How to enjoy a cocktail (or two) this weekend without undoing your whole week!
How to enjoy a cocktail (or two) this weekend without undoing your whole week!
Holiday weekends can be tough when it comes to sticking to your diet, especially if you are planning on hitting a pool party and having a few cocktails. Cocktails can pack a surprising amount of calories in one measly drink! Good for your tastebuds, but not good for that bikini ready tummy you have been putting so much work into! Here are four skinny cocktail recipes that are tastebud and bikini approved.
Pina Colada Cooler
1 1/2 ounces coconut-flavored rum
3 ounces pineapple juice
4 ounces sparkling water
1 tablespoon of Coco Lopez Cream of Coconut Lite (found in the drink mixers section of many supermarkets)
Pour ingredients over ice and stir.
Calories: 165
Strawberry-Citrus Vodka Cocktail
2 strawberries
1 sprig of mint
3/4 ounce light agave nectar, such as Wholesome Sweeteners
1 3/4 ounces citrus vodka
3/4 ounce lemon juice
In a shaker, muddle together mint and strawberries, then add the remaining ingredients. Shake vigorously with ice for 20 seconds. Pour entire contents of shaker into a tall glass. (Include all of the mint and strawberry pulp.)
Calories: 259
Choco-lite Cocktail
1 ounce Godiva chocolate liqueur
1 ounce vodka
1/2 cup nonfat milk
1 teaspoon Hershey’s Syrup Lite (for lining rim of glass)
In a shaker, combine chocolate liqueur, vodka, and milk with crushed ice. Shake to mix. Pour into glass.
Calories: 227
Mojito Makeover
2 ounces light rum
1 ounce Splenda syrup, Da Vinci’s Sugar Free Sweetener Syrup
1 ounce lime juice
7 mint leaves
Splash of club soda
In a shaker, muddle mint leaves and a lime wedge. Add ice and other ingredients and shake. Pour into tall glass and top with soda.
Calories: 140
Loving Moms Everywhere
My mom pole dances and she loves it!
Mother’s Day, is a holiday with deep significance, although celebrated around the world it is an American invention. Celebrations of motherhood and mothers have occurred throughout the world over thousands of years, such as the Greek cult to Cybele, the Roman festival of Hilaria, or the Christian Mothering Sunday celebration. For me Mother’s Day represents the perfect time to reflect on the bonds between women, and especially the bonds between mothers and daughters.
I spent the morning watching the Dove Real Beauty Sketches, Women and Men, what struck me was, in both videos, two people, a man and a woman, said “My mom told me I had…X.” It brought to mind how much of who we are and how we see ourselves is shaped by our mothers. This power we have as mothers, is truly terrifying and wonderful, a grave responsibility. With a grown child, I reflect back on the positive affirmations and the negative remarks I’ve made to Chris and realize, as all mothers do, that I could have done better. Despite everything I’ve ever done wrong and because of everything I ever did right, I witness my son grow into a strong, moral, hard-working and kind man and I’m so proud. The relationship mothers have with our children is sacred, Lord help anyone stupid enough to get between a mother and her children.
My mother is my best friend, the person in my life who knows me best and loves me anyway. As I age, I realize the powerful influence my mother has had over my life. My smile, my mannerisms, my work ethic, I see her everywhere. I love my mother more than any other woman in my life, because of her I am able to meet challenges, push past obstacles and most importantly love myself. When the roses are blooming, the sun is out and all is good in the world, I call my Mom. When it is cloudy, stormy and seems I’m lost forever, I call my Mom. She is my cornerstone, the strongest person I have ever known. When I grow up, I want to be my Mom.
How it all began
Mother’s Day — or a similar incarnation — is celebrated across the world on different days throughout the year. In the United States, the holiday’s orginaly purpose was to honor the sacrifices mothers make for their children, but its roots stretch back much further.
