Dance Steps Blog

Who on the planet earth exists that doesn’t love dancing? Whether humans, animals or birds, you will see everyone dancing in their moods. Dancing, though a specialized skill, is no doubt an art of expression. There are some who love to express their joy by dancing to their own rhythm while there are also few who in the low mood, also dance so as to express their pain in their dancing steps, which somehow they can’t express in their words. Hence, everyone on the planet earth has been acquainted with the art of dance performance. In today’s times, it has become a part of profession for many as well as there are so many young ones and adults who are joining dance classes to excel in this body art.

Amongst so many dancing forms, the most popular dance these days is the tap dance. One doesn’t need to be a professional dancer to learn to tap dance. Whether amateur or learned, all can learn to tap dance through a series of dancing videos that specialized in making people learn to tap dance.

It is DVD series which instructs and teaches tap dance lessons to dance from the very comfort of your home. This series is for both non-dancers/amateurs as well as dancers/professionals. The instructions on tap dance lessons are very clear and easy-to-use that you will feel that you have never been learnt in this way ever before.

The best feature of learning this way dancing is that you don’t have to attend any tap dance classes or tap dance schools. By just putting the tap dance video, you can learn the dance. The dance video has dancing steps which covers split-screen camera angles as well as offers musical counts also.

There are many of us who feel shy to join tap dance classes or tap dance schools because we don’t have that confidence to face audience and other batch-mates of the group, whom we think excel than us. So, if you are also one of those who can’t join a live class because of your lack of confidence and shy nature, then fitness video option is best for you.

Apart from joining it in order to learn tap dancing, it can be also be used by those who wish to lose their weight. Tap dance requires high energy and involves movement of all body parts, especially legs and thighs. Hence, it is a great form of exercise. So, one has an option to join these tap dance classes as a form of fitness regime. So, you have option to use them as dance video or fitness video. It is the best medium to lose weight while having fun and enjoyment. You can also call your friends or neighbors and fix a time together, and can learn dancing in the group by putting the dance video.

So, take out the notion from your minds that you can’t dance, we have made it very simple for you. So, just remove that fear and join fitness video classes today. For more information about tap dancing, learning tap dancing or tap dancing classes, log on to tapdancemadeeasy.com

Eli Newsom
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-articles/say-yes-to-tap-dancing-728108.html

No Wonder Dancing Feels So Good……

Music and dancing has been a part of many different cultures for centuries. It is part of celebration and entertainment. And whether they knew it or not, way back when the dancing began, there are numerous amazing health benefits. Now that the American population is facing a major obesity epidemic, health benefits from dancing is something that should be taken a closer look at.

The Health Benefits of Salsa Dancing

Not only is dancing an exceptional way to let loose and have fun, but it also provides some terrific benefits for your health.

In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers reported that social dancing helps to:

* Reduce stress

* Increase energy

* Improve strength

* Increase muscle tone and coordination

Dancing

Dancing the night away can burn more calories per hour than riding a bike or swimming.

And whether you like to kick up your heals to hip hop, salsa or country, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that dancing can:

* Lower your risk of coronary heart disease

* Decrease blood pressure

* Help you manage your weight

* Strengthen the bones of your legs and hips

Salsa dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity.

The amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on, like most exercises, the type of dancing you’re doing, how strenuous it is, the duration and your skill level.

Salsa Dancing

* Builds endurance and stamina

* Helps with weight loss

* Relieves stress

* Helps you release toxins via sweating

* May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels

* Can lead to a reduced heart rate over time

Dancing Off Those Calories

How many calories will you burn while dancing? That depends on the type of dancing. Here’s a range of some of the most popular varieties, based on a 150-pound person, per hour:

* Swing dancing: 235 calories/hour

* Ballroom dancing: 265

* Square dancing: 280

* Ballet: 300

* Belly dancing: 380

* Salsa dancing: 420+

* Aerobic dancing: 540+

Mental Benefits of Dancing

Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly.

In the study, participants over the age of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63 percent lower risk!

Interestingly, dancing was the only physical activity out of 11 in the study that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Said Joe Verghese, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a lead researcher of the study, “This is perhaps because dance music engages the dancer’s mind.”

Verghese says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.

So clearly dancing is excellent for your body, mind, and soul. Pick up a new heart healthy habit and learn to dance salsa.

Shannon M
http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-amazing-benefits-of-salsa-dancing-421617.html

Music has been an integral part of every wedding ceremony since several decades. Originally just the church hymns and other religious music were the only part of wedding celebrations But with the trend of more destination marriages, music has become quite popular. Secular music is being chosen by most of the couples these days for their weddings as it suits their taste and personality. For a perfect religious touch and belief, the religious music is still preferred. A bit of contemporary touch in the wedding music works great for more interest and enjoyment of the guests.

