4 Great Exercises to Help Improve Your Fitness for Dance

women doing yoga

Condition Your Body and Dance Strong

When you start dancing, you may start feeling muscles you never knew you had. Dance engages many muscles that you might not regularly use. Even if they hurt at first, over time, you will build strength, which is excellent to perform with much more ease and control. A healthy body is a key to an injury-free journey as a dancer, regardless of the type of dance you do.

Cross-training is a great way to compliment your dance training. Here are some exercises to help you build strength, dance better and avoid injuries:

Weight Training

Dancing requires your body to be strong to perform different types of moves safely. You know, the spinning, the stretching, the shimmying, all that puts a strain on your body. Strong muscles make it easier for the body to move efficiently.

young woman with foot injury
Strong muscles help prevent injuries

Swimming

A healthy cardiovascular system is also significant for dancers. It is essential to perform for extended periods and to endure through an intense dance routine. Although running and jogging are excellent cardio exercises, swimming also helps work every muscle group in your body.

Yoga or Pilates

Your core is a crucial part of your body as a dancer. A strong core provides stability and helps perform movements safely and with much more control. Yoga or pilates are both great exercises to build core strength and help minimize injuries.

Stretching

Flexibility is vital for any dancer, and frequent stretching exercises are the way to better flexibility. Include a stretching routine as part of your warmup and cooldown after class. You can also do it when you’re at home. The more you follow through with it, the more flexible you’ll become. Flexible muscles are less prone to injury.

 

Whether you do belly dance, samba, Polynesian dance or anything else, your body and your dance skills can benefit from stronger muscles. What’s your favorite way to cross-train your body?

GROOV3 Pop Up Workshop This Sunday!

Hip Hop classes

Dance. Sweat. Live.

Get Intoxicated with GROOV3

Are you in the mood for something new? Come check out one of the newest class offerings that have joined the Bella Diva arsenal!

When? Sunday 9/8 from 1 pm to 2:30 pm

Where? Bella Diva World Dance Studio, 4309 E Mississippi Ave, Glendale, Colorado 80246

Wait, But What Is GROOV3?

GROOV3 is more than just dance classes. It is truly an experience like no other. GROOV3 is definitely an out-of-the-box type of dance meant to make you DANCE, SWEAT & LIVE far beyond your workout. If you are looking for something different, this is it!

GROOV3 is a high-energy, dance till you drop cardio funk hip hop class with a mission to inspire change and build communities through the power of dance. It is all about simple combinations to accommodate all fitness levels and featuring the hottest mixes.

The mission of GROOVDance goals3 is to inspire change and build a global community through the power of dance, supporting the idea that dance should be accessible to all. Through GROOV3, we actively build these connections because we see how the potent benefits of dance can change individuals, communities, and in fact, the world. This is the spirit of our grass-roots initiative, the GROOV3MENT.

This super fun workshop will be taught by our very own Bella Diva teaching associate, Grace Ochs. She will have you moving, grooving and having a blast this Sunday! It’s a totally different experience that will leave you wanting more. This is a full-blown workout that will really make you sweat and slay some good calories, have tons of fun and make you feel alive!

Haven’t joined yet? No time to wait! We have a special $20.00 90 minute class that will not be the same without you.

This class is limited to 20 students. Don’t miss out and register online today!

It’s Almost Time for Passport to Bollywood!

Passport to Bollywood! Presented by Bella Diva World Dance

When?

Saturday, September 14, 2019, from 8 PM – 10 PM

Where?

The Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver, Colorado 80202

All the color and glitter of the Indian film industry will light up the Clocktower Cabaret for one night only on Saturday September 14th, at 8 PM, for “Passport to Bollywood”, presented by Bella Diva World Dance. The evening performance will pay homage to the vibrant dance sequences so popular in Indian movies like Academy Award winning film, “Slumdog Millionaire”.

The evening’s celebration will visit some of the subjects most common in Hindi and Telugu choreographies, depicting a variety of human emotions and experiences – from flirtatious and funny to poignant and touching, from spiritual and devotional, to joyous and uplifting. Richly costumed, the dances feature music from beloved films like Devdas, Loveyatri, Agneepath, Maari 2, and Badrinath Ki Dulhania.

