Question:

I've heard lots of good things about incorporating dance into my fitness routine. Would ballet lessons be beneficial to me?

Answer: Ballet lessons are a wonderful way for both kids and adults to reap the health benefits of dance as well as learn self-discipline and body control. Here's why ballet is such a great choice.

Suggested Reading:

• Ballet 101
• Start Your Child in Dance
• Can You Afford Ballet?

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The hit Broadway show and award-winning film Dreamgirls is being revived...by hip-hop extraordinaire Shane Sparks. The show will premiere on Saturday, November 7th at NYC's Apollo Theater. The show's official opening will be on Sunday, November 22, 2009, running for 4 weeks only. Tickets range from $39.50 to $109.50.

Irish dancing has caught the eye of millions of people throughout the world, thanks in part to Riverdance and other shows. Besides being fun to watch, Irish dance is an excellent way to learn poise, balance and rhythm.

The new season of "So You Think You Can Dance" kicks off Monday night at 8/7c. The one-hour special will feature an introduction to the top 20 dancers. Season six officially starts Tuesday night with a two-hour performance show starting at 8 p.m.

The top 20 dancers for the season come from diverse backgrounds, which will make for an interesting season. The many dance styles include contemporary, tap, krump, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom and b-boy. What's your favorite dance style to watch on the show?

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Are you familiar with the Boogie Woogie? What we call the Boogie Woogie today would have simply been called "rock n' roll" during the 1950's.

The art of ballet contains several sophisticated techniques and basic positions developed long ago. One of the most beautiful is the arabesque, a long, graceful pose made by balancing on the supporting leg while extending the free leg behind.

Suggested Reading:

• Learn an Arabesque
• Practice and Perfect Your Arabesque
• Arabesque en Pointe

_{Photo © Tracy Wicklund}

It's that time of year again, the time for ballet companies throughout the world to cast for their holiday perfomances of The Nutcracker ballet. Are you auditioning this year? What role are you hoping to land?

Suggested Reading:

All About The Nutcracker

Landing a Role in The Nutcracker

Nutcracker Auditions

_{Photo © Tracy Wicklund}

Although it appears to be pretty tricky, tap dancing is loaded with energy and fun. If you've ever considered trying a tap class, go for it...tap dancing is loaded with health benefits. Best of all? Anyone can learn, regardless of dance experience. Ready for some toe-tapping fun?

_{Image © Tracy Wicklund}

That's "tu squared", or tu-tu! The Sarasota Ballet will offer lunch and a fashion show at the exclusive Lake Club in Lakewood Ranch. Company members will model outfits from Designing Women Boutique. Proceeds benefit the education programs of the Sarasota Ballet. For details, call (941) 359-0099 or visit Sarasota Ballet.

Leg stretches are designed to increase flexibility through your inner and outer thighs. Warming up the major muscles of the legs befor you begin dancing will help to prevent injury, and help you to achieve the splits. This step-by-step guide to thigh stretches will be helpful for warming up before you dance.

_{Photo © Tracy Wicklund}