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Dance recitals are a very exciting time for young dancers. It shows off everything they have learned throughout the year. The backstage area can be a crazy experience if you are not prepared. Many adults will find themselves going back and forth because they forgot something that is needed. The key for parents to make it through the recital and help their child out is to try and remain calm. The following are some key things that might be needed at any recital, so don’t forget to bring them.

Extra Tights – Always bring an extra pair of tights. Bring one for each color that will be worn in the recital. Runs in tights can be seen on stage.

Bandages – Extra bandages come in handy when an unexpected blister or scratch makes an appearance. Just remember to bring the clear one so they are not visible through the tights.

Hangers – Bring a hanger for each costume that your child will be wearing. Hang the costumes up as soon as you get  there so they don’t get wrinkled. Also, a big thing is to actually remember the costumes!

Safety Pins – Have safety pins in various sizes in case there are some last minute alterations that need to be done.

Baby Wipes – These are great for quick clean ups. And can help in fixing make-up mistakes.

Snacks – Pack some healthy snacks in case your child gets hungry or needs a little energy. Some good choices are granola bars, grapes, and small crackers.

Pain Reliever – Bring a pain reliever for your child for those muscle aches or headaches that can pop up. These can ruin a recital for any dancer. You might also find yourself needing one for your nerves.

Clear Nail-Polish – If you forgot to bring the extra pair of tights or your child still gets a run in their tights, clear nail polish can help. Applying a small amount to the run or snag can help stop it from getting out of hand.

Make-Up – Touch ups in the make-up area are always a good idea right before going on stage. Make sure you are using colors that have been approved by the teacher.

Camera – One of the most important items to remember is the camera. You will want to get as many pictures of your child as you can. They may not be allowed to be used during the show, but pictures before and after will make great shots. Candid images of your child will help you and them remember their day forever.

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Learning the art of ballet can have many positive benefits for children. Ballet lessons can help foster a positive self image for girls and boys. They will learn skill, grace, poise, self discipline and self confidence. If a young person wants to become a skilled ballerina, they will have to put a lot of effort and practice into learning the difficult poses and steps. The first steps in mastering ballet is to learn the rules and traditional techniques that have been passed down for centuries. The following are some helpful tips to get through a ballet class.

Getting Ready for Ballet Class

When starting ballet classes, you will probably feel a bit of anxiety. Many questions might be going on in you head, like what should I wear or how do I wear my hair? Just keep in mind that most of the other students will also be feeling the same way. Try to relax, stay calm and try to have fun. And don’t forget, if you have questions ask your teacher. They are there to help you learn.

First Ballet Steps

In the first ballet classes you will be learning the basic techniques and positions. The teacher will teach you how to hold your body correctly. This will include how to position your hands and how to point the toes. To improve coordination and flexibility, you will practice skills like skipping and jumping. 

The Importance of Stretching

One of the most important things in learning ballet is stretching. Dancers need to have good flexibility in order to move their body into the right positions without injuring themselves. You should stretch before every class. It is best to make it a habit so your body will always be ready. Most teachers will start a class off with some stretching warm-up, but it is still a good idea to arrive early and do some of your own stretches. 

Recital Fun

Most private dance studios hold a recital at the end of the year. Recitals are a showcase of the progress done by the children in the class. These also allow young dancers to see what a real performance could feel like. After working so hard for a year, students will feel a sense of accomplishment. These recitals also allows parents to see what their children have learned and get to take pictures and videos of them. Once a recital is done, the young dancers will normally feel a sense of confidence.

With the start of a new season of Dancing with the Stars, more and more people are getting interested in learning how to dance.  Ballroom dances are becoming very popular. These dances are partners dances that are done socially and competitively. The following dances are some of the most popular ballroom dance that have become popular on stage and on television.

Cha Cha: The Cha Cha is a flirtatious and lively dance. It is full of passion and energy. It’s unique style comes from the classic “Cuban motion”. Partners must work together to synchronize their movements. They are meant to dance in perfect alignment.

