How To Learn To Dance

There are a couple of ways to learn how to dance and before you start, it's important to learn about them.

The most obvious way to learn to dance, of course, is to go to a class.

This method of learning has both advantages and disadvantages that should be carefully examined.

There are some big advantages to going to a class. You will get direct feedback from an instructor as you are dancing so you can correct any mistakes you are making.

There is also the social aspect of going to a dance class - you can meet new people who have similar interests.

Of course, there are disadvantages to attending a dance class as well. Going to a dance class is the most expensive way to learn how to dance, and not everyone can afford to take a class.

It can also be difficult to find the time to attend a dance class. A busy work schedule can get in the way, as can a busy home life and social life. If you have children this can be especially difficult as it means finding someone to watch your kids while you go out.

Another disadvantage of taking a dance class is that some people would rather not have an audience while learning something new, especially an audience of strangers. If you are just starting out and are a bit shy, you may find it difficult to attempt new dance moves with people watching you.

Another way to learn to dance is by watching videos.

This method, as with taking a class, has some advantages and disadvantages.

The biggest advantage of learning to dance from a video is the scheduling flexibility. You can play your video whenever you have some spare time instead of having to follow a rigid class schedule. This is especially beneficial for people with children and people who work shift work.

Learning to dance from a video is also a very inexpensive way to do it.

After your initial purchase you can watch the videos over and over as many times as you want as opposed to having to keep paying for new classes.

Plus the videos can be your dance sequence "notes", whenever you forget about the steps or sequence or how to "move", you can play them anytime even weeks or months and years later.

Learning to dance in the comfort of your own home has an advantage over taking a class due to the fact that when you're at home by yourself or with your partner you are more relaxed because you're not worried about looking awkward or clumsy in front of strangers.

Being relaxed will help you master the steps far more quickly.

If you have a spouse, learning to dance from a video can be a fun and romantic way to connect with each other. Light some candles and spend some time just focusing on each other and on learning a new skill.

This is a huge advantage for parents because it can be done after the kids go to bed.

There are, of course, a couple of disadvantages to using a video.

You will miss out on the feedback you would get from a teacher.

One way to overcome this is to have your spouse or a friend watch you while you practice and compare you to the video so they can give you feedback.

You can also use a mirror to watch yourself while you learn.

Another disadvantage is the fact that you are missing out on the social aspect of dance.

If this is a concern, keep in mind that once you have mastered your moves, you can hit the dance clubs and meet all kinds of new people!

Deciding which method to use can be a bit difficult, but the easy decision to make is that YOU should learn to dance!

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Mistakes Dancers Often Make

Dancing is Hazardous to your health!

With that said here are some things to watch out for. The mistakes dancers often make:

1. Dancers work under too much pressure and are overworked. Injuries can be prevented by allowing sufficient rest in your schedule to prevent fatigue. Appreciate rest and relaxation.

2. Dancers do not give enough consideration to their psychological needs alongside their physical ones. Dancers need to learn how to relax and pace themselves. Allow time for rest. Manage time and stress. Dance is very competitive and this leads to great stress. If tension is held in the body, flexibility may be affected unless counter measures are put into place. Know your physical and mental limitations. Know your boundaries. Know thyself!

3. Dancers do not pay enough attention to the flooring and space. You need to make the people hiring you be aware of the complications of working in detrimental space. Plus, they need to understand your needs and why you need specific things. They are not performers and therefor are not aware at all. To ask is not being demanding it is being realistic to your needs. This refers to everything from floors, staging, dressing rooms and rest rooms etc. Take control of your surroundings and your life.

4. Most dancers do not breathe properly. Dancers ar not generally known for their aerobic fitness. With insufficient oxygen in the lungs, lactic acid can accumulate causing fatigue or aching and cramping muscles. Good breathing techniques can aid in the proper execution of dance movements. It can add dynamics and a pleasing quality to the upper body. Remember even though you are a dancer, you are a person and people breathe. Breathing can also add the emotional context you are looking for. Breathe!

