- ballet
- First: place your heels touching together and your feet facing in opposite directions. Make sure your legs are turned out right from your thighs, not just below your knees or you could get serious knee injuries.
- Second: like first, but place your feet about a foot apart. Keep the toes turned outwards.
- Third: This position is like first, but cross the front foot's heel at the middle (instep) of your back foot.
- Fourth: place your feet turned outwards, but place your front foot about six inches in front of your back foot. This can be done from first-open fourth; or from third; crossed fourth.
- Fifth: similar to first, but you place your front foot's heel at your back foot's toe.
- 2Find or make a barre. A barre is simply a rail to help you keep your balance when doing warm-up.it should be at a comfortable height, just above (or at) your waist.
- 3Read about ballet. The more that you read, especially books with illustrations or photos, the more you will feel comfortable with the different positions, the styles and techniques. It is also very useful to read about famous ballerinas and ballet dancers to understand their techniques and artistic backgrounds. Not only will these inspire you but they will also provide you with ideas for creating your own style. Also, try watching videos which instruct the basics of ballet. These are helpful as you can visually see the correct way to perform steps, and have audible instructions to make them as clear as possible.
- 4Practice your positions. Do this daily - you are training your body for life. Even those who cease dance as adults tend to hold their bodies better than those who have never danced and retain a high level of flexibility and body awareness. So, even if you do not go on to make a career of ballet, you are doing your body a good turn. Just make sure you hold your posture correctly during dance, or you may well damage your body instead of doing it good.
- 5A good excersise is pas de chat ( step of the cat )said: pa-duh-shaw: you just jump and point your feet one by one at your leg, or you can do changement,said: shaws-ma: when you put your right foot in front and your left food in the back turned out and you just keep on jumping and changing them!
- 6Find a class. You need a ballet teacher to help you know if you are doing it correctly. This is very important as there is only so much you can teach yourself at home off the internet or from a book. Get a good teacher; keep looking until you feel a "click" with the person teaching you.
- 7Participate in the class. This is important because you won't know if you are doing it right if you don't participate. Take all criticism constructively. You will never learn anything if you aren't told how you are doing something incorrectly.
| Welcome to the 'All about ballet' section, where you can find out... all about ballet! Click on any of the items in the index to the left to bring up features and articles giving you a behind-the-scenes peek at all the work that goes into presenting a ballet on the stage. If you want to know more, see the boxes below for links to other bits and pieces around the site. New features are added regularly, so once you've had a look, be sure to come back again soon! | ||
 New!You can now read an article about Henry, Birmingham Royal Ballet's wigmaster, responsible for all of the hair and make-up in our ballets! This article was previously only available through the treasure hunt page, so if you've not seen it yet, click here to take a look now! |  New!Want to find out more about the story of The Nutcracker? We've posted a full colour storyguide, telling the tale complete with photographs from the show. Click here to take a look, or follow the link to the 'On-line fun' section of the website in the menu at the top of the page. |  Have you seen...The article on Running Wardrobe yet? It's full of pictures of costumes worn by Birmingham Royal Ballet's dancers when they perform on stage! Click here to take a look now. |
- break danceing
*Hand Glide* Put your hand on the floor with the elbow of that hand in your stomach. You should be able to balance your body on that hand while stabing yourself with the other hand. Keep your feet off the ground by having your heels against the back of your legs. Then, with your free hand, push along the floor until you are going fast.
--Tips-- It's best to put something on your hand that can slide a long the ground smoothly. Get into the position for this move fast for it to look good. Work on your wrist muscles for this move.*Head Spin* Do a head stand but instead having both of your hands on floor, in front of you. Have one hand on the floor behind you and one infront of you. Then spread your legs as far apart as you can spread them. Then quickly bring them together. As your are bringing your feet together with you hands, push your head around.--Tips-- Do not attempt this move with out doing neck strengthing exercises regularlly. If you are just starting, it's best to wear a toque.*TURTLES* Why is it also called a float? Because the 2nd part to this move is moving. Yup, you read right. Once you master being able to balance in this awkward position you must now be able to move around in a circle, idealy you should be able to walk forward and backward as well, using only your hands. Moving in a circle is easier than walking forwards or backwards. In order to move around, you have to shift all your body weight to one arm, so that for about a half second the only thing keeping your face from becoming a bloody mess is one arm. Then you land on the other arm, balancing all weight on that arm, and so on and so forth. While you are on each arm you make a very slight turn, so little by little you begin to move. When you first practise this you should move slowly. As you get better you will move like LIGHTNING speed and that's when you really impress an audience.
