Link Dance Articles

Link Dance Articles - choosing a studio, dance floor etiquette and more

70s Music- The music of the 1970s is probably the most impressive and most recognized of any era. By Wendy Yeager.
Ask me to dance- Why do men not ask me to dance? This is the foremost question many women ponder sitting bored at a dance event. By Tibor Kaldor.
Bad Dancers- Bad dancers? A dance floor will always have people with different styles and knowledge levels about dancing. By Karen Kiefer.
Choose School- Where to take dance classes. Try out the introductory packages offered by most schools and professionals. By Lee Le.
Choose Studio- 6 Criteria for choosing a dance studio. When choosing a particular studio or method of learning to dance you must first answer the following basic questions. By Karen Kiefer.
Dance Etiquette- Dance floor etiquette, line of dance, spot dances and common courtesy. By Jake Fuller.
Dance Floor Courtesy- Dance floor courtesy and etiquette. How to ask someone to dance, change lanes, line of dance. By Karen Kiefer.
Dance Lessons- 7 Steps to getting the most from your dance lessons. Set a Goal, Allow the Instructor to Teach, Practice. By Dan Pittman.
Dance Machine- We teach you how to fake some suave moves – even if you have two left feet. By Cristina Amalia Dina.
Dance Music- Choosing dance music for a social dance. By Eldene Heikkila.
Dance Tips- How to become a better dancer tips. By Various.
Disco Days- In the glory days of 1970, I became Disco King of Sacramento, California. By Paul Dale Roberts.
International / American- Differences between International and American style Ballroom dancing. By Lawrence Ardern.
Line Dancing- There are many different types of line dances. Some of the most popular go by the following names:Electric Slide, Cha Cha Slide, Cupid Shuffle, Soulja Boy, Tennessee Twister, Blue Boy, Cripple Creek... By Jake Fuller.
New York Hustle- There were thousands upon thousands of people from all over the metropolitan area and the country doing the Hustle. By Derrick Allen.
Paris Tango- Tango in Paris. I went out dancing and my experience was gratifying. They do it all over the world. By Tibor Kaldor.
Reasons to Dance- Dance is considered to be one of the top five physical activities. By Cristina Amalia Dina.
Social Dancing- Social dancing is variously classified by its proponents as a hobby or pastime, leisure recreation or entertainment, an art form, or a sport. By Daniel Pittman.
Square Dancing- What gets many people excited is the rhythm of many different types of music that is played for square dancing. Country music, Irish music and western music. By Jake Fuller.
Striptease- There’s something highly sensual and alluring about any striptease dance that’s done properly. The woman who knows how to move her body in a seductive way while teasing is able to get even the slowest pulse to racing and regular temperatures up to boiling. By Jake Fuller.
Tap Dance- Tap dancing greats like Savion Glover, Gregory Hines, Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly have given us performances time after time that we have applauded with standing ovations. By Jake Fuller.
Unknown Dancer- Yes, the first dance lesson can be a painful experience. Remember, you could well be looking at a future Fred Astaire or Ginger Rogers. By Peter Pachecos.
Dance History
Argentina Tango- Argentina Tango history and styles. Origins of tango. By Mike Higgins
Argentine Tango- Argentine Tango history. Origins of tango. History of dances Milonga. By Bruno E. Romero
Ballet- Originating in Italy and expanding from there to many points in the world, ballet has always been regarded as a trained form of dancing that required practice to achieve. By Jake Fuller
Breakdance- History of Breakdance, origin of breakdancing and b-boy. By Jake Fuller
Cha Cha- Cha Cha dance history. Ballroom Dance History. Origins of cha cha dancing. By Jake Fuller
Clogging- Clog dancing or clogging, as it is sometimes known, takes its origins from square dancing. By Jake Fuller
Disco and Hustle- Disco Hustle dance origins, history. By Jake Fuller
Flamenco- The most important element of flamenco music is undeniably the singing, Cante. Flamenco dance has been documented during the Phoenician empire, in festivals. By Hadia
Foxtrot- The Foxtrot originated in the summer of 1914 by Vaudeville actor Harry Fox. History of Foxtrot Dance. By Jake Fuller
Hip Hop- History of hiphop dancing. Origins of hip hop. By Jake Fuller
