Tell A Tale Utilizing A Flannel Board

Children learn best when they are actively engaged in educational activities. Reading a story aloud is an ideal way to build fluency and reading comprehension, as well as promote a lifetime love of reading. Though words tell the story, for children, it is the pictures that bring the words in the story to life. Using a flannel board to tell a story brings these pictures to life in a way that children can interact with, giving the story more meaning and helping promote a deeper understanding of what is read.

Instructions

1. Create pieces for the flannel board story. If you are reading a story from a book, photocopy images from the book, cut out the images and glue them onto pieces of felt. If you are telling a story without a text, draw or print out images that correspond with the tale and glue them onto pieces of felt.

2. Explain how the flannel board to your audience. Show them one of the pieces that will be used for the story. Explain that while you are telling the story, the flannel board and the flannel board pieces will serve as the pictures.

3. Put the flannel board pieces in the correct order before telling the story. This will prevent searching for pieces in the middle of telling the story, which can distract your audience and make them lose interest.

4. Tell the story. Name the title of the story and place the first flannel piece in your hand. As you are reciting the words, or reading the text aloud, place the first piece on the board at the appropriate time. After placing the first piece on the board, pick up the second piece so that you are prepared to place it on the shelf of the chalkboard. Continue in this manner until the story ends and all of the pieces are lined up on the board.

5. Retell the story. After reading the story one time, allow the audience to help you tell the story a second time by enlisting members to place the flannel pieces on the board at the appropriate time. Hand out the flannel pieces before telling the story and invite listeners to place them on the board as the story is being told. Another option is to hand out the flannel pieces as the story is being told and have the pieces placed on the board immediately after they are distributed.

Tell A Tale

Tell a Story

Everyone loves a great story. The key is to create a tale that's fresh, original and appealing with memorable characters, clever dialogue and vivid images. There are basic elements of story telling that we combine with specific details and personal taste to create a story that stays with the audience. Start with these building blocks to tell your story well.

Instructions

1. Bait your audience. Start with a provocative statement or an original thought about the story. Amuse yourself. An audience responds well to a story that delights the storyteller.

2. Begin the story with the action: "I was on my way to work this morning...." Start with one motion and let it lead to the next. Lay out the events to raise questions. "What happened then?" Create more interest to engage the audience.

3. Include specific details. Say "red geranium" instead of "flower," and "scuffed wingtips" instead of "shoes." Vivid details paint lasting pictures in the minds of your listeners.

4. Flesh out your characters. Give the audience a sense of a character's physical appearance, coloring, occupation and manner of speaking. Paint believable pictures to create unforgettable characters.

5. Develop a sense of the rhythm of storytelling. Vary sentence length. Know when to pause, when to keep the action going and went to interject an opinion.

6. Conclude with a surprising new thought about the world. Good stories provide new experience, perspective or a transformation, either for the character in the story or for us.

7. Practice your delivery until its delivery is perfect. Record yourself telling the story and analyze it. Consider the pace, pauses and flow. Rehearse the telling until it sounds natural.

Where Buy Copic Markers

Prized by designers and artists around the world, COPIC markers are refillable, double-ended markers with replaceable tips. The markers are available in 322 colors. Choose Original (for calligraphy, tone control, blending and painting), Ciao (smaller and good for beginners and kids) or Sketch (recommended for cartoon and fashion illustration) styles. An airbrush attachment is available for the Original and Sketch models. COPIC markers are available through many web vendors. Slightly cheaper prices are found on eBay, although selection there is more limited than on dedicated art supplies sites.

The Art Store

The Art Store gives up to a 32 percent discount on selected individual markers and sets. A basic set of 36 Originals is available for $186.91 ($233.64 retail). The 72 Original marker set is $327 ($467.28 retail). Individual markers are $4.99 to 6.49. Orders over $100 ship free. (See Resources.)

ICOPIC.com

This site discounts the entire selection of COPIC markers. A set of 36 Originals sells for $175.23.(retail $233.64) and individual markers range from $4.87 to $6.49. The 72 Original set sells for $327.10 (retail $467.20). Orders over $75 ship free. (See Resources.)

COPICmarkers.com

Here you can customize your own set as well as buy pre-assembled sets. A 36 marker Original set lists for $175.23 and single markers are $4.87. A 72 Original marker set sells for $327.10 (no comparative prices listed). Accessories are available, including nibs ($4.75), refill boosters ($2.25) and blender refills ($9.75). Airbrush sets range from $59 to $225. (See Resources.)

eBay.com

Most of the COPIC sets available on eBay range from 12 to 72 markers. At time of writing, there was a set of 36 Original markers under a "Buy it Now" price of $169.99 with free shipping. Sets of 72 Originals were selling for $327, with free shipping. Some individual markers and accessories were also listed. (See Resources.)

.

.

Tell An Interesting Story

Mark Twain once said that "There are several kinds of stories, but only one difficult kind- the humorous." It isn't easy to tell a funny story. In fact, sometimes it's nearly impossible to get people to laugh. But with a little imagination and a lot of practice, you'll have them rolling in the aisles.

Instructions

1. Find a story to tell. Whether you're making it up, re-telling something you heard or reading from a book, be sure you enjoy the story. If you don't appreciate the humor in the story, your audience won't find it funny either.

2. Make sure the audience can relate to your story. Unless the audience can relate to the characters or topics in your story, they aren't going to care or find your story funny.

3. Start telling the story. As you tell it, don't let on that you know something funny is coming. The more serious, or innocent, your expression and tone, the funnier it will be when you reach the punch line, as if you've said something funny but didn't know it until the audience starts laughing.

4. Take your time when telling the story. Give the audience time to enjoy the details of your story. Use the rhythm or pace of your story to move it along. Also, use pauses for dramatic effect and to keep the audience guessing.

5. Use your voice. Not only do you need to project your voice to the back of the room, but you also need to use intonation. Be excited at first, then calm down a bit before you use a pause. Then come out of the pause with your punch line.

6. Practice, practice and practice some more. What you think is funny isn't always funny to someone else. Practice in front of family, friends or small audiences to get a feel for what you can do to make the story better. You'll know what works and what doesn't by the audience's reaction.

7. Perform your story when you feel confident that you're ready to bring the house down.

Cut Illustration Board

Cut Illustration Board

Illustration board is a good, strong backing to use to mount your artwork. However, because it is so strong, it can be difficult to cut down to your preferred size. It can be tricky, but if you have a steady hand, your illustration board will become the perfect frame for your masterpiece.

Instructions

1. Place your cutting mat and piece of illustration board on a cleared and sturdy table, preferably one that is about waist-high to you.

2. Lay the reverse side of your T-square along the place you are planning to cut. The head should be resting over the edge of your illustration board and the blade (the long part) should be laying completely flat.

3. Draw a line on your illustration board along the blade of the T-square to mark your cut.

4. Cut along the line (and the blade) with your box cutter. Push down on the T-square to give yourself more leverage.

5. Turn your illustration board over and place the T-square along the crease from the cut you made on the reverse side. Complete your cut by running your knife along that crease.

6. File down the cut area with the piece of sandpaper to smoothen out the edges.

Draw Celery

Every carrot has unique curves.

Drawing carrots well is a must for any still-life that includes vegetables. Learning to draw carrots takes anywhere from a few minutes to a few hours, depending on your art background. Practice regularly to keep your skills sharp, and draw or paint in areas that have good light so you can see your work.

Instructions

1. Set some carrots on your table. While you practice your drawing skills, having the real item on hand helps you get the small details right.

2. Draw a small circle to begin with. This forms the top of the carrot. As a guide line, draw a straight line down from the center of the circle. Make the line four to five inches long; this will be the carrot shaft.

3. Add three to four wavy lines from the top of the circle to be your carrot leaves. Omit the leaves to draw a carrot without leaves.

4. Draw lines from the sides of your circle to the end of your vertical line, to create a teardrop-shaped carrot. Now you've got the basics of the vegetable down.

5. Erase the vertical guideline and the bottom half of the circle to have only the outline of your carrot.

6. Draw short horizontal lines to serve as ridges or bumps on your carrot. Look at the real carrots you set up and incorporate the spacing of their ridges to get it right.

7. Flesh out the leaves, again drawing from your real carrots. Thicken the leaves with your pencil and give them the shape of true carrot leaves, with feathered edges.

Train Yourself Sing

Learning to sing can be expensive, but there are ways to teach yourself sing. Voice lessons never come cheap, so many people would prefer to "cut the middle man" out and find ways to teach themselves sing on a reasonable budget.

Instructions

1. Some websites online offer vocal lessons that can be played directly on the site, and some others allow you to download those lessons straight to your computer, or onto your mp3 player.

2. There are quite a few DVDs on the market (and some VHS tapes for a select few of you) that offer professional vocal trainers giving their tips and lessons. This is a lot cheaper than dealing with a vocal trainer one on one. Some of these DVDs can be found under Resources below.

3. Some books offer lessons and tips on vocal training. This isn't always the best route though since you can't watch and listen to examples. However, lots of these books would be a great addition. Some suggestions can be found under Resources.

Train Yourself Photography Aesthetically

Improve your digital camera skills by learning visually.

