Showing posts with label Dance Shoes. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Dance Shoes. Show all posts

Wednesday, July 11, 2012

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.

Monday, May 14, 2012

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.

Sunday, April 15, 2012

Let Your Tiny Tots Dance Around

For a parent, nothing in life is as delightful as watching their kid grow and that too growing up beautifully. Every young parent endeavors to give their kid the best kind of upbringing. They want to see their kid grow by doing well in all spheres of their personality. They try and inculcate all those habits in their child which would make them sane, responsible adult. No one is alien to the fact that young children possess a lot of surplus energy. It is very important that their energy is channelized in the right direction to stop them from deviating. The best option is to get your child engaged in some productive hobby- reading, writing, drawing, dancing, singing, music, sports etc.

When choosing the activity for your child, the first thing to see is where the interest of the child lies. Even at a very young age you can gauge what kind of activity interests your child the most. You can make your child experiment with different types of activities and you’ll know immediately which one touches his or her heart the most. One of the best activities for a child to indulge in is dance. Dance is a physical activity with benefits impacting the personality as a whole. While dancing a group, a child learns to interact with others and to work in a team. This way the child is able to work in coordination with others.

Dance is also a very good physical activity for children. It is a form of exercise and the child becomes habitual of physical workout since a young age, keeping him healthy. Dance helps improve the balance and the poise of the child and brings grace to the personality. If you are enrolling your child into a dance class, you first have to shop for kids dance clothes. There is a lot of variety available in the market when you are looking for kids dance wear. Toddler dance clothes can be very adorable but sometimes can be a bit expensive. There are a lot of online suppliers for kids’ dance clothing. www.justforkix.com is one of the best dance stores online. They have an extensive variety of kids dance clothes, shoes and accessories.

Monday, April 2, 2012

Dazzle The Dance!

For all the dance lovers, everything related to dance is exciting and of great importance. People who are truly passionate about dance are not ready to take anything related to it lightly. Dance clothing is also of vital importance for a dancer- be it the ones for practice or for performance. For the clothes for dance practices, the main focus should be comfort. The material should be stretchable but at the same time the material should be such that that it should not make the person sweat a lot. Cotton or cotton in combination with Lycra seems to be the best option as these fabrics are skin friendly.

Different types of dances have different requirements when it comes to dance clothing, though leotards are common to a number of types of dances. For ballet one requires a good pair of leotards and mostly tutus for the performances. Jazz clothing for the dance performances need to be a little fancy so as to support the spirit of the dance. But the bling and the glam should not be at the cost of comfort. For most of the dances, the dance shoes also need special attention. Especially for the dance where foot movement is of prime importance, the dance shoes become all the more important.

But if one is deciding on the dance clothing and dance shoes for the final performance on stage or television, style and glamor take the front seat. When one is on stage, with the lights and the glamor of the stage, the dance costumes should be equally dazzling. There are a lot of dance shops that have a vast collection of dance clothes, dance shoes and dance accessories that look good on the stage. These have all those elements that make a stage performance a success.

www.justforkix.com is one place you can rely on to get everything that you need for a perfect session at the dance school. From the comfy sweatpants to amazing leotards and tunics they have it all. They also have an amazing collection for dance costumes which have all the essential elements of clothing appropriate for the stage.

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Be A Flawless Performer!!

Dance is a way to express feelings, a source of exercise, a way of entertainment and much more. For the people who love and live dance, there is nothing more delightful than dance. If we talk about dance forms, there is much more than just one. The list of forms of dance styles is just endless. Some of the popular dance forms are Ballroom, Tap, Hip-Hop, Tango, Samba, Belly Dance, Contemporary, Jazz, Traditional Irish Step-Dancing, Ballet, Country Line-Dancing. You can pick the dance form which suits you the best.

Dance is basically an art. This art can very well be mastered by anyone who wants to- by dedicating yourself to the art and taking care of a few things. First of all, you have to be creative, inspired and self-controlled to be a good dancer. You should have the right understanding with different dances and drama techniques, and the talent to use them in a performance. You require a good understanding of music and rhythm. You have to be proficient enough to convert your ideas into dance steps.

