Category Archives: Performing Arts

Portable Stages for Different Performances

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There is a wide scope for entertainment in today’s world. Different types of stage shows, performances, recitals and concerts mark the entertainment segments of the generation. In addition, these increases in varieties have brought about variations in the methods of presentation as well.

A large-scale inclusion of different stage innovations in special effects have been brought about in recent years. The requirements on the stages have also changed dramatically. This has been caused by the changes that are seen in the different kinds of performances that are held.

The variations of the performances demand different types of accessories of a stage design.

These are easily installed when required for an occasion. These can be dismantled when a purpose is served. Another major advantage is that there is no restriction of the size of the stage platform. There are added extensions available with sufficient support to increase the platform surface of the stage.

There are several designs available. They are easily placed and extended as per need. There are different levels that can be created as an innovation of these.

One of the biggest advantages of portable stages is that various modifications can be made as per the required stage design. Set designers and stage planners of different programs and performances do the differences in designs.

At times, there are small functions in schools or colleges that are planned on short notice. There are very often presentations and speeches that are organized at exhibitions and seminars at a very short notice.

With a wide range of options, there will be no problem of arranging a stage within very little time. Moreover, in the same manner that would be able to support different requirements for elaborate performances and shows.

A very important use of portable stage in modern times is for mobile shows and road shows. It is very convenient to pack the portable stages in vehicles or even attachments in the same. Road shows are often a popular mode of promotional or talent hunts or competitions. Thus, there is a need for them at different locations that makes it easier to conduct a program.

Hire

If you are planning an event of any kind, you may have a stage requirement of a different kind. There are different customizations that you may need on a stage. Then you may also have a requirement for a greater surface platform before and open air crowd.

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13 Steps to Mentalism – An Overview

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If you want to perform “mentalism” you may have heard of a book called “13 Steps to Mentalism”, and for good reason. This book is considered a classic of mentalism – but does it deliver? Just what will you learn from this book?

Well to start, 13 Steps to Mentalism has been around since the 1960′s and was written by Tony Corinda. Originally it was published as 13 different booklets in London. Thankfully it has been published in a single book format containing all 13 steps. The fact that it has such staying power in a market flooded with books and dvds speaks of its quality right off the bat.

Each chapter or “step” in his book describes different techniques or methods that a mentalist can use to perform different acts of mental magic or mentalism. Below I will briefly give an overview of what each step teaches.

Step One – Swami Gimmick

I haven’t know a mentalist worth his salt that didn’t own and frequently use a swami gimmick. They are a ‘must have’ for any mentalist. It is one of the mentalist’s most powerful tools and nearly invisible to the spectator. This step goes over the various types of swami gimmicks available and when to use each one. Corinda describes how to best use these gimmicks while minimizing detection. At the end of this step, he goes into various mentalism effects possible with use of this gimmick.

Step Two – Pencil, Lip, Sound, Touch and Muscle Reading

By means of this step one can make predictions on the basis of gathering sense information from the spectator by means of touch, sound and sight. Pencil reading is watching how the pencil moves to determine what is written without actually seeing what the spectator has wrote. Sound reading works remarkably well with a spectator writing on a chalkboard or perhaps its more modern equivalent, the erasable slate and non-permanent marker. Lip reading is straightforward, but takes practices as does the art of muscle reading. Muscle reading, that is feeling the small changes in muscle tension in the spectator, can be a devastating and very accurate method of prediction if practiced. Sample effects of all these methods are given by Corinda in this step.

Step Three – Mnemonics and Mental Systems

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How a Salsa Dancing Cruise Inflames Salsa Spirits

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Salsa dancing cruise is looked upon as an ideal source that paves way for memorable salsa vacations. But, there is more to it than what is presumed on salsa dancing cruise, as it inflames the salsa spirits of enthusiasts. The enthusiast who is eager to spend his vacation in a complete salsa world also finds his spirits soaring sky-high, as the many events are designed to enchant the individual who becomes a part of the this dancing cruise.

Though the salsa dancing cruise offers an intoxicating mix of parties and other entertainment activities, the fervent enthusiast also is let into a sea of opportunities to learn a few tricks of the trade, as the opportunities come in different forms. The long and short of it is that the salsa dancing cruise unveils various features to inflame the spirits of the enthusiasts, as they not only regain the lost vigor but witness a phenomenal growth in their interest levels too.