Although you can learn digital photography by reading tips and techniques, some people learn the concepts better with visual methods. Since the best photographers are visual learners, it's even more important to learn visually. According to Gifted Development, visual learners have an easier time learning through pictures than with words. Luckily, you can teach yourself the main concepts of digital photography on your own using visual methods. Gain an understanding of lighting techniques, digital camera basics and proper composition while learning visually.

Instructions

1. Read books that teach you digital photography visually. Though many books rely on words, most digital photography books are full of pictures and diagrams to help teach different techniques. Try "Teach Yourself VISUALLY Digital Photography" by Dave Huss and Lynette Kent. Follow each concept in a digital photography book by recreating the images and ideas that you see on the page.

2. Order subscriptions to magazines about digital photography such as "Digital Photography Magazine" and "Digital Photo Pro." These magazines are filled cover to cover with some of the best digital photographs available. You'll get insight into what's required to take a great digital photo. You'll also see diagrams to help you use the controls on your digital camera.

3. Find pictures that you like and study them. Determine what you like about the pictures so you can replicate those concepts when you take your own digital photos. Look for pictures in books, newspapers, magazines and online. Create a clip file of your favorite pictures by cutting them out of newspapers or printing them from your computer. The more you focus on good photography, the more those concepts will come out in your own work.

4. Study your own pictures to figure out ways that you can improve. Look for composition issues such as cutting off the heads or feet of your subjects or having a pole behind a person's head in the image. Work on your weaknesses and improve your strengths by studying your own work.

5. Watch video tutorials on the internet that teach digital photography visually. Video Jug has a digital cameras channel with videos on many subjects of photography. Learn photograph different subjects or use your digital camera. Lexar, a popular photography technology company, also has video tutorials all about improving your photography techniques. Look for links to both of these websites in the Resource section at the bottom of this article.

Train Piano Counting To Kids

Counting rhythm for music can be one of the most challenging concepts when kids learn to play the piano. Understanding sheet music and note length is an essential part of learning any musical instrument. Teach rhythm counting to kids using the following technique. Practice this over and over again at each piano lesson since repetition is the best way to learn.

Instructions

1. Memorize the regular note length. The kids should learn which note is which simply by sight and be able to recite the length of the note.

2. Begin with a regular four-measure. Briefly explain that this means there are four counts to each measure. At this time avoid telling the child about other possible measures because it will cause confusion.

3. Start with a whole note. It is best to start with the longest note and move down to smaller notes. Ensure that the child understands that a whole note lasts for the whole measure, not just a whole count.

4. Count to four rhythmically, and clap to represent the length of the note. For a whole note, clap on one of each count.

5. Move to a half note. A half note lasts for half the measure. While still counting to four, clap on the one count and three count to represent the length of a half note.

6. Continue to count to four rhythmically, and clap on every count to represent the length of a quarter note, which lasts for a quarter of the measure.

7. Clap twice per count to represent an eighth note, and four times per count for a sixteenth note.

Train Like Jesus

You don't have to have any advanced education or special skills to teach like Jesus. Jesus taught by simply talking with people, telling stories, and using examples from life that people already understood. You can do the same thing today in a Sunday School class or any other teaching situation.

Instructions

1. Engage your listeners and talk with them. Jesus was more than a talking head and you should be too.

2. Tell stories. We refer to the stories Jesus told as parables. You can use these Bible stories or use stories from your own life or from materials you have studied. Your stories should reflect the patterns and relationships in life that we all understand.

3. Use symbolism. Jesus used religious symbols like "the bread of life" that were familiar to his listeners. You can refer to symbols such as the cross of Christ or the Lord's Supper.

4. Teach at an appropriate level. A lesson for fourth graders would be vastly different than one for a group of college-educated adults. Jesus tailored his message around what the listeners already understood.

5. Build on what your listeners already believe. Jesus never attacked others for their beliefs. He used those beliefs as a basis to help them understand the truth he was teaching.

6. Restate your message whenever necessary. Jesus was patient when he taught. He rephrased his teaching or used another story to make sure his lesson was being understood.

7. Care about your students. To teach like Jesus you need to have a genuine love for your students. Jesus wanted his listeners to understand, to learn and to follow him.

Self Portrait Background Ideas

Rembrandt painted many self portraits throughout his life.

The artist's self portrait is as individual as the artist painting it. However, despite the individuality of these paintings and drawings, artists use several common elements to serve as backgrounds for their works. If well-selected, the background sends as much of a message about the artist painting the portrait as the face of the artist does.

Purpose

Artists paint self portraits for a variety of reasons. For some, a self portrait represents a chance to paint and draw the face without having to pay a model's fee. For others like Rembrandt and Picasso, the self portrait stood for more than that. One of Pablo Picasso's most famous self portraits came from his Blue Period. This period for Picasso indicated that he was moving into a different direction and establishing an identity of his own as an artist. Even more than Picasso, Rembrandt painted many self portraits throughout his life. According to the Rembrandt Van Rijn website, Rembrandt's many portraits represent not only the self-expression that Picasso's Blue Period portrait did, but also intense self reflection over the course of many years. This self reflection included visual musings on the ideal self, as a narrative and as a metaphor. The background that the artist chooses in each of these cases depends on the message he's trying to convey through the work as Picasso's and Rembrandt's work demonstrate.

Plain

Sometimes the most telling background for a self-portrait is no background or rather one that just features a color that highlights the artist standing in front of it. Picasso painted his Blue Period portrait in front of a blue background --- a trademark color for him during this phase of his artistic development. Although an artist chooses a plain background, it doesn't necessarily mean bland. Sometimes the color itself is chosen, because it conveys a specific message. According to color theory, all colors have some meaning. An artist with an understanding of how color affects the viewer psychologically will select a color for the background of a self-portrait with this in mind.

The Artist's Studio

The artist in his element offers one of the most interesting backdrops for a self portrait. Artists like Norman Rockwell and Jack Vettriano have painted themselves in their studio working on a painting. These portraits give the viewer a glimpse into the private world of the artist. The view of the studio depends on the artist and what they want to portray in their self portrait, which means the studio could be neat and orderly or just bordering on chaos. Additionally, as in the case of Rockwell's triple self portrait, it gives the artist a chance to show off some of his artistic influences; this self portrait features the self portraits of artists like Rembrandt as well as Van Gogh.

Metaphor

Metaphor isn't limited to just prose. The artist painting the self-portrait has the option of playing around with visual metaphor and symbolism in her work. The background of the self-portrait provides visual clues about some event or theme that was important to the artist at the time. One of the masters of self portrait as a metaphor was Frida Kahlo, who put her own face into her paintings. She stood in front of a variety of backdrops, including in front of a jungle with monkeys and turbulent waves of a symbolic sea. Kahlo herself suffered a serious accident, which inflicted her with pain for the remainder of her adult life. For example, it was in "The Broken Column" that Kahlo put herself in front of the barren desert and portrayed herself in the nude from the waist up with a broken column in place of her backbone. The backgrounds of these self portraits give other artists clues about use visual elements in the backgrounds of their paintings to convey metaphorical meaning in their work.

Train Drama In Schools

Teaching drama in schools is a tricky thing to do. Although it is important for the students to get a feel for all types of drama and have their horizons broadened, it is also true that if students are not having at least a little bit of fun, they are unlikely to listen to anything that is being said or taught. A teacher who can find this balance is a teacher who is able to effectively teach drama in schools.

Instructions

1. Begin each class with a warm-up session. The warm-up session should somehow relate to the topic that will be covered in class on a particular day. For example, if you will be reading from "Romeo and Juliet," it may be best to first talk about teenage dating in current times and compare it to dating in Shakespeare's time.

2. Set rules and define them well. There are cases when some students have difficulty taking subjects seriously. For example, if a script deals with mature themes, students sometimes have a tendency to giggle or laugh. Discuss with your class how they should react when mature topics are mentioned. Let them know that disrespecting the roles could lead to a punishment.

3. Be serious about the class. For some students, drama class is a synonym for play time. Remind students that school policies and rules are in effect on the stage just as much as they are in the classroom. If the teacher shows respect for the theater, children will often pick up on that and show respect as well.

4. Maintain the integrity of the scene. When improvising, it is important to allow students to use their creativity. However, there needs to be a line that should not be crossed. If teaching the children a classic play, pay special attention that the improvisation does not drift too far away from the script. If it does, they will not get the full effect of why the play is important. If the students are allowed to go too far off script, they will not appreciate the play and its dialogue.

5. Stick to the lesson plan. Although drama is about creativity and expressing oneself, there are certain things that must be taught. Remember to look over the lesson plan before class begins and keep the class on task so that the items that need to be taught are covered during class that day.

Train A Contemporary Dance Class

Modern dance, a style that encourages individual creativity and freedom of self-expression, is one of the most popular dance forms today. Interest is higher than ever, and the demand for instruction is so great that courses are now offered in more and more public schools, colleges and community education centers. You don’t need to be a dance specialist to teach a beginning level class. Of course, it helps to have some experience in ballet or jazz dance. Most classes follow a similar structure, but you can be inventive and creative. Use the following tips to teach a class.

