Category: Blog

Learn to Belly Dance Like a Pro

Belly dancing is an art that takes years to master. It’s also one of the most exhilarating ways to exercise and release stress after a long day. Whether you just want to learn to belly dance for fun or want to take belly dance lessons in Denver to make it into a career, there are plenty of things you can do to become a better belly dancer.

Belly Dancing Origins

Belly dancing is typically traced back to Ancient Egypt and India. Over time, it made its way across Asia and into the Middle East, where it was popularized by dancers like Little Egypt at shows in Paris during the late 1800s. While belly dancing is perhaps most common in these areas of origin, some have argued that modern belly dance more closely resembles traditional Greek dance. While belly dancing has taken on different forms over time and remains popular around the world today, its name seems to be rooted in one of its earliest forms: Egyptian temple dancers were sometimes referred to as belly dancers because their hips gyrated as much as their abdomens.

Benefits of Belly Dance

There are many benefits of belly dance that make it fun, exciting, and healthy. Here are just a few of them:

belly dancer doing backbends — Learn to belly dance like the best from the best.

It’s Fun. We can guarantee that when you begin taking belly dance classes, your life will be filled with more excitement and entertainment than ever before. Classes also allow you a chance to socialize and meet new friends.

It Can Improve Your Health: Learning how to belly dance can improve your health in a number of ways—and not just by making exercise more enjoyable! One reason for this is that it improves flexibility. By improving your flexibility, you are less likely to suffer from injuries. Another way belly dancing can improve your health is by helping to tone muscles in your body.

You Will Feel Sexy. If there’s one thing we know about belly dancers, it’s that they all have an incredible sense of confidence and sex appeal that shows in their movement. By learning how to belly dance yourself, you too will learn how to feel sexy inside and out!

Take Belly Dance Lessons With the Best

If you have ever wanted to learn how to belly dance (or want to further your skills), Bella Diva World Dance has you covered! We are a Denver-based international dance company striving to bring the magic of global movement to the people of Colorado. Check out our classes here!

belly dancing classes near me learn to belly dance

Bella Diva World Dance: Colorado State Dance Champions!

Bella Diva World Dance recently competed in the inaugural Colorado State Dance Championship, which was open to all dance styles and schools from Colorado. We came home with many awards, including Top Academy, Top Student (Mirava Vekaria), Best Overall Belly Dance Performance (Fusion style), Samba State Champions, 11 first place events, and 2 Second Place events! This was a great event for Bella Diva World Dance, and we couldn’t have done it without the hard work of our students and instructors.

Colorado State Dance Championship

We were thrilled to compete in the inaugural Colorado State Dance Championship last month at the Pinnacle Performing Arts Complex.

CSDC is dedicated to celebrating the tremendous diversity of dance by providing a standout competition with a vast array of dance styles for youth, adults, amateurs, and professionals.

Our Competitors

We had 27 competitors who competed in solo, duet, and small group events representing Belly Dance, Bollywood, Indian Folk Dance, Persian, and Samba.

Awards Received

We were thrilled to represent world dance here in Colorado, showcasing its inclusivity and diversity. We are honored and humbled to be presented with so many awards including Top Academy, Top Student (Mirava Vekaria), Best Overall Belly Dance Performance (Fusion style), Samba State Champions, 11 first place events, and 2 Second Place events.

Shout Outs

Congratulations to all our dancers, teachers, and families who made this event possible and the hours upon hours of preparation it took to prepare themselves for the stage. We can’t wait until the next time!

Competitions State Championship

Why Dance Classes are Important for Kids

Dance class can have many benefits on the human body, especially when it comes to children, who are naturally more nimble and graceful than adults. If you’re looking for the best way to enrich your child’s life and help them grow into confident adults, dance classes are the perfect option for you! Read on to learn about all of the wonderful things that dance classes offer to your child.

