Latin Dance Clothes: Spicy and Colorful Distinctives

In the world of ballroom dancing, the Latin dances are very well known. These spicy, sensual dances that originated in Latin America have made their way around the globe, and hold a special popularity in the United States.

The five International dances of Latin America used in ballroom dancing are the Cha-Cha, the Rumba, the Samba, the Paso Doble, and the Jive. All of these are distinctive in the style of music they are danced to and the moves they utilize, but can still be easily recognized as Latin-style dances.

These dances are known for their very distinctive moves, fast pace, expressiveness, and colorful Latin clothes.

The dresses and costumes traditionally worn in Latin dances seem to perfectly complement both its music styles and its dance moves. The characteristics of Latin clothes you will notice when shopping for ballroom Latin dresses for sale are usually very different from those worn in other styles of ballroom dancing. In fact, Latin dance costumes for sale are usually put in their own category.

The style of Latin clothes is usually sensuous, bold, and even, by some standards, bordering on risqué; featuring shorter, fuller skirts, a tighter fit, and more body-accentuating features to complement the sensuous dance moves.

You could say that Ballroom Latin dresses for sale are works of art, and without them, Latin dances would just not be the same.

In contrast, most other ballroom dancing styles are focused on grace and formality, and are thereby found in styles that are traditionally more formal, fancy, and modest, with longer hems and more classic styling - the perfect princess dresses.

These other styles of ballroom dancing favor ballroom dancing dresses and costumes which feature more muted colors in 'safe' combinations of pastels and primaries.

Latin costumes for sale are not so. In Latin dance, the brighter and bolder, the better. You will see red, bright tropical colors, neon shades, and often a rainbow of colors in one outfit. Everything draws attention to the body, mostly of the female dancer, and color does just that.

Latin dances are bold and expressive, so reason stands that Latin dance clothes should be, too. Slower, more formal dances seem to be well-suited to ballroom Latin dresses for sale. But, for the fast and provocative Latin dances we all know well, dancers look for the spiciest Latin costumes for sale to bring all levels of expression to the dance floor.

http://TangoRougeBallroomDancewear.com offers the finest ballroom dresses/costumes & dance shoes in the industry. Nancy is a 5 year pro-am ballroom competitor in both American & International Ballroom. She provides quality ballroom dance apparel and accessories, and offers beautiful custom Latin dresses and more at discount prices.

Jazz Shoes and Dance Sneakers - The Differences

Both jazz shoes and dance sneakers are highly versatile styles of dance shoe though they each serve a different purpose. Jazz shoes are designed primarily for jazz dancing though they are suitable for many other styles such as rock 'n' roll and modern amongst others.

 Dance sneakers are also very flexible but are designed to provide more support to the foot. They're also used for many styles but are particularly popular for break dancing, hip hop and street dance.

The most striking difference between a jazz shoe and a dance sneaker is the appearance of the upper. A jazz shoe upper is usually made from very supple leather very similar to the type used to make soft ballet shoes.

This allows the shoe to fit the foot almost like a second skin enabling great freedom of movement for the foot. Dance sneakers have a far more rigid upper which has a similar appearance to a sports trainer making them particularly popular for urban and street dance.

The sole of a jazz shoe has many differences but also shares some similarities with the sole of a dance sneaker. Most jazz shoes are available with either a full sole or split sole whereas dance sneakers always have a split sole.

 This is in order to offer the foot more freedom of movement whilst still offering adequate support. Dance sneakers also often feature smooth spots on the soles to make spinning easier, or notches in the heel to make it easier for a dancer to lift their partner. On the other hand, the soles of both types of dance shoes offer shock absorption and are non-marking.

There is a wide range of jazz shoes and dance sneakers available on the market from many major dance brands such as Capezio, Bloch, and Dance Gear. Some of the most popular jazz shoes include varieties of the leather split sole, and some of the most popular dance sneakers include the Capezio Web Dansneaker and Bloch Boost Dansneaker.

If you're buying your first pair or if you're not sure what size to choose, it's a good idea to get them fitted at a local dance shop. However, if you're confident that you know what size and style you want to purchase then you'll find much more competitively priced dance shoes online.