Instructions

1. Start the class with a warm-up. It’s important for dancers to stretch out their muscles and increase flexibility. Stretch exercises include floor and standing techniques designed to condition and tone the body. You can either develop a set routine of exercises that are repeated at the beginning of each class or vary the order in which they are presented. Introduce your students to creative effort from the very beginning by using appropriate word images that can be associated with movements: stretch like a rubber band, place your arms around a huge beach ball, collapse like ice cream melting. These techniques are a springboard to improvisation, used in the later portion of the class.

2. Do plies and releves adopted from ballet practice, along with other techniques, to prepare the joints of feet, ankles, knees and hips. Emphasize the importance of movement from one fixed point to another along the way. Overhead arm stretches, bounces with flat backs, slow twisting of the torso and collapsing the entire body downward along while exhaling are useful in easing tension. You can also include exercises to isolate different parts of the body, such as the head, shoulders, arms, hips and rib cage. These exercises are also used to provide a form of expression.

3. Give combinations across the floor. Do dance walks, a simple and natural form of movement. Here, the toes and ball of the foot strike the floor first. The ankle extends as the foot moves forward and the weight is shifted from the ball of the foot to the heel. Contact with the floor is accompanied by a slight turnout and small plie. Other traditional dance movements like the run, hop, skip, jump and chasse are used in a variety of themes and variations.

4. Move to the center of the floor. Introduce experiences in improvisation. This helps students to unleash creativity and use movement spontaneously. Be enthusiastic in your presentation on thinking creatively, and involve the use of all the senses. Present movement ideas such as the sensation of floating in cool water, of leaves falling off the trees in autumn, or of walking barefoot in the sand. Ask students to find movements that depend on a chair, a bench or a footstool for support or balance. Look around the room for something that has never caught your attention before, such as a painting on the wall, or the way the sun shines on the floor. Have your students relate to it in some way with movement. Ask them to imagine being contained in a bottle and move within the confinement of its space.

5. End the class with a cool down. You can repeat some of the stretches that you did when you first started the class. Conduct cool downs slowly, and emphasize good body placement. Make sure stretches are on both sides of the body and for the same length of time.

Train Art Training courses

Learn teach art workshops.

An art workshop can be a great place to learn a particular art skill in an afternoon, whether it be painting, drawing, watercolors or crafts. Art workshops not only provide an art lesson in a small amount of time but provide participants the opportunity to share their work with others and discuss ways to improve. A successful art workshop should be in a good location with plenty of space, incorporate an art lesson which all participants can accomplish, and allow for positive feedback from artists in all stages of their development.

Instructions

1. Hold the workshop in an open space with plenty of room for the participants to create in individual spaces. If possible, hold the art workshop in a creatively stimulating environment, such as in an outdoors garden or in a room at a museum. If such places are unavailable, try renting out a room in a community center or at a local college.

2. Create an art lesson for the workshop, taking into account the participant's previous skill levels and experience. The art lesson should be one that all the workshop participants can engage in. You may wish to provide a visual or aural element to the lesson to connect it with the real world and provide inspiration. For example, if the art lesson is about drawing animals, you can bring a puppy into the workshop so participants can feel and touch the puppy before beginning on their drawings.

3. Distribute the art supplies at the beginning of the workshop. This helps avoid confusion and people moving around the room in the middle of the lesson. If desired, you can have a collection or charge a fee for the workshop to cover for the cost of art supplies. Along with the standard art supplies, such as paper, easels and paints, you may wish to provide models, reference photos or magazine clippings to offer references and inspiration.

4. Walk around the workshop after giving the lesson to give advice or talk to participants about their projects. Give helpful ideas to participants who seem stuck, and offer ways for more advanced participants to improve. Keep the suggestions specific, such as telling the participants which colors would work for particular moods or tones, or what paintbrush techniques would work best for a particular piece of scenery.

5. At the end of the workshop, have the participants show their artwork to everyone else. Allow other participants to discuss the work and offer feedback. Keep the tone positive and friendly, and cut any discussions short which turn into arguments. Remind participants that everyone has a different level of skill and expertise, and that some people are beginners while others may be more advanced.

6. Give homework at the end of the workshop. This can be a worksheet giving additional art lessons to try out, or a small talk on ways to improve their art at home. You want the participants to continue to think about get better at creating art, and provide them a framework for continual improvement.

Clean The Paasche Airbrush

Soaking airbrush parts in solvent helps to clean them.

Paasche airbrush company offers a wide range of airbrushes for beginners and professionals. These airbrushes work by forcing air from a compressor through the airbrush gun, where it mixes with paint and sprays onto the canvas. Once you have finished using your airbrush you must clean it right away. If you don't, paint will dry in the airbrush and be very hard -- if not impossible -- to remove.

Instructions

1. Fill the paint reservoir with a small amount of solvent and spray it empty into a paper towel. This will flush most of the paint out.

2. Disconnect the airbrush from the air supply.

3. Disassemble the airbrush in the following order: Remove the paint reservoir if a detachable one is used; remove the rear handle; remove the needle chuck; remove the needle; remove the head assembly from the front of the airbrush; and remove the tip.

4. Set the tip, head assembly and needle in a jar of solvent to soak while you clean the other parts.

5. Wipe out the paint reservoir with a paper towel soaked with solvent.

6. Run several pipe cleaners soaked with solvent into the paint reservoir input and through the front of the airbrush. Keep doing this until the channel from the paint reservoir to the tip is wiped completely clean. If needed, use Q-Tips soaked with solvent to scrub difficult areas.

7. Retrieve the parts that are soaking in the solvent and wipe them clean. Use pipe cleaners and Q-Tips if needed.

8. Reassemble the airbrush, putting the parts back on in the opposite order as you took them off.

The Easiest Method To Cut Pad Board

A crisply cut mat can enhance your artwork.

Mat board allows artists to create a frame around a drawing, painting or photograph, giving it a finished look and providing an accent to the artwork's hues. Follow the steps below to create a mat with crisply cut lines that will give your piece a professional-looking touch.

Instructions

1. Determine your mat's dimensions. As a general guideline, the mat should be 25 percent larger in each dimension than the work of art. For example, if your artwork is 10 inches by 12 inches, the mat board would be 12 1/2 inches by 15 inches.

2. Cut the mat board to your calculated dimensions using a sharp mat cutter. Mat cutters are available from most crafting stores.

3. Trace the shape of the art frame on the center of the mat paper, on the back side. Use a metal ruler to keep the lines straight and precise.

4. Poke the tip of a sharp pair of scissors through the center of the shape you need to cut out. Carefully cut around the edges and corners. If you fail to cut any of the corners neatly, do not pull off the excess paper. Instead, use a razor blade or sharp crafting knife to fix any uneven corners.

5. Use 1,200-grit sandpaper to smooth any rough edges on the mat board. Use a light, back-and-forth motion when sanding so that you don't bend the board.

Needs For Rockette Auditions

Over 3,000 women have danced as Rockettes since its inception.

Since they first started out in St. Louis in 1925 (hundreds of miles from their current Radio City Music Hall home in New York), the Rockettes have remained a one-of-a-kind dancing entertainment force. In addition to performing in the Radio City Christmas Spectacular, Rockettes have made appearances on the Tony Awards, Dancing With the Stars, presidential inaugurations, commercials and the Super Bowl Halftime Show. Many dancers dream of becoming a Rockette, and thousands of women audition every year to be part of the famous kick-line. If you believe you have what it takes, you need to know the requirements and expectations for a Rockette audition.

Age and Legal Requirements

All performers must be at least 18 years old to be considered as a potential Rockette. Girls age 17 or younger may audition for the experience (with parental consent), but will not be considered for casting. You must be a US citizen or have a legal work permit allowing you to work in the US in order to become a Rockette. Contract dates range from early October/early November to late December/early January, so performers must commit to these periods of time.

Physical Requirements

Rockettes must be between 5 feet, 6 inches and 5 feet, 10 1/2 inches tall. Measurements will be taken in stocking feet. Since the Rockettes make up one of the world's most well-known precision dance lines, all performers must be proficient in jazz and tap.

What To Bring and Wear

Arrive to the audition with your headshot and resume in hand. Bring proper footwear to present yourself as a Rockette: both high-heeled character shoes and tap shoes. Many women wear a flattering leotard, nude fishnet tights and classic hair and makeup to the audition.

The Audition Process

Performers learn jazz routines in larger groups, and then perform the routines in smaller groups. Cuts take place along the way as dance routines progress in difficulty. Precision and performance are very important to the choreographer and show director, so pay close attention to the exact placement and angles of arms, legs, hands and bodies.

Take Slope Landscape designs Pictures

Anytime you are taking pictures of uneven terrain, there are more opportunities for some big goof-ups, but also for some awesome angular shots. Slope landscaping provides such an opportunity, and photographing it can be enjoyable.

Instructions

1. Survey the area you will be shooting. Choose the position you will shoot from the most, and walk around to get an idea of where you would like to look. Since you are shooting on a slope, there will be lots of opportunities to get some unusual angles. Walk from the top of the slope to the bottom, and back again, all the while looking for fresh shots.

2. Set up your tripod. Pick an area front and center, at the bottom of the slope you are shooting on. Because of the grade, you will not be moving the tripod around too much, so be sure to choose a spot where you can get the whole area you are covering. This may mean you have to move back a little, or a lot. Familiarize yourself with the tripod, learning not only level it, but how all the knobs and levers work. Learn quickly put your camera on and take it off. Even the cheapest digital camera usually has the ability to fasten to a tripod.

