Contemporary dance
Monday, 24 October 2016
Saturday, 15 October 2016
How to Dance Salsa
Four Methods:
The Salsa dance originated in the 1970s in New York City, with strong Latin American influences (Cuba and Puerto Rico) and is a lively, sensual dance with basic steps that make it easy for beginners to pick up. Read on for some tips that will keep you moving on the dance floor.
Method1Mastering the Basics
Start in the closed dance position. The leader takes his partner's right hand in his left and places his right hand on her left shoulder blade. The follower should keep her left hand on his right shoulder, with her arm over his.
Or start in the hand-in-hand position. The leader has his palms facing upwards, and the follower takes his hands with her palms down. This allows for more freedom of movement.
Have good posture. When dancing, you should always keep your spine straight, your chin up and your shoulders back. Your chest should naturally then puff out a bit. Your body should be held with strength at all points.
Always look up. Keep your head held up or tilted to look at your partner. Do not look at your feet or your partner's. Looking at your feet is a dead giveaway that you're nervous and not sure what you're doing.
Keep your arms bent at a 90 degree angle from the elbows. In this position, your hands are most easily accessible to your partner. Your arm should rest on horizontal plane.
Move your hips. Most of the movement in the Salsa comes from the hips, so you will want to keep your hips loose. Don't be afraid to sway your hips. Even if you're just moving your foot, know that a slight hip movement goes along with it. If you move your right foot out, your right hip juts out a bit, too.
Choose a salsa song that has a 4/4 beat (four beats to the bar) and a fast tempo.You'll want music that lies somewhere between 160-220 beats per minute. Before you start a song, make sure that you can keep up with the speed and identify the beats for your steps.
Count as you listen to the song. If you count out the beats in the music, you will be able to find the Salsa beat and identify which steps go with which beat. If you can't keep count while you're listening to the song, it's best to choose a different one.
4/4 time is counted in 8-counts. You'll be doing one standard Salsa step in 8 beats.
Method2Dancing As The Leader
Lead your partner. The leader in the dance should guide the follower by giving little tugs or pushes that let the follower know when to turn, hesitate, dip, or perform other moves.
The lead should be a gentle push with the man's hand on the woman's hand, shoulder or waist.
Learn the "On 1" style of Salsa dancing. This is named such because your initial movement is, believe it or not, on 1. You'll be moving on 1, 2, 3 and 5, 6, 7. 4 and 8 are held. If you're watching a tutorial, you may hear the instructor use only these 6 beats, orjust call out 1 and 5. Here are the basic moves:
Start with both of your feet together
On the first beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the second beat, rock back on your right foot.
On the third beat, step back with your left foot, placing the weight on the ball of your foot.
On the fourth beat, place your weight toward the heel of your foot (you do not pick it up and move it). Apart from a slight shift in weight, the fourth beat is held.
On the fifth beat, step back with your right foot.
On the sixth beat, rock forward on your left foot.
On the seventh beat, step forward with your right foot, placing the weight on the ball of your foot.
On the eight beat, spread out your weight evenly on your right foot, but not lifting it up.
Think in terms of fast, fast, slow. 1 and 2 are fast, 3 is slow (because 4 is held). The same goes for 5 through 8. 1, 2, 3 is left, right, left and 5, 6, 7, is right, left, right. That's it!
Learn the "On 2" Puerto Rican style of salsa dancing. It's the same as "On 1," except for on 2. Ha. Use the following basic steps to dance the Salsa with your partner.
Start with both of your feet together
Hold the beat on the first beat and do not move.
On the second beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the third beat, rock back on your right foot.
On the fourth beat, step back with your left foot.
On the fifth beat, hold the beat and do not take any steps (but do even out your weight).
On the sixth beat, step back with your right foot.
On the seventh beat, rock forward on your left foot.
On the eighth beat, step forward with your right foot.
With this beat, you'll be moving (and hearing) 2, 3, 4 and 6, 7, 8. 1 and 5 are held (silent). Repeat these steps to the rhythm, since Salsa music uses 4/4 time and contains eight beats.
Method3Dancing As The Follower
1
Move when the leader tells you to. As the follower, you must be attuned to what the leader is directing you to do. Pay attention to all the leads that your partner gives you and move instinctively in the direction that he is pushing you in.
