Dance Costumes

I don't know about you but I absolutely hate it when I go to a dance competition and I see and amazing dance but the costume is absolutely ugly! This draws attention to what the dancers are wearing instead of the focus being on the dance. The costume is supposed to accentuate the dancers body and the way he or she moves throughout the dance. What the dancers wear is also supposed to help tell the story of the routine. The dancers should also look and feel confident in it. On the other hand the costume doesn't have to be over the top to win, but it does help sometimes. You could be an amazing dancer performing in a terrible costume and still do well, you just stand out more when your costume adds to the dance. You'll always be remembered by your dancing and even more with a great costume. I have experienced having to wear a costume I did not believe was the best choice for the routine. I can tell you I did not enjoy it. But no matter what, your choreographer has the final say in what you wear. So sometimes we have to suck it up and dance through it. Here are some great dance costume magazines that have amazing costumes.
 http://www.awishcometrue.com/
http://www.kellecompany.com/
https://curtaincallcostumes.com/
http://www.weissmanscostumes.com/default.aspx

Double Attitude Jump

A double attitude jump looks just like a regular leap except both your legs are bent. You can either chasse (

a gliding step in dancing in which one foot displaces the other) into this jump or you can Assemblé (Assemblé is a ballet movement in which the dancer’s feet or legs are brought together in the air, then lands on both feet.)

then perform the jump. Here's what the double attitude jumps should look like.

Quote

Ok let's be honest now, we all love dance but there are always days where you just don't want to be there. Sometimes your dance teacher seems to keep calling just you out on practice days, your incredibly sore, or maybe you have a ton a homework you need to finish. This happens to me a lot to be honest. There are always days where I just want a break from it all. Here's a little quote that helps me get through the hard practices.

 

The moment you step off that stage and you know you put your heart and soul out on the floor, you know it's all worth it in the end. Especially when you get to dance and have the time of your lives with your best friends. Think about this next time you're just not feeling it at practice. 

Ballet Positions

Ballet is the root of all dance. I'm sure you've heard this a million times before from your dance teachers but it's very true. It's important to have a good foundation for your dancing and ballet will help you get there. It will also improve your balance and control. Most dancers prefer contemporary or jazz dancing over ballet because there's more freedom, ballet might not be the most exciting style of dance but it is extremely helpful. So let's start at square one, ballet positions.

First Position
First position is the simplest position. It is done by placing your heels together and turning your feet out, so they are facing away from each other.

Second Position
This is the same as first except your heels aren't touching and your are in a wider stance.

Third Position
Third position is where your left foot is directly under you and your right heel is place right in the middle of the inside of your left foot. It should look like a "T" on it's side.

Fourth Position 
Forth position is when your feet are placed turned outward with one in front of the other, separated by the distance of one step.

Fifth Position
Fifth position is the same as fourth position except your front foot is immediately in front of but touching the other foot so that the toe of the back foot touches the heel of the front foot.