Rock Bands: What are They?

A rock band is a group of musicians specializing in rock music. This music is a form of popular music with a major vocal melody accompanied by guitar, drums, and bass. Some other types of rock music uses keyboard instruments such as organ, piano, mellotron, and synthesizers. Rock music is characterized by having a strong back beat, which usually revolves around the guitar. The guitars used could be either solid electric, hollow electric, or acoustic. Usually a rock band is made up of a lead singer, guitarist, bass guitarist and drummer which form a quartet.

Some rock bands only make use of the lead singer who plays an instrument while singing, forming a trio or duo. Other bands have extra musicians such as one or two rhythm guitarists and a keyboard player. In rare cases, some rock bands use stringed instruments such as violins and horns such as trumpets. Rock and roll has influenced many young generations due to its rebellious attitude. Rock bands’ lifestyle has created significant impact globally on trends, styles and fashion. The band’s lifestyle has created an impact on styles and fashion. Fans show their appreciation by wearing rock and roll clothes and merchandise or their favorite rock band T-shirts. Fans of rock bands wear rock band T-shirts having imprints of their favorite rock band symbols, names of musicians, photos of performers, and concert photos. This style in rock band clothing defined the artist's intent and relationship to the audience.

Rock and roll fans are determined to promote and encourage rock bands.

Fans show their appreciation by wearing rock and roll clothes and merchandise or their favorite rock band T-shirts, and by displaying rock music posters, rock concert posters and other band posters on their walls.

Rock music and fashion have been inextricably linked. The tough, leather-clad image of early rockers influenced a generation of young people. In the mid-1960s in the UK "Rockers” wore rock band T-shirts and leather. Rock band musicians were early adopters of hippie fashion and introduced such styles as the Nehru jacket; bands such as the Beatles had custom-made clothing that influenced much of '60s style.
Rock fans nowadays are more inclined towards wearing rock band T-shirts having imprints of their favorite rock band symbols, names of musicians, photos of performers, and concert photos.

Punk rock clothing and t-shirts are offered for fans ranging from vintage and modern concert clothing having rock goth classic from 60s 70s 80s 90s t-shirts as well as selection of baby dolls, hooded, long sleeves, t-shirts, girly top, sweatshirts, girly, tees, to unisex tees, and unisex apparel clothing.

As rock music genres became more segmented, what a rock band artist wore became as important as the music itself in defining the artist's intent and relationship to the audience. Musicians continue to be fashion icons; pop-culture magazines such as Rolling Stone often include fashion layouts featuring musicians as models.
Rock Bands: Girly Tops Rock Tees



October 1, 2009
By Webnox
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Preparing For Your First Guitar Lesson

So. You've decided that you'd like to learn how to play the guitar, huh? Great decision! In this article, I'll cover the basic things you'll need to get before you're ready to start taking guitar lessons.

The first thing you'll need is pretty obvious: a guitar! You should really give some serious consideration to what you want in a guitar before you buy one, though.

There are three major classifications of guitars: acoustic, classical, and electric. Acoustic is pretty much the most versatile, but it may not be what you want.

An acoustic guitar is a steel stringed guitar with a hollow wooden body. As it's name suggests, it can be played acoustically, meaning that you don't need an amp to play it. You can use an amp with an acoustic guitar, though. Some come with pickups already installed inside the guitar - you just plug in a ¼" sound cord and go. These are called acoustic-electric guitars. If you choose a guitar without this feature, you can buy a soundhole pickup for your guitar for about $60, which allows you to plug your acoustic guitar into an amp.

A Classical guitar is similar to an acoustic guitar, except it has nylon strings and is designed somewhat differently. As it's name suggests, a classical guitar is ideal for playing classical guitar. You might also want a classical guitar for fnger-picking or Spanish music.

An electrical guitar is usually a plastic solid body guitar with thin steel strings. It requires an amp to play it. Electrical guitars have a unique sound, and are often used with effects pedals to distort or change the sound of the guitar. Electric guitars are central to rock music, as well as being integral to many other types of modern music.

Once you get your guitar, you'll still need a few other items. If you're playing an acoustic or electric guitar, you'll want some picks. I'd suggest you start with Medium picks for most music. You should also buy a capo, which is used for changing the key of your guitar. Be sure that it fits your guitar properly before you buy it though.

With these items, you should be ready for your first guitar lesson.



September 30, 2009
By Gabriel Adams
Andrew Koblick's Guitar Improvement DVDs include... Amazing Guitar- Improve Fast: http://www.learnguitar01.guitar5day.com the Ultimate Blues Primer - Play the Blues: http://www.blues01.guitar5day.com Free Newsletter: http://www.newsletter.guitar5day.com

Varieties of Concerts

Concerts come in many forms, but one thing that they all share in common is that they are live performances before an audience. Also, when we think of a concert, we are usually thinking of music. A concert can be of contemporary music, or it can be of classical, or jazz music. It can be any of a number of musical genres. There might be just one musician, or there could be a whole orchestra or band. A concert is also known as a "show", and nowadays it is more commonly known as a "gig", especially for more non-classical performances, such as rock, punk, hip-hop or jazz. A concert or gig might take place in a variety of venues, ranging from the large auditorium, such as the Big Egg in Tokyo, or The Ice Stadium in Stockholm, or it might just as well be held in a pub or club. Some concerts take place in theaters, barns, or even outdoors.

