Dancemania Dancewear Blog

The Road to the World Tap Championships 2011 (Part 5)

Jordan Mills — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 16:57:25 +0000

The concluding thoughts of Jordan Mills, part of the England Team as he prepares, rehearses and performs…Part 5 (Read Part 4, Part 3, Part 2 & Part 1)

On The Road…

So, this is what we’d been working towards – over 120 hours of solid training in preparation for this – the IDO World Tap Championships 2011. I couldn’t wait! Hmm, but how to keep this level of excitement up for the 18 hour coach journey ahead – anticipation, a load of great friends and teammates, and a tonne of coffee! After staying awake for the 800 mile journey we arrived at the hotel where we’d be staying in Riesa. The rooms were nice, and after settling in we got some sleep ready for the hectic week ahead…

Riesa

Whilst travelling to where we’d be training we got to see a bit of Riesa. It’s a really quiet town and really the only things there were a load of Netto supermarkets and the Erdgas Arena – where we’d be performing in a few days. But before we went there, we had training at a sports complex right next to the arena. Reluctantly, I performed my solo. My nerves were ridiculous, mostly due to the fact that we were in Germany and I felt overwhelmed by the experience. There was a lot of work to do before I could get on the world stage, and I would do it – I had to do it…

The right tap shoes are so important

…Second day: up early for a full day of training. One thing that made training easier was the shoes. They were Capezio’s K360 professional tap shoes courtesy of Capezio – Tap Attack’s supporters – and surprisingly I had no foot problems at all – I was lucky. Tuesday was when I started fine tuning my solo. A lot of filming and watching and then re-filming and watching myself again – something I hate doing, but it needed to be done if I was going to even feel comfortable getting up onto the stage that I hadn’t even seen yet.
Wednesday came, and with it so did the rest of the team. Now it truly felt like a team now that everyone was here, including the supporting family of the team. The junior competition had begun and it was a great start…
And before I knew, it was Thursday: more training, more performing for the team and more watching the incredible teams that we were up against. It was phenomenal to see so much tap in one place…

formation day

Friday – formation day. The scariest day so far of the week. Any spare time the team had was spent rehearsing and rehearsing and rehearsing. When we came to performing, we couldn’t have been closer as a team. But what we were going to do the next day would truly make us the best possible team…

Saturday: the last and scariest day of the week, time for my solo and the small group categories. After such a successful previous day the pressure was on to do well in our sections. But it wouldn’t be easy, as if we did well in all of the categories I would have no time to practice as I’d just be changing costumes constantly, which is exactly what happened. We reached the finals in the formation and the guys group got through to the final round.

Through to the finals

The boys group was the best dance for me as we got on so well and just had a laugh. But when we reached the final everyone started to get the “we’ve got a chance” feeling. We all knew that we had an awesome routine and if we nailed it we could be on the podium. After performing we went back on stage for the exciting part – open marking. All of the finalists stand back on the stage and watch as the judges give show placards indicating where they would place you. Our results were good and from them we could tell that we were on the podium – but where?

Waiting on side of stage as they called out the places was the scariest moment ever! Podium places were being announced, and we had worked out that we were either 3rd or 2nd. 3rd… Not us! “2nd place… Tap Attack, the boys from England!” That’s when the smile started. Standing on the podium and watching the England flag ascend in the arena was an unbelievable feeling and we had done it! But we weren’t finished yet – we still had the formation, which was much scarier!

There was much more to come

But the most nerve-racking moments were waiting to hear if I’d reached the next round in the solo category. In total there were 23 competitors from all over the world, two of them being guys from the England Team. After the quarterfinal round we were frantically rehearsing the formation and I could just hear the announcements – my name was called. I’d done what I wanted to do. Getting through the first round was enough for me, but before I could think I had performed again in the semi-finals and this time everyone was waiting to hear the results nervously backstage. Several names had been called including one from the England Team – wasn’t me. But before I could congratulate him, my name was called and the whole team erupted with excitement knowing that two of the England Team had reached the male solo finals!…

A dream outcome

…My first thought was shock, then excitement, then fear – I’d got through to all of the finals! This then meant that I had seconds to change after my solo performance into the formation. So, the time came. I watched the soloists that I was up against and I knew at that moment that I was nowhere near the podium, but just to be in the final was incredible! Performing on a stage that size individually is a ridiculously daunting and rewarding experience, and after I’d ended my final performance, I’d done all I could do.

