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Although the art of ballet is more commonly associated with females, there are plenty of opportunities for men to become involved in the activity. Whether its part of a troupe putting on a show or as a smaller outlet, ballet is as valid an activity and lifestyle participation sport for men as it is for women. This means that the full range of ballet products and clothing lines are available for both genders with a full range of ballet shows being made available for men. Traditionally men have a larger size of feet than women which invariably means that they require a larger type of shoe. If ballet pumps and footwear ranges were only produced for women there may be a difficulty for men to participate fully but in recent years it has been possible continue reading…

Is ballet dancing really all grace and beauty?

Well, this is the way we are supposed to see ballet dancing.  We as the audience just see the pure grace and beauty that is ballet.  We don’t see the years of hard work, blood, sweat and tears that a dancer has to go through to become a ballet dancer.

When a child first starts ballet dancing lessons, the focus is on musicality, interpretation, imagination and fun.  Once they decide to take their ballet dancing more seriously the hard work begins.  They are taught the five basic positions of the feet and arms and given exercises each lesson to strengthen the basics.  The muscles are trained with repetitive exercises to strengthen them and build muscle memory.  The ligaments are stretched to their fullest capacity to gain greater flexibility.  Through all the exercises at the bar and the repetitive on going training through the years, the dancer get to learn to move with continue reading…

Ballet dancing first flourished in the courts of Italy following the Renaissance.  Upon marrying Henry II, Catherine de Medici took the art of court entertainment with her to France.  It is from her great Ballet Comique de la Reine of 1581 that the birth of ballet is usually dated.

Courtiers and even monarchs took part in these court entertainments.  The movements were stately, and fitting the etiquette of the court.  The performances usually took place in either the ballroom or the great courtyards.  Courtiers and honored guests watched from raised platforms.

In those days the court dress did not permit ladies to move with the freedom that they do today, and in most cases their faces, feet and legs could not be seen.  Men had a lot more freedom of movement, as tights were a regular part of court dress.

In 1669, Louis XIV set up a dancing academy called the Paris Opera, but it was many years before ballet dancing continue reading…

Ballet is an art and it is different from other dance forms. Ballet is a specific dance form and technique. Many historians list dance as the oldest of the human art forms. When looking at dance it is extremely structured in its movements, when dance is set to a musical score for rhythm, you are able to see how the physical movements translate into joy and happiness. The movements of ballet beautify and create gracefulness throughout your limbs and body. Engaging and graceful with unbelievable steps, ballet is an extremely hard dance to learn perfectly.

An important part of the ballet dancer’s equipment is the ballet shoe, while the shoes are beautiful they are vital and important in ballet dance. The ballet shoes are designed to be agreeable to the audience and mostly they are designed to function for the dancers. Ballet shoes do not normally last continue reading…

Music and dance, merged in a single expression, are the most representative manifestations of a nation’s culture.  Ecuador, with contrasting geographic characteristics of impressive beauty, is equally diverse in its ethnic and cultural background.  Jacchigua Folklore Ballet is a mirror that reflects, in fascinating choreographies, the traditions and customs, the joys, myths and legends of a magic, yet real and profound Ecuador.

Jacchigua is a subtle word in Kichwa — the lingua franca of the Inca Empire — an expression of continue reading…

Also, in contrast to pounding away on the treadmill or Stairmaster and counting endless reps and sets, ballet taps into your creative side. You can express yourself, learn a new skill, and tone every muscle in your body by participating in ballet class. You may be wondering where you can sign up for a ballet class. Well, start by stopping into your local dance studio. You might be surprised to learn that they not only teach children, but also adults. And there are many other adults, like you, interested in learning ballet.

Also, sometimes classes are offered through your local park district. If you are embarrassed to show off your as yet unpolished moves in public, you can always find a videotape or DVD that teaches you the basics. Just move the continue reading…

A yoga workout does not have to be boring. Especially not with the workout series Yoga Booty Ballet. These series of workouts combine yoga poses along with body shaking moves and booty sculpting that will make you anything but bored during your workouts. This is definitely not your typical yoga workout. Fitness experts, Gillian Marloth and Teigh McDonough customized these routines especially for women to help them get the body of their dreams while having fun and getting to unwind.

Transform Your Body and Mind
Yoga Booty Ballet is a great way to slim down your body and tighten tone your muscles. Not only can it transform your body, it can also help transform your mind in the process. Yoga has been proven to have calming effects on the mind. It can help provide clarity and de-stress the body. With this specialized series of workouts, not only do you get the calming effects of yoga, but you also get the physical effects continue reading…

Dear Kevin,

I offer this letter as an introduction to a lovely young woman I had the pleasure to meet some months ago. Amy is a friend of my daughter and recently spent a few weeks in our home over a summer break. Coincidentally, I was involved in our annual community fundraiser, and this dear girl volunteered to perform as part of our program. Oh, I was skeptical at first, one never knows, but I was soon duly impressed by her talent. After studying several years under your expert tutelage, I believe myself to be a good judge of ballet. This young dancer is no less than astounding.

You will see for yourself that her training has been first class from the very beginning. Her dance lessons started at age 5 where she learned to dance and develop skills she would later need for her classical dance studies. She continued training at the Northwest School of Classical Dance in 2001 under the supervision of director John Bishop. Bishop comes to the school with impressive credentials, having performed continue reading…