Madonna’s live performance, was another masterpiece of choreography, thanks to the attention to detail of the star and the stylings of her chosen dance troupe – the Dancing Dolls of Southern University.

Madonna spotted the team after a YouTube triumph – a video of their performances came to the attention of one of her personal trainers, along with a recommendation that they accompany the star to Bridgestone, Indianapolis for the much-hyped Halftime Show, which drew more than 100 million viewers.

The team’s captain Kayla Smith said that they were perfectly confident on stage, following several trips to New York City to practice with Madonna.

“Once (Madonna) did all her tricks in the show, we knew all we had to do was go out and do our best,” she revealed. “We were on automatic.”

Kayla and team mate April Rollins first flew to NYC last December to meet Madonna and find out more about the opportunity of a lifetime.

“We thought we were actually going to be learning something, but when we got there, they wanted April and I to teach them something,” she recalled. “We were like, ‘Oh wow, you want our choreography?’”

Decide for yourself whether the Dancing Dolls have what it takes to mentor Madge, with this selection of their finest YouTube moments:

 1. Dancing Dolls at the 2010 Bayou Classic

2.  Southern University- Lay Your Head On My Pillow (2010)

3. SU Dancing Dolls – Get Up

4. Work It! From the 2008 Battle of the Bands

5. Southern University 2001 “Dancing Dolls”

One of the most popular movie genres is the dance spectacular. A cross between a musical and a drama, dance movies have soared in popularity since their initial triumph in the 1980s. Here’s 10 of the best:

1. Dirty Dancing (1987). Possibly the grand-daddy of them all, this film must surely be engraved on every girl’s heart. The plot, in which sweet daddy’s girl Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman (Jennifer Grey) meets hunky dance camp instructor Johnny Castle (Patrick Swayze) and learns both to dance and become a woman, is the stuff of legends, with the finale being described as “the most goosebump-inducing dance scene in movie history.”
2. Flashdance (1983). Second only to Dirty Dancing in most girls’ affections, this classic still sets pulses racing when we hear the title track What A Feeling. Jennifer Beals plays Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh woman working as a welder by day and an exotic dancer by night, who chases her dream to get into ballet school. With some great buddy bonding, romance and dance scenes along the way, the explosive finale has become one of the movie world’s all-time classic scenes.
3. Saturday Night Fever (1977). The movie that helped disco break into the mainstream, while also making a star of John Travolta, Saturday Night Fever inspired a generation of white suits and pointy dance moves. Travolta plays a 19-year-old paint shop worker who is a nobody during the day, but transforms into a disco god every night at his local club. Staying Alive by the Bee Gees is another one of those songs that drags you on to the dance floor!
4. Strictly Ballroom (1992). Bringing the world of Australian ballroom dancing to the big screen might have seemed a gamble, but it certainly paid off, with this film becoming so famous that it even inspired the title of the BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing. Paul Mercurio plays dancer Scott Hastings, trying to modernise his country’s ballroom dancing scene. Audiences flocked to this for the classy dance action and the glitzy costumes.
5. Shall We Dance (2004). A romantic comedy with a dance twist – featuring no less than Jennifer Lopez and Richard Gere! – in which bored husband secretly takes ballroom dancing lessons after falling for J-Lo’s dance instructor. The leading man and lady make sweet music as they whisk each other round the dance floor.
6. Step Up (2006). Channing Tatum plays Tyler Gage – a delinquent gifted a second chance after vandalising a performing arts school. Tyler has to dance his way to a scholarship and the love of dance partner Nora. With sunny characters, great music and stunning dance scenes, including a great group dance in a nightclub, this film is a great evening’s entertainment.
7. Save the Last Dance (2001). A teen romance, with a young dancer trying to get over her mother’s death. The ballet student is portrayed sensitively by Julia Styles, and her life – and dancing – picks up when she meets and bonds with a young hip-hop dancer.
8. Center Stage (2000). Another ballet movie, this follows the fortunes of three women at the American Ballet Academy striving to join the American Ballet Company.
9. Dance With Me (1998). A Latin dance-themed movie, starring Vanessa Williams and Chayanne as Ruby and Rafael, featuring some hip-shaking samba, rumba and many more Latin licks. Although the dance is far more impressive than the plot, well worth a watch.
10. Mad Hot Ballroom (2005). A documentary rather than a drama, this movie follows the lives of New York City elementary school students, who learn ballroom dancing and take part in a city-wide dancing competition. Initially reluctant, it is heart-warming to see their enthusiasm and dance skills grow.