Workshops

Among the various features unveiled by the salsa dancing cruise, the workshop is a feature that lures the attention of the salsa enthusiast. When the enthusiast is keen to make a good progress with respect to his salsa skills and techniques, the workshop offers yet another opportunity to enhance the potentials of individuals. The workshop by the sea not only offers a splendid opportunity to learn skills but does well to kindle the salsa passion of the lovers of this dance form.

Instructions from renowned instructors

The salsa dancing cruise also is special as when it comes to star attractions. One can spot renowned salsa instructors as when the cruise sets sail, and the enthusiast can get benefited from the top notch instructions offered by the renowned instructors who have been instrumental in bringing out the latent talent in many individuals. Just the thought of this experience inflames the spirits, as the lover of this dance form looks forward to this fruitful experience.

Performances from experienced professionals

Be it the dance class, club or even the studio, an individual who is keen to learn salsa skills and steps does well to observe the experienced salsa professionals perform on the dance floor. This cruise also unveils performances of experienced professionals who simply delight the audience with their scintillating salsa performance. The salsa enthusiast can observe to learn a few salsa tricks, as his spirits to perform well also reaches a new height as when he observes the top dancers execute mesmerizing salsa moves during the course of this cruise.

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Why Go on a Salsa Cruise?

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Many enthusiasts are getting lured to the excitement offered by the salsa cruise as when they look to enjoy a peaceful vacation. The many individuals who become a part of the salsa cruise plan to enjoy their vacation soaked in salsa, which happens to be the prime reason that drives the individuals to opt for the salsa cruise.

Apart from paving way for an exciting vacation, this cruise is a significant happening that has something in store for the enthusiasts falling under varied skill levels. Be it the beginner or the professional who has made a mark in the field of salsa, this cruise is an idyllic vacation option that offers rich features, which in turn works to the advantage of the enthusiasts.

Good time amid salsa family

The enthusiast is provided with the opportunity to spend a memorable vacation amid the salsa family. The cruise unveils individuals who are passionate about this dance form, and the enthusiast finds the experience of spending his vacation amid the crowd an exhilarating one. As the individual embraces the chance of dancing to the lilting tunes as when the cruise gets underway, it kindles the passion furthermore and more so when the enthusiasts get together amid the family.

Sharpen dancing skills

As the cruise encompasses a few days of cruising stint, the avid dance buff has the opportunity to be a part of the workshops, parties and performances, as there is also the opportunity to observe skilled professionals perform as when the salsa cruise gets underway. These activities that are aimed to cater to the taste of the dance buff are sure to enhance the skills, as your potentials go up by a notch.

Meet renowned personalities

In most cases, the cruise is organized by top notch professionals, as you can also come by many experienced dancers as when you set sail on the cruise. Also, there is the chance of occupying the floor with such renowned personalities, which is sure to offer a good learning stint for the enthusiasts during the cruising stint. The contact established with renowned personalities will do a world of good as when you seek to make a mark in this field.

Socialize with salsa buffs

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Don’t Just Read Your Script, Act It

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I’ve had the privilege of judging puppetry at a yearly teen competition for over ten years. One of the rules of the event is the plays have to be done from scripts, not pre-recorded, so I’ve seen several hundred scripts performed over the years. Each year a few teams standout above the others. One of the reasons is they don’t just read the scripts, they act them.

Plays where the puppeteers simply read their lines tend to be mediocre and often a bit boring. If they’re boring to me as an adult, imagine what children will think of them. How do you go beyond just reading the script to where you’re living it?

Practice, Practice, Practice

First, practice it a lot of times so you become VERY familiar with the script. It helps to record the play and then listen to it over and over until it’s almost memorized. Then you can perform it by just glancing at the script instead of having to read it. You’ll have a good idea of what to say for each line and be aware of what’s coming up without being tied to the script.

You’ll probably change some words in your lines while performing, but that’s not a problem. In fact, it’s a good thing because it’ll come out sounding more natural. You may even find that you throw in a few ad-libs that enhance the play. Be careful not to overdo it though, or you may cause your fellow puppeteers to get off track or lose their place.

When the majority of your words are coming from your mind and not being read off a page, the play will flow in a natural manner and is more likely to hold the audience’s attention. Not only that, but you will be able to devote more of your attention to your puppet and not have your eyes glued to the script. Also, those awkward, silent gaps where a puppeteer is frantically searching for their place in the script can be eliminated.

Energize Your Play

If you want to energize your play and make it one the audience will remember, there is one key element you have to have; enthusiasm! Enthusiasm is contagious. If you have it and express it through your puppet, the audience will be drawn into the play and their enthusiasm will grow.

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