Punks Jump Up

Dance Engine asked:


Whether you are new to ballroom dancing (or any other genre of dancing that consists of dancing with a partner) or a seasoned dancer who is looking for a new partner, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your “other half” to compliment you on the dance floor. While some traits of a prospective partner maybe visible from the start, others may take a while (or at least a few trials) for realization. Sibling, friend or stranger, as a dance couple, you need to not only act the part but also look the part as keeping your audience entertained stretches way beyond perfect steps and choreography. When dancing, you are telling a story, expressing yourself, not with words but with every part of your body and inner being.

Confidence

This is the first and one of the most important traits to look for in a dance partner.

As a female dancer, one must have confidence in herself to be led on the dance floor. Dancing is one of the few instances a lady requires the ability to guess which step the man is going to take before he actually takes it. It is the female’s duty to step with confidence and follow the partner with in each progressive step and in some cases like twists, turns, spins and lifts, be able to have enough faith to know that he would direct you properly and adequately and not let you down.

As a male dancer, confidence comes in the sense of being able to lead the lady on the dance floor, to convey to her (only with your body movement) what she needs to do. It is the male that decides what happens on the dance floor, where on the floor it happens and which figures and steps to dance, so having a confident male partner who has the capability to make on the spot dance decisions and maneuver the lady around other couples on the dance floor, is detrimental.

If you are a gentleman who had confidence to ask a lady to the dance floor for the first time, then you possess the prerequisite to be a great dancer!

Physical Attraction

Just as with regular couples, physical attraction is important with dance couples to build and maintain chemistry on the dance floor. Whether your a man or a woman, having an attractive partner will put some “fizz” in to your dancing. As a ballroom dancer, if there is no connection with your partner on the dance floor, you are as good as if you were to dance alone and the spectators would be the first to conclude that you are a “mismatch”.

Compatibility

Compatibility goes in par with the second tip and I am using the term in a much broader sense that includes (but not limited to) physical compatibility (height, weight, built), age and interests. It is much easier to dance with and relate to a partner who is of the same age and share common interests as you. Physical compatibility is important to couples who dance standard/smooth and Latin/rhythm styles to maintain form and posture, for easy leading/following and to look smooth on the dance floor. It is also important to make sure that the partner you choose has the same interest and goals for dancing as you in order to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation of intentions later on.

Comfortable to dance with

In a great dance performance, there is no holding back. When you dance, one must be able to express and feel free to “let go”, disconnect from the every day life and connect with a different realm. To achieve this, you need a partner whom you will be comfortable dancing in close proximity with and a partner who will make you want to shed away every bit of shyness and hesitation you may have.

You may not be able to address the issue of “comfort level” when dancing with a brand new partner initially, but with time, you may either be able to make a judgment on how “close” you can be without creating any awkward situations and moments or you will be able to get past whatever the discomfort you felt at the very beginning. Every thing new takes time getting used/adjusted to, so don’t give up without at least a try.

Patience

This is especially applicable to individuals whose prospective partners are above/below your standard and knowledge of dancing. One must ensure that the partner has enough patience to teach you and/or practice with you (without the fighting and the disagreements) until both of you are have caught up to the same level and have mastered the techniques of each step and variation. No one is perfect and no one can get it right every time, therefore having a supportive partner with steady perseverance and diligence can make your dancing experience that much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Dedication & Commitment

To some, dancing is second in nature to walking, while others find it quite challenging to listen to and feel the music and to dance in sync to a beat, let alone a beat and a partner at the same time. In my years of dancing with many different partners (from beginners who have never taken a dance step in their life to people who feel the music in their body and have the spring in their feet) I have come to realize that no matter what your level and knowledge of dancing is, just like with every new venture in life, a little bit of dedication and hard work will make you look like you have been dancing for years. Dancing is a very competitive and challenging sport and comes with a lot of practice, sweat, falls, bruises and aching feet. But if you can find a partner who is as dedicated as you are to becoming a good dancer, you will most definitely be able to see past the pain and enjoy every moment you are on the dance floor.

