JAZPIZAZ

Why I Dance

2009-09-08T11:07:00.000-07:00

This is a great article I want to link to. Dancers will appreciate this!

http://www.dancemagazine.com/issues/September-2009/Why-I-Dance

IT'S FASHION WEEK!

2009-02-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

This morning the QVC network kicked off their Fashion Week live from Bryant Park in New York City. I was watching this and noticed the clothes were very feminine and designers are using soft fabrics with ruffles.
The accessories are bold and colorful. Earrings are large, long and pronounced.
The models that have long hair are wearing it in a low chignon bun at the nape of their neck.
The polished classic look of a ballet bun is hot now!

The Mercedes-Benz Fashion week is one of the big four Fashion Weeks that happens each year. Other Fashion Weeks will follow in London, Milan and Paris. They provide a great sneak peak at new collections and the latest fashion trends.

Feedback is Important

2009-01-21T17:42:00.000-08:00

Dancers love feedback. The response from the audience or an instructors comments mean a lot to the recipient.
We love hearing from our customers about their online experience or the products they purchase. The words can be so touching from a simple "Thank you" to a glistening comment of how good it felt to put on the newly purchased Hair Bun Cover. Or, constructive criticism if needed is okay too. Hopefully next time things are better.
Sometimes we get caught up in a moment and forget to pause and provide feedback good or bad. Sharing both positive and negative comments about your online experience extends beyond the visit to the web site making things more personal and up close in what can be such a vast and annonymous internet world out there.

Dance Magazines Holiday Gift Guide

2008-11-29T20:43:00.000-08:00

Dance Magazine asked us to submit our Gold Plated Hair Bun Cage with Rhinestones for consideration to appear in their December 2008 issue and listing of Holiday Gift Guide Ideas for Dancers. What a thrill for us at jaz that we were selected and the item appears. We want to thank them and reciprocate a bit in suggesting that a subscritption to their Magazine would make for a wonderful gift for any dancer in your family or circle of friends. At under $30.00 a year it is well worth the investment. The articles and various announcements make for very interesting reading and the magazine just about links you to all that is important in the world of dance. You can link with them at www.dancemagazine.com/bonus.

Wedding Vows in Salem, VA

2008-09-17T20:13:00.000-07:00

I have to take a moment and mention that we just returned from my oldest son's wedding in Salem, VA.

What's a wedding without great music and everyone dancing and having a good time. At the center Amy and Alex the Bride and Groom exchanging their vows that will last a lifetime.

Afterwards superb (and it doesn't describe it enough) music from the really soulfull R&B Band "The Domino Band" of Roanoke, VA that has a resume that would impress all of those in the music know. Check-out their web site www.thedominoband.com it's worth the click. We danced in to the night to all of the classics played with skill and feeling that kept everyone on the dance floor all night. It was a blast!

Let's Dance!

2008-08-09T05:20:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again! In between thoughts of going back to school or trying out for Fall Sports there's those in the world of Dance that are getting ready for their first dance class or returning for the new year. I'm sure you have seen somewhere, someplace registration and sign-ups for Dance Classes.

What wonderful memories of getting my daughter ready. Suddenly the music would start again (not that it ever stopped) but you know what I mean music that she would dance around the house, yard, supermarket and yes the back seat of the car any chance she could get.

The best part is the anticipation of re-uniting with friends teachers mothers all the members of the dance family. "Oh yes it's going to be another great year of dance!" Everyone is going to have a great time!

NORTH EAST WORKSHOP FOR DANCERS

2008-07-27T18:48:00.000-07:00

I cannot help but take a few minutes to point out the upcoming North East Workshop for Dancers to be held on August 4th. and 5th. at The Radisson Hotel in Nashua, New Hampshire. Geared for students 8 years and older plus advanced students 14 years and older, assistants and teachers there's even a provision for observers, it looks to be a great convention. Packed with an impressive group of instructors in several genre's of dance what really caught my eye was the scholarship opportunity for one lucky talented dancer.

The Northeast Workshop for Dancers will be presenting the Al Gilbert Scholarship to a talented dancer who best represents the ideals, talents and techniques that Al Gilbert dedicated to his life to instill in his pupils. Students who are interested in participating in this scholarship audition will be given a number to be worn throughout the convention. This will allow each teacher to identify the scholarship participants during each and every class. These numbers will be given out at registration. Any student over the age of 15 is invited to audition. There are no other requirements to audition-it is each students attitude, energy and enthusiasm for dance that is being "judged." The winner of the Al Gilbert Scholarship will be presented with a $1000.00 scholarship to be used for future dance education. The money will be paid to the studio or dance institution of the winner's choice to further his or her dance education. Award will be presented in the advanced student room at the end of the last class on Tuesday.

