Showing posts with label dance accessories. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dance accessories. Show all posts

Thursday, November 1, 2012

Dance Dresses- Are They Critically Important?

Off late the world of dance has been glamorized to a great extent. With the dance shows on television gaining massive popularity and the incorporation of dance as a major part in music world, the world of dance has evolved quite a bit from the commercial point of view. A number of dance schools have cropped up and the sector of dance dresses is also seeing rapid growth. But is the glamorization of the dance world is the only reason for the sudden rise in the popularity? Or dance dresses are really vital to the performance of an artist?

For this, we talked to the teachers at Just for Kix- one of the most popular names in dance in Minnesota and many other states. Along with being a renowned dance school, it is also a prominent dance shop that houses almost everything that a dancer may require. One of the teachers from the JFK Fraternity talked to us about the importance of dance costumes- as how they accentuate the body and the movements of the dancers and are not only important to add to the glamor quotient of the performance but also it is essential to make the dancer feel comfortable in what they are wearing.

“It is a grave challenge to make the dance dresses comfortable for the dancer and stylish enough for the stage at the same time” added another dance instructor at Just for Kix. “Leotards, dance tights, dance tops are few of the things that need to be of a soft, skin friendly material but should also have the highlights that make them look good amid all the light and dazzle. Jazz clothing especially need to be a lot more stylish than the others as the dance demands glitz and glam” she said. Just for Kix has a huge variety of dance costumes for sale that bring together the righteous elements of comfort and style in the most balanced way.

Monday, October 15, 2012

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.

Thursday, October 4, 2012

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.

Sunday, May 27, 2012

Jazzing Up For Jazz

Jazz as we all know it is one of the most popular forms of dance all across the globe. The fun beats and the swift movements make jazz a charming dance. Jazz is one of the few dance forms that also has a music genre for itself. Though, other forms of dances too have their specific kind of music but none of them are as popular as jazz. Jazz as a dance calls for a specific technique and skill. To be able to perform well, the foot movements in jazz need to be mastered.

Jazz has its root in the African American vernacular dances. Initially, very close to tap dancing, jazz then evolved to become one of the most popular dance genres of the world. The modern day Jazz is seen to be influenced to be influenced by dance styles like ballet, contemporary, lyrical and hip hop. It is the unique technique of the dance that lends it the beauty. The key to good jazz dancing is controlling the center of the body as all the movements take birth from the center of the body. Perfecting the balance is crucial to honing the art of jazz dancing. Turns such as pirouettes and fouettes are also central to the dance. Spotting is the technique that helps the dancer in keeping to minimum the dizzy feeling during repetitive turns.

Another thing that is essential to mastering the art of jazz dancing is the right kind of jazz shoes. As in jazz the emphasis on foot movement is immense, the shoes that you use are incredibly important. Your shoes can be made of soft leather which gives a comfortable fit and does not restrict the free movement of the feet. For jazz clothing there are a lot of options available. Mostly people prefer special jazz pants which allow free and unrestricted movement of the body. If you know of a dance costumes sale nearby, it is best to grab a pair of jazz shoes as they are never enough. www.justforkix.com is one of the best places to look for all kinds of dance merchandize, dance clothes, accessories etc.

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, February 23, 2012

Pretty Tutus For Your Little Girl!!

300 years on and Ballet Tutus have progressed to treasure inventive ways to make a dance performance stand out at a high level. The development of tutus has brought comfort and grace for the dancer. When you think of tutus, you think of something that is airy and dreamy, layers of tulle twirling around like clouds on a summery day. Dance tutu skirts are always going to make little girls feel like princesses whether it is ballerina dresses or girls’ prom dresses.

Tutus are the cutest trend for little girls to wear, and they are not just for ballet class anymore, as these tutus have been worn by little girls in almost every special occasion like birthday parties, dance shows, festivals or competitions. With the variation in styles, colors and designers, one can select a tutu depending on the budget and occasion. This might be the reason these dresses have never been out of fashion over the years.

There are several types of ballet tutus available in the market. The most popular is the Romantic Tutu. It is a three quarters length bell shaped skirt made of tulle. It is free flowing to accentuate grace, to suit the delicate quality of the romantic ballets such as Giselle or La Sylphide. Other famous tutus are Classical Tutus. These tutus are of two types, one is of bell shaped and another one is of pancake shaped. Classical Tutu (bell) is a very short, stiff skirt made with layers of netting with a slight bell shape and fitted bodice. classical (pancake) tutu is similar to classical tut (bell) except its stiff skirt made with layers of netting that extends straight outwards from the hips in a flat pancake shape, and has a fitted bodice.

