Tango Styles

There are a bunch of different Tango dance styles that have developed over the years, each one varying in technique and style. These differences are made even clearer as different influences, like fashions in clothing and music, differ from each and every Tango dance style. Some of the more well known Tango dance styles are Tango Argentino, which is basically one of the original Tango dance styles, Tango Oriental, Tango Liso, Tango Canyengue, Tango Orillero, Tango Salon, Tango Nuevo, Tango Milonguero, Show Tango, Finnish Tango, and Ballroom Tango. All these different Tango dance styles are danced using different types of music, such as Tango Electronico, Vals, Milonga, Alternative Tango, and simply Tango.

Ballroom Style Tango

One of the more popular styles of Tango dance is called Ballroom Tango. It is actually divided into two different styles, namely, the “English” or “International” Tango dance style and the “European” Tango dance style. The English Tango dance style also evolved and created another style, which is the American Tango. Basically, English Tango more of a competitive style of dancing, while American Tango developed as a form of social dance that is more focused on the concept of leading and following skills of the dancers.

Basic Tango Steps

The most basic beginning for most Tango dance styles involves a slow-slow-quick-quick-slow counting, wherein the slow counts are held for about two beats, while the quick counts are only held for one. Performing this form of dance requires you to not drag or shuffle your feet, but rather, you need to strike the floor with your feet fairly quickly, sometimes referred to as staccato. However, you can drag or shuffle your feet during the final slow count. You should also keep your knees bent for most of the time that you are dancing Tango, however, a few exceptions can be made, depending on the routine.

Basic Tango Posture

There are basically two types of postures when dancing, which are basically either a closed dance position or an open dance position. When dancing Tango, you usually use the closed dancing position. This means that the partners are in a close hold to one another, wherein they need to maintain contact from their hips up to their ribcage. If you are still a beginner, you can actually keep a little bit of distance between you and your partner. Once you become more adept to dancing this style, then you can start dancing in the close position.

Benefits Of Tango

Research has shown that Tango, more specifically Argentine Tango, is able to help heal certain neurological diseases, one in particular is Parkinson’s disease. Certain Tango movements, such as turning, moving at various speeds, dynamic balance, walking backwards and initiating movements, are all relevant in improving your balance, memory, heart health, as well as assist in losing some weight.

Style Of Modern Ballet

For those people who do not know much about modern ballet, it is actually a form of dance that traces its roots on influences made by both classical ballet and modern dance styles. Although it does not have a specific, well-defined “technique” that would differentiate it from classical ballet, it does take certain techniques from classical ballet, such as the pointework, and combines it with the fewer restrictions of body movement and range of motion that modern dance styles offer.

Usually, modern ballet uses turned-in positions, as well as more innovative styles and moves. This means that the dancer is able to interpret and use ballet concepts and apply them in more modern styles.

Origin Of Modern Ballet

Modern ballet is believed to have been influenced by George Balanchine, a person considered to be the pioneer developer of the modern ballet dance style. His style of modern ballet actually uses different techniques, such as flexing hands and legs, using off-balanced positions, and the turned-in legs. His style also uses different non-classical costumes, such as tunics, unitards and leotards. Later on, Balanchine’s style of ballet developed into a style that was influenced by Baryshnikov, and then developed into a more modern and contemporary style of ballet.

Similarities With Classical Ballet

As mentioned earlier, modern ballet has taken some things from classical ballet, which is why it isn’t that far fetched to think that there are some certain similarities between them. One of their similarities is that both dance styles uses the French language for some of their dance terms and vocabularies. Both dance styles uses well trained dancers that are equipped in terms of technique and performance. Also, both dance styles have a very strong affinity and connection to music.

Difference With Classical Ballet

Although both dance styles are pretty similar in a couple of things, they do have certain differences that helps create a distinction between the two dance styles. One of the main distinction between the two styles is that modern ballet focuses more on the movement of the dancers instead of the storyline of the performance.

In terms of style, modern ballet does not focus too much on symmetry, as evidenced on how modern ballet performances seem to disregard the balance on the stage. Also, modern ballet dancers allow their body to twist and bend and curve as they dance, whereas classical ballet dancers try to maintain an upright posture by keeping their backs straight.

Which Is Better?

Although these two ballet dance styles are pretty different from each other, they actually both have their own good aspects and bad characteristics. It all boils down to personal preference. You just need to pick one that would work best for your style of dance.