Creative Expression

Dancing is an excellent way to express yourself artistically, get in shape, build motor skills and coordination, feel good about yourself, make friends and have fun! Children who participate in dance are exposed to a range of new experiences that help to build their self-confidence and express themselves in new ways.

Dance Can Be Highly Beneficial in Early Stages of Childhood Development — Dancing is a great way for kids to build their self-confidence and express themselves in new ways.

Improved Balance

Balance is a fundamental ability that children need to learn at a young age, particularly as they advance through their developmental stages. By learning how to properly balance themselves, children develop coordination—an essential life skill that’s useful throughout their lifetime—and also become more self-confident as they progress.

Positive Feelings About Exercise

One of the great things about dance is that it helps children build positive feelings about exercise. Not only does dancing give your child a way to get regular exercise, it also encourages them to stay active on their own; research has shown that participating in an extracurricular activity can have a long-term effect on physical activity habits in adulthood.

Physical Benefits of Dancing

Dancing can improve your children’s physical health in many ways, including improving their balance, rhythm, posture, strength and flexibility. Many of these traits also help to increase their motor skills—meaning they will learn other sports more quickly than their peers. Further, your child’s brain will be better developed by learning how to move well as they grow up.

If you are looking for dance classes for kids near me, Bella Diva offers multiple classes for our dancers to become well-rounded and reach their dance goals. Sign up for classes for classes and see where the world of dance can take you!

dance classes for kids near me

The Positive Effects of Dancing on Your Body and Mind

Dancing can be lots of fun, and it’s a great way to make friends, but did you know that dancing can also have some pretty profound effects on your body and mind? Dance benefits range from releasing endorphins that make you happy to strengthening your muscles, gaining flexibility, and improving your balance; dancing has the potential to make you feel great all over. Read on to learn more about how dancing can impact both your physical body and your mental state.

Dance Improves Mood

Exercise increases blood flow to your brain, keeping you alert. It also releases endorphins that relieve tension and make you feel good about yourself. As a result, exercise can help you improve your mood by reducing feelings of stress or anxiety. Additionally, physical activity enhances body image, which can lead to greater self-confidence.

Dance Improves Flexibility

Dancing is fun, and also have some pretty profound positive effects on your body and mind.

Dancing is a great way to increase flexibility. When you’re moving your body in ways it isn’t used to, you’ll get out of your comfort zone and may experience some soreness or pain—but don’t let that stop you from persisting. The more flexible you are, the more comfortable you feel throughout your day-to-day life.

Dance Strengthens the Immune System

Did you know that exercising three to five times a week can significantly strengthen your immune system? This means that if you have a cold or other sickness, your body will be more likely to fight it off and recover quickly. In addition, exercise also decreases anxiety and depression, which are associated with weakened immune systems.

Dance Helps You Sleep Better

After a day spent at work, picking up kids from school, grocery shopping, cleaning your house, cooking dinner, helping with homework – it’s easy to get worn out. If you’re not getting enough sleep at night because you’re physically exhausted or just tossing and turning in bed too stressed to sleep, regular exercise with dance can help.

Bella Diva offers multiple classes for our dancers to become well-rounded and reach their dance goals. Sign up for classes and see where the world of dance can take you!

dance benefits

How to Dance in Heels With Confidence

As any seasoned dancer knows, dancing in heels can be uncomfortable and challenging, but it’s also an important part of every dancer’s repertoire. The use of character shoes or ballroom shoes in the studio or on stage can add an extra layer of class to a performance, making the shoes that you wear an extension of your personality, as well as your art form.

Say No to Street Shoes

The technique of dancing on your toes is something that all professional dancers have mastered, and part of that mastery includes doing it while wearing shoes they’re accustomed to. You should train before you dance in heels. The heels you choose must be professional either a character shoe or a ballroom shoe, but not a street shoe (pump, stiletto, etc.). If you wear street shoes, there’s a chance you might slip, slide or collapse your foot into a position that could result in injury.

