Learn how to step dance chicago style

Learn to Step Chicago Style - livingthe8count

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So… you want to learn to step Chicago-style? Welcome! Chicago Stepping is a social partner dance, but if you’re single or starting this adventure on your own don’t worry… instructors teach individuals and couples. We are a close-knit community. You’ll meet tons of new people quickly and you won’t learn alone. Here, you can find a class and instructor. Read what instructors have to say about Chicago Stepping. Also, find the tidbits I share on culture, history, and etiquette – the keys to our Chicago Stepping community. Beginners, intermediate, and advanced dancers can learn to step Chicago-style.

If You Want to Learn to Step, You Can

For everyone who wants to learn about Chicago Stepping, here are some things to know.

Find a good instructor and learn a solid foundation from one person. As a beginner, it can be confusing to learn from more than one instructor
Multiple workshops with different instructors are no good substitute for regular classes with an instructor. Go to class regularly. At home, practice, practice, practice!
The right instructor for you to learn to step is up to you. Dance for your personal goals and style. If you want to enter contests, know that social dancing and contest dancing are different
Knowing the history and origin of Chicago Stepping can help to enrich your learning experience and understanding
Don’t be afraid to step and practice with the best. Dancing with advanced steppers can teach you something new. And, when you are well on your way to dancing remember to pay it forward to other beginners.

Stepping Classes

Start your Chicago Stepping journey. Many instructors in different cities offer classes and privates to people who love to dance.

Etiquette and Lifestyle

Steppers are ladies and gentlemen. Learn about etiquette, the social dance scene, contests, and events in the nationwide Stepping community.

Subscribe to Chicago Stepping News by eMail from Sonji

Welcome! I am the writer Sonji Stewart. These are my travel stories about my Chicago Stepping experiences traveling from city to city to dance. I hope my stories encourage you to join me in the adventure.

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A Free Online Resource for Nurses

While millions of sedentary Americans are sitting to watch Dancing with the Stars, thousands across the U. S. are up, and on the floor actively engaged in the popular “Chicago-style Stepping”. And the word is it’s a dance work-out that will make you shine like a star!

Dancing is an exceptional way to have fun, socialize and stay in shape—or start a new fitness routine.

This is how “Stars” are made, says Iary Israel, founder and lead instructor for the Word of Mouth Entertainment, LLC St. Louis, Missouri. “Our class size has grown from just three to over 300 adult students, who come from all walks of life—housewives, retirees, to professionals. We have had tremendous response to the Community School based program at Stevens Middle Community Education Center where classes have been held weekly, since 2002. A common theme we hear from the students, especially when they first start Stepping class is ‘this is a workout. I sweat as much here as if I were at the gym’. This is when I realized what we were providing in class was actually great exercise, and that many folks probably wouldn’t get any if it were not for Stepping” according to Israel. “Our class members have a glow about them from the natural high that comes from dancing the Chicago Style Stepping—we truly see a difference.” (I. Israel, personal communication, October 5, 2008).

Many other classes and instructors have sprung up across the country, in cities like Detroit, Indianapolis, Cleveland, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Seattle, Phoenix, Atlanta, Dallas-Fort Worth, Baltimore, Charlotte, Memphis, Miami—the list goes on and on. However the list would not be complete until it includes “The Capital”—Chicago, also home of the R&B icon, R. Kelly. Kelly rocketed Stepping into the national spotlight with the hit tunes and videos Step in the Name of Love © 2003 and Happy People © 2004 (Zomba Recording LLC.). Stepping is a passion for many, and is referred to by R. Kelly as a ”culture,” because of the lifestyle participants embrace out of elements evolved from the dance art form.

The dance culture phenomena popularized as Stepping evolved out of the Jitterbug and Lindy Hop of the forties, and the Bop or Boppin’ of the sixties and seventies. Stepping is done to a six-count or eight-count on the down beat of urban and R&B/Soul music. The dance involves basic movements—turns, spins, dips, and footwork. When combined with personal style, flair, and coordination, Stepping yields sensuous aesthetic enjoyment for participants and spectators. Also referred to as ‘Steppin’, the dance has swept the nation not only for its smooth, rhythmic flow and hit tunes, but also for growing recognition of the health promotion and wellness enhancing benefits.