3. Pick several areas of the slope, and, with camera in hand, lie down on the ground. Look through your camera and see what interesting angles you can come up with, without ruining the landscaping. This is especially useful for close-ups.

4. Do a test run. Start with some general shots from your tripod, moving into the more difficult shots where you are lying down or twisted like a pretzel to get the best shot without putting yourself in the picture. Make sure that you are on the right track. Delete the pictures when done.

5. Complete your shoot. Having practiced already, this shouldn't be too difficult. Just be sure not to do it at noon, when the sun is directly overhead and will wash out your pictures. Don't forget to have fun!

Hair A Violin Bow

Hair a Violin Bow

The proper playing of a violin depends on the skill of the musician, but the quality of the violin bow is crucial as well. The hair of the violin bow has to be responsive to the movements of the violinist's arm and wrist as he draws the violin bow across the strings. Horse hair is the go-to material used in nearly all violin bows. It has strong and silky characteristics that make it ideal for sliding across the strings with enough friction to bring out the natural tone of the instrument.

Instructions

1. Cut away the existing hair with scissors near the head and the nut of the bow and discard. Starting at the head of the bow, lift up the remaining tuft of hair and pick out the wedge that holds the end of the hair bundle, with a knife or screwdriver, being careful not to damage the wedge. Remove the tuft of hair and discard. At the nut of the bow, slide off the metal band and remove the wedge inside and the retainer slide on top, as well as the wedge inside the nut. Remove the tuft of hair and discard. Completely remove the screw from the end of the bow and remove the nut.

2. Take the horse hair bundle and break off the sealing wax from one end. This will reveal the loose ends of the hair and the silk tie that holds them together. Hold the very end of the loose horse hair bundle over the open flame with one hand while placing a small piece of bow resin onto the hair ends in the flame, being careful not to heat the silk ties. This will create a knot that is sealed with the resin. Once this has cooled, place the knotted end in the box of the bow head and replace the wedge. The hair bundle should now come away from the head in a flat ribbon. Comb the hair with the fine-tooth comb and roll it up. Place the rolled hair in a bowl of warm water for one to two minutes. Remove from the water and comb through again.

3. Hold the other end of the loose hair over the opening in the nut. Gauge the correct length according to personal preference, ideally with the tautness in the middle range when the nut is in the middle of its slide position. Cut the loose ends off the hair bundle, allowing one inch for wrapping around the wedge. Tie off with the silk thread and create a knot as before. Slide the metal retaining band onto the hair over the knot. Wrap the end of the hair bundle around the wedge and replace in the nut. Replace the slide retainer and slip the metal band over this, replacing the wedge. Re-insert the screw and tighten the hair to a slack position.

Variety Art For Novices

Creating beautiful mosaic art pieces is a simple process, even for beginners. You can make mosaics with small glass tiles, bits of broken ceramics and glass cabochons. Your local craft store will have all the supplies you need to create mosaic designs, but you can find a better selection of glass tiles from online retailers.

Designing

Consider making a mosaic tabletop for your patio or your breakfast nook. You can cover a solid wood table top easily with either a pattern or randomly placed bits and pieces. To make a pattern, draw the outline directly onto the tabletop. It's a good idea for beginners to start with a simple pattern like a large flower or coffee cup. It's also helpful if you designate each section by writing the color that you'd like to use inside the outline. You do not need to create an outline if you plan to have a free-form mosaic.

Making the Mosaic

If you're breaking ceramics to make your mosaic art piece, place them in a plastic bag, seal the bag and wrap it in a towel. Hit the towel with a hammer to break, not crush, the ceramics.

Begin creating your mosaic from the center of your table and work outward. This will allow you to place the tiles that you need on the surface of the table and be able to see them clearly. Work in small sections at a time and apply a thin layer of Weldbond if you're making an indoor mosaic or a thin layer of thin-set mortar if you're making an outdoor mosaic. You can use a trowel or your hands to apply the adhesive. Press your mosaic material into the adhesive, leaving anywhere from 1/8 to 1/4 of an inch between each one. It's not necessary to measure, just try to be consistent.

Continue to cover your tabletop with mosaic tiles and other bits. You can add mosaic materials to the rim of your table the same way; work in small sections with a layer of adhesive just a bit thicker than on the tabletop so the pieces will stay in place vertically. Let the adhesive dry completely.

Finishing

Adding grout to the mosaic art piece will give your piece a finished appearance. You can select your grout color to coordinate with the mosaic material. Mix the grout according to the manufacturer's directions, and then spread it into the grooves between each of the tiles. It's easier to use a grout float to spread a large area, but you can also use your hands. It's impossible not to get grout on your mosaic material. Just be sure to remove it with a warm, wet sponge before it dries. Using grout sealer is also a good idea to help protect the grout from stains and moisture. Follow the application instructions on the sealer container.

Make Halloween Outfits And Makeup

You can make your own makeup when creating a Halloween costume.

Halloween costumes that require makeup can be among the most creative and elaborate ensembles at any holiday gathering. Fortunately, creating your own Halloween costumes and makeup is not only inexpensive, but it entails following just a few basic steps. Homemade Halloween makeup lends itself to scary costumes such as witches, zombies and monsters. You can also use it for children dressing up as puppies, fairies or butterflies.

Instructions

1. Use corn syrup as a base for makeup that resembles blood. Add 2 tablespoons of red food coloring, 1 tablespoon of yellow food coloring, 3 drops of blue food coloring and 2 tablespoons of water to 1 cup of corn syrup. Blend the ingredients together in a bowl using a spoon. Use for a zombie costume or any other costume requiring fake blood.

2. Create a makeup base that you can use for a variety of costumes. Mix 4 tablespoons of cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of solid shortening in a bowl. Add different colors of food coloring to this base depending on your costume.

3. Add 5 to 10 drops of green food coloring and 2 drops of red or blue food coloring to the base for green makeup. Add more drops of food coloring as desired. Apply to the face for a witch costume or other costumes requiring green makeup such as a frog or a monster.

4. Add 5 to 10 drops of yellow food coloring to the base for yellow makeup. Add more drops of food coloring as desired. Apply to the face for costumes such as a fairy, flower or puppy.

5. Combine various types of powder eyeshadow for a makeup that resembles bruises. Mix dark blue eyeshadow, gray eyeshadow and dark green eyeshadow in equal parts. Apply to the face for costumes requiring fake bruises, such as a zombie.

Begin A Photo Booth Kiosk

If you recently attended a wedding or large event, you may have spotted a photo booth kiosk. Over the past few years, photo booth kiosks have become popular party accessories for corporate events, weddings, reunions, proms, parties, fundraisers, and bar mitzvahs. For a few hours, guests can take as many free photos as they'd like. If you're considering starting a business, you may do well with a photo booth kiosk.

Instructions

1. Identify what you will need to get your business off the ground. Photo booth kiosk rental companies rent booths by the hour. The rental company drops off the booth and sets it up, returning to retrieve the equipment once the rental time has expired. An attendant assists guests in operating the kiosk. If you want to open a kiosk rental business, you'll need to find a location to house your kiosks, as well as a trailer to haul them. You may also want to consider hiring an employee to assist in set-up and to administer booths during events. Expect to pay about $10,000 for the booth, trailer, and photo paper and ink. Another option is owning a fixed photo booth, located in a mall or an arcade, in which case you won't need an attendant.

2. Contact your city clerk to obtain a kiosk permit. If your booth will be housed in a fixed location, you may also need a building permit.

3. Purchase your photo booth. Determine what components you want in a booth and then contact a manufacturer. (See Resources for suppliers.) While some booths still use film, many booths now operate digitally. Digital booths process photos more quickly, since they don't use chemicals to develop film. Factors to consider when purchasing a photo booth: overall weight, number of people that the booth accommodates, height of the booth, style of the photos, how easily the booth can be collapsed, photo backgrounds offered by the booth, computer system, printer type, and bill denominations that the booth accepts. Ensure that the computer and printer can be replaced quickly if broken. If you intend to rent out your booths, those made of fabric are lightweight and less expensive.

4. If you intend to station a booth in a fixed location, contact the management of your desired location to discuss placement of your photo booth.

5. If you intend to rent out your photo booth, set up a website for your business. Create a price list based on prices that area competitors charge. Detail your services and delivery radius. Think about offering logos, custom backgrounds, black and white pictures, jumbo prints, and DVDs of all of the pictures taken at given events.

6. Advertise at bridal conventions, fairs, and community gatherings. Consider donating your booths to local events in order to drum up interest and raise your profile.

Make Stereograms With Illustrator

A stereogram is a chaotic pattern image in which a secondary image is nestled. When you stare at a stereogram for an extended period of time, the secondary image appears to rise from the stereogram, allowing you to both make out its shape and perceive a 3D effect. You can create your own stereograms using Photoshop's various tools and features, then upload the image to your social networking account or use it in a project.

Instructions

1. Open Photoshop.

2. Press "Ctrl" and "N" to open the New Canvas window. Enter the dimensions you want for the stereogram. For example, enter "600" in "Height" and "800" in "Width" if you want the image to be 600 by 800 pixels. Press "Enter."