*Six Step*
Ok this is the backbone of breakdancing. THis looks like the person doing it is dancing in a circle on the floor with all four limbs. You start off in a push-up position (dosen't have to start this way it's just easy to describe it from here) and you lift your right arm.(step 1) Place your left foot through where your right arm used to be. (step 2) Now bring your right leg forward and put your right foot into your left leg's joint. (where your leg bends at, like your armpit)(3) Now, quickly kick your left leg high in the air and put it down in front of you for a spilt second, then slide it under your butt so you are sitting on your bent leg. At the same time (step 4) swing your right leg in a wide circle and wrap it around your left leg at the same time putting your right hand down and raising your left hand up to allow for the legs to pass through, so that now your left foot is flat on the floor knee facing up and your right foot is sideways on the floor , the flat part of it facing behind you. Steps 3 and 4 can be changed around in how you link them, but either way they must be done quickley. (Step 5)Now put your LEFT foot back into a push-up position, (step 6) and THEN your right leg. Do steps 5 and 6 in a clear manner. Don't do these steps too quickly. You should be back into a push-up position, just repeat the steps now. (It's really hard to describe this in text but I'll try to add some visual aids later) Eventually you must learn to link powermoves like windmills and flares into your six-step, and to "tech" the six step, which means adding extra moves or things like spinning on your knees or quickly moving in a counter-clockwise direction then moving back into a clock-wise direction. Things like that.
*Back Spin* This move is very simple. After doing the windmill two or three times to get momentum do this. At the point in the superman windmill where your on your back and both your feet are about two feet off the ground curl into a ball. You should have your knees against your chest holding them tightly so that you spin faster.--Tips-- This move is best as a finishing move. In this move you could spin anywhere, so you need lots of room.*TicTac (russian kicks)* Crouch down with your hands on the floor behind your feet wich are also on the floor. Then kick your left foot up while leaning back more on your hands. After kicking up put your foot back on the floor. With the momentum of your foot being on the floor again push with your hands so that your are still crouched down but your hands are off the ground. Then lean back again so that your hands are on the floor agian. Then kick up with your other foot. Then lean back on your hands and kick with both legs so that both legs are in the air and you are only leaning on your hands.--Tips-- This move only looks good if you master it The higher you kick the better!!! Make sure you lean back on your hands and bring your leg(s) up so that they are almost hitting your shoulders.*FLARE*
This is a move from gymnastics, (as are most break moves) from the pommel horse. I put some animated GIFS right here to help you to see what it involves. It's not easy. This involves kicking your feet up in a giant V in front of you, then bringing them around you without them touching the ground. THis is another move that's very hard to describe but you will want to check out the pictures to get an idea. There is also mini-flares which is a flare from a six-step and back into a six step. It's easier to do than a full flare from a standing position but people seem to get more impressed by the miniflare for some reason.
*WINDMILL*
What I did to learn the proper technique for my windmill was look at tapes for hours until I knew exactly what each part of me had to do. I used to have that problem with scraping my legs too, until I figured out how to get around it. I looked at a lot of texts as well. step 1) Get into the position where you are on your back and spread your legs and make sure your but isn't touching the ground.
step 2)If you are going clockwise throw your right leg over to your left(this leg should be straight the whole time when you perfect it, but it doesn't have to be.) This should give you enough momentum to get you onto your side.
step 3) once on your side, stab your right elbow into your your hip. (the same as when you are doing a turtle.) Once you stab the elbow, your right leg should be able to stay stationary in the air. while your left leg is still on the ground. You should be able to freeze like this.
step 4) Once in that position kick your left leg into the air (Your left leg should be slightly bent.Trust me) (your right leg should still be in the air as well) Your right elbow should be supporting your weight in the air. (you should be able to freeze in this position too)
step 5) Once you have all that done you have the final step. This is where a lot of people say the hit there legs on the ground. I will just recap the position you should be in now.