Contact information for this workshop is:

North East Workshop for Dancers
162 Manchester Street
Manchester, NH 03101
603-623-0221 or 603-622-7842
Email: taasza@comcast.net

Have fun girls and boys, go dance and jazz it up!

The First Day of Summer

2008-06-22T06:19:00.000-07:00

Today is the first day of Summer and the longest day of the year - a great day to clean out your closet !
I am always excited to clean out my closet because it is a chance to make room for new fashions and clothes.
The hottest new look for this Summer is a very bright colorful top, tank,or shirt paired with a neutral colored skirt, pants, shorts or cropped pants. Other fashion "must haves" are:
cropped jackets with longer flared, sexy tops
clutch bags in very bright colors
platform or wedge heel sandals
short unconstructed shirtdress with a wide belt
a big bold colorful watch
snake skin - a belt, shoes or bag (just don't go overboard with everything in animal print)
big and bold bangle bracelets are hot (the more the merrier)
Jade is hot hot hot! Remember Jade comes in several colors not just green!!!!!
Enjoy your new fashions and the warm weather.
Remember always have fun!

FALL FASHION FLASH

2007-09-05T15:41:00.000-07:00

The hottest trends for Fall are:

Black Tight with Baby Doll Dresses in animal prints.
Black Tights with Ballerina Flats jazzed up with Rhinestone Trim
4# Stilletos in metalics are the new jewelry for your feet.
Long necklaces and extra large hoop earrings are the new rage with oversized bangles.
Black, Navy and Dark Brown are the seasons hottest colors.
Vintage inspired lace tops look great with pencil shirts (straight skirts).
Create a high waist with bold metalic belts.
Metalic bags, shoes and ankle high boots will update your existing wardrobe.

Have fun see you at Jazpizaz.com

CELEBRATE THE BEAT III

2007-08-07T15:19:00.000-07:00

Morphoses/The Wheeldon Company led by talented Choreographer Wheeldon will be performing at The Vail International Dance Festival on August 10, 2007 @ 7:30pm. Tickets are: $17/$65/$85.

After Vail, Morphoses will also be performing at Sadlers Wells Theater (London England) September 19-23,

at The Guggenheim Works and Process (New York) October 14 & 15th,

and at New York City Center October 17-21st.

CELEBRATE THE BEAT II

2007-08-07T15:16:00.000-07:00

Come see the CHA CHA, TANGO AND RUMBA with award winning Ballroom Dancers Hanna Karittunen and Victor de Silva at the Vail International Dance Festival. This takes place at The Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater on August 11, 2007 at 7:30pm. Tickets are: $17/$50/$65. Call 1-888-920-2787 for more information.

CELEBRATE THE BEAT!

2007-08-07T15:13:00.000-07:00

A free dance outreach program for boys and girls ages 9-12 will take place at Berry Creek Middle School in Edwards, CO. Times are: 9:00am -12:00pm - August 6-10. Wear comfortable clothes and sneakers and you don't have to bring along experience. For more information call 970-949-1999

Fresh Looks in Jewelry for Fall

2007-08-07T15:08:00.000-07:00

Band Rings in Rose Gold with White Diamonds are "HOT!" So are Yellow Gold Band Rings with Yellow Diamonds. Band Rings of Flowers with Diamond Centers are the new "looks" for the right hand ring. White Gold Band Rings with Diamonds make great wedding rings!

Bow shaped Diamond Rings are also all the rage for the real feminine look.

Necklaces this Fall will look like Gold Crochet Lace , bibs somewhat like a spider web.

FALL FASHION FLASH!

2007-08-07T14:14:00.000-07:00

BRIGHT PINK IS "IN!" Whether you wear it as accent pieces (shoes, bags, jewelry, Hair Accessories) to liven up your black dress or in the full pink look - completely Pink (Dress, shoes, bag etc.) you are with the times.

Summer Dance Intensive Owego, New York

2007-07-31T19:56:00.000-07:00

Kathy Hansen School of Dance 14 George Street Owego, NY 13827 is offering a two-week Summer Dance Schedule. The dates are:

August 14,15&16th. or/and

August 14,15&16th. both weeks Tue,Wed,Thurs.