 A private Ballroom Dance lesson for Two

What could be more romantic than a private  Ballroom dance lesson for two this Valentines Day?

With the buzz of Strictly Come Dancing secretly everyone wishes they could dance, well why not learn to Ballroom dance with Magic Steps in the privacy of your own home. Our patient Ballroom dance instructors will travel to you and show you just how great learning a new Ballroom dance style can be in a relaxed atmosphere.

Our Ballroom Dance classes are aimed at those with very little or no dance experience so please don’t panic that you have two left feet.

If you would prefer to visit a  dance studio let us know when you book your Ballroom dance session and we can arrange this for you ( there will be an extra charge for studio hire)

Allow 90 minutes for your Private Ballroom Dance Lesson

Price £65 for Two people

You will receive a gift certificate in the post to present as your Valentines Gift

There are many different Ballroom styles to try from Waltz, to Foxtrot or why not try the Dance of love Rumba

Rumba

While the Eighties was a time for some truly starling fashion choices, it was also a decade with many classic dance moves – some stylish, some very, very, silly indeed. Here’s five of the most celebrated:

Moonwalking. One of the most iconic stars of the Eighties was Michael Jackson, who was in his heyday with the Thriller and Bad albums, so it is fitting that first place goes to this legendary dance move. Hard to master – but impressive when you do, the Moonwalk will inspire awe in your friends!

Breakdancing. The Eighties saw the first flowering of electro, hip-hop and rap music, and of all the dance trends that accompanied this new dawn in music, breakdancing was the most impressive to watch – when it was done right. When carried out experts, it was a gravity-defying spectacle, when done wrong, it was sheer embarrassment, and potentially dangerous, to boot!

The Robot. While breakdancing was beyond the limits of most people in the Eighties, there were several spin-offs from the electro-rap renaissance – the most popular of which was perhaps The Robot. The aim of the dance is to move jerkily but rhythmically as if you are a stiff-limbed droid enjoying its first turn on the dance floor.

The Worm. Another breakdance manoeuvre to break away into more general dance floor usage, The Worm literally involves throwing yourself down on your front and undulating across the floor, like a little caterpillar. Harder than it looks, and some people have even come to grief attempting this dance while intoxicated, so have a care!

The MC Hammer Dance. Who doesn’t like joining in with “Stop! Hammer Time!” when the classic Can’t Touch This comes on the turntables? Well, with a little practice you can also create hammer time, gyrating the legs, shoulders and feet like the star of the song himself. Maybe lay off the gold lamé harem pants, though!

Hen Party Dance Photo Shoot

We had a brilliant weekend with the girls on our very own Hen party dance photo shoot. We covered every theme of dance party from Thriller, Dirty Dancing to Burlesque and Charleston.

We had so much fun learning a snippet from each  dance party routine it just goes to show how much fun the hen party dance classes can be. With over 30 different hen party themes it really was a challenge but 8 hours later 1000 pictures and plenty of wine we got the shots we needed.

We really wanted to capture the atmosphere of a fun dance party  with alive non staged pictures and show how accessible the Hen party dance classes are for everyone from Bride to Mother of the Bride, Sisters and Friends.

Dance hen parties bring old friends and new friends together.  Not all the bride’s friends will know each other and dancing is a great way for strangers to become friends whilst also giving the bride-to-be the best fun she’s going to have before her wedding day.