But there was no time to think about it now, as the open marking was over and our formation was up next – I had seconds to change into my costume. Luckily the host, Michael, had been told this and chatted away so I had enough time to get ready. My head was still spinning from the solo event so clearing my head and focusing for the formation was difficult, but I had to do it. After the week of incredibly difficult rehearsals and unbelievable teamwork, we had reached the final…

… After we hit the final position, it was over. No more performances on this amazing stage, just the results: 6 trophies and 31 medals, including a junior world champion. Individually, I came 6th in the solo category, then 3rd with the team in the formation and 2nd with the guys in the small group category. An emotionally and physically exhausted England Team headed back to the hotel to celebrate… and pack. The trip home seemed to be a lot shorter and sleep was a necessity this time!…

…After saying my goodbyes, I headed home with time to think back on what exactly I had achieved with the team, and what I’d love to do again – roll on next year!

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How to look & feel great for dance fitness

Dancer — Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:37:45 +0000

If you want to return to the dance or fitness studio after a long break but you are self-conscious about your recently acquired wobbly-bits then you may well be looking for a way of sucking it all in, smoothing it all down and holding it in place. If you are then Capezio has the answer in their shape control underwear.

Capezio’s shape control underwear for dance

Designed with dancers in mind these garments offer control and support without restricting the parts of your body that you want to move whilst being strict on those parts you don’t want to move. Made from advanced materials each item is made without seams ensuring smooth lines. The fabric is knit with varying density in a way calculated to restrict stretching in some directions whilst allowing free stretch in others. The result is a garment that has control panels seamlessly integrated in to the weave, which offer compression, control and support.

Compression underwear

Compression base layers such as Capezio’s shape control underwear enhance performance in training, competing and recovery, and are designed to reduce the quick build up of lactic acid in the muscles, whilst keeping you comfortable and dry during exercise by wicking moisture away from your skin. Body moulded compression garments also improve recovery after periods of sustained exercise and help to regulate your body temperature. Compression base layers also help prevent muscle oscillation which leads to muscle fatigue and help to minimise muscle soreness.

That is all great, but perhaps we should also mention that:

Easy to wear.. no need to ask someone to pull up the back part for you.
Fabric breathes so no unnecessary sweating
Very comfortable
Affordable compared to other shape control products
Seamless so no pantylines
Comes in Nude Colour which is always the best choice
Provides firm control and reduces bulges and love handles significantly
Gives a nice silhouette especially when wearing fitted Lycra clothes
Easy to wash (wash as you would your undergarments)

High Waist Shape Control Briefs

Control panels squeeze the buttocks holding them in place, control across the lower tummy pulls it in, the lack of a waistband ensures your waist isn’t squeezed out in to a muffin-top and transition straps make sure the top doesn’t roll down.

Take a look and buy now >>>

High Waist Shape Control Legging

Similar to the High Waist Shape Control Briefs except these leggings gives you that extra squeeze around your thighs. Obvious benefits are you avoid unsightly visible panty lines in tight fitting clothing, your quads get special treatment aiding endurance and recovery and there is a total absence of seams around the crotch so no risk of painful chaffing during sweaty workouts.

Take a look and buy now >>>

Shape Control Shorts

Ideal for limiting the amount of control you want and directing it to your hips and buttocks. Control panels support your your glutes and being shorts you avoid unsightly panty lines. These compliment Capezio’s shape control bra top.

Take a look and buy now >>>

Shape Control Bra Top

This is a top, not a bra, so there are no clasps or hooks you just pull it on over your head. Being tight this top holds things close to your chest and strong control ribbing helps to prevent boob bounce.

Great for keeping things cool and for wearing under close fitting tops where you don’t want your underwear to show through.

Take a look and buy now >>>

Shape Control Camisole Top

This camisole top supports and controls your trunk, smoothing your lines whilst wicking away moisture thereby keeping you dry for longer during intensive workouts.

Take a look and buy now >>>

Not going to lie, compression layers take a bit of getting used to, but they get the job done. Not to mention, they don’t move – they will stay where you put them, which is important if you plan on dancing.

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New Zumba Classes Announcement

Dancemaniac — Wed, 11 Jan 2012 19:57:13 +0000

STOP THE PRESS! We’ve had a request from Rebecca Rogoff, or you may know her from Twitter as @ZumbaFunkLondon, to send out a special call to attention for two new Zumba classes that she has created.

