Belly Dancing and the American Interest

           When women started to take classes to feel sexy, workout and have an alternative than a monotonous treadmill workout, the revolution started with an age old tradition: belly dancing. Originating from different styles generally from the Middle East, it has become extremely socially popular among American culture. Influences like Shakira have contributed to the interest in the style. Some studios specifically tailor to different styles of belly dance and nothing else. It’s a fun workout that a woman can take home with her, and often women do it as a social gathering, bringing a friend or two.

            Core strength is the big plus in belly dancing.  It also takes learning about rhythm and understanding the beat to perform well. Rosalba, an L.A. based belly dancer also says an important thing to remember when belly dancing is embracing the culture.

            “Learn about Arabic music, the instruments involved in the music, take classes about the proper way to interpret Arabic rhythms with your body,” she said.

            Forms of belly dancing differ on the style of the instructor. Beginner classes often teach the basics about movement and the music, other classes can include tribal fusion or sword handling. Belly dancing is also known for embracing a wide range of body types, so it can be a great, body positive experience. 

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EDM and Go-Go Dancing: Starting the Hype!

            The 60’s and 70’s brought a lot of culture to American society that has developed and changed. Perhaps one of the most popular and fun styles that developed during that time was go-go dancing. Thought the style has evolved to a modern feel, the recent Electronic Dance Movement (EDM) in the past 10 years has created a new vigor for go-go dancing and learning the style that goes along with it.

            Jessica Wedell is the owner/operator of an entertainment/go-go group called DystRucXion. She explained that the biggest misconception about go-go dancers is the likeness with stripping that many people say.

            “There are drastic differences between the two. Strippers typically get fully naked and many places allow lap dances. It is also part of their job to mingle and flirt with the clients. On the other side, patrons at the club are not allowed to touch go-go dancers and vice versa. Go-go dancers do not mingle on their breaks; at most they will take a picture with a patron,” said Wedell.

            Festivals like Electric Daisy Carnival, ULTRA and TomorrowLand feature dancers in elaborate costumes with matching makeup that create characters rather than “skimpiness.” Clubs that play some bit of house are starting hire go-go dancers to amp up the crowd and keep the energy up in the audience.

            Wedell discussed the mental and physical gains someone can learn from go-go dancing: “We typically dance in 20 minute shifts for two and a half hours so it’s excellent cardio. Since the dancer is on stage in front of an audience, she is motivated to always perform her best. Mentally, dancing builds confidence.”

            Someone doesn’t have to have previous experience to learn the freestyle form of go-go dancing, although a background is always a plus. Classes are often offered in big cities where groups like DystRucXion are. Go-go dancing goes hand-in-hand with EDM, and both are starting to get people curious.

 

Ballet for Any Age

            

http://www.scott-eaton.com/category/bodies-in-motion

            It’s probably safe to assume that most people not only know what ballet is, but have a picture in their head of the grace and beauty of a ballerina. The dance style is centuries old and many countries have developed their own form of ballet based on history i.e. American Ballet, French Ballet, Russian Ballet, etc. While it’s not necessarily a new world of dance, more adults are turning to the basics to understand their bodies a little better.

            Many studios ask you to audition when you enroll if you have had previous experience with ballet so you can be placed properly. Ballet requires a large amount of attention to technique, and if it isn’t formed properly, could not only damage the rest of the learning process, but could cause harm to the body. Laura Pettibone, a dancer that worked with the Erik Hawkins Dance Company as well as traveled as a visiting choreographer to dance companies on the east coast remarked, “Ballet is no joke. You have to be willing to learn and listen, but you’ll also learn a great deal about self-discipline and have fun playing out your dream of being a ballerina!”

            Adult ballet classes have become a popular way to increase flexibility (that decreases arthritis) and gain slim, toned muscle. Ballet is a rigorous workout, and more studios have been open to teaching those that have always wanted to learn what it’s all about.

The World of Circus Performance

            As more people in America are looking to get fit in unique ways that engage people and change, workout and dance class registration has start to spike. It seems that women these days want to do something engaging, different, sexy and fun. Recently, people have started to look at circus fitness as not just for the pros; Aerial silk and lyra classes are taught in a lot of pole fitness studios and circus classes.

            Aerial silks refer to two pieces of fabric, often made out of chiffon or other synthetic nylons that hang from the ceiling and vary in width by the person performing with them. People twist themselves in upside splits and flips in the air, and it requires a great deal of flexibility and balance. Lyra, or aerial hoop, involves the same amount of strength and grace as aerial silks, but is performed on a large metal hoop in the air. Both of these art forms were made popular by the human performing circus: Cirque Du Soleil. 

 http://www.dusolproductions.com/aerialsilks.html

http://gravityplanet.wordpress.com/2011/11/28/aerial-hoop-sabrina-aganier/

          Studios have created a tiered workout system where anyone can try his or her hand at these acrobatic styles without any previous experience. A person starts at a beginner pace and works his or her way to actually performing in the air. Helpful tips and reading, like a blog post titled Welcome to the Circus! Aerial Silks as a Workout by Bry Jensen, let readers know that on the path to strength and success, one might find themselves with a lot of bruises from the rubbing and tightness of the silk hangings. Jensen is an avid workout guru and is sponsored by fitness programs such as MAGNUM, and stated, “You must TRUST the process! Patience is a virtue, you will not reach your goal overnight, in three days, not even a month, and things take time!”

The Art of Burlesque

           

           Burlesque and “neo-burlesque” dancing, as some call the recent revival of burlesque, have gained a lot of attention in the past 10 years or more. Some claim that the release of the film “Burlesque” in 2010 starring Cher and Christina Aguilera got people curious about performances. Burlesque clubs have opened in major cities across the country and feature performers, each with his or her own twist on an act.
            Big burlesque stars are known for their special performances. Dita Von Teese for example, is known for her vintage, sensual style and her martini dance. Another big star, World Famous * BOB *, was embraced by the world of burlesque for her gender-bending ways. The table for burlesque acts is open to interpretation.

            Erin Lamont, owner of THE LALAS, a popular burlesque group in L.A., talked about what a burlesque show actually is. Lamont stated, “It’s an act. You have a beginning, middle and end. A theme, a character.” She also stresses that, “Burlesque is ALL about the audience.”

             The fact that burlesque involves removing clothing has raised some eyebrows. Yet as social views are changing and women are being told to embrace their bodies and sexuality more, more women are starting to participate. Traditionally, a lot of burlesque performers have started their careers in previous art forms such as entertainment, dance and acting.  In an article written by Simi Horwitz on backstage.com titled Neo-Burlesque Is Not Just Booty Shaking, Horwitz noted that the scene is also starting to see an “influx” of nonprofessional performers as well, proving that burlesque has reached an eager audience.

 

Picture from the Guardian.com

Video from YouTube