Some concerts are free, but in general you need to buy tickets in order to attend a concert. Many bands or performers go on tour, doing a series of concerts in a string of cities, in a number of countries. The concert gives the performers the opportunity to play in front of a live audience, and to establish a rapport with their fans. Concerts play a great role in the promotion of the artist, by increasing their exposure to their fans. If the fans really enjoy the gig, they will most likely want to go to more concerts by the same band. Tours are widely used to promote album sales, with the tour often having the same name as the album. Some bands love doing live gigs, and do many of them, whereas other bands rarely perform live.

Some bands that generally pull in a large audience can really go to town with the special effects, such as lasers, lights, elaborate props, inflatables, film shown on screen, smoke, pyrotechnics, and so on. All this helps to increase the excitement and the spectacle. The Rolling Stones, who are renowned for going on tour, made fantastic use of inflatables on their Voodoo Lounge Tour. The progressive rock band Pink Floyd used some stunning props when they performed The Wall some years ago, and at one point built an entire wall on stage. Some artists, such as Iggy Pop, do crowd surfing, and the spectators often dance, sing along, and get going in the mosh pit. Rock concerts usually include a drum solo from the drummer, which tends to be one of the highlights of the show.

Some events are known as festivals, and these involve a huge line-up of large numbers of artists. Festivals, such as Glastonbury or Reading, normally take place outdoors, and there are a number of different tents where you can hear different styles of music, such as rock, indie, hip-hop, and so on. Most festivals include a dance tent with a top DJ, where the festival goers can dance for hours to the latest sounds.

So concerts come in all shapes and sizes. Pick the one for you, and you are sure to have a good time.



September 29, 2009
By Weerac Kunti
The article written by Weerac Kunti, please visit the website for more information as it provides information about cheap concert tickets at stubhub

Hip Hop Dancing

Hip hop dancing is an urban ethnic dance form that has gained popularity in recent days. It is more common than the break dance of modern days. Hip hop dancing marked its beginning as part of the hip hop culture in the early 1900's, when the youth in and around Bronx, New York started dancing on the streets.

Hip hop dancing is an ideal way to express one's creativeness. It features self impressions and the dances come from the soul. The dancing represents body movements that go with the beat and rhythm of hip hop music. There is breaking, popping, locking, and free styling in hip hop dances. The jumps, breakages, and rotations in the movements are combined in such a way that the dance style becomes an informal and explosive one.

Hip hop dancing is considered a good exercise for those persons who perform these dances. It helps the dancers to improve flexibility, to develop body balance, and to coordinate the muscles. This dance allows the dancers to improve their own style and to remain in good body shape. It also leads the dancers to a state of spiritual wholeness.

Hip hop dancing includes many steps and movements that are not present in ballet and ballroom dancing. The jazz, ballet, and other traditional dance forms are technical and require more formal training. There is a term for each and every movement in jazz and ballets. But this is not the case with hip hop dancing and the dancers experience freedom while dancing. The only thing the dancers should have is to become familiar with the dancing technique.

Hip hop dancing can be learned by all those who are interested in dancing. There is no age limitation or restriction for learners and dancers. It is also not necessary that the instructor should be a professional dancer. However, this kind of dance is slightly difficult to learn because of the various body movements.

Hip Hop provides detailed information on Hip Hop, Hip Hop And Rap, Hip Hop Music, R&B Hip Hop and more. Hip Hop is affiliated with Karaoke Music.



September 25, 2009
By Kevin Stith

Magic Does It Make A Difference

Magic is always... well... Magic no matter who is performing it, isn't it?

Every magician has the same objectives and those objectives are to entertain, mystify and trick you into believing what he or she wants you to believe. Whether it is just a quick sleight of hand or a full blown professional production, every magician loves to entertain and mystify their audience.

David Blaine is the same person now, when he is performing amazing tricks for millions, as he was when he started performing magic tricks on the streets of New York years ago. His objectives are the same now as then...to entertain, mystify and trick you into believing what he wants you to believe.

Magicians come in all shapes, sizes, ages, races and religions. Magic is universal. Music is the universal language... it is written and played the same all over the world and magic is the universal form of entertainment for both the young and old alike.

There is no need to speak the same language or be the same age, shape, size or religion as the magician who is entertaining you; it's all about the trick itself and the showmanship of the magician that make magic a universal form of entertainment.

A great trick or illusion is great all over the world again and again, and again.

There are two universal skills that becoming proficient at performing magic tricks requires in every language and by want-to-be magicians of every shape, size and age all over the world, as well.

One requirement (first and foremost) is practice.

Practice, practice, practice! Your trick has to become a natural part of your conversation and your movements. A flawed execution of a trick pulls the curtain back on the magician and the entertainment value plummets.

The other is passion for the art of magic.

Neither can be bought, begged, stolen or sold. It burns within like a flame that cant be extinguished and it is this passion that fuels the desire to practice and hone the skills.

Those who have a burning desire to perform magic tricks are all entertainers at heart... whether they are your 10-year-old nephew who just got his first magic kit or the David Blaine's and David Copperfields of the world.

