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The creative possibilities of dance are seemingly endless given the range of things the human body can do. And it goes without saying, but the more control and flexibility a dancer has, the more moves they can integrate into their choreography. Indian dance troupe B Unique Crew is a prime example of this. The group as a whole offers stunning performances, but this is only possibly due to each individual member’s abilities and especially their out-of-the-box movements. Once you watch them in action, it’ll come as no surprise that their mesmerizing shows have taken over talent shows around the globe.

B Unique Crew was founded in the streets of Jodhpur 12 years ago. With little access to dance lessons, they practiced tirelessly until they became world-class artists. Their performances are not just about the moves, as they incorporate storytelling, costumes, and hypnotic visuals.

While they've quietly gained followers throughout the years, their breakthrough moment took place during an appearance on a show called Hunarbaaz Desh Ki Shaan. There, they danced to a remix of “Ami Je Tomar,” a song from the Bollywood comedy horror Bhool Bhulaiya. Building on the eerie elements of the film, they took the judges and fellow contestants by surprise.

As if their exact synchronicity and precise symmetrical moves weren't impressive enough, B Unique Crew had an ace up their sleeve. The key element of spookiness is one of the dancers, who appears to be double jointed and able to turn his head all the way back, very much like an owl. As he does this, he is able to move the rest of his body as he is carried by the others. And so, a dance performance becomes a fully rounded chilling spectacle that earned praise from Bollywood actors and dancers.

“It was an extraordinary moment for us, a blend of joy and overwhelming emotion,” B-Unique Crew told indianexpress.com. “Hrithik Roshan, a legendary figure in the field of dancing, had taken notice of our work and appreciated it. To receive acknowledgement from someone we have long admired and looked up to was nothing short of surreal. It reaffirmed our belief that we are on the right path, that our relentless dedication and hard work have borne fruit. It was a validation of our journey and a reminder that dreams do come true with perseverance and passion.”

B Unique Crew has also been leaving a mark on European talent shows, but they aim to continue dazzling people. “As we look towards the future, our aspirations soar even higher,” they say. “We are determined to take our unique style to the forefront of the global stage, particularly aiming to showcase our talents on platforms like America’s Got Talent (AGT).”

Indian dance troupe B Unique Crew have dazzled crowds around the globe with their exact synchronicity and precise symmetrical moves.

 

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Their breakthrough moment took place during an appearance on a show called Hunarbaaz Desh Ki Shaan, where they danced to a remix of the song “Ami Je Tomar.”

 

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Una publicación compartida por Senthil Kumar (@sen__thil)

Their performances are not just about the moves, as they incorporate storytelling, costumes, and hypnotic visuals.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Italia's Got Talent (@italiasgottalentofficial)

One of the most striking elements of their performances is one of the dancers, who appears to be double jointed and able to turn his head all the way back, very much like an owl.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by b unique crew (@b_unique_crew)

“We are determined to take our unique style to the forefront of the global stage, particularly aiming to showcase our talents on platforms like America’s Got Talent (AGT).”

 

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B Unique Crew: Instagram | YouTube

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Guy Asks Random People on the Street To Teach Him Their Favorite Dance Moves

READ: Watch This Indian Dance Group’s Mesmerizing Routines Taking Over Talent Shows Around the World

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

Some of the catchiest songs out there are inspired by love, heartbreak, or simply partying; however, the next club hit could be a fun song about kangaroo behavior. If it sounds like an obscure scientific topic, that's because it is. Weliton Menário Costa, who goes by WELI, is a biologist who just won the a science competition named “Dance Your PhD” with an upbeat tune called “Kangaroo Time.” The catchy track is even accompanied by a fun and insightful music video based on his research.

“Dance Your PhD” is exactly what it sounds like. Scientists submit videos featuring them dancing while they explain what their research is about, as well as their findings, in simple terms. Even if they are averse to the camera, the researcher must be part of the dance. This wasn't an issue for WELI, a creative soul with a knack for songwriting. Not only does he star in the video, but he is also the one who sings on the track.

