Sunday, September 7, 2008

Dance Floor Tips: The Art of Dance Floor Socializing

Anyone who has ever been to a social dancing event knows that not everyone has a good time, or at least not equally so. Some sit out many (if not all) dances, while others never seem to sit down. Why the difference?

There is only one reason for dancing at a social do: to have fun. There is no competition, no need to be absolutely perfect in the steps, and no reason to be stern and serious while cutting a rug. The key skill is the ability to socialize while keeping feet in time to the music.

This is easier said than done for some people, and is what makes the difference between sitting on the sidelines and hitting the floor. Many people are very self-conscious about dancing, either because they dont know the steps or because they think they look silly. Others are so intense while doing the steps that they can barely look up, and even when they do, conversation is impossible because they are silently counting and concentrating on foot movement.

Beyond the basics of dance etiquette, there are some rules of thumb that warrant following to master the art of dance floor socializing. Here are some examples:

Prepare yourself. If you know that there is a big event coming up that will include dancing beyond the non-contact freestyle sort, learn the steps. Take a social dancing class or two to master the basics. And practice. When the event comes along, you will be able to take to the floor without worrying about your skill and having to count in your head.

Dress to dance. Think about the dancing part of the event when you plan your outfit. Shoes need allow you to move safely, clothes need to make it easy for a partner to make contact as you move through various steps and turns.

If you want to be asked to dance, put on your happy face. Looking stern will make you appear unapproachable. Tap your fingers or toes to the music, smile, and make eye contact.

On the other side of the coin, try not to refuse an invitation to dance. Most songs are no more than three or four minutes long, so dancing with someone that might not be your ideal partner should not be too much strain. Be gracious, be polite, and you will be rewarded!

Dont dance with just one person. Dancing with a wide set of partners is a cornerstone of social dancing. Dance with everyone, and get everyone to dance.

When you make it out onto the dance floor, keep the fun going. Again, some rules of thumb:

Be entertaining. While having a good time yourself, engage your partner. Think of dancing in terms of moving to music while carrying on cocktail party conversation. Dance at a level you both enjoy, and exercise a good sense of humor. And smile!

Make your partner feel appreciated. The most popular dancers are not the most skillful, but the ones who clearly appreciate and enjoy their partners. Most people are not interested in dancing with someone who is obviously bored or feeling put upon, no matter how great their footwork may be.

Never blame your partner for anything that may happen on the dance floor.

Do not start teaching on the dance floor, unless your partner asks you to do so. Unsolicited lessons are more likely to embarrass your partner than to make them happy. If you are a more skilled dancer, you should be able to match yourself to your partners level of ability.

If you are leading, do so comfortably. Cranking your partners arm to force a turn or pushing and pulling them into position will not be a pleasant experience. If your partner is not doing what you want, your lead probably was not clear enough or beyond her own skill level. Tone it down and lead steps that can be transmitted and received enjoyably.

If you are following, dont start back-leading. It is disrespectful to your partner when you steal the lead.

Protect your partner. If you are leading, anticipate the movement of the other dancers and move your steps into empty areas of the floor so that you dont run into other couples. If you are following, keep an eye out behind your partners back. If a couple is bearing down in his blind spot, let him know with pressure on his hand or shoulder, or simply by telling him.

Avoid humming or singing along with the music you are dancing to.

Social dancing is social. Each dance is a brief encounter that should be fun for both partners. Approach the floor with a good attitude and sense of humor, concentrate on the enjoyment of dancing rather than technical proficiency, and dont worry if there are missteps or other mistakes. Youll go home well exercised and happy!

This article was contributed by Master Portable Floors. Master Portable Floors is the floor of choice by professional dancers. The floors have been rated highest quality by the American Swing Dancing Association and the Ball Room Dancing Association. Master Portable Floors has a unique flex action that provides a comfortable dancing surface that reduces hip and joint injuries. To learn more about Master Portable Floors visit www.masterportablefloors.com.

dj latin music

Unique Baby Names for Girls

When you are trying to pick the right baby name it can be very time consuming looking through baby names' lists and weeding through all the names. You want a unique name for your baby girl but you don't want it to be bizarre or outrageous. For some couples the right name comes to them easily. Yet for others, especially those looking for a more original name, it can be overwhelming, after all there are thousands of names to choose from. Here is a list of some unique names for baby girls and their meanings. These names are creative but still pretty.

