Dance is a great way to stay fit

Gone are the days when dancing was pursued only as a hobby or a childhood passion.

We all know how people today have made dancing a way of life because it comes with its own health benefits and it is an excellent way to remain fit! Today, people are taking up different forms of dancing as an interesting form of exercise. It is looked upon as a more exciting option than going to a gym.

"Dance does not follow a fixed pattern like exercise," says Akash Karnatki, owner of a famous dance academy. "It has a different routine every day. Every form of dance comes with its own set of benefits. Hip Hop is a very good cardio workout as it involves a lot of up and down body movements which need a lot of strength. Salsa is great for the upper body and it helps improve flexibility. B-Boying is best for building muscles as the moves are very athletic. Three minutes of dancing is as good as sprinting if you look at it in terms of calories lost."

Dancing also works wonders for people who have to follow fixed routine schedules. Saket Tibrewal, a young professional who enjoys doing Salsa, Tango, Samba, has been dancing for the last three years and finds dancing to be very refreshing. He says, "I go to my dance classes two days a week. Those two days are the refreshing days in the entire week. I suffered from backaches earlier, but ever since I started dancing, the backaches have gone. I can even walk long distances at a stretch without getting tired. Most importantly, dance works as a stress buster."

Dance is suitable for people of all ages to remain in perfect shape and size. Meeta Shah, a graphic designer, 40, has been regularly going to dance classes with her husband and son for the last seven years. She says, "Going to the gym or for morning walks is very boring.

Dance, apart from keeping me fit, helps me look much younger. It is a great way to socialize and meet new people. Even at my age, I can do Hip Hop with my son, isn't that great?" Classical dancing also comes with its health benefits. Vanita Nagarajan, teacher at a renowned dance academy says, "The different postures of Bharatnatyam, if done correctly, largely benefit the digestive system and one never faces any spinal problem. It helps pregnant women have a smooth delivery." Mahima Pandya, who has been practising Kathak for the last 11 years, says, "It really helps in toning the body and increase stamina.

It requires perfect mind and body synchronization, thus making it as good as any other exercise." "It is as good as yoga and increases concentration levels," adds Vanita. Akash also agrees with her and says, "Dancing requires concentration which helps the mind." No wonder then, dancing is the newest best way to reduce the monotony of gym workouts and remain in the pink of health.

Source: Ano Patel

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Posted in 2011 salsa dance , Akash Karnatki , chacha , Dance , dancing salsa , salsa circuit , salsa dance , tango

Top Nightclub Destinations In The World For The Post50 Crowd

We've all seen it: the seemingly endless lines of dangerously high stilettos and sopping slicked-back hair. Teens and college kids (perhaps even some of your own) paying cover charges to enter a strobe-light infested haven where blaring music merely serves as a background track to the art of "looking cool" and "spitting game". Where are Post50s to sport their dancing shoes without feeling ancient or completely out of place?

Writer Laura Tenant feels your pain. Over at high50.com , Tenant solicited her coolest fellow middle-agers for a run down on the chicest nightclubs for the Post50 crowd, and reported back with the inside scoop. According to Tenant's sources, the following spots promise to make you feel your age rather than "a thousand years old"; play music that actually sounds familiar rather than seizure-inducing; and steer clear of "a sea of ostentatiously fecund teens and 20-somethings".

What are some of your favorite spots to hit the dance floor closer to home?

London

As a Londoner, Tenant lists a plethora of London-centric options. Check out: Shoreditch House, Tramp, and Annabel's and Morton's if you don't mind membership fees. Otherwise, opt for The Sanderson, Momo, Pigalle Club, Whisky Mist, The Player and Milk and Honey in Soho, and Proud in Camden.

One travel insider states, "The Ibiza party scene is a bit more flexible now, with us oldies going early and late season and leaving July and August to the 20-somethings." Check out Boujis and Pacha at Space.

In the same fashion as Ibiza, St. Tropez scores highly with Post50s as both a vacation and nightlife destination.