“I've had a passion for creative writing since I was 18,” WELI tells My Modern Met. “However, my scientific endeavors somewhat stifled my creative expression, leading to a prolonged creative block. About a year before creating ‘Kangaroo Time,' I started performing at pubs and open mics, which reignited my songwriting. I would craft the lyrics and melody, and my guitarist friend would create the chords.”

As an immigrant to Australia from Brazil who identifies as queer, WELI found solace in the different personalities observed in the Eastern grey kangaroos, his subject of study. The “Kangaroo Time” music video cleverly depicts and relays some interesting facts about how diversity is inherent to them and many other species. For example, each kangaroo has a unique personality and it appears early in life; and yet, kangaroos can adjust their behavior when in groups and react in different ways when they encounter something new.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

To depict this, WELI summoned a diverse group of friends and artists, including drag queens and samba dancers. By spotlighting several genres of dance—as well as the willingness of them all to fall into rhythm and coordinate with one another—WELI both makes his research accessible and sends an uplifting message. “Differences lead to diversity,” the music video explains. “It exists within any given species, it's just natural.”

“The video shoot felt like my graduation, and its success was akin to winning Eurovision!” WELI says. The momentum of the song has even inspired him to take this endeavor a step further. And so, he has released an EP titled Yours Academically, Dr. WELI. “My heart was torn between science and the vibrant world of pop music. After my PhD, I left academia to explore dance and music more freely, which is when I met many of the dancers featured in my video.” Made up of four songs, The EP chronicles his departure from academia to setting his sights on pursuing a music career.

For WELI, the experience of marrying pop music and science was “incredibly fulfilling.” With a little luck, it won't be long until he is filling dance floors with his research-inspired hits. “I hope listeners will be touched by the exuberance of diversity, collaboration, and interdisciplinarity,” he shares. “Any additional insights they gain, whether about kangaroo science or societal aspects, would be an added benefit.”

Weliton Menário Costa, who goes by WELI, is a biologist who just won the “Dance Your PhD” science competition.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

This upbeat tune called “Kangaroo Time” is accompanied by a fun and insightful video based on the scientist's research.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

As an immigrant to Australia from Brazil who identifies as queer, WELI found solace in the different personalities found in the Eastern grey kangaroos, his subject of study.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

The “Kangaroo Time” music video cleverly depicts and relays some interesting facts about how diversity is inherent to this and many other species.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

To depict this, WELI summoned a diverse group of friends and artists, including drag queens and samba dancers.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

By spotlighting several genres of dance—as well as the willingness of them all to fall into rhythm and coordinate with one another—WELI both makes his research accessible and sends an uplifting message.

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

“Differences lead to diversity. It exists within any given species, it's just natural.”

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

“The video shoot felt like my graduation, and its success was akin to winning Eurovision!”

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

For WELI, the experience of marrying pop music and science was “incredibly fulfilling.”

Photo: Nic Vevers/Australian National University (ANU)

Watch the video for “Kangaroo Time”:

WELI: YouTube | Spotify

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by ANU Communications and Engagement.

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READ: Biologist Wins This Year’s ‘Dance Your PhD’ Contest With a Catchy Song About Kangaroo Behavior

@affinityswing Improvised dance competition… they made them dance to Macarena ⚡️ @laurenjones_wcs and @Wee Tze Yi Bavarian Open Allstar/Champion Strictly Final (pick your partner, random song) ⚙️ dance style: West Coast Swing Macarena Videographer: Jake Dyson for Affinity Swing ️ Check my bio for links to classes all over the world #w#westcoastswingw#wcsd#dances#swingdances#socialdancer#randompartnerrandomsongr#randomsongrandompartnerr#randomsongandpartnerr#randompartnerandsongd#dancelifed#dancingd#dancerb#ballroomdancel#lindyhopp#partnerdancem#modernswingw#westcoastswingmomentss#salsaw#wcswings#swingdancersb#ballroomw#westcoastswingfamilyz#zouks#swingw#westcoastswingdancingb#bachatac#countrydancesocialdancing ♬ Macarena – Los Del Rio

If you were around in the 1990s, you surely remember the “Macarena,” a catchy song by Spanish pop duo Los del Río. You may also remember its quirky choreography, which for many was the only way to dance to that tune. That's why, when the song was played in a West Coast Swing dance competition, it took Lauren Jones and Wee Tze Yi by surprise. Luckily, these talented dancers were up for the challenge, and improvised a smooth performance for the ages.

