• Dance, Dance, Dance

    balletIn the world of dance, it isn’t enough to just have a lot of great moves. You must also be able to use dance to tell a story about whatever song you are dancing to. You should match the beat, keep the rhythm, and use choreography to tell the story that you need to tell. For this, there are a lot of different styles and a lot of different ways for people to dance.

    Choreography Techniques

    choreographyVirtually every style of dance can have some form of choreography that goes into it. It is most noticeable in something like ballet, clogging, tap dancing, and more, where there is a group of people dancing together to the same beat, using the same moves, at one time. This is called dancing in unison, but there are other techniques that many dancers may use.

    Mirroring is a technique where dancers are facing one another and moving in the same ways. Then you have renegade dancing, which is a style of dance where two or more performers dance in reverse order from one another. The canon technique is when a group of dancers do the same moves, but not at the same time. One dancer goes first and then everyone else moves in after them. Shadowing is where one or more dancers stand behind a single dancer and shadow their movements.

    You may also have different levels of dancers, which means that some are higher up, for instance on a platform. All of these dance techniques can be further enhanced by the speed and other aspects.

    Creating a Choreographed Dance

    choreographed danceMost dances are created by a choreographer. Their job is to make sure that the dance moves are fun for the dancers and the audience, but must also be able to help everyone move in sync with the music and each other. To do this, they must first listen to the music and plan what steps should be made during specific parts of the song. Their focus is often on the timing of the dance moves and then getting the dancer or dancers to step to the same beat. This is a process that could take weeks or months from start to finish and anyone who loves music and dance can make it look great, even if they are not choreographers. However, a choreographer is able to make possible tweaks to every dance routine to ensure that it is done right. Their job is to help dancers go further than the steps of a song. They make dancers feel the music and become a part of it using only their movements.

    Why Dance?

    The question of why you should dance is going to vary from person to person. It is something that is great for your body and it may already be something you do if you visit an aerobics class where you move the way your instructor tells you to. Dance is great for exercise, and for expressing your love of music. It is a lot of fun and the more people you can get moving together, the more fun it becomes. However, this does not mean that you can not choreograph a song that you alone plan to dance to.

     

  • Ideal Locations For Expanding Dance Academy

    Dance schools, especially in urban or suburban areas, often find themselves located in commercial or industrial zones, depending on the size and layout of the town. These locations are chosen for several practical reasons, such as affordability, accessibility, and ample space for the dance floor, which is a significant requirement for these types of schools. In smaller towns or areas with limited real estate options, dance schools may occupy converted warehouse spaces, industrial buildings, or commercial strip malls, making use of properties that might not attract traditional retail businesses but can accommodate the unique needs of a dance studio.

    Commercial Vs Industrial Use

    In these commercial or industrial areas, dance schools are often neighbors to a variety of other businesses that occupy similar types of spaces. For instance, storage units are commonly found in these areas due to their low rent and ability to accommodate large, varied customer bases. In addition to storage units, fitness centers, auto repair shops, or even furniture outlets might also be located in these industrial zones, creating a mix of businesses that cater to both niche markets and everyday needs. These types of zones are generally on the outskirts of town or in less central, more affordable areas, offering the benefit of large square footage at a reduced price compared to prime retail locations.

    Whether it is a good idea to put a new dance academy in a commercial or industrial location depends on several factors. For one, commercial zones typically offer more space, which is crucial for dance studios that need high ceilings, open layouts, and room for multiple classes. The affordability of these locations is also an attractive feature, especially for new business owners who need to keep operating costs low while establishing themselves. Additionally, these locations are often well-connected to main roads, providing easier access for students and their families. While these areas may not have the foot traffic of more prominent retail districts, dance schools often rely on word-of-mouth and dedicated clientele rather than impulse customers, making a more off-the-beaten-path location less of an issue.

    Optimal Visibility

    However, there are some downsides to placing a dance academy in these types of areas. One of the main concerns is the lack of a visible, walkable location, which can limit potential students who prefer the convenience of shopping centers or areas with other amenities. Dance studios located in industrial zones may not attract as many casual passersby or new clients, which could limit growth opportunities in the early stages. These locations may also be less conducive to creating a welcoming, community-oriented atmosphere compared to those in more central, retail-heavy districts. Additionally, while commercial and industrial zones offer space, the ambiance may be more utilitarian, which may not align with the warm, artistic environment that many dance schools wish to project.

