Move your feet with Amazing Dance Shoes

There are many different types of dance forms like Jazz, Ballet, Tap, hip-hop, modern, swing, contra dance, belly dance, Latin dance, and folk dance etc... in the world. Dance seems to be a lot like ice-cream flavors. Every country is a land of different styles of dance forms. When talking about the belly dance, it is related to the one of the oldest social dances in world history. Every dance form has their origins.  There are various dance dresses that are specially designed for different dance forms. Moreover, these dance dresses are made in such style and comfort that a dancer can feel comfortable while dancing.

Various Accessories that are available for Dance are:
  - Dance shoes – jazz shoes, Ballet, tap, hip hop, point shoes, tango
  - Dance clothes – Jazz pants, tutus, skate wear, tights, cardigans
  - Socks – skater socks, cheerleader socks, Ballet socks
  - Dance gifts – Headband, ballet bobbles, stain purse

Girls are usually passionate about dancing and ballet is one of the most common dance forms that are seen amongst the young girls. Every dress can be of any color and design according to the style of dance and surroundings. Among many different options of dance dresses, tutu is the most common type of dress. Dance is one such physical exercise that needs proper dress, comfortable shoes, etc. A properly designed shoe is one of the most important parts of dance accessories that a dancer can have at their performance.

Picking up the right costume is vital for a successful dance performance. Your dance dress along with dance shoes should be such that it enhances features and brings out the best in your performance. A good dance shop would be able to provide you the best collection of dance clothes, dance shoes, and other accessories according to your choice. Our dance shoe selection is extensive, including brands like Capezio, Bloch, Sansha, Leos, Danshuz, Angelo Luzio and Gotta Flurt. Dance is both a mood lifter and a shape shifter, it effectively work great for the people who are suffering of depression. Dance moves have the ability to shape your body and give you a good feeling.  Over the centuries dance too has evolved in a big way. It is now a full fledge multi-million dollar industry. Though commercialization has crept in, the essence of dance remains the same. Many good dance shops have the best collection for dancewear for performances as well as for practice sessions.

Importance of Dance Accessories

For all times dancing has been one of the most popular hobbies. It is not only a hobby but a perfect way of living a charming life. There are many different types of dance forms in today’s time and each one of them is performed by charm and by wearing unique dance dresses. These dresses are uniquely designed for different dance forms and therefore they contain various elegant features. In recent years, special dance events for kids are being held. There is a variety of dance dresses and dance shoes especially made for the little ones. The market for dance shop for kids is booming. The dance industry is evolving like never before with this little black footed ferret springing on the dance floor!

When talking about the dance shoes, ballets shoes are one of the best dance accessories and purposely designed for ballet dancing. They do not need to have glamorous designs from them to be effective. Even if the design is straightforward for as long as it meets the requirements, the dance shoes can give the utmost comfort and convenience to the ballet dancer. Ballet movements are done in excellence so if the shoes do not meet the essential conditions, these would definitely affect the performance of the ballet dancer.

For looking for more comfort and balance, the thick and low heel dance shoes are the better options. Salsa dancers in the present time are often seen wearing stiletto, which is a skinny type of heel. Another popular skinny heel is the flare heel although it is wider at the bottom than the stiletto heel.

Getting Your Child the Best of Dance Wear

Always having been a passionate dancer, I was ecstatic when I learnt that my daughter said that she wants to join dance classes- Suddenly, all the pleasant memories of my childhood and teenage started flashing. The first day at the of my dance class, the first stage performance, the first dance competition, the first eye contact with the cutest guy in the class, the friends that I made in the class, the giggles shared, the memories made, there was so much attached to the dance classes. When my five year old daughter said that she too wants to join the same dance classes, I had happy tears in my eyes.

I didn’t take too long to register her with the same dance school. Not only was I emotionally attached to that school, but also the trainers and teachers at this school were actually the best in the town. As a mother, I want everything that is best for my child. My next project was to get my daughter the best dance gear. I wanted everything to be perfect for her- from the dance dresses to the dance shoes and the accessories. I was searching for a dance store where I could get good dance  wear and dance shoes and a friend of mine suggested Just for Kix.