Creativity and Imagination

Just like any other form of art and expression, dancing requires a great deal of imagination and creativity. Performing a few basic routines and steps that you and your partner have learned in class is one thing, but choreography that keeps an audience and yourself (as the dancer) entertained and interested is a challenge. This is especially felt by beginners whose dancing is limited to a very few basic steps. In such instances, dancing can get quite boring and monotonous but if you had a creative partner who can build upon the basic steps and routines and come up with a new variation or two, I guarantee you will want to stay on the dance floor for the next dance.

Passion for Dancing

This, in my book of dancing is the most important aspect to look for in a dance partner. Some people dance for exercise/fitness purposes, to some it’s a place to make new friends from the opposite *** while to a very handful, dancing is a hobby and a passion. It does not matter what age, color and knowledge your prospective partner has, how attractive he/she is, what physical capabilities and compatibilities your partner possess to dance or how good they may be at keeping to rhythm, the utmost important trait to look for in a dance partner should be his/her passion for dancing. Because without the passion, there is no desire to express, to let go and to let your body, feet, arms and ****** expressions tell a story.

Choose a partner who can bring out the best in you, someone who can constantly motivate you to be better than you are, someone who gives you confidence to take the next step. Don’t let your (bad) choice of a partner prevent or limit you from dancing to the best of your ability.

http://www.danceengine.blogspot.com

Gel Man asked:


 

When in dance class, watch the dance teacher. It may sound like simple advice but when applied properly it’s great advice.

There’s usually a lot you can learn from a really good dance teacher. You can learn by copying their technique, you can learn a lot about how to make a dance style look good, you can learn about a certain style of movement.

In fact if your dance teacher is any good at all, you’ll learn a lot of things from them, much more than just choreography. However in some instances the dance teacher may not explicitly teach you how to do the dance moves, they’ll just teach the choreography. And it will be up to you to watch them and copy them so you can do it like them.

Different dance teachers have different dance styles and if you can learn to dance like your different dance teachers you will learn a lot of different dance styles which of course makes you a better and more versatile dancer.

It can be very tempting to just learn dance routines, after all it does take concentration and routines are a lot of fun. But if you’re not spending enough time watching the teacher close enough and working out what they’re doing to make their moves look so good, you’re only getting half the benefit of the dance lesson.

When you’re not sure how the dance teacher is doing a certain dance move, ask! Nearly all dance teachers will be more than happy to answer and help you out. Sometimes they don’t explain certain moves as they may assume that the dance class already knows how to do them. This is especially true for dance classes above beginners level.

Look out for all the details of the dance choreography. Things such as levels (how high or low they are), shapes of the moves, if the move is an extension or meant to be small, speed of the different moves, technique being used, lines, where the accents are, if the moves are fluid or staccato, etc. There are so many different aspects to look out for and the more you are able to copy, the more you’ll look like the teacher.

It can also be beneficial to speak to the dance teacher at the end of the dance class and ask them directly what they think you should work on and what needs to be improved. Their answer will be the most important things that need to be worked on and the most important things that you’ll need to focus on to improve and get better.

Not all dance teachers correct the mistakes their students make so sometimes the only thing you can do is ask the teacher directly. If you have a dance teacher that likes to call out mistakes then it will probably be obvious to you what you need to work on.

Also if you’re able to record yourself and watch yourself back you’ll be able to come up with lots of things you can do to improve your dancing. Video gives you a much better and accurate representation of your dancing than even the mirrors in the dance studio. Sometimes it can be a major shock as you may think you’re doing something right, and only when you watch yourself back on video do you realise that it can be much better!

Gel Man writes for Dance Gel, a dance portal and directory that answers many of dancers most pressing questions and features the latest news in the world of dance.

Natalie Beck asked:


For almost every wedding, a very important part of the wedding reception is the first dance between the new bride and groom. This dance is used to cement the relationship between man and wife and is generally a very formal affair. For many individuals, this will be the first time that they have ever attempted a classical dance and may be unsure of the steps or timing that will be needed to make their first wedding dance with their new spouse a success.

