpy judges. It is one of the most popular TV shows in the country and raises a lot of money for the Children in Need charity. Past winners have included cricketer Darren Gough and news presenter Natasha Kaplinsky.
The UK Dance Elite Championships
Aimed at all sorts of dance and open to anyone to apply and audition, the UK Dance Elite Championships is there simply to find the most talented dance act in the UK. Online auditions began in March and stretch to the end of June so if you want to get your chance under the glitter ball, you’ve only got a short time to work out your routine and strut your stuff.
Blackpool Dance Festival
Whether you want to take part or just want to watch the brilliant competitors weaving their magic, the 8 day Blackpool Dance Festival is still the world’s oldest and most well-known dance competition. Running since the 1920s it allows entrants from all age groups to compete in the sumptuous ballroom at the Winter Gardens.
The Open World Championships
If you want to see professional ballroom dancers in operation, it’s back to the Winter Gardens in Blackpool for the Open World Championships. Run by the Ballroom Dancers Federation, there’ll be plenty of emotion, passion and dancing excellence on view from the 20th November 2016.
The Big Dance
The Big Dance Weekend takes place on the 2nd and 3rd July and is aimed at getting everyone involved in strutting their funky stuff. It’s not exactly a competition but a nationwide event that makes everyone get up and prove their dancing credentials. It’s run by The Foundation for Community Dance and uses world class performers from across the globe to help energise local communities.
Of course, you won’t have to look too far if you want to get involved in competitive dancing. Most towns have their own groups where you can get involved, develop your dancing skills and join in the fun, no matter what your age.
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Many mums remember that they went to ballet lessons as a child and want their daughter to have the same lovely experience. So here are a few top tips for getting your little one prepared for that first ballet class
Tip 1: Find a Great Teacher
You need to find a ballet school for your daughter (or son) to go to, doing a local search on the internet or getting recommendations from friends is the best way to get started. Once you have their contact details give them a call or drop them an e-mail and ask a few key questions. Where and what time is the lesson? What do they have to wear for their first lesson and is there a uniform in place? How much do lessons cost and how can the fees be paid? You should feel at ease with the ballet teacher, they should seem professional but above all warm and friendly so your child will enjoy the experience.
Tip 2: Age Appropriate Preparation
Good things to do with your child before their first lesson really depends upon their age. If you are sending them to lessons for the first time at 3 or 4 (which is normally the youngest they will be admitted into lessons) then ensuring they can listen to a teacher and respond appropriately to directions is key, other than that put on some music and have a dance in the house to their favourite tunes to get them inspired! There are also some great cartoons, you tube videos, and story books about ballet so they get used with some key words and phrases surrounding the dance. If you are starting your child a little older, then watching some you tube videos on ballet lessons or if possible taking them to watch a ballet to encourage and inspire them is a good idea.
Tip 3: Clothing Advice
Every ballet school has different rules about what can and cannot be worn at lessons and examinations so it is best to check when you make contact with the ballet teacher to see what their rules are. In general most schools will let you attend a lesson or two to see if your child likes it before purchasing all the ballet equipment. If this is the case get them to wear something they can move around in, shorts and T-shirt is a good idea, trainers, plimsolls or bare feet will let them try ballet without having to buy the ballet shoes before you are sure they are going to stick at it!
Once they have decided to continue the lessons (we knew they would want to!) standard ballet wear includes a leotard, ballet tights, ballet shoes and a cardigan. You may also want to buy a ballet cardigan to keep them warm, legwarmers and a ballet bag so they can keep everything together in one place.
Tip 4: Relax and enjoy your first few lessons
Remember that these are lessons and you will not be expected to know anything before you begin and with a good teacher your child will make steady progress and even take and pass examinations. The most important thing you can do is expose your child to music and encourage them to dance and move to the music as much as possible so they see it as a fun activity.
When you have taken your first few steps as a ballerina and are ready to get your ballet uniform and first pair of ballet shoes then browse our site for all the ballet supplies you will need.