Which Dance Style Should I Try?
Good afternoon everyone. I was pondering something today and yesterday and I want to get the tBlogosphere's opinion. As you know if you've read my past posts, I have been a dancer all my life. I have taken ballet and jazz classes since I've been very young. I took classes through high school and most of college. Unfortunately, the added stresses of school plus cheerleading and soccer kind of put dance on the back burner. I always loved dance, but I was a little more passionate about those two sports. Obviously, school couldn't be sacrificed so dance was weened out.
The good news is I have more time now. I was thinking about taking up a new hobby. There are a few art and sculpture classes in my area, as well as countless music shops that give piano, guitar and other lessons. However, I think going back to dance would be my best bet. I think this because I won't have to start over at ground zero. I know nothing about art, sculpture, pottery, guitar or piano. On the contrary, I have many years experience in dance. I also still have all of my dance shoes and dancewear that still fit.
I have narrowed my possible choices to three dance styles: salsa, ballet and ballroom dancing. I think my time is up as far as jazz and hip hop dance goes...I want something else in my "maturing" age. Salsa immediately interest me because I have no background whatsoever in it and I think it would be fun. It's something different, something that stands out a bit. That was one drawback about jazz and ballet: everyone took jazz and ballet classes. I think salsa dancing would suit my flair and personality. I also love the clothes!
Ballet is still a very viable option, even though it is widely practiced. Taking ballet classes now would be different than when I took them several years ago. The main reason I want to take ballet classes again is that I still feel there is something left to prove. I was always good at it, it always came natural to me. I would like to see how I could perform as an educated, experienced adult.
The last choice, and most intriguing, is ballroom dance. There are three things about ballroom dance that kind of puts it in the front of the pack for me. First off, it is the epitome of class. When I think of class, I think of beautiful women and handsome men dancing at some expensive ball. Secondly, I love the style and dress. I can see myself in those extremely feminine, sexy outfits. Lastly, it is going to be a challenge! I've never had dance "partners" before, so that would certainly add a whole new dynamic to the dance style.
As always, I want to know what everyone thinks. Message me with any opinions or information!
4 Attributes Every Dancer Needs
A group of my friends were just sitting around this past Tuesday when our one friend, Lily, said that she was thinking about becoming a dancer. A few of our friends immediately laughed, because Lilly is a bit uncoordinated. Although I think she is clumsy and uncoordinated, I think dance would greatly help her get in touch with herself physically. After a couple minutes went by and we saw that she was serious about dance, a few of the girls told her that it might not be the best idea. I imagine they were just looking out for her...they didn't want to see her get hurt or embarrassed.
This whole situation made me think about how many physical tools someone needs to be a good dancer. I've taken several years of dance, so I know the physical toll that it takes. Dancing isn't just what you see happening out at the club on Friday or Saturday night. Once you put on your ballet shoes or jazz shoes, it is a whole different world. If I were to pick 4 necessary attributes every dancer needs, these would be it.
1. Flexibility
If you aren't flexible, dancing could be a very painful experience! For this reason, dancers go through very regimented pre and post dance stretches, as well as warm ups and cool downs. Some of the best dancers I know work on their flexibility at home and at the gym as well. Activities like yoga, pilates and extensive stretching can do wonders for your flexibility. With this new found flexibility, your dancing will be limitless.
2. Rhythm
Rhythm isn't something you learn. I believe it is something that you either have or you don't have. The ability to synchronize your body to music or a beat is something that will make or break you as a dancer. The best dancers can unconsciously feel the rhythm and dance accordingly. The best musicians also have impeccable rhythm.
3. Stamina
Dancing isn't just all shoes and costumes...it is a very physically demanding activity. The years of dance that I participated in were some of the best workouts I've ever had. Dance is constant movement for long periods of time. Just like running, cycling or using a cardiovascular machine at the gym, dance requires everything from conditioning to proper breathing. Take a month's worth of dance classes and see how good you feel and how much more energy you have.
4. Coordination
Lily's main downfall: coordination. Unlike rhythm, I believe coordination can be taught. This is why professional basketball players can go unbelievable things with a basketball and professional soccer players can do amazing things with their feet and a soccer ball. Coordination is necessary in dance because you will constantly trip over your own feet and be careless with your motion if you aren't in control over your body. The good news is that coordination comes with practice. If Lily can make it through a few dance classes, I think she will be fine!
What Do You Think About Ordering Shoes Online?
My latest entry into my "should I do this or not do this" string of blogs is whether or not you should order shoes online. As you all know, I always preach about buying clothing online. There are a ton of benefits of buying clothes online, but you also have to watch out with sizing. When it comes to shoes, a lot of the same applies.
Whether you are buying sneakers, heels, dance shoes or any type of shoe, the most important thing to consider is sizing. There are some companies that are very consistent with their sizes, so they make it easy. I have ordered several pairs of pointe shoes and dance shoes from Capezio's website and they have all had a real consistent fit. However, I have also ordered some non-dance shoes from larger retail stores online and the fit was way off...enough for me to go through the trouble of returning them.
I would personally suggest trying on any shoes before you buy them if at all possible. Most companies do have return policies, so you aren't out of luck if they don't fit. However, who wants to wait for shoes to arrive just to send 'em back?