Feb
22
Filed Under Art And Entertainment | Leave a Comment
Jimmy Cox asked:
Learning to dance is fun - and it is easy. In a sense it is like learning a new language - a language in which moods and emotions are expressed in movement; a language of rhythm, grace and harmony. It is new - but in a very real sense it is the oldest language in the world, for dancing is the oldest form of art.
We know people danced as far back as the beginning of recorded history. The dance appeared in various forms in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Dancing gives expression to a deeply rooted emotion in man so profound as to border on reverence. This is evidenced by the fact that some early dances were a part of religious rites. The Bible mentions dancing in numerous places - one of the most frequently quoted verses being that taken from the 150th Psalm: “Praise ye the Lord in all your songs and dances.”
There is an instinctive urge in all of us to express rhythm. Primitive men satisfy this urge by beating drums and dancing around a campfire until they drop from sheer exhaustion. We, of the civilized world, satisfy this same instinctive urge in a more cultured way. We dance in a conventional manner to rhythmic music and conform to certain set patterns. We observe the rules of conduct that society has set for us.
Dancing is a wholesome, natural outlet for the emotions. It develops grace and poise, timing and balance. Men take pride in their ability to lead their partners with assurance and poise. Girls enjoy the ability to follow their partners smoothly, expertly and correctly. The ability to dance develops personality, and above all - it is fun.
Unfortunately, however, many persons miss out on this fun because they do not dance well. Girls are apprehensive that they will not be able to follow their partners. Men are worried about stepping on their partner’s toes. Many persons are reluctant to try to learn to dance, because they believe they do not have a sense of rhythm.
This is regrettable, for all of us have a sense of rhythm. Rhythm is one of the governing laws that make for order in the universe. Rhythm appears in many phases. The competent typist has rhythm; the public speaker, the musician, the author all make use of rhythm in the practice of their arts. Even the engine in our automobile has rhythm - it must fire in perfect time to operate successfully.
Even after learning a few of the simpler steps, some people are still afraid to relax and keep time to the accompanying music because they fear they will make a mistake and be ridiculed. This fear of criticism and ridicule can be so overpowering as to cause certain persons to become immobile. If the desire to dance is thwarted often enough, a psychological block can be set up in the nervous system which leads to discouragement and a desire to stop trying, and these folks say, “I have no sense of rhythm.”
Dancing has been described as poetry in motion. By observing the similarity between the rhythm of speech, particularly as applied to poetry, and the rhythm of motion, as applied to dancing, anyone who can recite a simple jingle in rhythm can learn to dance.
Occasionally a person will come to our studio and insist that he absolutely has no rhythm. We frequently ask such persons to read: “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” After pointing out to them that they do have a sense of rhythm, or they could not have recited this poem in perfect meter, they develop confidence enough to apply themselves to learning rhythm of movement.
I have never met a person who could speak, who could not recite poetry rhythmically. Reciting poetry, naturally, is easier for most people than moving the body in perfect rhythm. Some people learn to coordinate more easily than others, but with practice it can be learned, and it is simply not true that you, or anyone else, cannot learn to dance because you do not have a sense of rhythm.
EDWIN
Learning to dance is fun - and it is easy. In a sense it is like learning a new language - a language in which moods and emotions are expressed in movement; a language of rhythm, grace and harmony. It is new - but in a very real sense it is the oldest language in the world, for dancing is the oldest form of art.
We know people danced as far back as the beginning of recorded history. The dance appeared in various forms in ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome.
Dancing gives expression to a deeply rooted emotion in man so profound as to border on reverence. This is evidenced by the fact that some early dances were a part of religious rites. The Bible mentions dancing in numerous places - one of the most frequently quoted verses being that taken from the 150th Psalm: “Praise ye the Lord in all your songs and dances.”
There is an instinctive urge in all of us to express rhythm. Primitive men satisfy this urge by beating drums and dancing around a campfire until they drop from sheer exhaustion. We, of the civilized world, satisfy this same instinctive urge in a more cultured way. We dance in a conventional manner to rhythmic music and conform to certain set patterns. We observe the rules of conduct that society has set for us.
Dancing is a wholesome, natural outlet for the emotions. It develops grace and poise, timing and balance. Men take pride in their ability to lead their partners with assurance and poise. Girls enjoy the ability to follow their partners smoothly, expertly and correctly. The ability to dance develops personality, and above all - it is fun.