This is the main reason why dance lessons prior to the wedding ceremony are so important. Scheduling lessons with a professional dance instructor can provide an individual with the instruction and practice that they need before their wedding to ensure that they will not embarrass themselves at their reception by not knowing how to perform the dance. A professional dance instructor will work with individuals at their own pace and teach them the dance that they desire in a way that is comfortable for them.

Many couples choose to take their wedding dance lessons together, not only to prepare for their wedding but to bond and have fun together as well. Some individuals describe their wedding dance lessons with their partner as more fun than they could have imagined and say that they learned many things about their partner during the lessons that they had not known previously.

Couples who choose to take dance lessons together feel more comfortable performing the dance at their wedding reception because they have already ironed out all of the difficult portions of the dance and can accommodate any weaknesses in each others dance technique, allowing the dance to be modified to the strengths of each individual and performed as properly as possible.

Professional dance instructors for wedding dance lessons have experience in teaching couples techniques that will make the dance that they have chosen easy for the couple to perform. Dance moves can be modified to allow for physical limitations, such as a height discrepancies or reduced flexibility, making it possible for any couple to have a beautiful wedding dance. In the vast majority of cases, no one other than the couple performing the wedding dance will ever realize that the moves have been modified.

There are several different types of dances that are commonly chosen for wedding dance lessons from a professional dance instructor. The most commonly chosen type of dance is the waltz, due to its classical look, easily learned steps, and slow pace. Other commonly chosen dances include the Salsa, the Rumba, and traditional ballroom dances.

Many couples first choose the song that they will perform their first dance to prior to deciding to take wedding dance lessons. In these cases, the professional dance instructor will choreograph a wedding dance for the couple that matches the music that they have chosen for their first dance. This way, the couple can have a beautiful wedding dance to a song that has great meaning for them.

There are many reasons why wedding dance lessons with a professional dance instructor are an important part of wedding planning. The first dance as a married couple is an important part of the wedding reception and will provide the couple with a memory that will last a lifetime. Professional dance lessons will make the experience even more memorable and special for the individuals involved.

Lynette Mattice asked:


Creative dance training is important for people looking for options in cheerleading and other dance performances. High schools, middle schools, youth teams, colleges, and university dance and cheerleading teams requires dance training from creative dance experts.

Creative Dancing Camps

High schools, middle schools, youth teams, colleges, universities, and other school organizations organize dance camps for development of their student’s dance skills. Especially for dance and cheerleading teams dance camps are arranged before dance and cheerleading seasons and competitions. The motive of these dance camps is to equip their dancers and cheerleaders in creative dance choreography, technique training, team building activities and discussions.

Benefits of Creative Dance

The scope of creative dance is not limited to dancing and cheerleading only. There are multiple advantages of creative dance training. Creative dance training helps people in developing confidence, self-esteem, and time management. It also enhances decision-making skills and makes people more extrovert and confident in front of masses. Several health benefits are also associated with creative dance training as it closely involves almost every part of human’s body.

Role of Dance Instructors

Role of instructors in any kind of learning is very important. Whether you are learning dance as your personal hobby or to serve your professional ambitions as a dancer or cheerleader, your dance instructor plays a very active and important role. To perform according to the competitive requirements dancers and cheerleaders need formal dance training from expert dance instructors.

A professional dance instructor not only teaches you dance skills and techniques. They also make you ready for dance competitions by choreographing your routines. Under supervision of experienced dance instructors you can extract the real dancer hidden deep inside you.

Nowadays, visual training through real videos is a popular aspect of dance training. It gives you opportunity to learn choreography through videos. With the help of instructional dance videos you can rehearse and practice in the privacy of your home without any instructor and enhance your dance skills.

Some creative dance training agencies also organize dance camps for school and college going students as well as for common people. The purpose of these dance camps is to provide basic to advanced dance training to interested people.

Well, it does not mean that creative dance only prepares cheerleaders and professional dancers. People learn creative dancing for their self-development also. Such forms of dance are always associated with a group’s performances rather than solo performances.

Gel Man asked:


 

There are so many dance classes to choose from, how can you decide which dance class is for you? Should you go the popular dance classes with loads of people?

It can be tempting to choose the popular dance classes. After all if a lot of people go to them they must be good right? Well they usually are.