“I’ve been teaching Zumba in Putney, London for a while now and have just teamed up with Eddie Catz, Putney to host 2 brand new Zumba classes starting this month – one for Mums with babies or toddlers and the other is for everyone (without kids!)

Tomorrow (Thursday 12th) sees the launch of my Mums and Babies Zumba at 9:45 in the Eddie Catz studio. Mums are able to bring their babies to class where a brightly coloured mat is provided with soft toys (for chewing on..), or, if Mum prefers, she’s encouraged to carry baby and even dance with him/her – so it’s a very inclusive, relaxed class which gives Mum a chance to get fit, dance, meet other Mums and enjoy having baby in the class with her. For toddlers who come with Mum, Eddie Catz offers a crèche AND a free play in their playcentre (which is brilliant fun!) afterwards while Mum can sit and have a well earned coffee.

On Monday 16th January I’m offering a free taster class (also at Eddie Catz) for my regular Zumba class – it’s at 7-8pm and will be every Monday thereafter.

Zumba (as you probably know) combines dance and fitness with a delicious Latin flavour. I come from a sports/dance background and so when I stumbled across Zumba (while trying to learn Capoeira and failing miserably) I felt that these 2 elements met so perfectly.”
– Rebecca Rogoff

If you would like more information about Rebecca’s new and existing classes then send her a message through Twitter @ZumbaFunkLondon.

If you have a special announcement of your own then please drop us a line and we’ll do our very best to post it.

New Zumba fitness shoes arriving in 2012
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New Zumba fitness shoes arriving in 2012

Dancer — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 13:06:38 +0000

The secret to good dance sneakers & Zumba shoes is the sole. We all know how awful sports trainers are for dancing in as they grip too much and rip your muscles and tendons in the process. Dance shoes on the other hand have been designed with dance movement in mind and are consequently far better for Zumba. But even dance sneakers have their short comings as their soles are typically made from one homogenous lump of man-made compound, which will perform well on most floor surfaces but not all. It’s not the fault of the shoe, it is simply that the chemists making the sole compound had to tune it to be a ‘jack of all trades’ in respect to floor surfaces as they can’t control where the shoe will eventually be worn.

Bloch may well have an answer to this short coming with the 2012 release of their new Dance Fitness Sneakers, which incorporate innovative modular soles. The thinking is that where a single compound sole can be a ‘jack of all trades’ a modular sole composed of many compounds could well be a ‘master of them all’.

Dance fitness sneakers by Bloch

This is Bloch’s first sneaker specifically designed for dance fitness but they are a leading innovator in dance shoes. Any of you that have worn the Bloch 538 Boost DRT Dance Sneaker will already know how great their shoes are for Zumba, so these new sneakers are going to be rather special.

Bloch claim that with this technically superior lightweight sole these revolutionary sneakers will offer optimum ability to execute the full range of movements needed in dance fitness, even for those with little or no dance experience.

Personally I can’t wait to get my hands on a pair to test.

Bloch’s innovative sole

The lightweight multi-layered sole provides bounce and shock absorption for jumps. A combination of high-tech materials offers optimum support and flexibility in a full sole shoe.

The key to this sneakers success could well be the way that the smooth, less grippy spin spot is surrounded by more grippy pads that will allow control of spins and slides through braking.

The spin spot

High density smooth spin spot assists in free movement related to spinning and sliding.

Pads surrounding the spin spot give balance and control.

Outer side of sole acts as a brake when sliding. The grip offers stability in neutral positions as well as quick foot movements.

What the shoes will look like

As this is a new line of fitness sneakers the innovative sole will be incorporated in a collection of different shoe designs, which you can view below:

Lightening S0924

Apex S0920

Traverse S0922

Apex Mid S0921

Traverse Mid S0923

What do you think? Is there a style that has caught your eye? Please give us your thoughts on these sneakers and if you have any questions then let us know. We will be getting some in as soon as we can so that we can do an objective review, so watch this space.