5. As a dancer you need to learn how to learn. You learn by following a series of steps. First you repeat movement taught in class. You repeat them technically correct. You then learn how to do the movements with a minimal amount of muscular contraction and tension to reproduce the movement required. You need to make the movement look easy. By eliminating excessive tension the movement becomes ingrained in the muscle memory. Rehearsals can be much more intense than actual performances. This is due to the constant repetition to do something better or to fix a movement that is not correct.

You need to be a quick study, not only to keep up in class and with other dancers but to avoid overuse injuries that a very common in professional dancers. Dancers must learn their own natural learning style and make use of all their senses. Visualization can also be a very useful skill. Strengthening exercises are very important before performances.

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Take Your Dancing To New Heights Through Better Breathing

When learning to dance, first we concentrate on learning patterns, hearing the beat and maintaining communication with our partner. However, after we become familiar with the patterns we want to dance, are able to dance on beat, and are comfortable leading and/or following your partner, the next steps to mastership are actually less mechanical in nature.

Advanced concepts in dancing has more to do with attunement and flow of energy. We need to get our body in a receptive mode and the way to do that is through proper breathing.

The importance of proper breathing is prevalent in any skill we want to develop, whether playing the piano, martial arts or dancing. It helps you to relax and perform at a higher level.

Developing good breathing habits will not only improve your dance skills, but it will give you more stamina and control in any activity you choose.

The first thing we can do to improve our breathing is to become more aware of it. Start concentrating on the depth and rhythm of your breathing without trying to change it. Then, slowly increase the range of your inhalation and exhalation.

Also, proper posture improves our breathing naturally. Keep your shoulders back and your head straight allowing the chest to open up and your rip cage to expand and contract freely.

Here are three simple exercises to help you increase the range of your breathing.

(Disclaimer: Consult your doctor before doing these or any other exercises)

SITING EXERCISE

Seat on a chair with your spine straight

• Put one hand on your abdomen and another one on your chest
• Start inhaling slowly and feel your abdomen fill and expand then fill and expand the chest
• Start exhaling slowly allowing the chest to contract and then contract the abdomen

Do not over strain the breathing, allow it to grow naturally.

WALKING EXERCISE

When going for a walk you can use each step as a count.

• Inhale during a count of four steps
• Hold during a count of eight
• Exhale during a count of twelve

Maintaining the same ratio, you can increase or reduce your breathing range to suit your comfort zone. You can reduce the numbers to 2, 4, 8 or you could increase them to 6, 12, 18.

LYING ON BED EXCERCISE

Lay on your back and do some belly breathing. Let the air go directly to your abdomen area and expand it during inhalation and contract it during exhalation

• Inhale during a count of four
• Hold for two
• Exhale during a count of four
• Hold for two

When going to bed this exercise will help you relax and fall seep quickly.

A common thing we see in dancing is people not able to dance through a song or two without getting out of breath. These exercises will help you overcome that problem and allow you to take your dancing to new heights with proper breathing. So, next time you dance don't forget to breathe.

Happy Dancing,

Blanche & Emilio Librero

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The Health Benefits of Dancing

The Benefits of Dancing

Dancing has countless benefits, both physical and mental.

Physically, dancing is excellent for nearly everyone. It is a great cardiovascular workout, which strengthens the heart and improves lung function.

A couple months of regular dancing and you'll not only help to extend your life span but you will likely find that you can walk farther distances and don't get tired climbing stairs any more.

Improved cardiovascular function also helps to lower cholesterol and helps to lower blood pressure.

The best part of improving your cardiovascular function is that it will help you to slow the aging process. Who wouldn't want that?

Dancing also helps to strengthen your muscles which is beneficial for a couple of reasons.

Strong muscles make you less prone to injury, and for women it can help avoid developing osteoporosis.

Improved flexibility and balance is another benefit of regular dancing. Improving flexibility is another way to avoid injury to joints. Improved balance helps to strengthen the nervous system.