Any activity that increases the heart rate speeds up the metabolism causing calories to be burned. Stepping the night away can burn just as many calories per hour as riding a bike or swimming. The exact calories burned while Steppin’ needs further research. According to dance and exercise experts, a 150 pound person dancing the Salsa burns 420 plus calories per hour, Ballroom (fast) comes in at about 374 calories per hour, and Swing around 306 calories per hour. Stepping is similar in the intensity and exertion of all of these dances, especially Salsa. An educated estimate of calories burned using the calculator from HealthStatus.com, Stepping one hour compared with fast Ballroom dance could average around 378 calories—again, based on a 150 pound person

You can forget that you are “exercising” and dance your way to fitness. Regular exercise helps with overall physical conditioning. When combined with other lifestyle changes like healthy food choices, yearly check-ups, health screenings, positive thinking, Chicago-style Stepping can play a vital role in fitness and preventing chronic disease.

The National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute (NHLBI, 2008) reports that regular physical activity such as dancing can lower risk for coronary heart disease, diabetes and some cancers, decrease blood pressure, help manage weight, and strengthen the bones in the hips and legs. Mayo Clinic (1994) researchers reported that the social aspects of dancing are beneficial for stress reduction, increasing energy, improving strength and increasing muscle tone and coordination. Individuals with a heart or lung condition, chronic health problems or risk factors for disease should seek medical advice before starting or significantly increasing physical activity.

Learning to Step is easy, and having your own dance partner is not required. “Our instructors love the challenge teaching the person who says they can’t dance or thinks they have two left feet,” says Tony Owens, President, promoter and lead dance coach of the Las Vegas Steppers Club (LVSC), Inc., in Las Vegas, Nevada. “Most people are surprised they can learn the basic eight step movements on beat in just little time.” Owens has been teaching Stepping with LVSC since 1999. “We are happy the word is getting out regarding the health and social benefits of Stepping…our members become like family because of similar interest mainly because we get lots of exercise and relieve stress by having fun dancing. We have worked in the community with organizations like the Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association (SNBNA), Inc. , to promote Stepping. It is a classy, grown and sexy dance, that is a great physical fitness alternative.” (T. Owens, personal communication, October 9, 2008). The LVSC has provided Stepping demonstrations at local health events for the SNBNA and the Clark County Teachers Union. Let’s face it—the evidence is out regarding the benefits of regular exercise, but the average person has challenges to stay motivated. The best thing about dancing is that it does not feel like exercise and may become a good health habit.

Unlike standard exercise, dancing is unique in that it not only provides cardio-healthy benefits of aerobic performance it also has the feature of taking part in a social activity. Albert Einstein College of Medicine neurologist and lead researcher Joe Verghese (2003) published a 21 year study in the New England Journal of Medicine, of participants over age 75, that showed dancing was the only physical activity that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. The most common form of dementia is Alzheimer’s disease. This brain disorder seriously affects a person’s ability to carry out daily activities because of confusion, forgetfulness and loss of recognition of familiar faces. The scientist believes perhaps, the lower risk of dementia is because dance music engages the dancer’s mind. Verghese reports dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. According to the study, the physical aspect of dancing increases blood flow to the brain and the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, less depression and loneliness. Moreover, the foot work of structured dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges vital for a healthy brain.

Music is known for its ability to relax the mind, body, and uplift the spirit. Whether soulful mellow tunes or up-tempo rhythms, music helps to release tension, thereby decreasing stress. Unlike traditional exercise, Stepping is an exercise with a live atmosphere that creates a great ambiance for people to mingle, meet new people, and become friends and dance partners.

Four important reasons to get your Step-on include:

• Flexibility. Dancing requires limber movement. Flexibility is an essential part of being fit. Major muscle groups get a full range workout during Stepping.