Everyone loves to dance the night away and wouldn’t it be fun if the bride’s girlfriends were to put on a dance show for the guests at the reception.  Many weddings extend into a disco and rehearsing a disco dance routine to Abba favourites will really get the wedding party going. It could even spur the groom’s friends to get up and start shaking to the rhythm of the beat.

Set out with the task “to create something memorable” and to ensure that all the hen’s that don’t know each other can meet and have a giggle why not hold a Burlesque party.

Burlesque

Originating in vaudeville and music hall entertainment, early American burlesque shows would feature striptease and comic performers much like in adult revue shows

Before it became associated with striptease, in 18th century Europe burlesque was a form of humorous and exaggerated musical theatre, often parodying an existing play in a daring style. It was only in 20th century America that striptease became an important part of burlesque as we know it today.

These days, the idea ‘burlesque’ conjures up images of feather boas, sequined bras and the glamourous performer Dita Von Teese in her giant Martini glass. The beauty of Burlesque has led to the rise in its popularity and it’s a party must have!

 Burlesque Dance Party

Whip your hens into a saucy dance troupe. A burlesque dance class is a fantastic, fun and exciting group activity and guarantees a giggle.

This session includes

• Personal Dance instructor
• Private Venue
• Burlesque fans
• Bottle of bubbly to take away
• Certificates for all of the hens

During the Burlesque Party you will have fun and build confidence learning some sexy Burlesque moves to put together and create a fantastic routine. You can take these moves out on your hen night, girly night out or even home!

You will build up a fantastic Burlesque performance piece. If want a copy of the music just contact the office.

Burlesque dance parties take place nationwide and start at £25 per person

Contact www.magicsteps.co.uk for more information

 Burlesque Costumes

A Burlesque party theme is fantastic as it means the girls can do as little or a much as they like with their costume choice

Hen’s that’s are a little more reserved may go for the feather in the hair option whilst for those feeling braver possibilities are endless.

No matter your budget you can find the perfect  Burlesque costumes – less really is more and you can really go to town with a costume for the bride.

Below are some great links for Burlesque costume Ideas.

• Range of burlesque Accessorise
• Great for Corsets
• Best for Nipple Tassels

For inspiration on your Burlesque party check out the famous video below

Burlesque Party Video

The countdown has begun to The Steps Ultimate Tour.

2012 will be the year when the world goes crazy again for the pop band Steps!

For those of you that missed the packed out auditions at Dance Attic Studio’s one of our favorite locations in London to hold our hen dance parties at. You missed the chance to battle it our to be an official Steps dancer . So here is your chance . Dust off your dance shoes and dazzling costumes and lets get dancing.

A 2 hour dance party experience session full of the Ultimate Steps classics will be a sure way to get your Hen party weekend off to the best start.  You will create a fantastic routine packed with your favorite Steps classics and learn those Iconic steps and famous dance routines to “Tragedy”, 5,6,7,8 and Stomp. For some of you this may just be a trip down memory lane.

If you were one of the lucky ones that got up at 6am and bought your tour tickets why not come and learn the dance moves at one of our Nation wide dance experiences before the show so that you can all strut your stuff in the arena.

Don’t be a deeper shade of blue book now and avoid a Tragedy.

Check out the steps video below

Steps dance

First you need to costume the girls. Pick your best 1980′s holiday clothes, or check out or Accessorise to find your perfect outfit . Of course the Bride must be Baby!

The why not treat the girls to the ultimate girly dance experience. You will learn your very own routine to a medley of Dirty Dancing classics with a selection of styles including salsa and cha cha cha. A guaranteed giggle for everyone

Some Sneaky showbiz News for you

Justin Timberlake has been named the favourite to star in the forthcoming remake of Dirty Dancing, nearly 25 years on from the original film. The actor is set to star as Johnny Castle made famous by Patrick Swayze in the 1987 Original.

What do you think Ladies?

Here is a little clip to remember how much we love the film!

Dirty Dancing Theme Video

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