Ann Reeves Jarvis, an activist in West Virginia in the mid-1800s, worked tirelessly to improve health conditions for both infants and mothers. She formed groups known as Mother’s Day Work Clubs; these groups helped teach women how to care for their children, as well as providing care and aid to wounded soldiers — from both sides of the Mason-Dixon line — during the Civil War.
When the war was over, the work clubs took on a more political role, calling for women across the country to unite and work together toward peace. Jarvis and Julia Ward Howe — a pacifist suffragette and abolitionist who’s best known for writing “The Battle Hymn of the Republic” — developed a Mother’s Peace Day with the goal of reuniting women who’d been on opposite sides of the fighting during the Civil War.
An Evolving Holiday
When Jarvis died in 1905, her daughter Anna wanted to honor her mother’s memory, as well as the sacrifices that all mothers make, so she organized the first Mother’s Day celebration in 1908. The success of the event led her to petition the government to adopt the day as a national holiday, and a few years later, her dream was realized.
Honoring Women
Today, Mother’s Day still honors that essential relationship between mother and child, but it’s also transformed into a celebration of all women. The bonds between women remain strong, and the holiday has been used to make them even stronger; for instance, Coretta Scott King, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s wife, has lead marches to support needy women and their children on Mother’s Day.
This Mother’s Day, why not spend the day celebrating the many women that enrich your own life! So go buy some flowers and call your Mom!!!
Pole Dancing for All Moms Everywhere!
I talk to ALOT of women every day, so many ask me, “Am I too old for this?” or “I have kids, I don’t have time” Taking care of yourself should be HIGH UP on your priority list. I know, it’s tough, especially with little ones, but YOU need some play time too! Take an hour a day, exercise, you’ll be better for it. As far as the “Too Old” excuse, you are NEVER too old to try new things, this is what keeps us young. The majority of women that come to Embody are between the ages of 35-60 and have kids. We were women first, then Moms! Embrace your womanhood, empower your femininity, Embody Your Love for Life!
Pole and Aerial Silks-Making a Difference…One Life At A Time
Nothing makes you feel more alive than narrowly thwarting death – especially if your great escape is made possible by your own amazing level of strength and fitness! In fact, getting in great shape does more than just reduce your risk of having a heart attack in middle age; it can also help you escape from sticky situations.
And, believe it or not, aerial silks and pole training may just be one of the best ways to stay fit – and stay alive!
Hanging by a Thread
Imagine you’re out camping in the woods, enjoying a peaceful evening toasting marshmallows around the fire when you hear a crashing noise in the brush. This could only mean one thing: Bigfoot! After slinging you over his shoulder and carrying you off to his lair, this desperately-in-need-of-a-good-Brazilian monster decides to hang you — upside down, of course – from the tallest tree around. What do you do?
If you’ve been taking aerial silks classes, this situation won’t even phase you! In fact, you’ll see it as a delightful chance to practice that “man in the moon” move that you’ve been working on in, all while enjoying the exquisite view from the top of a 100-foot tree.
Aerial silks is so much more than simply a stunning dance through the air while suspended from delicate-looking fabric. Aerial silks teaches you how to climb, how to balance, all while building up an insane amount of muscle strength and control, all perfect for those camping trips gone horribly, horribly wrong.
Cliff Jumper
So you’ve stolen the diamonds from the chateau on the hill. You thought you were home free, until those danged kids tipped off the police – and now you’re running for your life along the winding cliffside path when, oops! Over the edge you go!
Luckily for you, you’ve been taking pole dances classes at Embody. Not only do you look incredibly sexy as you dive over the edge, you’re also able to use your incredibly toned arms to grab onto a branch and break your fall. Most people would panic, but not you – pole dancing emphasizes a focus on breathing and movement meditation, so you keep calm and cool, even when you look down at the crashing waves on the rocks so very far below.
And, thanks to pole dancing’s focus on flexibility and strength — as well as the series of grips, braces and hooks that you learned – your arms, core and legs are strong enough to pull you back up to safety, where you leap into the waiting helicopter and make your escape to your own private tropical island where you can enjoy your ill-gotten gains in blissful peace.