• Strength. Dancing builds strength by forcing the muscles to resist against a dancer’s own body weight. Stepping develops strength. Consider the muscle mass a male Stepper develops by dipping his partner, or the muscle a female uses to resist against her own weight in the backward motion of the dip during a dance routine.

• Endurance. As mentioned, dance is indeed physical exercise. Exercise develops endurance by conditioning the muscles by working hard for increasingly longer periods of time without getting as tired. Getting the heart rate up can increase stamina (staying power and endurance). Regular Stepping builds endurance. Many tunes last four to five minutes—or longer, times five or more tunes are easily a 30 minute workout set.

• Sense of Well-Being. Stepping is both positive leisure and social past time. Regular physical activity reduces stress and tension. Humans are gregarious beings inclined to group recreational activity and in doing so develop social linkage. Strong social ties lead to improvement of self-esteem and a positive outlook.

Opportunities present to meet people in classes, and at dances which may help to build social skills, and boost self-confidence. According to several anecdotal reports there is a sense of well-being that comes from getting groomed and dressed up for a Steppers social event—maybe Stepping does make “Happy People.”

The evidence supporting the health benefit of dance is apparent. However, scientific research is necessary to expound the health and wellness benefit phenomena of participants engaged in this particular physical and recreational activity. Encourage family, colleagues, and clients to take a fun approach to physical fitness by dancing along with the stars. Get fit, stay youthful, prevent disease by finding a Stepping class in your area and get your Step on! Check out these links to view Stepping in action: www. steppersexpress.com/lessons.htm and http://www.youtube.com

Janice L. Muhammad is an assistant professor at the University of Southern Nevada College of Nursing. She serves as Chair of the Men’s Health Committee, Southern Nevada Black Nurses Association, Inc., (SNBNA), Chair, National Black Nurses Association (NBNA) Ad Hoc Committee on Advance Practice Nurses, and member, NBNA Nominating Committee, and can be reached at [email protected] or (702) 968-1638, P.O. Box 20487, Las Vegas, NV 89112.

References

Mayo Clinic Health Letter, January (1994). Health benefits of dance. New York: Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. (2007). Your guide to physical activity and your heart. Retrieved October 10, 2008 from http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/public/heart/obesity/phy_active_brief.pdf.

Verghese, J., Lipton, R. B., Katz, M. J., Hall, C. B., Derby, C. A., Kulansky, G., Ambrose, A. F., Sliwinski, M. & Buschke, H. (2003). Leisure activities and the risk of dementia in the elderly. New England Journal of Medicine, June 19, 348(25): 2508-16.

Sources

http://dance.about.com/od/dance and your health/tp/Health-Benefits.htm

www.learntodance.com

http://www.sixwise.com/newsletters/05/10/12/new-study-confirms-it-music-is-a-must-for-your-good-health--and-your-brain.htm

www.instepcommunity.com

Encyclopedia of dance: House (house). How to learn to dance street dance

Everyone wants to feel confident on the dance floor in the club. No incendiary party is complete without a house dance. Thanks to his energy and positivity, he turns on both the performer and the audience.

House dance originated in the 1980s in clubs in Chicago. At the same time, the music of the same name arose. Rhythmic body movements fascinated the regulars and kings of parties throughout the city. Later, the Hausa movements could not be resisted by New Yorkers. Now, the whole of Europe is learning the elements of an interesting and popular style.

Let's look at the basic moves of house and succumb to its stunning rhythm.

Video lesson "House dance"

House is a mix of movements of different dance styles. It includes elements of tap, latin, breakdance, jazz, hip-hop and disco. Isn't it an interesting combination?

The dance technique has changed over time. At first, there were sharp and aggressive movements of the body, the whole body was kept in tension. Later, they were replaced by soft movements of the legs, relaxed and free vibrations of the body. The style and manner of dance changes in step with the times and is constantly being improved. Probably, this is what he won the hearts of modern dancers.