So pay attention when that 10-year-old nephew asks you to pick a card... pick any card, you might be seeing greatness in the making.



September 24, 2009
By Tammy Foster
For more information on magic tricks be sure to visit http://www.magic.web-sitings.com where you will find advice and tips on everything from, magic tricks, card tricks, perfoming magic and how you can start dazzling your audiences.

Let Your School Plays Have a Fully-packed Audience

Different Ways to Promote Your School Theater Play Successfully

For school plays, the usual suspects for your audience are friends, family, and schoolmates. But with all the hard work poured into your three-day theater performance, to fill up the theater seats to outsiders as well can be more rewarding.

Promotions for a theater production can be prolonged even after a theater show. This way, you can promote your concepts and build a following for other plays you have planned for succeeding years. By promoting through different kinds of print materials, like those offered in online websites like UPrinting, you maximize gathering an audience and documenting the success of the theater event.

1. Pre Promotions: For promotions before the big day, you can send out postcard invites to acquaintances, far relatives, and former schoolmates. A postcard campaign through direct mailing services can be one way to distribute your theater invites.

2. Post Promotions: After the event, you can use the Internet as a tool to promote your play. By adding excerpts from your play or a full length video, you get to document your play to another audience. This can also serve as a reference for some of the target audience who were not able to attend. Also, a brochure of some screen shots of your play can be a good tool for post production promotions just before the next school play begins. This way, you get to use your brochure for both the previous play and for pre promotions for your next school play.

3. Web Promotions: By joining social networking sites like Facebook.com and Twitter.com, you can post your ads for free and get a bunch of responses right away. Also, through blogging about excerpts of your school play, you can better spread and promote your invitations and your upcoming show.

By combining different strategies in promoting your school play, you get to strengthen your campaigns more and gain a much larger target market than expected.

(ArticlesBase ID #1047802)



September 23, 2009
By Kristine
Kristine is a content writer, with experience in the marketing and public relations industry. Currently, she resides in the Los Angeles, California working in the field of marketing.

How to Maintain and Preserve Your Singing Voice

Most people think that singers with good voices are born with them. Yes, although some people have better singing voices than others, most, if not all good singers undergo vocal training to improve their voices.

Most of the singer's training is done through specific vocal exercises to achieve certain effects such as singing powerfully, getting vibrato into the singing voice or even expanding your vocal range so that singing higher notes is a breeze.
Unfortunately, this article cannot do that as the exercises must be physically demonstrated and manually practiced. So instead of learning how to get a good voice, this article will show you how to protect and preserve your singing voice because your voice quality can be destroyed by bad habits that you may not even know you have.

Your voice is produced by a delicate mechanism and when used correctly, it rarely gives you any problem. So take good care of your precious voice and will serve you well for your lifetime.

The first golden rule to having a good voice quality is not to take up smoking and if you are already a smoker, do quit smoking before this nasty habit destroys your singing voice further.

The thousands of irritants and chemicals in cigarettes damage your voice and will certainly shorten your singing career and even your life unless you are a rock singer and need to have a raspy and coarse voice.

Always stay hydrated and as such, you need to stay away from caffeine, alcohol and other substance that dehydrates you. The vocal folds must be hydrated at all times to stay healthy and lubricated. So drink plenty of drink as much water everyday to keep them hydrated.

If you are on medication, check with your doctor or pharmacist whether the medicine you are taking is dehydrating. As a general guide, your body should be well hydrated when your urine is clear and not cloudy.

Everyone's voice has its own limitations. So get to know yours. Shouting, talking loudly or even singing forcefully is damaging to your vocal cords, this is sheer common sense, but many singers still abuse their voices this way. So don't shout.

Unfortunately, some people think that to sing powerfully, they have to shout. No, they don't have to. You can develop a powerful voice with the correct vocal exercises without having to shout.

Your vocal cords collide with each other more than a million times everyday when you produce a sound and so, any extra harsh activities like shouting puts further strain on the already overused vocal cords.

When recovering from a coarse voice like say, from a sore throat, avoid any unnecessary conversations or phone calls to let your voice fully recover. Otherwise your recovery will be slower and even then, small permanent damages may occur.

You need to know that your vocal cords are muscles and therefore like any muscles, they need a thorough warm up and some voice lesson before it can perform at its peak when you are singing. By the same token, they need to be cooled down with vocal exercises after your performances.

Just because you get away without warming up or cooling down now does not guarantee that you will not damage your voice in the future.

Next on the list is to avoid late night eating because this may end up with your stomach acid spilling into your larynx when you lie down to sleep and causing a hoarse voice and over the long term, permanent voice damage.

These are just some of the many things that you should not do to preserve, protect and maintain your voice producing mechanism so that you can have a good singing voice permanently.



September 22, 2009
By Chris Chew
Chris Chew owns a music education website at http://www.playmusicsing.com

Tips For Taking Dance Lessons

When it comes to the idea of taking dance lessons you want to do your research first. This can be a great way to learn something new but you want to make sure you will get a lot out of it. Find out what types of dance lessons are offered in your area. You may have a particular type of dancing you wish to take part in. If not, find one that could be very interesting for you and that you like the music of.