The daring “Macarena” dance was shared by Harold Baker, a fellow dancer, and captured at a West Coast Swing competition in Germany last year. But what is West Coast Swing? It's a smooth, contemporary form of swing dancing that allows for both partners to improvise steps on the go. This makes it highly versatile, lending itself to a wide array of music genres. And that's why, in some competitions, dancers are challenged by getting a random song—and sometimes even a random partner.

While they were allowed to choose their partner for this dance, the song caught them off guard. Still, their dominance of the basic moves guided them as they followed the rhythm. Looking back at the moment, Jones wrote, “Dancing to one of my childhood favorites! Although I made a few mistakes, I had so much fun just letting loose to this song with Zee! Thank you for allowing my crazy.”

On top of their now viral “Macarena” dance, the pair shared a few more improvised romps. Jones posted a couple of videos of the pair improvising to “You Got Me Running” by Ike and Tina Turner, and “Say Yeah” by TroyBoi.  “Nerves hit me more in pre-lims than finals—Zee got me back to enjoying myself!” Jones said. “You're the best!”

To stay up to date with this dancing duo, you can follow Jones and Yi on TikTok.

Dancers Lauren Jones and Wee Tze Yi improvised a choreography to “Macarena” at a West Coast Swing dance competition, nailing the assignment with a performance for the ages.

@laurenjones.dance Dancing to one of my childhood favourites! Although I made a few mistakes, I had so much fun just letting loose to this song with Zee! Thank you for allowing my crazy ⚡️Follow if you want to spread this dance Dance style: West Coast Swing – improvised Comp: Allstar/Champion Strictly Finals Partner: Wee Tze Yi @Wee Tze Yi Music: Macarena – Los Del rio Event: Bavarian Open 2023 ✍️ Filmed by: @affinityswing #westcoastswing #wcs #dance #swingdance #socialdance #westcoastswingdance #dancelife #dancing #dancer #lindyhop #top10 #partnerdance #freestyle #wcswing #modernswing #westcoastswingmoments #Swing #top5 #countrydance #wsdc #dancememes #dancers #swingdancing #socialdancing #bachata #improv #best #affinityswing #laurenjones ♬ Macarena – Los Del Rio

On top of their now viral “Macarena” dance, the pair shared a few more improvised romps, like this dance for “You got me running.”

@laurenjones.dance Nerves hit me more in pre-lims than finals – Zee got me back to enjoying myself! You're the best! ⚡️Follow if you want to spread this dance Dance style: West Coast Swing – improvised Comp: All-Star/Champion Strictly Prelims (song 1) Partner: @Wee Tze Yi Music: You Got Me Running – Ike & Tina Turner Event: Bavarian Open 2023 #westcoastswing #wcs #dance #swingdance #socialdance #westcoastswingdance #dancelife #dancing #dancer #lindyhop #top10 #partnerdance #freestyle #wcswing #modernswing #westcoastswingmoments #Swing #top5 #countrydance #wsdc #dancememes #dancers #swingdancing #socialdancing #bachata #improv #best #affinityswing #laurenjones ♬ You Got Me Running – Ike And Tina Turner

“I had so much fun just letting loose to this song with Zee! Thank you for allowing my crazy.”