You should be in a type of turtle position except only your right elbow is supporting you. Your left arm should be out at your side with your elbow in the air. your elbow should form about a 90 degree angle. Remember this arm is more just for balance purposes. Both your legs should be pointed out behind you in a v-shape. The key is though that your right leg is straight, and your left leg is bent upwards so that your foot is facing up. The left leg is the key to not hitting your legs on the ground. Once you are in this position. (you should be able to do it with ease if you can do turtles.) You then extend your bent left leg upwards, and you naturally allow yourself to fall onto your right shoulder. your body should be in a position similar to this. __/__0
The circle is your head the two lines are your legs. Once you get into this position you very simply roll into your beginning position on to your back. This should eliminate the problem of hitting your leg on the ground. When you can put all these steps togeather quickly you can then stor stabbing your elbow and instead just push your hands into the ground to give yourself enough momentum to get into the air. This description may sound different from other descriptions but when I look at videos in slow motion and then at my instructions. They seem to be the same. A lot of instructions tell you to keep your legs straight the whole time. I used to try to do that. FInally I got to the point where I could do that. But I keep pulling muscles in my back when I turn over and I hit my legs into the ground.
The key to it, I think is the bent left leg. That is what spreads your legs enough so your legs can easily go back into the starting position without hitting your legs onto the ground.
1990 The trick to a 90 is your form going into it. You may first get the feel to it, by standing on your hands and winding your legs in a circular motion. build your shoulder stength. Doing a 90's As you place your first arm down, swing the opposite leg of the arm you just used. Swing that leg up in a circular motion and open both legs wide on one arm. The second you have both legs open on one arm. Slightly shift your weight onto your other arm. The minute your on both hands try to focus your energy on winding your legs shut. At the same time lifting up your first arm and balancing yourself on your spinning arm. On your hand, spin on the lower part on your hand opposite you thumb. Also look down at your hands as your spinning. I'm working on putting together a Orko tape. I've got some amazing footage I know all Bboys will surely enjoy. As far as I know I hold the record for most 90's, and I've got the footage to prove it. I hope the info will help you. If you really want to see how a 1990 looks just take your time and look at the animation at the bottome. Warning: It will take a while but its worth it!!!
- cheerleading
- hiphop You'll start with the basic steps. Click the video, try to perform the steps. Play it in slow-motion if its hard. Use the replay mode to play it again when it ends.
Did you get it?
Now try this one. Still a basic combination, but you are on the right track. Later you'll see how the combinations are combined to a real hip hop dance. But I'm going a head of my self... You still have a long way to go.
Are you with me?
You still have one more combination to learn before we can combine it to a dance. Download the video, and exercise it. I'll be watching you.
Now to the real thing!
Now its time to combine the free hip hop dance moves you have learned into a real hip hop dance. Click the video to view the dance. You'll recognize some familiar steps in the dance... I'm talking about the steps you already know by now!
Where do we go now?
Now you probably understand that hip hop dance is built from combinations. If you want to dance hip hop, you need to learn combinations. The lessons I made will teach you the combinations, and how to combine them into a hip hop dance. And don't forget the music. You can also find here cool hip hop mixes, and more.
- irish dancing :
Seven Steps: Side step in reel
The seven steps are the basic steps which need to be mastered before dancing a reel. For the beginner, it is important to stand with the weight comfortably balanced on both feet. The routines below incorporates the seven steps and two short threes, where the dancer quickly repeats three steps.
1. Stand centre stage.
2. Hop to knee, raising right foot up to the left knee.
3. Spring onto you right foot
4-11. With right foot pointed out front, move from centre to right side of stage for seven steps. Lead with right foot and follow with left foot.
12. After seventh step, lift right foot with knee bent.
13. Spring onto right foot bringing left foot into rear.
Count one
14. Step in place onto ball of left foot. Count two.
15. Step onto ball of right foot, behind left foot. Count three.
16. Lift left foot with knee bent and repeat short three.
17. Hop onto knee, raising left foot up to right knee.
18. Spring onto left foot.
19-26. With left foot pointed out front, move from right side to centre stage for seven steps. Lead with left foot and follow with right foot.