Ibiza

St. Tropez

El Gringo in Gstaad

Club Baron in Paris

The Venice Biennale

The Hong Kong Art Fair

Source: Huffingtonpost

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Posted in Dance , dancing , Fifty News , Hong Kong Art Fair , Ibiza , London , Music , Nightclub , Nightclubs , Nightlife , Paris , salsacircuit , St. Tropez , Travel , Venice Biennale

Dancing With the Stars: J.R. Martinez Cries, Pays Tribute to Military & Gets Standing Ovation

J.R. Martinez bared his soul on Dancing With The Stars – opening up about his third degree burns he received while serving in Iraq.

On the show's "Personal Week," Martinez broke down in tears after finishing his rumba with partner Karina Smirnoff to Tim McGraw's "If You're Reading This," a song dedicated to the wives of fallen military men.

The judges and the audience, taken aback with emotion as well, gave the couple a long standing ovation.

"I think the clear message behind that is that people really appreciate our men and women in the military," Martinez said. "I’ve never cried in front of that many people before. I can honestly say it’s the biggest stage I’ve ever cried on."



He went into detail about his accident, describing how a land mine blew up the Humvee he was in. The veteran/actor used that emotion to earn a solid 26 points – 30 is the highest possible score – putting him behind only Ricky Lake, who earned a 27.

"Tonight, you did something extraordinary. You touched us all," a teary eyed Carrie Ann Inaba told Martinez. "I could feel the weight with which you danced. That was one of the most profound, honest dances I've ever seen."

Len Goodman thought it was "a wonderful dance," a sentiment echoed by Bruno Tonioli.

"I could feel every emotion," Tonioli said. "You dance from the heart."

DWTS is a weekly dance competition and reality show in which celebrities are paired with professional dancers and compete for the opportunity to win the coveted disco ball-shaped trophy.



Past winners, such as Nicole Scherzinger from the X Factor, Olympic gold medal gymnast Shawn Johnson and singer Donny Osmond, have taken their careers to the next level after winning the competition.

Source Alexandra Gratereaux

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Posted in 2011 best dancing with the stars , Dance , dancing with the stars 2011 , JR Martinez , military tribute , salsa circuit , salsa dancing , standing ovation

Dancing To Stay Young and Sexy - Who Knew?

Dancing has been around for ages and it began as form of enticement and adoration. Today it's something much much more. Dancing offers incredible health benefits along with hours of enjoyment.

Since a major portion of the American population is quickly aging, dancing and it's simple techniques are being used to elevate cardio health. Americans and baby boomers with today's relaxed way of life find dancing to be a fun activity and an enjoyable way to get moving.

The newest forms of dance are really the oldest forms. We don't know the exact origins of ancient dance but we are finding an increasing interest in Middle Eastern belly dancing and in Salsa. There are amazing benefits to these types of dance such as lowering the risk of coronary heart disease, depression, loneliness and reducing stress.

As we age, which seems to happen over night, it seems to bring with it a feeling of defeat. What we see is something that only happened to other people. How can this be happening to me? We silently ask ourselves as we look into the mirror. And, hopefully it ignites a desire to work with our aging bodies and to become the best we can be.

Dancing is Great for the Mind


Barring any medical complications our mind still functions as it always has. It's the changes on the exterior of our bodies that bothers us. And luckily these are the ones we can fight. Being active keeps us strong when everything begins to slow down.

Dancing increases endorphins which help heal our body while it increases muscle tone and coordination. Dancing also makes us feel younger and happy.

Today the most fun type of dancing combines belly dancing with salsa. Zumba the current rage and belly dancing gives our aging bodies a sense of sexuality which can always lead to additional enjoyment.

Shake That Wild Thing to Lose Weight


One of the greatest things that dancing provides is a way to get rid of unwanted weight. Using most of the muscle of your body, dance burns off the most calories. So, just get up and do it.

If you want to decrease blood pressure and strengthen the bones of your legs and hips, get your groove on. If you're concerned about your state of mental acuity dance helps with it as well by increasing the blood flow to the brain. Since dancing requires memorizing steps the mental challenges it provides increases in brain health.

Find a class, check out the dance videos on YouTube and get your groove on.

Article  Source: Carolyne Mroz

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Posted in Best Latino Dancers , Dance , dance exercise , dancing salsa , salsa dance , sexy latin dance , zumba , zumba dance

Cloris Leachman: 'Light on Her Feet' Kirstie Alley Will Win 'Dancing'

Hollywood veteran Cloris Leachman is convinced Kirstie Alley will win this season's 'Dancing With the Stars,' telling me she's been pleasantly surprised at how graceful the full-figured actress has been.