Learn About Your Body

When dancing en pointe, it’s easy to fall into bad habits like over-arching your back, knees bent or feet turned out. If you want to keep your posture correct and avoid injury, it’s important to know what correct looks like before you try moving into more advanced positions. It may take some time and practice before you have control over your body (especially when wearing high heels), but certain exercises will help train your body.

Practice Safe Technique

Whether you’re a ballerina or a hip-hop dancer, wearing heels every day can take its toll on your body. It’s important to remember that all ballet flats and character shoes have raised toes and heels that can wear down and bruise your feet. However, if you practice using safe techniques, wearing them to dance will not harm your feet.

Develop Good Balance

Ballet and jazz are some of the few forms of dance that require women to wear heels as part of their regular training. Because these shoes can pose problems, it’s essential to develop a strong sense of balance while wearing them. A strong core and awareness of it are imperative for performing well when wearing heels. If you’re still getting used to dancing with heels on, take it slow at first. Once you’ve developed your sense of balance, then work on style — after all, no one wants to look clunky while dancing!

Bella Diva offers multiple classes for our dancers to become well-rounded and reach their dance goals. Sign up for classes and see where the world of dance can take you!

dance in heels

Dance Your Way to Fitness with Hip Hop

Have you ever been to a hip hop dance class? If you have, then you know how much fun it can be! And if you haven’t, we highly suggest you give it a try. Hip hop dance fitness is excellent way to get in shape and have fun at the same time. Not only does it help with cardio and strength, but it also incorporates coordination, flexibility, and balance – all of which are essential for preventing injuries. So if you’re looking to lose weight or get in shape, sign up now!

Bring Your Water Bottle

One of the most popular reasons people like to dance is because it’s a great cardio workout. And even if you don’t care about burning calories, dancing is a fantastic stress reliever and great for your mood. The biggest advantage of attending group fitness classes is that they push you harder than working out alone. Our hip hop classes will get you moving, so make sure you stay hydrated!

Prepare for Non-Stop Fun

As a newbie, you might feel intimated at first — this is a high-energy class, after all! To prepare for your first class, wear comfortable clothes and shoes that are conducive to movement. This can be fun — and challenging — so go ahead and bring a friend along for support! Consult your doctor before beginning a dance fitness class if you have any injuries or conditions.

Move Your Body in Ways You Never Knew Possible

Hip Hop Dance classes leave you feeling strong and energized — no matter your age or fitness level. High-energy music and dance will power you through your workout. You’ll burn more calories, improve endurance, and lose weight while moving to your favorite songs. There are many benefits of adding a high-energy dance class into your fitness routine, including moving your body in fun new ways which will challenge different muscle groups.

Did We Mention FUN?! And LOTS OF IT!!!!

The instructors at our classes push you (in a good way) and guide you through simple combinations that are designed for all fitness levels. Each class is different, so you’ll never get bored! And not only will you lose weight, increase your endurance, and tone up…you’ll make friends along the way. All while having FUN!

Ready to have some fun with Hip Hop? Sign up for our GROOV3 HIP HOP DANCE today!

Hip Hop Dance

How to Move Towards a Career in Dance

Are you considering a career in dance? Before you decide, ask yourself these four simple questions: What are my strengths? What motivates me? Am I willing to put in the hard work necessary to overcome challenges when they arise? And am I going to have fun doing this for many years to come? Dance is not just about making beautiful art and entertainment; it takes years of blood, sweat, and tears (literally) to make your dream a reality.