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The Road to the World Tap Championships 2011 (Part 4)

Jordan Mills — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 15:42:14 +0000

The thoughts of Jordan Mills, part of the England Team as he prepares, rehearses and performs…Part 4 (Read Part 3, Part 2 & Part 1)

Tap boot camp

So, here it is, the week of craziness, the week of laughs, the week of tap. The Tap Attack Residential was the week when choreography for the World Champs began, and also when the team truly became a team – as before now we’d only met on Sundays, so it was interesting living with these guys for a week.
Before any tapping could start we had to get in and get set up, so we instantly saw who was – and who wasn’t – willing to do some work! We then found out who we’d be spending a week with in our rooms, got settled in, and then were ready to do what we were there to do – tap!
The daily routine was tiring but exciting all the same as new routines were being choreographed that we’d use at Worlds: up at 6am, breakfast, warm up and drills, training for new routines, lunch, more training, dinner, (not much) free time, bed at midnight. Before the week, people had said that it’s exhausting and it only gets harder as the week goes on, but I didn’t see it as that. For me, it was a good challenge and good practice for what I want to do for a career. Although at times it was frustrating and annoying when my brain just failed to work, the fact that we were learning all of this for an international event made it all worthwhile, and so did the time when training ended.

R&R

Most nights were spent at the accommodation: playing pool, watching films, playing on the Wii and just relaxing. But one night we went out for a meal and went bowling. It was so much fun, and was when I really got to know the guys that I’d been rehearsing with, and how good or bad they were at bowling. After playing a pretty poor game of bowling, we spilled into the arcade where we got even more competitive and after spending the rest of our money we headed back to our beds to rest before another insanely busy day.

A thought for my poor tap shoes please

Waking up on the Thursday morning seemed to be more difficult than it had been before, and unfortunately the day would be no less exhausting. Surprisingly, I hadn’t got any foot injuries, and it seemed as my feet had done a lot of damage to my shoes, which by Thursday had split down the middle meaning that the only thing holding them together was the thin leather. But it was alright as I didn’t need them too much that day as we were starting to set the formation – the strict routine involving 20 dancers that focused on positions and formations of the dance more than other categories. So, as the weather was good, we put on our trainers and headed out to the garden behind the venue to set positions and work out the dreaded ‘crossover’.
During Thursday, we spent the entire afternoon outside setting positions for the routine and then spent the evening relaxing.

Friday

Then the final day came – Friday: the day that all the parents came in and watched what we’d been doing for the past five days. Performing to everyone now felt much easier and exciting compared to the day that I nervously walked into auditions. Then, after we’d all performed, it was time to do what none of us wanted to do – pack up and say bye. It’s always rubbish saying bye to people that you’ve worked with in that environment for a whole week, but we had plenty more weekly training sessions before the ultimate event of the year for the Tap Attack Youth Company…

funding

… Leading up to the World Championships, I began raising money to fund my trip to Germany, and did this through two main events: a table sale and a cabaret. The table sale was organised at the dance school where I train, and brought a lot of people together who generously supported me. The second event – and probably the most stressful thing I have done to date – was my cabaret that I directed and choreographed with the help of a lot of people. It was an amazing event and it was ultimately rewarding for me as I learnt a lot in the way of choreography and teaching as well as raising over £1,000 for my trip to Worlds.

Now there was only one thing left to do – bring back the medals!…

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Wishing you a prosperous 2012

Dancer — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:27:21 +0000

As we greet a New Year all of us here at Dancemania thank you for your custom and for making 2011 such a successful year for us. We all wish you a happy and prosperous New Year and hope that 2012 proves to be your best year yet!

A Happy New Year from the Dancemania head office

We look forward to serving you to the highest standard throughout 2012 and for many years to come. We hope that you will be delighted by the new stock and services that we have planned for you over the coming year and that we may continue to impress with our level of customer support.

From David, Sophie, Donald, Lesley, Tom, Tracy, Jackie, Zoe, Margaret, Josie(not pictured), Jessie(not pictured), Ben(not pictured), and Clare(not pictured) we wish you a Happy New Year!

A Happy New Year from the Dancemania store

Next time you are passing then please do pop in to say hello. As always we have lots of free parking right outside our store and of course we are open 7 days a week – here is our address and opening times.

From Chloe W, Chloe B, Zoe (again!?), Caroline(we can see you), Lucie, Karen, Maddie, Terri and Teresa(not pictured) we wish you a Happy New Year!

Dancemaniacs that we said Goodbye to in 2011

During 2011 Dancemania lost a few people to pastures new so we would just like to send a special New Year’s greeting to our workmates Sandra, Steven, Michelle, Sammi and Danni and wish them the best for 2012.