"I was surprised how light she is on her feet," Cloris told me on the red carpet at the TV Land Awards on Sunday. "She's going to go much further than I went in the competition and I think she is going to win."

That's high praise from Cloris, who famously shimmied her then 82-year-old body to seventh place in the 2008 season. Three years later, the Oscar winner hasn't stopped dancing.

She glided up and down the red carpet several times before taking the stage to accept an award with her ''Facts of Life' cast, including Charlotte Rae, Geri Jewell, Mindy Cohn and Kim Fields.

Busy Cloris is currently starring as Maw Maw in the FOX series 'Raising Hope' and admitted to me she only saw the first couple of episodes of this 'Dancing' season.

So while Cloris believes Kirstie has been graceful, she may change her tune after Monday's performance when the 'Cheers' star temporarily lost her shoe during a routine with partner Maksim Chmerkovskiy.

"I'm not doing a sitcom," Alley told TV Squad after Monday's show. "I'm actually doing a dance show. I'm tired of having to recover. I would just like to do something right. I don't feel like I'm jinxed. I just need to get my [act] together. There's something going on. Our rehearsals are swell. We're bitchin' in rehearsals."

Source Rob Shuter

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Posted in Best Dress 2011 , Cloris Leachman , Dance , dance after age 60 , dance lessons , dance salsa , dance salsacircuit , Dancing With the Stars , Kirstie Alley

Real Women: How to Wear Florals

Check out these tips to make sure florals fit your shape and style!

Body Type: Petite

Roots: Puerto Rican

Nicole Colon, 21

Stick to small floral prints, which won’t overwhelm your frame.

On Nicole: Dress, AMI Clubwear, $22, amiclubwear.com. Cardigan, American Apparel, $44, americanapparel.net. Sandals, Bamboo, $28, lulus .com. Belt, ADA Collection, $55, adaonlinestore.com.  Earrings, Urban 1972, $5, urban1972.com. Bracelets, Sushma Patel, $15 each, sushmapatel.us. Ring, Sorrelli, $40, sorrelli.com

Body Type: Tall

Roots: Cuban

Cristina Maria Rojas, 32

Go bold! A bigger print accentuates your leggy appeal.

On Christina Maria: Dress, ASOS, $63,  asos.com. Blazer, H&M, $40, hm.com. Shoes, FlirtCatalog .com, $50, flirtcatalog .com. Earrings, Janessa, $55, janessaonlinestore .com. Necklace, Jewels by D. LaPaix, $84, jewelsbydlapaix .com. Bracelets, Juliet and Company, $88, julietandcompany.com.

Body Type: Pear-Shaped

Roots: Dominican

Tatiana Fernandez, 25

Pair a solid-color bottom with an embellished, ruffled or collared floral top to call attention to your upper body.

On Tatiana: Dress, Motel, $76, motelrocks .com. Pants, Clara Sunwoo, $79, clarasonline.com. Shoes, MLE, $199, miashoes .com. Belt, American Eagle Outfitters, $30, ae.com. Earrings, Sonyarenee, $40, sonyarenee. Necklace, Jodi Henry, $50, jodihenry.com.


More Tips
1. If you want to keep it simple: Pair your print with a solid, because too many patterns will only compete for attention.
2. If you want to mix it up: Then at least keep different prints in the same color family to avoid looking messy.
3. If you want to be cutting-edge: Try an abstract print, which gives off a sophisticated—instead of girlie—vibe.

Source Latina

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Posted in Dance , fashion latinas , fashionista , floral dress , latin artists

Dancing With the Stars Newbie Petra Nemcova Shares Her Strategy for the Season

squidoo

 

 Technically, we are rooting for Kendra Wilkinson-Baskett on this season of Dancing With the Stars, what with her being our E! pal and colleague and all, but we just chatted up supermodel, philanthropist and tsunami survivor Petra Nemcova and her new partner Dmitry Chaplin, and we kinda fell in love. The Czech-born model and Russian-American pro dancer are an adorable, giggly pair and you can't help but adore their wholesome enthusiasm for rehearsal and refining Petra's technique. As it happens, being a model comes with some benefits (being beautiful and skinny, etc.) but Petra also revealed that her body is seriously struggling with the shift from the catwalk to the dancefloor:

Petra says, "As a model, you put your shoulder back and you go with your legs forward, and with dancing you have to go shoulders forward…I'm always arched so I have to really really think about putting my tailbone under and being straight." Dmitry, who is giving Petra a three-week crash course in all things dance said he saw a lot of problems with Petra's posture as soon as they met: "[I said] I'm just going to teach you how to walk…Just give me the hand: This is how we walk…She's back-weighted when she walks…the heel goes first and then the toe, and the hips are very loose, and that's how they walk on the [catwalk] but ballroom dancing is everything is forward, so [she's] kind of back to front."

In addition to posture and simple walking, Dmitry is also honing in on the little details that make a dancer great, telling us: "She never had dance experience before, so we had to start with things like 'how do you hold your pinkie?' "

The twosome also shared some of their strategy for optimizing their dances for the best scores from the judges. Dmitry says, "[A] definite strength is her height. Well, it plays both ways, it can be advantage or disadvantage…[Girls can] be afraid to be stretching and be taller…but like for example for ballroom dancing, when you're in closed hold especially, we can generate a lot of power from moving, and we can cover the floor in two steps, that's amazing. [It's] good for [impressing judge] Len [Goodman] actually, because he's English, and he likes the technical aspects so if we do a nice simple walk, a nicely flowing walk, he'll be like 'great score.' "

We also asked about what their costume plans are for the first two dances, and Petra told us, "For the first dance because it's a foxtrot, I think it will be something more elegant but connected to the modern days…well, for the second dance, there will be a little bit more of a reveal, since it's one of the Latin dances…Second dance, there will be more skin, let's say that."

So how does Stars veteran Dmitry rate Petra's chances? Says the So You Think You Can Dance season-two contestant, "I always say that shows like Dancing With the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance are not dance contests. Dancing is the language we speak, we communicate with dancing, but it's about showing the people who you are and if they appreciate it, they going to support you and support you all the way…And of course dancing part has to be there—you can't just rely on people's vote, but I think when people are going to get to know Petra they're going to fall in love with her. She's so sweet, so humble."

We agree! Check out the clips above and see for yourself, and then tell us in the comments which of this season's DWTS dance teams is your fave!

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Posted in Dance , dance lessons , dance salsa , dance steps , dance video , fashion latinas , petra nemcova , salsacircuit

Zumba Dance Craze!

Are you tired of doing the same endless dieting. Fed up with buying expensive slimming pills and potions to make you slim that just dont work? Well, I have a great news for you! It's the newest Zumba Dance Craze in town! Currently the fastest growing fitness program suitable for every person who wants to be physically attractive, beautiful and healthy inside and out. It can be beneficial for all types of people, different age groups, races and sizes as it is simple and addictive. For those who want to stop their never-ending sacrifice of going through these ineffective and expensive methods of getting physically fit, a Zumba fitness class is a great way to learn how to stay healthy while having fun.

morningbulletin.com.au

Get a stress free life and attain that physic body that you desire by trying out the latest Zumba fitness craze. Zumba uses many different Latin styles of dance. Typical styles are Salsa, Merengue, samba, Bachatta, Reggaeton, even bollywood and Flamenco. It makes you enthusiatic when you listen to the music and you are having so much fun you dont realise you are doing a workout. It gives you the opportunity to work out your entire body thus keeping your heart pumping and feet jumping. A good and healthy heart pumps when you are on the move therefore burning fat and cholesterol in your body. Aside from keeping your body in shape, it also circulates oxygen around your body making your feel fresh and alive after each class.

Did you know that even the winner of Big Brother in the UK this year takes Zumba classes! Zumba have even launced a new fitness programme similar to Wii keep fit, so soon you will be able to practice at home!


Just imagine when you shake your hips like Shakira, you will realise "its a party not a workout"! It is a fast and effective way to become a better and healthy you? There's no fitness class like Zumba! So if you need a healthy and inexpensive way to unwind and become physically gorgeous while taking away all the stress this chaotic and busy world around you brings, then find the nearest Zumba class in your hometown. It is growing at such a rate of knotts there is bound to be a new class opening up near you soon. Having a sexy, Hurry though as the classes fill up so quick you might not get in as everyone wants to join the party!