Do not lead or pull your dance partner around. As the follower, you should wait for his lead and follow in line with the dance.
Learn the "On 1" step. This is the traditional Salsa step and mirrors the leader's moves described above. Use the following basic steps to dance the Salsa with your partner:
Start with both of your feet together.
On the first beat, step back with your right foot.
On the second beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the third beat, step forward with your right, starting with the ball of your foot.
On the fourth beat, hold the beat, transfer the weight to your heel, and do not take any steps.
On the fifth beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the sixth beat, step back with your right foot.
On the seventh beat, step to distribute your weight back onto the ball of your left foot.
On the eighth beat, hold the beat and do not take any steps, but distribute your weight onto your heel.
Learn the "On 2" step. For music that pops on the even counts, you may want to learn the "On 2" step, too. It's the same as the "On 1" variety, but on 2. It goes like this:
Start with both of your feet together.
Hold the first beat.
On the second beat, step back with your right foot.
On the third beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the fourth beat, step forward with your right, starting with the heel of your foot.
On the fifth beat, hold the beat, transfer the weight to your ball, and do not take any steps.
On the sixth beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the seventh beat, step back with your right foot.
On the eighth beat, step to distribute your weight back onto the ball of your left foot.
Again, think in terms of fast, fast, slow. For this one, 2, 3, 4 is right, left, right and 6, 7, 8 is left, right, left. Fast, fast slow -- right, left, right. Fast, fast, slow -- left, right, left.
Method4Adding Turns and Tricks
Do a turn by yourself. Often, Salsa is peppy and can be danced in a club. While you may be dancing with someone technically, they are not holding you or you are not holding them. If that's the case, do a solo turn.
Let's say we're doing the "On 1" style of Salsa dancing. For both men and women (there is no "lead" when you're dancing solo):
On the first beat, step forward with your left foot.
On the second beat, turn around (180 degrees), moving your weight to the ball of your right foot.
On the third beat, turn to face your original direction (completing the circle), bringing your feet together.
On the fourth beat, hold.
Beats five through 8 are a normal "On 1" step.
This can double as a leader's turn to the right, if with a partner.
Learn turns for partner dancing. For an underarm turn to the right, have the leader only hold his partner's right hand. He should raise it to head height on 3, creating a "J" in the air (swings out on 2). That's his only job. For the follower (presuming an "On 1" beat):
Beats 1-5 are as normal.
With your left foot brought forward on 5, turn to the right on 6.
Bring your left foot to your right foot on 7.
Hold 8.
Do a turn to the left. For the man, all you have to do is take the woman's right arm and move it to her left, cuing her to turn left. She will turn on 7. For the women (or the follower):
Beats 1-6 are as normal.
With your right foot forward on six, turn 180 degrees to your left (in other words, turn around) on 7. Your right heel should be up, with most of your weight on your left.
Hold 8. You will be facing backwards.
On 1, complete the turn, bringing your right behind your left. This is your natural 1 position.
Work on the cross body lead. If you're bored with moving back and forth and back and forth, the cross body lead can get you to different parts of the dance floor.
For the leader, back away from your partner to the right on 5 (presuming an "On 1" step), allowing her to cross in front of you (hence the name). You would normally just step back -- with a cross body lead, step back and to the right. All other steps are as normal.
For the follower, step forward on 6. Your left goes forward on 5 as normal. Then, instead of bringing your right back on 6, step forward. Then on 7, bring your left to meet it, resuming the step and holding on 8.
Learn the open break. This is the move where the woman comes in front of the man (not facing him) and they trade spots. Here's the footwork for the two parts:
For the leader:
Step with your left foot back on 1. You both will be going back.
Cross over with your right on 2.
Bring your left to a natural position on 3. At this point, the woman should be in front of you (not facing you).
Cross behind you're left with your right foot on 5.
Bring your left next to your right on 6.
Step with your right in place on 7. Resume a normal step.
For the follower:
Step with your right foot back on 1. This is normal.
Step forward with your left on 2. This is also normal.
Step forward with your right on 3, turning 90 degrees to the left. The lead will behind you.
Cross behind your right with your left foot on 5.
Pick up your right and set it back down on 6. You don't need to move it very much.
Bring your left to your right on 7. Hold 8.
