01.29.09
Posted in As Seen On at 3:22 am by roxie
Those arrogant guys who lie, cheat, don’t know how to treat a lady, and demonstrate regular disrespect to their girlfriends are disillusioned, of course. They all seem to think they have serious “game” and are a gift to the women of the world. But when we recognize one, we warn our girlfriends, and avoid dealing with him ourselves. In reality, we consider that kind of a guy a “tool.” Now Vh1 has created a rehabilitation program for such male brethren.
Tool Academy male cast members AKA the 'Tools'
Premiering on January 11, 2009, the eight-episode series, hosted by Jordan Murphy, takes “nine unsuspecting bad boys” and puts them through “relationship boot-camp” with relationship counselor Trina Dolenz, as explained on the network’s website. The guys, who were secretly nominated by their girlfriends, initially thought that they would be participating in a competition for the title of “Mr. Awesome.” However, they soon realized that, as Tool Academy recruits, they would actually be “schooled in proper boyfriend behavior,” learning about honesty, fidelity, and communication. Each week, they are confronted with challenges, and the guy who demonstrates the least growth is “deemed a hopeless tool” and dismissed. “But there’s a twist,” Vh1 adds. “He must then plead his case before his girlfriend, who decides on the spot if she wants to keep him or kick him to the curb. In the end, only one man will be rewarded for his transformation with a $100,000 cash prize and the title of ‘Mr. Awesome.’”
One of the challenges in episode 2 was to learn a tango choreography with just a couple hours to practice before performing and being judged in a mini competition. When the couples performed their routines for their dance instructor, John Cassese and ballroom and TV dance judge Mary Murphy, the ladies wore dresses by e.K. Clothing, in a variety of colors to match the shirts of the men. Our rose hair clips were also popular with both the ladies and their guys.
Jeff Olde, Executive Vice President of Programming & Production for VH1, says that the show carries the hope that the good boyfriend within a tool is just waiting to be revealed. “Sometimes all it takes is a little self reflection… and eight weeks of intensive TV therapy,” he says. Dancing together can strengthen relationships, indeed. And, looking good while admiring each other’s moves can’t hurt.
About half way through the following video is the Tango Performance where our clothing can be seen! If video does not play, it can be viewed here as well.
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01.22.09
Posted in Direct From the Dancefloor at 1:49 am by roxie
It is said that “two is better than one.” In this case, we’re talking dance shoes. Once you’ve been bitten by the dance bug, having one pair just won’t cut it. In order to maximize style, comfort, longevity, and the health of your feet, it’s best to alternate between at least two pairs of dance shoes.
Of your two necessary pairs, think of one as a practice pair, perhaps a plain, ‘nothing fancy’ kinda shoe. The other is a bit nicer, higher heeled and perhaps rhinestoned; this shoe at a glance is something fancy, and has multiple uses, including going out, performing, and/or competing. The comparison between these shoes is like comfortable plain-jane vs. the diva, or Tuesday afternoon vs. Saturday night.
Left: Our most comfortable shoes with a thick Cuban heel (and inserts added for more padding!), Right: Fun Sparkly Patent Platform Shoes
Our wardrobe needs change from day to night, work to the gym, and studio to the club/stage. Similarly, depending on the location and use, we have different shoe needs. Here are three reasons why a two-pair-minimum is a closet must for dancers:
1. If you only own one pair of nice heels for practice or lessons and for going out or performance (ie, everything), the shoes will become worn out more quickly and the suede bottoms will need to be replaced sooner. As a specific example, leather tends to stretch over time (more so than satin, nubuck, and patent). So, leather shoes which seem comfortably flexible and ‘just right’ at first can eventually become less formed to your foot, and may offer less support. Suede also wears out over time - what shoes would you wear while waiting for your cobbler to resuede your only pair? If you can distribute the hours spent dancing over two pairs of shoes, they won’t become weather-worn as quickly.
2. If you dance in high heels all the time, your feet, leg muscles, hip flexors, and lower back become tired and sore. This is especially true if you attend all-day events like congresses, conventions, special workshops, or competitions. Contrary to the shopaholic, fashionista mantras of some, your body really needs a break from high-heels.
3. Having two pairs adds an extra element of versatility to your wardrobe. Different shoes can be worn with different outfits; low-heeled black shoes can be worn with eternally-popular black pants, for instance. Lower heels are also more comfortable, while higher heels look sexier. Nude shoes make the legs look longer, and can be worn with just about anything because of their neutral color. Mesh is also a good material to have in one of your pairs, because it’s comfortable and covers the foot, yet still is an open, airy, net-like material that lets the skin breathe.
There is clearly an advantage to owning at least two different styles of dance shoes. But which two should you buy? A great place to start is here.
Dancing should be a fun and comfortable experience, one that brings confidence and a rush of feel-good endorphins. Dancing should not provide constant pain in the ball, arch, or heel of the foot (or muscles of the legs/lower back), and finding appropriate style and accessory choices should not bring about stress. By having at least two different shoe styles, your dance-floor wardrobe becomes a little easier to coordinate. Those two pairs can go a long way, in terms of comfort, convenience, and versatility. (For more information on shoe shopping, check out our shoe faq page). Shop our many different styles of dance shoes at www.ekclothing.com/shoes.php. And, of course, always keep your footwork sharp.