However, you should not determine which dance class is best for based solely on the class numbers. There can be any number of reasons why a dance class may be popular. It may be because the dance teacher is well known and has lots of dance industry contacts, perhaps there’s a good vibe, perhaps because the dance class is easy and people can do it, perhaps just because the choreography is amazing!

If a dance class is popular with professional dancers it’s probably either because they want to impress the choreographer who may have a high-profile in the industry or because it’s a style of dance which is popular in the dance industry at that time. Each dance teacher/ choreographer has their own style of dancing.

There are many good dance classes which have smaller numbers but with some very good dance teachers. The good thing about these dance classes is you don’t have to fight for space, will probably get a good view of the dance teacher and they can make more individual corrections (if they do this).

At the end of the day, you’ve got to choose dance classes which are best for you and what you’re aiming to achieve. If you want to catch the eye of the choreographer then by all means go to their dance class.

The advantage of going to popular dance classes is that you probably won’t be left too far behind with what’s happening in the industry. But you can build up skills that the other dancers in the popular dance class don’t have by going to other dance classes too. The downside is it can be hard to actually see the teacher when there are so many bodies in a room!

You can also get a good idea of you current standard and where you stand with all the dancers out there. The standard will probably be high, so you’ll have to become a better dancer - which of course is a good thing.

Also don’t fall into the trap of avoiding a dance class because it’s popular. If it’s popular there’s probably a reason why and if it’s a style of dance that is common in the dance industry you’ll want to learn it or you’ll get left behind.

Make your decisions based on where you’re going. It can never do any harm doing a popular dance class, but don’t think you should only go to the dance classes because they are popular.

Gel Man writes for Dance Gel, a dance portal and directory that answers many of dancers most pressing questions and features the latest news in the world of dance.

David H. Urmann asked:


Belly dancing originated from various sources which are why there are lots of theories about its origin. It is known world-wide and practiced by a lot of people.

As far as world history is concerned, Belly Dancing is among the oldest societal dances. It is believed that it originated from the Eastern Mediterranean. This is due to the fact that there are similarities in Egyptian artwork poses and modern dance.

Belly dancing have two forms that are called raqs baladi and raqs sharqi. Raqs baladi is a social dance in Lebanon and Palestine. It is performed by everyone during festivities such as weddings that are intended for celebrations and mere fun. The theatrical version of Belly dancing is the “raqs shargi”. Raqs sharqi is the most popular type of dance in the United States today. Both forms of Belly dancing can be performed with female and male dancers.

Belly dancing is a native dance that is why it is generally learned in the early stage of childhood. The children learn the dance informally by imitating and observing their elders through community and social celebrations, along with informal gatherings like most social dances. Nowadays, belly-dancing classes are offered throughout the world. Skilled dancers of this art share their knowledge that was even passed down from the indigenous people.

The real and exact origin of Belly dancing is widely debated by dance enthusiasts. Dancers who attempt to understand the origin of this dance did some research. This is because these dancers overlooked the fact that most Middle Eastern dances take place only in social backgrounds rather than going with the current glamorous and more visible background of professional dancers in nightclubs these days. There are lots of theories about the origin of belly dancing due to the misunderstandings of the people who want to learn its art. It is also regarded as a fusion of different dance styles. This is why belly dancing has many origins. Thus, most of the dance styles are derived from folk dances.

Here is a list of theories about the origin of belly dancing, according to most dancers:

1. Belly dancing originated in Greece and it spread because of Alexander the Great.

2. Belly dancing originated from a religious dance that a Temple Priestess made.

3. Belly dancing originated from the Upper Ancient Egypt through indigenous dancing.

4. Belly dancing descended from Uzbekistan and traveled to India because of the slave trade.

5. Belly dancing was spread during the Romani people’s migrations (termed as “gypsies”) and other related groups.

6. Belly dancing originated in Northwest India, particularly in Banjara of Rajasthan.

7. Bally dancing is part of a traditional birthing practice in its region or regions of origin.

From all the theories stated above, the first one is considered as the most “believed” theory. This is although the most popular theory is that it originated from a religious dance. The theory about the “birthing practice” has several movements that are incorporated in the modern “raqs sharqi”. This is because some of the movements demonstrated a type of exercise in order to ease childbirth. Thus, there are two points stated above that suggests that the so-called “Roma dance” is the origin of belly dancing. Regardless of where this dance began, it has a vast history and this eventually traveled fast around the world. It has a wide history in Africa and the Middle East as well.