So before your next camping excursion or jewel heist, be sure to get fit!
Performance time! How to prepare, plus a leggings sale and more!
Performance Time! How To Prepare
Whether it’s your first performance or your hundred and first, preparing to perform a choreographed routine in front of an audience is a blend of excitement, anticipation, and, of course, some butterfly action going on in the tummy.
The key to overcoming the nerves lies in careful preparation. In fact, the time and effort you invest beforehand will make all the difference. These planning, preparation and performance tips will make your choreographed routine a hit with your audience.
Logistics
At least four to six weeks ahead of time, determine what type of performance you’ll do. The type of event or show will help determine your choice of music and choreography.
Venue is also essential; where will the performance be staged? Will you be dancing indoors, outdoors, on a stage? Visit the venue before you craft your routine.
Music and Choreography
What comes first, the chicken or the egg? With your routine, decide if you want to develop your choreography first, then cut the music to fit, or base your routine around a certain song.
You may want to try a few different options. Explore a range of tempos and dynamics until you find the right fit. Throw in some emotional range, as well; from confused to determined, exhilarated to angry, happy and upbeat to sad and downtempo.
Once you’ve matched the perfect song to your choreography, run through the dance – with music – at least five times a day. You’ll want to use this time to get your body in great shape for the dance, so give it your all each time until it becomes easy and second-nature.
Costume
Choose your costume carefully. You’ll want a costume that complements your choice of music, mood and choreography, but also that doesn’t distract from your movements. And, speaking of movement, choose a costume that won’t restrict your body so you can always dance full out.
Practice Makes Perfect
As you’re practicing your routine, watch for elements that just aren’t working. If there’s a turn you’re not nailing or a hold that throws you off balance each time, take it out.
Your choreography should be complete at least 10 days before the performance. Once the piece is complete, resist the temptation to change it. Additions after the fact may throw you off on performance day.
Staying Fit
The week of your performance, focus on eating cleanly. That means avoiding highly processed foods, sugar, alcohol and salt. Your body will thank you!
Spend an hour each day stretching and get lots of rest. Spend as much time as you can listening to your music. Even when you’re not practicing, run through your routine in your mind. The more you live your dance, the better your performance will be!
Countdown
Two days before the show, run through a dress rehearsal in the same amount of space you’ll have in the venue. If you’ll have a 10×6 square to dance in, tape that off in your studio and practice within that space.
Make a check list of everything you’ll need on performance day. This may include:
- iPod with fully charged batteries, loading with music and earbuds
- CDs with your music – bring two so you have a backup copy
- Costume
- Shoes, Half-soles, etc.
- Make-up, towelettes, and make-up remover
- Hair supplies, like bobby pins, rubber bands, hairspray
- Sewing kits with safety pins, super glue, fabric tape
- Nail clipper and file
- Protein bar and full water bottle
- Directions to the performance site
The night before the big day, pack it all up, using the checklist.
D-Day
When you wake up in the morning, double check your checklist. You don’t want to forget anything! You may be feeling a bit nervous, so spend some time meditating and calming your body and mind.
Eat a healthy breakfast or lunch before the performance; meals based on whole grains, fruits, and non-fat dairy are best. Give yourself extra time to get to the performance venue, so you can arrive at least one hour before your call time.
Above all else, enjoy yourself! You’re prepared well and worked hard, and you’re going to shine on stage!
Move Of The Week
Beginning Saturday Embody will be hosting an Aerial Silks Intensive and Recital, we are also offering 15% Off ALL our beautiful Queen of Hearts Leggings. Here’s a fun, cute Aerial Silks move, “The Superman” you can do while sporting these soft, beautiful leggings. Diana is wearing the Queen of Hearts Capris/Leggings and Onzie Cross Sports Bra. Both available online at www.embodydirect.com
Win A 3 Month Membership and More!
