Tuesday, August 25, 2015

Vaganova Ballet Technique


The Vaganova technique is an expressive form of ballet that trains dancers in the use of their entire body, with the intention of creating tranquil and clean movements. Formed by Russian ballet teacher Agrippina Vaganova, the method encompasses traits of classical ballet, using French and Italian principles from the European romantic period of the nineteenth century.
Vaganova herself was not considered to be a particularly strong dancer by her peers at the beginning of her career. While she was accepted into the famous Imperial Ballet School in her hometown of St. Petersburg, Russia, it is documented that she vigorously pushed herself through ballet training to eventually become fluent in many different techniques. This allowed her a strong foundation of understanding across the many different styles of ballet, and influenced her decision to become a dance teacher. She published the book Fundamentals of Classical Dance, which outlines her signature style and is credited with training some of the most distinguished dancers in the world.
Vaganova is one of the most popular forms of ballet taught and performed in the world today, and it is learned through the original training system developed by its founder. It is celebrated for encouraging students to emphasize their core strength with absolute precision, without losing the classical and effortless beauty the art of ballet is known for.
While most people see ballet as a form of dance that capitalizes on the use of the feet, the Vaganova method differs as it incorporates subtle arm and hand movements into routines. It also demands a strong torso from its students in every step, and teaches that strength in this particular area of the body is a fundamentally important aspect of the technique.
This means watching a Vaganova performance is exceptionally enchanting for the audience, as a powerful yet silky combination of movements are sewn together seamlessly.
As this method requires the use of the whole body, it is an excellent discipline that enhances the dancers overall body strength and fitness, allowing them to intensify control over their movements and improve their skill in other types of dance and sport. It has long been understood that this type of training can provide indispensable physical fitness benefits for all manner of athletes, such as football, basketball and soccer players, as it teaches individuals how to manage their balance through muscle training, schooling the body on how to best exploit its natural strength.
As each Vaganova instruction is steeped in traditional techniques, learning this style of ballet boosts a dancer’s self-confidence in their art, as the style was created to benefit both the aesthetic view of the performance and the technical ability of the dancer.

Some of the most typical Vaganova movements taught in class are the tombé, most often used as a traveling step which gracefully leads in to the next movement, various different jumping steps which stimulate the image of the dancer floating through the air and arm positions which serve to support the feet during jumps and twists.

Tuesday, August 18, 2015

The Benefit of Dance For Kids

                      


If you have kids, you may be wondering what is the best way to channel their seemingly boundless energy. While traditional team sports are a good way to get your kids physically active, they may not be right for younger children. Dance classes are a great alternative to team sports, and most studios offer lessons for children as young as two or three. Participating in dance classes can be beneficial for kids of all ages.

Improved Physical Health
Dancing is a highly physical activity, and kids who take dance lessons regularly should expect to see a significant improvement in their overall physical health. According to Pro Dance Center, regular dance practice can increase your child's flexibility, range of motion, physical strength and stamina. The repetitive movements involved in dance can improve muscle tone, correct poor posture, increase balance and coordination and improve overall cardiovascular health. Dancing is an aerobic form of exercise. For children who are overweight, it can potentially help them to lose weight and improve their eating habits.

Socialization Benefits

In addition to being a physical activity, dancing is also a highly social activity. According to "FamilyTalk Magazine," dance lessons can help children improve their social and communication skills, learn how to work as part of a team, develop a greater sense of trust and cooperation and make new friends. If your child is shy, enrolling her in dance can encourage her to reach out to other children her age and help to reduce her anxiety about new people or places. Dance can also help to alleviate fears related to performing in front of an audience.

Educational Benefits

Becoming a skilled dancer requires practice, discipline and focus, skills that can be useful in other areas of your child's life. According to "FamilyTalk Magazine," dance lessons can help to spark creativity in young children and help them to develop an appreciation for the arts. Students who regularly participate in dance lessons typically tend to perform better academically than their nonparticipating peers. "FamilyTalk Magazine" estimates that students who have a background in dance tend to achieve significantly higher SAT scores and do better in math and science competitions.

Improved Self-Esteem

As children adjust to the movements and postures required in dance, they begin to get a better sense of their bodies. As they become more comfortable in their own skin, their confidence and self-esteem also improve. Dance lessons can encourage children to foster a more positive attitude and explore their own self-expression. This can be particularly beneficial for children who are physically or mentally impaired or those who are attempting to deal with significant emotional problems.