Dance has now become one of the most adored hobbies and professions by many people. Many youngsters now have their goal in life to be a good dancer more than anything else. If you are an aspiring dancer and hold good presentation skills and good communication skills, then you can be a wonderful performer. You ought to have the potential to remember and learn the dance sequences and movements by heart. You should be dedicated enough to keep up your health and fitness.

Ability to pay attention to detail, as they possibly will be directed to make very minute movements is a must to become a good performer. You have to be quick and consistent while attending classes, preparations and performances. You should have finest level of fitness, health, strong feet, ankles, legs, back, good vision and hearing.

To become a flawless dancer you have to consider a perfect dance wear and dance shoes as well. You should know and understand the importance of the clothes and footwear that you wear during a dance class. Different kinds of dances need and use different kinds of dance costumes. If you are looking for perfect place to buy exclusive dance wears, dance shoes, and other dance accessories, Just For Kix is your place.

Thursday, December 15, 2011

Do Jazz, Stay Alive!!

In recent years Jazz has become one of the most popular dance styles in America and throughout the world. Even though Jazz was hugely popular in 20th century, but now the craze among people has reached new heights. Most of the credit for the popularization goes to the eminent presence of the dance in reality shows, movies, music videos, commercials and competitions etc. The splendor of Jazz is due to its unique technique. Sharing some chief techniques with ballet, Jazz and Ballet often share the same core curriculum.

To outshine in jazz, dancers must have a strong background in ballet, as it instills elegance and poise. All the movements are originated around the middle of the body. Jazz is a kind of dance which brings forth a dancer's own unique style and creativity. It helps a dancer to stay alive. Jazz is all about inimitable moves, elegant footwork, large leaps and rapid turns. Every single jazz dancer takes and performs in his or her own style.

The beats of jazz music will force you to move and twirl on your own. Jazz mostly begins with a thorough warm-up. Then, the art of holdup is also practiced by the Jazz dancers. Holdup includes moving via positions rather than discontinuing and harmonizing them. A Jazz practice session usually ends with a small cool down to avoid muscle pain.

For a dance, perfect dance wear and dance shoes matter a lot, as a dress can make or break your performance. A dance dress adds spark and colors to the performance. Several jazz dancers prefer to wear tights and a leotard as Jazz clothing. Wearing tight clothes is probable to keep up with technique. You can also go for a pair of jazz pants, if you are not comfortable in tight clothes. Jazz pants are alike to sweat pants, but are generally lighter and a little tighter than sweat pants.

Jazz shoes should be comfortable so that the feet can move flexibly. The dance shoes used for jazz are usually made of leather to let the dancer have smooth foot movements. One may also go for jazz sneakers. If you are an aspiring jazz dancer or trained jazz dancer and looking for exclusive jazz clothing and jazz shoes then www.justforkix.com is your place. Just for Kix offers wide range of stylish and dazzling jazz dance wear.

Visit www.justforkix.com now and get ready to stay alive!!

Monday, October 31, 2011

The Dance and the Glam

Dance has long been one of the favorite activities of human kind. Not only dance is an excellent physical exercise but it also is a great stress buster. Regular dancing can bring drastic improvements in your life. From the shape of your body to your attitude in life, everything can be made better with dance. Along from all these benefits, dance is now being commercially used and the dance industry is now spinning hundreds and thousands of dollars every year. There are dance schools, dance competitions and dance shows that are the major components of the dance industry.

Lots of people are taking up dance as a serious profession. There are a number of schools and colleges dedicated solely to dance. These schools teach all kinds of dances. Dance is also making big in the entertainment industry. With this, the glamor quotient of dance has increased considerably. A lot of emphasis is laid on dance dresses, dance shoes and dance makeup.

Plenty of reality shows are being tele-casted daily that involve dancers. The clothing of the dancers in these shows is of prime importance. Special dance dresses and dance tops are designed for the purpose. Owing to the large scale telecast of the shows and the glamor involved, the dance tops need to be fancy and eye catching. But at the same time they should gel with the theme of the performance and should also be comfortable for the performer.

The dance dresses and dance tops at www.justforkix.com are made with the best material and come at great prices. Anyone who has been going for dance classes or has been participating in dance competitions or is planning to participate in a dance show, Just for Kix a must visit-store as they have everything that a dancer needs for a stylish, comfortable and successful dance performance.