The absolute craziest photo of you wearing your Embody T-shirt, while all decked out in crazy St. Patties gear! The photo with the most votes wins!
You can win
Three month unlimited membership-YAY!
Pole party for you and 5 of your best friends
Four guest passes!
How to Win
Post your photo on Embody’s St. Patty’s Day Photo Contest
Have your friends “LIKE” our page and “LIKE” your photo
Most “LIKES” wins!
Everyone welcome, you don’t have to be a member to play!
Pool Party!
Morongo Casino
April 14th
10:00am-7:00pm
$27 per person
Leggings you’ve been longing for! 15% Off
Adore these Queen of Hearts Leggings, sexy without being slutty! Super cute for the gym, studio and yoga or throw on a long sleeve Queen of Hearts Scoop Neck Tee and grab dinner and movie! These beautiful, unique leggings are so versatile, but what I love about them best, they’re different! I refuse to be a fashion clone, love rockin’ my own style! This special is available online atwww.embodydirect.com with the promotion code Queen15. This special offer is also available in our studio boutiques, located in Corona and Anaheim Hills, Ca.
Aerial Silks Intensive and Recital
A total of (6) 2 hour semi-private silk lessons, held once weekly, (3) open silk practice time weekly, (1) private lesson and group rehearsals.
Click Here to Sign Up Today
Green…The Color of Winning!
Green…The Color of Winning!
The absolute craziest photo of you wearing your Embody T-shirt, while all decked out in crazy St. Patties gear! The photo with the most votes wins!
You can win
Three month unlimited membership-YAY!
Pole party for you and 5 of your best friends
Four guest passes!
How to Win
Post your photo on Embody’s St. Patty’s Day Photo Contest
Have your friends “LIKE” our page and “LIKE” your photo
Most “LIKES” wins!
Everyone welcome, you don’t have to be a member to play!
The Color Green!
Once upon a time in Ireland – about 1,500 years ago, to be exact, there was this guy named Pat who really had a problem with snakes. In fact, he hated them so much he banished his island home of them completely – or so the story goes.
In truth, many historians believe that the whole snake thing is actually a metaphor. Patrick was born in Briton, which at that time was run by a group of toga-wearing Christians known as the Roman Empire. As a teen, Patrick was kidnapped to Ireland – then the land of the Celts — by slavers. He escaped, but later returned to Ireland to spread the Christian religion.
At that time, the Celtic religion included lots of references to serpent symbols. As Patrick traveled across the county converting the Celts, the serpent worship stopped – and the “ridding-Ireland-of-the-
After Patrick died — on March 17, 461 — he attained sainthood. The legends surrounding him grew and became ingrained into the celebration that bears his name.
The Cold Frosty
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated with the wearing of green — to keep you safe from those pesky leprechauns — the watching of parades, and, of course, the drinking of lots and lots of beer.
But guess what? Beer has lots of calories. Sorry, but it’s true. You can still enjoy the St. Patty’s day imbibe-fest by choosing a low-carb beer.
Here are a few options
| BRAND | CARBS (GRAMS) | CALORIES |
| Amstel Light | 5 | 95 |
| Aspen Edge | 2.6 | 94 |
| Coors Light | 5 | 102 |
| Corona Light | 5 | 104 |
| Keystone Light | 5 | 104 |
| Michelob Ultra | 2.6 | 95 |
| Rhinebecker Extra | 2.5 | 106 |
| Rock Green Light | 2.6 | 92 |
Just for comparison, Guinness has 17.6 grams of carbs and 194 calories. But it sure tastes good!
Corned Beef and Cabbage
This corned beef and cabbage recipe from Organic Gardening is the perfect embodiment of a classic St. Patrick’s Day feast; just substitute a low-carb beer for the dark beer!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lb small red potatoes, halved
- 3 carrots, peeled and cut into ½-inch pieces
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 T brown sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 3 lb corned beef brisket
- 3 c water
- 1 bottle low-carb beer
- 1 green cabbage, cut into 8 wedges
To Make:
Combine the first 5 ingredients in a slow cooker. Place the brisket on top of the veggies and pour in the water and beer. Cover. Cook on low for 8 to 10 hours, adding the cabbage for the last 1 ½ hours of cooking time.