3. Click "Edit," then "Fill." Choose "Pattern." A window opens with a list of patterns. Choose a pattern you like and click "OK." A pattern with very small items that are placed close together, such as a stone or water pattern, is ideal.

4. Select the "Rectangular Marquee" tool. Draw a small rectangle in the middle of the stereogram. Press "Ctrl" and "C" to copy the pattern inside the selection. Click the "New Layer" button on the "Layers" window, then press "Ctrl" and "V" to paste the copied pattern. Press the right-arrow key on your keyboard 10 times to move the selection 10 pixels.

5. Click "File" and "Save" to save the image.

Create Authorial Distance In Fiction

What is authorial distance in fiction? How does a writer create distance in his own writing, and why should he? Imagine, for instance, you're watching a movie and the director steps into the camera frame and begins explaining or even excusing his character's actions. Unless it's a comedy or parody, it's out of place. But the same thing can happen in fiction if you don't create authorial distance. It might seem simple to avoid, but breaking authorial distance can happen often if you're not aware that it is happening. Sometimes it can be as subtle as a writer breaking point of view or be as obvious as commenting and explaining your story or character's actions.

Instructions

1. Define who your characters are. Try to get to know them inside and out. Write a back story for your character. Where was he born? What schools did he attend? What were his various romantic relationships? You don't have to include all of this information in your story, but it will help you to create a fully dimensional character with opinions, thoughts and attitudes completely his own. This will develop the kind of authorial distance you will need as you write your story.

2. Establish and maintain your story's point of view. If the story is first-person or third-person point of view, stay within that character's particular thoughts and feelings.

3. Refrain from adding your opinion on actions or characters that take place in your story. For instance, let's say your character robs a liquor store. Your character points a gun in the clerk's face and threatens to blow his brains out if he doesn't hand over the money in the cash register. You, as an author, may be tempted to convey to your reader that you find this character's actions despicable. You'll want to write that you think the character is evil or that he is a product of his environment and doesn't know any better. But this type of commentary is intrusive. As an author, you'll be breaking the fourth wall, so to speak, and commenting on the actions rather than letting the story tell itself.

4. Create a fully dimensional world to your fiction that will allow you to convey to your readers the messages or themes you are addressing in your story. For instance, in the example above, create characters who will interact and respond to your character's behavior. You can create a father figure for the young man or a mother who disagrees with his actions. These characters can be the "moral voices" of your story while allowing you to maintain your authorial distance.

5. If you're basing a story on your life or on a personal experience, try to make the protagonist as completely different from yourself as possible. Follow Step 1 and create a real character. Remember: You are creating fiction, not an autobiography. Stay within the foundations of a fictional story by establishing a strong character, point of view and plot.

6. Show, don't tell. It's a writer's chestnut, and it's true. Don't tell your readers what you mean. Show it in your character's actions and attitudes.

Take Evening Pictures Having A Camera

The new digital cameras are wonderful light-sensitive creations that can be used for photographing the city at night, or any other place that is bathed in the nocturnal glare of artificial lighting. Even a point-and-shoot digital camera is a perfectly fine tool for capturing the magic of a well-lit nighttime landscape, whether it be the Broadway in New York or a truck-stop oasis in Nevada. Grab your camera, head for the streets and you will be surprised at the visual opportunities that await you.

Instructions

1. Turn off your flash unit. Most digital cameras today have a flash unit that automatically comes on when the light level dips to a certain point. Fortunately, almost just as many cameras have a manual override, where you can turn the flash off, if you so desire. Today our visual world is so overwhelmed with artificial lighting that we can dispense with the handy little flash device that is mounted inside your camera.

2. Take a walk around an area of town that you think will provide some interesting views for a nocturnal landscape. Make sure it is a place that you know well and feel comfortable carrying a camera. Pay particular attention to storefronts and public buildings that are well lit up. You will be hand holding the camera, so you need to search out locations that provide ample light. A night baseball game is a wonderful place to take a camera.

3. Have someone drive you around in a vehicle at night, so that you can shoot from the passenger’s window of a moving car. Don’t worry about movement or blurry images, these can become important elements in your picture. You will have to be aware of light intensity and therefore restrict your shooting to well-lit areas.

4. Shoot during the afterglow of a sunset. After the sun dips below the horizon the sky goes through a series of visual changes that are of high interest to a photographer. During this transition from day to night, you can juxtapose the glow of artificial lighting against a sky that can often take on some extraordinary hues. The short span of minutes that occurs after sunset is a great time to be out and about with a camera. (The short predawn period also offers creative possibilities, although the sleeping patterns of most photographers might come in conflict here.)

5. Use a tripod to photograph the night skyline of a major city. Although you may have success taking night pictures in the shopping district of a large urban area, when you try to get that nighttime picture that looks like it could have been used for a still in a “Batman” movie, you might find that your camera’s lighting system is not quite up to the task. For long distance shots you will need a camera that mounts on a tripod and can deliver a time exposure of anywhere from several seconds to several minutes.

Take Music From A Compact disc

Erase a rewritable CD using software on your computer.

Taking music off of a CD is a task that you can complete on any computer. This process is similar on both PC and Macintosh computers. Once erased, you can write new music to the CD. However, only a CD-RW, or CD rewritable disc, can be erased. Other CD formats cannot be erased.

Instructions

PC

1. Place the CD with the music you want to take off into your CD burner.

2. Click "Start" then open "Computer."

3. Click the "CD Burner" icon.

4. Choose "Erase this disc" from the toolbar and follow the steps provided in the wizard that appears. When complete, the music will be erased from the CD.

Macintosh

5. Place the CD with the music you want to take off into your CD burner.

6. Click "Finder," then open "Applications."

7. Open the "Utilities" folder.

8. Double-click "Disc Utility."

9. Open the "Erase" tab of the Disc Utility.

10. Highlight the CD you want to take music off of.

11. Click the "Erase" button and the music will be erased from the CD.

Take High Res Pictures Having A Camera

Anyone can own a camera; it takes someone special, however, to really grasp take a photograph that will not only capture a moment but capture a memory as well. For many people, taking a great photo comes naturally. So what can you do to turn those not so great photos into something outstanding? With the use of modern technology and photo editing software, you can all-but go back in time to retake the picture. A word of warning, however; you will need to have high-resolution images in order to edit them without altering or losing too much of the data.

Instructions

1. Before you even head out to take photographs, you’ll need to familiarize yourself with your camera (and its features). Spend some time ‘playing’ with all the different functions. Get comfortable with any equipment you’ll be using, such as a tripod. If you are using a digital SLR, you most likely have interchangeable lenses and filters. Do your research on what lenses and filters are best to use in various situations. If you bring only a 35mm-70mm lens, you probably won’t get very good photos of objects far away.

2. If your camera has a “RAW” feature, try to always shoot in that mode. Many photographers will choose to shoot in RAW and JPG at the same time. With camera RAW, editing the image later will (in most cases) not damage the pixel information (in other words, the data that makes up the image). Make sure your memory card has sufficient storage for the kind and length of event you will be shooting. Shooting in RAW and JPG at the same time can easily fill up a memory card in no time.

3. Remember the rule of thirds. When you are preparing to capture an image, don’t just point anywhere in the general direction of the subject and shoot. It is a proven fact that the most eye-pleasing photographs are often times those where the subject is not centered, but rather about one-third of the way set in from the edge. Most digital cameras manufactured today have these “guides” built in to the viewing area.

4. When you are done with your photo shoot, it is time to upload the images onto your computer. Typically, this will require a card reader; these come in various sizes to accommodate the variety of memory cards on the market. You are now ready to edit your images in a great many ways, bringing the quality of your otherwise average photo up to something extraordinary. If you were able to shoot in camera raw, you’ll be able to increase the resolution of your images by about another 20 percent without distorting the image too much.

Take Great Sports Photos

Sports photography requires attention to detail

Shooting sports photographs can be a challenge. Sporting events are live action, always presenting the photographer with the task of capturing a defining moment without the benefit of a time out. You will need the ability to work under pressure, with a keen eye, and know your equipment to shoot great sports photographs because you will typically only get one chance. If you can master these elements of sports photography, you might turn your love for sports and photography into a well-paying career.

Instructions

1. Choose your angles. Sports photography is all about location. Get as close to the action as you can. Look for interesting angles. Behind home plate during a baseball game or from the dugout. Capturing a great sports photograph happens when you are where the action is.

2. Keep your camera on continuous mode for shooting sports photography. Be ready to take a series of shots. The great shot may come at any moment. Follow the action. Focus on the batter as he prepares to swing. Take a shot before, then keep your camera up and ready. A pitch is fast. Set a high shutter speed for this type of shot. Rule: the faster the action, the higher the shutter speed.

3. Photograph from angles the audience doesn't normally see in a sporting event. Get down low. Capture a swing or a touchdown from that angle. For car racing, get shots from the perspective of the car coming toward you. Find a curve in the track and shoot as the cars come around the curve.

4. Take photographs with a polarizing lens when shooting sporting events outdoors. A polarizing lens cuts down on reflection and is extremely useful for auto racing shots. Use a macro lens for close shots of someone on base or at bat. The macro lens will blur out the background and allow you to focus your subject. This is especially useful for capturing the concentration on a pitcher's or batter's face.