Bella Diva World Dance will be joined by special guest artists including the internationally ranked Colorado Bhangra Team from the University of Colorado Boulder, Annie Mittal, Mirava Vekaria, and Sukanya Das.

Tickets can be reserved at www.clocktowercabaret.com or by calling the Box Office at 303-293-0075.

Founded in 2010, Bella Diva World Dance is a Denver-based world dance company. We offer both weekly instructional dance classes and professional themed shows, centered around Belly Dance, Brazilian Samba, Indian Bollywood, Hula & Polynesian, Bharat Natyam & Afro-Caribe dance styles. The world is our dance floor, where we smile while we sweat and learn what it means to be a global citizen. We believe that dance is for everyBODY!

Bella Diva Bollywood

Bella Diva Buzz!

We are happy to present you with another beautiful Bella Diva dance event. If you love world dance, Bollywood dance or just dance, in general, you don’t want to miss this fantastic show. It will undoubtedly be another one that will be hard to forget. ????

“Just returned home from day one of the PrideFest and ‘Holy Dancing Feathers, Batman,’ just when I thought I had seen it all. WOW! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Bella Diva Dance!! These ladies are not to be missed.” – Brian D. Reed of Ah-Some Photography

Just coming down off the most awesome Wednesday night I have ever had! We saw Bella Diva perform and were simply blown away by the caliber of the troupe. The shows put on by this troupe will BLOW YOUR MIND. They are simply stunning and so athletic and graceful. The owner also does events for causes – which says a lot about the values of the troupe. I would consider this a must see, preferably at [Lannie’s] Clocktower Cabaret!” – Jade B., Yelper

 

Get your tickets today and join our Facebook event for the latest updates!

Let’s Dance Our Way Into Summer!

Semi-annual student showcase 2019

It’s Time for Our Semi-Annual Studio Showcase

When? Saturday, June 8th from 7 pm to 9:30 pm

Where? Northglenn Arts Center, 11801 Community Center Dr, Northglenn, CO 80233

 

When you think of summer, what comes to mind? Great, sunny weather, grilling, tanning, and other fun activities are the norm, but for us at Bella Diva Dance Studio, it is time for a wonderful show! We’re ready to kick off the summer by celebrating all things World Dance at our Semi-Annual Student Showcase, which will be held at the Northglenn Arts Center.

We are beyond thrilled to showcase over 90 of our amazing students who will be performing choreographies from their weekly group classes including Belly Dance, Brazilian Samba, Indian Bollywood, Bharatanatyam, Classical Persian, BollyX Fitness, Hot Hula, Polynesian, Afro-Caribe, LaBlast Fitness, and our Kids’ World Dance & Bollywood classes!

We will take that evening to celebrate all things international, intercultural, rejoicing in what brings us together through shared movement, expression, and storytelling, and it will be a great joy to us to be able to celebrate all that with you.

Save the date! Lots of high energy and even more excellent performances is what you will witness on this fantastic night of dance. We’ve put together this show with great love and excitement for all of you to enjoy. For all the lovers of world dance and movement, this one is for you!

Semi annual showcase

Doors will open at 6:30 PM, showtime at 7:00 PM. Refreshments and snacks will be sold in the lobby during Intermission so you can fuel up for the second half of the show.

Ticket Information

$15.00 General Admission Pre-Sale
$10.00 Kids 10 & Under and Seniors
$20.00 at the Door

We are thrilled to have you with us for this wonderful event. Stop by the studio or click here to get your tickets before they run out! Summer can’t come soon enough!

Fundraiser Gala in Support of Global Entrepreneurship Initiative in South Africa

World Dance And Fitness Classes

LOCAL NON-PROFIT REACH AND BELLA DIVA WORLD DANCE SUPPORT GLOBAL ENTREPRENEURSHIP INITIATIVE IN DURBIN, SOUTH AFRICA WITH ELA GANDHI

When? Saturday June 1st, 2019 at 6 p.m

Where? 2000 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210

DENVER, CO—June 1, 2019: The Colorado REACH Conference and Gala is hosting a fundraiser gala at the Cable Center on Denver University’s campus at 2000 Buchtel Blvd S, Denver, CO 80210 on Saturday June 1st, 2019 at 6 p.m. Proceeds from this fundraiser will go towards providing an entrepreneurial training program to villagers at The Phoenix Settlement Center in Durban, South Africa under the leadership of Ela Gandhi (granddaughter of Mahatma Gandhi).

