Ballet…Medicine for the Soul
Since beginning ballet lessons, I’ve changed, so much. My toes are pointier, my lines longer and crisper, and my movements more graceful. It’s also given me a sense and awareness of my body that I didn’t have before. Ballet has brought the ideas of dance to me in a way that blankets all my movements. Once I moved past the awkwardness and fog that accompanies doing anything new, I began to understand and appreciate how the movements of ballet really are the foundation of all dance. I feel a sense of peace and calmness while I practice, ballet brings me pleasure and allows my mind to relax. Meditation while practicing ballet, yes, awesome. Ballet has been medicine for the soul, a way for me to calm my mind, movements precise, classical music moving my arms, legs, hands, and feet.
From its extravagant origins in the gilded courts of Renaissance Italy to today’s stunning advances in technique, the history of ballet is – at its core – the history of dance itself.
Practicing ballet absolutely leads to better balance, coordination and leg strength – seriously, there’s almost no better way to get those amazing calves, not to mention that strong, toned body that ballerinas are famous for – taking ballet barre classes Embody Ballet Barre can also kick up your performance in other dance genres, from pole dancing to hip hop cardio, aerial to belly dancing. Ballet even helps calm your mind by incorporating a form of moving meditation into your fitness routine; I feel that ballet’s meditative qualities are just as effective – or even better — than yoga. Check out ballet’s history for a better understanding of how this influential dance form has evolved over time.
The History of Ballet – Seriously Abridged Version
In the late 1400s, Italian nobility staged huge feasts for their rich guests, and dancers — along with poets, musicians and painters — provided the between-course entertainment. Over the next couple of centuries, professional ballet troupes began to appear, especially in France. The dance was almost completely dominated by men; male dancers performed female roles disguised in masks. Toe dancing developed in the late 1700s, around the same time that women became more involved in ballet. During the 1800s, trends shifted toward a light, ephemeral dance style known as romantic ballet. As the epicenter of ballet shifted away from Paris toward Russia and the U.S., a more innovative and technical style grew popular. Through the 20th century, ballet influenced – and was influenced by – other popular dance and musical forms, from rock to jazz and exceptional dancers attained celebrity status; think Mikhail Baryshnikov or Julie Kent of “Center Stage.”
Ballet’s Benefits
Looking back over ballet’s history, it’s easy to understand how, when you take barre classes, you’re joining an ageless tradition. As amazing as that is, though, you have to admit that the physical and mental benefits of ballet as just as incredible. There’s a reason why dancers across genres train using ballet moves: They’re isometric, which means that you hold a muscle in place against resistance. There’s no better way to increase strength, flexibility – and attain that sleek, toned physique – than through isometric exercises. http://embodypolefitness.com/how-the-embody-barre-program-works/ .And that’s not even to mention ballet’s meditative qualities; holding those poses not only strengthens your body, it calms the mind, too. No matter which type of dance you prefer, Embody Pole Fitness’ Embody Barre classes will help you improve — and get into amazing shape at the same time!
Holiday spirit
I was so touched when I walked into the chilly studio today to see a whole display of gifts that the most amazing instructor, Laurie had put together for her fellow sisters! One thing I have to say I really appreciate about Embody is how much we truly care about eachother and all of our students. I really hope all of you have safe and joyous holidays. Remember: Melanie said it was ok to drink the eggnog and enjoy eating the Christmas cookies because come January we here at Embody are motivated to whip you all back into shape!!
Happy Holidays!!
Dance the Night Away!
You know that old saying, “You’ve come a long way, baby”? When it comes to where dance wear has been through the ages and where it’s headed now, there’s no other phrase that fits better.
In 17th century France, ballerinas were corseted into tight bodices topped with heavy floor-length skirts and, lest the fine gentlemen in the audience catch a titillating glimpse of leg – or ankle, how shocking! – covered by so-called “precautionary drawers” that shrouded everything from the waist down in mystery. Ooo la la it was not.
