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Whether you are new to ballroom dancing (or any other genre of dancing that consists of dancing with a partner) or a seasoned dancer who is looking for a new partner, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your “other half” to compliment you on the dance floor. While some traits of a prospective partner maybe visible from the start, others may take a while (or at least a few trials) for realization. Sibling, friend or stranger, as a dance couple, you need to not only act the part but also look the part as keeping your audience entertained stretches way beyond perfect steps and choreography. When dancing, you are telling a story, expressing yourself, not with words but with every part of your body and inner being.

Confidence

This is the first and one of the most important traits to look for in a dance partner.

As a female dancer, one must have confidence in herself to be led on the dance floor. Dancing is one of the few instances a lady requires the ability to guess which step the man is going to take before he actually takes it. It is the female’s duty to step with confidence and follow the partner with in each progressive step and in some cases like twists, turns, spins and lifts, be able to have enough faith to know that he would direct you properly and adequately and not let you down.

As a male dancer, confidence comes in the sense of being able to lead the lady on the dance floor, to convey to her (only with your body movement) what she needs to do. It is the male that decides what happens on the dance floor, where on the floor it happens and which figures and steps to dance, so having a confident male partner who has the capability to make on the spot dance decisions and maneuver the lady around other couples on the dance floor, is detrimental.

If you are a gentleman who had confidence to ask a lady to the dance floor for the first time, then you possess the prerequisite to be a great dancer!

Physical Attraction

Just as with regular couples, physical attraction is important with dance couples to build and maintain chemistry on the dance floor. Whether your a man or a woman, having an attractive partner will put some “fizz” in to your dancing. As a ballroom dancer, if there is no connection with your partner on the dance floor, you are as good as if you were to dance alone and the spectators would be the first to conclude that you are a “mismatch”.

Compatibility

Compatibility goes in par with the second tip and I am using the term in a much broader sense that includes (but not limited to) physical compatibility (height, weight, built), age and interests. It is much easier to dance with and relate to a partner who is of the same age and share common interests as you. Physical compatibility is important to couples who dance standard/smooth and Latin/rhythm styles to maintain form and posture, for easy leading/following and to look smooth on the dance floor. It is also important to make sure that the partner you choose has the same interest and goals for dancing as you in order to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation of intentions later on.

Comfortable to dance with

In a great dance performance, there is no holding back. When you dance, one must be able to express and feel free to “let go”, disconnect from the every day life and connect with a different realm. To achieve this, you need a partner whom you will be comfortable dancing in close proximity with and a partner who will make you want to shed away every bit of shyness and hesitation you may have.

You may not be able to address the issue of “comfort level” when dancing with a brand new partner initially, but with time, you may either be able to make a judgment on how “close” you can be without creating any awkward situations and moments or you will be able to get past whatever the discomfort you felt at the very beginning. Every thing new takes time getting used/adjusted to, so don’t give up without at least a try.

Patience

This is especially applicable to individuals whose prospective partners are above/below your standard and knowledge of dancing. One must ensure that the partner has enough patience to teach you and/or practice with you (without the fighting and the disagreements) until both of you are have caught up to the same level and have mastered the techniques of each step and variation. No one is perfect and no one can get it right every time, therefore having a supportive partner with steady perseverance and diligence can make your dancing experience that much more pleasant and enjoyable.

Dedication & Commitment

To some, dancing is second in nature to walking, while others find it quite challenging to listen to and feel the music and to dance in sync to a beat, let alone a beat and a partner at the same time. In my years of dancing with many different partners (from beginners who have never taken a dance step in their life to people who feel the music in their body and have the spring in their feet) I have come to realize that no matter what your level and knowledge of dancing is, just like with every new venture in life, a little bit of dedication and hard work will make you look like you have been dancing for years. Dancing is a very competitive and challenging sport and comes with a lot of practice, sweat, falls, bruises and aching feet. But if you can find a partner who is as dedicated as you are to becoming a good dancer, you will most definitely be able to see past the pain and enjoy every moment you are on the dance floor.