Unfortunately, however, many persons miss out on this fun because they do not dance well. Girls are apprehensive that they will not be able to follow their partners. Men are worried about stepping on their partner’s toes. Many persons are reluctant to try to learn to dance, because they believe they do not have a sense of rhythm.
This is regrettable, for all of us have a sense of rhythm. Rhythm is one of the governing laws that make for order in the universe. Rhythm appears in many phases. The competent typist has rhythm; the public speaker, the musician, the author all make use of rhythm in the practice of their arts. Even the engine in our automobile has rhythm - it must fire in perfect time to operate successfully.
Even after learning a few of the simpler steps, some people are still afraid to relax and keep time to the accompanying music because they fear they will make a mistake and be ridiculed. This fear of criticism and ridicule can be so overpowering as to cause certain persons to become immobile. If the desire to dance is thwarted often enough, a psychological block can be set up in the nervous system which leads to discouragement and a desire to stop trying, and these folks say, “I have no sense of rhythm.”
Dancing has been described as poetry in motion. By observing the similarity between the rhythm of speech, particularly as applied to poetry, and the rhythm of motion, as applied to dancing, anyone who can recite a simple jingle in rhythm can learn to dance.
Occasionally a person will come to our studio and insist that he absolutely has no rhythm. We frequently ask such persons to read: “Mary Had a Little Lamb.” After pointing out to them that they do have a sense of rhythm, or they could not have recited this poem in perfect meter, they develop confidence enough to apply themselves to learning rhythm of movement.
I have never met a person who could speak, who could not recite poetry rhythmically. Reciting poetry, naturally, is easier for most people than moving the body in perfect rhythm. Some people learn to coordinate more easily than others, but with practice it can be learned, and it is simply not true that you, or anyone else, cannot learn to dance because you do not have a sense of rhythm.
EDWIN
Feb
16
Filed Under Art And Entertainment | Leave a Comment
Natalie Beck asked:
Ballroom dancing is a very formal style of dancing that is used at formal events and in competitions all over the world. Each different type of ballroom dancing has numerous steps and motions that create a beautiful, fluid movement between the partners in the dance. Many individuals that are interested in ballroom dancing hire a professional dance instructor to teach them the steps of the dance in order to ensure that they are doing the dance properly.
There are several different styles of ballroom dancing that an individual may be interested in. The International Standard style of ballroom dancing includes dances such as the Waltz, the Tango, and the Fox Trot, while the International Latin style of ballroom dancing includes dances such as the Samba, the Rumba, and the Cha Cha. In America, there is also an American Smooth style and an American Rhythm style of ballroom dancing.
There are a number of other dances that are commonly classified as ballroom dancing, although they do not belong in the category using traditional classification factors. Many of these dances originated in the Americas and are not generally well known in the international community. Dances that tend to fall into this category include most American swing dances, the Salsa, the Merengue, and the Polka.
Most professional dance instructors will have the ability to teach the proper way to perform a number of these dances. The exact dances that each instructor is willing to teach will vary from instructor to instructor, as some will have more experience in a certain type of dance than others. Individuals may want to inquire which dances the professional dance instructor is willing to teach prior to scheduling a dance lesson in order to guarantee that they will be able to learn the dance that they desire.
Ballroom dancing is one of those items that take a few lessons to learn, but a lifetime to master. Many of the individuals that perform ballroom dancing on a competitive level have been dancing for years, often with the same partner so that they have the ability to communicate the movements and positions perfectly to each other. Individuals that would like to learn ballroom dancing for a less intense performance, such as a wedding reception, will still require multiple lessons to learn the timing and the movements of the dance.
One of the most important aspects of ballroom dancing is the appearance of the dance. Ballroom dancing is supposed to appear formal and classical, which means that the appearance of the individuals performing the dance needs to match the tone of the dance. Many individuals choose to wear traditional costumes of the mid-20th century, usually including a tuxedo and tails for the men and full, flowing colorful gowns for the women.
Over the years, the popularity of ballroom dancing has risen and fallen with the times. The allure and magic of ballroom dancing continues to survive in today’s modern age as the steps of the dances are relearned in each generation. As long as there are movies, music, and events to inspire the delicate movements of ballroom dancing, there will be individuals that are interested in learning the steps and the techniques.