Also, this month we lose Sophie, our video presenter and social commenator to the BBC. Sophie will be working on the Cbeebies ZingZillas television show and we wish her all the very best.

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What are the best Zumba shoes for men?

Dancer — Wed, 07 Dec 2011 16:02:36 +0000

Dance Sneakers were made for Zumba …well actually, since dance sneakers have been around a lot longer than Zumba it would be more accurate to state that it is ‘as if’ Zumba was made for dance sneakers, because dance sneakers are by far the best shoes for Zumba.

Important: Never wear sports trainers for Zumba as their soles provide too much grip in the tight turns and many people have ripped their knees, ankles and even hips by dancing in them.

Dance Sneaker Design

Studies* have shown that there are differences between the feet of men and women, which are not due to men typically having bigger feet than women, and designers of dance sneakers take these differences in to account when making their shoes. A rule of thumb is that unless a style of dance sneaker is specifically identified as ‘for men’ or ‘unisex’ then it has been made for women. However, do not let this put you off!

Statistically some men will have female feet and conversely some women will have male feet, yet they will continue to wear shoes that were not designed for their type of feet. So the point is wear shoes that feel most comfortable on YOUR feet.

As with all shoes, when trying out a new pair of dance sneakers it is important not only that the shoes feel comfortable when you stand, with no crushing or cutting, but that they feel comfortable when you move around in them, with no rubbing or chafing. If you can try out a few dance moves then that would be best.

For men the points to focus on when trying on Dance Sneakers for the first time are the heel cup and width across the ball of the foot. Some men may find that their heels are too big for the shoe’s heel cup, so in my recommendations below I identify potential problems with heel cups for each style of shoe. For a given length of foot men typically are 5% wider across the ball than women so I have chosen my recommenations with this fact in mind.

How do your feet feel? Dance sneakers feel totally different to wear than street shoes or sports shoes so you may feel the effects of your feet experiencing euphoria as they are set free to flex and articulate as never before in shoes.

Dance Sneaker Style

Most dance sneakers are split-sole, which means that the heel and ball of the foot have their own unique sole. This aids bending and flexing the foot, which is important in dance and fitness.

The split-sole can be low profile or high profile as demonstrated in the photo. The benefit of high profile is exceptional shock absorption.

It is usual that men do not wear high profile split-sole dance sneakers. Although there is no physical reason why this is the case I have limited my recommendations below to only dance sneakers that have a low profile sole.

recommended zumba shoes for men

Capezio BOLT Dansneaker

Made by Capezio, these are our most popular shoe for men doing Zumba and are available in half sizes up to UK Adult 12.
I assume that most men will be happy with this style in Black but this sneaker also comes with Ice Blue embroidered ‘ribs’, which look very good. You can also get the ‘ribs’ in Hot Pink too if you feel especially daring.
The tech-mesh uppers allow for some expansion across the ball of the foot whilst the lack of a rigid heel cup makes this sneaker better suited to men with broad heels.
Take a look and buy now >>

Bloch Wave Dance Sneaker

Latest styling from Bloch, another company famed for quality dance sneakers.
Choice of three colour combinations, but I’d expect the Graphite appeals to men most.
Available in half sizes up to UK 11.
The rigid construction of the heel cup and sides may constrict men with wide feet.

Take a look and buy now >>

Bloch Twist Dance Sneaker

Another design from Bloch. High density tpu outsole with functional spin spot. Excellent breathability and at least two colours that any man would be happy to wear – Silver & Black. Whilst there’s nothing wrong with men wearing Pink these sneakers in Pink may be pushing the boat our too far.
Available in half sizes up to UK 11.
The heel cup is less constricting than that on the previous sneaker and the width across the ball of the foot should be able to expand better too.

Take a look and buy now >>

Bloch Criss Cross Dance Sneaker

This Bloch sneaker benefits from an upper composed almost entirely of mesh for reducing weight and maximising breathability.
Adult sizes up to 11½.

Take a look and buy now >>

Capezio Freedom Dansneaker

This multi-articulating split shoe from Capezio is so flexible the entire shoe can be folded or rolled and put in your pocket. Adult sizes up to UK 8½.
Although this shoe does not have a spin-spot, is not available in sizes larger than 8½ and has minimal shock absorbing qualities I’ve included it here because it is a great dance shoe that is specifically Unisex. I would not recommend this shoe to beginners due to the lack of shock absorption.