IMPORTANT. Before starting a workout, you need to warm up the muscles so as not to injure them.

Basic moves House:

Pas De Bourree. Consists of 3 steps, legs alternate (left-right-left or right-left-right).
Criss Cross. We cross our legs, alternating them (movements are performed wide, voluminous and springy).
Step House. Consists of 2 movements: put the heel forward and return to its original position.

By combining movements and adding a drop of energy and positive to them, you will undoubtedly have a positive effect on others. Do not be afraid of experiments, free movements of the arms and body will only complement the dance. Good luck with your learning!

On the dance floor in all its glory, for others - love for such dances and a desire to develop in this area, for example, create your own team or become a coach. In the first case, it will be enough for you to watch video lessons and repeat after the teacher. In the second case, it is better to choose a school where professional performance is taught, and also do not forget to learn as much as possible about such directions.

Why are they called street?

Ironically, ballet and salsa can also be adapted to this style. Street dances - assorted from a variety of directions. They are not danced in choreographic halls, but are performed in the yards of schools and institutes, in nightclubs and on the streets. The main thing in them is to reveal the individuality, express the character, feelings of the dancer and show his uniqueness. Therefore, be sure to try street dancing at home, perhaps it will become your life's work.

Street dance styles

Hip-Hop - less aggression and more freedom of expression. The fine jumping technique is what sets him apart from others.

Free Style - as you can see from the name, there are no hard and fast rules. Relaxed improvisation and combination of movements to your taste are the basis of the style.

New Jack - acrobatics included.

Pop Locking is a synchronized dance that requires a lot of stamina.

Dab Step - dance to the music of the same name. Combines a mix of all areas of street dancing.

Locking - movements in full force and maximum dedication. Reversals, swings, rotations are presented.

House - in this style, the body is subordinate to the melody, while in hip-hop you are subordinate to the musical beat.

R&B - "Rhythm and Blues" is more complex and complex than hip-hop.

Trance is a dance not only of the body, but also of the soul.

How to street dance at home

1. Choose loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Nothing should interfere and annoy.

2. To understand faster, listen to more music of the desired direction, listen to the rhythm.

3. The most important thing in achieving success is desire, diligence and diligence. Don't stop there, even if you don't see results (yet). If you study with a teacher, do not compare yourself with him. Naturally, he will dance better than you. The main thing is to compare yourself with your previous results.

4. How to learn to dance street dancing and where to start? Learn the basic steps first. This will be the base. But before that, determine the style that you like. If you want to develop sexuality - stop at R&B, if you want to relax and have fun - Hip-Hop can become your style, if you want striptease, but more chaste - choose Go-Go, Locking will help increase stamina and improve physical fitness.

5. Before learning how to dance street dance at home, decide on videos. Nothing can replace a professional trainer, even if that trainer shows the exercises on You Tube. So learn from famous dancers.

6. Remember the basic rule: constant practice is the key to an amazing result! At first, it may not work at all. Do not get depressed, you will see that one day everything became simple and clear, and your movement looks polished and natural.

7. Having learned the basic elements, mix them to your taste - improvisation is an indispensable street dance technique.

House dance performance is based on rhythmic and fast footwork combined with relaxed body movements. This direction originates in Chicago, it arose after the appearance of the musical style of the same name. House has been influenced by many movements: the dance contains elements of martial arts, Latin American incendiary dances, wog, waking and breakdancing. Much of this style adopted from hip-hop culture. You can learn how to dance house for beginners and beginners in Moscow at the best dance school-studio.

Would you like to learn how to dance house? Rock with us We are not just a school, we are a real dance family, the best and largest in Russia. We will be glad to see you in our team. We teach the most experienced choreographers who will help to reveal the full potential. They have repeatedly proved their skills at various European, Russian and even world competitions. Step by step, they will guide you into the wonderful world of house.