Cable Center Colorado
Cable Center Colorado

Colorado entrepreneurs will make this program possible by teaching technical and business skills to Durbin villagers to further their education and create economic sustainability. In addition, the State of Colorado SBDC (Small Business Development Center Network) has committed to utilizing the Leading-Edge entrepreneurship curriculum, a 10-week course designed to teach entrepreneurs how to start and grow a successful business based on an actionable business plan. Funds raised at this event will be used to create this team of Colorado entrepreneurs, offset travel costs, and provide additional tools and resources to Settlement residents. Bella Diva World Dance will be partnering in their effort to raise funds and awareness during this year-long fundraising project.

Bella Diva DancersThe Settlement was founded by Mahatma Gandhi in 1904 as a safe space for the growing Indian population in South Africa. The building that housed the original printing press for Gandhi’s newspaper, Indian Opinion, still stands today and is used as a multi-purpose, educational campus. While the Settlement is an important community resource, Ela Gandhi has identified that it is lacking a way for villagers to sustainably support themselves. Many of the villagers are artisans and are creative in making use of the resources available to create sellable items for tourists and fellow villagers.
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However, they are lacking the business skills to make their work economically sustainable.
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“What Ela (Gandhi) hopes for is a program or course that could teach residents basic entrepreneurial and business skills to better support themselves and become economically independent and successful. This is what REACH is working to make a reality,” said REACH Director, Michelle Campbell.

Before the gala, guests will visit REACH donors at their homes for an intimate dinner from 4 to 6 p.m. with special appearances by Colorado artisans.

At 6 p.m. guests and hosts will make their way to the Cable Center for the gala and auction, where there will also be a special performance by Bella Diva World Dance. There will be opportunities to win trips, vacations, and other experiences. All items will be auctioned in a silent and live auction. People can support REACH’s Global Entrepreneurial initiative by purchasing tickets to the gala or by donating through REACH’s website: www.coreachconf.com.

REACH (Respecting Ethnic and Cultural Heritage) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to developing equity in communities and education. REACH works directly with educators and the business community to provide training on how to best bring a multicultural approach and lens to the classroom and workplace.

Divas on the Rise: Bella Diva Dance Teacher/Student Showcase

Divas on the Rise 2019

New Divas Are on the Rise This May!

When?

Wednesday, May 15th, from 8 pm to 10 pm

Where?

The Clocktower Cabaret, 1601 Arapahoe St, Denver, Colorado 80202

Bella Diva DancersOur first event this coming May is one you cannot miss! You are invited to attend our intimate Teacher/Student Showcase that will feature our beautiful & talented students, many of whom will be dancing side by side with their teachers from their weekly classes at Bella Diva World Dance. No matter what your age is, you are more than welcome to join us.

There will be a cocktail service, and seating will begin at 7 pm. Please arrive before 7:45 pm to be seated by showtime and avoid missing one second of this great show. Unclaimed assigned seats may be released 10 minutes after the show begins.

Premier seating is $25 and general seating is $15.

Get your tickets here before they sell out!

Join our Facebook event to get the latest updates.

 

We love this event because it gives our amazing students a chance to shine and show the world their talent. Their high energy is contagious and will have you dancing off your seat!

Be Part of Our Next Student Showcase

The best part about dancing is the family that is created in this wonderful community. Every time we step foot in the studio, we are proud and excited to work with all of the amazing people that join us in every single class and put everything into their dancing. If you’re not already part of this great community, we want to invite you to join us. Dance with us while learning all about a wide variety of incredible cultures from around the world. You could be the next diva on the rise to join the stage and make everyone’s jaws drop. We’ll be rooting for you every step of the way.

Join Our Bollywood Choreography Workshop with DJ Prashant

Join Our Bollywood Choreography Workshop with DJ Prashant

Dance Like a Bollywood Star with Internationally Renowned DJ Prashant!