Source: http://www.articlesbase.com

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Posted in Dance , dance lessons , dance steps , latino , match salsa dance , zumba , zumba dance

EXCLUSIVE: A Few of Our Brightest Stars Under 25!

Génesis Rodriguez, 23

When you’re the daughter of legendary Venezuelan singer and actor El Puma, you’re bound to attack stardom with ferocity. And sure enough, Rodriguez has quickly leapt from telenovelas to Hollywood. After an upcoming stint on Entourage, she’ll appear opposite Will Ferrell, Gael García Bernal and Diego Luna in the comedy Casa de Mi Padre, and with Sam Worthington in the action flick Man on a Ledge.

Bruno Mars, 25

Until recently, you couldn’t turn a radio dial without hearing Mars’s megahit “Just the Way You Are.” Born Peter Gene Hernandez to Puerto Rican and Filipino parents, the seven-time Grammy nominee also cowrote others’ chart-toppers, like Flo Rida’s “Right Round” and Cee Lo Green’s “F--- You.”

Dora the Explorer

It’s hard to overstate Dora’s impact: For more than a decade, she’s taught millions of kids how to problem-solve, the importance of friendship and family, and even some Spanish skills. Best of all, her brown skin and culture are not the point of her animated show, but part of the background, making her as American as apple (or guava!) pie.

Jasmine Villegas, 17

Buzz, buzz, buzz! Mexican-and-Filipino Villegas has plenty of it, thanks to a scorching single, “All These Boys,” released last fall, a rumored romance with Justin Bieber (whose tour she joined in September) and a collaboration with the Jonas brothers.

Prince Royce, 21

As bachata kings Aventura ponder breaking up, there’s someone more than ready to take their crown. We’re referring, of course, to Bronx-born dominicano Geoffrey Royce Rojas, whose bilingual self-titled debut showcases silky-smooth vocals and savvy songs (including the irresistible “Stand By Me” remake and “Corazón Sin Cara”) that signal the genre’s future.

Joan Smalls, 22

She may hail from the Puerto Rican town of Hatillo, but the modeling newbie already has a globe-trekking career. Smalls got her break last year after being featured as the exclusive model for Givenchy’s fall couture show in Paris, and then walked the runway for 40 top designers. Her It Girl status was recently cemented with an Estée Lauder contract.

Miguel, 24

His sexy voice and style gets right under your skin, leading Billboard to gush that the half-Mexican smoothie “offers both the sweetness of Babyface and the passion of R. Kelly.” Could Miguel be our first bonafide Latino R&B superstar since Maxwell?

Mark Sanchez, 24

Ever since signing a hefty $50 million contract with the NFL two years ago, the New York Jets quarterback has kept cool under pressure. In 2010, despite recovering from knee surgery, he posted his first career 300-yard passing game, emerging as a new kind of all-American athlete: a third-generation Mexican American profoundly proud of his roots.

Maya Gabeira,23

This big wave rider first hit the water as a way to refocus her life after being kicked out of home as a rebellious teen. Now the brasileña is a top female surfer and a four-time winner of the Billabong XXL Women’s Overall Performance Award. Not one to shy away from a challenge, she recently rode a 45-footer, setting the record for largest wave ever tackled by a woman.

Rafael Nadal, 24

The Spanish cutie dominated men’s pro tennis in 2010, when he became the seventh man to ever score a career Grand Slam by winning the French Open, Wimbledon and the U.S. Open. That was after experts said his knee problems would cut his career short. But as anyone who’s ever seen him play knows, knees have nothing to do with it: Nadal is all about heart.

Heather Hemmens, 22

To simply say that half–Costa Rican Hemmens is on the CW series Hellcats misses the full scope of her work. She’s directed and produced two short films, and intends to succeed both behind and in front of the camera. Ambitious? Yes, but then again, Hemmens has been on this path ever since attending a performing arts high school on a full scholarship.

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Posted in billboard latin awards 2011 , Dance , dance lessons , dance salsa , Heather Hemmens , Mark Sanchez , Maya Gabeira , Rafael Nadal

Thalia, Tommy Mottola Expecting Second Child

Singer and actress Thalia and husband slash music mogul Tommy Mottola are about to be parents again. Thalia is pregnant with her second child, it has emerged. Further details are not available at the moment.