Some dance lessons require you to have a partner and others don’t. It is important to find this out before you sign up. If you need a partner start looking for one early. Make sure it is someone that will be committed to showing up for the lessons. You can also find out if there are other singles that want to do the class and perhaps the two of you can become partners that way.

The length of the dance lessons as well as when they are held is important to. Generally they should be at least one hour in length per session for you to really learn a great deal in them. The class can run for several weeks or even many months depending on what you are going to learn while you are in it. Make sure you can commit to that frame of time. Some programs even offer childcare services so ask about them if you are worried about getting a sitter so you can attend the various dance classes.

Make sure you sign up for a class that is right for your level of skills. Most of the time you will find beginning, intermediate, and then advanced dance classes in the different categories. You want to start with the beginning classes if you are new to it or you feel you have no real understanding of dancing that you are comfortable with. Then you can move into a higher level of class as your skills improve.

Find out who the instructor for the dance lessons is as well. You want someone that you feel comfortable with. That way you will get more from each of the sessions. If you don’t know that individual ask if you can schedule a meeting with them before you sign up. You want to ask questions too such as their own dancing experience, why they are teaching the lessons, and what you should be able to get out of the program.

Ask for references too so you can find out what other people have to say about taking dance lessons from that instructor. If the feedback is very positive then you want to get signed up. However, if you are getting mixed reviews then you may want to continue looking for another program.

Make sure you find out how many people will be in your dance lesson class too. The smaller the class the better because then the instructor can observe and give pointers more often to you. Make sure you wear comfortable shoes and loose clothing for your dance lessons too. You want to be able to have the freedom of movement.

Finally, loosen up and have a great time with all of it. You don’t want to be rigid and tense while you are learning how to dance. Be willing to experiment and to see yourself as a great dancer. Hopefully there will be some mirrors in the classroom too so that you can see for yourself how great you look. This will increase your self confidence for when you are ready to get out there on the dance floor.



September 18, 2009
By Joshua Safee
Dancing is a common social activity that many people love. In wedding ceremony, dancing is a very important part. Therefore, many people want to http://www.dancexcite.com.au/ learn to dance especially the new couples who want to dance a bridal waltz on their wedding. DanceXcite is a good choice for them to learn to dance Sydney. They provide wedding dance lessons such http://www.dancexcite.com.au/ bridal waltz Sydney.

Know More About Belly Dancing

Belly dancing originated from various sources which are why there are lots of theories about its origin. It is known world-wide and practiced by a lot of people.

As far as world history is concerned, Belly Dancing is among the oldest societal dances. It is believed that it originated from the Eastern Mediterranean. This is due to the fact that there are similarities in Egyptian artwork poses and modern dance.

Belly dancing have two forms that are called raqs baladi and raqs sharqi. Raqs baladi is a social dance in Lebanon and Palestine. It is performed by everyone during festivities such as weddings that are intended for celebrations and mere fun. The theatrical version of Belly dancing is the "raqs shargi". Raqs sharqi is the most popular type of dance in the United States today. Both forms of Belly dancing can be performed with female and male dancers.

Belly dancing is a native dance that is why it is generally learned in the early stage of childhood. The children learn the dance informally by imitating and observing their elders through community and social celebrations, along with informal gatherings like most social dances. Nowadays, belly-dancing classes are offered throughout the world. Skilled dancers of this art share their knowledge that was even passed down from the indigenous people.

The real and exact origin of Belly dancing is widely debated by dance enthusiasts. Dancers who attempt to understand the origin of this dance did some research. This is because these dancers overlooked the fact that most Middle Eastern dances take place only in social backgrounds rather than going with the current glamorous and more visible background of professional dancers in nightclubs these days. There are lots of theories about the origin of belly dancing due to the misunderstandings of the people who want to learn its art. It is also regarded as a fusion of different dance styles. This is why belly dancing has many origins. Thus, most of the dance styles are derived from folk dances.

Here is a list of theories about the origin of belly dancing, according to most dancers:

1. Belly dancing originated in Greece and it spread because of Alexander the Great.
2. Belly dancing originated from a religious dance that a Temple Priestess made.
3. Belly dancing originated from the Upper Ancient Egypt through indigenous dancing.
4. Belly dancing descended from Uzbekistan and traveled to India because of the slave trade.
5. Belly dancing was spread during the Romani people's migrations (termed as "gypsies") and other related groups.
6. Belly dancing originated in Northwest India, particularly in Banjara of Rajasthan.
7. Bally dancing is part of a traditional birthing practice in its region or regions of origin.

From all the theories stated above, the first one is considered as the most "believed" theory. This is although the most popular theory is that it originated from a religious dance. The theory about the "birthing practice" has several movements that are incorporated in the modern "raqs sharqi". This is because some of the movements demonstrated a type of exercise in order to ease childbirth. Thus, there are two points stated above that suggests that the so-called "Roma dance" is the origin of belly dancing. Regardless of where this dance began, it has a vast history and this eventually traveled fast around the world. It has a wide history in Africa and the Middle East as well.