Saturday, 8 October 2016
How to Learn Pole Dancing
Five Methods:Preparing to Pole DanceDoing the Wrap-Around MoveDoing a Basic Climb Doing the Fireman SpinLearning Transitional Moves Community Q&A
Pole dancing classes are popping up in fitness centers across America, Australia, and the United Kingdom because pole dancing is a fun, physically demanding form of exercise that can make you feel fit and sexy at the same time. Whether you're wearing 6-inch heels or more traditional workout gear, pole dancing can make you feel sexy and fit while having fun at the same time. To pole dance, all you really need is a secure pole, determination, and the desire to let go of your inhibitions. If you want to know how to learn pole dancing, just follow these steps.
Method 1 Preparing to Pole Dance
1. Claim your pole. More and more gyms are offering pole dancing classes as a creative way to get fit. Call yours to see if they offer one. You can also find out if fitness center chains that are known to offer pole dancing classes are in your area. Many independent teachers offer pole dancing classes in local gyms and halls too, so it's worth checking to see if anyone offers lessons near you. If you can't find anyone to teach you this challenging activity, then you can even buy a pole to install at home.
If you want to pole dance in the comforts of your own home, then you should get a free-standing pole that you can install in your home after carefully following the instructions. The pole should be completely fitted to your ceiling and floor and should be secured in a place that gives you lots of space to move around.
2. Dress appropriately. As you prepare to pole dance, you should wear comfortable clothes that expose your arms and legs. Sexiness is optional. Baring your skin will allow you to get a much better grip on the pole with your arms and legs so that you can perform these moves safely. For even better foot grips, try going barefoot. You can wear heels if you're comfortable with the pole and want to feel sexy, or some trainers to get a good drip on the pole.
3. Avoid body oil or lotion. Avoid putting any oils or lotions on your body before you begin to pole dance. This will make you slide from the pole and can even be dangerous. You can even wipe down the pole before you use it to get rid of any oils or grease.
4. Stretch. Just as you would before any other form of exercise, you should do some light stretching and warming up before you begin to pole dance. Stand straight and then bend down to touch your toes, roll your neck and shoulders, and stretch your hamstrings by pulling one foot back with your toes touching your butt until you feel a nice stretch on each hamstring.
Pull back your fingers with your palms facing away from you to stretch your wrists. Your fingers and wrists will need to be warmed up to grip the pole.
Method2Doing the Wrap-Around Move
1. Grab the pole. Start at the back of the pole, with your inside foot close to the base of the pole. Use your dominant hand to grab the pole at about head height. Allow your arm to straighten, so your weight is hanging away from the pole.
2. Step around. Keeping your outside leg straight and swing it out to the side and step all the way around the pole, pivoting on your inside foot at the same time. Allow your knee to bend slightly as you turn to make the movement more graceful.
3. Hook the pole with your leg. Place your outside foot down just behind the other foot. Transfer your weight to the back foot and hook your inside leg around the front of the pole, getting a good grip right behind the knee.
4. Arch your body. To finish off, arch your body backwards, lowering your hand to allow for a deeper arch. This is where flexibility comes in. Arch your back only as far as you feel comfortable and make sure that you have a good grip with your leg and your hand. You can tie your hair up or let it fall behind you if it makes you feel sexier.
5.Straighten up. Straighten your body and your leg down from the pole and prepare to do the next move. The basic wrap-around move is a perfect move for beginners of pole dancing and is a great transition to more complicated moves.
Method 3 Doing a Basic Climb
1.Face the pole. The first step to doing the basic climb is simply to stand about a foot away from the pole while facing it. Hold on to the pole with one hand.
2.Wrap your leg around the pole. Bring up the leg on the same side of your body as the hand that is holding the pole. Then, bring your leg up to the pole as you wrap your other hand around it. Flex your foot and place it on one side of the pole, with your knee on the other side. You'll need to use this leg to really anchor yourself to the pole and create a sturdy base for your other foot to land on.
3.Wrap your other leg around the pole. Now, pull your body up with your hands. Swing your free leg around and hook the back of the foot behind the first foot, and place the knee of the leg only the pole, so you have a firm grip on the pole with both of your knees. These two legs will now create a platform for you to use as you climb the pole.
4. Move your hands up. Move your hands about one foot up the pole to give yourself room to straighten out.
5.Pull your knees up. Use your abdominal muscle to pull up your knees about one to two feet.
