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QC09112014

54 THE QUEENS COURIER • DANCE • SEPTEMBER 11, 2014 FOR BREAKING NEWS VISIT www.queenscourier.com dance  Look cooler in any hip hop class Freshman Orientation Day at Holy Cross High School Holy Cross High School freshmen getting acquainted at Orientation Day on September 4, 2014. (Standing, l-r) Christopher Georgiadis, Tyler Lawson, Hassan Hassan, Christopher Goris, Joseph Higgins, Christian Mason, Thomas Leuthner; (Kneeling, l-r) Achilleas Karangunis, Christian Mateo, Nicholas Forgione, Nicholas Gutierez, Christopher Kyriacou. Upper classmen, faculty and staff welcomed the incoming Class of 2018 at Holy Cross High School on September 4th with a day of activities coordinated by the Office of Campus Ministry. Their day included a Mass celebrated by Father Walter Jenkins, C.S.C., Ed.D. , President, barbecue lunch in the courtyard and a brainstorming exercise to collectively create a homeroom seal, motto and contract which they presented in an afternoon assembly in the auditorium. Nicholas Forgione, whose brother Peter ’11 attended Holy Cross, was having a great first day, making new friends and enjoying the camaraderie of the senior student leaders. He was in Mr. Lyon’s homeroom facing a blackboard that listed the core values that each student is required to live by each and every day – Community, Honesty, Respect, Integrity, Service, Teamwork. Their class motto, they decided, would be “Through C.H.R.I.S.T. Holy Cross boys become MEN.” When asked why he chose to attend Holy Cross, Nicholas poignantly referenced his end of year quote at St. Mel’s School: “The worst thing in life is wasted talent and the choices you make could shape your life forever.” Holy Cross High School….Educating the minds and hearts of young men for leadership, service and success. ADVERTORIAL Positive Beginnings Inc. FREE Universal Pre-K For children born in 2010 We Provide: • Readiness in Reading/Math • Art & Music Programs • Social Play • Library & Science Programs • Physical & Social Development • Comprehensive Evaluations • Full Day & Half Day Classes in English, Spanish, Hebrew, Russian & Chinese • Integrated Classes • Speech Therapy • Occupational Therapy • Physical Therapy • Mental Health Services If you have any questions • Family Support Group. please feel free to call! 71-25 Main Street Flushing NY 11367 Main Street (Fior) Telephone: 718-261-0211 Fax: 718-268-0556 72-52 Metropolitain Ave Middle Village, NY 11379 Metro Ave Site (Rebecca) Telephone: 718-326-0055 Fax: 718-326-0637 PositiveBeginnings.org BY SHAWN BYFIELD If you are thinking about taking a plunge into the world of hip hop dance there are some things you should know. Hip hop class is a great outlet to release the everyday stress of life and learn a bit of history. The class is a great physical activity and excellent exercise no matter where you take it. Of course, nobody wants to stand out as “the new kid.” So here’s some proven tips to help you rank higher on the cool factor, no matter what your color, age or ability! Look And Dress The Part When was the last time you saw a hip hop video and the dancers were in bodysuits and tights? It’s amazing how just looking the part helps you dance and feel better. Here’s what to wear: • Find some baggy sweats, army pants or cargos. • Get a funky t-shirt or top that you feel comfortable and stylish in. • Find a pair of running shoes that absorb shock. No ballet or jazz shoes! • Accessorize with bandanas, hats, armbands and belts as long as they don’t distract and prevent you or others from dancing. • For the ladies, warm up with your hair up, then when it comes to dance, practice with your hair down. No celebrity ever performs with their hair in a ponytail. And lastly ladies – leave your Lulu Lemon pants at home. Bend Yo’ Knees and Get Low Hip hop has roots in African dance, which is very earthy and grounded. A basic rule for hip hop is, stay low to the ground. Here’s how: • Bend those knees of yours, and widen your stance like a football linebacker. This allows you to transfer your weight quickly as needed in class. • Center yourself squarely over your pelvis, and “sit” into it, almost like you’re going to ride horseback. • And no straight backs! It’s not ballet. Bend that spine, curve forward slightly and relax your neck. Bring a Positive Mindset Because we’re humans, as we age we tend to fear anything new. Afraid of change. Afraid of anything different. Afraid of what others will think. Afraid of how we’ll look. Afraid of making mistakes. ALWAYS remember this: You become what you think about most of the time. It’s true. So tell yourself that you’re here to learn, you are proud of yourself and you’re not afraid to make mistakes. Be positive! You’re eager to learn. And remember, you didn’t learn to run overnight. First you had to learn to crawl, then you learned to walk. The same basic process applies to hip hop dance – and any dance style for that matter. Be confi dent. Be patient. Encourage yourself and in tim e you will succeed. Get Professional Guidance Lastly, get involved often! You will only improve based on the level of effort you put forth. So if you dance once a month, you won’t get too far. But if you dance two or three times a week, now we’re moving forward. Set your schedule and PLAN to take yourself seriously. Research a professional hip hop instructor or school you’re interested in, sign up and commit to a class, and prepare to have a blast! Shawn Byfield (www. ShawnByfi eld.com) is an award winning choreographer, show director and a leading expert in dance lessons and industry advice.


QC09112014
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