Performing Arts

To be able to create a believable character, an actor, in collaboration with the director and cast, will need to analyse the character thoroughly. Here are some tools and tips you can use to help you get into character.

Advice for comedians who want to create their own stage time by independently producing comedy shows.

A list of all the top reasons why women say "no" to dancing with a man. Advice from a professional dance teacher about what to do in each situation so you can don't keep making the same mistakes!

Flamenco or flamingo? Gypsy or Latino? What is flamenco dancing? It may be easier to say what flamenco isn't!

Card tricks range all the way from those that rely on mathematical principles and are called “self-working” to those that require difficult and elaborate sleight-of-hand.

This article gives you all the tools and tricks you need to write your own original monologue, including videos, example monologues, FAQs, and a step-by-step guide.

Flexibility is an essential part of a dancer's life. We are all not blessed with natural flexibility and must work hard to gain that skill. In this article are great tips to get/maintain flexibility.

As a professional dance teacher, here are the four primary characteristics of successful salsa dancers that I've identified for men who are really good leaders and can dance salsa with any woman.

Find out how participating in musical theatre helps build confidence in a child or adult.

One of the exciting things about tribal belly dance is the great variety of Tribal Fusion styles that are constantly emerging. However, please don't forget to respect the genre you're fusing with.

Here I will cover some important reasons to sing.

Creating score sheets for any audition can be difficult. How do you make sure you are fair to all those auditioning? This article is a guide to creating score sheets for multiple genres of dance auditions for multiple skills and ages.

Simple tips for the best ways to retain dialogue.

The Shakespeare Morris Side, keepers of the Bidford Dances of the Cotswold tradition, are a regular sight in Stratford, England. I caught up with one of the dancers to learn more about Morris Dancing.

If your middle or high school is missing a drama club, read here to learn how to get started, recruit new members, and just what to do once you've got that club started.

Now that Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus is closed, world-famous big cat/animal trainer Alexander Lacey takes a look back at his years with the Greatest Show on Earth—and a look forward.

Make sure you have fun every time you go out salsa dancing at a nightclub by avoiding these 10 common mistakes and following my professional advice on what to do in a salsa nightclub.

When Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus announced its closing, the casts and crews for both shows were in shock. What happened next? Some of Ringling’s performers share their stories.

Belly dance costumes are often heavily beaded and fringed. How do you clean them without ruining them?

Have you ever wanted to play with fire without those pesky burn marks? With this experiment you can light money or your hand on fire without it burning. This is a neat and relatively safe trick for all the pyromaniacs out there.

Belly dance is the ideal form of exercise for mature women. It's gentle and doesn't require great flexibility or strength. However, its traditional costumes and makeup can be challenging for older dancers. Here are some tips to look like a belly dancer with grace.

Flamenco shawls are beautiful to look at and warm to wear. But in flamenco dance, the shawl or "manton" is also an important (and useful) part of the costume and is also used as a dramatic prop.

Learn how to properly ask a woman to dance and interact with her, from the moment you first see her, all the way through to when the song is finished and you're getting ready to part ways.

More and more adults all over the world are taking ballet lessons nowadays. What's attracting them to the dance studio? Apparently, ballet brings with it tremendous benefits to one's health. Read on to find out more.

Who is The World's Greatest Magician? Why, you are, of course! I mean this very seriously. When you are performing magic for your friends and acquaintances (and doing it well), to them, you are the greatest magician in the world.

Perfect songs for listening to after a recent breakup. A list of great bachata songs to dance to for beginner, intermediate and advanced bachata dancers who want songs with a lot of passion and drama

"Di Nü Hua", written in 1957, is a very famous Cantonese opera. It focuses on the story of Princess Changping, the last princess of the Ming Dynasty.

Shows like "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" brought improv to our living rooms. Here are life lessons I've learned during my career as an improviser and how it can benefit your health and your pocketbook.

Learning how to dance salsa in a private lesson or group class is a lot of fun! Wearing the right kind of clothes and shoes minimizes risk of injury and keeps you feeling comfortable and looking good!

The shimmy is one of the most fundamental moves in belly dance and has many variations. Good technique is critical! Learn how to shimmy by reading this comprehensive guide.

Flamenco dresses and costumes are expensive to buy, because there is so much material and work involved. If you are up for the work, you can make your own flamenco costumes.