The music plays a vital role in every marriage ceremony and helps the guests to make them comfortable in the environment. In order to avoid the guests getting bored, and shun away the irritating sounds of babbling allover the marriage venue, it becomes your duty and a necessity to entertain your guests with some music. 
The wedding processional music is another form of music; it mainly depends upon the size of your wedding party. The music and the songs should be dedicated to the bride on receiving the news of her arrival. 
Next is the mid ceremony music. You can either hire some professionals or your friends can participate in this musical service. This is carried out when the candle ceremony takes place or while signing the registry. 
Then is the recessional music which mostly engages some upbeat or celebratory music for setting the mood of the guests for a dance. When the guests start bestowing blessings on the couple and begin congratulating both the families, then the atmosphere should be filled with either a soft jazz or some love songs. At this point of time, the couple can perceive a few solitary moments before marching to the reception hall. 
The reception carried out at the last is traditionally the time for acknowledging your family members and friends. Music of different styles is usually woven with dance steps at this time. The soft romantic tones with various dance numbers get hold of the mood of the guests during the whole wedding ceremony.

Aakash Shah
http://www.articlesbase.com/weddings-articles/trend-of-wedding-music-693710.html

As the spring semester of high school resumes in Chicago, many students begin to have prom on their minds.  Prom committees have usually formed at this point and a lot of the necessary steps to plan the event have already taken place.  Planning a Chicago prom can be quite a task and can often go unrecognized and unrewarded.  Often times if the prom dance is a flop the members of the committee will take a lot of the heat.  So to help avoid some of those unnecessary negative comments we’ve created a step by step guide to help aid you in the planning of your Chicago Prom.

So where do we begin?  When is the right time to start thinking prom?  The correct answer would one year prior to the date. There are several things that will need to be taken care of that time.  Listed below are a few steps you’ll want to take one year prior to your Chicago Prom event……

• Choose prom committee members and create sub-committees.  Without the prom committee there would be no prom, so having the right leaders on the committee can often make or break your event.  Your Chicago Prom committee should be made up of advisors and various student volunteers.
• Set a realistic budget.  Creating a realistic budget is a very important step in planning a prom.  You’ll want to begin by collecting the most detailed information on how much each element will cost.  This will give you a good idea for how much to budget for.  You’ll then want to take things into account like how much money will be coming from fundraising and from sponsors.   From there you can then determine how many tickets you’ll need to sell to break even for the event.
• Set the date.  Setting a date for your event can be very difficult.  You’ll want to take things into account like holidays, school activities, sporting events, and even neighboring school’s prom dates.  You’ll want to choose a date that coincides with all of those things.  Nine times out of ten you probably you won’t be able to please everyone with the selected date. 
• Choose you location/venue.  You’ve successfully created a budget and selected a date now it’s time to book a venue.  When choosing a venue you’ll want to find a facility that will be able to hold your crowd comfortably.  You’ll also want to look into food and catering options at those venues.  If you’re planning on having entertainment and dancing, will the venue be able to accommodate those needs?  As you search for venues you’ll notice a lot of reception halls prefer not to host school proms on Saturday evenings because they can conflict with their high priority wedding dates.  Make sure you confirm your venue early as the longer you wait the harder it’ll be to settle on the right place.

After you’ve done all the steps above you’re well on your way to creating a successful Chicago prom, you can now relax and have the next couple months off before the next batch of planning begins.  Around 8 months before your prom you’ll want to pick up with the committee meetings again and begin the next stages.

• Choose a theme.  Choosing a prom theme often can be one of the most important decisions your prom committee will make.  Choosing the right theme can make your prom stand out from others in the past and can be that key component in creating a memorable night.  When choosing a theme you’ll want to think of the mood you’d like to portray that night.  You’ll want to take into consideration whether you’d like to portray a fun mood, romantic mood, or even a mysterious mood.  A good Chicago prom theme should revolve around an innovative title, unique decorations, and a treasured song.  This is when you’ll want a lot of input from your committee members.
• Discuss fundraising opportunities.   Fundraising is very important in planning a Chicago prom and should never be overlooked.  After adding up the total expenses and dividing it by the number of students attending the event the cost per ticket can many times be rather expensive.  Students are usually aware that prom isn’t cheap so fundraisers are often appreciated.  There are hundreds of fundraising ideas available on the internet and you should utilized them when planning your event.
• Book your Disc Jockey.  This is another crucial and overlooked step that many don’t spend a lot of time on.  The success of your event a lot of times rides on the music that’s to be played and the DJ that’s playing it.  There are hundreds of Chicago DJ companies and only a handful of good ones.  Make sure you spend some time when selecting your entertainment.  Prices can vary greatly; most Chicago Prom DJs are priced around $1,000 and go up from there.  You’ll want to hire an experienced disc jockey that specializes in prom entertainment, not just your average wedding DJ.
• Begin discussing decoration ideas.   Now is the time when you’ll want to start talking decorations.  You’ll want to choose decorations that revolve around your theme for the evening.  As you plan for you Chicago Prom you’ll be surprised as to all the decorations available out there.  You can always buy pre-assembled decorations, but they’ll cost you.  Talk with your committee members and see what they can come up with on their own.  This can help save on the decoration costs.  A lot of schools in Chicago have actually cut back on their decorations and have invested their money into the dinner and the entertainment.  This may be an route you’d like to take.

