Dance

Would you like to become a dancer? If so, your first step will be to spend a little time choosing a dance style that appeals to you. Each type of dance is made up of techniques that need to be practiced and mastered.

What do you want to do as a dancer in the future? Your goals as a dancer will help you to decide which style of dance is right for you.

Become a Dancer

Talented American dancer, actress, and singer, many remember Ginger Rogers as Fred Astaire's famous dance partner. Rogers also had success as a dramatic actress. How much do you know about her life?

All About Ginger Rogers

A dancer's diet should include plenty of healthy foods. Eating the right foods can help your body perform at its best. You can also help your muscles recover faster and prevent muscle fatigue by simply eating healthy foods.

A healthy diet does much more than help your muscles, however. Eating a variety of healthy foods, including whole grains, can improve your physical strength, digestion, heart health, confidence, and your mental health.

Whole Grains for Dancers

I often receive inspiring comments from adult ballet dancers who started ballet classes "later in life." The success stories are heartwarming and amazing!

Don't worry about what age you are starting, and don't worry if your classmates are younger than you. It's all about competing against yourself and being that much better than you were last week. Stay passionate and focused on becoming that beautiful dancer you dream of. l had to give up ballet at the age of 15 due to major spinal surgery but have returned 30 years later.  All my classmates are around 16 years and l'm 46! Was l nervous starting again? YOU BET! So trust me, it's NEVER TOO LATE! And remember, Rudolph Nureyev didn't take his first lesson until he was 17! Good luck and GO FOR IT!

At what age did you take your first ballet class? Ballet is fun and rewarding at every age, but professional ballet dancers usually begin training at an early age.

Tell us...

At what age did you start ballet?

Have you shopped for dance gear or dance clothing lately? Have you have seen the great variety of dance wear and dance shoes available for all kinds of dance?

Dance shops sell all sorts of dance clothing and supplies, or you can find what you need online. Before you go shopping for dance gear or dance clothing, take a look at these guidelines.

Before You Buy Dance Gear

_{Image © Richard Kolker / Getty Images}

Many, many dancers dream of being on America's Best Dance Crew. I receive several emails every week similar to this one:

I have always wanted to be on ABDC! I'm 15, fixing to turn 16, and I love to dance. All I've ever dreamed of is being on this show. I want to make it happen. I don't want to be like my sister and not follow my dreams. I'm going to be different and I'm going to try hard. Maybe one day I'll be on ABDC!

How about you? Do you dream of competing on the show?

All About ABDC

Perhaps the most important factor in your dance career: your instructor.

Once you have made the decision to become a dancer, it is important that you find the right dance teacher. When beginning your search, the following qualities should be on your radar.

Qualities of a Good Dance Teacher

In celebration of National Asian Pacific Heritage Month, CityDance will present Nruthyanjalie, a daring collection of Sri Lankan traditional and folk dance.

• When: May 5 at 8pm and
  May 6 at 6pm
  
  
• Where: in the CityDance CityDance Studio Theater at Strathmore (Washington, DC)

The concert, directed by Asanga Domask, will premiere original choreography of several group and solo works that are dedicated to the preservation of Sri Lanka's traditional Kandyan, low country and folk dance.

_{Source: Julie Gerdes Becnel, CityDance}

Last night I had the honor of catching a screening of the new inspirational documentary "First Position." Following a group of talented young dancers as they prepare for the Youth America Grand Prix, the film shows the struggles and triumphs of aspiring ballet dancers.

The film is a must-see for ballet dancers seeking to find a way to make it into the world of professional ballet. The informational yet entertaining documentary will have you cheering for the undying tenacity of the human spirit. Bravo!

Review of First Position

_{Image © Aaron Harris / Getty Images}

BlackRock Center for the Arts will end its 10th anniversary season with a first: BlackRock DanceFest! The weekend-long exploration of the world of dance includes four performances featuring six area companies representing several genres.The festival will be held May 18 - 20.

An important goal of DanceFest is to encourage strong community involvement in dance and the arts. Prior to the festival, ClancyWorks has been working with students from three local schools: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Watkins Mill High School and Neelsville Middle School. Karen Reedy Dance has been working with dance students at Montgomery College and has "set" one of the pieces her company will be performing on the students.

Tickets are available for the BlackRock DanceFest performances on Friday, May 18 at 8:00, Saturday, May 19 at 3:00 and 8:00 and Sunday, May 20 at 3:00.

_{Source: Laurie Levy-Page}