Grab your partner and do-si-do! November 29th is America’s Square Dance Day! What is Square Dancing?
This folk form of entertainment is for a group of dancers. Square dancing is typically done with four couples arranged in a square with one couple on each side facing in towards the middle of the square. In most American forms of square dance, a directed caller cues the dancers to do movements... READ MORE
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All About That Risk... No Trouble! |
| Dancing at the wedding in Huntington Beach was equally fun and fulfilling. I got to be a surprise for the guests. Unfortunately and ironically, the MC announced me as performing “Middle Eastern Dance.” I cringed backstage wearing a black feather boa and pinstriped fedora hat preparing to dance to American Pop music. There was nothing Middle Eastern about the show and I feared for any unknowing associations that would be made by viewers after the performance. Sometimes when you dance outside the box, people just don’t know where to put you. (Which in turn describes my biggest marketing challenge! How can I promote a multifaceted dance performance and teaching service that’s not categorized? Comment your thoughts below!) |
I hope this has inspired you to share a little bit more of your genuine self with the world. Take the risk, be vulnerable and get in a little trouble. Whether it’s through dance or another mode of expression, find your bass and shine.
Ziva Emtiyaz dances for Huntington Beach Wedding November 8th, 2014. Photos by Joel Jimenez.
Sometimes I don't know how I do it. While dedicating a life to dance is rewarding, it undoubtedly has its challenges. Last week the variety and amount of dance performances I had to prepare for was borderline crazy. I was rehearsing multiple Bellydance, Russian, and Latin numbers with Sahlala International Dance Company to be debuted at Los Angeles shows throughout the weekend. I had a special request to work as a soloist for a wedding in Huntington Beach for which I had to tailor choreography to fit new props and costume selection. AND… the Rhythm and Movement Asian tour with Souhail Kaspar was fast approaching. The work we do is tough and I was preparing hard-hitting choreography and material to be presented in Taiwan, Hong Kong, and Japan! In this moment I’m flying to Asia reflecting, “How in the world did I manage all this?” and also thinking that I should be listening to Souhail's “Rhythm Revolution” CD right now and rehearsing in my seat!
I highly recommend all dancers or anyone looking to improve their craft read on as I share what I’ve learned along the way about staying committed to practice.
I highly recommend all dancers or anyone looking to improve their craft read on as I share what I’ve learned along the way about staying committed to practice.
Plan, Practice, and Prosper Improve Your Dance By Ziva Emtiyaz It’s always a little amusing to me when students come in for their next lesson and they give me that look like they have a confessional. You know the look; similar to a puppy’s gaze after they’ve gotten into the trash. They don’t even need to say it… I already know. They didn’t practice... FULL ARTICLE HERE |
Sometimes you don’t know what life is preparing you for, or even that you are being prepared. I never thought my experiences at music festivals and clubs would provide me with valuable insight on a dance scene that I would play a role in as a teacher. I’ve recently come to love working with Electronic House Music dancers. These kids are passionate and hungry for all the details within the EDM dance world. Also bringing an eagerness to learn have been single gentlemen looking to just survive the club scene with some movement basics. They are equally fun to show a little know-how on rave and party dancing.
The EDM world is a huge and growing one. I recently shared some EDM dance resources and details for our Orange County dancers at Bella Ballroom in Newport Beach. Helpful info and awesome EDM dance links ahead:
Everyday I’m Shufflin’
By Ziva Emityaz
When stepping into Bella Ballroom, you may expect to hear John Legend’s “All of Me” as couples practice their first dance for an upcoming wedding. You might also suspect to find dancers smoothing out their waltz technique, or firing up their salsa patterns. What you might be surprised to find in Bella Ballroom are dancers getting down to Electronic Dance Music (EDM)... READ MORE.
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Ziva Emtiyaz is an award winning International Dance Artist excited to share her knowledge and life experiences about the big world of dance!
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