Unique Girls Names:

Audrey (English) means noble or strong. Famous people with this name include Audrey Hepburn or Audrey Wells. Other variations of the name Audrey include Audra, Audelia, Audene, Audessa., Audrielle and Audrina.<

Babette (French) means stranger or lovely. A variation of this name is Barbette. Nicknames that go with Babette include Babe, Baby, or Ettie.

Chloe (Greek) means blooming. Chloe Webb and Chloe Sevigny are two actresses with this name. Some other variations include Cloe, Kloe, Cloey, or Clorinda.

Flora (Latin) means flower. Saint Flora was martyred in 851.

Jacelyn (English) Other names include Jaceyln include Jocelyn, Joselyn, Jacinda or Jacey.

Leyna (German) means little angel. Other possible names include Lena, Leana, Leena, or Leila

Natalie (Latin) means birthday or child born on Christmas. Famous people with the name Natalie include Natelie Wood and Natelie Cole. Other spellings and variations of the name Natalie include Nataleigh, Natalina, Natalia and Natalya.

Ophelia (Greek) means useful or wise. Other variations of the name include Ofelia, Ophelya, or Felia.

Rhiannon (Welsh) means a mythical nymph. Rhianon was a popular Stevie Nicks' song. Other variations include Reannon, Rheanna, Rianne, Rianna, or Rhyan.

Sadie (Hebrew) means princess. Other variations of the name Sadie include Sadee, Saida, Sadiegh, or Sade.

Virginia (Latin) means chaste or maiden. Famous for the state named Virginia. Famous people with this name include Virginia Wolf and Virginia Dare. Nicknames and variations include Virginnia, Ginny, Ginger, or Ginni.

These are just a few unique baby names for girls. Picking a creative name for your baby may take some time. You may end up going back to some of the names that were popular generations ago but are not so popular now. Take some time to jot down your favorite names and hopefully before your baby arrives you will find just the right one for her.

Patty Hone is a mom of four children and the co-founder of Justmommies.com For more unique baby name ideas visit Justmommies Baby Names database at http://www.justmommies.com/pregnancy/babyname.shtml

irish dance music

Top Ten Things To Do At A Rock Show

My sister and I have been going to local rock shows on a regular basis (usually at least one per weekend) for a little over two years now, and between waiting for the bands to set up, sound checks, and the random nothing in between acts, there can be a lot of downtime. We realized that there are quite a number of fun/funny things to do while were waiting, so we thought wed make a list of them ala top ten style.

Top 10 things to do at a show

10. Find the creepy drunk people for safety/entertainment purposes.

Every bar has them - the drunks who cant quite control themselves. They either end up making out with everyone, or picking fights with everyone. Its best to find them early in the night and keep an eye on them.

9. Take pictures of everyone

Take pictures of your friends, band members, random strangers. Its a great way to meet people!

8. Check out the band's merch

Very important. Many bands travel long distances to play and they depend on merch sales to pay for gas. Its a great way to get to know band members who tend to hang out at their merch stands, and sometimes you can get some free stuff, too.

7. Drink

Hey, thats what bars are for, right? While youre at it, buy drinks for the people sitting around you. Youll get some instant best friends that way!

6. Decide what to get at Sheetz on the ride home

Sheetz is a gas station in our area that serves food. You can substitute any place that sells food.

5. Try to guess how many people are taller than you.

You can substitute the word taller here with just about anything. (We use taller since were vertically-challenged.)

4. Stand at the bar until someone buys you a drink

This one works for us on occasion , usually when we cant seem to get the bartenders attention. If we stand there long enough, someone will get the bartenders attention and order our drinks for us.

3. Make friends with the bouncer (it will help you later when he's kicking everyone else out)

Plus, the bouncer can get pretty lonely sitting by the door by himself. They can get a bad rep, but theyre usually pretty nice.

2. Watch the band

During their set or in between sets, bands can be pretty entertaining to watch. Many band members have that personality type where theyre always trying to entertain everyone around them, and they love to be the center of attention, so you might as well give them the attention they crave.

1. Write top ten lists.

Self-explanatory. One we wrote recently - Top Ten Reasons Rock Shows are Better Than Strip Clubs.

Tonia Jordan is an author on http://www.Writing.Com/ which is a site for Writers.

Her portfolio can be found at http://www.Writing.Com/authors/spidergirl so stop by and read for a while.

latin download