@laurenjones.dance This man is the reason I started my west coast swing journey! Zee, you are inspirational and thank you so much for this dance! ⚡️Follow if you want to spread this dance Dance style: West Coast Swing – improvised Comp: Allstar/Champion Strictly Prelim (song3) Partner: @Wee Tze Yi Music: Give it up – Berywam Event: Bavarian Open 2023 #westcoastswing #wcs #dance #swingdance #socialdance #westcoastswingdance #dancelife  #dancing #dancer #top #top10 #partnerdance #freestyle #wcswing #modernswing #westcoastswingmoments #Swing #best #countrydance #wsdc #dancememes #dancers #swingdancing #socialdancing #bachata #improv #artist #affinityswing #laurenjones ♬ GIVE IT UP – Berywam

Lauren Jones: Website | TikTok
Wee Tze Yi: TikTok

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READ: Watch West Coast Swing Dancers Improvise Choreography for an Exciting Macarena

 

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Renowned choreographer Damien Jalet, who most recently collaborated with French street artist JR, took a walk down memory lane when he posted a clip from D'avant, a mind-boggling dance performance. In it, we see Jalet and choreographer Luc Dunberry contort their bodies in impressive ways during a costumes duet. Dressed in contrasting-colored suits, they use their movement to provide comic relief.

Jalet's post is a reminder of what an impressive piece of performance D'avant was. First performed in 2002, it was created by Jalet, Dunberry, Juan Kruz Díaz de Garaio Esnaola, and Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui. All of the men are impressive in their own right. Dunberry and Esnaola are longtime members of the Sasha Waltz and Guests, and also choreograph their own work. Cherkaoui is a legendary dancer and choreographer who was the longtime artistic director of the Royal Ballet of Flanders and recently choreographed Madonna's Celebration tour. Jalet continues to work in theater and even choreographed the Paul Thomas Anderson 2019 dance film Anima, which starred Radiohead's Thom Yorke.

D'avant sprung from the men's shared love of dance and music. At the time, Cherkaoui and Jalet were offstage partners, and they brought in the duo of Dunberry and Esnaola to collaborate on a unique piece of art that combined theater and dance. Together, they moved through identities that varied from medieval flagellants to soccer hooligans to a boy band.

Created when the men were in their 20s, D'avant is a physically demanding piece that saw each of them push their bodies to the limit. Through life changes, including the split between Charkaoui and Jalet, for 13 years, the men continued to stage an annual performance of the piece. And though they are no longer performing the routine, it's clear that it still holds a special space in their heart.

Over 20 years after its creation, D'avant remains in high regard for its ability to combine dance, farce, and theater in a unique manner that highlights the power of movement.

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READ: Incredible Dance Illusion Makes Two Men Look Like Their Bodies Intersect Each Other

Dance is a universal language. Though people around the world move to different rhythms, the joy of swaying to music is shared by almost all cultures. This comes to light in Ed People's Favorite Dance Moves video series. In this project, as the name suggests, the young Belgian man asks strangers on the street to share their favorite moves with him, and they usually go all in. While many show their playful personalities, others call back to their heritage to display some amazing steps.

In a compilation video, the videographer shows some moves as diverse as their origins. After seeing each person's moves, the host follows their lead for a few seconds of synchronized choreography. First up is the “Woo Walk,” inspired by rapper Pop Smoke and suggested by a young man. Next, a woman who explains that she is of Indian heritage, proceeds to show the YouTuber a Bhangra move.

People goes on a world tour of dance throughout his various travels, compiled in this one video. He gets a crash course in Moroccan wedding moves, learns the basics of salsa from a man from Peru, whips through some reggaeton and basic hip-hop moves, and even partakes in a traditional Serbian circle dance known as Kolo. All types of music and movement are welcome for this dance enthusiast who happily attempts to mimic steps, spins, shimmies, and gyrations.

One thing is clear: the locals that People encounters have some great moves. While some young people wiggle or do “the pepper grinder” with their hands, one woman simply tells People to “embody the confidence.” The videographer also encounters some older folks, who remember rock and roll fondly. One woman, even puts her belongings aside, and takes him for a waltz in the middle of the road for a truly heartwarming moment.

You can watch People's Favorite Dance Moves compilations below, and subscribe to this YouTube channel to stay up to date with his dances with strangers.

Dance enthusiast Ed People loves hitting the streets around the world and asking people to share their favorite moves with him, and they usually go all in.

While many show their playful personalities through contemporary dance moves, others share traditional dances from their heritage.