6. Squeeze the pole with your legs and straighten up. After you bend your knees, you should lean back a bit and then squeeze the pole with the muscles of your legs and use them to straighten your body as your hands move up the pole.
7. Repeat these steps until you're done climbing. Repeat these steps a few more times until you've reached the top of your pole or the end of your comfort level. This plan will help you climb the pole while getting a great workout and looking sexy in the process.
8. Come down. You can either slide down using the basic fireman slide, or you can hold on to the pole with your hands and release your legs just for a moment, bringing them out in front of you and rocking your hips as you move your legs down to the ground. This method will take a bit longer to master but it will look sexy and will look and feel fantastic.
Method 4 Doing the Fireman Spin
1. Grab the pole with both hands. Stand next to the pole so that it's closer to your weaker side. Then, place both of your hands on the pole so you're gripping it like a baseball bat, with your hands a bit more than a foot apart. The hand closest to the pole should be on top and the hand on your outside should be on the bottom. Your lower hand should be at about eye level.
2. Swing around the pole. Take one step with the foot closer to the pole and swing the leg on the outside around the pole to get your momentum going. This will give you enough speed and power to comfortably swing around the pole.
3. Spring up on the pole. Pull up on the pole with your hands so your arms are supporting the entire weight of your body for a second. As you do this, jump off on your inside foot and grab onto the pole with both of your knees. Make sure you have a firm grip on the pole so you don't slide off.
4. Spin. Continue to hold onto the pole with your hands and knees as you spin down around the pole until you land on both feet. The higher your arms are positioned on the pole originally, the longer you'll spin before you reach the ground.
5. Stand tall. Once you've landed, just move your hips back and get back into a standing position.
Method 5 Learning Transitional Moves
1. Do the body wave. This is the perfect standing transitional move between any spinning or climbing moves. To do the body wave, just stand facing the pole and grab it with your dominant hand. Your knees should be slightly bent and your feet should be positioned on either side of the pole, so that your torso is about a foot away from the pole and your feet are comfortably spread apart.
First, push your chest forward toward the pole, then push your hips back, and then push your shoulders back, and then push your hips forward again and repeat this movement. The body wave should look like one fluid motion instead of a series of moves.
2. Do the backwards wiggle. To do this sexy move, start by standing straight up with your back against the pole. Reach up behind your head to grab the pole with both hands. Then, gyrate your hips from side to side as you slide down the pole until you're crouching. As you do this, run your hands down the front of your body all the way to your knees.
Then, push your knees apart so that your legs are momentarily spread and then quickly pop back up into a standing position.
3. Wiggle down the pole. For this type of gyrating movement, you should stand facing the pole with your feet on either side of it at a comfortable distance. Grip the pole with your dominant hand just below the height of your head. Then, gyrate your hips from side to side as you slide down the pole until you're crouching. Once you're crouching, push your hips back and raise your body up until your upper body uncurls into a standing position.
How to Do the Rumba
Have you seen Dancing with the Stars, So You Think You Can Dance, Ballroom Bootcamp, etc? If you want to join in the action, you'll need to learn a step or two. The Rumba is a basic Latin Dance. It is very easy; this article will show the male part first (the Lead), then the female part (the Follow), and finish off with the correct dance position.
The over all shape of the complete step is a box drawn on the floor. Forward left, side right, close your feet together, back right, side left, close your feet together. Repeat.
Method 1 :- Leaders
Step forward with your left foot (slow step).
Bring your right foot diagonally across from where you started and step on it (quick step).
Close your left foot beside your right (quick step).
Step back with your right foot (slow).
Bring your left foot diagonally back/to the side (quick).
Close your right foot to your left and change your weight, back to your starting position (quick).
Method 2 :- Followers
Step back with your right foot (slow).
Step to the side with your left foot (quick)
Close your right foot to your left, changing your weight (quick).
Step forward on your left foot (slow)
Step to the side (diagonally across) with your right foot (quick).
Close your left foot to your right, changing your weight, back to your original or starting position (quick).
1.Leaders- Place your right hand just underneath her shoulder blade. Your left hand should come away from your body at a 180-degree angle. Clasp your hands and touch your elbows together.
2. Followers- rest your left hand on the guy's right arm. Touch your elbows together as you place your right hand in your partner's.
This clips demonstrates how to do the New York step in the rumba.
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