27. After seventh step, lift left foot with knee bent.
28. Spring onto left foot and bring right foot into rear. Count one.
29. Step in place onto ball of left foot. Count two.
30. Step onto ball of left foot, behind right foot. Count three.
31. Lift right foot with knee bent and repeat short three.
The Rising Step: Side step in Jig
1. Hop on left foot while raising right foot in front with toe pointed.
2. Hop again on left foot while bringing right foot to rear.
3. Place right foot behind left foot, transferring weight to left.
4. Hop on right foot while bring left foot behind.
5. Place left foot behind right while raising right foot.
6. Place right foot down again.
7. Place left foot behind right while raising right foot.
8. Place right foot down again.
- jazz
- tango :
Tango Dance Steps: The Basic
The easiest way to remember the basic tango dance step is to think of the acronym T-A-N-G-O, since there are five parts to the basic. At the same time, the steps have a rhythm and duration that goes as follows: "Slow…slow…quick-quick-slow…"
Like many ballroom dances, the lead and follow mirror each others steps in the basic. Many of the more complicated tango dance steps give each part their own specific roles to play. The lead also always begins with the left foot, the follow with the right, and the lead steps are "heel leads" - that is, the heel of the foot comes down first, not the toe.
- T (slow): the lead steps forward with the left foot, the follow mirrors by stepping back with the right.
- A (slow): the lead steps forward with the right foot, mirrored again by the follow's right.
- N (quick): the lead steps forward again with the left, a slightly smaller step, preparing to step to the side with the right.
- G (quick): the lead steps to the right with the right foot, using a technique known as "collecting" the foot. This simply means that the right foot comes up alongside the left before stepping to the right, and doesn't move in the diagonal.
- O (slow): probably the most sultry step in the basic, this is a slow almost-drag of the left foot towards the right, ready to begin the basic again. For the follow, it's the joining of the right foot to the left with a slow, deliberate motion.
Other Simple Tango Steps
One of the more flashy, dramatic, and very simple tango dance steps is the corte. It has a practical use when used on a crowded dance floor. It starts, not with a step forward, but rather with the lead taking a step back with the left foot, the follow forward on the right. This puts both dancers into a bit of a lunge, with the lead's right leg and the follow's left held straight.
The key to the corte lies in the dance frames, though, which are held firm while the torsos rotate towards the lead's left and both bodies tilt towards the straight leg. This position is held for the first two slow beats ( T…A…) and then both dancers draw their bent legs back up to finish the "N-G-O" in the same way that the basic is finished.
There are many other dance steps and variations, such as the promenade, the open fan, the corte-to-fan, the apache throw-out, leg hooks, just to name a few. The best way to learn them is through actual dance instructors at studios. While some
- tap :
Brush
- Bend your leg back at the knee, and swing your foot forward, brushing the ball of your foot against the floor. A brush can also be done to the side or to the back---just make sure as you swing your foot out, the ball of your foot hits the floor.
Ball Change
- A ball change is just a step with each foot, with all your weight on the balls of your feet. It is a step that is often added on to the end of another step---for example, you could do a brush, then a ball change. Which foot you step with first will depend on the steps that come before and after.
Heel Drop
- One foot at a time, put all your weight on the balls of your feet, so your heel is up in the air, then drop it to the ground. Think of this step as though you are walking in place, without ever lifting your toes off the ground.
Step Heel
- Once again, think of this step as though you are walking or marching. Bring your foot up, step down just on the ball of your foot, then drop your heel.
Heel Tap
- A heel tap is the opposite of a step heel, and it is actually the most similar to a normal walking movement. Lift your foot up and place it down so you are leaning back with all your weight on your heel, then drop the front of your foot.
Flap
- Brush the ball of your foot on the floor, then step down with your entire foot. This step is a combination of a brush step and half of a ball change.
Read more: Tap Dance Steps | eHow.com http://www.ehow.com/way_5300775_tap-dance-steps.html#ixzz1KdUpjix5