You can learn how to dance house for guys and boys quite quickly. Within a few months you will feel confident in the dance. Conquer the dance floors, become the star of music videos, participate in contests and competitions, stand out from the crowd! We invite everyone aged 10 years to

Learning how to dance house for girls is easy and simple, you just have to start. Movements perfectly develop coordination of movement and make the female body elegant and truly beautiful. And self-confidence increases with each new step.

Learning how to dance house is easy: everyone has talent

Do not be shy if you have never tried dancing. Better all the fears and doubts and just try. You can learn new things at any age: be it 10 years old or even 110. If you have enthusiasm and a desire to develop, you will become a true professional.

We have some of the strongest trainers in Moscow. Along with professional training, teaching house at our school is a number of undeniable advantages:

the opportunity to learn how to dance house from scratch to the level of a pro;
creation of creative teams, participation in the filming of commercials and video clips, international and regional performances and competitions;
friendly and truly united team;
comfortable, bright, spacious and comfortable rooms;
it will only take a minute to reach us from the nearest metro station;
You don't have to pay for a trial lesson.

Learning how to dance house for kids and teenagers at Trix-Family is the right decision. Finding us is easy! You can get to the studio from the Dubrovka metro station in one or two minutes. Everyone can learn how to dance house, if there is a desire. Our studio is located near the Krestyanskaya Zastava and Proletarskaya stations. You can also quickly get from the Volgogradsky Prospekt and Avtozavodskaya metro stations. It will be convenient for you to come to classes if you live in the South-Eastern Administrative District or in the Central Administrative District. And while the first lesson is free for everyone, do not hesitate. Forward, for the dream!

The popular dance house (House) appeared in the disco era of the 70s and 80s of the 20th century. House is built, first of all, on the complete control of your body and energy. It is released in an explosive wave or carefully restrained.

Differences of house from other styles. House is often confused with other dances, however, it has its own unique history and characteristics. The reasons for the similarity lie, most likely, in the partial coincidence of some elements from other dance cultures. Many consider house a direct descendant of hip-hop, but, in fact, this is not so. Hip-hop, of course, influenced the formation of house, brought many elements and emotions to it, but significant changes in music in the 80s played the main role in the emergence of house. House is woven from a variety of styles, but does not have clear canons of movement performance at its core.

House was born on the basis of Old School Hip-hop and many elements from other styles. To date, there are various varieties in house: jacking (body work), footwork (footwork), stomping (jumping elements), lofting (parterre work), as well as stocking - playing with a partner.

But the basis of the dance is precisely the individual perception of music by the dancer, his feelings and emotions - it is no coincidence that the style did not have the original name and was simply designated as Freestyle dancing.

One of the best dancers in New York, Ejoe Willson, says that "what makes hayc different from hip-hop is that when you dance hayc, you subordinate your body to the music itself, and not to the musical beat, as in hip-hop."

Feelings, emotions, sensations are very important in Hausa. It should be noted that house is still more of a club dance than a theatrical one, so the technical execution of all movements is considered the main one. House helps to improve the dancer's flexibility, balance and physical abilities.

House catches the eye of the public with its energy and fun atmosphere. The features of this dance make it one of the most popular at any party.

As in any other style, House Dance also includes improvisation, where each dancer can express himself.

If you look at the video of the performances of house dancers, you can see that they have a unique quality and perform all movements easily and seem to spring on their feet. The speed of the dance performance speaks for itself, since energetic music with smooth transitions requires the realization of wide plastic abilities.

House dance culture implies that each dancer perceives music in his own way and expresses his perception in dance movements. House is based on several modern original trends. Initially, house was positioned as freestyle - this is the art of energetic street dance, which, first of all, allows the dancer to express his feelings and emotions following the perception of music.

If you still haven't learned how to move your body like Rihanna or Miley Cyrus, you're hopelessly out of fashion. Fortunately, twerk is so popular that finding instructional videos on YouTube is not a problem at all. Choose those where there are few words, but a lot of movement. It is better to train in front of a mirror, so you can better examine your body and understand how it works. And yes, feel free to be frank, that's the whole point of the dance.