    Budget & Investment Constraints

    On the other hand, storage units, which often share similar locations with dance schools, can be a great investment in these zones. The need for secure, flexible storage options remains constant, and if you are wondering; are storage units a good investment they tend to have a reliable customer base. In contrast to a dance academy, storage units require minimal maintenance and can offer steady income with relatively low overhead costs. They are also less dependent on foot traffic or niche marketing, making them a safer investment for those looking for stable returns in commercial or industrial zones.

    Choosing between opening a dance academy or investing in storage units in a commercial or industrial location largely depends on the goals and resources of the investor. For a new dance school, the location could offer a balance of affordability and practicality, but it’s essential to carefully consider the long-term growth potential and the need for visibility. For investors seeking a low-maintenance, consistent income stream, storage units may be a more stable and profitable option. Ultimately, the decision hinges on the desired business model, the target market, and the overall strategy for the property.

  • Optics Of Choreography

    One very cool thing about going to see a performance live is the way that you can get immersed in what is going on. In theater, ballet, and other types of performances, the illusion of what is going on is designed to get you to feel as though it is really taking place in front of you. It is all a part of the optics of choreography and it can be a beautiful thing to see.

    The Beauty of Optics

    When you visit a theater where a live performance is taking place. Such as a classic, “Wizard of Oz” type show. There are certain things that may take place that you have to “believe” if you are going to enjoy it. For instance, When the “Wicked Witch” disappears in a puff of smoke. Would you believe it if it didn’t happen? Would if feel real if the puff of smoke happened, but the witch was still standing there? To ensure it is good, you need to be sure that it happens the way it should. It has to be a combination of good timing and effects.

    The Many Ways We Use Optics

    When people visit an opera or a sporting event type thing, they may bring along something that can make them be able to see more clearly. These devices are specialized and can make it possible to see based on that specific situation.

    Binoculars make it possible for someone sitting in the nosebleed section to see clearly. They can make out the smallest details of what may be going on below them if they have a good pair.

    Hunters may also use spotting scopes or regular scopes when they go out into the woods. These scopes can allow you to see more than ever, even when there are millions of trees swaying and leaves falling around you. They can also help you see the difference between a buck and a doe or a bear and a person from 100s of yards away. You don’t have to take our word for this. Simply check out this Bushnell AR Optics review. It can show you all the cool features that are included with an optic scope.

    Can you See Clearly Now?

    You don’t rely on optics and clarity just when you are at the theater or out hunting. We use our eyes daily. They are even allowing you to read this text. The more we see, the more we know what is going on around us. The more we know, the more we understand. It is a cycle that we have all come to depend on.

    Are you sure that you have the best?

     

  • Makeup and Hair Prep for Performances

    looking the partFor all dancers, their appearance is a major concern. The dance moves lose some of their appeal if the costume is lacking in some way, especially when performing ballet. Makeup alone can take hours if the costume requires them to look a certain way. Then you add in the hair styles, which are never basic styles, and you add more time to the “pre-show” time. The makeup and the hair have to remain perfect no matter what goes on during the performances. Just because the dancers get sweaty, their makeup must remain the same from performance beginning to performance end. Therefore, a priority for all dancers is to speed up the makeup and hair prep for performances and part of that means looking at only quality makeup options.

    The Styles that Matter

    dancers in costume

    When you get into performances, you often have costumes. Ballet dancers are no different. Their costumes may be simple, billowing dresses for the women and tights for the men, but they still have to look the part that they are playing. Makeup also falls into this category. If the woman performing is supposed to look like a perfect princess, then she must look the part with flawless skin and long flowing locks of hair. It all comes together to tell the story that the performers want to tell. These are the styles that matter, but they need to be handled as quickly as possible.

    Creating Perfection

    When you have a rehearsal in the morning, hair and makeup in the afternoon, and a performance in the evenings; there is no time to waste. You also have to find time to warm up, eat, and take care of other needs. Cutting corners is what dancers do best. Instead of worrying about spreading foundation evenly using globs of it, they may spray it on with an airbrush. This also works with many face paints. A woman with barely-there eyebrows and eyelashes may consider microblading, which is a process that gives semi-permanent eyebrows without you having to color them in daily. You can find out more about this reasonably pain free option and how much it can speed up your makeup routines by seeing our microblading done here. Your eyebrows will fade and become lighter over time, but for at least three years, you can speed up that part of your makeup. Hair is harder to rush than makeup, but many dancers use wigs that remain styled between performances to speed up that part of it.

    An Award-Winning Cast

    dancers

    If you do not look the part, you will be talked about for a long time to come. Why take the chance? Your ratings will soar if you put a little extra effort into how you look on the stage. When you are in a rush or find yourself falling behind on getting ready for your performances; you can cut corners without sacrificing your costume. It is easier than you may expect and when you win the award for most impressive performances; you will be happy that you thought outside of the box.