You’ve now completed most of the important steps towards planning your Chicago Prom.  We recommend waiting about 2 or 3 months prior to your prom before you begin with the next steps. 

• Order invitations, programs, party items, and tickets.  Now is the time when you’ll want to send out for these important items.  It can sometimes take a few weeks to get things printed so be sure to get your final work to the printers before it’s too late.  You’ll also want to order your royalty party items like crowns, sashes, tiaras, and etc.
• Begin your advertising campaign.   You’ll want to start hyping the excitement of your Chicago prom.  You may want to consider hanging posters, placing ads in the school newspapers, hand our flyers, and/or even run commercials on your student radio station.
• Book a photographer.  At this time you’ll want to finalize your photographer.  You’ll want to decide how pictures will be taken that night and where in the venue will they run their operation.  Often times schools will use their yearbook photographers for the miscellaneous photos and then hire another professional photographer for portraits.  You’ll want to consider several options with your prom committee.

The time has finally arrived and it’s now 2 weeks prior to your event.  It’s crunch time and there are a few other details that’ll need to be taken care of….

• Send out your invitations and start selling your tickets.  Choose a central location in your school to setup a ticket sales booth.  Make sure the kids are aware of this location.  You may want to sell tickets at normal prices for the first week and then raise the price as the event draws nearer.  This will encourage immediate ticket sales and will prevent students from holding off until the last day to purchase their tickets.
• Confirm your vendors.  Now is the time when you should finalize all the details with your venue, DJ, caterer, and photographer.  You’ll want to make sure everyone’s timeline is laid out the same and there aren’t any conflicting schedules.  You’ll also want to confirm your theme song with your Chicago Prom DJ.  Don’t forget to call your chaperones as too!
• Setup a schedule for decorating your venue.  You’ll want to assign committee members the task of decorating the venue.  Make sure you confirm times with the venue and they are ok with you hanging decorations.  You’ll want to take time and read through any instructions kits that came with your decorations.  Make sure all the pieces are included in your kits and figure out the estimated time it’ll take to set them all up.
• Hold nominations for prom court.  This job usually falls under your job description as well.  You’ll want to decide how nominations will be made and who will conduct them at the event.

After you’ve completed the above steps you should be well on your way to create a successful Chicago Prom.  As you can see a lot of work and time goes into planning a big event like this.  When it’s all said in done though, the students you work with will remember this night for the rest of their lives.

Stevie Dee
http://www.articlesbase.com/teenagers-articles/planning-your-chicago-prom-event-706688.html

Steps in Time: The History of Irish Dance in Chicago

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“Franz Ferdinand” are a four-piece Scottish indie rock band hailed from Glasgow, Scotland. They are frontman Alex Kapranos (Vocals and Guitar), Nick McCarthy (Guitar, Keyboards and Backing Vocals), Bob Hardy (Bass) and Paul Thomson (Drums). Their music genres include indie rock, post-punk revival and dance rock. Franz Ferdinand derived their name from historical figure Archduke Franz Ferdinand.

Franz Ferdinand are back after a four-year wait. With their third full-length Tonight, i would say this album is worth the wait! They’re back with broader musical scope, they’re experimenting music and they’re having fun! Franz Ferdinand is back to rock us!

Delicious Tonight kicks off with the ever sexy “Ulysses”. Alex’s voice is sexy in a steady pace. The opening drum beats is very catchy, you would fall in love with this track once the music starts. Franz Ferdinand started off taking little steps with Alex’s improved vocals. I have never heard Alex singing in such way, Ulysses is sexy and sweaty. The music itself has shown Franz Ferdinand’s desire to add in some new aspects into their sound. “Come on let’s get high, come on let’s get high…” Franz Ferdinand has got to be the sexiest band on the dance floor!