History

The Flamenco's history dates back to the Golden Age of the gypsies, though historians only found vague records in regards to where the dance actually came from. Studies show that the Flamenco is actually more into the category of music than a dance. The music, though its original composition was lost in history, are said to contain influences from Muslim and Christian cultures.

Many researchers believe that the Flamenco did not exist before 1780. Gypsies who were known to dance the Flamenco during their social gathers, mostly in secret, does not know when or where the dance came from -- only that it was passed on from generation to generation.

Music

According to research of renowned historians and dance critics, the Flamenco started off as an impromptu dance following a steady beat -- mostly staccato clapping of the audience. Later, it was modified its repertoire of movement to follow the complicated harmony produced by the "togue" (flamenco guitar), as well as the rhythmic clapping and stamping of the audience or the band. The dance was later termed as the "baile" -- a common social dance of those with Spanish decent.

Live Performance

The Flamenco dance went into the public scene later in the 1869. Due to its popularity, many have utilized its unique and appealing music and dance maneuvers to attract customers to public events and roadside cafes. Later, the dance was introduced as paid performance enjoyed by Spaniards and foreigners.

The year 1869 to 1910 is considered to be the Golden Age of Flamenco. The dance and music evolved as new inspirations and cultures were introduced into the mix. In the 19th Century, Flamenco was introduced in romantic theatrical plays that depict a woman seducing their partners into a web of romantic palette that is a favorite pastime in European countries.

Live Lessons

There is no fixed class in regards to how Flamenco is passed to the next generation. Gypsies passed the culture through watching and listening -- inviting their sons and daughters to social gatherings to educate them to the music and body interpretation that resulted in the dance.

This is one reason why the dance routine has shed its traditional form and has succumbed to the changes of modern world. Music critics shed light to the Flamenco being a dance of unlimited possibilities -- the creativity and personal interpretation of individual performers and musicians giving light to new maneuvers and techniques that shows the modern Flamenco we know today.

History

Ballet actually made its mark back in the 18th century, and has been given the prestige as the operas during that time. Jean-Georges Noverre’s seminal work actually allowed ballet dancers to partake in plays as they were used to assist in the narration of the story by expressing character. Back then, the ballet dancers were made to wear corsets, wigs, hoops and high heels. Later on, ballet then got featured as interludes in operas.

It wasn’t until the 19th century that ballet really experienced a great social change, as it was during this period that new techniques in ballet were introduced, such as the pointework, thereby propelling the ballet dancer into a symbol for a stage figure. This was also the time that ballet shoes or slippers were invented. Later on, they developed this persona as being delicate unearthly creatures that had the ability to simply glide or float on stage.

Classical Ballet Style

Classical ballet is known for putting a lot of emphasis on execution and method of how the dancer moves. They can appear as if they are defying the laws of gravity wherein they create a perception that they are flying on stage as they dance. They may even give the illusion that they are hovering.

Female Ballet Dancer Outfit

When training or dancing classical ballet, women are supposed to wear a typical ballet outfit, which basically comprises of a flesh, pink or blue colored tights and a leotard of any color and style. A wrap-skirt is not necessary, but students can still opt to wear it if they like. They wear flats, which are sometimes referred to as soft technique shoes, and are pink or beige in color. They may also wear pointe shoes, but only after receiving a certain level of training.

Male Ballet Dancer Outfit

Men, on the other hand, basically wear the same thing in the sense that they wear tights and a leotard or a form-fitting shirt. They also wear flats, or soft technique shoes, which are black or white in color.

Ballet Training

In classical ballet, there are over seven different training styles that classical ballet dancers could go through, the most common of the training styles being the Vaganova method, Royal Ballet School method, Balanchine Method, Cecchetti method, and the Royal Academy of Dance method.

When ballet dancers train, they are required to acquire a certain level of skill and strength, and these factors will later on dictate what level of ballet he or she would be able to do. For example, ballet schools do not actually allow their ballet dancers to wear pointe shoes, not until they reach a certain age, and if they are able to meet the skill and strength requirement that they need for their age and body type.

Wearing of pointe shoes at such an early age before the dancer is actually ready, both skill-wise and strength-wise, then the dancer might experience some form of injury or damage to her feet later on. This is why ballet dancers go through a rigorous training regimen, especially since strength and skill is needed to be able to dance this particular style.