JFK has already established its reputation all across the nation as one of the best dance schools, too sad that they don’t have classes in my city. However, I was determined that my daughter will get all her dance gear only from JFK. I shopped for some incredibly pretty ballet shoes and leotards. I got them delivered in a surprisingly short time. The best part about JFK is the variety that they offer at the best prices. You can actually get the very best at a price that you can easily afford.

Gearing Up For Your Dance Classes

Summers are here and all of us are looking forward to our new session of dance classes. Every dance lover would know that feeling of anticipation and expectation which sets in when a new dance class session has to begin. There is so much more to learn and so much more to do. You’d be making new friends and you’d be learning new moves and the best of it all- you’d be dancing all the time! The feeling is of great exaltation as the passion for dance can be satisfied with nothing else but dance and more dance. But when once you’ve enrolled for the latest session of dance classes, you then have to work on getting the right kind of stuff for the classes.

Especially for the first timers, it becomes all the more important to give attention to the stuff that you would have to buy to take to the dance class. The first thing to think about is the dance clothes that you would need. When selecting clothes for a dance practice, it is vital that the first and foremost criterion you keep in mind is the comfort. The clothes that you choose should be comfortable enough to allow you free movement. Also, the material of the clothes should be such that it should allow ventilation and should not trap the sweat in. but of course for the final performances or the competitions, you can overlook the comfort part for a while and focus more on the glamour part.

The choice of dance clothes also depend on the kind of dance you are learning. Like for ballet you would be needing leotards and tutus etc. Otherwise dance tights work well for almost all kinds of dances. You also need to pay attention to the dance shoes that you buy. Especially for jazz, you’d need special jazz shoes. You also need to look out for the dance bags that you would need to put all this stuff and your water bottle, snack box, wallet etc. Having all these, you are all set to rock in the dance class! www.justforkix.com is one of the best places to look for all kinds of dance merchandize, dance clothes, accessories etc.

Jazz- The In Thing

The lively dance form, jazz, has been around since quite a few decades now. A mélange of African and American dancing styles, jazz dancing uses the jazz music, which is equally peppy. Though an American dance form, it picked up the swift movement of the torso from the African dances and the emphasis on rhythm and symphony from the European cultures. Very similar to tap dance in certain aspects, jazz is now a very popular form of dance that is taught in a number of dance schools all across the globe. Like most of the dances, jazz too has its own kind of music, dresses and shoes. Jazz is as prevalent as a social dance as it is as a performance dance. It can be either performed by a single person or a couple.

Other than being taught in the dance schools, jazz is being popularly used in dance videos, commercials, movies, television shows etc. This has contributed to the growing popularity of the dance. Jazz has gained a different level of popularity in the commercial stream as it is a very pleasant dance to watch- very energetic and flowing. Like every other art form, jazz too gives an individual an opportunity to showcase his originality and creative experiments with the dance form.

When performing in front of an audience, one has to be careful about the jazz clothing. There are specific jazz pants and jazz shoes. These accentuate the movement of the dancer and helps them coming out with a spectacular performance. Normally free flowing clothes are preferred for the dance as they do not restrict the movement of the body. The shoes for jazz dancing need to be sturdy but flexible for the right kind of foot movement.

www.justforkix.com is one of the best options if you are looking for jazz shoes and jazz clothing. They have a grand collection of all kinds of ballet clothing.

Dance, Dance and Just Dance to Stay Fit

Dance was, and continues to be, a very imperative portion of our life. Dancing faces us towards Heaven, whichever direction we turn. It is the loftiest, the most moving, the most beautiful of the arts, because it is not mere translation or abstraction from life; it is life itself. It takes in all four areas that are of spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical which framework our existing.

Dancing the most excellent way for people of all sexes and age groups to obtain and remain in good shape. Moreover being fun, dancing has lots of helpful health and fitness benefits too. Dance is well thought-out to be one of the top five physical activities; out of 60 studied. It is the best exercise and work out option. It helps in increasing and building strength or stamina to such a high extent.