Setup Dj Lighting

DJ lighting set up

Part of working as a professional DJ is having a portable, professional looking lighting show. However, chasing Christmas lights just wont do. The professional DJ needs an arsenal of many different types of lighting fixtures to truly create a unique package to present to your clients. These fixtures can be quite confusing at first, but with a little hands on experience you will be setting up your lighting like a pro in no time.

Instructions

Set Up DJ Lighting

1. Buy your lighting. DJ lighting consists largely of two types of lighting, stage lighting and intelligent lighting. Stage lighting is going to consist mostly of par cans. 4 par cans on each side on tree stands work just fine for a start up DJ business. Experiment with colored gel sheets to get the right mood setting colors for the theme or atmosphere of the party you are DJing for. Your other style of lighting is intelligent lighting. These are DMX controlled units which are capable of movement and color change and will add the special effects to your show.

2. Buy the right accessories. Be sure that you are equipped with a DMX controller that can operate your style of lighting, the correct lighting cables for your lighting units, dimmer packs for to control the intensity of your lighting, and lighting stands and clamps to secure your lights in locations that will be most effective to your show.

3. Buy a haze machine. There can be some confusion between a hazers, dry ice fog, and fog machines. Working from the bottom up a dry ice fog machine outputs a low lying fog that stays close to the floor. A fog machine puts out short bursts of heavy fog that stays around a medium height. A haze machine is your best bet for lighting as it emits a very thin haze of fog that spreads evenly throughout your entire space. A haze machine helps refract and trace the lights and give an overall wow effect to your lighting show.

4. Add accessory lighting. Moonflowers, strobes, disco balls, and lasers are all huge additions to your lighting arsenal that will add to the effect and professional look of your lighting show.

5. Design your show. Only a real amateur just sets each unit to an automatic setting to bounce with the music. Plan where you are going to put your lighting, what color or gobos you are going to use, and then change them dependent on the mood of the song or the mood of the party.

Take Good Mind Shots

Headshots are an essential tool for all actors. They are your calling card. Bad pictures mean you won't get the auditions you need to get the job. Great pictures are a must. Here is take great headshots.

Instructions

1. Determine what your character type is. You need to typecast yourself so that your pictures look like you as the type you are, not the type you want to be. If you play the girl next door don't try to take a sexpot picture, it won't do you any good when you show up at the audition and look like the girl next door.

2. Select "type" appropriate clothing. Choose clothing that is classic, not trendy. Trendy clothing will date you when it goes out of style. Think "Gap" or "Old Navy." Clean cut and classic lines. Also, choose solid, vibrant colors. Avoid black and white at all costs. Try on several colors and see what most makes your face and eyes stand out. Jewel tones (rich reds, purples, blues, greens and pinks) look good on most people. If you have darker toned skin a bright orange or yellow will also look great.

3. Groom yourself one week prior to the shoot date. Have your hair cut, eyebrows waxed, skin exfoliated and teeth whitened. Headshots are now done in color so you want to look your best as your skin tone, eyes and teeth will really be noticable. A week also gives your skin time to even out in case you get red bumps from waxing or exfoliating.

4. Try different hairstyles and have someone take digital photos of you so you can see what looks best. Practice different facial expressions and looks in front of a mirror. Then have a friend take more digital photos of you so you can see how your "looks" photograph and what you should practice more.

5. Get a good night of sleep the day before the shoot. Pack hair products, make-up, extra clothes, and a brush/comb. Eat a good meal and then show up to the shoot early. Relax and have fun during the shoot. Good luck, your photos will come out terrific.

Take Good Headshots

Getting a good head shot isn't as difficult as it might seem.

Professional head shots are an important tool in the building of an actor or model's career. These are an investment in your future, and so understanding what it takes to get the most out of the experience is key. Spend some time doing research into the photographers in your area and choose one who understands what you need.

Instructions

1. Dress for the success of your photograph. Avoid wearing prints, opting rather for solid colors. If you know that you'll be photographed against a black background, wear a light color and if your background will be light, a dark color. Bright colors work for both types of backgrounds.

2. Look like yourself. Don't dress yourself up so much that a casting director or agent won't recognize you when they see you in person.

3. Show a wide variety of facial expressions. You don't want to end up with a set of proofs that are all the same.

4. Invest in professional photography. Given that your head shots may be the gateway to your career, it's worth taking the time to save up for the best possible photos.

5. Ask for a variety of closeup and three-quarter shots. Closeups are shot tightly on your face. They let your expression and personality show through your eyes. Three-quarter shots are pulled back and let casting directors and agents get an idea of your body type.

Take Dance Training Online

Sometimes it's not possible or convenient to take dance lessons at a studio, no matter how much you want to learn to waltz, breakdance or tango. There may be no dance studios near you, or you may not have time to make it to a class one or more days a week. Online dance instruction can satisfy your interest in a new form of dance or a commitment to a current one anytime.

Instructions

Choose a Dance Discipline

1. Decide which style you want to study. Consider your dance habits and preferences. Are you drawn to couples, line or freestyle dancing?

2. Know which singles discipline you want to study. Lower-level ballet can be done without a partner, and country and hip-hop line dances can be studied alone. Consider belly dancing, jazz and tap as well.

3. Know which couples discipline you want to study. When you watch dancers on TV or in clubs, do you prefer ballroom dances such as waltz or foxtrot over the Latin salsa or cha cha? Watch an instructional DVD such as "Ballroom and Latin Dance Sampler" at Amazon that demonstrates several to help you decide (see Resources below).

Take Online Dance Lessons

4. Check online for instruction in the discipline you like best. Websites such as idance.com offer an inexpensive package of progressive lessons (see Resources below). Try one of their freebies, then enroll if you like what you find.

5. Find a dance partner or practice alone, and enjoy moving from class to class with online lessons.

Have A Photo Having A Polaroid I 633 Camera

The Polaroid i633 camera has great quality and clear pictures. This piece will explain take automatic pictures.

Instructions

1. Find a subject to be photographed and then get your camera.

2. Take your Polaroid i633 camera and look at the selector at the top of the camera.

3. Turn selector to A: This is the auto selection and lets the camera chose the settings automaticly.

4. The button in the middle of the selector is the power button. Press this button to turn camera on.

5. On the lcd screen you will see the area in front of the camera and you will see a little box in the middle of the screen. Turn the camera towards the object you want to photograph and center it into the box.

6. If you need to zoom in or zoom out to properly center the object you can use the zoom buttons to the left of the lcd screen.

7. After you have adjusted your camera look at the top of camera beside the selector and find a silver button. This button is used to take the photo. When ready press this button to take the picture.

Tag With Graffiti

A graffiti artist uses a tag as a signature to sign his work.

A tag is like a graffiti artist's signature. An artist will use his tag to sign graffiti pieces, such as wall murals or painting on canvas. It's important for an artist to keep his tag consistent and clean. The lines should be sharp, hard and free of overspray or drips (unless intentional). The key to this is choosing the right paint, caps and canvas for the job; know your tools and you'll be tagging like a pro in no time.

Instructions

1. Remove the cap of the spray paint.

2. Choose a new cap with a skinny nozzle, such as a "Calligraphy," "Gold Dot Super Skinny" or "Grey Dot" cap. These are all standard caps for tagging.

3. Hold the can about four or five inches from the surface you're tagging.

4. Squeeze the cap until a steady stream of paint is released from the can. Keep the pressure on the cap consistent as you complete the tag.

5. Punctuate the tag by underlining it, adding a dot flare or the outline of a crown to signify your "king" status.

Produce A Fashion Portfolio

If you are working towards joining the world of fashion, you don't want to go in empty-handed. You must find the best way to show off your poses in order to get the jobs that you want and to begin working. Get started by putting together a fashion portfolio that will open up the door to the fashion world.

Instructions

1. Know your goals. Before you create your fashion portfolio, you will want to think about what your interests are and what type of fashion you want to pursue. The more you define your style, the more focused you can be.

2. Set up a modeling session with a professional photographer. It is important to set up an initial session to get started in defining your style and your looks. When doing this, make sure that you find someone who is familiar with fashion and can work with different poses, outfits and looks.

3. Decide on your style. Before you meet with the photographer, make sure that you have outfits that will represent you best. You will also want to make sure that you have a make-up artist available in order to give you the best look under different types of lighting.

4. Set your poses. You will typically want to take different sets of photos. For instance, you will want to make sure that you take a couple of head shots in order to show your facial features. Other photos should show your figure while others should show your style.

5. Put together the proof. After you have set your poses, you can pick the 12 or 16 top photos and put them in a portfolio. Make sure that these are large photos and have them set horizontally.

Sync Your Christmas Lights To Some Radio Broadcast

A synchronized light display can center around a single home, or include a whole neighborhood.

Creating a light show that is synchronized to music was once a major production with high-tech gadgetry. Modern electronic programming, however, allows the average homeowner to create a major display to be synchronized with a local radio station. With the correct equipment and a little hard work, you can create a radio-synchronized light display for others to see and enjoy. However, be prepared: Creating and operating a large display for radio synchronization can run up a costly electricity bill.

