Shoe Shopping

Ballet, jazz, tap, and character. With sizes, laces, all the different colours and shoes get to be a little bit too much sometimes. As a frequent dancer myself I have a huge bag filled with leotards and shoes, in the end it is always worth having the shoes after dancing. Just think of it, how could you tap dance without any shoes, sometimes splurging like this is worth it. For instance; regular black leather tap shoes with a buckles are about $70.00-80.00 generally, although, I wear them to the bone, knowing that I get maximum use out of my shoes. When you are still growing try and get a used pair while you need them and when you get older buy a new pair that will last you forever, maybe you could ask an older friend for shoes that fit. Anyways, dance shoes are absolutely MANDATORY and make the dance even better in the end. 

Pictures: made-in-china.com and dancediscount.com

Happy Holidays

Happy Hanukkah, Merry Christmas, Happy Kwanzaa and whatever else we celebrate!
 As the holiday season comes to an end we look back on special moments and those special people. We sit watching those magnificent shows like The Nutcracker and really feel the holiday spirit. Feast your eyes on those beautiful costumes and delicate toes on the stage floor. Making holiday dances with your friends is always a personal favourite. In dance classes we collaborate and show other classes our holiday creations whether it's tap, jazz, ballet, modern or hip hop, we all enjoy a holiday show. "Happy holidays to all and to all a good night!"

Pictures: artbookstea.blogspot.com

Tip, Tap, Toe

Basic Steps: flap, shuffle, toe tap, ball tap, heel tap, ball change, stomp, brush, step, stamp.

Basic Combinations: Shuffle hop step, leap shuffle leap toe, flap ball change, flap heel-heel.

Mediocre Moves: pick ups, time step, maxi ford, full stop, irishes.

Pictures: danceworld.demon.co.uk

"Hey!" Look At Me! I'm Sparkly!

Sparkles, glitter and shine, are pieces of the costume that catch the eye. When having personalised costumes they are almost always perfect, with quality, sizing, colour, cut and most importantly sparkles, everything is to die for, catching the eye of the judge. Although costumes may grab attention the dancing is still the most important part of the show and counts for the most points. I know that you may not be able to choose your own costume but it is the way you wear it and the way you dance in it that the judges want to see.

Boom, Boom, Pow!

When dancing 4 plus hours a week is it very possible to get injured. When not stretching before dancing properly you can pull muscles and crack. When not listening or not doing the movement properly it is possible to fall and hurt yourself. These are reasons why we have teachers and coaches, to watch us and our bodies when we are dancing. All dancers must stretch and prepare to become successful. From experience, I have been injured and have ended up watching my classes from the side and wishing that I was dancing, so as a lesson learned, always protect yourselves from injuries.

A Born Ballerina

 Some people are just born dancers, like some people are born flexible, it's a given. A determined dancer is someone who has to work for things, when you practice everyday and are committed to becoming a  better dancer. Working hard and never giving up are some of the most important things found in a successful dancer. Even some of the best dancers had to work for everything they have. Although there may be lucky people who just automatically understand what to do and how to do it you can still win the race, I don't have anything against those lucky people but I do believe that it is easier for them to proceed with dancing. I also know that you should never give up with dancing if it is something you love.