How to be dipped while dancing
Should You Do It? – Yami Dance Shoes
As we've all seen in the movies or TV, dipping is very sexy, and it adds a fabulous flair to a routine. It’s one move that’ll wow the audience, for sure!
Here’s the thing: it may look like a simple stunt to pull and it only takes a second to execute but dipping is a complex dance move. It’s definitely not for beginners!
Dipping a person in real life is not only tricky; it can be dangerous if you're not used to making such a stunt. It’s all fun and games until someone breaks a nose or bangs the head on the hard floor from a stunt gone wrong.
The dancers doing the dipping on TV are professionals with *years* of experience and training with such maneuvers.
Part of the fun of dancing is that you can experiment with different moves and give your own twist to the dance style itself. And yes, dipping your dance partner seems like a great idea to attract attention on the dance floor. So should you do it? What are the essential factors that you should consider before dipping a partner? If you’re the one being dipped, what are the things that you need to know before pulling such a complex stunt? Here are some tips:
Are you fit enough to dip?
One of the most important things to consider when executing a complicated stunt is your own level of fitness and experience making such a move. You don't want to risk injuring yourself and your dance partner with a spontaneous dip.
When you’re doing the dipping, you’re basically taking on your partner’s body weight on top of your own. And your back, shoulders, and legs will take the brunt of the pressure as you dip someone. Sure, dipping is only done for a split second, but one wrong move and you and your partner could end up crumpled on the dance floor.
To dip a partner safely and successfully, you need to focus your center of gravity lower to keep the torso and legs stable. Keep your legs wide apart at hip-width to maintain your balance, then bring one leg forward and bend as you dip your partner lower.
This way, you can keep your balance while shifting your force to your hands as you hold your dance partner lower. Bring her back up gently by shifting your force to your upper torso and back.
Your hands should hold the partner firmly, so you don’t lose your grip. Also, your arms should be strong enough to take on the added weight.
Lead your partner
If you’re doing the dipping, then you have to lead your partner. Since you're leading the dance, you need to ask your partner if it's okay to dip because surprising her with one might lead to a broken nose!
If you are dipping a stranger and not a regular dance partner, you need to know if she has the technical know-how to be dipped. If she doesn't, and she’s trusting you with this dance move, you need to check yourself if you can dip her safely despite her lack of experience and figure out ways to maneuver the dance in a way that lets you dip a first-timer properly.
Pro tip: Always check if your dance partner is appropriately dressed before asking for dipping.
If she’s wearing a short dress, she might accidentally expose herself in the process.
Safety First
Assuming that you have the technical ability to dip a total stranger safely, you need to check the area where you'd like to make a move. The area should be big enough for the dip. Check if other couples are going in and out of the space before the dip, so you don't end up accidentally bumping heads.
If the dance floor is crowded or if people kept going in and out of the area where you'd like to dip your partner, do not make a move. You can only control your own movements and not the actions of those around you. You cannot avoid bumping to other dancers if the space is too tight for a dip, and you don't want to injure someone just because you insist on making this dance move.
Dance Basics: How To Dip Your Partner
Bachata: A Quick Dip
No one likes a spontaneous dip. When you’re about to do the dip, let her know. Give her a signal or something, like placing your hand on her upper back and gently lowering her backward. She’ll get the message.
If your dance partner stiffens as you try to lower her backward, it’s a sign that she doesn’t want to be dipped and never force her to perform one.
Finally and most importantly, do not push your partner too far for a dip, and never dip aggressively. Dipping should be done gently and with care. It's a difficult stunt to pull off as is, and you don't want to give the impression that you’re too much of a showoff by dipping aggressively at the expense of your dance partner.
Back to blogHow to dip like the pros! — Sway Dance Chicago
Written By David Sanchez
One of our favorite dance moves is the iconic dip and so many of our students are eager to learn how to dip their partners and be dipped in a dance routine.
However, there are a few things to know before you dazzle the audience with a dip. So, here are our pro TIPS for Pro DIPS.
First, learn the proper dance frame.
Before attempting a dip, make sure you are standing properly with your partner in the correct dance frame. That means your arms should be held strong.
The leaders' left hand should be connected to follower’s right, or supporting followers behind their back for extra security.
The followers should rest their left arm on leader’s right arm just below the shoulder without weight.