We are super excited to be hosting internationally renowned Bollywood dance instructor, DJ Prashant, who will be teaching a special one-off choreography workshop at our studio during his stay in Denver. The workshop will be appropriate for intermediate level dancers and up. Get ready to smile and get ready to sweat!

When?

Sat. March 30th from 11:30 AM -1 PM

Where?

Bella Diva World Dance

4309 E. Mississippi Ave., Glendale, CO 80246

If you ever wanted to dance like a Bollywood star, this is your chance! After 10 years of teaching across the west coast, the charismatic choreographer & DJ, Prashant Kakad, is coming to Bella Diva World Dance for a workshop completely dedicated to sharing all about the vibrant dance styles from India.  FYI: This is not your regular workshop. It is meant to make you smile and sweat while you will learn an entire Bollywood choreography. With the Prashant’s guidance, you will be introduced to the magical world of Bollywood, India’s largest film industry based out of Mumbai, which is known for its incredibly beautiful music, glamorous and colorful costumes and elaborate group dance routines.

DJ Prashant Workshop

Don’t give up your chance to be part of this amazing workshop. Spots will fill up quickly so be sure to reserve your slot today.

Tuition: $25.00 with pre-registration, $30 at the door if space is available.

Ready to sign up? Do it here.

DJ PrashantAbout Prashant

Prashant Kakad, also known as DJ Prashant, is an Indian-born Bollywood entertainer, best known for singing, dancing and hosting Jai Ho! parties across the Western United States. He is the owner of Bollywood Dreams Entertainment. Prashant brings over 10 years of experience in teaching Bollywood & Bhangra dance at universities (PSU, REED & PCC), various dance studios (Portland, Seattle & New Orleans) as well as DJing cultural events to people of all ages, cultures & nationalities to both coasts of America & places in between.

Are You Ready for some Mardi Gras Fun with Bella Diva?

Are You Ready for some Mardi Gras Fun with Bella Diva?

Denver Mardi Gras Carnaval with Bella Diva!

When? Tuesday, March 5th at 8 pm

Bella Diva World Dance brings Mardi Gras and Carnaval to The Clocktower Cabaret for their 8th annual celebration of one of the most lively nights of the year, Mardi Gras – Fat Tuesday! This Brazilian/New Orleans-style celebration features the exciting choreography of the glamorous Bella Diva Dancers, who will even lead the crowd in a traditional Second Line dance. Come in mask and costume to dress your best for Denver’s HOTTEST Mardi Gras & Carnaval celebration!

Fat Tuesday is the last day of the Carnaval season, and it always falls on the day before Ash Wednesday, which is the start of Lent.  So it is time to “live it up before you have to give it up.” It’s going to be a romp-roaring, booty shaking, bead throwing night of debauchery and fun, hosted by our King of Mardi Gras, Naughty Pierre!

Don’t wait to get your tickets. Get yours here!

Check out the event on Facebook and follow it to get reminders because you do not want to miss this one.

Fun and Little-Known Facts About Mardi Gras

  • Back in 1875 was when Mardi Gras became an official holiday in Louisiana. However, in Atlanta and Miami, it is also considered a legal state holiday.
  • In addition to being known as Fat Tuesday, Mardi Gras is also called Shrove Tuesday. The word “shrove” comes from “shrive” that refers to the action of confessing. There is an unofficial practice that some Catholics have, which is about confessing their sins before the 40 days of Lent starts.
  • The popular green, purple and gold beads started being used back in 1872. Back then, the king of the first daytime carnival selected those colors so that they’d be tossed at people based on the meaning of each. Green meant faith, purple meant justice, and gold meant power.

The Mardi Gras Carnival is one of the most legendary events for Bella Diva Dance every year, and 2019 will be another one for the books. Don’t miss out! We’ll see you there.

Join Our Tribal Fusion Workshops with Irina Akulenko on Feb 28th

Relief from joint pain

Are You Ready for Some Tribal Fusion?

Bella Diva World Dance is thrilled to host guest master instructor, Irina Akulenko, here in Denver at our studio, on Thursday, February 28th, for an evening of tribal fusion workshops. These workshops are guaranteed to sell out so you must register online for a spot. Limited to 22 students.