Creativity and Imagination

Just like any other form of art and expression, dancing requires a great deal of imagination and creativity. Performing a few basic routines and steps that you and your partner have learned in class is one thing, but choreography that keeps an audience and yourself (as the dancer) entertained and interested is a challenge. This is especially felt by beginners whose dancing is limited to a very few basic steps. In such instances, dancing can get quite boring and monotonous but if you had a creative partner who can build upon the basic steps and routines and come up with a new variation or two, I guarantee you will want to stay on the dance floor for the next dance.

Passion for Dancing

This, in my book of dancing is the most important aspect to look for in a dance partner. Some people dance for exercise/fitness purposes, to some it’s a place to make new friends from the opposite *** while to a very handful, dancing is a hobby and a passion. It does not matter what age, color and knowledge your prospective partner has, how attractive he/she is, what physical capabilities and compatibilities your partner possess to dance or how good they may be at keeping to rhythm, the utmost important trait to look for in a dance partner should be his/her passion for dancing. Because without the passion, there is no desire to express, to let go and to let your body, feet, arms and ****** expressions tell a story.

Choose a partner who can bring out the best in you, someone who can constantly motivate you to be better than you are, someone who gives you confidence to take the next step. Don’t let your (bad) choice of a partner prevent or limit you from dancing to the best of your ability.

http://www.danceengine.blogspot.com

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Guptajit Pathak asked:


While face to face with the socio-cultural life and the natural panorama of Assam, one generally field incited and highly delighted to write and draw about its picturesque landscape and culture.

Culture in India has variegated forms, hence, it is like a necklace. Assam the “Land of Rising Sun” is properly known for its unique nature, culture and traditions, more so its variety of dances.

Of various ethnic groups of people who are living in Assam with their rich culture, the Boros or the Bodos are also one. They are a branch of the Indo-Mongoloid family who are still able to follow their traditional customs, beliefs and practices. Actually speaking “their identity is not uniform as an ethnic group”. It is so because different names are used to designate them in different places as for example, in upper Assam they are called as Sonowal and Thengal Kachari on the one hand, while in Western Assam they are known as Boros or Boro-Kacharis on the other.

The Boros are very ancient inhabitants of Assam. They have been living in almost all the districts of Assam. Their population is not a poor one. They have contributed much to the culture of Assam. In the words of Dr. Promod Chandra Bhattacharya __ “The Mongoloid Boro culture of Assam has to some extent influenced the Indio (Indo-Aryan) Assamese culture and nice versa”.

The Boros observe many festivals and ceremonies and enjoy some dances in their social life. Of the important dances enjoyed by them mention may be made of the “Bagurumba dance” and the Doudini or the Deodhani dance.

THE BAGARUMBA OR BAGURUMBA DANCE

The Bagarumba or Bagurumba dance is an important dance of the Bodos of Assam, which attracts them as other dances in their social life. This dance has a peculiarity as it has a special attraction for the Bodo girls. It is so specially in creating a festive mood of much gaiety and merriment of the dance. However, it is the dance in which only the girls can participate. It is instituted just after the hard plantation work of the people. This dance does much to relieve them of their pain of the work.

The Bagurumba dance is a spring time dance of the Bodos of Assam. The hidden matters of the Bathou Puja are found in this dance. However, the Boro girls put on their traditional dresses and dance like butter flies spreading out their dances. The dance is instituted only to appease or propitiate “Bathou”, the supreme god of the Boros. The Boros regard the Sizu Plant (Euphorbia Splenden) as the symbol of this deity or god. The Bagurumba dance is also called “butterfly dance” as the dancers i.e. the dancing girls dance like butterflies. The dancers dance uttering “bagurumba hay bagurumba” etc.

The Bagurumba dance is considered as a light dance. This dance is not only attractive but also solemn. It may be remembered that the song of this dance gives us a simple description of the world of nature.