The Costume

The most popular costume style include a bra or a fitted top that usually have coins or beans, along with a skirt and a fitted belt placed in the hips that have fringes of coins or beads. The skirts may be layered, paneled, circular or straight -styled. A veil is sometimes used in performing a complete dance. The veil must be four or three and a half yards in length. It is used as a part of the dance in order to frame and see the movements of the belly dancer. Egyptian belly dancers wear dresses that are fully beaded and designed according to tradition and dance. In the western world, dancers are free to choose the design of the costume according to fantasy and taste.

Dancing Techniques

The basic step of this form of dance is doing a circular motion on an isolated part of the body. An example of this is a step where in the dancer performs in a circular motion that is parallel to the ground and a body part. This is, in which, the shoulders or hips become isolated.

Belly dancing both have physical and mental benefits. Dancing alone gives a good workout to any person’s cardio-vascular muscles. This can increase the strength and flexibility focused on the “core muscles” or the torso. This form of dance also builds up leg strength. Most belly dance steps emphasize the so-called “muscular isolations” due to the fact that it teaches the ability to move different muscle groups or muscles in the body independently. The veil work can build the shoulders, arms and the general upper body system. Playing the “zils” builds independence and strength on the fingers. This form of dance is good for all body types and all age groups.

Belly dancing is now a part of the modern pop culture as well. Some pop icons of this age fused belly dancing into the modern hip-hop dancing. The Latin star Shakira has recently popularized belly dancing for she uses Latino dance along with belly dancing and modern dance. The late R&B singer Aaliyah used this form of dance as her “signature move”. Ssliyah named her dance the “belly roll” and it was featured in music videos. Some singers or performers that featured a kind of belly dancing in one of their music videos include Ciara, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. Out of all the singers that performed belly dancing on music videos, only Shakira had a professional “Belly Dance training”.

Guptajit Pathak asked:


While face to face with the socio-cultural life and the natural panorama of Assam, one generally field incited and highly delighted to write and draw about its picturesque landscape and culture.

Culture in India has variegated forms, hence, it is like a necklace. Assam the “Land of Rising Sun” is properly known for its unique nature, culture and traditions, more so its variety of dances.

Of various ethnic groups of people who are living in Assam with their rich culture, the Boros or the Bodos are also one. They are a branch of the Indo-Mongoloid family who are still able to follow their traditional customs, beliefs and practices. Actually speaking “their identity is not uniform as an ethnic group”. It is so because different names are used to designate them in different places as for example, in upper Assam they are called as Sonowal and Thengal Kachari on the one hand, while in Western Assam they are known as Boros or Boro-Kacharis on the other.

The Boros are very ancient inhabitants of Assam. They have been living in almost all the districts of Assam. Their population is not a poor one. They have contributed much to the culture of Assam. In the words of Dr. Promod Chandra Bhattacharya __ “The Mongoloid Boro culture of Assam has to some extent influenced the Indio (Indo-Aryan) Assamese culture and nice versa”.

The Boros observe many festivals and ceremonies and enjoy some dances in their social life. Of the important dances enjoyed by them mention may be made of the “Bagurumba dance” and the Doudini or the Deodhani dance.

THE BAGARUMBA OR BAGURUMBA DANCE

The Bagarumba or Bagurumba dance is an important dance of the Bodos of Assam, which attracts them as other dances in their social life. This dance has a peculiarity as it has a special attraction for the Bodo girls. It is so specially in creating a festive mood of much gaiety and merriment of the dance. However, it is the dance in which only the girls can participate. It is instituted just after the hard plantation work of the people. This dance does much to relieve them of their pain of the work.