But then along came famed ballerina Marie Camargo, who had the guts to not only raise her skirts – to an uber-risqué calf length, no less – but to cover her legs with tights. It wasn’t until after the French Revolution that anyone even thought of the tutu; but those reached to the knees and upper legs were safely tucked away under huge, puffy bloomers to prevent any skirt-swirling-induced scandal.
In the 1900s dance clothes finally began to evolve, with pioneers like Isadora Duncan and Anna Pavlova donning flowing, uncluttered clothing that enhanced, rather than hindered, their movement – and looked pretty hot, too.
A few years after trapeze artist Jules Leotard invented – yep, you guessed it – the leotard, this comfy article of clothing became the norm for dancers world over. Add in those soft, cute leg warmers in the 1980s and booty shorts to really warm up those hips, and it’s easy to see that as dance has evolved, so has dancewear. Today’s dancers can even take it easy in the sleek comfort of capris or heat it up with a colorful, supportive sports bra.
From the corsets of yesteryear to the sleek, formfitting fashions of today, you’ve pretty much got the history of dance fashion trends covered. Until now, that is…
Because now you can spice up your dance moves even more with fashion knee pads from Embody Direct! Their durable style and vibrant prints add both function and fun to your look.
Today’s knee pads are a far cry from those gynormous foam things you used to strap on your legs before high school volleyball practice. Whether you’re into pole dancing, yoga, cross training, ballet or modern dance, modern knee pads are cute, thin and comfy, with double-padding that protects your knees without feeling bulky or thick.
Embody Direct’s fashion knee pads extend the range of your floor work and compliment your upright steps. They help keep your legs warm, supple and limber, whether you’re just stretching out or busting some serious pole dance or pole yoga moves. Best of all, they protect your joints from bruising and pain while adding cute, sassy style.
Whichever sport or dance is your passion, a pair of knee pads from Embody Direct will heat up your look and keep your legs safe.
New Shirts @ Embody
I just love our new Embody shirts with the cutest sayings on them. I wanted to get one in each color, but had to show restraint when I saw the cutest leg warmers to accompany the newest little booty shorts with animal and floral print. This is going to be the starting place of my holiday shopping! Next time you are in for a burlesque class, chick fit or pole fitness make sure to check out our clothing line. You can also go online and put together your Christmas list at Embody direct!
Have fun and I bet you can’t just stop with one….
Juicing, The New Way To Healthy, What About The Waste?
I love health fads, can’t help it, I’m a healthy girl. It’s what moves me, sends me in new and interesting directions. Newest fad, well new to me, JUICING! My brother got me into this delicious new way of life (Yep, it’s a lifestyle!) and I LOVE! What I don’t love is throwing away all the fiber and vegetable left, wasteful and just seems wrong. Sooo, I made soup. Yep, Chicken Rice Soup! Turned out so delicious I thought I’d share my recipe. Along with a 7 phenomenal benefits I’ve found with juicing. Seven is my lucky number!
1. Control of my sugar intake. My name is Diana and I’m an M&M Addict. Since my Juicing Journey has begun I’ve been able to all but give up my beloved, but unhealthy, M&M’s.
2. I find myself full of energy. Much more energy, no 5 Hour Energy Drink necessary!
3. I am more consistently positive and cheerful, no matter what comes my way. I always try to see the best in every situation. I think the juicing has just made it that much easier.
4. I wake up feeling sharp and well rested, even if I have had less sleep. True, true. No more coffee for the new Diana, Orange, Apple and Carrot Juice=Super Diana!
5. The juices flooded my body with so much nutrients, I rarely felt hungry. Definitely getting my fill of vitamins!
6. I also noticed a heightened sense of taste and smell. Yes, everything TASTES! Could be attributed to the lower sugar consumption, but it all works together to make a better Diana.
7. My skin started to glow, my hair and nails grew faster. People started to comment on how much younger I looked for my age. Who can’t use younger? At 43 girl, I take all the GLOW I can get!