DOUDINI OR DEODHINI DANCE OF THE BOROS OR THE BODOS

The Doudini or Deodhini dance forms an important part in the Kherai Puja of the Boros of Assam. The term Deodhini is derived from the Sanskrit word “Deva” which means god or deity and “Dhani” means sound, i.e. echo. Hence the term “Deodhini” literally means the sound or utterings of a god or deity. But Dr. Maheswar Neog gives a different meaning of the word. He opines that Deodhini Devadhani is originated from “Deva” which means god and “Dhani” means woman.

The girl selected for a Deodhani must possess of some bodily qualities. She must be a girl who has attained youth. She must be of slender body. Her body’s middle part must be lean or thin. Moreover, her ******* must be high on the one hand while her buttocks must be wide on the other. The Deodhini is celibate.

During the time of dancing the Deodhini wears a special type of cleaned dress. Her girdle is of black or red colour. There is is a yellow or red coloured “Gamosa” around her waist. She does not wear any shirt at the moment of dancing. Moreover, she wears different kinds of ornaments. Of them mention may be made of nose-rings, ear-rings, different kinds of necklaces, bracelets and small drum like talismans. Besides these ornaments she marks a big vermilion mark on her forehead on the one hand and ties a “Kachari Khopa” (i.e. Boro or Kachari Plait) or a heart-shaped plait on her hair. Thus she becomes very beautiful and hence attractive.

It has already been mentioned the importance of the Deodhani or Doudini in the Kherai Puja. In the words of Dr. Kameswar Brahma it has been expressed thus__ “The Doudini is the key dancer during the Kherai Puja”. She performs all the items of the puja with the help of the Oja and a githal. However, two drum beaters, two players of slphung, two players of Jotha are also necessary to help the Deodhini to perform the Puja in a successful way.

During the Puja the Deodhani shows three stages of activities. Being charmed by the Oja she falls into a trance and goes on dancing appeasing many gods or deities beginning with the Bathou or Siva and ending with Lakshmi. She at one stage dances a virile war-dance taking a sword and a shield. Her movement in each stage means for a different deity. So the tune of the siphung and the beat of the will be different according to which she changes her body-movements. After the ending of the dance the Deodhini predicts the fortune of the people and their other matters when she is asked by the people participated in the Puja.

The Kherai Puja and the Deodhini or Doudini dance are of great important in the life of the Boros. They are inseperable. The Puja is followed by the dance. They are two important valuable resources of the culture of Assam. However, at present the Deodhini dance is going to be extinct in no time. But we should be alive to it and do the needful for its revival by justified thinking and performance.



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Lina Smith asked:

Celebrity scandals discovered through the latest gossip on celebrities and backed up with pictures of the celebs on front page tabloids, produce jaw dropping OMG I can’t believe that happened reactions in supermarket lanes across the world. If you knew the life of the people standing behind you in that supermarket lane – you just might start following them instead of the celebrity scandal filled tabloids.

The latest gossip on celebrity scandals with the sometimes manipulated pictures of celebs are just mirrors of society. Celebrity scandals are created with the latest gossip and mixed with pictures of the celebs and topped with scandalous topics that fill the courts, bedrooms and hospital rehab centers around the world. Teen pregnancies hardly make the news. Real people have sex, do drugs, party, fight with their best friend, have an affair, fight for custody, divorce, get arrested in a bar fight, and enter rehab. Celebrity scandals exist in your neighborhood – but without the celebrities.

We look at Hollywood celebrities and pictures of celebs involved in the latest celebrity scandal, we hear the latest gossip surrounding the celebrities lives, and wonder why are these beautiful rich people succumbing to the problems of the real world. Maybe they’re people too. Real rich people. Rich people who should be role models – and who should have a clue that the world is watching them. But celebrities also suffer from being needy for attention, low self-esteem, obsessiveness, compulsiveness – and the effects of their environment. Just as a child raised around drugs is more likely to do drugs – a celebrity raised in Hollywood is more likely to “do as Hollywood does” - and that’s party. There’s no doubt that partying leads to loose inhibitions, addictions and celebrity scandals. And celebrity parties are great for finding the latest gossip and snapping some unsuspecting shots of pictures of celebs participating in questionable actions.