Dance is one of the best stress busters. The psychosomatic and emotional impacts of dance take in an enhanced intellect of happiness and an advanced self respect. It overcomes shyness and boost up the self-confidence and poise. Dance strengthens and tones up your body further enhance flexibility and sense of balance. It helps you out to release toxins and other waste elements of body through sweating.

There are many forms and styles of dancing like that of Jazz, salsa, ballet, ballroom, hip hop, tango, etc. several people go to Dance Classes or Dance Studios to learn these dance forms. Get a hold of more fun and enjoyment out of your social life by enrolling yourself to any Dance Class.

Dance will surely help you to stay young and charming. Dancing is something you can carry out throughout your life. Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. So dance, dance and just dance to stay fit.

Whether 8 or 80- Dance As Much As You Want To

There are some things in life that are better than others- things that can bring a smile on your face no matter who, where or what you are. Things like chocolates, smiling babies, roses, sea, stars and dance have the infinite potential of filing you with an ecstasy so strong at the most impossible of moments. A very nice and intelligent quote says that we do not stop smiling as we grow old but we grow old because we stop smiling. Many people take aging as an antonym to laughter, to enjoyment, to craziness, to feeling happy without a reason, in short to life itself.

But our age in no way can or should keep us from the good things in life. It’s never too late- literally! If you have not got a chance yet to set your feet tapping, you can always choose the free time that comes with your retirement. Dance has already proved itself to be a great stress buster, better than any medicine or drug. It’s safe and effective and fun too! Dance is also great for your physical health in many ways. It improves your cardio-vascular system and also sets right all the over bulging and protruding curves. You just need to grab your dance shoes and hit the floor. The rest will be taken care of automatically. Your age doesn’t matters; it’s your passion that does.

If you really want to do it, you can do it for sure, no matter what age you are. There are a number of types of dances that suit the above 40s. Dance does not necessarily mean the jumps and electrifying moves that they show in “So You Think You Can Dance?” but there are dances with much subtle movements which suit the not so young ones. There’s a lot to choose from: ballroom, Latin, Street Latin, salsa, rock ’n' roll, Ceroc (modern jive), tango and so on. A teeny-weeny problem might be finding the right partner. But once that is done, you can get into a dance class or a dance camp that you feel suits you the best and you are all set to take the world by your stride. Remember- Dancing is like dreaming with your feet! – Constanze.

Dance and Discover Your Better Self

Dance, one of the most favorite activities of humankind, has been known to be therapeutic. Dance has been known to have many benefits for all the fronts of human existence, be it physical, spiritual or emotional. Dance brings out the best in every aspect. In many cultures dance is considered as a form of worship. Other than appeasing the gods, dance is also used as an exercise and is a great way to stay fit. Dance is capable of giving your body those envious curves without any outside help.

Dance has also been proven to be great stress buster. The psychological effects of dance include a better sense of well being and a higher self esteem. Lately theories have come out that dance might be the only physical activity that helps you have a better IQ. With all the benefits that come along with dance, one of them is to polish your personality.

Dance proves to be great when it comes to boost your self confidence. Dance camps and dance classes especially work wonders in enhancing your personality. When learning to dance in a group, you not only learn how to interact with others in a coherent manner but also to move about in synchronization with others. When we learn to dance we learn to be conscious about the space around us and hence move in a more effective manner. Dance also sets the self awareness about our posture and body language. Overall dance adds a considerable amount of grace to our personality and makes us walk and look better.

Dance definitely helps you discover the very best of you in every respect.

Flash and Flaunt

Dance has been the hobby and passion for many since time immemorial. For the rich and for the poor both, dance has been a mode of entertainment, of expression and of devotion. Dance has been one of the most of the passionate activities. Over the time dance evolved from a mere mode of self expression to a full fledge social activity and became an integral part of the societies in almost all of the countries. The kings and the courtiers had special royal dancers. Dance began to define the culture of a place. In a few cultures dance was given more importance than in some others.