 However, before you purchase make sure that the online dance wear retailer that you choose has a secure payment gateway and fair terms and conditions as well to ensure that you get the best possible service. It's also a good idea to check out their privacy policy too to check that they won't share your personal details with anybody else.

Dance Gear Direct are experts in providing dance wear with over 30 years experience. For more information about our extensive range of jazz shoes please visit our website
http://www.dancegeardirect.co.uk.

Locking Dance Tutorial Tips

In order to make the most of any locking tutorials you learn across the first step is to go through the tutorial thoroughly and learn to do the move. Doesn't take an Einstein to work that out!

After having done this, the next thing you need to do is really work the move thoroughly so that you can do it easily. This is the step that most people miss out when learning locking.

You really don't want to be in the situation where you are doing the move, and have to think for ages about how to do the move. That is unless you lock the move while you're thinking because then you're still locking, in fact locking came about in similar means!

When you learn a move thoroughly you become a lot more comfortable doing it. Once you can go from one part of the movement to another and can do it easily, start repeating it several times in a row.

If it is an exhaustive move take breaks after several eights of repetition before beginning again, if not then you can go on for as long as minutes. For example when doing hand claps or simple locks you can repeat the moves for longer because they're pretty easy to do.

After you're comfortable with the moves themselves, you need to get comfortable with linking them up with other moves. If you don't do this, then when you begin to lock it will look like you are doing a drill if you do the same move again and again for five minutes!

Start working it together with other moves that you know and try to figure out how you would get out of one move and start the next. Then you start dancing rather than doing single moves.

After you can put moves together it's important to start using your own ideas as well. Style the moves how you wish and even add steps as you're dancing. Remember the moves are just a place to start, go on from there and start trying out different things!

Kevin Shwe (Strawberry KS) is a locker from London. He is also the teacher of several locking dance DVD's such as the Advanced Locking Program which takes the learner through tutorials, exercises and techniques to help advance their locking skills. You can find out more about his DVD's at www.learnlocking.com

The Latin Influence on Ballroom Dance Steps and Styles

Latin Influence

While Ballroom Dance has a mixed and long history, it definitely has a strong Latin influence. The Rumba, Tango, Salsa and Cha-Cha are probably the most popular styles which have a major Latin background.

The sometimes flamboyant and always sexy costumes of many dance couples in professional competitions and even in regular social gatherings almost always have a south of the border flavor.

Classy and Sexy

This inspiration doesn't just affect the clothes of course, but has a huge sway on the dance itself. From the extremely sensual, rhythmic movements of the Rumba to the more flirty and fun steps of the Cha-Cha, the strong Latino style has dancers going from borderline X-rated to light and carefree.

 The magnetic feeling of these Latin inspired dances has the participants and watchers both moving to a romantic and sensuous beat. Hot, Classy, Sexy and Sensuous, these words are just a start in describing Latin influenced Ballroom Dance.

Learn Elegance and Style

Learning the elegant movements and steps can be done in the numerous dance classes popping up around the country or even at home. The increased quality of home media has made learning at home a more popular alternative for most.

 While in the privacy of your home you can work out the kinks as you learn the dance steps to your favorite style of Ballroom Dance. By studying in advance, out of your home, you can improve and gain confidence for when you hit the floor in public.

Remember that learning any style of Ballroom Dancing is a lot of fun and also a great workout. The wide range of ages involved makes it a great sport or hobby to meet different and entertaining people.

The Latin styled dances not only make for a fun, flirty and sexy dance, but a great way to meet and learn about different people and cultures.

Learning how to Ballroom Dance is really rewarding and highly beneficial. You can meet new people, get good exercise, become more confident and of course, have a lot of fun. Try out

LEARNTODANCEWITHCLASS for the #1 Ballroom Dance course. You never know, this might just be your new passion!

5 Classroom Rules That Dance Teachers Should Always Enforce

Dancing takes great focus and commitment. These two qualities are easy to draw out of dance students who are dedicated to the craft. However, the focus of even the most committed students can suffer when faced with a nonproductive environment.

 Dance teachers must manage the classroom environment properly in order to produce successful dance students. Here are five classroom rules that should always be enforced to help you build an atmosphere conducive to learning the art of dance.