Ed People: YouTube | TikTok | Instagram | Facebook
h/t: [Laughing Squid]

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READ: Guy Asks Random People on the Street To Teach Him Their Favorite Dance Moves

 

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There are some extreme athletes in the world and expert skydivers are certainly one type. For these highly skilled individuals, skydiving is much more than simply jumping from a plane and letting gravity do the rest. While beginners can enjoy tandem jumps with an instructor, the real thrill seems to come from making the most of the free-fall. At 23 years old, skydiver Maja Kuczynska has become a master at it. After a decade of practice, she is able to control her body and even experiment with graceful movements as she soars through the skies.

Kuczynska describes herself as an indoor and outdoor skydiver. While the latter references the sort of skydiving we’re the most familiar with, the former is referring to an activity that takes place in a wind tunnel. These may be manmade, controlled environments, but controlling one's body isn't made any easier within them. Recently, the fearless skydiver has conquered Clymb, the largest wind tunnel in the world, executing a thrilling choreography as she floats.

This particular routine was captured on video and posted to Instagram by Kuczynsk, and has gone viral since. “The goal for this routine was to make it as cool for the general public as possible. So lots of pretty spins and pop ups!” she wrote. “It was cool to work on a routine like this for once. No focus on difficulty just trying to give the most fairy graceful floating ballerina vibes possible.”

The clip shows Kuczynska execute moves that can only be compared to underwater ballet, only at a much higher speed and pushing against the wind. The way she gets her body to move precisely and free of danger gives the impression of effortless elegance, but no one should expect to be able to do this after only a couple of indoor skydiving sessions. Kuczynska's graceful precision is a product of her extensive experience and training.

To stay up to date with Kuczynska, whether she is taking to the skies or dancing in wind tunnels, follow her on Instagram.

At 23 years old, Maja Kuczynska has become a master of both indoor and outdoor skydiving.

 

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A post shared by Maja Kuczynska (@kuczynska.maja)

The fearless skydiver has conquered Clymb, the largest wind tunnel in the world, executing a thrilling choreography as she floats.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maja Kuczynska (@kuczynska.maja)

After a decade of practice, she is able to control her body and even experiment with graceful movements as she soars through the skies.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maja Kuczynska (@kuczynska.maja)

Kuczynska executes moves that can only be compared to underwater ballet, only at a much higher speed and pushing against the wind.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Maja Kuczynska (@kuczynska.maja)

Maja Kuczynska: Instagram
h/t: [Reddit]

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READ: Watch This Skydiver Perfectly Control Her Body To Execute a Thrilling Routine Inside a Wind Tunnel

The collaboration between visual artist Eric Paré and contemporary dancer Kim Henry continues as the duo traveled to Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats (Salar de Uyuni). While there, Paré executed more of his dazzling light paintings, which feature halos of light around Henry's body. Though this is the fourth time that they've used this incredible scenery as the backdrop for their work, they were in for a surprise this time around.

Instead of the typical blue, the skies were stunning hues of reddish-pink and orange, likely caused by particles left in the air from the underwater volcano that exploded near Tonga in January 2022. Paré and Henry made the most of the unique situation, allowing them to create light paintings that were completely different from those previously captured at the salt flats.

Though people may be quick to assume the images are the work of Photoshop, that couldn't be further from the truth. In fact, one of Paré's favorite aspects of the work is that he's not simply a photographer behind the camera, but an active participant in the scene.

“I am in the frame, actively participating in the creation by crafting the light by hand around my subject,” he explains to My Modern Met. “There's something very satisfying in this as the creative process involves capturing the whole scene while making sure the light-painting intensity blends well with everything. It's about having a nice light shape, but also about lighting up my subject all in one take. There are no other sources of light involved. The only source of light is the one in my hand.”

The process is one based on faith and chance, as it's impossible to know the final outcome until the image has been captured. As Paré and Henry have collaborated for years, they can lean into their instincts. The trust in their partnership is evident in the final images, with Henry striking regal poses as Paré bathes her body in light.

Created over the course of 19 evenings, the magical collection of images strikes up a sense of wonder in the viewer. The duo refers to their work as visual poetry and hopes that their light paintings spark a sense of wonder in others and get them to open up to both the reality and fantasy of the situation.