The two have been married for 11 years and have a daughter born in 2007. They hardly make public appearances or grab headlines for their personal life, despite being well established celebrities.

This would also explain why, at the time of writing, there’s no confirmation or statement from the happy couple.

“Music mogul Tommy Mottola is to be a dad again. His wife, Latin superstar Thalia, is expecting their second child later this year,” the New York Post writes.

“The former Sony boss wed the actress, 39, in 2000, and their daughter, Sabrina Sakae, was born in 2007. Mottola, 61, who has two other kids, Michael and Sarah, from a previous marriage, is delighted, sources say,” the report further reads.

Just recently, Mottola was spotted out to a business lunch with Simon Cowell, who’s still busy looking for judges for the US version of X Factor, set to premiere soon.

“Mottola, who nurtured the careers of Celine Dion, Destiny’s Child, Mariah Carey and Shakira, among others, is said to be in talks with Simon Cowell for a judging spot on his upcoming Fox show The X Factor. Mottola’s rep declined to comment,” the same e-zine also notes.

The music mogul has also been married for 5 years with singer Mariah Carey, whose career he launched.

The relationship did not end well, with Carey dropping hints in post-divorce interviews that he was too possessive and controlling for their relationship ever to work.

At one point, she even said she was emotionally abused (presumably by Mottola) because she was not allowed out of the house or to have friends over, leading quite an isolated, “sequestered” life.

Mottola has never publicly addressed Mariah’s allegations.

Source: ElenaGorgan

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Posted in 2011 women fashion , Dance , dance salsa , dance steps , fashion latinas , Latin superstar Thalia , salsacircuit , Thalia , Tommy Mottola , top salsa music chart

Oscars 2011 Trend Alert: Shine on with Sequins

At the 2011 Oscars everyone looked gorgeous in gowns ranging from minimalist (Jennifer Lawrence) to over-the-top glamorous (Nicole Kidman), but one trend that popped up again and again on celebs like Penelope Cruz was sequins. The sparkly accents were everywhere!

Here’s a dash of flash so you can add a little sparkle to your day:

1)    Take a simple top from drab to fab with this stylish Style & Co. Sequin Embellished Triangle scarf. ($28, macys.com)

2)    This Araceli Sequin Tank provides the perfect feminine touch under a black blazer. (on sale for $40, chicos.com)

3)    The sequins on this Tarnish Reversible Sequin Cardigan give it some glam. (on sale for $45, nordstrom.com

4)    Be sexy and wear this Sparkle & Fade Sequin Top with a mini for a night-out. (on sale for $15, urbanoutfitters.com)

5)    With an Embellished Chiffon Tunic there is no need to accessorize dramatically. (on sale for $45, ardenb.com)

6)    Copy J. Lo’s recent ensemble on American Idol, with these Walter Sequin-Embellished Knitted Pants. (on sale for $99, theoutnet.com)

7)    This French Connection Graingers Cap Dress will make you look like a million bucks. (on sale for $100, frenchconnection.com)

   8)    Add a bit of sparkle to your most casual pieces like this Riley Army Tee. (on sale for $34, revolveclothing.com)

9)    Add this Ann Taylor Sequin Ribbon Belt to a classic LBD and it will look like a new outfit. ($35, anntaylor.com)

10)    Opt for this funky one-of-a-kind DEPT Sequin-Striped Miniskirt to stand out from the crowd. (on sale for $41, dillards.com

By Verky Arcos

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Posted in 2011 oscar academy awards , Best Dress 2011 , Dance , fashion latinas

How to Conquer Fear when Dancing Salsa

dipity

By: Czarina

Preparing your mind and body for dance is so important to ensure that you are not holding yourself back from enjoying the actual act of dancing. Have you had a time when you just wanted to dance so badly but then you didn’t do it because you felt that everyone else was better than you?   Well, the good news is that you are not alone or the first one to experience this fear.  Whether it’s at a wedding ceremony,  a dance club, events in school, etc. some people are so beset at the feeling of being humiliated and ashamed that they get embarrassed and hide wherever they can or simply walk away. It’s a pity because if you do this, then you are just keeping yourself from progressing or getting better at dancing.  The trick to any task or endeavour is repetition.  Everyone had to start clumsily but through it all it has resulted in some great dancers.

