15 Best Routines From So You Think You Can Dance

When I can't sleep, this is what I do. I watch every possible So You Think You Can Dance Youtube video. I seriously can't get enough of them. I know that's like all I can talk about, but if you watch the show at all you know why I am so obsessed. In this 40 minuet video I think I went through all emotions possible. There were dances that made me so excited and just wanted to dance. I caught myself moving my hips and feet a little bit and just loving it. The next second I felt such an emotional feeling with addiction no matter what it may be to. Next I felt a connection with nature and animals and the beauty of dance that was so elegant, and right out of that I felt the sadness of loving someone with cancer. I smiled and I cried all in this 40 minuets. I didn't want it to end, and I was sad that it was only the first few seasons, but I was also so happy because amazing dances like these should not be closed. They should be celebrated as much as possible because their beauty goes so far. It is crazy that one dance can be a switch to your emotion and change that fast and hard. I think that is why I love dance so much, because it is so powerful and sometimes there aren't words to describe your feelings.

Love what you do and do what you love.



or try: http://youtu.be/zACQ0URYgmg

University of Minnesota Dance Team

If you haven't seen the University of Minnesota Dance Team, you are 100% missing out! They are absolutely ridiculous. I don't know how they do it, but every year they pull out an AMAZING routine. It seems like the get better and better each year.
Check out the new dance team for 2012-2013 as well!
http://youtu.be/NhSyCf0kFiU

Beautuful Costumes For Less

Biketards are one of my favorite style of costumes. They look so great on stage. I found this one on Just For Kix and I really love it! Lace is so beautiful and is always a good choice. When costumes are structurally different, it really catches the judges eye. It's nice because you don't have to go to a really expensive costume company to find a beautiful costume like this. You can find it in Just For Kix or I'm sure in Discount Dance Supply, and then I would even add studs to it. Another thing like this biketard I really like is when the leo is all lace and then there is a different colored bra and bottoms underneath it. It adds something different. Who doesn't love a beautiful costume for a great price?!

Dance Quote

“There are shortcuts to happiness,

and dancing is one of them.”

- Vicki Baum

 

 

Let's talk about So You Think You Can Dance!

Let's talk about So You Think You Can Dance! First of all the bottom three girls and guys.. do you agree with who they were? It's hard to say considering I love all of the dancers, and could just watch all of them dance every week. I am sad that Amber and Brandon went home. She was such a beautiful contemporary dancer, but I do agree that she didn't give as much as she probably could have. I do however wish Brandon could have stayed. He is a stepper and he did such an amazing job with the jazz dance with Amber. Dareian did amazing on his dance for his life solo, but for me it seems like a toss up between those two who should have gone home. Maybe if I would have voted it would have helped!

I think most would agree that the last episode's favorite dance of the night was Chehon and Whitney's, "I Will Always Love You." She absolutely did not look like a ballroom dancer one bit. Everyone always compares her and Lindsay. Considering they both had contemporary, I think it showed who is ahead of each other. Lindsay did a good job with hers but not as well as Whitney.

Was this your favorite dance or was it a different one? Do you agree with who went home, or do you think someone else should have gone home?

The Best Dance Shoes

If you dance on a gym floor, you know that you have to have the right shoes to be able to dance. Most college dance teams use these, and I would highly suggest using them. They are great because it leaves your heal open to give you grip. Now, I know that foot undies do this, but in those your toes are out and that can be hard to turn then. These turners cover your toes making it easier to turn. Sometimes jazz shoes can be a bit slippery, but these leather shoes are great. They give your the perfect balance of grip and smoothness, and you can turn with out a problem in these. These are by far my favorite dance shoes I have used. The great thing is they aren't expensive at all and very affordable. 

Dance Quote

“The dance is over, the applause subsided

but the joy and feeling will stay with you forever.”

- W. M. Tory

Janelle And Dareian African Jazz

This is one of my favorite dances from this season! It is so fun and exciting, and I think I like it so much because it is different than what most people are used to watching. It makes me want to get up and dance because their energy level is so high, and they look like they are having so much fun! What was your favorite dance from this season so far?

Feeling Comfortable And Stylish In High Waisted Spandex

I am so obsessed with these high waisted spandex. I found them at the Just For Kix clothing site, and they are only $11! High waisted bottoms are definitely in in fashion, so why not be fashionable when you are dancing? They aren't at an awkward high either where they are under your belly button, and you aren't sure where they are supposed to sit or if they are supposed to be high waisted. I really like wearing them because sometimes when wearing spandex shorts they hug in the wrong places, and that's not the best feeling when you're dancing. I also really like them because I really like just dancing in a sports bra sometimes when it's really hot. I know that I can't just be in a sports bra some places, or I just wouldn't want to be in just a sports bra and be that exposed. With these I can actually just wear a sports bra and feel completely comfortable. 

Who Is Your Favorite Dancer?

Let's talk about So You Think You Can Dance! If you are a dancer and not obsessed with this show, I'm gonna have to say you are crazy. This season has so many beautiful dancers and I am so excited about all of them! The opening show with the group dances to show off their styles was amazing. The dances were so beautiful and unique. The first real episode with the partner dances really cool. I think for one of the first times there wasn't any dances I didn't like. It is sometimes hard for me to get into the slower ballroom and even some of the upbeat ballroom dances. This time I thought all of the ballroom dances were so beautiful and actually really fun. Some of the jazz or Broadway dances can even be a little boring at times, but I really loved all of them.


It's really hard for me to pick my favorite dancers yet. I know for sure for the guys I am in love with Cyrus Spencer. If you don't know him, he is a "Dragon House" dancer.  He seriously looks like a robot. I think I like him so much because he has never taken a dance class, yet he is giving it every thing he's got when it comes to choreography. He had to do a jazz Broadway dance, and he look really good! I cannot wait to see what he gives for contemporary.