Monday, September 26, 2011

Perfect Dance Shoes- Flawless Performance

Many a time in a dance performance, you might be forced to think that one performer is doing better than their counter part. Is it really, the skill in dancing that can change the impression of the two dancers or is it something else? The grace and the overall appeal of a dance performance depend on many factors and not on the skill of the dancer alone. The dance attire and the dance shoes for a dancer also matter a lot when it comes to the finesse of dancing. The overall gear of a dancer can make or mar a dance performance. Therefore, you should have perfect dance gears for a flawless performance.

Regardless of how skilled you are in dancing, if you are not wearing the right kind of dance wear, dance shoes, accessories and perfect make up, you cannot make the desired impression and appearance. Dance wear brings in attention towards the dancer's figure, which automatically leads the viewers to watch the precision of the dancer's body and movements. Appropriate dance shoes can boost up your appearance as well as dance performance.

We all are aware of the fact that while dancing the maximum pressure is on the feet of the dancer, so it will not only be uneasy, it will also be terrible and painful for a dancer to wear the wrong kind of dance shoes. It is absolutely vital for your feet to get a hold of the best support at the time of dancing or practicing. Otherwise you will be hurting your feet pointlessly and you can even fall and injure yourself.

Dance footwear is particularly designed to give comfort and support to you and your feet while dancing and practicing. There are different types of dance shoes for different dance forms. For example Ballet shoes and Tap shoes for the ballet and tap dance respectively. The dancers, who end up purchasing the wrong type of dance footwear, can suffer a lot. Various types of dance forms and their resemblances to each other can create confusion for dancers regarding the correct dance shoes’ particulars.

If you are going to buy dance shoes then you should consider the comfort rather than fashion. It should be put on to boost up one's capabilities on the dance floor without injuring their feet. If you are looking for a best dance shoe providers then justforkix is your place. They have a huge collection of dance shoes. They also sell Capezio Shoes at affordable price. Visit www.justforkix.com and now grab the perfect dance shoes for a flawless performance.

Monday, September 12, 2011

The Magic of Ballet!!

Dancing is the best way to add some enthusiasm and pleasure to your life. The essence of dance is connotation of the fondness of holy truth and stands for its appeal and joy. In prehistoric times, happiness was not only expressed through music and songs, but also by dances. Just like food, shelter and clothing, dance was also one of the most important traits of a culture for human being. Perhaps it will be hard to name all the dance forms that are established in the world, seeing that there are so many. Many dances have been carried over from the prehistoric times but some are now no longer practiced.

There are lots of dance forms like jazz, tango, salsa, ballet, hip hop, lyrical, tap, rock and roll, contemporary, disco, etc. in today’s world of dance. One of the dance forms that have been loved by majority of the people since its origin in 15th century is ballet. Ballet is a type of formal dance performance which sprang up in the Italian Renaissance courts and soon became popular in France, Russia, and Britain as a concert dance form. Ballet requires strength, flexibility and grace. It possibly will be hard to master and it requires a lot of persistence and hard work to become skilled at. Ballet is one of the most preferred dances among today’s youth too.

A ballet dancer has to think a lot about the correct form, posture, right technique and the dancer has to be in perfect body shape. What to wear is also a very important part in this list. Different dance forms have different dance wears. A ballet dancer has to be attentive of how their body looks to assure the correct form. It can be hard to choose the perfect Ballet Apparel, as a usual ballet lasts from 90 to 120 minutes. Comfort and flexibility are also expected of a perfect ballet dance wear. Ballet dresses are the most eye-catching and salient type of dance wear as they add charm to the colors and beauty of your ballet dance performance profoundly.

These days’ ballet dancers typically wear leotards to practice and to perform the ballet dance. Ballet leotard is a one-piece tight, form-fitting item of clothing that covers the upper body leaving the legs free. If you are longing to give best and a flawless performance then you should consider the perfect ballet outfits and Ballet Shoes. There are several websites from where you can buy the ballet dresses. justforkix is one of the famous service providers of dance wear and dance shoes at affordable prices. Visit www.justforkix.com now and hit upon extensive range of dance wear.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Bring Whirlpools of Smile with Dance Gifts

Gifts are the best means to communicate our love and feelings to our dear and near ones. It has become a fundamental ingredient of any merriment or celebrations. Whether is birthday anniversary, Christmas, wedding, baby shower, or any other occasion or event, without exchanging gifts, it turns into a very flavorless and insipid event. No matter whatever is, the type or size of gift is it will definitely fetch a big smile on the receiver’s face. Even though, you present them plain or unembellished gifts, they will appreciate and cherish it, as they know that you have presented it with all your love and affection. Picking out the best gifts for someone for some special occasions needs further interest as you have to mull over the frame of mind of occasion and the person as well.