“We don’t approach creation as a capture of a specific moment in time. It is, but we usually aim for a sense of timelessness,” Paré shares. “In that sense, we don’t approach creation from a storytelling perspective. It’s an open page for the viewer to see a story if they want to, but we come from a place of wishing to feel things and being comfortable with the idea of not understanding intellectually why.”

“There is a lot of mystery and potential for imagination in what is not being said; what is not explained or shown,” he continues. “As an audience and a creator, this is what we enjoy—that space for the individual experience and connection to a piece.”

Visual artist Eric Paré and dancer Kim Henry traveled to Bolivia's Uyuni Salt Flats to create incredible light paintings.

The halo of light surrounding Henry is created on-site by Paré; no Photoshop needed.

While the duo had visited the site previously, this time, the sky was a stunning shade of pink and orange.

They later realized that this was due to particles left in the air by the 2022 underwater volcano explosion in Tonga.

Watch this behind-the-scenes look at how the duo works together to create these light paintings.

Eric Paré: Website | Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
Kim Henry: Website | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Eric Paré.

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READ: Striking Light Paintings Set Against a Fiery Red Sky at Bolivia’s Uyuni Salt Flat

Photo courtesy of Palais Garnier

In September, when JR transformed the façade of the Paris Opera House into a Platonic cave, it was only the first sign of what was to come. As promised, the French street artist continued his work, with Act II occurring in November. For this moment, the architecture of Act I dissolved, leaving behind a cavern filled with human handprints.

The handprints, a nod to pre-historic cave paintings, were gathered during two months of workshops run by embroidery house Atelier Montex. During the workshops, participants learned how to embroider their own handprints and then placed them inside the cavern for all to see.

During the first phase of JR's installation, he encouraged the public to reflect on the classical origins of opera and ballet. With Act II, he asked us to reach back even further in time. “The cavern becomes a protective place, sheltering its residents from the violence of the world. Darkness reveals light,” shared Palais Garnier in a press release. “The walls become prehistoric, and the discovery of the cave becomes speleological.”

In mid-November, the secrets of the cavern were revealed during a special performance. Upon JR's invitation, choreographer Damien Jalet presented CHIROPTERA, a performance for 153 dancers from all over Europe wearing costumes designed by Chanel. During the 20-minute performance, set to a musical creation by Thomas Bangalter, the cavern became the backdrop for the electrifying performance, which was open to the public.

Though the installation has now concluded, JR's installations have shown how institutions like Palais Garnier can take advantage of situations like a restoration and transform them into meaningful cultural moments for the public.

As the second part of his project with the Paris Opera, JR transformed the façade into a cavern.

 

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A post shared by JR (@jr)

 

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A post shared by JR (@jr)

To cap things off, JR invited choreographer Damien Jalet to present CHIROPTERA, which involved over 150 dancers.

 

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A post shared by JR (@jr)

 

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A post shared by JR (@jr)

Watch the full CHIROPTERA performance.

JR: Website | Facebook | Instagram

My Modern Met granted permission to feature photos by Palais Garnier.

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READ: Epic Performance Animates JR’s Paris Opera Façade

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The art of movement is more than a hobby or profession, it's a passion. Anyone who knows a dancer understands just how much the craft becomes an integral part of everyday life. So what to get that dancer for a special occasion? There are so many great gifts that celebrate the art of dance, whether you are shopping for the holidays, a birthday, or the perfect gift to commemorate a big recital.

From jazz to hip-hop, contemporary to classical, every type of dancer should be celebrated with a fun gift. Photography lovers might love inspirational images taken by dance photographers like Jordan Matter and the NYC Dance Project. Or, if you also have a fashionista on your hands, a funky pair of dance leggings, hand-knit leg warmers, or a trinket dish to hold accessories might do the trick. You can also help dancers combat aches and muscle soreness with useful tools like a foam roller and stretch band.

Take a look at our curated list of gifts for dancers to find the perfect present, whether buying gear for a little ballerina or an accomplished contemporary dancer.