The Balanchine Tutu or Karinska Tutu which is also known as the "powder puff" is a very short skirt with no hoops, and fewer layers of netting than the pancake or classical styles. The skirt is loosely tacked to give a softer, fuller appearance. And the last type of tutu is Platter Tutu. It is a tutu with a flat top that sticks straight out from the ballerina's waistline. So pick the one that meets your needs and purposes. If you are looking for a perfect place to buy amazing and pretty Tutus dance skirts, then Just For Kix is your place.

Monday, January 9, 2012

Stay Cheerful And Confident!!

Dance is the natural expression of feelings and senses through of the body. It provides you several benefits like physical, psychological, personal and even societal. Dancing releases endorphins that comfort you to encourage feelings of being-well. Dancing improves your brain activity. It increases your fitness and helps in weight loss or control. The body reactions during dance help you to get relieved of stress and tension. Dancing strengthens the lungs and upturns the capacity of their workload. Apart from these health benefits, dancing has many other beautiful benefits. It helps a person stay cheerful and confident.

Dancing is an activity for all age groups and sexes. For some people, dance is just a source of entertainment but for some it’s a passion. For the dancers who are passionate about dance, it is the form of worship for them and they believe that dance is their life itself. A dance class can help you to enhance confidence, promising attitude and form social aptitudes. For those who dance, the dancewear that they use is of great importance. Even if you are learning dance just as a hobby, you know and understand that how important are the clothes that you wear during a dance class.

The beauty and magic of dance is enhanced by using the right kind of dance costumes. Even if the dancing itself is perfect, a dance dress has the power to make or break the charm of your dance on the audiences. It boosts up the dancer’s body and the composition of the choreographer. Different kinds of dances need and use different kinds of dance costumes. There are various kinds of dance dresses like Dance tops, Dance skirts, booty shorts, leotards, tutus, shinning tunic tops, and many glitterier dance dresses available in the market.

If you are looking for the perfect place to buy best dance wear and dance accessories then Justforkix.com is your place. They offer an extensive range of dance wear, dance bags, dance gifts, etc. visit www.justforkix.com now and stay cheerful and confident by picking the perfect dance dress.

Thursday, November 17, 2011

Let Dance Awaken Your Soul and Mind

The definition of dance is different for each person. For some, dance is a physical exercise, where as there are people for whom dance is a form of worship. And then there are the passionate dancers for whom, dance is their life itself. For some, dance is just a source of entertainment and some people enjoy watching others dance than dancing themselves. Dance, for the passionate ones is a mode of expression of their deepest feelings and fears. It is the beauty of dance that is resulting in so many people opting for dance classes.

Surprisingly enough, dance is the most preferred hobby for many professionals like accountants, lawyers, bankers, and entrepreneurs etc. These people may not have enough time to devote to dance, but dance continues to fascinate them. Although, now more and more people are carving out time from their busy schedules to learn and enjoy the benefits of dance.

Along with all the beautiful benefits of dance, there are a lot of physical benefits too. Not only dance is a great exercise, it is a boon for the cardiovascular system. It helps you regulate all the body systems and keep your body fit. Also dance is one of the best stress busters and helps in considerably reducing stress levels and helps you lead a happier and a more relaxed life. Also, dance helps in improving your body language and posture.

www.justforkix.com is the perfect place for you if you are looking for some kind of dance classes. Just For Kix offer their dance classes in Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Texas and Wisconsin. They have some of the best teachers in the country and the greatest learning environment. Along with dance classes, Just for Kix also offers an extensive range of dance dress including dance tops, jazz shoes, etc. and variety of dance gifts.

Wednesday, November 2, 2011

Dance Wear- The Essentials

Dance is an important part of the society and an even more important part of a life of a person who loves to dance. Dance is a source of sheer delight, both as a hobby or as a career. As a hobby, dance represents a secret world, wherein a person can be anything that they want to be. Along with the numerous health benefits, dance is also a great stress buster and elevates the sense of self. Also, dance brings in happiness and contentment in one’s life. Overall, dance can said to be a hobby, a career, a passion, a shrine of solace and a way of life.