“Turn It On” is another track that continues to make the ladies on the dance floor asking for more. The bass and guitar on this track are too irresistible. In the chorus, the backing vocals really complement Alex’s singing. Alex will go, “Although I know you turn it on yeah…” The rest of Franz Ferdinand will go “Turn it on…” Just amazing to hear Franz Ferdinand do that! Turn It On is like a dance club anthem where it never fails to get the crowd moving their body in a sense of appreciation of the music by Franz Ferdinand. Turn it on now with Franz Ferdinand!

“No You Girls” has some repetitive catchy guitar and bass hooks. The music throughout No You Girls is just simply awesome. The lyrics are smartly crafted as well, “Kiss me where your eye won’t meet me, meet me where your mind won’t kiss me…” The chorus also brings us another mesmerizing moment. It’s anthemic, sexy and catchy. The handclaps, guitar, organ and team-vocals are the climax here. “You girls never know, oh no, you girls’ll never know, no you girls never know, how you make a boy feel…” It’s loud and danceable! Dancing to a rock tune really requires lot of energy!

“Send Him Away” is soft danceable rock track where you would see Alex takes on a softer vocals approach. On every album of Franz Ferdinand, there would be songs that slow the tempo down, in other words, let our ears take a short rest from all the hype going on throughout the album. Send Him Away managed to do just that. I find it sweet and cute with the guitar that has a slight country element in it. In the last 1:12 minutes, Alex just sings, “Oh, can’t you let me stay tonight…” until it fades while the guitar just does the opposite as it gets louder near the end.

“Twilight Omens” starts off with scary-like string instrument that sounds like a banjo. It sort of brings back the atmosphere of those classical horror movies. Overall Twilight Omens brings you back to the 60s/70s. The way Franz Ferdinand sing throughout this track reflect the old days as well. A journey back to the past perhaps. Only this time, they do it with the influence of electronic music. Rocking old times!

“Bite Hard” begins slowly with the piano-playing and Alex’s breathy vocals. Once it reaches the right pace, the guitar, bass and drums just come in and it would surely wake you up instantly! In between, i like the organ that plays along, it just happens to be at the right place at the right time to make Bite Hard sounds more complete. The music also has a very heavy bass line that is so suitable on the dance floor. Nearing the end, Franz Ferdinand just keep getting louder, “Well I never, well I never, well I never know… I just had to taste their honey…” I think i’m getting up and dance!

“What She Came For” is also another track that contains heavy bass line, but this time is on mid-tempo pace. There are also some electronic elements in this track which Franz Ferdinand use throughout Tonight. At times, without the vocals of Alex, i find What She Came For cute and cheeky. The chorus hits a high with the group vocals of “Wow, look out, know what she came for. Know what she came for. No question, no doubt. Wow, look out, know what she came for…” And the background music, if you listen carefully, there’s a faint organ-playing. What She Came For also features Rosie Wilson on the vocals contribution part. Towards the end, Franz Ferdinand just go for the maximum volume and rock it hard with the guitars. I absolutely fancy this crazily cheeky yet rockable track.

“Live Alone” sort of reminds me of “You’re The Reason I’m Leaving” from “You Could Have It So Much Better”. At times, Gwen Stefani’s “What You’re Waiting For” just crosses my mind. Franz Ferdinand’s usage of synthesizers is very significant in this track as well. The guitar just comes in on and off as to follow the beat and rhythm of this track. And again, Live Alone is being sung in a way that’ll bring you back to the 60s/70s. The good old days are just getting popular nowadays. “You know that i’ll be here, i’ll be here wishing i could be there…” Nice paradox.

“Can’t Stop Feeling” is funnily good! The music in this track is really catchy, especially the instrument that sounds like a bass or maybe a synthesizers, and the beats that sound like a djembe’s which creates an atmosphere of African music. The music is funnily catchy and the moment you hear it, you can’t help but smile faintly. The singing of Can’t Stop Feeling is similarly catchy too. I like the part where Alex goes, “And you leave me here on my own, yeah you leave me here on the floor, you can’t feel it, and you can’t feel it… Anymore…” Just can’t stop listening to Can’t Stop Feeling.

“Lucid Dreams” sounds like a pure electronic track, which differs greatly from the non-album version. Franz Ferdinand are creating a new sound for themselves with Lucid Dreams here and it clocks in at over seven minutes long. From what i listen here, it’s clearly a remixed version of the non-album version. It goes directly to the chorus and climax without the normal build-up. The second half is pure music with heavy electronic elements and some guitar-playing. Franz Ferdinand are reborn again here.

