Tuesday, December 14, 2010

NOWA


Intro to Belly Dance Schedule/Details


Intro to Belly Dance
(**New Session starts Saturday, July 16**)

Every Saturday
11:00- 11:45am
SWAN RIVER YOGA (MID CITY)
2940 Canal St. NOLA (off Jeff Davis)

~This class is great for Beginners~

Students learn foundational belly dance movements at an introductory level and build to basic choreography. Class focuses on technique, control, and strength. This is a great way to increase mobility, flexibility, and balance. Class includes a warm up, isolations, dance/cardio, and a yoga cool down.

Wear comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and tank tops...Class is done barefoot (no shoes required).... Bring your own hip scarf or borrow one from us...

Class card available, click here

Drop ins welcome!

DID YOU KNOW?
* Belly dancing burns over 380+ calories during an hour workout

Fusion Dance Workout Schedule/Details

Fusion Dance Workout

Tuesdays 7:15pm-8:15pm
NO CLASS FOR THE MONTHS OF MARCH AND APRIL 2011
Classes will resume in May 2011.
Keep checking back for dates!


@ Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)

This is an Open Level class (great for beginners to avid dancers)
that fuses many different dance styles!

* Workout and learn to shake your hips *
Attire: Wear comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and tank tops... Class is done barefoot (no shoes required)....

This class is for Ladies ONLY (sorry ladies, no men in the studio during class)

Class cards available, click here

DROP INS WELCOME!!!

What is a Fusion Dance Workout?


Fusion Dance workout combines two of the most amazing rhythms and styles...
BELLY DANCE and LATIN as the primary foundation.

It then fuses together many other styles of and dance influences such as ballet, flamenco, African, and others to make for a comprehensive, different, and fun workout that will awaken your senses and inner goddess!

Because it is a workout...
we concentrate on target areas: arms, abs, hips, and thighs

Because it is a dance class as well...
students are introduced to basic steps and foundation moves focusing primarily on BELLY DANCE and the various LATIN rhythms. This cardio workout includes Warm up, Isolations, Dance/Cardio & Yoga Cool down~

With the Belly Dance foundation, we are able to increase and improve movement and fluidity, control, flexibility, and balance, all the while strengthening and toning!

With the Latin foundation we are able to increase and improve coordination and introduce footwork to our movement.

Fusion Dance Workout
(starting January 11th)
Tuesdays 7:15pm-8:15pm

This is an Open Level class (great for beginners to avid dancers)
that fuses many different dance styles!

* Workout and learn to shake your hips *
Attire: Wear comfortable clothes such as yoga pants and tank tops... Class is done barefoot (no shoes required)....

This class is for Ladies ONLY (sorry ladies, no men in the studio during class)

Class cards available, CLICK HERE


Drop ins WELCOME!

Location:
Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)

DID YOU KNOW?
* Aerobic dancing burns over 540+ calories during an hour workout


Benefits of Latin Dancing

No Wonder Dancing Feels So Good......

Music and dancing have been a part of many different cultures for centuries. It is part of celebration and entertainment. And whether they knew it or not, way back when the dancing began, there are numerous amazing health benefits. Now that the American population is facing a major obesity epidemic, health benefits from dancing is something that should be taken a closer look at.

The Health Benefits of Latin Dancing

Not only is dancing an exceptional way to let loose and have fun, but it also provides some terrific benefits for your health.

In fact, Mayo Clinic researchers reported that social dancing helps to:

* Reduce stress

* Increase energy

* Improve strength

* Increase muscle tone and coordination

Dancing

Dancing the night away can burn more calories per hour than riding a bike or swimming.

And whether you like to kick up your heals to hip hop, salsa or country, the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute says that dancing can:

* Lower your risk of coronary heart disease

* Decrease blood pressure

* Help you manage your weight

* Strengthen the bones of your legs and hips

Latin dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity.

The amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on, like most exercises, the type of dancing you're doing, how strenuous it is, the duration and your skill level.

Latin Dancing

* Builds endurance and stamina

* Helps with weight loss

* Relieves stress

* Helps you release toxins via sweating

* May help lower blood pressure and improve cholesterol levels

* Can lead to a reduced heart rate over time

Dancing Off Those Calories

How many calories will you burn while dancing? That depends on the type of dancing. Here's a range of some of the most popular varieties, based on a 150-pound person, per hour:

* Swing dancing: 235 calories/hour

* Ballroom dancing: 265

* Square dancing: 280

* Ballet: 300

* Belly dancing: 380

* Latin dancing: 420+

* Aerobic dancing: 540+

Mental Benefits of Dancing

Dancing is a unique form of exercise because it provides the heart-healthy benefits of an aerobic exercise while also allowing you to engage in a social activity. This is especially stimulating to the mind, and one 21-year study published in the New England Journal of Medicine even found dancing can reduce the risk of Alzheimer's disease and other forms of dementia in the elderly.

In the study, participants over the age of 75 who engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments and board games once a week had a 7 percent lower risk of dementia compared to those who did not. Those who engaged in these activities at least 11 days a month had a 63 percent lower risk!