Hip-Hop- The four historic elements of Hip-Hop are MCing, also known as rapping, DJing, graffiti, an art that has derived inspiration from the urban culture and break dancing, which is also called b-boying. By Bri
Hula Dance- Did you know that Hula dancing is often regarded as a type of prayer? By Jake Fuller
Hula History- The traditional hula dance has truly mysterious origins. By Kea Lani
Hustle- New York City is the birth place of The Hustle. If you talk to 10 different people from New York, you’ll get 10 different responses as to how it started, how it developed and who was responsible for it. By Derrick Allen
Irish / Ceili- Another style of Irish dance is Irish ceili dance or Irish social dance. By Jake Fuller
Jazz- History of Jazz Dancing and Music. Origins of jazz dancing. By Jake Fuller
Mambo- Mambo. History of dance - mambo. How the dance mambo was named. By Jake Fuller
Merengue- Merengue Dance. Merengue is the national dance of the Dominican Republic. History of dance merengue. By Carmen Vazquez and Jake Fuller
Peabody- The Peabody resembles a fast Foxtrot By Jake Fuller
Polka- Polka is a lively Bohemian dance tune in 2/4 time. History of Polka Dancing. Rosamunde, Beer Barrel Polka By Jake Fuller
Rumba- Origin of Rumba. Rumba is a generic term, covering a variety of names (i.e., Son, Danzon, Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo), for a type of West Indian music or dancing. By Jake Fuller
Rumba historia- Hitza Rumba epe generikoa, askotariko izenak (hau da, Son, Danzon, Guagira, Guaracha, Naningo) estaliz, West Indian musika edo dantza mota bat da. By Jennifer Indurayne
Salsa- Origin of Salsa Dance and Music. Salsa is a distillation of many Latin and Afro-Caribbean dances. By Jaime Andrés Pretell and Jake Fuller
Samba- Samba dancing history. Origins of dancing - samba By Jake Fuller
Swing- History of Swing Dancing. The history of swing dance dates back to 1920. Origins of Swing, Lindy Hop, Jitterbug and Jive By Jake Fuller
Tango- History of Tango Dance. Origins. Tango dance is one of the most fascinating of all dances. By Jake Fuller
Twist- Twist Dancing. History of dance - twist By Jake Fuller
Viennese Waltz- Viennese Waltz history. Origins of dances By Jake Fuller
Waltz- Waltz a dance born in the suburbs of Vienna and in the alpine region of Austria. History of Dance Waltz By Jake Fuller
Western- History of country western dancing. Origins of cowboy waltz, square dance, polka, two step. By Jake Fuller
Dance Steps
Foxtrot Steps- Learn how to dance basic foxtrot steps. Beginner guide with basic step diagrams. Foxtrot is a smooth dance with long gliding steps. By Jake Fuller
Foxtrot Steps 2- Progressive step, left turn, twinkle step, box step, Right and left walk, Quarter turns in Foxtrot. By Jake Fuller
Jive / Swing- Free Swing and Jive Dance Steps. By Jake Fuller
Polka- The basic polka step consists of a preparatory hop followed by a chasse done first to the left and then to the right. By Jake Fuller
Waltz- What are the dance steps for Waltz? Waltzes are characterized primarily by its rise and fall action. By Jake Fuller
Waltz 2- left turn, right turn, whisk. Waltz instruction, dance diagrams and foot positions. Learn to dance free online. By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms
Dance Terms A- Dance Terms and Types of Dance, Dance Dictionary. Definitions of terms used in dance. Dance terminology in Ballet, Modern, Social Dances. By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms B- Dance Terms and Types of Dance B, Bailatino, ballet, ballroom dances, basic movement, boogie woogie, bunny hop. By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms C- Dance Terms and Types of Dance C, Free Dance Dictionary. Definitions of terms used in dance. Dance terminology. Cabriole, Chipanecas, cuddle position. By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms D- Dance Terms and Types of Dance D, danseuse, Danzon, demi-arabesque, developpe, dirty dancin. By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms E- Dance Terms and Types of Dance E, ecarte, elevation, entrechat, etoile By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms F to M- Dance Terms and Types of Dance F to M, fandango, feis, Fifth position, Lindy Hop, Milonga By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms M to R- Dance Terms and Types of Dance M to R, Modern Dance, Pas de Deux, Plie, Promenade By Jake Fuller
Dance Terms S to Z- Dance Terms and Types of Dance S to Z, Salsa, Swing, Third position, Volte, Zumba By Jake Fuller