In “Dream Again”, is a ballad that sees Franz Ferdinand have it soft and slow. At times, Alex can be heard singing in a robotic and echoic voice, “I live to dream again…” If you listen carefully, there’s no guitar in this track, just some beats created by synthesizers. Dream Again will take some time for you to grow into it, even if you’re not into it, you’d still appreciate Dream Again. Sweet and lovely track here.

Franz Ferdinand end Tonight with the acoustic “Katherine Kiss Me”. Alex sings with his heart here. He can be heard singing and strumming his guitar away. During the break, the piano comes in at the perfect time to complement Katherine Kiss Me. This track has the story-telling quality where you can clearly hear the voice of Alex as he sings and then you can figure out the meaning of this song. Franz Ferdinand present it with style and manage to close the chapter of Tonight on a soft note.

Rating: Tonight proved that Franz Ferdinand are exploring new musical elements rather than sticking back to their normal indie rock and post-punk revival. This time, Franz Ferdinand added electronic and slight african influences into their third full-length album. It’s always good to know that one of your favourite indie artists/bands are trying or creating something new and fresh. Franz Ferdinand have this ability to make new sound and at the same time, sounding the same. When it comes to creating catchy and danceable melody, Franz Ferdinand are always a force to be reckoned with. They are evolving with every album, and yet still manage to maintain their catchy trademark. If you’re a fan of Franz Ferdinand, you’ll be glad that you have included the right band into your all time favourite bands list. If not, you better be one now! Another achievement by Franz Ferdinand, 7.8 out of 10.

Stand-Out Tracks (My Picks): Ulysses, Turn It On, No You Girls, Send Him Away, Bite Hard, What She Came For, Can’t Stop Feeling and Katherine Kiss Me.

Cheers!
Darren Tan
Indiesurf.com

Darren Tan
http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/music-review-of-tonight-by-franz-ferdinand-748041.html

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

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URUGUAY’S NATIONAL DANCE!
I’m trying to learn it for a school performance and i cant find the steps anywhere!

can you also put the link you found the steps on?

i have to do the same and i can’t find them.

i looked on youtube and found these videos

hope that helps

Dancing to the music is a great idea in shape and staying healthy. Done regularly, it may be a great form of exercise, it burn calories, improves coordination, builds endurance and most important, it is fun. Beyond that, dancing to the music is also less likely to be dull in comparison with other activities, because there are always new steps to learn and the music is motivation.

Most health clubs offer some types of dance exercise program or class. Sample a few types of classes to your positive style, and music teacher. Classes with a start and end dates are best if you want to be on equal level with other student. Do not expect as a pro in the first session. Part of the fun is learning new steps and be challenged to your body in new, unknown and possible ways.

Approach each class with with a positive image of the spirit and know that you improve your health and pleasure, not with each other to win a dance contest or as the best in the room. Some lessons are focused around the couples’ dances, as the ballroom. These lessons are a perfect opportunity with your boyfriend, girlfriend or spouse. If you do not have someone to the class with you, do not worry. Many classes will surprise you with a different partner every week. And that is an excellent way to meet new people.

You will probably have a favorite style of dancing to the music but do not forget to mix it up. A ballet class is to work your body other than hip-hop, Irish or jazz dance class, and disable the classes is the best way to the health benefits, while reducing the risk of damage from overuse same muscle groups.

Some dancing to the music lesson will focus on building the music stamina and strength, but dancing is usually heart. So extra strength in your week, so your muscles get stronger and healthy body.

If you are unable to join the classes, then you buy a volume of video CDs to learn a number of major steps. With steps to move guide, who can quickly learn the joy of dancing to the music tune. It will be fun and health until the next dance music. An online on the internet, you may find useful volume guide CDs.

With dancing to the music, you guide your body movement to the rhythmic tune of music. It is a joy of happiness run up your body in such a fun way. Help to build your body and mind to stay in good shape.

Check this out on the website and may of good help to you.

charles chan
http://www.articlesbase.com/aerobics-articles/dancing-to-the-music-a-great-fun-way-to-keep-fit-and-healthy-477599.html

Dancing and drumming play an essential role in Native American culture and planetary healing. Join Brooke Medicine Eagle – a spectacular Earth Medicine teacher – as she shares her wisdom and prayers of hope while guiding you in both a Sacred Circle and the unique healing ritual of the Women’s Moon Circle. Dance awake the dream of a radiant new time, and celebrate wholeness as you step into a global circle of harmony set to the heartbeat of Brooke’s gentle drum. 60 minutes.

Read the rest of this entry »