Lifestyle

Elevate Your Style

Published

4 years ago

February 28, 2021

No matter the age, style, or season, most ladies can agree that shoes are always vital for completing their look. Whether it be a tighter budget or wanting to have functional footwear, women are also investing more wisely. Different shoes call for different occasions, so things like outfits, events, and even the amount of predicted standing time are worth considering your options when selecting the perfect footwear.

Wedge To The Rescue

All women adore heels, but not all women can handle heels easily. Those who have foot, back or other health issues that can’t go near slim heels can easily reap the equal benefits from a wedge. Switch up your look with some flair and style to boost your craving. Wedges are raised, chunky-style shoes that stand tall at the front and are even more elevated at the back. Wedges offer height and are more comfortable to walk in than skinny heels.

Breaking Down Their Popularity

On many high-heeled shoes, the heel of the shoe is under the heel of the foot. With wedges, the heel runs under the entire foot to the middle or front. The design helps reduce foot and ankle problems, as well as encourage better posture. Height ranges vary depending on the type of wedge you’re going for, whether sandals, heels, or boots, and the style from a slight raise to several inches. Depending on the occasion, you can select anywhere from one inch to five inches in height.

Make wedge heels your go-to’s for events that call for comfort. If you plan to be standing for a long time at a concert or party, these are an excellent choice for showing off your radiant style without killing your feet. When you keep in mind that balance is vital, wedges are super versatile and work with nearly any outfit imaginable.

Best of all, the heels cover the entire bottom of the shoe for total ease of movement even after a cocktail or two. If you’re looking for a shoe that is leg-lengthening and stabilizing, you can’t go wrong with wedge sandals. Whether enjoying an outdoor function or wanting something that can be worn for longer days, wedge sandals provide the comfort you’ll need. With thousands of options from open-toe, peep toe, espadrilles to closed-toed, you can dress for each season with confidence. You can wear wedge heels for pretty much every occasion, from office wear to a wedding, there’s a wedge out there for you.

Always On Trend

Did you know wedges have been around since the 1930s? Italian designer Salvatore Ferragamo created the wedge heel in 1936. Wedges grew in popularity during World War II because of the lack of leather and rubber available in the United States. The fashion of the time called for height. In the 1970s, wedges were popular as designs became more colorful and loud. Even the 1990s had their version of the wedge in a sneaker. The bottom line, the wedge never goes out of style.

Wedge sandals have always been a popular choice, even among Hollywood and A-list consumers. Elle confirms this, noting, “Thanks to Castañer and people like Kate Middleton and Pandora Sykes, the wedge heel is definitely back on top.” The options are endless, including everything from a classic neutral, to a wild animal print that makes a statement. Wedge sandals can make life easier. Since they are very versatile and team well with all kinds of outfits, they are a must footwear staple which all women should own. You can shop from a colossal variety of wedge sandals, ranging in colors, designs, and price ranges.

Like fashion blogger Candie Anderson, most women are enormous fans because “Wedge sandals have long been a staple for women of all ages. As someone who is petite, I love that they’re not only trendy, but they add a bit of height. They’re classy, chic, and fun.” They’ll look great with shorts, skirts, skinny jeans, cropped jeans, flares, dresses, and that’s just the beginning. You can wear wedges to a casual event, a backyard barbecue, an evening out with friends, brunch, or a summer wedding. They will dress up any look. Wedge boots are another great option for winter climates.

Wedge footwear has so many positives, including adding height, being more comfortable to walk in, complementing any outfit, being fashionable, helping you look thinner, and always classy. Take comfort in knowing you’re making a wise purchase that will provide arch support, but in a way that makes a statement. Walk proudly and elegantly, from week to weekend wear, with wedges. It will be your little secret that you’re comfortable every step of the way.

Lifestyle

Why Classical Dance Is Thriving on Instagram

Published

10 hours ago

April 28, 2025

Michelle Langton

For centuries, classical dance forms like Bharatanatyam and Kathak have been treasured for their elegance, complexity, and storytelling prowess. But in recent years, these age-old traditions have found an unlikely stage: Instagram. From intricate mudras to rhythmic footwork, young dancers are captivating audiences worldwide, all in the span of a 60-second reel.

So, what’s fueling this revival of classical dance on a platform known for trends, filters, and viral challenges?

Instagram, with its visual-first format, has become an ideal space for artists to share their craft. Classical dance, rich in visual storytelling, translates beautifully into bite-sized performances that are accessible and engaging for modern audiences.

“Reels are short enough to grab attention but long enough to convey the essence of a classical piece,” says one of Spardha’s dance teachers, actively creating dance videos for the Instagram page of Spardha School of Music and Dance, an online platform for performing arts education. “You don’t need an elaborate stage or hours of performance; a simple backdrop and good lighting can bring your art to life.”

On Instagram, young dancers bring a fresh approach to traditional art. They skillfully blend classical compositions with trending audio tracks, often choreographing pieces that resonate with younger audiences.

These videos show how classical dance can be relevant in today’s world as young artists reinterpret popular songs in classical style. Such performances respect the tradition, make it accessible to a larger audience by making classical dance relatable.

Social media has also given classical dancers something they’ve never had before: a global audience. Platforms like Instagram allow Indian artists to reach audiences in the U.S., Europe, and beyond, fostering cultural exchange and appreciation.

And the feedback loop is immediate. Unlike traditional performances, which are confined to auditoriums and limited audiences, Instagram reels receive likes, comments, and shares in real time, creating a sense of community and encouraging more engagement.

The rise of online platforms for learning music and dance like Spardha School of Music and Dance has further fueled this trend. Spardha provides structured lessons in classical dance forms like Bharatnatyam and Kathak, and even Bollywood, making them accessible to young learners regardless of their location.

“Many of our students have taken what they’ve learned and showcased it online,” says a representative from Spardha. “It’s incredible to see them not just learn the art but also innovate and present it in ways that inspire others.”

By offering online classes, Spardha ensures that classical dance is no longer restricted to physical studios, enabling dancers to connect with their culture through dance no matter where they are in the world.

The success of classical dance on Instagram lies in its ability to blend heritage with modernity. The younger generation, armed with smartphones and a passion for preserving their roots, is making classical dance both aspirational and accessible.

Dance has always been about expression, and Instagram is just a new way of reaching people.