Dance

Dance is an art form that generally refers to movement of the body, usually rhythmic and to music, used as a form of expression, social interaction or presented in a spiritual or performance setting.  Did we forget to mention that it's fun?

Styles

Dancing can be broken up into countless styles, but here are some of the more common styles you might be looking for:

Ballet Guide	Ballroom Guide	Jazz Dancing	Modern Dance	Tap Dancing

Other Dance Styles

• Belly Dance  : Belly dancing is just about as old as dance itself. It has grown very popular in Western culture as a form of fitness. 
• Latin Dance 
• Tango  : The tango is a good example of one style dance that also has evolved into many styles throughout the globe, and is in intimate in form and structure
• Salsa  : Salsa dancing as practiced in the Western world has roots in Cuba and Puerto Rico. It is lively and can the steps can get quite tricky although the basic steps are quite easy.

• Hip-hop  : Hip hop dance refers to dance styles, mainly street dance styles, primarily danced to hip hop music, or that have evolved as a part of the hip hop culture.
• Swing Dance  : Swing Dane developed concurrently with the swing style of jazz music in the 1920s, '30s and '40s. The best known of these dances is the Lindy Hop, a popular partner dance that originated in Harlem and is still danced today.

Dance Apparel

Whether you compete on a dance team or are taking classes for the first time, you'll need the proper apparel.  No worries, we've got you covered!

Footwear	Tights	Skirts	Leotards	Dance Pants
Quick Picks: Bloch Boost DRT Mesh Sneaker  Bloch Elasta Bootie  Bloch Tap-On for Girls	Quick Picks: Capezio Ultra Soft Transition Tights  Capezio Hold & Stretch/Nylon Lycra Tights  Capezio Ultra Soft Stirrup Tights  Body Wrappers TotalStretch Convertible Tight	Quick Picks: Dance Dress by Body Wrappers  Juliet Tutu Skirt for Adults  Body Wrappers Ballet Degas Tulle Skirt	Quick Picks: Bloch Basic Tank Leotard  Bloch Basic Long Sleeve Leotard  Capezio XV Back Camisole Leotard	Quick Picks: Body Wrappers Microfiber Jazz Pant

Stretching

Any experienced dancer will tell you stretching is critical to optimize agility and flexibility, not to mention keep you from pulling a muscle.  Follow these stretching tips for dancers so your body performs at its best:

• Make a schedule.
• When you first start your stretching routine, it may make your muscles a bit sore the next day, so start slowly. Begin by stretching every third day or so, so that your muscles can rest. Once you get used to stretching, work up to every second day, and then every day.
• If you are stretching every day, it is a good idea to have two different routines and alternate between them.

• Warm muscles stretch better.
• Stretching at the end of the day is most effective, because your muscles have been in use all day and are a bit looser. If you can't stretch at night or haven't been very active that day, go for a jog (or run on the spot) for a few minutes before stretching to get the blood circulating.
• Cold muscles are tight and can get pulled more easily.

• Work all muscle groups equally.
• If your goal is to do the side splits, don't concentrate on stretching those muscles only. It is important to stretch all the muscles, not only in your legs, but in your back as well. Pay special attention to opposite muscle groups.
• Try doing each leg exercise with both a pointed and flexed foot. Each will stretch a slightly different area.

External Links

• Wikipedia.org: Entry on dance.
• MusicalTheaterAudition.com: Flexibility stretching tips for dancers.

International Resources

For this resource in your home country, please see:
DE: Tanzen