Enrolling in salsa dance classes will certainly help with your confidence and allow you to release those uncertainties through practicing in a controlled environment where everyone is starting at the same level.   So don’t put it off,  get out and dance! With great classes, great music and pleasant people, it’s entertaining and you will find that it is not complicated at all, but  you have to take that first step. There’s nothing to worry about, your Salsa Instructors have been trained and will break down the steps to make it easy for you to understand and learn them easily.  They will also teach you to focus on your technique, style, flow and not just learning step patterns. The step pattern is the fancy moves you make when you move on the floor. Technique and styling is what you look like and feel like when you do it.

You will be inspired by others in your class who are also Salsa enthusiasts as they share their ideas to improve the whole group.  It’s up to you to get as much as you can out of these classes and the supportive surroundings to ensure that you see improvement on a weekly basis.  The nice thing about it is that if you focus, you will actually see immediate improvement week over week. The more you practice and just focus on learning and growing, the more you defeat your fears and in turn the faster you progress.   Always keep in mind that experienced dancers were beginners before just like you. So  just relax, have fun and just enjoy the experience of what Salsa dancing is meant to be!

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Posted in Dance , dance lessons , dance salsa , salsa dancing , salsacircuit , salsacircuit.com

The most awaiting "DANCE and FASHION" Exclusive event 2.26.2011 by Elena Vasilevsky

It was a great privilege when I received an invitation from our renowned Fashion Designer Elena V. to be a VIP guest on her “Dance and Fashion” event. This will be momentum experience to meet her personally, am really excited  , so to  all Fashion Salsa enthusiasts mark your calendar on February  26 from 8:00 pm to Sunday, February  27 at 2:00 am at Polish National Home , 215 Cleveland Avenue Harrison, NJ 07029 see you there!

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Posted in Dance , dance salsa , elena v , Elena Vasilevsky - Fashion Designer , fashion latinas , latin artists , latin dance , salsa circuit events , salsa circuit fashion , salsacircuit

Helpful Benefits of Salsa Dance Group Lessons

By: Czarina Canlas

If you yearn for the excitement of Salsa Dancing, then why not take group lessons.  You don’t have to wait until you could afford private lessons because they can be quite expensive ranging from $60/hour to the hundreds of dollars. 

Group lessons allow you to meet a diverse group of people from all walks of life that have the same interest as you in getting proficient in dancing Salsa. There are many different levels based on the school that ranges from beginner to advanced to performance training. In other words, there will be a level no matter what your experience with salsa dancing. The other benefit of group lessons is that it simulates a salsa dance club because it gives you a chance to dance with a mixture of partners, which improves lead and follow skills. Each level usually lasts 6-8 weeks depending on the school and you could expect to pay about $120.

salsaracing

If you are investing in classes, make sure that you are always punctual. Although there is always a review from the previous week, it does tend to move in a good pace and you don’t want to miss important new steps or spins that are taught. It is also important that you continue to practice at home so that you don’t forget what you learned by the following week.  Another good idea is to take a small camera so that you could actually record some of the moves and then you could practice them at home.

flickr

Make sure that you don’t stress yourself out as you are there for the fun of salsa dancing.  Don’t over think the steps, they are made to be simple. Salsa dancing is about adding your personal style to a predefined set of steps.  Everyone moves a little different and that’s what makes the dance so great. So relax, focus on the Instructor and you will do just fine.

Remember a group lessons are entertaining, social, and inexpensive way to learn to dance salsa.  So what are you waiting for?

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Posted in Dance , dance lessons , dance salsa , dance steps , global salsa events , salsacircuit

Shakira Wins Big at France's NJR Music Awards 2011

celebrity-event

Our very own Shakira totally mesmerized  the show at the 12th annual NRJ Music Awards this weekend in Cannes, France. She won the awards (think: French GRAMMY) for international female artist of the year and international song of the year for her World Cup hit, Waka Waka (This Time for Africa.)” It was a great outcome for the international pop star who was making her first public appearance after the break up from her  long  term boyfriend Antonio de la Rua.