Take a look and buy now >>

If the Freedom takes your fancy but you’d like something a bit brighter and more eye-catching then there is of course the Freedom2 – based on the Freedom the Freedom2 has it all, including a choice of three bright sole colours.

References:

* Wunderlich RE, Cavanagh PR. (2001). Gender differences in adult foot shape: implications for shoe design, Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise. 33(4):605-11.

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The Road to the World Tap Championships 2011 (Part 3)

Jordan Mills — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 17:08:51 +0000

The thoughts of Jordan Mills, part of the England Team as he prepares, rehearses and performs…Part 3 (Read Part 2 & Part 1)

“NEXT!”…

Before I even had time to think it was the day; the day that I had been dreading and anticipating for weeks and weeks – the recall audition workshop.
It felt like a long drive up to Reading and the nerves were building.
When we arrived I was nervously searching for someone I recognized from the audition – no-one. But there were lots of others there and then I realised that this was not just for new auditionees. This is the point at which they re-audition existing members of Tap Attack, – even MORE nerve-racking…as I was being judged not only by Jo and Jim, but by ALL of the existing squad members!
So it began with a warm up: we’d started: from now until the second I left this hall, I was being watched. Time to relax and focus and think how do I do a cramp roll?!!?
Then there were lots of corner drills: shuffle pick-up changes, cramp roll turns: which went a lot better than my last audition, so I felt more confident. But more nervous, they were solo – EVERYONE watching your every step.
Jim choreographed a routine which we all learnt. Completely different to what I’ve learned at my dancing school – very intricate, I really had to focus.
THEN, split into smaller groups, we were taken by existing members of TAYC to devise more of a routine. The guys were put together, went outside, more relaxed as we started chatting, and I started to feel part of the team – even though I hadn’t been given a place yet! We then learnt an extra part with some canon which I got surprisingly quickly.
After lunch we were back in the hall surrounded by everyone else, including Jim, Jo and Dean Magri – another member of the teaching faculty at Tap Attack.
Once we had shown the learned routine, I heard the dreaded word, the one word that I did not want to hear: improvisation. Granted, it was only 8 counts but it was improvisation, filmed improvisation! Round the circle, the camera got nearer and nearer, I had something planned in my head but whether it would get from there to my feet was questionable. Before I could change it, it was my turn. Done. It’s never as bad as you think…

Once the day was over we were told we’d be contacted by email with the news… yes or no? The long wait…YES! I had been offered a place!

My 1st Training Session

When I arrived, I recognised a lot more people and went straight into the vast studio. I saw a few people that were being auditioned, one of which was a guy from Performer’s College who I hadn’t seen since 2009.
We did a brief warm up – and it was nice to start to feel part of the team. We were then thrown in at the deep end and had to learn the squad’s Got To Dance routine

Overall, an awesome session, I loved the pace and intensity, more of this to come.

The thing that I needed to adjust to the most was the travelling. Every Sunday was a 2 hour car journey to training and back, but never feels that long. One session that’s stuck in my head is one at the Dance Attic – where the first audition was held. We were using different rooms, doing different routines, under different conditions – they were considering who to enter for the World Tap Championships in which categories. More pressure than previous ones, although the viewed us overall, I felt that I had to impress Jo and Jim of all training sessions. I’d done my best, then after training it was off to get fitted for my new Capezio K360 tap shoes.
In the next week, I got the email: I had been offered a solo. This meant that I had a lot more stuff to think about before the World Champs, a lot more training and a lot more travelling!
My first solo training sessions were a 6 hour train journey away in Liverpool with Jim over three days. I arrived on the Sunday, and training began Monday morning…
It was odd at first, working on a solo, as up until now I had only worked with everyone in groups, but this gave me a chance to really highlight my strengths in a routine. But there was one thing that we had to find before we started choreographing – music. Flicking through every genre – we stumbled upon Michael Bublé, my Mum’s favourite. Done.

At the end of the three days, I had half of a routine that I’d be performing in front of an international audience in 3 months, sore feet and another 6 hour train journey home…
… After then, my next solo session: 20th August. At this point we’d set a lot of the dance and it sounded great – now I just needed it to look great. I’d been focusing so much on the steps, I’d completely neglected everything above the waist. This training for my solo had been great as it set me up for the week of craziness ahead, the Tap Attack Residential…

But more of that next time…from Swindon to Riesa, Germany

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The Perfect christmas present for ballet teachers

Dancer — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 19:55:52 +0000

If you are struggling to find the best Christmas present for your dance teacher then here is something that will not only show how much you appreciate them but your ballet classes will benefit too. Buy your dance teacher the inspirational ballet music cds by David Plumpton.