With dance becoming a social activity, dance dresses and dance apparels too became a highlight. Looks and appearances as it is have been an extremely important part of human civilization. With dance becoming the preferred social activity, dance balls and dance classes also became an avenue to search for a prospective life partner. Looking good at dances, dance events, and dance balls became all the more important. Young girls would dress best to their ability and men of various occupations would come seeking for young love. Many such balls have also been a source of some much talked about scandals of yesteryears.

Dance dresses also came to define fashion of the day. With modernization and coming in of electronic media, the entertainment industry saw various revolutions. With the invention and consequential popularization of radio, music and dance were more popular than ever. Many singers gained considerable popularity and these were the men and women who initiated many new trends in the fashion world. Flashy dance dresses and elaborate dance accessories became the order of the day and these started to influence the fashion and the trends among the crowds. Then there was no turning back. Once it was clear that people would appreciate anything and everything that the celebs support, crazier and weirder things in dressing and styles started to come up and also being accepted.

Dance While You Can

Dance opens a whole new world to you. A world where emotions and feelings play the major role and where your dreams and thoughts make you travel in the wide cosmos. But too often we stifle this world inside us before it is born. We never give this wonderful feeling a chance to touch us. Whereas this ecstasy can fill us and deliver from everything that holds us back from living a truly spectacular and enriched life. But we give into the pressures that life hurls at us and succumb to a life that is not lively at all.

We dance and sing around when we are kids. This is one main reason for the cheerfulness, optimism and divinity around children. As we grow up we engross ourselves so much into our daily life revolving around education, career, relationships and so much more that is inconsequential and just contributes to our dissatisfaction and anxiety. Though the importance of these parts of life cannot be denied, but to lose ourselves into all this is not justified. We lose the best years of our lives trying to make the future better without realizing that future never comes, it is always the present.

Dance is a wonderful thing that opens amazing opportunities for us. Opportunities that help us live better, that help us live us as beautifully as we can. So it is best to enjoy these youthful years in the most spectacular way. Join a dance class, go for a dance camp. Let your foot loose and let the energy absorb you. The group energy at a dance camps invigorates you and fills you with the abundance of life.

So you can stop complaining now and give life a chance. Give life a chance to sweep you off your feet. Let life take you in its arms and sway you to a dreamy life where all is good and all is fair.

Prom and Dance Dresses

Proms happen to make a major part of your high school memories. Memories that make you look back at your younger years and smile, memories that make you remember all the crazy friends you had, memories that make you remember all the times you did all the outrageous things that would shock you even till date. Prom signifies the most beautiful time that has gone by and at the same time the coming of the unknown, the mysterious future that lies in front of you.

Prom is so much more than just the dance. It is the time you can finally ask out the girl or the guy you were interested in from so long. It is a day or rather a night to look your best, behave your best (for the first few hours only) and to create memories that would last with you until forever. Prom is something you start planning for as soon as your senior year begins. You keep spotting prospective dates and the theme is talked about for months in advance.

Once the theme is finalized the focus of every individual is on their prom dresses. It is almost criminal to go wrong with your dress at your prom. Prom becomes the perfect opportunity to shop and choose the best dance dresses. Everyone endeavors to look as different from another. Similar outfits are scandalous. With the help of the right dance accessories and dance shoes, one can have the perfect prom outfit.

With looking your best and along with the perfect date, you are all set to create the most beautiful memories for the rest of your life. And if you don’t want to be embarrassed for the rest of your life, do not wear an awkward dance dress at least make sure you don’t get a photograph clicked if you happen to wear one.

Dance dresses at proms are vital to your reputation. You just cannot afford to go wrong here. So be wise and choose the right dance costume for yourself. Make sure that the color of the dress you choose suits you and bring out the best of your figure. Also choose your dance shoes wisely. They should definitely be stylish but also look out for the comfort as you would be on your feet most of the night.
The color of the dress you choose suits you and bring out the best of your figure. Also choose your dance shoes wisely. They should definitely be stylish but also look out for the comfort as you would be on your feet most of the night.