The Bagurumba dance is a spring time dance of the Bodos of Assam. The hidden matters of the Bathou Puja are found in this dance. However, the Boro girls put on their traditional dresses and dance like butter flies spreading out their dances. The dance is instituted only to appease or propitiate “Bathou”, the supreme god of the Boros. The Boros regard the Sizu Plant (Euphorbia Splenden) as the symbol of this deity or god. The Bagurumba dance is also called “butterfly dance” as the dancers i.e. the dancing girls dance like butterflies. The dancers dance uttering “bagurumba hay bagurumba” etc.

The Bagurumba dance is considered as a light dance. This dance is not only attractive but also solemn. It may be remembered that the song of this dance gives us a simple description of the world of nature.

DOUDINI OR DEODHINI DANCE OF THE BOROS OR THE BODOS

The Doudini or Deodhini dance forms an important part in the Kherai Puja of the Boros of Assam. The term Deodhini is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deva” which means god or deity and “Dhani” means sound, i.e. echo. Hence the term “Deodhini” literally means the sound or utterings of a god or deity. But Dr. Maheswar Neog gives a different meaning of the word. He opines that Deodhini Devadhani is originated from “Deva” which means god and “Dhani” means woman.

The girl selected for a Deodhani must possess of some bodily qualities. She must be a girl who has attained youth. She must be of slender body. Her body’s middle part must be lean or thin. Moreover, her ******* must be high on the one hand while her buttocks must be wide on the other. The Deodhini is celibate.

During the time of dancing the Deodhini wears a special type of cleaned dress. Her girdle is of black or red colour. There is is a yellow or red coloured “Gamosa” around her waist. She does not wear any shirt at the moment of dancing. Moreover, she wears different kinds of ornaments. Of them mention may be made of nose-rings, ear-rings, different kinds of necklaces, bracelets and small drum like talismans. Besides these ornaments she marks a big vermilion mark on her forehead on the one hand and ties a “Kachari Khopa” (i.e. Boro or Kachari Plait) or a heart-shaped plait on her hair. Thus she becomes very beautiful and hence attractive.

It has already been mentioned the importance of the Deodhani or Doudini in the Kherai Puja. In the words of Dr. Kameswar Brahma it has been expressed thus__ “The Doudini is the key dancer during the Kherai Puja”. She performs all the items of the puja with the help of the Oja and a githal. However, two drum beaters, two players of slphung, two players of Jotha are also necessary to help the Deodhini to perform the Puja in a successful way.

During the Puja the Deodhani shows three stages of activities. Being charmed by the Oja she falls into a trance and goes on dancing appeasing many gods or deities beginning with the Bathou or Siva and ending with Lakshmi. She at one stage dances a virile war-dance taking a sword and a shield. Her movement in each stage means for a different deity. So the tune of the siphung and the beat of the will be different according to which she changes her body-movements. After the ending of the dance the Deodhini predicts the fortune of the people and their other matters when she is asked by the people participated in the Puja.

The Kherai Puja and the Deodhini or Doudini dance are of great important in the life of the Boros. They are inseperable. The Puja is followed by the dance. They are two important valuable resources of the culture of Assam. However, at present the Deodhini dance is going to be extinct in no time. But we should be alive to it and do the needful for its revival by justified thinking and performance.

Dawn DeMendonca asked:


Teaching online dance classes can bring a wealth of opportunity to dance teachers.

Teaching dance has traditionally been the solution for a dancer to earn regular income. A dance teacher however can only work part time without feeling completely exhausted. Whilst some dance teachers have established international workshops a majority are restricted to only teach in their communities relying on local regular students. With dance constantly in the media spotlight the growth of new dance schools has dramatically increased with many dance schools now facing fierce competition in their marketplace. If a dance teacher is injured they cannot work resulting in loss of income and face losing their students. Governments worldwide are introducing or have already enforced dance teaching qualification legislations forcing many unqualified but experienced dance teachers to seek an alternative career path.

Dance teachers problems can now be overcome simply by using the power of the Internet.

Reach an international student base

By offering online dance classes dance teachers are able to attract students to their online dance classes who may live 1000’s of miles away from them.