ROOM "A"

5:00-6:00pm Ages 3-6 Ballet/Tap $65.00

6:00-6:45pm Ages 7-12 Ballet $50.00

6:45-7:30pm Ages 7-12 Tap $50.00

7:30-8:15pm Ages 7-12 Jazz Hip/Hop$50.00

8:15-9:00pm Adult Tap $50.00

ROOM "B"

4:00-5:00pm Ages 10-14 Tap $65.00

5:00-6:00pm Ages 10-14 Jazz $65.00

6:00-7:00pm Int/Adv. Modern $65.00

7:00-8:00pm Int/Adv. Jz.Hip/Hop $65.00

8:00-9:00pm Int/Adv. Tap $65.00

Call 607-687-5684 or register by mail by sending in your choice of dance program with your name, age, address, phone # and payment to the address listed above.

This is a perfect opportunity for some extra exercise, brush up on technique or explore for the first time the world of dance. You won't be dissapointed.

Two-Week Summer Dance Program

2007-07-31T04:52:00.000-07:00

The Kathy Hansen School of Dance at 14 George Street in Owego, New York (13827) is offering the following Summer Dance Schedule. A program such as this is the perfect opportunity for getting some excercise, brushing up on dance technique or as a way to check out your curiosity about "Dance" and have some real fun!

The two-week Summer Dance Schedule is:

Dates: Aug. 7,8 & 9 or/and

Aug. 14,15 & 16 all on Tue. Wed. Thu.

ROOM A

5:00 -6:00 Ages 3-6 Ballet/Tap $65.00

6:00- 6:45 Ages 7-12 Ballet $50.00

6:45 -7:30 Ages 7-12 Tap $50.00

7:30 -8:15 Ages 7-12 Jz. Hip/Hop $50.00

8:15 -9:00 Adult Tap $50.00

ROOM B

4:00-5:00 Ages 10-14 Tap $65.00
5:00-6:00 Ages 10-14 Jazz $65.00
6:00-7:00 Int/Adv Modern $65.00
7:00-8:00 Int/Adv Jz. Hip/Hop $65.00
8:00-9:00 Int/Adv Tap $65.00

Call (607) 687-5684 or register by mail by sending in your choice of dance program with your name, age, address, phone number and payment to Kathy Hansen School of Dance 14 George Street Owego, New York 13827. HAVE FUN!

Summer Intensive Program for Dancers

2007-07-26T05:01:00.000-07:00

The Southern New Hampshire Dance Theater of Bedford, NH is holding a 2-week Summer Intensive Dance Program for Dancers (age 9+) for Ballet, Modern, Jazz, Dance Conditioning, Character, and injury prevention as well as Dance History. Pointe, Variations and Men's class along with Pas de Deux will be offered. Dates: July 30th. thru August 11, 2007. Call 603-625-9272 for complete details.

"A Decade of Dance"

2007-06-25T11:07:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of attending the Let's Dance, Inc. of Stoneham Mass. "A Decade of Dance" recital last Saturday. It was the first time in over 11 years I was part of the audience at a Dance Recital.

When my daughter danced at her recitals I was always backstage "working." Kudos to all the dancers for a fantastic job.

The mother in me loves the smallest dancers. "Zip A Dee Doo Dah, You're a Pirate and UNder The Sea" were a huge hit! The finale "Proud Mary" all the dancers did Tina Turner proud with their rendition and ohhhhhhhhhh that hair, terrific!

Looking forward to next years show. Keep up the good work Miss. Tracy and keep dancing girls!

Help The National Council for Traditional Arts

2007-06-21T08:13:00.000-07:00

Did you know that shopping can help The National Council For The Traditional Arts, an organization dedicated to presenting traditional folksing and dancing through festivals, concerts and tours?

If inclined go to:

Clay-Pot.com and purchase the St. Kilda "CYD" Necklacs and 30% of Sales will benefit NCTA.

Other websites participating are:

DauphinePress.com (Notations Notebook)
BeautifulPerfume.com (3.3oz. Guelques Roses by Houbigant for Women)
CarlaCarusoJewelry.com (Willow Rings)
RachelNasvik.com (Sadie Leather Bag)
RevolveClothing.com (Deborah Sweeney "Synoma" Dress) this one particularly close to my heart benefits Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater 40% of sales.

Sales from all of these website between June 1, 2007 and July 31, 2007 will benefit NCTA with 30% of proceeds to be donated.

E-commerce is so great, convenient and dynamic in todays economy and everyday life. It's a good deal!

Summer Fashion Flash

2007-05-21T14:21:00.000-07:00

It seems everyone wants to be a Ballerina. Channel models hit the runways recently wearing black scoop neck long sleeve cut-out leotards, covered with an ankle length sheer black tulle skirts accented with large gold belts and several large gold cuff bracelets. So much for "no jewlery in dance class girls" but really a picture is worth 1000 words. Check out Allure Magazine June 2007 addition.

Channel's nail color for summer is Ballerina - the color of a soft pink TUTU.