HANS
Ballroom dancing is a very formal style of dancing that is used at formal events and in competitions all over the world. Each different type of ballroom dancing has numerous steps and motions that create a beautiful, fluid movement between the partners in the dance. Many individuals that are interested in ballroom dancing hire a professional dance instructor to teach them the steps of the dance in order to ensure that they are doing the dance properly.
There are several different styles of ballroom dancing that an individual may be interested in. The International Standard style of ballroom dancing includes dances such as the Waltz, the Tango, and the Fox Trot, while the International Latin style of ballroom dancing includes dances such as the Samba, the Rumba, and the Cha Cha. In America, there is also an American Smooth style and an American Rhythm style of ballroom dancing.
There are a number of other dances that are commonly classified as ballroom dancing, although they do not belong in the category using traditional classification factors. Many of these dances originated in the Americas and are not generally well known in the international community. Dances that tend to fall into this category include most American swing dances, the Salsa, the Merengue, and the Polka.
Most professional dance instructors will have the ability to teach the proper way to perform a number of these dances. The exact dances that each instructor is willing to teach will vary from instructor to instructor, as some will have more experience in a certain type of dance than others. Individuals may want to inquire which dances the professional dance instructor is willing to teach prior to scheduling a dance lesson in order to guarantee that they will be able to learn the dance that they desire.
Ballroom dancing is one of those items that take a few lessons to learn, but a lifetime to master. Many of the individuals that perform ballroom dancing on a competitive level have been dancing for years, often with the same partner so that they have the ability to communicate the movements and positions perfectly to each other. Individuals that would like to learn ballroom dancing for a less intense performance, such as a wedding reception, will still require multiple lessons to learn the timing and the movements of the dance.
One of the most important aspects of ballroom dancing is the appearance of the dance. Ballroom dancing is supposed to appear formal and classical, which means that the appearance of the individuals performing the dance needs to match the tone of the dance. Many individuals choose to wear traditional costumes of the mid-20th century, usually including a tuxedo and tails for the men and full, flowing colorful gowns for the women.
Over the years, the popularity of ballroom dancing has risen and fallen with the times. The allure and magic of ballroom dancing continues to survive in today’s modern age as the steps of the dances are relearned in each generation. As long as there are movies, music, and events to inspire the delicate movements of ballroom dancing, there will be individuals that are interested in learning the steps and the techniques.
HANS
Feb
16
Filed Under Self Improvement | Leave a Comment
Halcyon asked:
People of all ages dance from time to time, whether it is ballroom dancing, ballet, line dancing, cha-cha, at the club or music festival. Going to discotheques and music festivals, dancing till early morning is something very popular among adults nowadays. On the whole, dancing is considered as a joyful and fun activity.
Meditation is a discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness. Most of you have heard of or at least tried meditation, and majority of the practices are done sitting or lying down, in a stationary position. Not everyone can sit still for the more traditional forms of meditation, which is why active meditation can be a great alternative or variation. It promotes a greater sense of awareness, centeredness and relaxation.
Now think about this… What if we combine meditation and dancing together? If meditation alone is effective, then meditating when you are really enjoying yourself must be 1 million times more effective, isn’t it?
Dancing IS meditation. Through dancing, it is possible to gain direct access to our own enlightened qualities: peace, love, openness, understanding, energy and joy.
The popular notion of meditation is to withdraw from the senses and suppress our thoughts. This is hard to do and doesn’t last very long because it is an artificial state. It is also rather dull.
Real meditation is being completely awake and open to what is happening right now. We recognize thoughts as just thoughts and return to openness again and again. This moment of recognition is effortless and natural and can become completely stable.
Vivid dance experiences are the ideal time to practice real meditation. Real meditation is effortless and sparky. Effortless because we are simply opening up to what is already there, our natural awareness. Sparky because vividness is fun!
Dance and meditation come together in the experience of absolute spontaneity! When we are completely in tune with the music, not a thought in our mind, and no idea where the next beat will take us, then we are in touch with our own spontaneous perfection. This is dance as a spiritual path to enlightenment.
Next time you dance, think about the beautiful things in life, or send love to the world. I’m sure it will make your party experience not only more meaningful, and perhaps you will find yourself dancing for longer hours than before too!
Original article can be found at http://www.halcyonflux.com/articles/news.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=032008&newsid=3
DOYLE
People of all ages dance from time to time, whether it is ballroom dancing, ballet, line dancing, cha-cha, at the club or music festival. Going to discotheques and music festivals, dancing till early morning is something very popular among adults nowadays. On the whole, dancing is considered as a joyful and fun activity.