The Costume

The most popular costume style include a bra or a fitted top that usually have coins or beans, along with a skirt and a fitted belt placed in the hips that have fringes of coins or beads. The skirts may be layered, paneled, circular or straight -styled. A veil is sometimes used in performing a complete dance. The veil must be four or three and a half yards in length. It is used as a part of the dance in order to frame and see the movements of the belly dancer. Egyptian belly dancers wear dresses that are fully beaded and designed according to tradition and dance. In the western world, dancers are free to choose the design of the costume according to fantasy and taste.

Dancing Techniques

The basic step of this form of dance is doing a circular motion on an isolated part of the body. An example of this is a step where in the dancer performs in a circular motion that is parallel to the ground and a body part. This is, in which, the shoulders or hips become isolated.

Belly dancing both have physical and mental benefits. Dancing alone gives a good workout to any person's cardio-vascular muscles. This can increase the strength and flexibility focused on the "core muscles" or the torso. This form of dance also builds up leg strength. Most belly dance steps emphasize the so-called "muscular isolations" due to the fact that it teaches the ability to move different muscle groups or muscles in the body independently. The veil work can build the shoulders, arms and the general upper body system. Playing the "zils" builds independence and strength on the fingers. This form of dance is good for all body types and all age groups.

Belly dancing is now a part of the modern pop culture as well. Some pop icons of this age fused belly dancing into the modern hip-hop dancing. The Latin star Shakira has recently popularized belly dancing for she uses Latino dance along with belly dancing and modern dance. The late R&B singer Aaliyah used this form of dance as her "signature move". Aaliyah named her dance the "belly roll" and it was featured in music videos. Some singers or performers that featured a kind of belly dancing in one of their music videos include Ciara, Rihanna, Beyonce Knowles, Britney Spears, Christina Aguilera and Nelly Furtado. Out of all the singers that performed belly dancing on music videos, only Shakira had a professional "Belly Dance training".

(ArticlesBase ID #450651)



September 17, 2009
By David H. Urmann
For more information on Belly Dancing please visit our website.

Musicians Need Hobbies

“As musicians, you’re so lucky that your profession is your hobby. You’re so lucky. I’m so jealous. I hate you because I’m jealous. Actually, I just hate you.”

Many of my colleagues have heard that they are rather fortunate to have a profession that can double up as a hobby. There is definite truth to this statement, especially if the musician in question has diversity within his or her particular field. For example, a composer who is also a skilled pianist could be said to have two hobbies. This is most certainly a wonderful blessing.

However, what if a musician has only one major skill within his or her profession? This type of scenario can become a bit troublesome. Consider a semi retired composer who uses a winding down profession as a stress relieving hobby. He needs a music band to sing his song. Have a look at the following situation:

On Monday, our composer in question (let’s call him Felix) sits down and begins to write a jingle for a television commercial. On Tuesday, writers block sets in. By Thursday, the writer’s block continues. Hmmm! It’s time for Felix to seek stress relief. It’s a shame that golfing, tennis or art collecting aren’t interests that have been formulated and honed over the years as ‘Felix stress relieving devices’. So what does our composer friend turn to in times of stress from his profession? More COMPOSING!

Isn’t that just great!! In this circumstance, Felix’s hobby reminds him of the exact stress filled situation that he is trying to escape from. This situation has the potential, over time, to accelerate out of control. Add into the mix a definite migraine and potential ulcer unless Felix finds a consistent outlet that has nothing to do with his focus of frustration.

This would not as likely be the situation with a composer/pianist, for example. In this case, our frustrated composer (let’s call her Samantha) could turn to the piano and play other composer’s works to her heart’s content. Pianists are continually searching through other composer’s repertoire in order to find meaning in their world. What a wonderful way of escaping the highly personal problems associated with writer’s block.

Felix is freaking out. Samantha is happy. I’m happy. Why? My humble point has, to an extent, been favorably argued.

A best case scenario would be a musician that has a hobby of a completely non-musical nature. Even in Samantha’s case, her sanity relies completely on the health of her hands. If she sprains a wrist, or develops any sort of syndrome associated with the muscles in her wrists, her outlet is compromised. Also, she runs a small risk of not being able to escape from her writer’s block through the art of piano playing. After all, perhaps playing other successfully published compositions remind her of the ‘failure’ of a composition that she is having trouble with. Much depends on the personality of the composer who is experiencing the block.

Musicians need hobbies. They’re like safety nets. Having two or three can prove to be highly beneficial. Contrasting hobbies are like having different brands of safety nets. If one brand is not performing well, then you have another brand that may well prove to be long lasting in its effectiveness.



September 16, 2009
By Daniel E. Friedman
Come and join the author, Daniel E. Friedman, at http://www.musicmasterstudios.com for assistance in music education and comprehension.

Magic Show Tips

For magic enthusiasts, what could be more fun than being able to organize a magic show of their own, right? However, it might not be an easy task to prepare for one magic show that will bewilder your friends and other speculators. Don't fret. Here are some tips and suggestions that might help one in prepping for one fun magic show that will make all the audience spellbound:

Prepare the Stage

A magic show will not be as exciting if it is done in a place where there's no stage. One must set up a stage that could consist of either a piano bench or a small table with a blanket or table cloth.

Drapes help a lot in seeing to it that the audience don't get a glimpse of your activities before performing a trick. Have a certain spot where all your tricks can be done.