This summer's beach hairdo is a low CHIGNON with a long hair pin. Much much more stylish than elastic, covered with a wide brim straw hat .

Fall Fashion Preview

2007-05-14T14:36:00.000-07:00

Surprise, the Fashion Designers have unveiled their Fall line-up. Gone are the grey shades of pink pale lipstick, bright bold eyeshadow, ruffles and frilly clothes and hooray unkept hairdos.

Clothes will be more tailored, neat and earth tones prevail. Make-up will be more natural the barely there look except for bright red lipstick (watch out David Letterman I saw that kiss Kirsten Dunst planted on you last week)!

Finally hair will be well groomed. Chignons will be in fashion and demand for the discriminating wearer who's going to get use to the idea that a little fashion in ones hair will go a long way.

Pony-tails are back but in a pulled back mode. Its going to be a Fall of neat well kept and dressed hair. Accessory time!

Tiaras

2007-05-14T14:20:00.000-07:00

So the queen came and went. Did anyone notice her Tiara? Actually Tiara is a Latin word for crown and have been part of our culture since the early 8th. century. Tiaras were also worn by Roman Catholic Popes as part of the Papal headpiece. It was a cloth cap surrounded by three smaller metal crowns that stood for Christ's power as priest, prophet and King.

It amazes me to think that as far back as the 13Th, century tiaras were worn by men. It was symbol of their social importance but they were not royals.

So now the tiara has evolved to be made of bejeweled metals a band worn on the heads of women as a symbol of beauty and social rank. We see them at beauty pageants, weddings, prom queens, homecoming queens (does anyone celebrate that still or am I dating myself?).

Perhaps the most beautiful display is when The Ballerina dances on the stage in her radiant sparkling tiara as if to simply add a special touch to the grace of her steps.

In Greek bridal tradition The Bride and Groom wear tiaras or crowns actually called "Stefina". Given as a gift from the groom like a king to his queen so is the greatest symbol of beauty, royalty, the tiara. Pick one up and wear it. You will feel special and you too can sparkle in the moments time.

Snoods

2007-04-26T12:01:00.000-07:00

A snood is a net covering worn by women that holds hair neatly at the back of the net. Snoods are worn in many cultures.

Probably most common in Scotland, young unmarried women wore a circlet of ribbon around their heads as a sign that they were not married. Victorian women made snoods fashonable as part of their hats to hold their hair neatly in place underneath.

In 1924 hats with snoods were popular as wedding hair pieces. As far back as in 1942 Ginger Rogers wore a snood on her wedding day keeping it popular and perhaps even more famous Scarlett O"Hara (Vivian Leigh) wore a snood in Gone With the Wind.

Today doctors and nurses wear disposable snoods in the operating room. For obvious reasons it is a very convenient way to control ones hair.

There's snoods for dogs too! Designed for our fine haired friends with long ears it keeps their ears out of their food while they are eating.

So, when you are having a bad hair day "use a snood!" You will be impressed at how neat and polished you will look.

Welcome to Jazpizaz

2007-04-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Welcome to my blog where I hope to introduce you to some of my experiences that have brought me to the brink of launching my first e-commerce website and how I plan to service and cater to anyone who appreciates specialty dancewear and accessories.

When my then 3 1/2 year old daughter, Andrea, started her pre-ballet class she insisted that she had to look like the older Ballerinas (They were all of eight years old!) She wanted a "hair bun cover". So I took my crochet hook and some yarn and created a "Chignon Cap." Andrea wore it to her next class. All the other little pre-ballet Ballerinas wanted a "hair bun cover too!!" I took note of their leotard colors and made a "hair bun cover" for each classmate. They were so excited and adorable. Eventually, I made " hair bun covers" for each Ballerina in the dance studio and CHIGNON KAPS BY KAREN was started.

Andrea graduated from Marymount Manhattan College in May of 2006 as a dance major. My ever popular " hair bun cover" will be new to the internet and the flagship product of jazpizaz.com. I hope to share the past success of a "hair bun cover" that is not just for dance. As a time tested Hair Accessory it has found itself in the wardrobes of Ballerinas, Gymnasts, Skaters, Ballroom Dancers, Square Dancers, Equestians, Bridal Parties, Waitresses and Flight Attendants. Bun Covers are great stocking stuffers at Christmas. There will be other specialty items offered at jazpizaz.com.

A Chignon, a knot or braid of hair at the nape of the neck, has been a popular hairstyle since ancient times.

Today, a Chignon is a classic hairdo for a young ballerina in her dance class or recital, teenage girls on the Prom dance floor, brides at the altar and starlets on the red carpet.
Whenever you wear a Chignon you look polished, sophisticated, classy, sexy and beautiful.