There are three titles to choose from:
Modern Melodies,
West End To Broadway
New Classics.

At only £11 each they are a real steal!

Read what a dance teacher thinks

We gave a copy of each of the discs to a highly regarded dance teacher and asked her to trial them for us and to then give us an honest opinion. She trialled these cds in her senior class and here is her preofessional opinion:

“These CDs are an excellent resource to complement your syllabus music for ballet,
particularly for free work and adult classes.

Modern Melodies: A selection of lighthearted familiar tunes. Great fun!

West End To Broadway: A must for musical Theatre lovers. Inspirational!

New Classics: Moving melodies for the traditionalist.

I found myself just wanting to listen to the music when planning my classes and that rarely happens! And I can’t wait to get through all the whole collection in class. The ones that we have used so far have been inspirational and it is wonderful to see students refreshed by new music!

Unlike many stock music collections I found these to be beautifully arranged and played with introductions, essential for barre and centre practice work. I also found the accompanying information with each piece to be of real value. Giving you suggestions for exercises and the duration of the piece. Some good lengthy arrangements are included which enables the dancer to strengthen their stamina or for the teacher to arrange more complex combinations.

I would recommend them to any teacher working with a wide range of pupils and types of classes – a valuable musical resource.”

Sue Mills
RAD RTS Teaching Diploma

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We love these discs and know that they will revive your ballet class. We think your ballet teacher will love the assistance that they will give in planning their ballet classes and we know everyone will love the inspirational music the discs contain.

Take a closer look at the track-list on each disc and read more about the composer of these inspirational ballet music compilation cds.

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The Road to the World Tap Championships 2011

Jordan Mills — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 20:43:00 +0000

The thoughts of Jordan Mills, part of the England Team as he prepares, rehearses and performs…Part 2 (Read Part 1)

STARS IN THE ATTIC

It’s all by email now…they find out about you, ask you lots of questions- performance experience, exam results, ambitions and eventually you get an invite to an open audition! This is what it’s really all about – performing, dancing, showing-off! Yet you’re still nervous and apprehensive…’give it a go, see what happens, it’ll be good experience. So I was off to London, The Dance Attic, a famous rehearsal studios used by Madonna, Tina Turner, Kylie Minogue and now me!

Back in March, after an anxious drive to London (getting slightly lost of course), I turned up at an open workshop audition for the Tap Attack Youth Squad. Full of apprehension, surrounded by other nervous faces dreading what could happen in the 20 minutes that I have in front of, Guinness World-record holder and Squad founder director Jo Scanlan and Jim Doubtfire, Tap Dogs’ Dance Captain and Squad artistic director.

We’re led into the studio – an odd space with an unnervingly smooth wooden floor, not quite what I need as my heart rate soars. We started with some drills led by Jo: shuffle pick up changes, cramp roll turns, paddle sequences…

TECHNIQUE DESERTS ME

It felt as if all of my technique had been left outside in the waiting area, whilst I nervously struggled to execute the cramp roll turns with any confidence and skill in the studio under – what felt like – severe scrutiny. Then we moved straight onto a short routine choreographed by Jim, which allowed me to regain my focus and composure: learn the routine, perform the routine, don’t mess up the routine!

After performing the set routine individually, I felt that I’d done well, and now couldn’t wait for the one part of the audition that I had control over – our own pre-prepared solo. Something I’d choreographed and performed many times, to a great old piece of jazz – Unsquare Dance (Dave Brubeck).

MAYBE . . .

After watching two routines from other auditionees, the pressure built again. My turn. Two minutes to show Jo and James what I can really do. I started cautiously, as I knew the floor was mercilessly slippery for tap dancing, but gained confidence until I finished with my crossed double pick-up.

Once we’d all performed our solos, we waited patiently and silently whilst Jo and Jim discussed our auditions. After what felt like an age, several of us were called over, and given the news…

…After a brief thank you, we all left the studio. I faced the drive back, and a hundred questions from my Mum when I got home, and the amazing fact – I had been asked to the recall auditions in Reading in May…this was my chance, it was getting closer…just a whole day of intensive drills and routines all filmed and then another long wait…will I get a YES!?