How to Make Your Dance Dream a Reality

Did you know only about 3% of the individuals passionate about dancing become professional dancers? Because their love for the art overrides all of the drawbacks. Even though it may be challenging to pursue a professional dancing career, it is certainly doable. Here are some suggestions to help you turn your dancing aspirations into a reality:

Know your craft and become more knowledgeable about it
Explore and learn dancing styles performed around the globe
Attend dance showcases and performances
Learn about the local dance community by attending dance workshops
Join a local dancing studio that offers space to develop your skills
Make new relationships by participating in networking events

How Bella Diva Supports the Path to a Dancing Career

Dance is the universal language that connects us all in our human experience, designed for everybody — no matter your age or size. Joining a dance class is easily done; however, enrolling in a class that gives you professional exposure is best — and this is where Bella Diva comes in. Bella Diva’s mission is to introduce authentic cultural dance forms to all people in Denver and create unique performance opportunities for the students via semi-annual student showcases hosted at prominent, diverse venues and professional theatres.

Ready to get started on making a career in dance? Contact us at Bella Diva!

How the Rio Carnival Became the Greatest Show on Earth

Normally held during the last week of February or the first week of March, Rio Carnival is a world-famous annual carnival that draws millions (2020: 10 million) of visitors from all over the globe to the Brazilian capital. In addition to taking place across Brazil, the most populous nation in Latin America, the festival is an unforgettable experience — included on every traveler’s bucket list. The question is, what makes Rio Carnival “The Greatest Show on Earth?”

Origins of Rio Carnival

The origins of the Rio Carnival event may be traced back to the 1650s; however, it is believed that the Portuguese introduced the notion of Carnival, or “celebration,” to Rio in the mid-19th century, while the custom of hosting grandiose balls was introduced by bourgeoisie immigrants from Paris in the same period. Even though the history of Rio Carnival is quite complicated, the current festivities include elements of African, Portuguese, and indigenous cultural traditions, making it a time to be enjoyed by everyone.

Tradition of Samba

Do you want to immerse yourself in the Brazilian culture? The Rio Carnival is the only event that properly captures the essence of the carioca way of life. In the Sambadrome, a parade has been conducted every year since 1984, during which twelve of the world’s best samba schools compete for the famous championship title with a winning prize of around $1 million.

The Rio Carnival 2022

This year, the Rio Carnival is scheduled in the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro from Wednesday, 20 April to Saturday, 30 April 2022. Carnival street parades in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, attracted 10 million participants in 2020 — this marks an increase of more than 40% compared to the previous year’s figures. So, what do you think; how many will attend the Carnival in 2022?

The Final Cut

Attending the Rio Carnival is a lifetime experience, but how cool would it be to learn the moves performed on the greatest show on Earth? Here’s some good news, YOU ABSOLUTELY CAN! Click here to discover the numerous kinds of Brazilian Samba, including the exhilarating and fast-paced footwork found on the streets of Rio de Janeiro and Afro-Brazilian motions from the beaches of Bahia.

New Mind-Body Wellness Hour Coming to Bella Diva

Starting in May, we will be offering a weekly Mind-Body Wellness class on Sundays from 4:30-5:30 PM.

“Prevention is so much better than healing, because it saves the labor of being sick”. – Thomas Adams

Mind-Body Wellness Post-Pandemic

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought major life challenges and stressors into our lives that may have us needing to acknowledge the impact the cumulative trauma on our health and wellbeing has had over the past 2 years.

More than ever, it is necessary to set aside regular & consistent time for self-care, both mentally and physically, in order to foster a sense to balance and wellbeing in our lives.

Only by taking care of ourselves are we able to then take care of others and have something to give, whether it be as parents, caregivers, to your profession, and also as performers and dancers!

What to Expect

Every month will feature the same class offerings on a rotational basis:

Week 1 – Tai Chi Flow with Grace
Week 2 – Mat Pilates with Bonnie
Week 3 – Medical Qigong with Grace
Week 4 – Ellové Tecnique with Elizabeth

Tai Chi

Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese tradition that, today, is practiced as a graceful form of exercise. It involves a series of movements & forms performed in a slow, focused manner and accompanied by deep breathing.

Often described as meditation in motion, tai chi promotes serenity through gentle, flowing movements. Tai chi is low impact and puts minimal stress on muscles and joints, making it generally safe for all ages and fitness levels.