Prepare the Props

A magician will have a hard time amazing his or her audience without the help of various magic props. Gather all the paraphernalias that will make the magic show successful beforehand to avoid scrambling around at the eleventh hour.

The usual props used by magicians include playing cards, hats, animals, a handkerchief, etc.

Prepare for the Tricks

What's a magic show without magic tricks? Practicing the tricks well before the magic show will make one magician less doubtful on whether his or her magic show will be a hit or not. Here are some rules that a magician should follow when doing a magic show:

1. Don't kiss and tell a trick.

Magic is made to amaze the audience. Telling how to do a trick will spoil that purpose. A trick that is told how to do will lose its mystery.

2. Trick only once.

When a trick is done for the first time, the audience will be very amazed. Doing it twice will make the audience predict what will happen and the risk of figuring the trick out is not impossible.

3. Practice like there's no tomorrow.

When one is not that comfortable with a certain trick, it is not advisable to perform it. Practicing in front of friends or other people before the show in front of an audience will help a lot in making the magic show successful.

4. Be or look confident.

Acting nervous will make you a laughingstock. When you are going to be the man of the show, it won't help to be stammering and trembling while performing the magic tricks. Practicing will help you in this arena.



September 15, 2009
By Preston Houer
Preston Houer has been involved with the art of illusion and sleight of hand for over 30 years. Let Preston show you how to Have Fun With Magic. Visit His Site Today! http://www.have-fun-with-magic.com
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/entertainment.php/37333

Read This Prior to Taking Any Play Guitar For Beginners Lessons

Before you begin using any material that offers play guitar for beginners instruction; you should familiarize yourself with the component parts that make up the instrument you will be playing. The modern guitar we know today has developed from quite an old instrument.

The acoustic guitar has been around since the late 1700's with the electric guitar being invented during the 1930's. Do not worry about which type you have decided to play; they both share the same main characteristics. The main difference is that an electric guitar is connected to an amplifier. Simply by understanding about the various components that make up your guitar, you will become a better musician.

The guitar parts are the headstock, the tuners, the nut, guitar neck and fret board, sound hole, the body, and bridge. Collectively these parts make the instrument work and give the guitar its distinctive sound. If just one of these parts were removed or changed; all the guitar lessons in the world would be useless, because the notes played would not sound right.

The next thing to learn is how to hold the pick correctly. Some beginners prefer not to use a pick to play the guitar, but this can become painful for your fingers. Your picking hand should be open with the palm facing you, then, make a loose fist and let your thumb remain beside your index finger. Rotate your hand with the knuckle of your thumb facing you.

The next stage for beginners is learning how to tune the guitar before you play it. You can use an electronic tuner but there are videos on the internet that can teach you how to tune your guitar on your own.

Once you master the tuning you should next learn the scales. Included in most play guitar for beginners instructions are lessons on how to play scales. Beginners should learn which finger to use when pressing a specific string. The thumb is not be used to press any strings however, once you are proficient, you may choose to use it. At this early stage the thumb is used as a support. The four remaining fingers of the hand will be used to create a guitar chord by pressing down the strings.

Finally, you are now ready to play your first chord. Start by reading illustrated chord charts and following the instructions. You should memorize them all and practice playing them along with your favorite songs.

Remember, these are just the basics; there are still many things beginners should be learning in order to play the guitar like a professional. By simply taking play guitar for beginner's lessons, the additional material can be quickly and easily learned.

(ArticlesBase ID #876169)



September 14, 2009
By Bernice Eker
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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/music-articles/read-this-prior-to-taking-any-play-guitar-for-beginners-lessons-876169.html

Ballroom Dancing Shake A Leg Now

Ballroom dance is a style of dancing with a partner of the opposite sex, which has its origins in the Western Europe and is now enjoyed at both social gatherings and competitions around the globe. It’s a form of entertainment which is widely enjoyed on stage, films, and on television. There are a variety of social dances performed by couples in the ballroom like Foxtrot, Tango, Waltz, Swing, Cha Cha, Polka, Charleston, Jitterbug, Merengue etc.

In the early 20th century, the on-screen ballroom dancer pair Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers greatly influenced ballroom dancing in the USA. Ballroom dance was popularized in U.S. by Arthur Murray and Fred Astaire, who established ballroom dance studios throughout U.S. Here 'Fred & Ginger' classes and workshops introduced the “American Smooth" style of ballroom dance. The other popular one is the "American Rhythm". Ballroom dance contests are particularly popular in Europe and feature both amateur and professional dancers. The other types include Nightclub Dances such as Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing and Hustle. In Europe, Latin Swing dances include Tango Argentino, Lindy Hop, Mambo, Swing Boogie and Disco Fox.

Variety and Judgment in Ballroom Dancing

Classic and Vintage dance groups are dedicated to the performance and preservation of ballroom dances of the past, having its origins in the folk dances associated with a particular place, time and costumes like The Twist, Minuet, Quadrille, Mazurka etc.

In U.S. amateur dance proficiency levels are defined by USA Dance as Bronze->Silver->Gold for syllabus dancers and Novice -> Prechampionship -> Championship for open competitors. Among professionals, the levels are classified as Rising Star and Open Professional. In a competition, ballroom dancers are judged by various criteria such as connection, frame, posture, speed, proper body alignment, proper usage of weight/ankles/feet and grooming.