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01.16.09
Posted in News at 2:36 am by roxie
There she is, at the club or on stage, treating onlookers to a bit too much of the wrong kind of show. Those who would otherwise admire her dancing are now checking out… her underwear. And sure, most women are okay if their black underwear shows a little, but having bunchy-white-cotton-striped-lace-panties on display is preferable avoidable, right? So, in your efforts to avoid being “that girl,” you are extra careful. After a few clumsy twirls in the mirror before a night out, whipping your head around to see if your skirt flies up too high, you determine your level of concern. Then, you either a) find something that semi-works, b) spend the night worrying every time you spin, or c) change your outfit altogether. Finding dance briefs or underwear is certainly a dilemma, but it doesn’t have to be an eternal one. Never fear, ladies - we’ve got you covered!
e.K. Clothing is introducing our Dance Panty, a comfortable option to wear beneath skirts and dresses (or solo, but we’ll get to that in a minute). These underwear are made of the same polyester/spandex blend as many of our dresses (not cotton, which tends to sag, bubble, or not dry as quickly), and are available in three functional styles - bikini, wide bikini, and boyshort. The low-rise waist and slim, clear elastic at openings ensures that many items of clothing can be worn with them, without the worry that they will be seen peeking out in the back or at the waist. Each of the three styles are conveniently available in many colors, as well.
The dance panty can be worn as comfortable underwear while social dancing. They stay in place and they have a simple, classy look. They can also be worn as panties that match your costume, if your outfit doesn’t have a built-in leotard or bottom. If you know that red skirt is going to fly up and your underwear will be seen at some point in the routine, having a simple, matching red brief underneath is an ideal option. And finally, they are a great stage option if, well… you’re just that sexy. The panty can be a creative part of the costume itself!
Comfortable dance underwear is not always easy to find; most women are searching for simple, plain designs in the right fabric, cut and color. In our efforts to make your search easier, many patterns of the dance panty were designed and redesigned, with dancer feedback being considered. So, you can be sure that they are dancer-approved! With these in your closet – and in multiple colors and cuts to suit your wardrobe needs – you won’t have to limit what you wear out, and you’ll be able to dance worry-free.
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01.06.09
Posted in News at 1:47 pm by roxie
The little girls take the stage, smiling in their lady-like little dresses, ready to twirl, tap, shake, bounce, and wiggle at the count of ”5, 6, 7, 8.” Spectators focus their attention on the adorable little show stoppers, with excited exchanges of “Aww, they’re so cute!” Sound familiar?
Most people have seen the delightful performances of budding young dancers before, and of course, they’re entertaining. But nowadays, parents are faced with the dilemma of dressing their little girls, under the pressure to choose contemporary styles that are often just too “mature,” or inappropriate. This is especially evident in the ballroom and salsa world, where the line between “girls” and “women” often seems blurred. How high should the heel be? How short, how tight should the skirt be? These are the questions many parents and dance teachers may be asking themselves as the day of the recital approaches, as they search for appropriate yet stylish attire for the little ones.
Now, the right blend of cute and comfortable is available at e.K. Clothing. We are introducing a new kidswear section to our online shop, with apparel for girls. In party-ready girlish pinks and fun reds, among other colors, we offer dresses and two-piece outfits, with more new styles coming soon. They are made of the same easy-to-clean, stretch fabric as our women’s dresses, and still reasonably priced.
When girls are young, it’s important that they take pride in their appearance, and feel confident. When little dancers sashay and shimmy on stage, that big smile for the crowd has to come from somewhere, after all. By outfitting them in stylish dancewear that’s also comfortable and appropriately modest, you take a great step toward making your younger, aspiring performers feel confident and ready to dance. Girls’ dance clothing styles can be found here.
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01.01.09
Posted in News at 3:41 pm by roxie
The previous year was one of many happenings, breaking news reports, and changes. It seemed the presidential election left no stone of awareness unturned all over the world. The Olympics introduced us to impressive athletes and gave us new world records. YouTube videos caught criminals in the act, and unfortunately, natural disasters, war, and terrorist attacks took lives and left many without homes. There were political scandals, too, making headlines along with ‘these tough economic times.’ But we were reprieved of negativity and stress by humor, as SNL episodes were on constant replay, and political comedians shined brighter with new material. Progress was made, barriers were broken, and things were constantly changing. It was a time of unpredictability, during which we all sat at the edge of our seats to see what would happen next. Yes, 2008 was a big year.
We connected via many different mediums in 2008, and shared in the events of the year together. As new media evolves - including blogging, web video, internet music services, and citizen journalism - we are continuously changing the ways we see and interpret our world. The world watched as a great shift took place in American politics, and now many are looking forward to seeing our new President, Barack Obama, bring changes to the nation. But the names Clinton, McCain, and Palin - to name a few - will not be forgotten. Now we’re paying attention. We’ll probably be eating cereal from a box with Michael Phelps on it as we watch the news, as a matter of fact. We’re far more engaged now than ever before.
And what a great way to enter the new year - aware, engaged, and excited by the possibilities. It is a time of reflection, celebration, and planning. As the new year begins, we learn from the past, live in the present, and look toward the future. Many of us have ‘resolutions’ in mind, as well. If you’ve resolved to be better in 2009 in some way, don’t let it slip away. Instead of thinking “resolution” and “obligation,” think “goal” and “motivation.” Set your goals and achieve them.
Maybe your goal is to improve your Salsa shine skills, or try a new style of dance. Maybe you want to practice your Waltz more often, perform on stage, or become a Dancesport competitor. Either way, we’ve got you covered when it comes to looking good while doing it. And, as you relax further into personal style, here’s hoping you relax your mind and breathe in happiness and joy, while removing unnecessary negativity and stress from your life.
Here’s hoping you enjoy good health, and achieve your goals in a year of excitement and good energy. Here’s hoping you further yourself professionally, physically, and personally, while striving for balance. Here’s hoping you enjoy good music, explore new artists and genres, and read good books. Keep good people in your life, and attach yourself only to the possessions worth your attention. Appreciate the little things, and find something to smile about each day. From us to you, here’s hoping that in the coming year, you’ll love, laugh, learn, aspire, be inspired, and inhale all the amazing things that 2009 has to offer.
Happy New Year!
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