With all the things set straight in line, you are all set for the most rocking evening of your life. But before all the dance dresses and the fancy dance shoes comes your inner beauty. First of all it is essential to feel beautiful on the inside to look beautiful on the outside. Feel beautiful and every one of you is the prom queen and the prom king!!!

Dance and Stay Healthy

Dance has the ability to open doors to great health. Numerous scientific studies illustrate the various benefits of dance. Dance is one of the best forms of physical exercises to give you wholesome health benefits. Dance also helps in reducing the stress levels and increase in serotonin levels and heightens the sense of well being. Since long we have been hearing and seeing the above mentioned benefits of dance. But the latest on the block is getting smarter because of dance.

This may sound a bit outrageous but researches have actually showed that regular dance can help you in becoming smarter and avoiding learning disabilities. Disorders like dementia and Alzheimer’s have known to be less common with people who have practiced dance as a regular exercise. A 21-year study of senior citizens, aged 75 and above, was led by the Albert Einstein College of Medicine in New York City and was funded by the National Institute on Aging. This study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine. The methods adopted for objectively measuring mental acuity in aging was to monitor rates of dementia, including Alzheimer's disease.

Various activities and their effect on the human brain were studied. Where regular reading reduced the risk of dementia by 35%, swimming, playing golf and bicycling had no effect. But on the other hand regular dancing reduced the risk of dementia by a staggering 75%. It was also seen that most of the cognitive recreational activities affected the brain in varying degrees but the most of the physical recreational activities had a little or no effect, though they had ample cardiovascular effects. It was only dance that offered protection against dementia.

Awaken the Secret Swan Slumbering in you

In every girls slumbers a secret swan and in every boy is a lordly lion waiting to prance. The ability to dance resides in every human being. The only difference is that some hone the talent and some let it stay latent and ultimately let it die. To call dance a talent would not be entirely correct. Dance is more of a reflex than an acquired ability. Everybody can dance; it’s just that the ones who have a stronger pull towards the art find a way to fulfill their passion and the rest just ignore the pull.

Dance makes life beautiful in more than one ways. It is not only a doorway to a great health but also to a splendid life. Dance has numerous health benefits and at the same time it is proven to be the best source of well being. Dance enhances your social life. Fellow dancers get along like no other pair of youngsters as they share the same deep rooted passion.

Dance opens to you a whole new world- a world of beauty and aesthetics. Every dance step is a premeditated move but at the same time it is as spontaneous as a lightning bolt. When you set your foot to the rhythm, the whole world is as synchronized as your dance. When you are dancing, every cell in your body is in communion with the universe. You exchange your energy with the cosmos.

Dance awakens the inside of you. It is a soup for the soul. Dance is beautiful, dance is luminous, and dance is a glory. Dance helps you discover the beauty in your everyday, regular life.

Just For Kix offers dance classes, dance events and dance camps to suit your style! These classes and camps are a great platform you to learn your cherished hobby and also a great avenue to imbibe the qualities of team work and competition. We arrange for the best dance events in Midwest USA. Find a dance class or a dance camp in your vicinity today.

Jazz

When you want to fly like a bird, sway like a willow tree, glide like a swan and bloom like a flower, Jazz is your thing. Jazz originated from the African American vernacular dances. Initially tap dance constituted a major part of jazz dance type as jazz music was used for tap dancing. Over the years jazz has evolved to become one of the most popular types of social and concert dances.

After the 1950s the Caribbean Traditional dance style was synthesized into Jazz, changing its face forever and making it a performance art. Jazz now continues to be a major part of music concerts, theatre, music videos and competitive dances. The modern day Jazz is seen to be influenced to be influenced by dance styles like ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop.