Our instructors will assist you in getting into the proper dance frame before attempting a dip. Just remember, dancing with a partner is not a 50-50 game. BOTH the leader and the follower need to be giving 100% effort for a solid dip.
To Lead a Dip...
Don’t bend forward! Instead stand straight up and rotate your upper body. Otherwise, you both risk dipping and well… falling.
Support behind your partner’s shoulders and back.
Keep your arms firm and in front of your partner's body. Don’t push your arms into their space.
Step with a bent knee under and toward the follower to dip.
Read social cues! That means don’t dip your partner if they’re not 100% comfortable.
Be aware of your surroundings. You won’t want to dip your partner in an area where they could get hurt.
To Follow a Dip...
Support your own weight in your legs and core muscles. In other words, don’t rely entirely on your partner to hold you up.
Soften your knees, relax your neck and shoulders.
Trust your partner instead of tensing up, making it harder for them to dip you.
Communicate with your partner if you’re uncomfortable going into a dip.
Don’t rush in or out of the dip. Allow your partner to truly lead the way and lean into the fun of it!
When should we dip?
Overall, there are a few foolproof ways to know when to dip your partner.
Dip when it's safe. Check your surroundings, especially at a crowded club and dance floor, to make sure your partner won’t get hurt if you decide to dip.
Dip when the music tells you to. Wait until the end of the song or an accent in the music. Then, especially in a performance if your dip is at the end of a song, hold your watermelons! Wait 1 watermelon - 2 watermelon - 3 watermelon before releasing out the dip. Soak in the applause!
Dip when your partner appears comfortable. Make sure you’re communicating with your partner, either by feeling their body language or expressly asking whether they’d be ok with a dip. Feel each other out and make sure both partners are ready!
Ready to learn how to dance and dip with the pros?
Contact us today!
David Sanchez https://www.breakbeatmarketing.com
Dervish dance - description and video
- Dervish dance what is it?
- Whirling Mevlevi Dervishes
- Dervish
- What does the dance of the dervishes mean
- Turkish Dervish Dance
- Where to watch Dervish dance in Istanbul
- Dervish dance at Sirkeci station
- Dervish dance in Khojapasha
- Dervish dance video
- Attraction map
Dervish dance is an unusual act that attracts tourists who come to Istanbul.
You probably won't see this anywhere else. The dance of the dervishes is also called Sama or Sema. It is accompanied by singing, reading poetry, prayers and playing national musical instruments. By the way, the dervish dance is included in the UNESCO list of intangible cultural heritage.
In order to watch the dervish dance with pleasure and understanding, it is worth turning a little to history.
Dervish dance
Dervish dance what is it?
The Dervish Dance is a meditative dance that used to be a religious ritual. Dervish dance is associated with the history of the Mevlevi Sufi Order.
Whirling Mevlevi Dervishes
Mevlevi is a famous Sufi tariqat that originated in the 13th century in Turkey. Sufism is a mystical movement in Islam that preaches asceticism and increased spirituality. And tarikat is a method of spiritual elevation and mystical knowledge of the Truth. The founder of the ideas was the Sufi poet Jalaladdin Rumi, and his son Mavlad became the founder of the order.
Mevlevi was the most powerful order in Ottoman Turkey. It was called "The Brotherhood of the Spinning Dervishes". In 1925, the Mevlevi brotherhood was abolished by a decree of President Atatürk. It was allowed again only in 1954.
The religious side of Mevlevi attaches great importance to music, song and dance. The dance performed by whirling dervishes is one such ritual.
Dervish
Dervish
To answer the question of who the dervishes are, one should plunge into history. In essence, a dervish is a Muslim monk who shares the philosophy of Sufism. But unlike traditional monks, dervishes could get married and have their own house. Although for the most part they led a fairly ascetic lifestyle.
Dervishes were both wandering and settled - living in monasteries and monasteries. But before being called a dervish, a novice had to pass a probationary period in the brotherhood.
Only dervishes could perform the dance. Before being allowed to perform a ritual dance, a novice had to serve in a monastery for three years: the first year was devoted to service in the name of others, the second - in the name of God, the third - for the benefit of his soul and its improvement.
After this trial period of 1000 days, the novice was accepted into the brotherhood, and he received the status of a dervish.
Attire of Mevlevi adepts traditionally consists of a conical felt cap, a long white shirt, a wide belt and a black wool cape. Dervishes perform the dance in wide skirts - jaluns.