If you are in search of a gift for someone who loves to dance then a gift linked with dance is always a frontrunner and the best. Whether the dancer is a skilled or a beginner, it will surely make him or her feel special and pleased. Dance gifts are best to present them for motivation and encouragement for wonderful upcoming performances. These gifts will bring beyond doubt whirlpools of smiles.

For a friend or a family member who loves and enjoys dance or even your dance teacher, you can hit upon a variety of dance gifts accessible in the market for them. Whether they want to be a ballerina, a hip-hop performer or a rock n roll dancer, he or she will be pleased about your thought towards their passion and love for dance. You do not have to buy costly things to gift them, but all you have a need is creativity and time. The dance gift items available in the market include Books, DVDs and CDs related to dance, dance wears, dance accessories like Dance shoes, dance jewelry, dance bags, key rings, etc. You can even customize dancewear or a t-shirt with some inspirational dance quotes or dance allied graphics. For more dance gift items visit www.justforkix.com

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Get Ready To Groove With Dance Accessories

Dance as an activity involves almost all the body parts. It is not only the movement of hands and feet but the cardio-vascular system, the muscle tone etc. are also affected by dance and in turn are affected by dancing. Different kinds of dances have different organs of the body under maximum strain. Where some dances make use of hand movements the most, there are dances that rely on footwork. No matter what the type is, overall physical agility is required in almost every kind of dance.

Both elegance and talent are fundamental for a proficient dancer in their performances. Despite the fact that not every person is empowered with the grace required to become a good performer. You can become a good dance performer by working hard and keeping few things in mind.

There are few things like dance costumes, dancewear, dance shoes, dance accessories etc. that help you in making your performance better and enhanced. It will also boost up the appeal of the dance. Dance is full of movements and expression. Dancewear fetches attention towards the dancer's figure, which automatically leads the audience to observe the deftness of the dancer's body and movements.

You should take care of dance accessories too for an amazing performance. Dance accessories are an essential part of the dancer's entire appearance from head to toe. Accessories can take in the whole thing from hair ornaments to essential items like socks, paws, etc for shoes or physical conditioning.

Hair accessories could be as plain as anything regular or as flashy as a sparkle bun cover for every day class. A Dasha Rhinestone Bun Cover for a special performance is a perfect choice. Shoe accessories can take in unique taps for character shoes, tap ties for tap shoes, lamb’s wool toe pads, and ribbons and elastic for pointe shoes. Selection of dance wear, dance shoes and dance accessory is totally depends upon what form of dancing a dancer takes part in. there is a great choice of dance outfits, sneakers and accessories available in the market. So pick the perfect dance accessories and rock the floor.

Wednesday, April 6, 2011

Oodles of gift items for the Dance lovers

You need to give gifts and presents to your dear ones on different events, occasions, festivals, anniversaries, birthdays, etc. You may come across with the variety of gifts and gift items that will probably make you confuse for picking the right one for your near and dear ones. If you are going to buy a gift for a dance lover then no need to be worry about. You probably will have so many options of dance gift items. These dance gift items include Books, DVDs and CDs related to dance, dance accessories like Dance shoes, dance jewelry, dance bags, key rings, etc.

In the category of dance books you can purchase books like - Diet for Dancers Choreography - A Basic Approach using Improvisation, Steps in ballet, Technical Dictionary of Ballet, The Complete Guide to Teaching Dance, etc.

If you are longing to purchase a pair of dance shoes or dance sneakers for your loved one as a gift then there are few things which you have to take into account. The very first thing is that you should know the shoe size of the person for whom you are going to purchase the dance shoes. The second thing is that you should be aware of that he/she performs or practice which form or style of dance, as in the market you will get different shoes for different dance style. There is a vast selection of dance shoes in the market. Prefer dance shoes which are ultra lightweight, with flexible design construction which provide freedom to move the feet through all positions. Do not forget to purchase dance paws and dance socks along with dance shoes. Dance paws prevent skin splits, tears and friction burns.
There is an enormous range of dance gift items for kids. These gift items comprises Dancing figures key rings, Dancing figures pencils, Dancing bears, dance princess pencils, Sitting Ballerina Figurine, etc.

