fantasy art and tree chatter of aquariann

"Look at me boy 'Cause I got you Where I want you Isn't it so exciting?" - Give It Up by Victorious Cast Last month I could barely contain my excitement when I stumbled across a press release in the Cape Gazette inviting anyone to participate in a flash mob at the 2013 Delaware State Fair. Michele Xiques (she directed the Pirates of the Caribbean ballet I raved about last year) and Gene Knowland from First State Academy of Dance choreographed a fun routine to a Victorious Cast song. The video was then uploaded to YouTube and I spent two nights playing and rewinding it to learn the moves. My spirits dipped when none of my friends were comfortable performing the dance in such a short amount of time, but I was determined to check it off my bucket list. Despite not knowing any other dancers, most of which were at least half my age, I was able to rock it out with the support of my parents in the crowd as cheerleaders and videographers. For those not used ...

Better step into your dancing shoes, because National Dance Day 2012 is tomorrow, July 28th! I'm starting off the celebration by going out with my fellow belly dancers tonight. We're shimmying to a bar, so I'll be shaking the dance floor with my snazzy skull sneakers instead of barefoot like usual. Although belly dancing barefoot feels more authentic, I don't have the daintiest feet. Today I tip toed over to Etsy to see what sexy alternatives are available. Goddess style and barefoot sandals stood out amongst the red dance shoe search. The other two pairs spectacularly stomped into my memories, reminding me what fun I had as a child ballerina and tapper. 1. Leather Lace Up Sandals Candy Apple RED Metallic by Bella Caribe 2. Upturned Toe, Red Satin and Lace Cut Out Overlay Slippers, with Red Suede Soles, Ballet Ties by Uku 3. Decoupage Tap Shoes Capezio Mary Jane Red Crybaby Wet Look Size 61/2 7 by Normal Mix 4. Tatted Barefoot Sandals - Barefoot Heart by...

The last Saturday of every July is National Dance Day, which makes it tomorrow! The closest Six Flags is quite a ride from here to participate in the group numbers choreographed by the So You Think You Can Dance crew, so I'll be celebrating at home. Find out how by reading yesterday's It's the Sparkles and the Shimmies , a guest post by belly dancer AJ Reardon. Like many little girls, I dreamed ephemerally of being a ballerina when I grew up. I took tap, jazz and ballet as a child, but my interests twirled onto other artistic things in middle school. Feeling nostalgic, today I slipped on my ballet slippers and pirouetted around Etsy's stage. These adorable ballerina bears joined me in the limelight. 1. Fondant Ballerina Bear Cake Topper by Fondant Fads 2. Emma the Ballerina Bear by Hello Happy! 3. Miniature Artist Bear Bella by Teacup Teddies 4. Crochet Ballerina Bear Pinkie Bearie by Made with Love by Laura

by AJ Reardon of Confessions of a Dance Pants Addict When Aquariann asked me to write a guest post about belly dancing to celebrate National Dance Day, I knew I wanted to do it. I just didn't know what I wanted to write. There are just so many aspects one could go over, but the truth is, most of the more intellectual subjects have been covered by people who have danced longer and studied harder than I have, so I'm going to keep it simple and personal - I want to talk about why I love belly dance. As a student and performer, belly dancing makes me feel amazing. There's just something about being able to move my body in ways that previously seemed impossible (rib slides? I can move my RIBS?), while being decked out in an elaborate costume. And for a shy, self-conscious, and at times clumsy girl, there is nothing quite like knowing that you're holding the attention of an entire room just by moving with the music and smiling. As an audience member, my fellow dancers captiva...

Get up and shake your rump! That's right, today is the first National Dance Day , thanks to Nigel Lythgoe, the executive producer of So You Think You Can Dance. The NappyTabs duo choreographed the routine below to let anyone celebrate the event, whether it be in a huge group or alone in a living room. I dance every day, even if it's just to practice my shimmy while brushing my teeth. I'm no professional - just a girl that likes to shake it like a salt shaker. I am thankful to have discovered two amazing women that offer classes in Delaware's Cape region, hip-hop with Sasha Westray and belly dancing with Viviana Matthews . Both styles are extremely fun ways to exercise and clear your head. If you haven't been enthralled by So You Think You Can Dance yet, you must get "outta your mind" and see my favorite hip-hop routine ever, choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon and rocked out by Alex and tWitch. Then follow my lead, because I'm getting out of thi...