Interestingly, dancing was the only physical activity out of 11 in the study that was associated with a lower risk of dementia. Said Joe Verghese, a neurologist at Albert Einstein College of Medicine and a lead researcher of the study, "This is perhaps because dance music engages the dancer's mind."

Verghese says dancing may be a triple benefit for the brain. Not only does the physical aspect of dancing increase blood flow to the brain, but also the social aspect of the activity leads to less stress, depression and loneliness. Further, dancing requires memorizing steps and working with a partner, both of which provide mental challenges that are crucial for brain health.

So clearly dancing is excellent for your body, mind, and soul. Pick up a new heart healthy habit and learn to dance salsa.

Read more: http://www.articlesbase.com/health-articles/the-amazing-benefits-of-salsa-dancing-421617.html#ixzz186OwM6SQ
Under Creative Commons License: Attribution

Classes Available:
FUSION DANCE WORKOUT
INTRO TO BELLY DANCE
CLASS CARD INFORMATION

Location:
Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)

Latin Dance Styles and Rhythms


Salsa: usually attributed to Cuba. Salsa is a variation of European and African dance styles. However, since salsa has its roots in so many dances and is open to improvisation, this style is very fluid.

Merengue: Originated in Dominican Republic, a two beat step that allows for intricate turns and wide open movements.

Cha Cha Cha: Originated from Salsa, but adding a shuffling of the feet. A rhythm also originated in Cuba.

Bachata: a rhythm originated in Domincan Republic that is slow and sensual, incorporates the Cuban hip motion and a unique "pop".

Reggaeton: An urban rhythm that originated in Panama and Puerto Rico similar to Hip Hop.

Punta: an African style dance that originated in Honduras and other Central American countries by the Garifuna people and is similar in many ways to belly dancing.



Karla Marie teaches Belly Dance and Latin styles described above.
CLASS CARDS AVAILABLE


Location:
Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)

Benefits of Belly Dance

The Health Benefits of Belly Dancing
Sheri Waldrop

Source: http://www.discoverbellydance.com/discoverbellydance/vol_3_no_1.htm

* Raks Sharki, also called belly dance, is a form of dance that many are familiar with. But few understand the effects it has on the human body. The graceful hip drops, rolls, and pivots of this dance form utilize muscle groups in the abdomen, pelvis, trunk, spine, and neck, working with the body instead of against it. Unlike ballet, which can potentially alter and deform the skeleton, or other dance forms that work against rather than with the body's physical inclinations, belly dance is based on movements that come naturally to the female form. There is a wealth of health benefits awaiting those who practice this form of dance.

* Improved posture and muscle toning
Our spinal column contains more bones and ligaments than any other part of the body. Its 33 vertebrae are stacked together in a column joined together by cartilage and ligaments, and almost every movement of the torso depends upon its flexibility and function. Muscle groups that attach to the ligaments and vertebrae create movement in the trunk and pelvis areas. Belly dance tones these muscles and maintains flexibility in a safe and effective manner.

During the dance, the movements of hip drops, circles, figure eights, and shimmies put the joints and ligaments in the lower back and hip through a full range of gentle, repetitive motion. This movement helps increase the flow of synovial fluid (nature's lubricant) in these joints. When movements are done properly, the pelvis is tipped forward, or tucked somewhat; a neutral position that can help prevent lower back problems. Belly dance can help relieve stress to the back, counteracting the almost constant compression of the disks that occurs from sitting and a sedentary lifestyle.

These toned muscles improve posture and help prevent back pain that can be caused by the unnatural curving forward of the spine that occurs when muscle groups are weak (lordosis). Small muscle groups deep in the back that are normally under-exercised are used and strengthened. The muscles surrounding the hip, the largest joint in the body, are used and exercised during hip drops, and figure eights, enhancing flexibility and suppleness. Improved hip flexibility can lead to improved balance when walking as well.

Arms and Shoulders are exercised when doing lifts, circles, or the rippling motions of snake arms, toning muscle. This toning effect is often evident early on, since holding the arms aloft are an important element of the dance, even for beginners.

Because a woman is on her feet, moving during the dance, it is considered a weight-bearing exercise. Weight-bearing exercise can prevent osteoporosis and strengthen bones, and the overall toning can lead to an improved self-image, as the dancer becomes more balanced and poised. Belly dance is considered a low-impact exercise, meaning the risk of injury is minimal when movements are done correctly. The benefits of belly dance can be enjoyed by women of all ages; men and children are participating in the dance as well, and reaping the same benefits.

* Weight loss
According to Dr. Carolle Jean-Murat, M.D., belly dance can burn up to 300 calories per hour. This estimate will vary, of course, depending on the intensity of your dancing. Combined with a healthy diet that involves sensible eating, belly dance can without a doubt be part of a sound weight loss program.