Each type of dance has its own specific set of movements and dancing methods. While dancing in a crowd, always move counterclockwise around the floor following an imaginary line of dance for both the Waltz and the Fox Trot. The Swing, on the other hand, is more of a confined dance and is great for dancing on crowded dance floors. The people that are moving fast are on the outside of the floor while those who are moving slower or in more confined areas are in the middle. In other words, Waltz and Fox Trot are typically done on the outside of the dance floor Swing is performed in the center.



September 10, 2009
By Jeff Van Persie
Jeff Van Persie is a regular article contributor on many topics. Be sure to visit his websites http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/sitemap.htm, http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/ballroom-dancing-lessons.htm and http://www.ballroom-dancing-foryou.info/children-ballroom.htm
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/entertainment.php/53179

Preparing for a Talent Show

Are you feeling the need to strut your stuff? Singing, dancing, and magic tricks are just a few of the talents often seen in talent shows. Many people find performing in local talent shows to be an excellent way to highlight their ability, get exposure for a budding career, or just have fun showing off their favorite hobby. Especially in recent years talent shows are getting national exposure with programs like American Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, and Rockstar SuperNova. These glorified talent shows are launching some pretty lucrative careers for their contestants and winners. Let's take a look at what you can do to get ready to take center stage.

It may be fairly obvious, but the first step is to decide which of your many talents you want to show in this particular show. Singing and dancing are always popular choices or you could perform using both talents. Magic tricks that are well performed are usually crowd pleasers with audiences and judges alike. It could be that your talents lie in a less obvious way. Poetry readings and story telling are both unique takes on what is perceived as a talent. Whichever talent you choose to showcase make sure you are comfortable performing it in front of an audience full of people.

The next step in your preparation is practice. That's it; just practice. In all seriousness, work up a routine you do well and are sure you can do without any major mishaps. This would also be the time to choose an outfit or ensemble that will compliment your talent. As critics of Janet Jackson would say, an outfit for dance should stay in its proper place. Odds are good that a wardrobe malfunction is the last thing you want while on stage. During this practice time, use friends and family as judges and for positive critiques. Hopefully they will care enough to be both truthful and kind. As members of your audience they know what they would like to see or hear. Be careful not to practice your routine to the point that you hate it and are tired of it. Boredom will show to the judges and audience when it comes time for the curtain to rise.

On show night it is a good idea to be present at the venue early. That way last minute scheduling changes won't take you by surprise. You will also have time to get acquainted with the stage and environment. If there was a dress rehearsal, this may not be as important. However being ready and prepared is vitally important to your debut success. This is also an excellent opportunity to get to know the other contestants and scope out the competition. After you have double-checked any equipment you may using and made sure your costume is ready, you can relax and wait for your moment to shine.

This is it. The moment of truth is at hand. Take a deep breath, relax, and get ready to make talent show history.

(ArticlesBase ID #59898)



September 9, 2009
By David Marc Fishman
David Marc Fishman has started a free talent show for all performers. Performers will be able to audition, and compete in the talent show. Performers/artists are able to setup their own sites and sell their own products.
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/preparing-for-a-talent-show-59898.html

Why Should I Take Ballroom Dance Lessons

Ballroom dance lessons can be a wonderful thing to do with your spouse or significant other. From learning more about different dances to make yourself more confident in social situations where dancing occurs to getting exercise to a fun way to spend time with your significant other, you will find that these lessons can offer much to your life. Taking the time to learn a dance can give you a new hobby or make you join to a dance contest that you may quickly fall in love with.

Do you go to weddings or other social occasions where others dance, but you don’t? You can join in the fun, too, simply by taking ballroom dance lessons. They not only offer you technical expertise, they will also give you more grace, balance, and style. Taking dance lessons is great for learning those dances that are popular at most social occasions and they can make you more confident on the dancing floor. By learning a few dances, you may find that you can hold your own on any dance floor that you are confronted with.

Are you looking for something new to do with your significant other? If so, then ballroom dance lessons can be just the thing to put a spark in your love life. Laughing together when you make mistakes, holding each other close, and looking into each other’s eyes – what could be better to bring the two of you together? Use the time together to rekindle your romance and to simply enjoy being together.

Do you want a new and exciting way to get some exercise in? Any type of dance lessons can burn some calories and have some fun. Dance is a great way to give your body an all-over workout. Putting some variety into your workout routine can help you to burn fat and can make it more fun. Practice between the lessons can increase your calorie burn and can make you more accomplished, too.

What kind of dances can you learn? Ballroom dance lessons encompass many different dances that you normally do with a partner. From the waltz to the foxtrot to the rumba to the cha cha and more, these dances are partner dances and have different styles and moods. By learning these dances, you can better prepare yourself for any type of dancing, from club dancing to line dancing. Whether you want to dance at your wedding, at the prom, or just because, you will find that taking these dance lessons can give you the confidence that you want and need.