Earn passive income

A pre-recorded dance class video works 24 hours a day, 7 days a week earning a passive income for dance teachers.

Support existing dance school

Dance teachers can offer online dance lessons to support their existing dance schools by offering existing students an opportunity to learn from them at a time convenient to them so they can practise at home. A newbie might also want to try a dance teachers online dance class first before enrolling for onto a dance course of classes.

Tap into the shy learner market

For many shy learners, the thought of attending a class is embarrassing for them. Dance teachers can now tap into this market where they can learn in the privacy of their home.

No qualification needed

By teaching dance online, general teaching skills such as class management control and teaching strategies are not necessary. This means that both non-qualified and qualified dance teachers can teach online.

The internet is being revolutionised by video platform websites. With improved streaming video hosting technology it is now time for dance teachers to share their creativity with the world, earn passive income and attract opportunity by teaching and uploading an online dance video into an online dance studio.

To learn how to film and edit an online dance class video go to http://www.dancemass.tv/

pambali asked:


Bali is the home for unique culture and tradition.

Bali is the home for unique culture and tradition, where here the most magnificent culture and tradition are born and keeping well. Balinese people are very creative person in every thing in their daily life activities. The people know with their talent in art like painting, sculpture, gambelan Instrument, drama, kakawin, dances wayang, and many other that if we explained that lot of thing that we can find about the art in Bali.

Dances are one of them where in Bali there are lots of dances which we can find. Basically dance is created by people who inspirited to the nature and legend of god where their implemented in the form of dance, but some of the sacral dance is created automatically came when they doing the tradition ceremonial like upakara and spontaneity having a trances and dance followed the Gambelan instrumental. Balinese dances can divide in two kind the first one is the dance which including to the sacral dance where this dances are only performance and has religious connection to traditional ceremonial day like in a temple, and the second one is the Wali Dances where this dance is including to the entertainment performance dance which the function to entertainment.

Legong dance.

Legong dance is one of Wali dance which function to performance entertainment, historically this dance is develop in Keraton-keraton in Bali at 19 century the idea of this dance is starting when a prince from Sukawati ubud (gianyar regency) that had the illness hard dream and see two beautiful girls dancing with the graceful accompanied by the beautiful Gambelan. When the prince recovered from the illness, the dreams that he had are set in the repertory dance complete with the gamelan. The legong dance basically is a dance which has complicate structure in body, eyes movement. Legong came from the word “leg” which means the complicate movement from body, foot, hand and eyes. And gong means gambelan so legong is a dance in complicate movement body from the dancer which followed with the instrumental Gambelan which calls Gambelan Semar Pegulingan. At the beginning this dance are dancing with two girl which is had not menstruation yet, virgin and dancing in the yard of Keraton down in the moon light and bring out Kipas (fan) and in the development it had a additional dance which call condong the other structure of this dance are papeson, pangawak, pengecet, dan pakaad.

In beginning of 20 century this dance had lost it popularity because there is new dance creation which made. So there is some effort done to awakenings this dance for the example dug all the ancient documents which typing about the Legong dance, find senior Legong dancer to learn and practice, doing performance in important places such as art center, hotels, villas and even thought to all over the globe word so this dance knowing and survival. Our company offering you some luxary villas and boutiqe hotel for a place while staying in Bali and having long holiday and enjoyed all the Balinese dances including the Legong dance. 

Kinds of legong dance.

There are many kind of legong dance which these dance take some theme which presented in dance here some kind of legong dance:

•    Legong Lasem (Kraton)

•    Legong Jobog

•    Legong Legod Bawa

•    Legong Kuntul

•    Legong Smaradahana

•    Legong Sudarsana

Each of those dance are has the own characteristic like legong lasem it tell about the stories from prabu lasem which kidnap the princess from Daha, legong jobog it tell about the stories from Sugriwa and Subali from Ramayana epos, Legong legod bawa it tell about the stories from competition Dewa Dewa Brahma and Vishnu when searching for the secret commemorative Dewa Syiwa, Legong Kuntul narrate a pair of heron, which occupied sociality, and Legong Sudarsana tok the stories about Calonarang.

Shannon M asked:


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.