Remove beef and set it aside to rest, loosely covered, for 5 to 10 minutes before slicing.
Discard bay leaf. Scoop veggies with slotted spoon and serve with beef.
6 Pack Abs!
St. Patrick’s Day, an AWESOME holiday and a great excuse to celebrate and party. Not to rain on the green parade, but….with the fun, food, drink and merriment comes empty calories and a beer bloat. Never fear, Embody is here! We have some phenomenal ab exercises to trim that tummy after the party.
Blast that Saint Patty’s Day Beer Belly
Strength, real strength, zombie fighting strength comes from a strong core. Why, besides the obvious need for zombie fighting skills, would you want a core that rivals that of superwoman? The time and effort it takes to have this phenomenal core are well worth it.
First off, what is your core? Your body’s core muscles are made up of the deep abdominal wall and the intrinsic spinal muscles, all of which are your foundation for movement. They include the muscles in your abdominals and back, the muscles in your pelvic floor and the diaphragm. Many of which can’t be seen because they’re buried underneath other muscles. All these muscles work together to keep your trunk stable.
Now on to why you want all these fabulous muscles strong…
The reason interior strength is so important is that just about every motion made by the human body is initiated in the core. Lunges, twists, running, swimming, dancing and weights – almost everything starts with the abs, hips and lower back, which is where the ‘core’ of the body is.Practitioners of yoga, as well as dancers and athletes, have long known the benefits.
Here is just a quick list of the benefits to a strong core:
- More comfort with sitting (either in office chairs, or just in general)
- Serves to increase balance, letting you isolate other muscle groups
- Increases energy
- Improves posture
- Reduction of injury risk
Core exercises train the muscles in your pelvis, lower back, hips and abdomen to work in harmony. This leads to better balance and stability. In fact, most physical activities depend on stable core muscles. Want more defined abdominal muscles? Core exercises are important. Although it takes aerobic activity to burn abdominal fat, core exercises can strengthen and tone the underlying muscles. Strong core muscles make it easier to do everything from getting a glass from the top shelf or bending down to tie your shoes. Weak core muscles leave you susceptible to poor posture and lower back pain.
Some exercises you can perform at home to reach your superwoman core goals!
From Belly To 6 Pack
What does Vixen mean to you?
vix·en
- A female fox.
- An attractive female.
- Flirtatious.
- Hot-tempered.
Melanie-
*A persona that all women own which allows one to get lost in the emotion of the moment and transform oneself into a personality which does not suffer from any labels or insecurities.
Joyce-
*A vixen is someone who is confident in who she is, yet grounded enough to admire and appreciate others. She is smart and strong-willed, yet knows how to display tenderness and is gentle in her affections.
Paulina-
*A sleek, mysteriously sexy, and confident woman who knows what she wants and how to get it.
Kristin-
*Being a vixen is all about confidence; it’s the mental equivalent of slipping into a favorite pair of heels. A vixen walks a little taller, with a little more swivel (or swagger). She isn’t afraid to TAKE what she wants!
Laurie-
*A woman who can start a fire with her attitude and opposition. She gravitates towards unsettled situations ready to mix it up herself.
Sexy doesn’t have to be “hard”. It’s an attitude, an energy you exude. Your confidence, the love of your body and the belief in yourself is UNBELIEVABLY sexy!
Click Here to Sign Up!
Introducing KarmaWear
Booty shorts, for yoga, pole, and booty poppin’ workshops! Embody wants to jump start your in shape up badonkadonk goals with our beautiful, unique booty shorts. The highest quality with Onzie Yoga Wear and Queen of Hearts, these shorts are to die for! My favorite the black Ruffle Shorts by Queen of Hearts and the Animal Print by Onzie. Keep your legs looking their best in shorts with Embody designer kneepads, so many fantastic designs, you won’t find these kneepads anywhere else! Say goodby to ugly volleyball kneepads! These special is available online atwww.embodydirect.com with the promotion code Vixen. This special offer is also available in our studio boutiques, located in Corona and Anaheim Hills, Ca.