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Exercise

Exercise & Fitness

Exercise: The Missing Piece

There are two parts to the equation when it comes to weight loss; diet and exercise.

In order to see weight loss results you need to add the other piece of the puzzle, physical activity.

There are many benefits to an active lifestyle including decreased risk of cancer, improved cardiovascular health, weight control and lowering of blood pressure and cholesterol values.

Don’t forget physical activity improves mental health, decreases stress levels, boosts self esteem and leads to better posture and balance. With all these potential benefits, then why is it that so many of us are stuck on the couch?

Integrating physical activity into your life takes planning particularly in a world where we drive to the corner store and the internet has brought everything to our doorstep.

So take the initiative and schedule it in. It may just be the most important appointment in your day timer.
Where to begin?

If physical activity is not a part of your lifestyle currently it may be difficult to get started.

Going for a simple walk is a great way to begin; it is inexpensive and requires virtually no equipment except a pair of runners.

The most important factor to consider is; what do you enjoy doing? If the activity is a chore you most likely will drop out right away.

Think back to your childhood. Did you look forward to Saturday morning swimming lessons or could you not wait for winter to get out on the ice for a game of hockey.

Perhaps that treadmill currently serving as a clothes hanger is for you. Put it in front of the TV and watch your favorite show.

Need more structure and want to socialize? Sign up for a fitness class and keep the commitment.

There are three different components to physical activity; cardiovascular activities, flexibility and muscular strength and endurance. As time goes on start to incorporate activities from each for optimum results.
But I don’t have time!

This is a common complaint for the average person with a job and a family and all the commitments that come along with it.

However in actuality how much time do you spend watching TV or on the computer?

Once again it comes down to planning. If your health is a priority then you will find some way to fit physical activity into your day.

The actual time you need to spend is dependent on how much energy you expend.

For light activities you will need to do 60 minutes, moderate activities 30 to 60 minutes and vigorous activities 20 to 30 minutes.

And remember you may feel tired at the end of a long day but getting active will actually increase your energy level, leaving you feeling great.

Cardio Boxing

Exercise & Fitness

Cardio Boxing for Super Fitness

Sports scientists agree that cardio-boxing is one of the best forms of exercise, because it conditions the total body and provides a complete workout for your cardiovascular and endurance systems.

The major benefits of cardio-boxing include:
Increased Stamina
Increased Strength
Increased Speed
Increased Coordination

Cardio-boxing also promotes a person’s well being by strengthening their self-discipline and combined with strength training it’s well and truly the total package for self-defense and fitness and usually consists of:
Adjusted heart rate work
Actual boxing techniques

The usual workout consists of the age-adjusted heart rate work starting with 10 minutes for beginners and leading up to 20 minutes for the more advanced. For the second part of the workout, you’ll need to perform and practice 20 minutes of actual boxing techniques.
Cardio

The best way to measure the effects of an exercise program on your body is to check your pulse.