Shakira is extensively loved in the country and performed twice for her fans. The first performance was the World Cup single that is known worldwide, Waka Waka. The entertainer was joined on stage with several dozen dancers as they moved about the stage as she sung. The second single she performed was Loca. A sexy number that had Shakira in the audience shaking her hips and it didn’t stop on stage either. To the delight of the fans, she gave them a show for both songs.



Source credited  to mariela rosario

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Posted in 2011 hairstyle , Best Dress 2011 , Dance , dance salsa , dance video , fashion latinas , fifa world cup , latin artists , latin dance , latin music , salsa circuit , shakira , waka waka shakira

Babies Dancing to Salsa Music

photo credited to salsababies[dot]com.

You couldn’t believe it but there is  a Salsa Babies Company where both mommies and little angels will enjoy the fun while dancing salsa. You can check out the Salsa Babies company Jennifer Torres  , the founder who is based from Toronto, Canada.

Their philosophy, Salsa Babies™ believes in strong family values, and respects the fact that in today’s world a “family” can be comprised in many different ways. Salsa Babies™ encourages creativity in finding a work/family balance, and fully supports its own licensees and instructors in scheduling work to accommodate their families’ needs as well.

Salsa Babies™ believes in forming positive, co-operative relationships with other businesses in the same industry, and in giving back to our community. They added that there is no discrimination believes that bringing women of different backgrounds together to share in a common interest at a special time in their lives, creates its own special flavour and brings a richness to all involved.

When it comes to their mission they want to provides  a unique and enjoyable dance experience to new mothers and their babies in a safe, welcoming, and baby-friendly environment. Through our classes we strive to offer consistent, high-quality, yet affordable programs for people from all walks of life.

You can visit  their website for more details at salsababies[dot]com.

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Posted in Dance , dance salsa , salsa babies , salsa circuit , toronto canada

The 53rd Annual Grammy Award Nominations Revealed

Couldn’t wait  to see The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards  that will be held on February 13, 2011 at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, California. There are numerous Latin Artists who are nominated for this year Grammy events.

Best Latin Pop Album

 Poquita Ropa - Ricardo Arjona                                  Alex Cuba - Alex Cuba

                   

Boleto de Entrada - Kany García                                          Paraíso Express - Alejandro Sanz   

                      

                                               Otra Cosa - Julieta Venegas

Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album

               Oro - ChocQuibTown                                             Amor Vincit Omnia - Draco  

                                 

         El Existential- Grupo Fantasma                                           1977 - Ana Tijoux

                                   

Bulevar 2000 - Nortec Collective Presents: Bostich+Fussible

Best Tropical Latin Album 

Asondeguerra - Juan Luis Guerra 4.40                                          Irrepetible - Gilberto Santa Rosa

                                       

 100 Sones Cubanos - (Various Artists)                      Viva La Tradición - Spanish Harlem Orchestra

                                                
                         Sin Salsa No Hay Paraiso - El Gran Combo de Puerto Rico

Best Tejano Album

Recuerdos - Little Joe & La Familia                                         Cookin - Tortilla Factory

                             

Homenaje A Mi Padre - Sunny Sauceda Y Todo Eso   
     Sabes Bien - Juan P. Moreno           In The Pocket - Joe Posada                                                      

Best Norteño Album

 Indispensable - Angel Fresnillo                                                Classic - Intocable

                                

 Ni Hoy Ni Mañana - Gerardo Ortiz                            Desde La Cantina Volumen 1 - Pesado

                               

  Intensamente - Principez De La Musica Norteña

 

Best Banda Album 

Ando Bien Pedo - Banda Los Recoditos                               Caricias Compradas... - Cuisillos

                                    

  Con La Fuerza Del Corrido - El Chapo          Enamórate De Mí - El Güero Y Su Banda Centenario
                                   

 Todo Depende De Ti - La Arrolladora Banda El Limon

 

Best Regional Mexican Album   

NO NOMINEES

  There were fewer than ten artists entered into this category, so per Academy rules The Recording Academy will not be announcing nominations or presenting a GRAMMY Award in this category this year.

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Posted in 2011 grammy awards , alex cuba , Dance , dance salsa , latin artists , latin music , salsacircuit