Wednesday, August 12, 2015

The Perfect Tutu


Putting together your attire for class can be as fun as the dance itself. With so many gorgeous colors, mounds of tulle and tons of sparkle, dance outfits reflect the style and taste of the dancer, while enhancing the overall performance.
The tutu is an international symbol of the art that has been worn by ballet dancers for centuries, and it was designed to fit the body perfectly while allowing for ample movement, and shaped to flow with the dancer’s steps.
The dress code of a ballet class is an important guideline as it provides the group of dancers with their universal identity, and ensures all dancers will be equipped with the correct type of garment to allow for enough flexibility to perform without discomfort. Consult the dress code before setting out to purchase your dance attire, and stick to its requirements to get the most out of your experience.
There are variations of tutu skirts, and each is easily distinguished by their design. Traditional skirts will either begin at or just under the waist, with which competitive dancers will usually wear a basque or bodice during a performance. These classical tutus are flat, and are often referred to as “pancakes”, with the tulle seeming to stick out from the dancer’s hip. 
A bell tutu is different, as it is usually much shorter than its classical counterpart, and the ruffles are designed to point downward rather than out. This type of skirt is flowy, and will twist and turn with the dancer’s movements. 
The perfect tutu is one that is aligned with the style of the dance, is comfortable to wear, flexible enough to move in and made of quality materials that make it durable enough to last.
The type of tutu you choose to wear will depend on the style of dance, the age of the dancer and the type of performance. Younger dancers, toddlers and small children, are often paired with the more traditional type of tutu in the classic pink or white, while different colors and styles are introduced as the dance routines become more complicated.
 For ballet routines with a modern twist, it’s common to see dancers in brightly colored bell tutus adorned with sparkles and without a traditional bodice or basque, as they can be too restricting for fast-paced performances.  For more classical ballet recitals, we usually find dancers in the traditional white or pink flat tutu, cutting a sheer and sleek silhouette.
The dress code is crucial for all other styles of dance too, such as jazz and tap.
In tap dancing, it’s important for both the dancer and the audience to be able to see the feet, so tap attire is usually designed to show these off. As tap dancers will perform routines as a group in unison, the dress code is even more important here to exhibit a flawlessly executed group number.

While jazz dance recitals may have dancers who are incorporating many different moves into their routine, these performances are usually themed, and performance attire must reflect the style of dance. Jazz music has a fast tempo, and class attire must enable the dancer to swiftly progress from one move to another without restriction. 

Saturday, August 8, 2015

Life after the studio........

Life after the studio: My child has danced all these years…now what?
Moms and Dads know that their children’s love for dance can sometimes be a struggle. Early morning classes, constant practice and a child that just won’t sit still can drive even the sanest parent crazy.
With this being said, why do we do it? Maybe because we live for the look of joy on their faces during a recital, or because we want to teach them to stay active. Whatever our reasons, it’s undeniable that dancing can be the portal into the rest of our children’s lives.
Watching your child grow as a dancer is a unique experience. From their very first lesson as a child with their rosy cheeks and clumsy feet, to their focused and flawless transition into the realm of competitive dance - their journey into the world can offer limitless possibilities if they dream, believe and achieve in dance at Karen’s.
For those who take their art seriously, dancing is an excellent way to excel through those often awkward teenage years and into young adulthood. With their best foot forward and a mind on their grades, many dancers will find themselves offered college scholarships and grants for their talents as they grow older. As the college application environment gets more competitive, and more expensive, a portfolio of dancing can sincerely improve your child’s standing against their peers when they come to further their education.
Dancing also allows for many future career options, such as a role in the theatre with major organizations, choreographers, show business, movement therapy and education. For those who want to dance for their salary when they’re older, if they have the enthusiasm and the talent, the career possibilities are endless. 
Even before they head off to college, throughout their high school years they will be presented with many extra-curricular opportunities involving their dance skills, from classes to trips to being an integral part of the school dance squad – their talent becomes less of a hobby and more of a goal.
Dancing shows passion, dedication and confidence - three traits that are vigorously sought out by companies and schools offering grants, scholarships and employment opportunities. Dancers are athletes – their techniques require training and polishing while allowing room for fun. Throughout this development, you may be faced with times when your child wants to give up, but teaching them to commit to their art is an excellent way of preparing them for responsibilities as they grow older.
As children today are smothered with every kind of electronic device available, a devotion to an active, dancing lifestyle ensures their physical development will not be affected by outside influences. While they’re very young, your child likely sees dance as a fun activity without knowing that every class is a workout that requires the use of the entire body.
A commitment to the art is also an excellent way for your child to form relationships within your community. Younger children are likely to form mentor-style friendships with older dancers and coaches, allowing them to evolve and flourish into social beings, creating bonds that can last a lifetime.
Dancing is creative, social and fun. Encouraging your child to hone their talents and dedicate themselves to the art can vastly improve their school and career choices in later life.

So the next time you feel like skipping the studio, remember why you took them there in the first place.