These 30 creative dance gift ideas will keep the favorite dancer in your life twirling with delight.

Pop Art Dance Leggings

Just for Kix | $32.99

Personalized Dance Tumbler

CraftyChicksDesigns1 | $14.95

Little Dancer Print

Vashti Harrison | $16+

Dance Candle

Purity Ave. Candles | $26

3D Illusion Lamp

Lampeez | $19.99

Dancer Definition Wall Art

BellaFrye | $35.20+

Custom Dance Bag

kimashleydesigntx | $5.99+

Coffee and Choreography Notebook

927keepsakes | $13.99

Personalized Children's Book, I'm a Little Dancer

ISeeMeBooksUS | $29.99+

Ballerina Trinket Dish

SweetClementinesCo | $13.99

Personalized Ballerina Mug

IONA | $16.24+

Dance Shoes Phone Case

​​Anita's & Bella's Artwork | $29

PlumBand Stretch Band for Flexibility

Plum | $22.95

Dance Quote Pencils

mapleandgrace | $6.48

The Art of Movement by the NYC Dance Project

Ken Browar & Deborah Ory | $31.52

Black Girl Magic Dance Duffle Bag

The Trini Gee | $54.99+

Ballerina Jewelry Stand

Kikkerland | $18.27

Comfort Knit Dance Socks

Knit Knot Space | $42.38+

Ballet Dancer Travel Mug

RusteDe | $36

Dance Friends Stickers

OhHarperDesign | $3.25+

Dance Charm Necklace

StellaPosh | $38+

Wish Dance Bracelet

Arie and Co. | $4.25

Motivational Throw Pillow

showmemars | $35

#Confidance T-Shirt

Block Merch | $11+

Born to Dance by Jordan Matter

Jordan Matter | $28

Adult Coloring Book

Kristen M. Haines | $10

Ballerina Herbal Warming Slippers

Uncommon Goods | $48

Personalized Dancer Print

ConnorCardsandGifts | $10.86+

Dance Legends Alphabet Book by Beck Feiner

Beck Feiner | $12.11

This Kitchen is for Dancing, Metal Wall Sign

TheDukhaMetalWallArt | $209.12

This article has been edited and updated.

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READ: 30 Creative Gifts for Dancers That Celebrate the Art of Movement

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

Skipping rope can be fun for kids and adults alike, but it can also be much more than a game of Double Dutch. The jump rope is a versatile tool that is often used by athletes for their warmup exercises. Some especially talented people even use the jump rope for mind-boggling routines that will entertain and enthrall you. Mimi Youu is a Paris-based performer who pairs her jump rope with a variety of beats to put on mesmerizing performances.

Although only a minute or two in length, each video is captivating to watch. Youu possesses a masterful ease around the jump rope, skipping forward and then reversing her movements without pause. Depending on the song of her choosing, she incorporates a variety of other dance-like steps, sometimes stopping the rope under her foot to sway to the rhythm before hopping again. She calls her unique improv style Rope O'Clock and even has a separate Instagram account dedicated to sharing her moves.

Perhaps the most satisfying trick in Youu's arsenal is the way she throws one end of the jump rope out before catching it in her hand again. Sometimes she will twirl it around, and other times she manipulates the rope like a whip. Whatever she does, you can be sure it pairs perfectly with the mix of dance, R&B, and Afrobeats jams accompanying her performances.

Scroll down to watch more mesmerizing videos by Youu, and be sure to follow her on Instagram so you never miss an update.

Paris-based Mimi Youu uses the jump rope in an unusual yet entirely mesmerizing way.

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

Using her amazing skills, she coordinates her moves to match up with music.

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

She calls her entertaining style Rope O'Clock jump rope style.

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

She is able to change the direction of the jump rope and toss it from hand to hand with incredible ease.

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

The choreography pairs perfectly with different songs.

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

 

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A post shared by MIMI | ROPE O’CLOCK | JUMPROPE (@mimiyouu)

 

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Mimi Youu: Instagram
Rope o'Clock: Instagram

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READ: Watch Amazing Jump Roper Effortlessly Time Her Performance to Music