Thursday, March 3, 2011

Dancing: The Learning Is Unlimited...

The art of dancing is beyond the art of expression. It has been defined in various contexts and meaning that there is no absolute definition of it. When we talk of dance, we can talk of a lot of things related. First of all it starts with the movement of fingers in most of the dance forms. It’s though not a rule as such. But the movement of fingers sets the pace for the body movement. They start with the expression and direction towards a particular domain. Those who are good at their dancing styles know well about it. Then the lyrics or music set the pace with the full body movement. It is not compulsory to define each and every movement but some of the dance forms keep it into consideration. The art of movement depends upon the understanding of rhythm. When you enter your soul into dance, the realization takes you away from the reality. You start realizing a world of your own where it becomes inevitable to play one of the characters of the music or story that you are playing. Some people find themselves adaptable with almost all the characters while some chose a few and give their performance accordingly.

There is nothing easy or difficult about dancing. You can follow it at any stage or experience of life. Learning dance can be termed as learning its forms, but the bare essential to be a good dancer is that you need to have a flexible dancing body. You should feel comfortable with that particular form of dancing. Then you will need to know that what all are the basic steps and meaning that is carried by its various forms. Every step has its own defined art and meaning that you get to learn with the help of your trainer.

Selection of your trainer is a sole discretion. Trainers teach in their students in two ways, one in the group and other by paying full attention to one student only. It depends on the learner’s choice that what kind of classes and coaching he or she would prefer. Generally it depends on the motto of learning dance. If someone wants to learn it with the purpose of performing over stage, then they learn in isolation only. If the motive of dance is for fitness and hobby then group learning can be considered. There has been much talk of the degree of dancing too. If you have attained this fond of dancing at the tender age only, then you can opt for a career and degree into it. Various universities offer a bachelor’s and master’s degree into dancing.

Coming back to the basics of our learning, the next vital concern comes in the form of the dancing accessories and attires. The beauty of your act comes in to true colors when it is matched with the right dance accessories and standards. The accessories are decided on the basis of your dance form and your comfort too.
Well, there are numerous aspects that are related to dancing like number of hours one spends in practicing, the number of performances one prepares etc.
It is good to learn the dance as an art if you want to give your life search for a new aspect in its totality every time you put on your dance shoes.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Exotic Dancing- The Latest Oomph

Coming out of the shadows of obscenity and tawdriness, exotic dancing is now seen as an art form that is becoming increasingly popular in the American household. Not only it is a great form of exercise, it has one of the highest rates of feel-good factor among all types of dancing. A great body is a desire for all- men and women. Wars have been fought over good-looking people. Having a good looking body is a great confidence booster and your overall likeability increases a hundred times. Exotic dancing has proved to be the most sensuous way to attain the perfect curves and the tantalizing arches.

Dances such as pole dance, strip dance, lap dance are the most popular exotic dances. Statistics show that these are becoming most popular among the middle aged women- as that is the age when feeling good about one is most difficult but is a must. Exotic dancing lets you have the feeling of desirability and sensuality without doing anything vulgar. Adding the spice of a newly learned exotic dance can enliven any dying relationship. Relationship counselors too profess that adding variety in a sensuous way can prove to be a boon to a relationship. Visiting clubs that offer exotic dancing is the best way to spend a relaxed, fun-filled evening in the company of gorgeous women.

Now emerging as a full fledge industry, exotic dancing not only has a lot of carrier opportunities but also in the areas of dance accessories and dance costumes, exotic dancing is advancing more than any other genre in dance. Pole dancing requires too specific type of dance dresses as the material required is entirely different from any other. Strip dancing too focuses on dance clothes and dance accessories as each layer of clothing has to be removed in an artistic way. These dances also make use of special dance shoes most of them which are high heels. Therefore if you are looking forward to look sexy, exotic dancing is the thing for you!!!