And what is the benefit of dancing that tends to be everyone's favorite? The answer to that is simple - it makes you more attractive!

Think about it... you're burning calories and losing excess weight, you're toning your muscles, your core strength is improved so you're standing taller... you are getting better looking with every passing week that you are dancing regularly.

Over and above the physical benefits, there are emotional benefits that are just as important.

Many studies have shown that regular exercise stimulates brain chemicals that can leave you feeling more relaxed and happy.

For people who suffer from anxiety and depression disorders this is especially helpful as regular exercise helps to regulate the chemicals in the brain that help to avoid depression and anxiety.

Believe it or not, dancing even helps to improve your brain function. The act of using your brain to memorize the steps in a dance helps to stimulate your brain. This type of stimulation has been shown to help avoid deterioration of brain function as people age.

Dancing is almost guaranteed to boost your self esteem. You will be physically more attractive which will make you feel better about yourself, and you will have the sense of accomplishment that comes with learning a new skill.

Dancing is a social exercise, which means you will be either getting out and spending time connecting with your friends, or getting out and making new friends.

Having an active social life has been shown to result in people feeling generally happier and more satisfied with their life and their family.

If you have a spouse, dancing is a great way to connect with your partner.

The physical exercise combined with the sense of fun and adventure make it a great activity to do as a couple.

If you do not have a spouse, dancing is a great way to get out there and meet someone. There are lots of clubs and places where people gather to dance and it's a great place to meet someone with whom you already have something in common.

So in summary, this is an activity that will help you live longer, make you stronger, make you feel better about yourself and either help you connect with your partner or help you find a new partner.

How could anyone not love dance?

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4 Things To Look For When Choosing A Studio For Dance Classes

If your child has shown an interest in taking dance classes, choosing a studio is likely one of your biggest priorities. Before you spend hours driving around to different studios and looking around, call a few and ask a couple key questions to make sure you're signing up for a program that's right for you. Here are a couple things to ask so you can ensure you've found the right place for your children to learn to dance.

Look For Instructors Who Enjoy Working With Kids

Many studios have a number of classes that cater to children of all ages. If your child is starting to learn to dance and they're very young, ask what kind of experience the instructors have with little ones. A teacher who focuses on lessons for high school students will need very different experience than one who teaches pre-schoolers. One of the biggest differences is that teachers who work with pre-school students will need nearly endless amounts of patience since children this small can be a little difficult (but fun!) to teach.

Look For Studios That Offer Flexible Class Times

Busy parents need a lot of options when it comes to dance lessons. Instead of finding a studio that only offers a class once a week, look for one with a number of different options for dance lessons. One benefit of finding a studio that has many different classes is that you'll likely be able to make up a class in case your child is sick on their regular class day. Another benefit is that many offer Saturday classes, which are vital if you're a working parent.

Search For Studios With Many Different Types Of Dance Classes

If your child isn't sure what type of lessons they want to take, look for a studio that offers a number of different types. These can include beginning ballet, tap and jazz, as well as hip hop, adult contemporary and even yoga! Studios with so many different options mean that you won't need to go from studio to studio if your child wants to try something new.

Ask About The Fees

Lastly, ask about the fees. It's fairly standard to pay a registration fee, as well as monthly or quarterly fees to take the lessons. Some studios do offer a discount to students or families that participate in more than one lesson a week. Also ask if there will be any additional fees for a recital. Dancers will need a costume that matches the rest of their class, but there might be optional fees for photos, videos, advertisements in recital programs and more.

Choosing the right program so your child can learn to dance is vitally important. A great teacher and studio can help set your child up for a lifetime love of ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop and more. Don't leave this to chance -- do your research to make sure you're choosing the right program for your child.