Luigi technique is a long-established and effective method of training for modern jazz dance

A simple 6-step guide on how to inexpensively build your own ballet barre in your home with readily available hardware items, plus other alternative options.

When ballet school is out, how do you stay fit for dancing? Here are some ideas.

Belly dance costumes are expensive, so what are the sensible costume alternatives for a student belly dance troupe?

Are you constantly seeking inspiration? Here's the list of the top 11 dancers you need to follow on Instagram to always stay up to date with the latest dance videos and news!

A list of the top 10 common mistakes men make when they go out salsa dancing by themselves or with a date. Dos and don'ts for men everywhere.

People often wait when they should jump into comedy. This article can help you start telling jokes before live audiences and move forward from there.

Pretending to die on stage for a play or skit is one of the most difficult roles for an actor. Here are my tips and anecdotes about pretending to die on stage.

Precise, fast footwork is essential to a flamenco dancer. It's impossible to build speed unless you get the basics right first. Flamenco footwork technique is an exact science!

Who knew there were so many cool hula hoop tricks to try? Check out this list of the 5 easiest and coolest looking hula hoop tricks to impress your friends!

Who's dancing, you or the props? Sword, veils, Isis wings and fan veils can be exciting additions to belly dance, but be careful they don't take over.

Dramatize a classic or modern story. 21 tips from the opening page to a full performance.

I discuss the differences between the Russian Vaganova system and the RAD system of studying ballet from my own experience taking lessons.

Belly dance bras are notorious for their uncomfortable and sometimes unflattering fit. This article explains how to make your own bra, or how to adjust one you already own, even if you don't know how to sew.

Learn to juggle using a few quick and easy exercises that you can do anywhere.

The flamenco 12-beat rhythm is hard to master, but the compas clock will help you understand flamenco rhythms easily.

A guide on how to dance bachata well and become an amazing bachata dancer by listening to and getting in touch with the music, finding the right partner, getting up close and personal, and being sexy!

This article answers questions about common foot injuries in pointe work.

Social dancing comes with its own set of rules that might not be that obvious if you're new to it. Tips for men and women on how to keep the peace and avoid problems when you're out social dancing.

The majence, or majensi, is the opening number for a belly dance show. It showcases the dancer at her best and gives a taster of the show that follows. Because of its variety, majence music can make a good basis for a belly dance solo.

It's impossible to even start choosing a pair of pointe shoes until you know what shape your foot is.

At face value, a play or musical is entertainment for entertainment sake: fun for a moment then often forgotten. But in working alongside those who are actual participants I have gained insight.

Freed of London are the most prestigious UK ballet manufacturer, and their pointe shoes are legendary for their lightness.

Why do pointe shoe manufacturers produce so many models? Because feet come in different shapes as well as different sizes. Before you can find the right pointe shoe, you need to understand your foot shape.

In ballroom, Latin, tango or salsa dancing, the woman can't just dance what she wants—she must follow her partner. And the man MUST lead! How does that work?

A small glossary of theatre terms, including vocabulary and terminology related to acting, auditions and rehearsals, scripts, technical theatre, theatre people, and stage directions.

Gaynor Minden pointe shoes have a reputation for being a "cheater's shoe." Why? Is it true? Why do ballet teachers dislike them so?

Comedy and clowning go hand in hand. These warm ups encourage fun and creative expression and will help release your inner clown. They're good for those who are in the performing arts business too.

Are you searching for a killer act for your next talent show? Here are seven hilarious ideas, including video examples!

Your teacher has said you are ready to go on pointe. Here's what to expect and how to prepare for your first pointe shoe fitting.

The end of the circus! As an outsider looking in, this author and circus-lover offers an editorial look at the closing of the Greatest Show on Earth. ®

Planning a 70s party? You don't have to dance like John Travolta—there were many 1970s routines like the Bump Dance and the Hustle that are easy for anyone to learn.

A quick and easy guide for men on what clothes they should wear to salsa clubs. Answers to all of your major questions from a professional salsa dance teacher.

Samuel Beckett's short scene plays are perfect for teenage performers. From mimes to intriguing dialogue, they offer all types of student the chance to participate.

Learn about the fate of "The Phantom of the Opera" characters, as revealed in the sequel musical, "Love Never Dies."