For those who dance, the dancewear that they use is of great importance. Even if you are learning dance just as a hobby, you know and understand that how important are the clothes that you wear during a dance class. Although different kinds of dances need and use different kinds of dance costumes, there are certain basic things that go for all kinds of dance wears.
The comfort of the clothing is one of the major factors affecting your dance performance. Other than the fit of the dress, what matters is the material that is used to make the dress. A dance dress should be of a material that doesn’t obstruct the free movement of the body. Moreover, the material should not make the dancer sweat more than what is necessary. Neither should it hold back the sweat.

A dance costume becomes all the more important for a professional dancer. Along with the above mentioned things, a performer’s dance costume needs to enhance all the body parts of the dancer in the right way. The designer should take care of the theme of the performance, the lighting of the stage and the figure of the dancer. Taking care of these minute things is very important.

www.justforkix.com is a great option if you are looking for dance wear. Their collection comprises of everything that you need for your practice sessions and also for final performances and competitions. Just For Kix is a one stop for all the dance dresses and dance accessories that you might need. They blend together style and comfort in the best possible way.

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.

Monday, May 16, 2011

All about Dance Leotards

Dance is the only art form that comes closest to the human soul. Dance is an art that imprints on the soul. It is with you every moment; it expresses itself in everything you do. There are few things like dance costumes, dance wears, dance shoes, dance accessories which adorn the appeal of dance. Dance is full of movements and expression. Dance costumes bring attention towards the dancer's figure which consequentially allows the audience to clearly observe and make out the deftness of the dancer's body and movements.

So a dance costume is a highly important for a dancer for an outstanding performance. Leotards are one of the important elements of dance wears. A leotard is a one piece skin-tight item of clothing that wraps up the upper body leaving the legs free and generally worn by athletes, acrobats, gymnasts, circus performers, dancers (particularly ballet dancers), and figure skaters, etc. Dance leotards are worn as practice outfits as well as performance dress. They can be sleeveless, or with short-sleeves and long-sleeves as per the dancers need.

The chief reason that the dance leotard is so appropriate to the dancer is that of its formfitting and flexibility aspects which grasps the dance leotard close to the dancer's body. Dance leotard is a type of dance wear which allow comfort and easiness along with the choice of execution to the dancers to perform fiddly and sturdy dance movements.

Make one thing clear in your mind that your dance leotard must have a snug and comfortable fit but still lets you to move freely. There are numerous brands like Bloch, Capezio and Roch Valley of dance wears which are progressively bringing in electrifying leotards to take on, which can be worn for an array of diverse dance styles and forms. So get your dance leotard now and fly high!!

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.

Monday, January 3, 2011

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.

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Dances from the Land Of Fairies

Ireland has long been associated with fairies and folklore. The music and dance of such a place would also be like that in a fairyland. The folk dance and music of Ireland is quite stylish, vibrant and beautiful.

Mainly the Irish dances can be divided into two types the Performance Dances and the Social Dances. The Irish Social Dances can further be divided into two types- ceili dancing and the step dancing. The Performance Dance constitutes the famous tap dance. The ceili is performed in various formations and can be performed by as many as eight couples or at least one. The Set Dance is a quadrille i.e. it is done by four couples arranged in a square. The two dances vary significantly in style but are nonetheless a very important part of the Irish society.

The Performance Dance is basically the popular Step dance. It owes it origin to the days when the sailors use to tap dance to entertain themselves. They used the tap in absence of any music. The Tap dance came into the world view in 1994 with the world famous dance show “Riverside”. The main feature of this dance was rapid foot movement with the arms and most of the body as stationary as possible. Though the technique was born out of practicality but it soon became very popular and the defining dance of the rich Irish folk culture.

Along with the peppy dance came the exuberant Dance dresses and dance shoes. The dance costumes and the dance accessories used were quite elaborate and interesting. In the Tap Dance, the dance shoes are of vital importance to produce the correct sound effects. There are two types of shoes. The first is the soft shoe, otherwise known as ghillies, and Hard shoes for the heavy dances, such as horn pipe---- The hard shoe is similar to tap shoes, except that the tips and heels are made of fiberglass, instead of metal, and are significantly bulkier. The hard shoes were originally made of wood in the 19th century and early 20th century. The first hard shoes had wooden or leather taps with metal nails. Later the taps and heels were changed into resin or fiberglass to reduce the weight and to increase the footwork sounds. The soft shoes, which are called ghillies, resemble a ballet shoe minus the hard toe, the ribbons for laces, and the pink color for black. Gillies are only worn by girls, while boys wear a black leather shoe called a reel shoe, which resembles a black jazz shoe with a hard heel. Boy's soft-shoe dancing features audible heel clicks.

Thursday, August 26, 2010

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!!!