Instructions

1. Build your Christmas display. All your Christmas lights must be attached to one another. For large displays use a surge protector both to protect your electronics and to connect multiple light strands.

2. Plug the surge protector, or the end of your terminal strand, into a light control box. This box is what will synchronize the elements of your Christmas display to the music. The light control box must be a musical light control box with synchronization programming.

3. Plug a radio into the light control box's "Audio In" port. The radio should plug in using an 1/8-inch audio connection cable.

4. Flip the audio switch on the light control box to "Audio In." There should be multiple position switch or a toggle switch for the audio options. Switching to the "Audio In" setting will program the lights to the radio, rather than the music that is programmed into the light control box itself.

5. Turn the radio to the station you want to synchronize your lights to. Tune the radio as exactly as possible to get the best sound quality.

Angel Zarraga Painting Information

Angel Zárraga (1886-1946) was a Mexican oil painter famous for his murals, portraits and nudes. During his lifetime, his art was shown successfully in Mexico and Europe, and today his work continues to be popular among art collectors.

Famous Ties

Zárraga studied at the Mexican School of Fine Arts with the likes of Diego Rivera and Saturnino Herrán. He was also associated socially with the artist Frida Kahlo.

The French Connection

Zárraga lived in France for more than 30 years of his working life, and was influenced by painters such as Cezanne and Giotto. Some of his most memorable works include the murals in the Castle du Vert Coeur, also known as Beauregard Castle, located in Loir-et-Cher, France.

Artistic Experimentation

In addition to his many portraits and representational oil paintings, Zárraga was also known for his foray into Cubism, creating paintings reminiscent of the later works of Pablo Picasso.

Post-War Beautification

Zárraga dedicated a portion of his working life to restoring frescos and murals in European churches damaged in World War I. One of his most notable restorations was the temple of Notre Dame de la Salette at Surennes, Paris.

A Prolific Painter

Zárraga was a particularly prolific painter who exhibited work in many countries in Europe, Mexico, the United States and Canada. His murals decorate the Mexican Legation in Paris, Cité Universitaire of Paris, Club de Banqueros in Mexico City and Monterrey Cathedral. When he died in 1946, the murals planned for the Biblioteca México were left unfinished.

Biography

Angel Zárraga was born on August 16, 1886 in Durango, Mexico. The son of Dr. Fernando Zárraga and wife Guadalupe Argüelles, he begain painting and writing as a young man, joining the Mexican School of Fine Arts around 1902. He married a Russian sportswoman, Jeannette Ivanov, in 1919. He died in 1946 from pneumonia.

Survive World War 3

Are you worried about World War 3 and your chances of survival? Some say World War 3 has already begun and others say it is still on the horizon. If you want to be safe during World War 3, then read this article.

Instructions

1. First, analyze your location. Will your country be a combatant in World War 3? If so, you may want to consider moving to a safer place. For example, it is unlikely that places of little geopolitical importance will see much action in World War 3. Some parts of Asia and many parts of South America will probably remain unscathed. However, the Middle East and possibly parts of Europe, Asia and North America could suffer during World War 3.

2. After you have analyzed your location, decide if it is safe. If so, then stay put. If your current location is in a combatant nation, you may want to consider moving to a safer part of the globe.

3. Start preparing food storage, clean water and any other supplies you would need if life were disrupted by a massive war. You may not have electricity and the supermarkets could be closed.

4. Prepare a hiding place in a remote location, far from military bases, nuclear silos and large population centers. This will be your safe haven if war comes to a neighborhood near you.

5. Get some potassium iodide pills to help protect from radiation poisoning. Also try to create a bunker with plenty of shielding from radiation.

6. Try to learn the language of any of the victorious nations. If you think China will win World War 3, then learn some Mandarin. If you think Russia, then learn Russian. If you think the Anglo-American nations will win World War 3, then be sure to speak English. This will come in handy because if you can work as an interpreter for foreign powers, you will have guaranteed safety, work, and food.

Survive A Mugging

A mugging can be a traumatizing event, but you can survive it if you stay calm and follow these steps.

Instructions

1. Give the robber what he wants--money or personal items--without hesitation. Your life is worth more than your cash and jewelry.

2. Talk only if you're spoken to. Avoid getting angry and never speak sarcastically. Words are weapons that can offend and incite. Keep yours in their holster.

3. If the mugger asks for your money or jewelry, gently toss the items away from you. This may shift his focus. If he walks over to retrieve them, you may have a chance to run.

4. Grab your keys. It the mugger physically attack you, you can use the keys to jab at his eyes. Just the keys out from between your fingers and punch.

5. Stay calm. You won't be able to weigh your options--to run or fight, to remain silent or start screaming--unless you have a clear head. If you do run, you want to be calm enough to pick your route away from the mugger and dash towards a populated, well-lit area.

Write An Appreciation Story

Writing stories is a long process. Write a love story by focusing on your main character’s emotional state of mind during a storyline. Many love stories begin with the main character deciding that there will be no love in the immediate future. This presents an obstacle to any other character that falls in love with your main character, creating tension. Follow these steps and you’ll learn write a love story.

Instructions

1. Choose your setting. Your love story isn’t taking place in a vacuum. The setting will influence your main character’s state of mind, so select a setting that will help develop the emotions of your characters. For example, a lush tropical island could induce feelings of love.

2. Develop your characters. Readers will want to live vicariously through the characters in your story. The more you describe their states of minds, the more readers can identify with them.

3. Start writing your love story by introducing your character in the setting you’ve selected. Present your character with successive challenges, like situations that make falling in love more unlikely.

4. Develop your storyline by having your main character interact with others. Your main character’s love interest should be the focus. As your character pursues the goal, divide the storyline into logical chapter breaks.

5. Introduce various emotions to your characters. The sense of love will be more intense when preceded by other emotions such as sadness or anger.

6. Expand the world your character lives in as you continue writing the storyline. Go into the details of the emotional state of mind of your main character. Love stories explore the depths of emotions, and you want the reader to remember the entire range of your main character’s emotions.

7. Write a conclusion to your love story by having your main character fall in love.

Do eighties Metal Makeup & Hair

Hair metal bands were a hallmark of 1980s rock.

Exploding onto stages with big hair, lots of makeup and the occasional animal print pants, 1980s hair metal band's styles were as loud and wild as their music. Say what you will about the look, it was fun. Creating 1980s metal makeup and hair is both easy and fun to do for someone looking for a quick costume.

Instructions

Metal Hair from the 1980s

1. Put on the long hair wig if you don't have long hair of your own. Use your own long hair if you have it.

2. Take a few strands of hair from the front and spray these with hair spray.

3. Hold the hair-sprayed hair by its tip and tease by vigorously running the brush from tip to scalp until it has lots of volume.

4. Continue these steps with other strands of hair until all the hair is standing like 1980s hair metal bands. Add some glitter to accent this hair if you want.

Metal Makeup from the 1980s

5. Add two coats of foundation to your face with the foundation brush.

6. Apply blush over your cheeks using the blush brush. How you apply the blush will depend on what type of metal look you want to convey. Apply the blush specifically to the indents of your face (i.e. the bottoms of your cheeks, temples, etc.) to have an outer space look. Apply blush on your cheek bones for a more traditional hair metal look.

7. Add eyeliner to the top and bottom of your eyes. Add teal eye shadow to your top and bottom eyelids using an eye shadow brush. Add orange eye shadow from just below your eye brows to the teal eye shadow. Extend this orange eye shadow beyond your eye lids towards your ear and hair line on either side.

8. Add the silver eye shadow to your temples, cheek bone and jaw area.

9. Add the red lipstick. Add glitter to your face (make sure you close your eyes when applying).

Take Theatrical Makeup Courses

Whether you’re head of the makeup department for a local community theater, or you would like to become a professional theatrical makeup artist, proper training is important. Courses in theatrical makeup teaches the reasons why makeup is needed for stage actors, apply it properly for different characters, and take care of the makeup and supplies. But where do you find courses for theatrical makeup? You also need to find out if the class you’re signed up for is a reputable course.

Instructions

1. Call the theater department of local colleges and universities. Find out whether they have a class in theater makeup. If they do, ask whether the classes are offered as part of a continuing education program or whether the courses are offered only to registered students.

2. Call the performing arts center nearest you. Sometimes, the larger organizations will have training courses for potential actors and tech people, including makeup.

3. Call stores that sell professional theater makeup. Some of these stores hold classes on theater makeup. Sometimes, these stores will give a discount to people who have taken their courses.

4. Check the websites of companies, such as Kryolan, that manufacture theatrical makeup. Some of these companies send teachers to various locations to hold classes. These classes are often very short and intensive as the instructor is flown in to teach the class. Many times, payment for these classes will include a basic makeup kit.

5. Ask questions before signing up for any class. Find out who is teaching the course and what her credentials and experience are. Find out what is going to be taught. A good basic course will include apply straight, corrective, age, and fantasy makeup. Find out what is included in the cost of the class and inquire if any makeup or supplies be included in the cost. Ask about whether meals are included in the cost. Find out what you need to bring to the class, especially if you are going to have to stay away from home when attending the class. Also ask what happens if you are unable to attend the class once you have paid for it. Some courses will allow you to make up the course at a later time.