Introducing KarmaWear
www.Karmawear.com
Available at www.embodydirect.com
Click Here to check out this beautiful line. Available online atwww.embodydirect.com and also in-store.
How To Get An AMAZING Badonkadonk!
It may have been more than two decades since Sir Mix-A-Lot’sbutt-shaking masterpiece hit the Top 40, but now days his homage to the more curvaceous female booty is stronger than ever: You can do side bends or sit-ups, but please don’t lose that butt!
The truth is hard to deny. From J Lo to Kim Kardashian to Beyonce, it’s staring us all in the face: Round and big is the way to go!
Badonkadonk:
A Gluteus Maximus that is both:
1)symmetrical (width and depth)
2)jiggles with ease using only the slightest hip/back popping motion
(Said in tha club) Man, look at her workin that. She’s got that badonkadonk!
3)adjective used to described buttocks of exceptional quality and bounce.
That girl has a badonkadonk fo sure.
So you’re probably asking yourself, “How can I cultivate a luscious badonkadonk of my very own?” Read on for a step-by-step guide to getting that butt as round and firm as possible
Work Those Glutes
Your gluteus maximus muscles both support and create the shape of your butt. Though your mom and dad’s DNA has much to do with that booty’s natural form, you can actually grow your glutes through exercise.
For a bigger, rounder butt, work some weight lifting into your routine about two to three times per week. Using as much weight as you can, do sets of exercises that push your body up using glute power, such as lunges, squats, box jumps and other plyometric exercises. Clench the buttocks muscles through each exercise for the biggest impact.
Try Twerking and Booty Popping
For even more booty-building, give twerking a try. This famous-on-You-Tube dance involves some serious butt shaking, but it also works your legs, hips and waist, as well as providing a good cardio workout. Best of all, it’s free! All you need to do is crank up your favorite dance tunes and start poppin it. For inspiration watch Beyonce’s “Dangerously in Love.”
Dress for Success
So your badonkadonk is well on its way to greatness. Flaunt what you’ve already got by dressing it right! Look for jeans that:
- Have bling on the back pockets; this draws the eye to the booty area for more emphasis
- Have a Brazilian waistband; these short-zippered jeans sit very low on your hips and cinch in the waist for greater contrast
- Have got a bit of spandex in them; the more stretch, the better
As for skirts and dresses, maxi may be cute, but a more fitted silhouette will better emphasize that beautiful donkey butt. Choose a tailored fit for the best look. Last, but definitely not least, don’t get too skinny! The badonkadonk is diametrically opposed to the supermodel butt, so go ahead and enjoy that milkshake — if it goes straight to your butt, all the better!
Vixen Booty Pop Workshop w/Jackie-Hip Hop Booty Poppin’ Extraordinare
Twerk, booty pop, drop and sexy walk, all while learning a sexy choreographed routine. Working your booty and dancing like it’s a separate entity from your body requires skill, determination and hard work. In this 2 hour workshop you will learn to shimmy, shake, booty pop and ass clap like a hip hop diva! Great leg, ab, low back and butt workout Please wear workout attire to class. 4:00-6:00. Members $30, Non-Members $40
Click Here and Get Your Badonkadonk Poppin’
20% Off Booty Shorts and Kneepads
Booty shorts, for yoga, pole, and booty poppin’ workshops! Embody wants to jump start your in shape up badonkadonk goals with our beautiful, unique booty shorts. The highest quality with Onzie Yoga Wear and Queen of Hearts, these shorts are to die for! My favorite the black Ruffle Shorts by Queen of Hearts and theAnimal Print by Onzie. Keep your legs looking their best in shorts with Embody designer kneepads, so many fantastic designs, you won’t find these kneepads anywhere else! Say goodby to ugly volleyball kneepads! These special is available online atwww.embodydirect.com with the promotion code Vixen. This special offer is also available in our studio boutiques, located in Corona and Anaheim Hills, Ca.