Basic Preparations

In an effort to study belly dance and its many variations throughout the years, many enter belly dancing schools. Enrolling yourself in a program is surely an effective way to quickly learn the basics of this dance form, especially with the help of professional guidance. But you must also take personal measures to ensure that you learn quickly and effectively.

The most basic tip that each novice must learn is that you must remove any sources of distractions. Although belly dancing might appear simple, it is actually one of the more complex dance forms that are defined by intricacy. Hence, you need to fully commit yourself into learning this dance form and each day in the program you will be taught new dancing principles that you can apply into your learning.

You must also set aside enough time for practicing daily, such as 1 hour of session per day, to get yourself accustomed to each dancing principle. Then, you can review what you learned and drill yourself with these new moves until they become familiar.

Obtain Belly Dancing Study Guides

The most basic study aid for learning how to belly dance is a suitable music. If you plan on practicing from home, you can seek the opinion of an expert belly dancer on where you can buy music that you can use for your practice. Or, you can also purchase a belly dancing instructional video, which is more convenient since you can view demonstrations of dance moves and follow based on the instruction given by the expert.

It is not enough to rely on video instructions and choosing the right music though, you must also look into developing your own fitness routine. Attaining enough flexibility in your body will give you an advantage when belly dancing. Focus the workout on your hip circle, or your rib cage area since this is where you will need the most amount of flexibility from.

Regular Practice

This should be an obvious bit of tip for newcomers to belly dancing. Do not be content with instructions in your dancing class or those you get from video instructions. You must set aside a time each day wherein you can practice whatever new moves you have learned and slowly gain mastery. Ideally, you should set aside at least an hour each day. But if you are busy, one or two days per week should suffice.

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Unlike other dance forms, belly dancing actually requires performers to use appropriate attire to allow freedom of movement around the hips and lower body. Instinctively, wearing jeans and loose shirts is not allowed. You need to provide a full range of motion on your belly, hips, and legs.

The broomstick skirt is the most ideal clothing for belly dancing with the top edge preferably pulled down to your hips instead of waist. This will then bring focus to what your hips are doing such that you can execute each move properly.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Belly dancing might not be as intensive as other types of dances, but it is important to perform warm up and cool down before and after each dancing session, respectively. In the warm up process, it gets your body in the mood for dancing, which is crucial with belly dance since it requires grace in your movement and coordination throughout your entire body. Meanwhile, cooling down to ease your body back to its state of inactivity and avoid injuries, particularly to your lower back. Gentle stretching should be enough to cool you down.

If you want to be sure whether or not your prom shoes will be comfortable for the big dance event try dancing around the house in them at all hours of the day and night. Make sure that there is no pinching, rubbing, or blistering as a result or your will spend the vast majority of your prom night sitting on the sidelines rather than dancing with your date. The same holds true for weddings. Pictures are all well and good, so is making that stunning entrance. At the same time there is nothing quite like being the last one standing when it comes to the dance floor.

I am a firm believer in cute shoes. I am also a firm believer in having comfortable feet. Recommendations for heel height are that 2 inches are actually the best for providing arch support and foot health in addition to comfort. Yes, this means that this height is actually recommended over wearing flats. You’ll also want to make sure there is plenty of room in the toe area so that your foot has a little breathing space without allowing room to rub and potentially blister. In other words a snug (but not tight) fit is preferable to shoes that fit loosely. You should have your shoes for the big event properly sized.

If you just can’t seem to part with the gorgeous 4 inch stilettos you found on sale as the perfect companion for your prom or wedding dress, then you should at least consider a back up pair of shoes that will be much more comfortable once the entrance has been make, the pictures have been taken, and you lose all sense of feeling in your feet. It is quite difficult to make complicated dance step when the voice in your head is screaming “Ouch! Ouch!” with every single step you make. Your shoes will actually affect almost every once of enjoyment you experience for the evening there is no reason you should wear uncomfortable shoes and be miserable for an evening that is supposed to be fun.

You might want to check out dance stores in an around your hometown and see what they have to offer. They make shoes that are first and foremost designed to be danced in. They also make some very sassy shoes that are completely appropriate for formals and would be quite suitable to wear to a wedding or prom. You can find these shoes online though I recommend against this as you just can’t get them properly fitted online and it doesn’t matter how great they are designed if the shoes do not fit properly, they are quite likely to hurt your feet. The important thing is that you take the time to find shoes that you feel will be comfortable for dancing without sacrificing the look you are attempting to put together.