Friday, February 4, 2011

Dances from the Indian Subcontinent 4- Bhangra

Colors and vibrancy is what marks the Indian subcontinent. A tropical country like India sees almost every season. Spring, summer, monsoon, autumn and winter all greet the people of the country and bring along with it a variety of colors and shades of life. So many seasons, so many occasions call for celebration. One of the most festive states of the nation is Punjab- the land of five rivers. Eat and be merry seems to be the guiding principal of the people of the place.

The land celebrates everything from marriages to birth to crop harvest. Being the granary of India, Punjab is predominantly an agricultural state. From this land of festivities and celebrations, comes the loud and vibrant dance called bhangra. The dance took birth in the region of Punjab by the Sikh farmers to celebrate the crop harvest that took place usually in the month of April. Soon the dance came to be performed on all occasions to celebrate life and everything it brought along with it.
The rustic farmers used high voltage energetic movements with zesty music on the beats of the dhol. The present state of the folk dance has been evolved by the synthesis of many local dances. Especially after the partition of India people from different parts of Punjab came together and all the styles were mixed and a new style of dancing emerged.

The present from of the dance is the synthesis of various dance forms such as Jhumar, Luddi, Giddha, Julli, Daankara, Dhamal, Saami, Kikli and Gatka. All these types come from various parts of Punjab to amalgamate into one dance type- Bhangra. Dhol is the main musical instrument that is used for the dance. It is a hollow kind of a drum that can be tapped at both the ends. It is worn around the neck with the help of a string and is played with the hands. The dancers depend on the beat of the dhol, the claps of fellow dancers and rhymes and couplets called bolis for music.

The simplicity of people of Punjab is reflected through the choice of dance apparels that they choose. Usually men wear a kurta and a Chaadra, which is a cloth wrapped around the waist. Men also support a pagadi or a turban to cover the head that is an essential part of the Punjabi attire. As a part of dance dress the dancers wear bright colored vests and also use a turla - a fan attached to the turban. For women the traditional dance dresses include salwaar kameez i.e long baggy pants tight at the ankle and a long colorful shirt. They also use chunnis that are colorful pieces of cloth wrapped around the neck. All these items are all very colorful and vibrant, representing the rich rural colors of Punjab. For dance shoes they use flat slippers that cover the feet called jutti.

Overall bhangra is a highly energetic dance accompanied loud, vivacious music and lots and lots of bright colors. Perhaps bhangra is the only Indian folk dance that has made a large scale impact on the global scale. Owing to the early migration of Punjabis to UK and USA, bhangra has become one of the most popular dance and songs genre abroad too.

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Fashion Industry and Dance Costumes

Designers often take fancy to the most unexpected things. They draw inspiration from objects, places and things that might be plain and ordinary to the common eye. But then there are things that allure the designers as much as the common man. Dance is definitely one of them. Dance has been in vogue as a preferred social activity since time immemorial. The Renaissance gave an all time high to the connection between dance and fashion. Dance costumes started to become a full fledge genre for the designers to work upon.

This also popularized the concept of “dance dramas” where a play was enacted with dance being a major component. The entire drama was choreographed in dance sequences. This is where the designers came in. they had to design costumes now not only according to the drama but also in compliance with the dance performances that were involved. Gradually dance apparels became an industry that was recognized as to have a lot of potential both in terms of money and exploration of talent.

A world famous designer who made his mark in dance costumes is Jean Paul Gaultier. Jean-Paul Gaultier is a pioneer in the realm of fashion, with his innovative ideas and bold designs. Taipei, Taiwan’s Fine Arts Museum paid tribute to the French fashion designer with an exhibition featuring costumes from Gaultier’s collaborations with French choreographer Regine Chopinot. Jean Paul Gaultier made an eminent mark in the dance fashion industry. So much so that an entire dance sequence was especially choreographed for one of his collections, where conventionally a designer designs dance costumes in accordance with the dance performances.

With the popularization of music videos, the scope of dance a fashion genre increased further more. Now dance apparels is an industry as big as any other with lots of opportunities and a good fortune. Dance shoes too have emerged as a major industry. Thus the establishment between dance and dance costumes and dance shoes is flourishing and has lots of prospects for both the consumers and the industrialists.

Wednesday, November 24, 2010

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!!!

Wednesday, October 6, 2010

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!!!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

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.

Monday, September 6, 2010

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.