Rule #1: Stop the chatter during class time

For many students, the classroom is the only opportunity they have to socialize with their group of dance mates. Yet, this is no excuse for chatting during class time and especially during a rehearsal.

 Chatter while an instructor or choreographer is teaching is one of the most damaging offenses to a constructive classroom environment. It is distracting; not to mention completely rude. Always enforce a rule that students abstain from chatter during class time as much as possible. This rule is the primary way that students can show the instructor or choreographer they are focused and eager to learn.

Rule #2: Break up the cliques

Friendships between students can prove to be beneficial and are usually encouraged. But, if you've ever walked into a new class and been given the "cold shoulder" by dancers who all seem to know each other, you've experienced how these tight-knit groups can be damaging to the classroom environment.

 Make your classroom more comfortable by breaking up the cliques. As difficult as it may sound, your students must let each other "in" to their circles so that the pleasant and welcoming atmosphere of the classroom can be preserved. You might remind them that the person they refuse to befriend today may be the future choreographer whom they find themselves auditioning for tomorrow.

Rule #3: Bring an end to tardiness

Chronic tardiness spawns from a poor student attitude. Repeat offenders feel they don't necessarily NEED to be punctual; that's why they're tardy. Allowing tardiness presents the danger that a tardy student lacking the proper warm-up may seriously injure themselves. In addition, tardiness affects the focus of the classroom.

Late comers disrupt the classroom and can potentially throw off the entire session. Tardiness ends when dance teachers set a standard of punctuality and then enforce it. Explain to your students that tardiness is completely unacceptable.

 Find a way to reward students who are punctual to encourage that behavior. And require students plagued with chronic tardiness to be early by at least 15-minutes each class. The punctual students will appreciate you eliminating that distraction and the cured student will benefit by learning to be on time.

Rule #4: Enforce the proper attire

Whether it's Jazz, Ballet, Salsa or Tap; it is always important for students to wear the attire appropriate for the class. This includes hair and shoes. Be sure to specify the attire for the classroom and hold your students accountable.

Explain to the students that proper attire allows you to see body placement better. This way you can help the students perform to the best of their ability. For example, you may favor snug clothing over baggy pants so that you can see the dancer's knees and correct their alignment more easily. Make sure cover-up clothing comes off at warm up and the students are fitted properly for each class.

Rule #5: Teach them respect

Disrespect is another sign of a poor student attitude. Students who are disrespectful are difficult to teach, if teachable at all. Allowing students to be disrespectful will ensure you have an unproductive classroom.

Address issues involving respectfulness the moment they occur. And require students to show a high level of respect towards each other. Have students use courteous body language when communicating.

They should make eye contact, listen attentively to instruction and display a positive attitude at all times. Teaching your students how to be respectful is truly one of the greatest deposits you can make into the bank that is their professional dancing career.

Teaching dance requires an environment where the art form can flourish. But it's the responsibility of dance teachers to manage this environment appropriately so that students have an opportunity to shine.

dance teacher make sure to click the previous words.

A Dance Focused School Trip to Berlin

As the capital of Germany, and a vibrant and interesting city, Berlin is a perfect place to go on a school trip for those with a focus on the Performing Arts.

As a cultural hub of not only the country, but throughout Europe, there are few better places to spend time exploring the means of artistic expression. With an interesting history that stretches back to the 13th century, Berlin has grown to become a world leader in the arts, business, science and technology and is renowned for its eclectic arts scene and high quality of life.

 With such a diverse mix of old world and new, it is no wonder that Berlin is often considered one of the best places to go on a school trip to learn about the place of dance as an art form. While in the city, students can examine the interesting forms of contemporary and choreographed dance.

Contemporary Dance

In the 1950s, contemporary dance emerged as blend of the elements of classical ballet and modern "street" styles. One of the most liberating factors of contemporary dance is the way it makes use of elements of non-Western cultures and takes advantage of the styles of African dances - such as when the dancer uses bent knees to give a fluidity to the movements.

One of the things that was new and different when contemporary dance came about was the lack of need to tell a cohesive story. Like other abstract works of art, sometimes, even in dance, it was just enough to showcase the movements and the rhythms.