The clothes of the performers are symbolic. The white color symbolizes the funeral shroud and shroud, the headdresses are a kind of tombstones. All together - this is the transition from the world of real life to the world of the eternally living near God.
Suf means wool or woolen cloak. Perhaps that is also why the Sufis chose such clothes.
Dervish dance in Istanbul
What does the dervish dance mean
There are several varieties of dervish dance.
The first variation is a single dance. The dancer rotates around its axis, standing on one leg, and the second periodically pushing off, gives itself acceleration. One of his hands is lowered down, symbolizing the connection with the earth and reality, the other is turned up, to God, from where the dervish draws energy, support and faith.
There is also a group dance with several dancers. One of them is in the center, while the others circle around it, creating a round dance. The movement of the dervishes in a circle begins slowly, with a gradual acceleration. This shows the constant rapid movement of life and the world around unshakable values. Each participant in the collective dance, due to the constant rotation of the surrounding picture, losing the clarity of the outlines of objects, gradually enters a meditative trance and enjoys a feeling of detachment and euphoria.
The dance of the dervishes, subject to special rhythms, is aimed at releasing consciousness, removing blocks and complexes, opening internal resources for further enlightened life.
The constant rotations in the dance helped the dervishes to move away from extraneous thoughts, to free the brain from thoughts, doubts and everything oppressive. And trust only the call of the heart and God. According to legend, if the dervish has even one thought during the dance, the skirt will fall.
Dervish dance - throat singing
How the Turkish dervish dance goes
Before the start of the ritual, the floor is covered with sheepskin, determining the place of the sheikh - the spiritual master. This is a kind of ritual Sufi throne.
The ritual begins with the throat singing of the soloist or the whole ensemble, accompanied by the playing of national musical instruments.
After reading Rumi's prayers and poems, the dance itself begins. First, in turn, moving around the perimeter of the hall, the dervishes go around several circles and, stopping at the skin, bow to each other, greeting each other and the Almighty. After the dervishes take their starting places, they go through several dance "salutes" or acts.
The dervishes are moving around the hall, gradually unwinding, more and more plunging into a meditative trance. In the center of the dance action is the sheikh - the mentor of the dervishes. It is easily recognizable by its special cap, usually green.
The dance is accompanied by the sounds of a flute and beats of a tambourine. The ritual ends with a general reading of the prayer.
Where to watch the dervish dance in Istanbul
Due to its mysticism and mesmerizing beauty, the dervish dance has become not only ritual, but also artistic. Currently, it is performed on stage not only by real monks, but also by trained dancers. Although, at the annual festival of dervishes in the Turkish city of Konya, where the mausoleum of Rumi is located, you can also see real Sufis performing this dance according to all the canons.
Please note that the dervish dance is a meditative ritual. You have to be prepared for the fact that whirling to monotonous music will not produce the same wow effect on you as from an incendiary show.
There are several places in Istanbul where you can watch a dervish dance.
Dervish Dance at Sirkeci Train Station
To see the Turkish Dervish dancing, the cheapest and easiest way is to go to the Sirkeci Train Station near Galata Bridge and Hagia Sophia.
This station was the terminus of the "Orient Express" - the train, famous for the detective Agatha Christie.
The old building now houses a free railway museum. And in the main hall with colored stained-glass windows you can watch the bewitching dance of the dervishes.
Istanbul Sirkeci Station
Performances are held daily at 19:30. Tickets can be bought from the cashier at the entrance to the hall in advance or immediately before the session. The ticket price is 70 Turkish lira. The duration of action is about an hour.
Spectators sit on chairs around the perimeter of the hall. In the season they put two, three, or even four rows. Arrive early to choose the most convenient viewing spot. All spectators are treated to tea before the start of the performance.
Dervish dance in Hodjapasha
The most striking performance is shown at the Hodjapasha Cultural and Art Center. It is housed in a 15th-century hammam, close to Sirkeci Station. In the hall under the high domed ceilings, you will witness the Sema Ceremony with whirling dervishes and a light show.
Duration 1 hour. Start daily at 19:00. This performance is almost twice as expensive as at Sirkeci Station. The price of an adult ticket is $22, for children from 7 to 12 years old - $16, for children under 6 years old - free of charge. The ticket price includes a visit to a small exhibition of dervishes (clothes, musical instruments, books, reconstructed scenes from the life of dervishes, multimedia stands).