The beauty of Jazz is due to its unique technique. Sharing some central techniques with ballet, Jazz and Ballet often share the same curriculum. The central control is the key to Jazz. All the movements are emanated through the centre of the body. The dancer needs to perfect his or her balance and at the same time dance with not just the body but the heart and soul as well for the perfect movements. Turns such as pirouettes and fouettes are also central to the dance. To make these turns impeccable, Spotting is important. Spotting also helps in reducing the dizzy feeling during repetitive turns. Another technique called Pointing is used to help the dancers perform leaps with elegance and also reduces the friction.

The dance shoes used for jazz are generally made of leather to allow for smooth movement. The dance shoes obviously need to be comfortable so that the feet can move flexibly. Jazz shoes are somewhat similar to ballet slippers except for the small heel. You can opt for either full or split sole shoes. Your dance shoes can be either with shoelaces or without shoelaces. One may also go for jazz sneakers. They have a split-sole and hardened toe area for brief rises onto Pointe. As for the Dance Dress normally a pair of tights and a leotard is preferred owing to the comfort the costume provides for free movement. For concerts and competitions, dancers often go for much more elaborate and glamorous costumes. Fancy colors and embellishments are used to make the costumes attractive and flashy. The glitz and glamour associated with Jazz make it all the more popular!!!

Belly Dancing

Dance since centuries has been used as a mode of expression; it helps in conveying feelings and emotions in an artistic and a beautiful way. Also dance has extensively used as a mode of entertainment. Either in social gatherings or privately, dance has been an important part of the human society. Initially dance was used as a source of entertainment as hardly any other source was available. But the force of dance as an activity was so strong that it soon became a passion for many.

One of the most popular forms of dance is Belly Dance. Primarily Arabic or more appropriately a Middle Eastern dance, Belly Dance has travelled far and wide since ages to become of the most popular dance types. The term “Belly Dance” is somewhat a misnomer as the dance involves movement of almost every part of the body, though the main emphasis is on the hips. Depending on the country and the region, the dance has many forms. The changes are seen in terms of both costumes and dance style. In the Western countries the dance styles have evolved considerably and have become more exotic. Although contemporary forms of the dance have generally been performed by women, some of the dances, particularly the cane dance, have origins in male forms of performance.

Raqs sharqi literally "oriental dance") is the style more familiar to Westerners, performed in restaurants and cabarets around the world. It is more commonly performed by female dancers but is also sometimes danced by men. It is a solo improvisational dance, although students often perform choreographed dances in a group.

Raqs baladi literally "dance of country", or "folk" dance) is the folkloric style, danced socially by men and women of all ages in some Middle Eastern countries, usually at festive occasions such as weddings.

It’s Rocking!!!

Dance and music are as inseparable as the sun and the sunlight or the flower and the fragrance. There is no dance without music and music without dance is sort of boring. It might not be the dance of the body necessarily but a good piece of music always sets the heart and soul tapping to the rhythm. At times dances owe their origin to a specific type of dance and at times it was the other way around.

One genre of dance and music that has broken all the confines of time and geography is the rock and roll. It is an athletic and competitive form of dance that came in the lime light in the late 1950s. The dance took long to acquire its current form. The dance took to its fetal form when the swing dance came into being, around in the 1920s. From swing branched Lindy hop, it was the first ever partner dance to use acrobatics. With the modifications in the Lindy Hop in the 1940s came the Boogie Woogie. And finally with further modifications to the Boogie Woogie, came the Rock and Roll. The dance was supposed to be highly co- ordinate with the music. It required a flexible body and undue tension on the legs and the arms. The dance tends to leave a personal space for the dancer for display of facial expressions and interpretation in style, movement and at times the manner too.

The dance alternates the speed. It starts on slow beats and move to the faster ones, coming back to the slower ones. The kicks form the somewhat core of the dance. Most of the major moves revolve around the kick. With the kicks in the air the movements like the lifts, flips, jumps and throws take place. The dance form has evolved drastically over the years. The only thing common between the present day dance and the yesteryears form seems to be the name. Now the dance is mostly used in competitions, shows and concerts. The dance is usually done in pairs or a formation. Formerly a six- step basic step was used which was later altered to the nine- step basic step. The degree of the acrobatics used the dance has increased considerably. High demanding movements such as the somersault and the double somersault have been introduced. Even the body wave movement was modified to make it more demanding on the part of the dancers.

