Saturday, October 29, 2011

Capezio Bolt Dansneaker - Dancemania Dancewear

Capezio Bolt Dansneaker - Great for Zumba

It is always exciting when people come to us with an idea and recently Capezio gave us a pair of their latest Dansneakers to see if we thought they were great shoes for Zumba.

Capezio have 125 years experience of making dance shoes so we knew that these shoes would be great, they always are. The first thing that will amaze you when you hold them is how light they are. Capezio shoes are famously light but these are half the weight of standard dance sneakers yet hold their structure well. The firm yet flexible sole forms the foundation of this shoe with a low profile featuring an intriging flex notch that is positioned well for transmitting floor contact to the foot. A spin spot is present as is now the requirement for Zumba people.

We tested the BOLT Dansneaker on numerous surfaces for traction, comfort and stability and it passed with flying colours. We even performed the somewhat questionable spin on carpet so that you don't have to. We did this as most people wear their Zumba shoes at home on carpet and shoes that have too much grip will cause you to damage your knee if you attempt a spin. Our demonstrator is an experienced dancer who knows her profession so did a safe spin on carpet wearing these Dansneakers. The spin on carpet was completed without fuss or too much rotatonal drag on the knee joint so we can say these shoes are better on carpet than most dance sneakers and certainly better than ALL trainers.

Take a look at a short video on the Capezio BOLT Dansneaker page
.

Sunday, October 23, 2011

The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear

The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear

We are very lucky when choosing gymnastics leotards that in the UK we have some many famous labels to choose from - just look at the National teams at international events and you will see their leotards and tracksuits adorned with the logos of influential international brands.

But for me I look for quality not celebrity so I always start by looking at the latest gymnastics clothing from The Zone because their quality of manufacturing is top notch and their choice of fabrics and colours make for very eye catching outfits indeed.

The Zone also always ensure that their latest range includes leotards for all budgets, from top of the range long sleeved leotards with intricate yet robust styling down to the basic sleeveless leotard, which still manages to include attention to style and finish that belies its cost.

The latest Autumn 2011 range of gymnastics clothing from The Zone is available now and certainly deserves a close look. As well as new styles existing favourites have had updates such as the addition of the new Petrol colour being added to the Sparkle range of leotards and new colour combinations to the men's ACE leotard.

For top quality gymnastics leotards that offer exceptional value for money you have The Zone

Friday, August 26, 2011

What is Tap Dancing?

What is Tap Dancing?: - Sent using Google Toolbar

You may think that you know the answer to that question but you may be surprised to discover Tap Dancing's dark historical origins. The blog post at the end of the above link gives you an insight in to Tap Dancing's beginnings and it's journey in society as a specialist yet greatly loved style of dance.

The greatest dancers from the hollywood classical musicals such as Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly all used tap dance routines in their movies because they knew what the audience loved - it is hard not to eel the energy of a tap dance. With regard to great tap dancers I must add that my personal favourite tap dancer of all time is Roy Castle. He even held the World record for achieving the most taps per second whilst tap dancing - a mind boggling 24 beats per second.

In the above linked blog a future great dancer, Jordan Mills, takes you through a brief introduction to tap dancing in his video. A brilliant tap dancer himself Jordan is a member of TapAttack and is entering the World championships. Follow his progress through Dancemania's Blog.

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

A “God send” to nurses

A “God send” to nurses: - Sent using Google Toolbar

Footwear for dancers has come a long way over the years benefiting from very high tech research in to the stress and strains acting upon a foot during dance. The ideal dance shoe has got to support and protect the foot under extreme punishment not seen during every day life: high impact stamping, turning, rapid acceleration and decelerations linearly and angularly. Let's face it, dancing can be utter hell for feet so a shoe that protects the foot during it has got to be special. And so modern dance shoes are! The latest materials and design ideas go in to making a modern dance shoe and you will notice as soon as you put a pair on.

The great thing is dance shoes are now crossing over in to every day life, thanks largely to Zumba shoes. As more "non-dancers" take up Zumba they are introduced to the benefits of wearing shoes specifically designed for dance.

One such person is Precious Mitchell-Hilborn who took the time to write to us at Dancemania to thank us for her new shoes, which she has described as a "God send" to nurses and health care workers. Being on their feet all day long they suffer the aches and pains familiar to dancers and when Precious tried on her pair of Dance sneakers she immediately felt the protection and support these shoes give you.

One happy customer and a very welcome note of feedback to Dancemania.

Thank you.

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

What is a QR Code?

What is a QR Code?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Making the most of technology Dancemania has started using QR Codes in their promotional material, including the carrier bags given to customers at their store. The back of the Dancemania carrier bag now has a large QR code that is large enough to be read at quite a distance, so someone sat in a cafe watching the World go by can easily scan the QR code as the carrier bag passes by.