Tickets can be purchased at www.hodjapasha.com/en/whirling-dervishes-sema-ceremony/
Organizers recommend arriving early, 30 minutes before the start. Here, too, free tea is served before the session. If you are late for 10 minutes, then you can still enter the hall, but 15 minutes after the start of the performance, entry into the hall is prohibited. Ticket price will not be refunded for latecomers.
These performances most correspond to the ancient ritual. But in Istanbul, you can see the dervish dance in restaurants and cafes, where professional artists perform small excerpts, presenting the dance as one of the symbols of Turkey.
Dervish dance video
Attraction map
map loading...
Valens Aqueduct >>
Return to Istanbul
Let the bond of time last... | ISUE
November 27, 2013 in the foyer of the Ivanovo Musical Theater there was a dance evening "Ball of Epochs", which brought together many students of ISUE - the main characters of this exciting action, as well as numerous guests. Dazzling ladies in luxurious dresses and gallant gentlemen, enchanting live music and beautiful old dances made it possible to plunge into the magical atmosphere of the ball for a while, to feel the breath of bygone times.
I must say that the Energy University is holding such an event for the second time. Last year, the "Autumn Ball" was a huge success, which this season inspired 65 dance couples to participate in the celebration.
Preparations for the ball lasted two months. All this time, under the guidance of the teacher of the Ivanovo College of Culture, S.E. Proshchina students studied the history and culture, traditions and etiquette of ballroom dancing of the Middle Ages, Renaissance, Baroque, XIX century. Almost daily exhausting rehearsals were not in vain - the guys successfully mastered an extensive dance program. It took a lot of time and effort to think over the image and search for costumes.
And finally, the long-awaited moment has come! The ball was opened by ISPU Vice-Rector V.P. Golov and State Duma deputy V.V. Ivanov.
All evening admiring spectators admired ancient dances performed to wonderful classical music. The solemn pavane was replaced by a merry branle, the prim minuets were replaced by a perky polka gallop and a light whirlwind of a waltz, the unbridled merriment of the cotillions into a majestic polonaise. Original dance numbers were presented by ballet dancers of the Ivanovo Musical Theater and students of the Ivanovo College of Culture.
I was struck by the splendor and variety of outfits and accessories. How delightful were our girls in ball gowns - slender, graceful, with intricate hairstyles - real secular ladies! To match them, there were also gentlemen dressed in costumes that strictly corresponded to the style of the era.
It was a truly fabulous and at the same time fun evening! But it's time to take stock. The jury had a very difficult task: among the many participants, it was necessary to choose the best image of the presented eras, the best dance couple and, of course, the King and Queen.
So, Maria Tyurina (2-3) and Oleg Broventiev (2-3) won in the Best Image of the Middle Ages nomination, Olga Shapina (4-53) and Alexei Platonov (4 -2). Alexandra Varlamova (2-14) and Andrey Mulin (1-24) were recognized as the best dance couple of the evening. The audience award went to Elena Bogdanova (2-30) and Anton Grekov (2-27). The high-profile title "King and Queen of the Ball" was deservedly given to Alexander Koshcheev (4-76) and Elena Bolshakova (6-11).
Special prize "For fidelity to traditions" State Duma deputy V.V. Ivanov handed Alena Ivanova (2-25) and Sergei Plaksin (3-27).
We congratulate the winning dance couples, as well as all participants of the autumn ball. It was a real triumph for our students! I would like to say special words of gratitude to everyone who participated in the organization and preparation of this wonderful holiday, as well as to the administration of our university.
The ball is over, but we hope that each of the participants will keep memories of it for a long time. And I want to believe that thanks to this touch of beauty and history, the guys felt what a spiritual heritage they got, and they will try to go through life with the dignity and grace that the dances of bygone eras have preserved for us.
Lyubov Popova
Photos by Sergei Gosudarev
The idea of the Student Ball project belongs to Anna Chetverikova. This is her "brainchild", and, having graduated from the university, she was very worried about his fate.
And since we are good friends, I agreed to take the leadership into my own hands together with Natalia Kiseleva.