As per the dance apparels, the originally worn jeans and petticoat are no longer used. Instead the dancers now use multicolored costumes as their dance dresses that are made of artificial elastic fiber. This makes up for the durability and the flexibility required now. The dance shoes play a very important role in rock and roll dance. The shoes need to be high on both the grip and the slip. Most commonly light jazz shoes are used. In case of high level acrobatics involved, sneakers or shoes made for aerobics are used. All in all rock and roll has been a very popular form of dance and continues to be so.

May I Have A Dance With You???

It was my grandparent’s 55th wedding anniversary. An amazingly long time for a couple to stay together!!! We used to visit my grandparents twice a year. Meeting them was wonderful in many ways. Ours was a predominantly a party oriented family. We needed the slightest provocation to start with the music and dance. Normally also when we all used to get together it was almost an occasion. This time we didn’t need an excuse, we already had the perfect occasion to dance our feet off. But before we could actually start circling and swirling and bouncing away, we had this long chat session- the entire family huddled together, near the celeb couple. It was then that the story came up again- the story how my grandparents met and fell in love. Though we had heard it many times, but its charm was still intact, even now my mother ended up in tears and my father holding her in his arms.

It so happened that it was the wedding of my granny’s sister. She was obviously the bridesmaid and my grandfather was from the groom’s side. After the first dance of the bride and the groom, people started to spread over the dance floor. Then my grandfather came across a lonely maiden sitting aside in a corner. He was intrigued by the girl sitting alone. He thought she was too lonely for a bridesmaid. He being a shy and modest not-so-modern guy, gathered up all the courage he could, to ask her to dance with him. To his surprise and his too, she agreeed. That was the first time he asked her “may I have a dance with you?” and this is how it started. They danced and they danced perfectly with each other.

Soon they started dating and their dates usually comprised of dance classes, dance events and dance shows. With the help of each other they mastered the art so perfectly that they soon became the stars instead of the audience. They did dance shows together, took dance classes and held dance events. As their fame grew so did their love. They married when they were at the peak of their careers and continued to live for each other and for dance.

They quit when they had their first child, my father. But till date they are dancers at their heart. They dance to each other’s company; they dance with and for each other. Dance is the most beautiful feeling in the world. It tied these two in a harmonious, rhythmic bond that has lasted half a century.

The Benefits of Dance

Since ages Dance has been a favorite hobby of children and adults alike. In the current times people are clubbing this beautiful form of art with exercise to keep fit physically, mentally and also spiritually. Learning an art form like dance has numerous advantages. Most importantly dance is a soulful art; it holds in itself a beauty, an ecstasy that only the dancer can experience. For a dancer there is nothing more blissful than dance.

Apart from the sheer bliss dance has many other advantages. Learning to dance in a group imbibes synchronization and coordination. Working in a group makes one more patient and conscious to the needs of others. Team work is something everyone needs to learn and apply in every walk of life. Dance makes you a wonderful team worker- in the most harmonious way ever. Learning to Dance is an excellent way to meet new people and have a healthy social life. It improves the overall feeling of well being.
Dance can work wonders with your body. Being one of the best ways of a work out, dance can give you those tantalizing curves and the flat belly you so dream of.

Other than the visible external benefits of dance are the beautiful things it does inside your body. Dance sets right that little annoying thing called the heart. Also it is great for the lungs. It increases the bone density and improves the muscle tone. Also it is one of the most effective and the most interesting ways to shed those extra pounds you hate so much.
as it does good to the rest of you, it is also a boon to your brain. Dance can really help you to improve your posture, balance and concentration. The improvement in your posture adds on to the grace with which you carry yourself. Dance is a sure stress buster and one good confidence booster. It is good for the overall brain activity and relaxes and releases tensions.