Dance lessons are normally given in succession with you learning step upon step that builds upon each other to help you learn a specific dance. By learning step by step, you will be able to practice between your lessons until the steps become second nature to you. Ballroom dance lessons can give you the confidence and assurance that you need to step out on that dance floor in perfect comfort. Add some dance lessons to your schedule today!



September 8, 2009
By Natalie B.
Learning to dance is no different from learning any other physical activity. At the start you most probably will be awkward and clumsy. The good news is that learning to dance is always fun, even in the early stages. Find out more about learning to dance here: http://www.dancevogue.com.au/
Source: http://www.bharatbhasha.com/sports.php/97313

Learning to Ballroom Dance

Learning to ballroom dance for me has rekindled my life long live affair with dancing. For many, learning to ballroom dance often culminates with the excitement of a performance or competition. I love the way that learning to ballroom dance makes people deal with issues deeper that just being a klutz and ends up helping them in the long run. Learning to ballroom dance is fun and should not be a painful chore. The art of learning to ballroom dance can really be as easy as walking if you are willing to put the time and effort into learning the different ballroom styles of dance.

Ballroom Dancing

Ballroom dancing is as popular as ever, with the many television shows and movies that feature dancing. Besides the valuable social benefits of dancing, your participation in a regular program of ballroom dancing will produce significant mental and physical health benefits. Ballroom dancing also goes deeper than just dancing. Because it includes so many different dances and styles it is difficult to link ballroom dance to a single history. There’s no doubt, combining grace, rhythm, timing and co-ordination, whilst making it look effortless is probably the most difficult lesson for any would-be ballroom dancer to learn. Ballroom dancing, which includes Latin or rhythm dances like Samba and Rumba, and Standard or smooth dances like Waltz and Tango, has strict rules (as anyone who watched Joey and Mario compete on Dancing with the Stars knows), and no talking.

Dancing for Fun

Dancing is fun, its great exercise and it's better than sitting around watching TV. As any of you who have taken a group lesson from a good dance instructor, dancing is about feeling. You must learn from the basics up and there are no shortcuts to advance social dancing. Dancing is invigorating and fun and even more so with greater confidence. You should also try to dance with as many different partners as possible to enhance your dancing and practice your leading.

Taking Lessons

In my opinion, private dance lessons are the best way to learn to ballroom dance. This is one of the reasons that small groups or private lessons are important because the instructor can work more closely with each individual. Private lessons are more expensive but they also provide individualized attention that can greatly speed up the learning process. On the other hand, group lessons are inexpensive and are a good way to try out a variety of dances and meet new friends. Since group lessons tend to focus on steps and patterns rather than on technique, it is especially recommended that male students take a private lesson every few weeks and use that time to study the technique of movement involved, including how to effectively lead his partner through the figures taught in the group classes.

Learning to ballroom dance is a lot of fun. You can become athletically fit and have fun with romance by learning to ballroom dance. Learning to ballroom dance can add entertainment to your life, enhance your leisure time, and improve your quality of life. How about stepping out and learning to ballroom dance.

(ArticlesBase ID #211256)



September 2, 2009
By Dave Kettner
Amber Javeri is a dance instructor and passionate webmaster
of Ballroom Dance Classes where you will find continuously updated Ballroom Dancing resources on dance instruction, dancing videos, the many styles of ballroom dance, and much more!
Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/fitness-articles/learning-to-ballroom-dance-211256.html

3 Popular Types of Magic

It seems that the popularity of magic show goes in cycles. Right now magic has once again surged in popularity thanks in large part to the street magic performed by illusionists like David Blaine. Because of the mystery involved and the shear entertainment, magic will always be a welcomed form of entertainment. Three popular types of magic are child magic, up-close magic, and stage magic.

Child Magic

You can probably guess the types of magic that is involved with each of these. The names are self-explanatory and “child magic” is no different.

Child magic is magic that’s used to entertain children. These types of magic tricks should be more focused on holding the attention of children rather than on pure skill. A magician might have a great trick to perform but if he takes too long to perform the trick then he’ll lose the audience. Therefore, child magic must consist of quick tricks.

Up-Close Magic

Once again, you can tell what is meant by this type of magic. Up-close magic is performed for one person or a small group of people within a small space. The magician will be sitting or standing with the person (or people) or right next to the person (or people).

Tricks that are performed with this type of magic include card tricks, tricks with coins, and other small items.

Stage Magic

The last of the three popular types of magic involves performing on a stage. This means the magician is separate from the audience and is usually performing tricks for large crowds. Stage magic must include tricks that are large enough in size so that everyone in the audience can see and know what is happening.

Tricks performed with this type of magic can be and often are grand in scale. Sawing a woman in half, turning a lady into a lion, and causing large objects to disappear are all part of stage magic. Stage magicians also must be great entertainers so that they keep the entire audience involved during the show.

Three popular types of magic are child magic, up-close magic, and stage magic. All of these types of magic are different in the way they are performed because the audience and the venue changes with each type of magic. Therefore, each of these types of magic requires a different skill set from the magician. But the one thing these three types of magic all have in common is that they are entertaining.

(ArticlesBase ID #736718)



September 1, 2009
By Ryan Even
To Uncover More Advanced Secrets Of How To Do Magic And Mentalism, Check Out
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Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/visual-art-articles/3-popular-types-of-magic-736718.html