Delicious Afternoon Delight Juice
10 Organic Carrots
6 Stalks Celery
2 Apples
Chicken Soup with Rice
Juice Pulp from Afternoon Delight
6 Cups of filtered water
2 cubes organic vegetable bullion
2 organic chicken breasts
1 16 oz. bag organic baby carrots
1 onion
¼ cup fresh parsley
¼ cup fresh thyme
¼ cup fresh sage
Brown rice
Combine filtered water, bullion, and pulp. Dice chicken, chop onions. Chop parsley, thyme and sage. Add chicken, onion, carrots and herbs to mixture. Once soup has reach boil, lower flame and simmer for 3 hours. Cook rice while soup simmers. Add rice just before serving.
Barre Beauties
I love teaching the barre class and seeing how beautiful everyone dances. The hard work and effort is remarkable and to think that the lovely ladies keep a smile on their face really warms my heart and makes the class extra special.
Thanks ladies for fighting through the traffic to make it to class tonight!
Love my Monday girls
I can always count on the friendly faces of the Monday morning class. Even though the room started off chilly we warmed it up in no time! I really love the little routine we made this week.
I have seen a noticeable improvement in the students strength! Keep up the hard and fun work.
Empowerment Through Dance
We’ve all had that dream, the naked, everyone can see my underpants dream. You know the one where you walk on stage, prepared to give a groundbreaking lecture or rock the house with a tremendous performance, suddenly you look down, blood draining from your face as you realize, I’M NAKED! Someone WAKE ME UP! Imagine for a moment, its real life and you don’t want to wake up. In fact, your skivvies are exactly what you meant to wear. This was the beautiful reality of the International Pole Convention held in Los Angeles this past June.
As I walked through the convention, shopping, talking, laughing, taking workshops, I realized what I loved best of all was the women, of all different shapes, sizes and ages walking around comfortably and confidently in booty shorts and sports bras, no pretense, no awkwardness. These women were at home in their bodies, they displayed self-esteem, empowerment, even cockiness that made my heart swell for the sport of pole!
Pole dancing is a workout for the mind, body and soul. I’ve been blessed to see women build their self-esteem as they’ve fallen in love with this art form, yet this doesn’t explain how pole dancing transforms us in such a fundamental way. I ask myself, Is it the liberation, the femininity, the athleticism or the exhilaration of height and flight? It dawns on me the openness within the pole community stems from the fact that pole dancing is all, one or none of these things. Pole is as unique as the women performing. Pole is her beauties, her flaws, her successes and her failures. Pole is you. As you discover this art form, you discover yourself and as you fall in love with it, you learn to love your beauties, your flaws, your successes and your failures. So I leave it to you.
I’m Back!
I had a wonderful trip to Europe and truly enjoyed the time I had with my brother and sister, but now I am back to business. I didn miss pole in my absence and was really excited to be back with the Monday morning group. What a great way to start back my routine here at home….that and the sunny California weather!
Help! I’m Drowning in Clothes!!
I have nothing to wear, seriously. Nothing. Scouring my overstuffed closet, I realized I have too many clothes that don’t fit, who I am now, my current size and in my closet! So many clothes I can’t see through them to find the ones I love and want to wear. I’m one of those people who takes REALLY good care of her clothes and keeps them, through the 90′s into the 2000′s, but I’ve changed, I’m older and wiser. Ultra low skirts, daisy dukes, tops you’re afraid to bend over in, just aren’t me anymore. Staring at the row of jeans in my closet, I realized that only 4 pair of the 10, yes, I did say 10, (who needs 10 pairs of jeans!) fit me. Time for a clean out, I began throwing clothes from the closet onto the bathroom floor and thought “WHAT!” Embody should have a clothes trading party!
Having been a victim of domestic violence myself, women caught in this crime hold a special place in my heart. My goal this holiday season is to give back as much as I can. All proceeds from the party will go to the Womens Transitional Living in Fullerton, along with any clothes not taken. Embody will also donate 30 classes to the center to be used by the women living there. Come out celebrate the upcoming holidays, enjoy martinis, choclate, fruit, beautiful women and their clothes! 
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