The advantages of dance are many and people are recognizing this fact fast. Dance is being used as a commercial item and is being sold. Dance academies are being set up to give dance classes. Dance camps and dance events are being held. Special stores for dance dresses, dance shoes and dance accessories are being opened and are doing incredibly good business. So, all across the beautiful art form is spreading smiles. Be it for the young amateur dancers who are eager to learn the dance moves or the dance teachers who take infinite delight in teaching others to dance or the retailers who are earning big bucks by selling dance or the accessories it uses. All of them are sure having a ball!!!

Let’s do it the Hip Hop Style

So many types of dances, so many ways to rejoice! Dance is a sure accompaniment to celebration. Every culture, every country has specific dances it loves to perform at functions and ceremonies. Dance has been the defining point of many cultures. Many dances remained to the geographical boundaries of the place of their origin but others moved on, moved to various lands to become more popular than other dance forms, to cross all the borders and to be seen as pure art leaving behind all prejudices of race and country.

One of many such dances is the hip hop. Primarily an African- American dance, hip hop has come to be one of the most popular of dance forms. From television to films to parties to the street, the influence of hip hop is to be seen everywhere. The dance style is casual and funky. The dance is mostly free style and improvisational. No fixed rules or particular movements guide the dance. The dance comprises of three main styles namely breaking, locking and popping. The three elements that make up the core of the dance are free styling, battles and ciphers.

The dance came out of the shadows over 30 years ago in 1970s. The most popular groups to which the credit goes for the popularization of the dance are Rock Steady Crew, The Lockers and The Electric Boogaloos. With time the dance form evolved to include “running man” and the “cabbage patch” and together they became the fad dances.

The commercial dance industry soon picked up the signs that hip hop is going to hit it big time. Dance concerts, movies and television started using the dance as a money making machine. And sure enough anything with the hip hop added was an instant success.

Now hip hop is seen as a flourishing genre in dance that has a good amount of potential. There are special dance classes and dance events that are held for hip hop. It is sure traveling places and becoming evidently more popular day by day.

Dance and Culture

Since time immemorial dance and culture have been interwoven. Almost all the ancient civilizations of the world had their distinct forms of dances. Along with the evolution of the humankind evolved the dance forms. Across continents and oceans, different cultures segregated and each culture adopted its own dance form. Just like food and clothing, dance also became one of the chief defining characteristic of a culture. It might be difficult to list all the dance forms that are prevalent in the world, as there are so many. Many dances are being carried forward from the ancient times and some are now no more practiced. A website on the internet lists 91 dance forms. In actuality the figure is much higher. Like other art forms, dance has also been ever evolving. So many new dance forms have developed during the past years.

Some of the dances popular in the United States of America are Ballet, Ballroom Dance, Disco, English Country Dance, Ethnic dance, Flamenco (Spanish/gypsy Jazz dance), Meringue (Latin Club), Mexican Hat Dance, Salsa dance, Samba dance, Tap dance, Waltz (ballroom, social), Wolosso (Ivory Coast), Western swing, West Coast Swing ("WCS"; Swing,) etc. some of these were adopted from other cultures and some were developed in America itself. Dances have proved to be a great way to socialize. Dance camps and dance events can be great avenues for the young to come forward and showcase their talent. Even the professionals take delight in such events as they see young amateurs learn from their mistakes. These camps also serve to be a potent venue for people from different backgrounds to come together and know about each other. This is how relations develop, this is how cultures evolve.

Dance and dance apparels have been allies in transforming cultures over the years, across borders. Dancers have spent fortunes on dance dresses and dance shoes, to get the right get-up. Dance costumes and make-up are a vital part of a dance performance. All the three combined become a specific dance type which ultimately accounts for the tradition of that dance. The costumes are generally chosen as per the convenience of the dancers. Different geographical locations have different requirements hence they account for different types of costumes. The costumes of various types of dances are also influenced by the native dress of that place. All in all we cannot deny the interdependence of the two- dance and culture. Both have helped each other to grow, develop, evolve and sustain.