The easiest way to check the pulse is to place your index and middle fingers on your carotid artery or the wrist. Immediately after the exercise, count your pulse for 15 seconds and multiply by 4.

You can also check your pulse during the exercise but with safety as a first priority. To get a more precise reading of your pulse rate, purchase an electronic device from any sports store.

Now you have your exercising pulse rate or heartbeats per minute. We’ll be concentrating at the upper end of your pulse region: the 50% - 70% ranges.

To figure this out, deduct your age from 220. Suppose your age is 40, deduct this from 220 and you get 180.
50% of 180 is 90 beats a minute
60% of 180 is 108 beats a minute
70% of 180 is 126 beats a minute and so on

Don’t jump into 70% work straight away. Start with 50% and slowly work your way up to the 70% upper limit.

Start with no more than 10 minutes, and work up to 20 minutes. Once you’re comfortable with working out for 20 minutes at 70% then try to increase the heart rate up to 80%.

Mix up your cardiovascular activities in the gym. Use the treadmill, skipping, rower, climber, and bike and other equipment that might be available to you.
Boxing

The boxing stance is the posture a boxer takes before and after every action depending on whether you are left or right handed. We’ll be dealing with the most common; right-handed. For left-handed people, just reverse the instructions.

Stand with your feet shoulder width apart, with your left foot in front of your right foot. Your right heel should be slightly raised with your left foot flat on the floor and toes pointing ahead.

Bend your knees a little and balance your weight comfortably and evenly.
Place your elbows close to your body with your left fist held at head height and in a position that corresponds to your left foot.

The right fist should be at head height also and guarding the chin, with both elbows protecting your body and both fists protecting your chin.

This is your defensive and offensive position after throwing punches, so please practice this before going any further. When moving forward in this boxing stance the left foot moves forward first and then the right follows.

When moving back, the right moves back and then the left follows. When moving sideward to the right, the right foot moves first followed by the left. When moving sideward to the left, the left foot moves first followed by the right.

Practice this moving forward, back and sideward in the boxer’s stance until it is done smoothly and quickly. Remember to keep your guard up and elbows tucked in to your sides.

Keep your head at eye level with your upper body leaning forward slightly. In boxing it is important that punches are thrown quickly and then bought back quickly to assume a defensive posture.
Punching

A left jab has many uses, it can be used for both offensive and defensive actions. From the set stance the left arm is pushed quickly and forcefully forward, the weight is shifted to the front foot. The fist moves in a straight line and straight back again for defense.

At the moment of impact the back of the hand and the lower arm are in a straight line. Keep the right fist in the defensive position and elbow tucked into the body during the movement.

The straight right is also known as the punching hand and can be thrown with considerable force. The arm moves straightforward from the chin, the body weight is shifted to the front foot with the ball of the foot of the back leg pushing into the floor for more power.

The back of the hand is straight and pointing up at the moment of impact. The arm is then immediately pulled back for protection after the hit.

The left hook to the head and body is an effective punch for closer range work. From the set stance turn your left shoulder quickly and move your elbow up to shoulder height. The fist moves in a circular motion to the target, with the elbow bent.

Rotate your hip and body whilst pressing your front left down keeping the back of your fist pointing up and in a straight line with the lower arm. The left hook to the body is similar to the above but increases the rotation of the body.

The right uppercut is also carried out at close range. Drop the lower part of your punching arm until the lower and upper arm is at right angles to each other. The back of your hand should be pointing away from you, now thrust your arm forward and upward to your target.

Shift your body weight to your front leg and rotate your hip and shoulder on the same side. Remember to keep your left fist guarding your chin during the entire movement. Now practice all your punches until they are done quickly and smoothly.

To develop speed and endurance, try punching straight left and right combinations into the heavy bag. The duration of the exercise period is the same as the rest period i.e. 10 seconds exercise, 10 seconds rest, 20 seconds exercise, 20 seconds rest, and so on. Move up higher as your condition improves.