Many dance classes take place only once or twice a week. For even better results and enhanced cardiovascular benefits, try combining the flexibility and muscle strengthening of belly dance with an aerobic routine, such as swimming or bike riding, on the days you don't have class. Your entire body will feel the benefits as the aerobic exercise works large muscle groups, and the dance enhances strength and coordination of small muscle groups in the trunk, hips, and arms. Also, many exercise physiologists recommend doing just such a routine: alternating one form of exercise with another, for maximum benefits.

* Preparation for childbirth
The movements of belly dance make an excellent prenatal exercise regimen that strengthens the muscles used during the childbirth process. The toned abdominal muscles and natural hip tucks, which are similar to the "pelvic rocking" taught during prenatal classes, teach the expectant mother how to move her pelvis. For women who desire natural childbirth, this form of exercise through dance, with its emphasis on muscle control not only facilitates natural childbirth, but also makes an excellent post-natal exercise that helps encourage abdominal tone. During those first weeks after giving birth, when caution is needed while healing from the birth process, these movements work the muscles gently and effectively, if done very gradually.

* Stress reduction
In this day and age of almost continuous stress, the subtle rhythms of belly dance and the traditional movements are calming. The repetitive movements of the dance and the concentration needed to do them can help a mind filled with daily stress to "let go" for a while and relax. It's hard to worry about deadlines at work when you are thinking about getting that next drop just right, or while making sure that you are in time with the music.

One effect of stress is that our bodies tense up, causing contractions or spasms in muscle groups, such as those in the neck, shoulders, or back. When a muscle is contracted, lactic acid builds up, causing the "soreness" or pain that occurs. Blood flow to the affected muscles decreases as well.

Belly dance, on the other hand, gently stretches and uses these vulnerable muscle groups, and as they are utilized, blood flow increases and lactic acid is flushed away. Stressed muscles relax as they are gently exercised, relieving the "clenched" muscles often seen in our society. The body becomes supple and limber, and practitioners frequently report that pain diminishes in the back and neck areas.

Belly dance is a fun, healthy way to exercise. It can be a creative outlet that conditions, tones, and allows a woman to tune into the natural movements of her body. It can refresh, relax, and/or exhilarate. So why wait? Find out where classes are held locally, or visit Bhuz.com to look up a class and join in this centuries old dance!

Advisory: Many doctors have suggested belly dancing classes as part of rehabilitation from injury; it is, however, important to check with your own medical provider before starting any new form of exercise, especially if you are over 40, pregnant or have medical problems. Most injuries related to "overdoing" for the beginner can be avoided by warming the muscles first and by remembering to do some basic stretching afterward. Listen to your body's signals. Belly dance, is a wonderful and gentle way to begin to condition your body.

Click here for Intro to Belly Dance Schedule
CLASS CARDS AVAILABLE, CLICK HERE


Location:
Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)


DID YOU KNOW?
* Belly dancing burns over 380+ calories during an hour workout

Belly Dance is good for you

Belly-Dance is good for you
by Angelique
http://www.angeliqueandfriends.com/good.html

Many people are surprised to learn that Middle-Eastern Dance, commonly known as "belly-dance," involves much more than the belly! In fact, belly-dance can benefit many parts of the body. Here are some of the health benefits of Middle-Eastern Dance:

* Exercising the carrying muscles without impact. A belly-dancer uses her quadriceps, hamstrings and glutes to hold her steady as she performs hip movements or travels smoothly across the floor. However, even though she gets a great lower-body workout, the amount of impact to her knees and ankles is minimal. Impact is measured not only by how hard our feet strike the ground, but by how much stress is placed on our joints. Using this measure, most of Middle-Eastern dance is considered non-impact; some tribal and folk dances are low-impact.

* Building the back muscles evenly. Belly-dancers use their torsos a lot-much more than ballet, modern or tap dancers. Only jazz dancers come close to our use of rib movements and undulations. These movements, coupled with shoulder movements, exercise the back muscles, and they exercise the muscles evenly. Strong back muscles prevent back injuries, and they promote good posture as well.

* Exercising the arms. New belly-dance students are always surprised by much they have to use their arm muscles. Belly-dancers have to hold their arms up for long periods of time, and it actually takes quite a lot of strength to perform arm movements slowly and gracefully.

* Aiding digestion. It's true! Exercising the abdominal area, not just by rolling the belly, but also by swaying the torso, helps food move along the digestive system. Any form of exercise will have this effect to some degree, but belly-dance is especially good for this purpose.

Click below for additional information on the classes:
INTRO TO BELLY DANCE
FUSION DANCE WORKOUT
CLASS CARDS AVAILABLE


Location:
Crescent Lotus Studio
3143 Calhoun St.
New Orleans, LA
(off Claiborne)


DID YOU KNOW?
* Belly dancing burns over 380+ calories during an hour workout

2011 NEW YEAR Schedule

2011 New Year's schedule:

Fusion Dance Workout:
starts January 11
Every Tuesday
(7:15pm-8:15pm)
Click here for additional information

Intro to Belly Dance:
starts January 8
Every Saturday
(11:30am-12:15pm)
Click here for additional information

Class cards available, CLICK HERE