 In forming this style of creative freedom, classical leg movements and body positions are utilised to inject grace and poise to the more unusual aspects of contemporary dance that allow dancers to "simply dance". A school trip to the creative city of Berlin will allow students to explore this style of dance and perhaps give it a try themselves in a location that is, in itself, reminiscent of the medium's blend of styles and heritage.

Choreographed Dance

Also known as the art of designing movements and form, choreographed dance is a form of creative expression that requires both the skill of the dancers and the overarching vision of the choreographer. The movement language that is involved in choreographing works often takes elements from a variety of styles, and the resulting dance must make use of the particular space, lighting and atmosphere of a stage or space.

While on a school trip to Berlin, dance students can learn more about this form of dance in an introduction to bilateral aspects - as a dancer and as a "dance writer". Students will learn the value of planned choreography, where each movement is dictated by the choreographer, and also the pros and cons of improvisation, where the dancer is allowed some leeway in personalising the dance to suit their styles.

Aiden Armstrong works for Pavilion Tours, a specialist travel service for schools, colleges and youth groups offering school trip itineraries with a focus on sports, adventure, performing arts and geography. Pavilion Tours offer both local and international school trip itineraries covering a variety of programmes.

Dance Class - Benefits of Joining Dance Class

For individuals who are obsessed with dancing, there are various sources that prove to be ideal to learn techniques. Be it a kid or an adult, a dance class is a wonderful way to learn the dancing steps.

 From tango to foxtrot, and even for the salsa, classes not only help the enthusiast to bring out the hidden talent, but the physical demands of the various genres provides excellent opportunity for exercising, as dancing is also considered to be a grand social activity that enhances the image of an individual in this society.

Dance classes bring in wealth of benefits and it encompasses social, emotional as well as physical benefits.

Benefit 1

By getting enrolled in classes, an individual can derive physical benefits as he can hope to build his muscle strength, balance and agility.

 An individual also develops flexibility and aerobic ability improves to a greater extent. Regular stints at the class provides the enthusiast with the opportunity to carry out workouts with respect to cardio-vascular system, as dancing happens to be an extremely satisfying experience that offers its fair share of fun too.

Benefit 2

In joining classes, an enthusiast also experiences emotional enhancements. As when the enthusiasts attends classes regularly, his body is on the dancing move throughout the class, which paves way for the increase in the serotonin levels as the enthusiast feels good after a good workout.

As while the enthusiast concentrates long and hard to practice his dance steps and also co-ordinates with the dancing partner, he feels fresh, as he also is let into his own dancing world where he forgets even the stress experienced during the day and relaxes in the most soothing atmosphere.

Benefit 3

By getting enrolled in a class, and learning the various dancing genres help an enthusiast to develop his natural creativity. It isn't extremely necessary for an enthusiast to carry the hopes of becoming a great dancer to participate in the dance classes.

 Dancing apart from being a good exercise is also good habit to pursue, as the different dance art forms nurture the latent creativity in you, and you develop a better perspective to enjoy life altogether.

Benefit 4

These classes are a place where you will meet lot of individuals, which provides an excellent opportunity to rub shoulders with experienced dancers, and an enthusiast can also come across individuals falling in different age categories as well as background.

It is a grand way to step forward to register your social enhancement, and by striking a good rapport with various other like-minded enthusiasts, you increase your chances of tasting success in your life.

Benefit 5

Dance classes are a great experience to learn the several dancing techniques with regards to a selected genre.

 The experienced dance teacher aids you to grasp the essentials of the techniques, and as time rolls by, your skills witness great improvements. Also, the warm up done before the classes helps you learn the essence of the approach towards the sessions.

 While you attend classes, learning the steps as while dancing with a partner and various other secrets regarding dancing are brought to light when you get registered with these classes.

Benefit 6

Most importantly, these classes promise a satisfying activity, and though you don't get elevated into a big dancer, you feel extremely satisfied as the dancing fun during the dance practice aids you to attain a good physical appearance, and you can also witness good enhancement in your stamina levels.

While you ponder to find ideal means to practice dance regularly, the dance class becomes the ideal option. Apart from imparting the needed techniques, dance classes offer benefits in various forms that help shape the character of an individual.

When you are keen to learn dancing, dance class is the ideal option.

Read here to know the benefits that you can get out of a dance class, and how you can grow into a reputed dancer.