The success of an audition hinges strongly on how the audition is structured and executed. This article is a step-by-step guide on how to set up, run, and complete an audition and have it be a success!

Live theatre can be a wonderful experience; it can also be ruined when members of the audience ignore a few simple rules.

A countdown and review ten of the greatest magicians the world has ever known!

This article is an examination of various ways to memorize lines for a script or play.

The right shoes can make your ballroom dance classes much more enjoyable as well as protecting you from injury.

Is your speaking voice representing the right image of who you are? If not, there are exercises and information available in this article to help you. Be a winner by learning how to successfully build your image with the use of your voice.

Super easy-to-do magic tricks for beginners. These simple tricks are good for kids, and you can do them all at home!

Teaching young children can be a challenge. Getting them moving is a great way to assist in their development while engaging their creativity.

Half a century after the Great War started, a group of British writers and actors created a macabre and satirical musical about the dreadful sacrifice of the common soldiers.

There are two main types of Scottish dancing: highland dancing and Scottish Country dance.

Got an audition coming up soon for a musical theater production? Maybe just a singing or a dancing audition? You're not alone! I moved to the Des Moines area last year and have auditioned a few times with the Des Moines Playhouse. Read on to learn some key tips to nailing your audition.

Want to be an actor? Why not join your local amateur dramatic club or society? It's a great way to dip your toes into acting. Here's a few tips on how to join, what to expect and how much it will cost.

It's becoming more and more popular for dancers to share videos on Instagram. Lucky us! Here are some of the best dancers you should be following.

This article takes a look at the influence of ballet on belly dancing.

If you're wondering how to learn belly dancing at home, it's not that hard. Unlike most other kinds of dance, it's quite possible to learn and enjoy the basics in your lounge room.

Although not popular in flamenco nueve, castanet playing is still an essential skill for any budding flamenco dancer. Learn what to buy and how to get started.

Sevillanas is a Spanish folkloric dance often taught to flamenco students. It's unique in the flamenco repertoire in having set steps. This article explains how to dance each copla "paso a paso."

Are you looking for ideas for the upcoming talent show? You'll find tons of ideas here, including singing, dancing, karate, tricks with a pogo stick or a yo-yo, and more. Plus tips on how to make your act as memorable and as professional as possible.

Aerialists strive to entertain circus audiences with daring feats. Trapeze artist Ammed Tuniziani is at the top of his game—hitting quadruple somersaults with amazing consistency.

Why dance? There are many reasons: Read on to discover why!

Tips and advice from a professional dance instructor on what clothes and shoes men should wear to a private dance lesson or group class for salsa, swing or ballroom dancing.

A list of the top ten reasons why you should learn how to dance salsa and how it can change your life, or at least make it less pitifully boring than it is right now, as told by a salsa teacher.

Here are tons of talent show song titles, including ballads, party songs, show tunes, duets, and songs for males, females, and kids. It also includes tips on how to choose the right song for you!

The proud carriage and fluid arms of a flamenco dancer's body are part of the essence of the dance, so it's important you understand and master them, if you want to look authentic.

Here are 10 methods for treating your human pipe organ for when a cold strikes.

Tips on how to use covert hypnosis to hypnotize the people around you.

You're busted! Here are seven myths about dance lessons that you thought were true!

A professional salsa & Latin dance teacher's guide for women on what clothes, shoes, and makeup to wear to go salsa dancing at a studio or a nightclub, with tips on how to look hot and stay cool.

Competition ballroom dancing is known as "dancesport". But is it a dance or a sport, or is it possible to be a mixture of both?

The bata de cola is a flamenco dress with a train. Learn what it is and how to dance in it. The bata de cola kick causes more trouble for flamenco dancers than any other aspect of handling it!

Opening a belly dance studio is an interesting and life-changing event. It will come with many challenges. Energy, creative thinking, and business acuity will be your tools for success.

Ask almost any child to dance, and they'll move to the music. So why do so many adults find it hard to dance? By understanding the reasons, you CAN learn to dance!

Late starters to the art of ballet are always left out at most studios if they are hoping for anything more than weekly recreation. I was one of those dancers. This is what I would tell my former self, which is also my advice to other late starters.

Do you want to know magic? Learn these five easy, simple mind-reading tricks to amaze children, friends, et.al. with your special psychic abilities! Simple enough for a child to perform.