Celebrity scandals promote the celebrities. Celebrities don’t choose their problems – but they can turn their problems into a healthy and beneficial promotional tool. A drug scandal can turn around into an anti-drug campaign. An anorexic celebrity will sell more books on “how to heal thyself” than the teenage girl down the street. And that celebrity book might just save that anorexic teenager. The celebrity jailbird picking up trash because of a judge’s order can now become an environmental evangelist.

Not all celebrity scandals can be turned into a healthy promotional tool – but pictures of celebs plastered over celebrity websites, tabloids and entertainment channels keeps the celebrity in full view of the public’s eye – so the celebrity can’t be forgotten. Can anyone truly forget Brittney Spears while she’s in the news – even if they really want to?

Celebrity scandals powered by the latest gossip and unforgettable pictures of celebs are just pictures of reality television videotaping the inside lives of everyone in the local supermarket express lane. But celebrity scandals are safe. (And more fun.) We can talk bad about celebrities and nobody’s feelings will be hurt. We can pity the celebrities because we know how they feel. We can love them or **** them, but chances are we’ll never meet them. A celebrity scandal without our involvement and only our opinion makes celebrity scandals easy on the soul.

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Kirby Brooks asked:

Beyonce has just announced plans for a 2009 tour in support of her upcoming yet-to-be-titled album, which hits stores Nov. 18. Jay-Z’s wife and R&B’s leading lady will play international dates in spring 2009 before coming back to play shows in North America early next summer.

Beyonce Giselle Knowles began singing, dancing and displaying her emerging diva as a young girl growing up in Houston, Texas. Beyonce and her cousin Kelly Rowland and two friends LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett formed a girl group in high school. The quartet signed to Columbia Records in 1997 after changing their name from Girl Tyme to Destiny’s Child, and released their eponymous debut soon after. While the album’s lead single, “No, No, No” was hit, Destiny’s Child really hit the big time with 1999’s The Writings on the Wall thanks to the popularity of “Bug a Boo,” “Jumpin’ Jumpin’,” “Bills Bills Bills” and “Say My Name,” which rewarded the girl group with two Grammy’s.

As Destiny’s child continued its ascent to stardom, Luckett and Roberson were replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin. Franklin only lasted with the group for a year and Destiny’s Child became a solid trio with Beyonce (who had dropped the “Knowles” by now) at the helm. In 2000 the girl-powered anthem “Independent Woman Pt. 1″ was featured on the soundtrack for Charlie’s Angels. The track also appeared on the group’s sophomore album, Survivor, which soared to number one on the charts and included the single whose name launched a national catchphrase, “Bootylicious.” Beyonce dipped her toes in the acting pool in 2001, starring in the MTV “hip-hopera” Carmen and co-starring in the sequel to the big screen blockbuster Austin Powers. Beyonce’s first solo single, “Work It Out” (which was featured on the Austin Powers sequel soundtrack) was followed by the scorching single “03 Bonnie & Clyde,” a duet with her then-rumored fling and now confirmed husband Jay-Z. (The couple somehow pulled off a quiet wedding 2008 in spite of generous media buzz around their relationship.)

In 2003 Beyonce released her debut solo album, Dangerously in Love, and watched as it climbed the charts to number one thanks to the infectious “Crazy in Love” and “Baby Boy,” a duet with Sean Paul. After securing five Grammys for her solo effort, Beyonce returned to Destiny’s Child for the group’s last effort: 2004’s Destiny Fulfilled. The trio went out with a bang due to the popularity of “Lose My Breath” and “Soldier” and Beyonce’s solo star continued to rise; she appeared alongside Steve Martin in The Black Panther and starred in 2006’s blockbuster Dreamgirls. That year Beyonce also released her sophomore solo album, B’Day, and the popularity of “Déjà vu,” “Irreplaceable” and “Ring the Alarm” earned the songstress a Grammy for Best Contemporary R&B album.