This is exciting for us at Dancemania because we are planning treats for people who have arrived at a URL of our choosing by scanning our QR codes - we can offer prizes, discounts and rewards to all who have scanned our QR Codes :)

Expect our QR codes popping up anywhere and certainly on the signage above our shops and our warehouse.

Friday, June 17, 2011

Bloch Demi Pointe S0135 - Dancemania Dancewear

Bloch Demi Pointe S0135 - Dancemania Dancewear: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Before moving to wearing pointe shoes many/most young ballet dancers train their feet in pre-pointe shoes also known as soft block, break down or demi pointe ballet shoes.

These Demi pointe shoes train dancers in techniques required in pointe work and serve to acclimatise dancers to the feel of wearing pointe shoes and to strengthen the ankles and feet in preparation for dancing en-pointe in pointe shoes. The toe box allows the dancer to experience the feel of a pointe shoe, whilst the insole and outsole work together to provide the resistance needed for developing foot and ankle strength.

With Bloch's Demi Pointe shoe the shoe is styled on a traditional pointe shoe, Bloch's first in fact, and the thick leather sole provides resistance for the dancer to work against in developing the required foot strength to survive, I mean perfect, being en pointe.

What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness?

What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

We wrote the What to wear for Zumba fitness classes post in the Dancemania blog to show people new to Zumba what clothing and footwear was appropriate for it, and that was a year ago. Now it would seem the flood gates have opened as we are receiving huge amounts of telephone enquiries from people wanting to know which shoes are the best for Zumba. The story is the same in our shop, people arriving in their droves desperate to find the best shoes for Zumba.

In our experience there is no "one fits all" answer to this question as people's abilities and requirements are unique to them, so it is best to talk to an experienced dance shoe advisor in person. But not everyone can get to the Dancemania shop in person, so to those who cannot we wrote the What are the best shoes for Zumba fitness? blog post.

This post was written for those who are using Zumba purely as an excercise and not as a dance hobby and so the shoes recommended in the post are sneaker style. Obviously, dancers would be looking for shoes more in keeping with the dance style such as latin sandals, but we didn't want to over complicate the message and stuck to sneaker style shoes.

We hope that you read this blog post and find it useful.

Sunday, May 22, 2011

Dancemania Dancewear

Dancemania products on Facebook: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Dancemania has now copied some of the hundreds of products in their inventory across to their Facebook page for followers to browser and even buy without having to leave Facebook. Products are categorised under tabs; currently there are tabs for Zumba shoes, cheap dance shoes and offers, where you will discover discount codes revealed only on the Facebook product pages.

As you browse the products, still logged in to your Facebook account, you have the option to Like products and even share your thoughts about the products with your friends by adding a comment next to the product.

We hope you like what we have done and find that we have made it more convienient for you to keep in touch with the hottest and latest styles arriving at Dancemania.

Happy browsing!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Trampoline Socks - Dancemania Dancewear

Trampoline Socks:

Now in stock are these Trampoline Socks from the World's greatest experts on gymnastic footwear IWA.

Certainly within the UK all establishments that does trampolining requires all people to wear footwear appropriate for trampolining and that means trampoline shoes or trampoline socks. Which you choose comes down to personal preference, but typically children prefer the socks as they are soft and hug tightly making the child forget that they are wearing them.

These socks are very good quality with the silicon completely integrated in to the fabric of the sock. The knitting is sophisticated incorporating ribbing and cuffs that grip the foot tightly ensuring the sock stays exactly where it is meant to.

Wednesday, March 09, 2011

What size Taps do I need for my tap shoes?

What size Taps do I need for my tap shoes?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Sophie has transcribed the almost mythical, ethereal laws for choosing the right sized taps for tap shoes! Why has this not been done before? Well, probably because, whilst it is an easy thing to do in actuality, it is not an easy thing to explain.

Dancemania has an extensive range of tap shoes, all with pre-fitted taps, but since juniors start with shoes with only a toe tap it becomes necessary to retrospectively fit additional heel taps. Of course, many people wish to upgrade to teletone heel taps and teletone toe taps.

Sophie's blog post provides a helpful taps sizes guide for choosing the right size taps or teletones for your tap shoes. However, this is still very much work in progress and will be updated as and when new shoes and taps come online, but Sophie has made the best first steps at documenting this awkward subject I've yet seen.

I commend this post to you :)

Tuesday, March 01, 2011

Pineapple clothing dancewear & kids pineapple clothing range of dance t-shirt hoody jacket pant vest sneaker bag & shoe from Pineapple dance studios

Pineapple clothing dancewear & kids pineapple clothing range of dance t-shirt hoody jacket pant vest sneaker bag & shoe from Pineapple dance studios: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"


Pineapple's latest dancewear designs for Spring 2011 are now available from Dancemania. Whilst the many of the designs may be familiar the colours and logo placement have changed subtly to give a fresh appearance for this up coming dance season.