6. Take makeup remover and facial cleansers with you if you are taking a two or three day course. These courses usually require the students to apply makeup on themselves and you will need to apply it to a clean face. Take a headband or hair clips to keep your hair out of your face. Take something to protect your clothing or wear something you don’t mind getting makeup on. Theater makeup can be difficult to remove if it gets on your clothing.

Submit An Offer To Some Literary Agent

You've written and edited your novel, and you've queried a long list of agents. Finally, one or more of those agents have replied to you and asked for a proposal package. This is a great step toward being a published author, but it takes nearly as much concentration and work to submit a proposal package to a literary agent as it did to write the novel in the first place.

Instructions

1. Write a synopsis of your novel if you haven't done so already. While the required length of the synopsis differs depending upon which literary agent you're submitting to, the average length is about five to six pages. Double-check the website of the agent you're submitting to so that you can ensure it is the proper length. The summary should tell major plot points of the book and capture the essence of the novel.

2. Write a short biography to include in the proposal package if you haven't done so already. The biography should be between two and three paragraphs, and should include information about previous books you've had published, your experience in the subject matter, any writing groups you belong to and any other relevant information.

3. Write a cover letter for the proposal package. This should be limited to one page, and should include information about the book so the agent immediately remembers why they requested a proposal package in the first place. It should also contain the word count of the novel, the title, and what genre it is. Aside from those things, ensure that your correct contact information is present and that the cover letter is properly addressed to the correct agent.

4. Print out the first three chapters of your book, or about 50 pages, to include in the proposal package.

5. Place the documents into a large manila envelope and ensure that the envelope is properly addressed to the correct agent. Writing 'REQUESTED MATERIAL' on the envelope will let the agent know right away that your submission is requested and not a nonsolicited package.

Submit A Play To Some Literary Agent

Manuscripts should be formatted according to industry standards.

Literary agents play an important role in the publishing world. They help make writers' work more saleable through critique, champion that work before publishers on writers' behalf and negotiate fair contracts between writers and publishers. Approaching a literary agent with your play manuscript can be a daunting experience, in particular for playwrights new to the industry. However, there are some general strategies that will significantly increase your likelihood of acceptance.

Instructions

1. Research the literary agent to whom you plan to submit your play before contacting them. Make sure they represent playwrights, that they are accepting new submissions and that they have a history of representing work with similar thematic or genre conventions to your own. Read their submission guidelines carefully. Find out what other writers the agent represents and, if possible, get testimonials.

2. Follow the agent's submission guidelines to the detail. Some agents accept unsolicited manuscripts, while others require a query letter prior to submission. Some have very specific guidelines, while others are more relaxed. Whatever the case, deviating from an agent's specified guidelines will often result in automatic rejection.

3. Write a query letter, if requested. This should include a brief personal introduction, an account of past publishing credits and a synopsis of the work you hope to submit. Regard the query letter as a sales tool -- it should be written to generate interest in your play. Be professional, direct and personable. If the agent likes what she reads in the query letter, she will solicit the full manuscript.

4. Thoroughly edit your manuscript for spelling, punctuation, grammar and correct formatting. Agents generally expect manuscripts to be formatted in accordance with industry standards. If accepted, your stage drama will end up in the hands of stage producers, directors and actors, all of whom will also expect industry-standard formatting.

5. Send a clean copy of your manuscript. The majority will expect a hard-copy, but some agents do accept electronic submissions. Generally the manuscript should be sent unbound in a padded envelope or manuscript box. Unbound means that there should be no staples, glue or binder used, leaving the pages loose for ease of reading. If no query letter was required prior to mailing your full manuscript, include a cover letter with the same information unless otherwise specified.

Submit Art To Magazines

Submit Art to Magazines

Many print and online magazines are always on the lookout for good up-and-coming artists for anything from photography to illustrations. The larger magazines have an art director and/or photography editor, and depending on your specialty, either would be the main point of contact for art submissions. Most magazines also have standard guidelines that can be requested or downloaded from the magazine's website. Here are some general guidelines for submitting artwork to magazines.

Instructions

1. Update your resume and cover letter so they are ready to be emailed out to photo editors and art directors at various magazines. Highlight any work experiences you have had in the art field and/or your art education background and your interest in working for magazines.

2. Look for the artwork submission guidelines on the magazine's website. Type the name of the magazine in Google or another search engine. On the magazine's homepage, look for a button that says "submission guidelines." If it's not obvious, go to the "contact us" button and look for submission guidelines there. If you can't find these online, email the magazine's photo editor or art director directly and request emailed guidelines. Most editors are happy to do so in order to get submissions sent in correctly.

3. Scan and save artwork samples or photos of artwork to be sent in via email. See the submission guidelines to find out what kind of files to save (typically PDF or jpeg) and what size files they require.

4. Send in the artwork along with your resume following the submission guidelines for each different magazine. Address the submissions editor by name and cut and paste the cover letter in the body of the email.

Submit Artwork For Stamps

Your artwork can be reproduced on stationary, fabric, and paper crafts if made into a custom rubber stamp. When selecting artwork to submit to a manufacturer, choose images at least 1 square inch in measurement (multiply the width and height of the image) with clearly-defined edges. Several manufacturers offer image conversion services, but these can be costly. By adapting your artwork with image manipulation software, like Photoshop Elements, saving it in the correct format and submitting it appropriately you can avoid these extra fees.

Instructions

1. Scan your artwork on a flat-bed scanner at 300 dpi (dots per inch) or above.

2. Save the scanned image in .jpg format and select the highest quality level available.

3. Open Photoshop Elements. Click "File" in the top menu bar, then "Open File" from the drop-down menu. Select the saved artwork file and click "Ok."

4. Click on "Image" in the top menu bar. Select "Mode" from the drop-down menu, and then press "Grayscale." Click "Ok."

5. Press "Image" in the top menu bar. Choose "Mode" and then "Bitmap" from the drop-down menus. Select an output of 600 dpi. Choose "50% Threshold" from the "Method" drop-down menu.

6. Click "File" in the top menu bar, then select "Save As" from the drop-down menu. Type a file name and choose ".Tiff" from the "Format" drop-down menu. Press "Ok."

7. Submit your saved file via email or website entry as directed.

Study Method Acting

Method acting is the process an actor uses to become the character she seeks to portray. It is accredited to Lee J. Cobb, the actor who played Willie Lomax in "The Death of a Salesman." He based his interpretation of the tragic everyman on an elephant locked in a local zoo.

Instructions

1. Explore your character's past. Each person has several emotional experiences that impacts his personality. Discover what those experiences were for the character you're playing.

2. Take each experience separately and focus on the feelings and reactions of the character.

3. Recall similar experiences in your own life. Think about the room you were in, the weather, the people around you and their actions. Bring up as many of those emotions as you can, and focus on reliving the moment.

4. Use the way you feel to convey how your character feels both physically and emotionally. Portray your character with all the nuances and depths of the emotion you yourself have experienced.

5. Continue to dig through each of the experiences that altered and shaped your character. Layering these experiences will add the dimension and realism, whether you're portraying him in an acting class or on a Broadway stage.

Study For That Ap Art History Test

Preparing for the AP art history test is a lot of work: There are images to recognize, movements to learn and dates to memorize. Studying for the test can definitely be manageable, though, if you start early and prepare efficiently. Here are some tips to help you earn a great score on the exam.

Instructions

1. Make flashcards for the images you cover in each chapter. Gather pictures of each image online, print them and paste them onto index cards. Write the title of the work, the artist's name and the date on the back of each card. Do this throughout the year as you go through the textbook's chapters with your class. That way, when it's time to study for the AP exam, you'll already have a big collection of flashcards to review. Studying flashcards will especially help you prepare for the slide-based parts of the test.

2. Use flashcards to memorize terms as well. Knowing art-related words--for example, "chiaroscuro"--gives you an advantage for all parts of the test, but especially the essays. Being able to describe a work of art using the proper terminology, such as "chiaroscuro" rather than "light and dark," proves that you're knowledgeable about the subject, which is important to the people who will grade your essays.

3. Create a list of major artistic periods and styles. After reviewing a chapter in your textbook or class notes, write a short summary of the characteristics and key points of each one. Writing the information down will help you remember it more easily. Read through the summaries for review.

4. Buy review books. Though you shouldn't rely on them as your sole source of information, they can provide a great overview and will focus you on the most important points to know. There are several review books available specific to the APart history test. The Research & Education Association's guide has gotten especially good reviews. Try reading "the Annotated Mona Lisa" for a concise summary of art history, though it is not AP-specific.

5. Take practice tests, which you can obtain in a review book or on the AP website (see Resources below). Knowing what types of questions to expect--especially the essays--will make the test seem less daunting. Familiarity is key.

6. Ask your teacher to hold a few after-school review sessions in the days before the test, or make a study group with other people in your class. Reviewing with friends could help you pick up on facts you may have missed, and together you can work through the trickier parts of memorization. (Gothic architecture, anyone?)

7. Start studying in advance. Don't wait till the week before--it's impossible to cram centuries of art history into your brain over the course of a few days. Allowing yourself a reasonable amount of time to review will make it manageable, and you'll be less stressed out on the day of the test.