Beyonce’s upcoming yet-to-be-titled album, her third solo effort, will be released Nov. 18 on the heels of the album’s singles “Single Ladies” and “If I Were a Boy” and her 2009 tour will have fans undoubtedly clamoring for Beyonce tickets once they go on sale.

http://www.stubhub.com/beyonce-tickets/ is your best source for Beyonce tickets.

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Kirby Brooks asked:

A recent marriage, an album and now a movie on the way for Beyonce, is there anything she can’t do? The pop star’s cover of Etta James’ iconic “At Last” will be the lead song for the upcoming soundtrack for Cadillac Records which will debut Dec. 2 via Columbia. The film chronicles the rise and fall of famed label Chess Records and Beyonce stars as James. Beyonce told Billboard about the experience, saying: “I realized that Etta James was so unapologetic, bold and strong that playing her was a big risk for me. It gave me the confidence and the push to challenge myself a little more with my music.” To see her perform her own songs, try http://www.stubhub.com/beyonce-tickets/ for Beyonce tickets.

The soundtrack also includes tracks from Mos Def (portraying Chuck Berry), Columbus Short (as Little Walter), Jeffrey Wright (as Muddy Waters) and Eamonn Walker (as Howlin’ Wolf). The album, which will be available in both single- and double-disc versions, also boasts songs from Mary Mary, Nas, Buddy Guy, Elvis Presley, Raphael Saadiq and Beyonce’s sister Solange. Cadillac Records makes its big screen debut Dec. 5 and Sony BMG Music Entertainment chairman Andrew Lack, who produced the film with Sony BMG films executive VP Sophia Sondervan says it will show a different side of the pop diva. “People will be most surprised that the glamorous Beyonce allowed herself to be seen in the desperate straits that Etta went through, including her heroin addiction. That’s a Beyonce I don’t think anyone’s seen yet.”

The public was first introduced to Beyonce when she was part of Destiny’s Child, the group formerly known as Girl Tyme that she formed with her cousin Kelly Rowland and school friends LaTavia Roberson and LeToya Luckett in her native Houston. The quartet burst into the R&B/pop mainstream with “No, No, NO,” off their eponymous debut album is 1997 and their breakthrough came two years later with The Writings on the Wall. The album spawned radio mainstays “Jumpin’ Jumpin’,” “Bills Bills Bills,” “Bug a Boo” and “Say My Name,” which earned Destiny’s Child two Grammy awards. Despite the girl group’s fast-paced ascent to stardom, Luckett and Roberson left the group and were replaced by Michelle Williams and Farrah Franklin (who would leave the group within a year).

In 2000 the trio released the girl-powered single “Independent Women Pt. 1″ on the Charlie’s Angels soundtrack and their subsequent album, 2001’s Survivor, went straight to the top of the charts thanks to “Bootylicious” (yes, the term is actually in the dictionary thanks to Beyonce). Long-since the leading lady of Destiny’s Child, Beyonce dipped into the acting pool with a starring role in the MTV “hip-hopera” Carmen and a spot alongside Mike Myers in the Austin Powers sequel, for which she recorded her first solo song, “Work It Out,” that was included on the soundtrack. “03 Bonnie & Clyde,” another solo single featuring then-rumored beau and now-husband Jay-Z was followed by Beyonce’s solo album debut, 2003’s Dangerously in Love. The album won five Grammys thanks to popular singles like “Baby Boy” and “Crazy in Love” and then Destiny’s Child reunited for their last album. The aptly titled Destiny Fulfilled spawned hits “Soldier” and “Lose My Breath” and all three girls went on to pursue solo work, with Beyonce starring in 2006’s Dreamgirls and releasing her sophomore solo record, B’Day, in 2006. Beyonce is set to release her third solo album in November and singles “If I Were a Boy” and “Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)” are already creating buzz. So hurry up and get your Beyonce tickets soon because this talented diva is sure to pack arenas when she hits the road.

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