Dancemania has managed to show off the new designs to their best with the help of their teenage models, this time photographed at The Orchard Academy of Performing Arts in Poole, which happens to be just around the corner from the Dancemania main office.

Not all this seasons designs have been released by Pineapple, in fact the final batch will be released later this month, so expect another photo session then followed closely by many more fabulous photographs of these talented girls. Some extra photos have been added to Dancemania's Facebook page as an album, so go and have a look now.

Wednesday, February 16, 2011

The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear

The Latest Gymnastics Clothing from The Zone - Dancemania Dancewear: "

The Spring 2011 range of gymnastics leotards from The Zone gymnastics leotards are now in our possession now and romance seems to have been their inspiration. Here is what The Zone said about their latest gymnastics leotards:

"Here at The Zone we couldn't be more excited to show you our fave Spring fashion trends for the gym. With designs for passionate Romantics everywhere we have the Valentine inspired Ella, or for those who are wild at heart there's no taming the vivacious Toyah range. So whether you're springing into action on the floor, or re-awakening your artistic expression, The Zone Spring range will help you blossom this season!"
I hope you find what you are looking for.

With the count down to the next Olympics well under way take a look at our blog about gymnastics & trampoline at the 2012 London Olympics.


Wednesday, January 26, 2011

You may say that but we can’t possibly comment

You may say that but we can’t possibly comment: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

What is claimed by business in adverts both broadcast on TV and radio and in print in the UK has been regulated for many years by the ASA, but what is claimed online has not.

The existing rules that apply to broadcast and print can not be autmatically applied to the virtual World of the internet because it is dynamic, people can respond to advertising by adding their own user generated content.

This is of concern to businesses since whilst they can control their own content they can not control what is written by visitors to their site or to their coporate pages on the social network.

This blog post determines to what level a business like Dancemania can be held to account for user generated content.

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Take up dancing as your New Years Resolution?

Take up dancing as your New Years Resolution?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

For those of you considering dance as a hobby consider this:

Benefits of Dance

1: Improved social life by making new friends.
Many have developed life-long friendships with those they have met through dance. You will meet others who have similar goals and passions.

2: Improved health.
Dancing is good for your heart. Research has shown that dancing several times per week can improve cardiovascular health. Dancing is healthy exercise that is fun to do.

3: Weight loss.
Many have shed extra pounds dancing. Dancing will tone your body, and you will have fun in the process.

4: Improved overall posture.
One of the first things you will learn is dance posture. This posture will become muscle memory that will stay with you wherever you go.

5: Improved self-confidence.
Your confidence will increase the more you learn and the more you practice. This confidence will carry over into the rest of your life.

6: Relaxation and fun.
Dance is a healthy stress reducer. When you are having fun dancing, the last thing on your mind is the outside world.

7: Competition benefits.
Some will experience the thrill of competition. You can come away from competitions with trophies, ribbons, medals, pictures and a general feeling of accomplishment and reward.

Now get out there and find a dance school to join then sign-up! :)

Friday, January 14, 2011

What Hairstyles are there for Dance?

What Hairstyles are there for Dance?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

This is a great hair piece ...LOL! This Dancemania post is all about the different hairstyles used in dance and gives instructions on how to set them. There are instructions on how to build a bun, to do a French Plait, how to wear a ponytail and how to form a quiff.

As well as instructions there are important links to the hair essentials required to get the hair to stay where you set it.

Advice is given on hairstyles for many types of dance including Ballet, street dance, Kathak dance, Classical Greek dance, Flamenco dance and Irish dancing.

From my experience the hair is always the most time consuming aspect of preparing for a performance. The shoes and clothes need looking after but hair preparation needs that something else to get right, namely talent with a brush and comb. Armed with the advice given in this post I'm sure the task will be much easier.

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Are you losing your head over Gymnastics?

Are you losing your head over Gymnastics?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

Some random photos of gymnasts losing their heads and apparently living within the set of one of the Matrix movies as demonstrated by defying gravity.

Just a little bit of harmless fun, and I'm sure you can expect many more funny photos appearing on the official Dancemania Blog in the future.

Saturday, January 08, 2011

Take up dancing as your New Years Resolution?

Take up dancing as your New Years Resolution?: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"

The cynic would focus on the fact that Dancemania is in the business of selling dancewear and dance shoes and so of course they would write a blog telling people to take up dancing but the plain truth is that far more people want to dance than actually take it up. This is because those that don't take up dancing are either convinced that they would embarrass themselves or they don't know how to start.

This blog post by Sophie goes the distance in giving an overview of the different types of dance that are available and also gives pointers on what the next step should be.