The organization of the ball was not an easy task. The design of the event began "ahead of time". We talked with the choreographer, Svetlana Evgenievna Proshchina, tried to think over the concept of the ball and "throw" the scenario (what it will be, how we see it). Initially, it was planned to organize a masquerade ball, but due to the large number of participants, as well as the desire to diversify the action and go deeper into history, we abandoned this idea. And already after the first rehearsals, it was decided to organize the "Ball of the Ages", which affected 4 time periods: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque and the 19th century. This year the event turned out to be much larger, the number of participants doubled, the dance program became more intense, as a very large period of time was covered.
Each era was represented by a certain composition of couples, but in the production of the 19th century everyone participated.
The costumes for the first 3 epochs were provided by the management of the Musical Theater. These outfits have their own peculiarity, these are now nowhere to be found and not sewn. Many guys put their souls into reviving the "rare" costumes with various accessories "of that time". But for the 19th century, the participants got the outfits themselves, as best they could: they sewed, bought, rented, asked friends and acquaintances. Believe me, in our time to dress properly for the ball 19century is not so simple.
The venue for the ball was the foyer of the Musical Theatre, as almost 70 pairs of participants and a large support group represented by spectators fit perfectly there. The only negative was the carpet, not quite suitable for “waltzing”, but this did not become an obstacle for the guys.
I think that the Ball of Epochs was a success. Both the "heroes of the evening" and the guests were very satisfied, and all the reviews were extremely positive.
For 2 months, the participants did a tremendous job, because someone started from scratch. Many thanks to this project for the first time "stand on the floor"! A lot of effort and personal time was spent, but believe me, this is the second time I participate, and it's worth it! Feelings and emotions during the ball cannot be expressed in words, this is not the “disco” we are used to, here you not only dance, but also mentally transport yourself to those distant times, get spiritual and aesthetic pleasure.
And this is the great merit of Svetlana Evgenievna, to whom I would like to express special gratitude. She is able not only to teach dance, but also to truly feel that time. Lessons in etiquette and manners were not in vain.
I would really like this event to be preserved and become a kind of "highlight" of our university. We have ideas about creating a club based on past balls. After all, there is never too much dancing. When it all ends, it becomes a little sad.
It would be great to do this throughout the year. There are people who want to, and there are many of them. Our students could learn various dances, and then once a year organize a ball as a reporting concert. The idea is not bad, because it will increase the quality of the dance performance by an order of magnitude and allow students to become even more familiar with the culture of different times.
I want to say a huge thank you to all the participants for their efforts and talent, you are great! And also to thank the leadership of the university for the opportunity to join the beautiful.
Elena Bolshakova (6-11)
As you all already know, this is the second ball in which students of the Ivanovo State Power Engineering University participate. Therefore, many were already waiting for the acceptance of applications to begin. Both those who had already attended the ball and the debutants wanted to participate.
It immediately became clear that serious work was ahead.
I had to learn a lot of dances. There were a lot of people, sometimes there was not enough space for all the couples in the hall of Building B, but no one complained, everyone really wanted to take part in the ball. The rehearsals were going great, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday evening. The guys put off all their affairs and ran to Svetlana Evgenievna Proshchina to rehearse again and again, honing every step. At first, the guys were a little confused and insecure, but with each rehearsal, more and more interest and excitement lit up in their eyes. And the main evening was approaching ...
And that day has come! On November 27, participants and guests gathered at the Ivanovo Drama Theater, where the ball was held.
The atmosphere that day was simply magical. As a direct participant in the ball, I personally was able to see and feel the whole atmosphere of the evening, since the most exciting thing happened backstage. Everyone was very worried, they wanted everything to go “perfectly”!
And the ball broke out! This ball was unusual, it went through the whole history: the Middle Ages, the Renaissance, the Baroque and the largest era - 19century.
Students performed dances that many did not even know about before the start of rehearsals. They danced the German polka, beloved by everyone last year, and a completely new, bright country polka. Classic waltz and solemn alemande. The participants did not let the guests of the evening get bored, inviting them to take part in cotillions - dancing games. The conclusion of the competition program was a polonaise. Ladies in magnificent puffy dresses, stately gentlemen in tailcoats brilliantly and unmistakably performed this majestic dance.
At the end of the evening, the best couples were awarded according to the jury and the audience. The couples received prizes and were generously gifted with applause from participants and guests.
The highlight of the evening was the perky backgammon. It's a little sad to know that it's all over. It's just magical - to plunge into the atmosphere of that time, to feel like a part of something important. How wonderful that our university supports such student initiatives.