I cannot wait for the next episode! I will be sad about whoever leaves because I love all of them, but it has to be done! Crossing my fingers for Cyrus!

Who is your favorite dancer!?

Look Like A Professional Dance Team

As a dance team, it is very important to look uniform and professional. You, all around, look better as a dancer if you and your team are matching on and off of the stage. It lets people know you are serious about dancing. The really great thing about these things, is that they last a very long time. They may be a little bit expensive, but you will keep them for a long time and definitely get your use out of the them.  Plus, did you ever not expect to pay a lot of money for dance?

Dance Quote

"While I dance I can not judge, I can not hate,

I can not separate myself from life.

I can only be joyful and whole. This is why I dance."

- Hans Bos

Bun Heads

I don't know about you, but I have never heard of a bun former until about a year ago. For the performances when we were asked to have a bun in our hair, we would all get a little nervous. They never seemed to stay in or just look good for that matter. I finally came across bun formers. I don't know how I haven't before, but they are the secret to the perfect bun, and I will swear by this! I have danced with these in and there is no chance they are falling out either. It is also possible to use a sock. you just cut the end of it and roll it up until it looks something like this.

What you do is put your hair in a pony tail where you desire your bun to be. Slip the pony tail through the hole of the former and rest it at the base of the pony and your head. Next, waterfall your hair around the bun so the hair is covering all of the former and slip a pony around it. You can see the bun forming already. Last wrap all of the hair from the pony around the bun and bobby pin it in! It is really simple and looks fabulous.

The fun thing about this is that you don't have to use this just for dancing. I love to wear it out when I want a more sleek look or even something fun. You may think of it as the Kim Kardashian bun!

You can definitely get these almost anywhere! I bought mine from K-Mart. I am sure Wal-mart, Target and places like those would have them!

Bring The Audience In

I know this is last season, but I am still obsessed with Melanie Moore. She is probable by far my favorite winner. I love that she is so different with every thing she does. Even her look is different. Her dancing is so true and raw, and that is what I love most about her. She isn't a typical contemporary dancer. Her lines are beautiful and that is what so many dancers strive for. She isn't only amazing at contemporary either. She seriously can do it all, and that is the best thing. Being versatile is what people want. 

Her ability to grab the audience with everything she does is amazing. She received a standing ovation with one of her dance for her life solos.. That doesn't happen. I think this is why so many people loved her. Because she can bring anyone in with whatever she does, which I think is so important when dancing. I think all dancers should take from this, that even if you may not have all of the technique or skills like these amazing dancers, you can still be an amazing performer by bringing in the audience with your emotions. People won't look at your ability if you are intriguing them with your emotion.
http://youtu.be/a438sPVlonI 

Pastel Perfect

Attention all dancers! OPI has released their new New York City Ballet inspired by the soft colors of ballet. Bright nail colors are fun but a pretty alternative is natural almost nude colors. The colors are so soft and pretty I especially like the silver glittery one.

I typically don't paint my nails because I can't even go one day without them chipping but with a light nude color that would be less visible to see! These colors look best when your nails are shorter for a sweet romantic look. Nude nails are a timeless elegant look and will compliment your skin color. What nail color will you choose out of the new New York City Ballet collection?

Pretty in Pink

Dance is about body movement and fluidity of motion. Without proper dance shoes injuries are more prone to happen. Bloch.com has the best in dance wear whether it is costumes, practice wear, shoes, ballet, jazz you name it they have it.

It is important to wear the correct shoes depending on the type of dance you are doing. These ballet slippers are made especially for certain toe shapes in order to give you more comfort while on the dance floor. Toes are especially a common injury in dancers so these ballet slippers help prevent injury while adding comfort. Ballet slippers also provide lateral balance for the supporting foot when standing.

Tight Bun Accessory Must!

I have very long, thick hair and most clips make me cry in pain trying to pull them out. These twisty bobby pins are so easy to use and don't tangle my hair into a knot. I love using these clips especially to put my hair in a bun for dance. Whenever I'm trying to put a bun in with a pony tail I end up ripping half of the ends off. The bun stays nice and tight so I don't have to worry about it falling out ever. Although these are a little expensive they are really worth it. There is three ways to style with the twisty pins and all you need is one per head, I know hard to believe but really!

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom Dancing is no longer a thing of the past. It is making a comeback. Do you want romance? Would you like to have more confidence and an all over body workout? Try ballroom dancing! It is a classy, fun way to move your body to the music while learning a new experience.

Many studios are now making ballroom classes available. Join a beginner level class, and don't worry about bringing a partner there will be many people just like you there, to try a new experience. Be prepared to meet fun people, improve your posture, gain confidence and lose weight! There are many different styles of ballroom dancing. Experience numerous types to get a feel for what your interested in!

Dance Moms

Dance Moms is a hit new show on Lifetime. Dance Moms is currently in its second season and is full of drama. This reality show is based out of Pennsylvania and is about "dance moms", their daughters and their crazy dance teacher Abby Lee Miller, who owns a prestigious dance studio. The girls are elementary age and have the talent of adults. Although Abby's criticism is harsh, she produces real time dancers that go down in history.

The girls are so emulsified in dance they skip school, travel to competitions weekly and undergo strenuous workouts in order to beat their competition. Abby Lee Miller's strict, tough love, manner pushes these young dancers into stardom. The dances they perform are ecstatic, beyond their years. It is fun to watch and you will find yourself becoming caught up in the "dance mom" drama and looking forward to new weekly episodes!