Mat Pilates

Pilates is a mind-body practice with benefits that include improved posture, better coordination and balance, increased lung capacity, improved concentration and focus, increased body awareness, stress management, and injury prevention.

Generally, the goal of a mat Pilates class is to strengthen the body’s “powerhouse,” a Pilates term that refers to your abdominals, lower back muscles, pelvic floor, hips and glutes. Through a series of floor exercises using resistance bands and rings, the workout helps build, sculpt and tone these muscles, giving your body a long, lean look. Pilates can aid in flexibility and improving posture, as stretching your body is a vital part of class.

Medical Qigong

It is also an important branch of Traditional Chinese Medicine known as “Chinese Yoga” and has significant similarities to Tai Chi, as both work on Qi and life.

During practice, body movement, breathing techniques, sound, meditation and mind activity are used to directly work on Qi – our energy or life force. Practiced by millions worldwide, Qigong is a powerful and effective tool for preventing illness and improving health.

It strengthens and balances the whole body, including the organs and the immune system. It helps to calm the mind so the practitioner can find a balanced, relaxed and harmonious state more easily and more often. When in a state of physical, mental and emotional balance, we are better able to meet all kinds of challenges in life.

Ellové Technique

The Ellové Technique is a conditioning and cross-training class taught by certified dance specialists and educators.

The pure techniques of ballet, yoga, fitness, and Pilates are set to music in a seamless movement sequence that improves strength, flexibility, and control.

Incorporating principles of dance medicine and science, The Ellové Technique reduces injury risk by targeting muscle imbalances, refining alignment, increasing endurance, and practicing safe stretching techniques.

Sign Up Today!

This class will also be included in the Monthly Unlimited Dance Passport.

Mind-Body Wellness

Authentic Brazilian Dance Classes For All Levels

Authentic Brazilian Dance Classes featuring Samba

Rio Carnival 2022 has been pushed to April, but that doesn’t mean you have to wait to experience the spirit of Brazil. Our Escola De Samba teaches Brazilian dance classes with authenticity and respect for the roots of the culture.

More than anything, Samba is fun! We should all live life like a Samba parade. But, until then, our Samba classes will keep you sharp. Classes feature the latest techniques and artistic styles of Brazil in our Escola De Samba Denver.

Progressive Brazilian Dance Classes

Authentic Brazilian Dance Classes in Denver — The teaching staff at Bella Diva is uniquely accredited to teach Sashya Jay’s technique, including our artistic director, Caitlin Brozna-Smith (featured).

Our Samba classes are based on the techniques and syllabus created by renowned international performing artist and instructor Sashya Jay. We combine respect for the culture with the latest and evolving dance techniques and styles in Brazil.

The King of Samba

The teaching staff at Bella Diva is uniquely accredited to teach Sashya Jay’s technique, including our artistic director, Caitlin Brozna-Smith. The technique is built on the teachings from “The Kind of Samba,” Carlinhos do Salgueiro.

Carlinhos Saguiero revolutionized the art of Samba in Brazil and internationally. He choreographs and directs the Rio Carnaval’s number one Passista.

Become a Samba Diva

If you want to learn how to be a true Samba Diva, the Carlinhos Saguiero and Sasha Jay techniques are for you! This technique celebrates the traditions of Brazil and Samba at its core while bringing out the true Samba Diva in all of us.

Samba is a breathtaking dance to watch, full of life, love, drama, and a fierce attitude when performed correctly.

Sign Up For Authentic Brazilian Dance Classes

Samba will take over the streets with colorful performances full of passion, energy, and artistry. But, it is also a popular competitive dance style. Everyone has a personal reason for taking Brazilian dance classes, and our teaching staff is here to help you achieve your goals and fulfill your Samba Diva dreams.

We run our classes on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, and there are classes for all levels, from absolute beginners to a professional level.