Though jazz has many supposed birth places it really only has one true home and that home would be New Orleans. Much like the music this city is famous for, New Orleans is a city without a father too. New Orleans was a melting pot in the truest sense of the word before we had any real clue what it meant to be a melting pot. From the influences of the French, Spanish, German, English, and of course the population of former slaves and black free men and women, New Orleans was the perfect place for this blended and mixed style of music and dance to call home.

It is no wonder that jazz dance emerged as the result of jazz music. There are simply no adequate dance steps for the delightful music we have come to know over the years as jazz. For this reason something new and a little bit off the main path was needed in order to keep time and pace with the new music that was emerging.

As a style of dance, jazz was much more ‘brazen’ than dances in the past had been and in some circles considered to be singly unseemly. Polite society certainly had no interest in this particular form of dance. The good news for those who enjoyed this style of dance is that there were plenty of places in which jazz, as a form of dance and music, was readily embraced. You had to go off the beaten path a little in order to find it but for many it was well worth the effort.

Jazz music and dance was popular for quite a while and then seemed to go underground except in cities such as Memphis, New Orleans, Kansas City, and St. Louis where it was an ingrained part of the history and culture. We have seen a reemergence of this once popular style of music and dance in recent years however with some notable musicians bringing back the swing and ‘big band’ sound that went hand in hand with jazz as both a music form and a style of dance.

You should understand however, that when it comes to jazz dance, much like the music, there are no definitive rules that you must follow in order for it to be jazz. There are no rigid dance steps that must be adhered to for the ‘jazz’ effect. Jazz dance is often confused as ‘tap dance’ because tap music was often set to jazz music. It is important however to realize that jazz isn’t limited to tap dance and that other styles of dance fall under the rather large umbrella of ‘jazz dance’.

Some of the more common jazz dances include: Black Bottom, Boogie Woogie, the Cakewalk, the Charleston, the Jitterbug, the Lindy Hop, and swing dancing. Each of these styles of dance seems to be making a rather remarkable comeback in popularity over the course of the last two decades and are very interesting to watch, as well as in which to participate should you ever have the opportunity.

If you have considered jazz dance lessons for you or your children, I hope you will decide to indulge. Not only is the music for this type of dance excellent and uplifting but also the style of dance in and of itself is quite fun and enjoyable. There are very few styles of dance that can compete when it comes to allowing artistic license, going with the flow, and simply dancing for the sheer joy of dancing. As an art form and as a form of entertainment jazz music and dance are tops in my book.

Belly dance has a long and proud history dating back to the dawn of civilization. This style of dance has in its history been used as both an act of worship and an act of seduction. Not always in exclusion of the either as this form of dance is believed by some religions to be a boost for fertility of newly wedded couples.

Belly dance is a style of dance that doesn’t require participants to be in optimal physical condition in order to begin. In fact, the low impact nature of this form of movement makes it an excellent choice for those who are not in ideal shape to begin with. This form of dance works the muscles gently with the jarring effects of impact aerobics and other exercise methods. It also works the belly, which is often the problem area for many who aren’t in the best of shape. You should also find that you will strengthen your back through belly dance as you progress. This will also help with almost every aspect of your physical fitness routine. More importantly for those who are a little (or a lot) out of shape is the belly dance burns an average of 300 calories an hour. This means that if you practice one hour a day you are burning over 2,000 calories per week.

For those who celebrate their womanhood, there is no better form of dance to express that joy. Belly dance has a long history as a celebration of being female. From being used in ceremonies in the temple to being used to entice and seduce the unwitting belly dance is a celebration of simply being a girl.

If you are afraid to begin your belly dance lessons in a class full of other men and women you can always opt to purchase videos and DVD lessons. There are many of these lessons from which to choose, even lessons that focus on the mental and/or healing aspects of Oriental dance if that is where you feel you need to focus your efforts. Belly dancing is a great deal of fun in addition to being a decent form of getting much needed physical activity.

If you plan to belly dance, you should understand that the costume is part of what sets the mood or the tone. While you do not need all the bells and whistles, the general consensus is that baring your midriff puts you in the state of mind that is most suitable for belly dancing. For this reason it is recommended that you wear clothes that bare your belly such as low-rise yoga pants and a sports bra or some other belly-baring shirt for your practice sessions. This also helps your instructor see if you are making the moves correctly.

If you decide to partake in belly dancing classes, congratulations! You will be joining an historic group of women that date back to what many believe is the very beginning of time. You should also have a new hobby that is both entertaining and healthy.