Lap Dance Moves!
Happy Valentines Day from Embody! Check out our sexy lap dance tips! And don’t forget to take advantage of our sexy shoe sale to complete your red hot valentines day outfit!
Freestyle
Spontaneity. Individuality. Expression. Creativity.
Freedom…Freestyle
Freestyle dancing encompasses all of these concepts and more in one wild,
wonderful package. Sometimes known as street dancing, un-choreographed,
freestyle eschews choreography for a raw, in-the-moment style that truly
channels the mind-body connection. My first attempts to dance I found it most
difficult to get out of my own way, stopping in the middle when I felt silly or
I’d believed I’d “messed up”, believing I lacked grace of movement, basically
undermining myself to the point of discouragement. It was when I gave myself
permission for wild and free movement I began to understand, to realize my
body WANTED, NEEDED to move, to dance, unhindered by my own timidity.
Bravery, daring, self-confidence it takes all of these to allow yourself the
freedom of movement, especially if you’ve never danced before, but believe
me, take that chance and you’ll never be sorry. You’ll come to appreciate
your body and yourself in a way that borders on magical. The wonderous
acceptance of you, ALL of you is nothing short of miraculous.
What is Freestyle?
Though it can be loosely defined as any dance that isn’t choreographed,
freestyle’s roots run deep. Perhaps more than any other type of dance,
freestyle allows dancers to use body language to reflect what’s going on
inside their heads. The only requirement? The ability to express the effects
of music through physical movements. That means anyone, anywhere, can
freestyle. And, as every individual invents their own freestyle as they’re
doing it, this dance form is – by necessity – constantly evolving. However,
unchoreographed dance in its current incarnation has roots that stretch
around the world, from the streets of New York and Los Angeles to Jamaica,
England and Ireland, where it has in turn inspired and influenced a range of
dance forms.
History of Freestyle
Unlike the structured steps, routines and foundations that comprise sequential
dancing — such as ballet and ballroom dance – freestyle is based on improv
and the ability to, literally, think fast on your feet. In the 1970s, partner dancing
in clubs swung away from the stylized moves of the ballroom. Instead,
dancers could make up new moves and explore their own personal style.As
disco slowly burned out in the early 1980s, Latin dance champion and
ballerina Anna Jones – also known as the “godmother of freestyle” – added
elements from these two worlds of dance into the club scene. The trend
spilled over onto the streets, where the style became more confrontational,
sometimes even aggressive. Street styles — like break dancing, hip hop,
popping, locking, and krumping –all stem from the early days of freestyle. In
New York and L.A., house dance and hip hop also emerged from the freestyle
movement. In Jamaica, freestyle strongly influenced the development of
dancehall reggae.
In the U.K., freestyle– known as “disco dancing” — has transformed into a
social movement. In recent years, freestyle has exploded in popularity among
an unlikely group: Children, tweens and their parents. There, kids dress up
in the most glittery, glam costumes imaginable and get on stage to impress
judges with the most intense, unique and assertive moves they can muster
– on the spot – in 60 seconds or less. Winners get big bucks but, more
importantly, freestyle instills confidence and self-esteem in dancers that helps
keep them out of gangs and off the streets.
Benefits of Freestyle Dance
While freestyle might incorporate moves from many other genres, dancers
must essentially think on their feet, an exercise in spontaneity and creativity.
In many urban areas of the U.S. and U.K., freestyle offers kids an option to
crime. Plus, like all other types of dance, freestyle offers a superior workout!
Practicing freestyle dance offers an enjoyable way to get in touch with your
emotions, be in the moment, and get in shape – all at the same time!
Check out how this same routine seems so different depending on the dancer and the music!