1. “Fancy Arms”

Feb 28th, 5:30-6:30 PM

Tuition Cost: $20.00

Are you a true mistress of your arms, or do they do their own thing while you are dancing? In this workshop, we will focus on gaining full control over our limbs. There will be gentle drills and combinations focusing on shoulder, elbow, wrist and finger articulations, as well as exercises designed to help you find your emotionally authentic arm movements. We will look at arms as both framing devices and means to communicate with the audience.

Useful for dancers of all styles, this workshop is aimed to help you reconnect to your arms so that they always enhance your performances.

Tribal Fusion Workshops

2. “Slow, Slinky & Strong”: Tribal Fusion Combinations

Feb 28th, 6:45-8:45 PM

Tuition Cost: $40.00

In this workshop, we will work on slow-to-medium tempo combinations, exploring expressive arm work, serpentine torso movements, relaxed but defined shimmies, and strong lines from head to toe. Our unifying theme will be fluidity, and we will explore the many ways of achieving it —internally, in our bodies, and externally, as patterns created in space. Paying special attention to posture, we’ll work on creating meaning in every movement and gesture. The technique is aimed at improving performances on larger stages and plays with more theatrical presentation.

We are offering a Full Evening Package Rate for only $50.00 including both workshops.

 

Irina Akulenko
Irina Akulenko, Tribal Fusion Master instructor

Irina Akulenko Bio

Irina Akulenko is a New York City-based artist, with a burning passion for arts of all genres. Since 2001, Irina explored both Egyptian Cabaret and American Tribal Style belly dance, Classical Indian (Odissi), contemporary, and Flamenco, and now enjoys fusing these art forms.

Today, Irina performs on various New York stages and tours nationally and internationally as a soloist fusion dancer, teacher and principal dancer with Bellyqueen Dance Theater; and is the choreographer and Assistant Director for NASA-powered multimedia show, Bella Gaia.

Register Online Now

 

Bella Diva World Dance is the best place for world dance classes in Denver. Check out our Tribal Fusion Belly Dance class or any of our other dance classes, and register for your favorite one today.

Bella Diva at the Denver Women’s March 2019 This Saturday Jan 19th

Denver Women's March 2019

Join Us at the Denver Women’s March 2019 on January 19th

Last year, thousands of women, men and children met at Denver’s Civic Center Park for the Women’s March in Denver, and Denver was not alone. In cities across the nation, people gathered as a part of a country-wide protest against systemic inequality. Everywhere, from New York to San Francisco, saw a huge turn out that rivaled the year before as influencers and community members showed up in droves to speak out and speak up.

Join Us at the Denver Women's March 2019 on January 19th

The Theme

This year, the Denver Women’s March revolves around the central theme, “LISTEN. UNITE. ACT.”, and even involves a name change, now dubbed the “Womxn’s March Denver”. According to the organizers, the name change signifies an expansion of the march to recognize LGBTQ communities as well:

“The Women’s March Denver is launching today with the ‘x’ in our name because we believe in equity and we act with purpose to make space for trans, non-binary, and genderqueer persons in our name.

Join us at the Women's March DenverPre-Rally – 9:00am

THEME: LISTEN to those that have been silenced

Speakers and artists will be on stage in Civic Center Park.

The march begins! – 10:30am

THEME: UNITE Under the Banner of Anti-Oppression.

Due to crowd size, not everyone may actually start marching at the same time; this is just the beginning.

Post-Rally – 11:45am

THEME: ACT with Intention.

Speakers and artists will be on stage in Civic Center Park. Bella Diva World Dance will be closing the rally at 1:05 PM!

Bella Diva at the Denver Women's March 2019 This Saturday Jan 19thWHO SHOULD MARCH?

Everyone.

The march needs the support of people from all walks of life to make a big impact.
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Men are absolutely welcome and encouraged to join us.
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The organizers are doing our best to accommodate people of all abilities. For those that cannot march at all, there will be seating reserved so you can participate by supporting our speakers in Civic Center Park.

Lyft is a proud supporter of Womxn’s March Denver! Skip the hassle of parking and use code WOMXNSMARCH19 for 20% off one ride to or from Civic Center.

Check out their website here.