House

Dance appeared along with the musical direction of the same name. Its characteristic features are dynamism, constant movement of the whole body and special footwork, which, as it were, build a certain pattern on the floor. Body movements can be both smooth, wavy, and sharp and very intermittent. House is various combinations of three basic movements (a characteristic swaying of the torso, a peculiar technique of rearranging the legs and sharp movements of the arms) and, of course, a lot of improvisation.

Don't expect this dance to be a thing of the past. Sexy body movements to rhythmic music will never go out of style. If you have no idea or vaguely remember what this R&B is and what it looks like, remember Beyoncé in her Single Ladies video - this is exactly it. The dance is full of expression and feelings, and, despite its characteristic rhythmic movements, the overall pattern of the dance is plastic and smooth.

Dancehall

The history of this dance begins in sultry Jamaica, where it was danced back in 1970s to the thunder of drums and loud songs. Today, the dancehall has gone beyond South America and moved to the most popular dance floors in the world, as well as to the clips of many famous performers. The main movement of the dance is vigorous rotation of the hips and special wave-like movements of the body. Basically, dancehall is something like a combination of hip-hop and R&B. But only a hundred times hotter.

Go-go is a dance of girls who set the rhythm for visitors in clubs. Usually they stand on the podiums and movements that rise above the dance floor and raise the degree of looseness and fun with their drive. Go-go is a very peculiar and characteristic dance. It is easy to learn and quite simple to learn, but keep in mind that it requires a certain amount of physical fitness and takes a lot of energy. No wonder the go-go dancers are all model-like. For an hour of such dances, you can work out not a single dessert.

Tap girls show

Tap dance show

Tap Girls is an exclusive women's tap dance show that combines real American tap rhythms with modern choreography. The uniqueness of the group lies in the synthesis of fashionable dance styles with tap dance rhythms performed by professional dancers who embody female energy, sexuality and beauty, combined with brutal tap dance.

We are always happy to offer an original dance program for any event: from jazz tunes to modern dance hits. Bright concert numbers; sparkling step; femininity and sexuality, accompanied by stylish musical compositions, will become the main and unforgettable part of any of your events.

The format of the show allows us to perform at any venues and events. Created according to your choice interactive or master class, where not a single guest of the holiday will be left without attention.

We will gladly consider any proposal for cooperation and are ready to present a real show by making Your evening is unforgettable. You can also find us in the Artists Base at the link: "Artists Base" - we have all the artists. Direct contacts of artists. Artists for holidays and weddings. Contacts of artists without intermediaries, phones of all stars.

VIDEO

Numbers

Bright start-opening of the show program. Incendiary music, energetic choreography, virtuoso step and shiny dresses in the style of Chicago of the 30s will give a festive mood to every spectator and will not leave anyone indifferent. A modern version of the beloved, super famous jazz composition ‘Sing Sing Sing’. Performed by 6 girls and one man.

Step dance with canes in revealing women's outfits. The embodiment of sexuality and feminine choreography combined with modern American tap rhythms. Number is running to popular hip-hop music.

One of the most stylish rooms in our program. Performed under the same name, worldwide famous jazz standard "Fever". Tailored trouser suits in black and white, butterflies and tuxedos give a special style and charm to the room.

Bright mix of Californian hip-hop and tap dance. Virtuoso choreography and syncopated the rhythms are stylishly merging into a coherent whole under the popular Ariana Grande track.

Bright and cheerful step dance to the cover version of the famous hit "Hit the road Jack". The girls dance as playful maids.

Incendiary number, modern choreography to popular dance music. This number will be an excellent end to the show program.

Reviews

Just super lit today! The hall is delighted!!! Shouts "Bravo"! Very cool! Yegoryevsk is waiting for you again!

@inesdoc(Inessa)

Chic, professional team, bright and incendiary! Your numbers just brilliance, energy and chic! It's a pleasure to look at you! thanks for performance in our city, we look forward to seeing you again! ❤❤❤

@lili_elsi(Lily)

Cool team! Good luck everyone!!! Amazing show!!!

@nataliia.