  • Unwinding & Soaking After A Long Day of Dance Class

    ballet dancingThere is a lot of people who enjoy dancing as a hobby or a way to have a great time. What those people may not realize is that it is also a great way to get into good shape. It is one of the most intensive workouts you can take part in. However, this also means that it is very stressful on muscles and if you are not used to doing it; may show you muscles that you never knew you had. As a true dancer, it also means that you may need to discover new ways to relax by unwinding and soaking after a long day of dance class.

    The Joys of Dance

    When dancing ballet, your body is under constant pressure to stay poised while appearing relaxed. Doing some of the stunts, which include lifts, skips, and twirls, while on your toes, your body takes a beating. The chance of this increases if you have not stretched properly before taking to the stage. It is also a pain that can put you off the stage for a while to come, unless you know what to do to relieve those muscle strains.

    Keeping Muscles Strong

    dancingThere are several athletes who also dance during their off-season to try and stay nimble enough to hit the field. These athletes include some of the toughest football players in the game. It is simply something that can be done to keep you limber, toned, and strengthened, without having to spend all of your time at the gym. It can also cause those strongest players to feel pain. When it happens, most of them and the professional dancers all agree that there is nothing better than unwinding in a pool to relieve the pains that they feel in their aching muscles and joints. Whether you are a dancer now or simply want to find a way to relax at the end of a stress-filled day, you should read reviews about Bestway pools here to see what these athletes and dancers are talking about. It can relax tight muscles and it is also a great way to stay in shape, since swimming is an exercise in itself.

    Put on Your Dancin’ Shoes

    dancing as exerciseWhether you enjoy dancing ballet, or you prefer to stick with some of the more common, and easily done dances, you should get to it if you are hoping to get into better shape. You will quickly notice that you start breathing heavy and feeling your muscles working. If you keep doing a little dance each day, you will soon discover that your body feels toner and your excess weight is melting away. It is such a great way to spend your time that you will not feel as though you are “working out”, but you will want to also know that there are ways to relieve the aches and pains when you are done. Otherwise, you may forget that you enjoyed it and opt to take yourself back to the gym where things are less painful.

  • Practicing Foot Pronunciation

    ballet dance movesAs a beginning dancer, you have to work very hard to become good at the dance steps. It requires endless hours to perfect most moves and even a skilled dancer may have to work hard to keep doing it well. However, with the complication of learning to dance, you must also learn the many words that tell you what the instructor is hoping to see you practice on. This means that many dancers spend almost as much time practicing foot pronunciation as they do learning their routines.

    What is Foot Pronunciation in Dancing?

    ballet termsThe word “foot” itself is not difficult to say. However, the words for what your foot may be doing when you are dancing is a different story. Whether you are perfecting the “fondu” which is simply lowering you body by bending at the knee, or the “demi-plie”, which is also bending at the knees; it will be vital that you know how to say them and know what they mean in a dance class. The type of dance that you are doing may also impact the types of words that you need to know. Fondu is a basic dance term, and the demi-plie (deh-mee’-plee-ay) is most often a ballet term. This is why many people say that dance is as much about the words as the steps and the music.

    Why Words Matter?

    Whether you are learning ballet, the waltz, or some other type of dance, chances are good you have someone helping you to learn. Therefore, if you are practicing and they say your next move should include you going devant, then you know that they mean for you to be in the front by the time the dance move is complete. Now, they may also tell you to “echappe to the devant”, which means that you move from the fifth to the second position by jumping gracefully to the front position of second. If you do anything other than that step, or you go backward in the line rather than forward, your dance teacher will feel that you need more practice with the dance and the moves.

    Perfecting Foot Pronunciation

    ballet stanceAnyone who does not dance in a dance class, will be lost if you talk to them in dance terms. This means that you cannot simply walk around and use dance terms to others and have them understand what you mean by it. They are not always terms that you will use daily or hear daily. Therefore, perfecting your foot pronunciation is not always easy. It does require you to study so that you get to a point where you can envision in your mind the moves that are being talked about with a single word or two. It means that you will need to envision a turn when the dance instructor says “pirouette” and standing when they say “pose”, but not all dance terms are this easy to understand or envision. Preparation means simple to prepare, but preparation grand means a circular movement that you do with your leg while your body is bent to a forward and backward position. Studying is the only way you will know the difference in an instant and why we say that there is more to dance than taking center stage.