Styles of Dance Classes

Ballet is viewed as the basis of all forms of dance. This is because of it's rigid structure of movement. The core of ballet is comprised of erect posture, turnout of the legs, five basic positions of the dancer's feet, pointe work, lifting of the leg known as extension, and different levels, such as jumps, releves, and plies. Ballet takes years of training. Classical dance such as ballet has been known by qualities such as graceful and elegance. Ballet, not unlike Opera, often is used to deliver a story with drama. Mime is found in ballet technique, were it is designed to speak without words. A ballet is commonly used to tell famous stories. The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty are prime examples. Other stories include Copella, Swan lake and Giselle. American Ballet Theater and other companies carry on the tradition of ballet story telling. Professional dancers work on the technique of classical ballet for many years in order to have a chance at performing it for a living.

Ballet being the oldest, of what we know as dance, as changed or been modified into Modern dance or Contemporary. These techniques are made up of movement that is free of rigid form and one that constantly changes to adjust to different types of feelings. The movement is based upon using organic use of gravity, momentum and breath to create steps that move through space. The biggest difference between ballet and contemporary dance is in the use of gravity. Ballet stays away from it and Modern dance is ruled by it. The natural swing of the body falling and rising generates the movement.

Modern is know as an abstract style of dance but is quickly becoming a part of the worldwide art culture. It tends to be very dramatic, touching on human emotion which commonly does not follow the storyboard like ballet. Modern dance can be experimental, not always having themes or a story, making it seem open ended. Modern uses other inspirations, which other styles also do, but modern is more known for being inspired by a feeling or a life event. It often takes everyday situations or stories and makes a dance of feeling. A basic example would be to look at a rainbow and make a movement structure reflecting the pattern of the rainbow's arch and using its various colors to depict different movement qualities. An example of modern dance can be seen performed by Alvin Ailey or Netherlands Danse Theatre. Contemporary and Modern dance transforms movement into a tool that can speak to an audience on a more abstract level.

Jazz, probably the most commercially known form of dancing, is usually a fast paced and energetic dance form. Jazz dance can take on many different styles. The classic form, think Chorus Line, is comprised of sharp lines and precise movements. Jazz is also known for turns and jumps that have explosive power behind them. It is most often seen on television shows like "So you Think You Can Dance" and "Glee" were it takes on its more common counterpart, Musical Theater.

These three forms of dance are all linked to one another through its basic similarities found through ballet. Just how a painting encompasses different historical periods, uses of different colors and brush strokes, dance does through movement quality, musicality, and body structure.

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Zumba Shoes - Buying The Right Pair

When buying a pair of Zumba shoes it is important that you choose the right ones. Not everyone will choose the same pair of shoes for Zumba as some might have a high arch or flat feet so you see you must choose a shoe that is right for you. Below are a few things to take into account when choosing.

Zumba is usually a fast, high octane routine which is good for the cardio and vascular elements and which is very often fun to do, because of this you place a lot of pressure on your feet so you need to be sure that the shoes are not loose and fit correctly with good support. The sole of the shoe have a good grip of the floor enabling you to twist and turn with ease.

The Zumba Z1 Dance Shoe for example is a sturdy but light shoe that allows you to dance as often or as quick as you like but keeping just the right amount of support and cushioning makes Zumba enjoyable and a great way to keep fit.

The shoe should be of a high quality, flexibility and have a canvas upper, there are some good deals out there at the moment. The main features of a good Zumba shoe are detailed below for you to examine.

• It should have a special insole to provide better cushioning to enable you to do all the special dance steps while still enjoying yourself. These should be changed regularly to retain their cushioning.

• It should have enough shock absorption to allow you to jump and step out all you like.

• Some experts say that if you have a split sole it makes for easier to do the dance moves which in turn makes life a lot easier for you.

So that's about it really you must now make up your own mind, when you take your Zumba classes try to take into account all that you will need to make your Zumba class experience an enjoyable experience. Try to find a store which offers a discount or free delivery and returns just in case you order the wrong size and need to return them. Most of all try buy a pair that look nice, are a decent make and right for your budget to see you through your dance classes with no problems and which complete the dance moves easily.

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