Meditation is a discipline in which the mind is focused on an object of thought or awareness. Most of you have heard of or at least tried meditation, and majority of the practices are done sitting or lying down, in a stationary position. Not everyone can sit still for the more traditional forms of meditation, which is why active meditation can be a great alternative or variation. It promotes a greater sense of awareness, centeredness and relaxation.
Now think about this… What if we combine meditation and dancing together? If meditation alone is effective, then meditating when you are really enjoying yourself must be 1 million times more effective, isn’t it?
Dancing IS meditation. Through dancing, it is possible to gain direct access to our own enlightened qualities: peace, love, openness, understanding, energy and joy.
The popular notion of meditation is to withdraw from the senses and suppress our thoughts. This is hard to do and doesn’t last very long because it is an artificial state. It is also rather dull.
Real meditation is being completely awake and open to what is happening right now. We recognize thoughts as just thoughts and return to openness again and again. This moment of recognition is effortless and natural and can become completely stable.
Vivid dance experiences are the ideal time to practice real meditation. Real meditation is effortless and sparky. Effortless because we are simply opening up to what is already there, our natural awareness. Sparky because vividness is fun!
Dance and meditation come together in the experience of absolute spontaneity! When we are completely in tune with the music, not a thought in our mind, and no idea where the next beat will take us, then we are in touch with our own spontaneous perfection. This is dance as a spiritual path to enlightenment.
Next time you dance, think about the beautiful things in life, or send love to the world. I’m sure it will make your party experience not only more meaningful, and perhaps you will find yourself dancing for longer hours than before too!
Original article can be found at http://www.halcyonflux.com/articles/news.php?xnewsaction=fullnews&newsarch=032008&newsid=3
DOYLE
Feb
13
Filed Under Motivational | Leave a Comment
Mammy asked:
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that life is a dance.
Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. When you lead, you do it gently, firmly and clearly, and when you follow, do you so with trust.
The amazing thing is that each one of us is involved in many dances at any one time - and we are the leader in some and the follower in others!
Some dances are slow and majestic and others are crazy and frenetic and still others are somewhere in between.
Our dances can start out as a waltz, become a tango and end up as the Charleston!
Some last a lifetime - others are over almost as soon as they begin.
Most of the time we manage not to fall flat on our faces, which is even more amazing and requires some pretty fancy footwork!
And sometimes we do trip up or our toes get squashed and we get hurt - but the important thing is to keep on dancing - no matter what!
Just keep dancing!
Even if you can’t hear the music or you just don’t feel like it or you have acquired two left feet, or you feel you should be leading and not following (or vice versa) keep on dancing!
The dance of life is a metaphor for being engaged and involved with life in all its wonderful, terrible, awesome, simple, complex rhythms.
It’s often safer and more comfortable to be a wallflower, but that leads to a lonely and isolated, unfulfilled experience, while the decision to be part of the dance brings pain and tears and challenges and the greatest joy imaginable!
It reminds me of the words of a Garth Brooks song -’our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.’
Dance on!
WILFRED
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is that life is a dance.
Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow. When you lead, you do it gently, firmly and clearly, and when you follow, do you so with trust.
The amazing thing is that each one of us is involved in many dances at any one time - and we are the leader in some and the follower in others!
Some dances are slow and majestic and others are crazy and frenetic and still others are somewhere in between.
Our dances can start out as a waltz, become a tango and end up as the Charleston!
Some last a lifetime - others are over almost as soon as they begin.
Most of the time we manage not to fall flat on our faces, which is even more amazing and requires some pretty fancy footwork!
And sometimes we do trip up or our toes get squashed and we get hurt - but the important thing is to keep on dancing - no matter what!
Just keep dancing!
Even if you can’t hear the music or you just don’t feel like it or you have acquired two left feet, or you feel you should be leading and not following (or vice versa) keep on dancing!
The dance of life is a metaphor for being engaged and involved with life in all its wonderful, terrible, awesome, simple, complex rhythms.
It’s often safer and more comfortable to be a wallflower, but that leads to a lonely and isolated, unfulfilled experience, while the decision to be part of the dance brings pain and tears and challenges and the greatest joy imaginable!
It reminds me of the words of a Garth Brooks song -’our lives are better left to chance. I could have missed the pain, but I’d have had to miss the dance.’
Dance on!
WILFRED