Foxtrot: The Foxtrot is a bit easier to learn then most dances. It is good for beginners. This is a fun dance in which the dancers make smooth, long, flowing movements across the dance floor.

Jive: The Jive originated in the United States from African-Americans. It is a livelier form of the Swing dance with hints of the Jitterbug. There are a lot of leg kicks and flicks. This is the fastest of the Latin dances.

Lindy Hop: The Lindy Hop  is known as the father of swing dances. It is a very athletic style of dance. Most times aerial jumps, twists and flips are included.

Mambo: The Mambo is one of the Latin ballroom dances. It is very emotional and sensual. The dance includes swaying hip movements, facial expressions, arm movements, and gold. All these movements just adds to the sensuality of the dance.

Paso Doble: The Paso Doble originated in France. It is seen as one of the liveliest of the ballroom dances. The movements and sounds are modeled after a Spanish bullfight. It is a very dramatic dance.

Quickstep: The Quickstep is like the Foxtrot but quicker. The dance is made up of very quick stepping, syncopated feet rhythms and runs of quick steps. This is an exciting dance to watch, but it is also one of the hardest to learn.

Rumba: The Rumba is probably the most romantic and sensual of all the ballroom dances. Many consider it the “Grandfather of the Latin Dance”. This is one of the slowest dances.

Samba: The Samba is the best known of the Brazilian ballroom dances. The steps of this dance are done in a downward, bouncing action. There is a lot of bending and strengthening of the knees, creating a “bounce” in the steps. It is popular with people of all ages. The Samba may be performed as partners or solo.

Tango: The Tango is sometimes seen as one of the most fascinating of the ballroom dances. It originated in South America. In the Tango, the body is set in motion through flexing of the lower joints.  The feet then catch up to the rest of the body.

Viennese Waltz: The Viennese Waltz consists of quick rotating moves with a subtle rise and fall. The characteristics of this dance are the simple and elegant rotations. The moves maybe simple, but this dance is known to be the most difficult to learn.

Waltz: The Waltz is a very smooth dance. The dance consists of long, flowing movements, continuous turns, and a rise and fall rhythm. If done properly, the Waltz dancers can appear to glide around the floor with little effort. 

Irish dancing is a traditional dance that includes social and performance opportunities. There can be solo, pair or group dances. The best known form of dance is step-dancing, made popular by the show known as “Riverdance”. However, there are many different dances included in Irish dancing and is performed by the young and the old. This dance obviously originated in Ireland.

Social Irish Dancing

There are two forms of social dancing, céilí and set dancing. Irish set dances are normally done by four couples, or quadrilles, is a square formation. Céilí dances are performed by groups of two to sixteen members. They dance in various formations. Social dances are a very traditional dance. There are different variations throughout Irish dance communities.

Performance Irish Dancing

Performance dance is commonly known as “step-dance”. This dance is recognized by rapid leg movements while the upper body and arms are stationary. In competition, performances are normally done solo. A dancer can perform in soft shoes or hard shoes. This type of dance became popular after the creation of the famous show ”Riverdance” in 1994.

Sean-nos Irish Dancing

Sean-nos is a traditional solo Irish dance. It is recognized by extremely low to the ground footwork, free arm movements, and battering steps that go along with the beats of music. While it is normally done solo, some times this dance is performed in pairs or small groups. If performed in pairs or groups, there is no physical contact between the dancers and no set routine followed.

Ceili Irish Dancing

Ceili is a popular folk dance in Ireland. “Ceili” refers to social gatherings which contain Irish music and dance. This dance is performed in lines facing each other, circular formations, long line formations and quadrilles. Ceili dances can be performed with only two people or as many as 16 people. Dancers perform the dance on their toes. It is a similar dance to square dancing, but there is no caller.

Irish Step-Dancing

Irish step-dancing is a performance dance known for a stiff upper body and quick, precise movements of the feet. This dance has become popular throughout the world and there are many different competitions out there. Most competitors are solo dancers, but there are also dances done by large groups of dancers. Step-dances include reels, slip jigs, hornpipes and jigs. Traditional Irish costumes are normally worn.