Archive for February, 2010
February 27th, 2010 | 
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RITMIX all around the world or RITMOS in Japan is the most popular rhythms program created by Ulises Puiggrós. Ulises has his own Company FITNESS SERVICES with more Fitness programs POWER FIT and FULLBOX
For more info www.ulisespuiggros.com
Duration : 0:4:43
Posted in latin ballroom dancing | 
Tags: coreography, fitness, latin, Latino, Puiggrós, Radical, Ritmix, Ritmos, Services, Ulises | 
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Columbus Dance Center is dedicated to providing high quality instruction in most major styles of dance. We offer private and group instructions in Ballroom, Latin, WEDDING DANCE, Ballroom Social Dance, Dancesport, Hip Hop, Dance Aerobic, Zumba, Swing, Salsa, Argentine Tango, West/East coast Swing, Waltz, Merengue, Rumba, Cha cha cha, Mambo, Foxtrot, Quickstep, etc.
Ballroom Dance Classes for Beginners to Competitive dancers.
Adults and Children, Couples and Singles.
NO EXPERIENCE OR PARTNER NECESSARY!
Call us today at 614-759-0502, and schedule your first orientation session absolutely FREE (must be over 21 years of age). One of our professional dance instructors will show you how it feels to take a private lesson.
Duration : 0:3:44
Ballroom dance lessons Edina. The Ballroom Pro -Charlie Hardcastle teaches the latest Ballroom & Latin dances. – created at http://animoto.com
Duration : 0:1:44
Dear Diary,
I haven’t written to you in years, and I miss talken to ya.
So what’s new with me? Let me tell ya…
It’s been a while that I had the most fun dancing and partying in a dance congress, but last weekend at the Reno Bachata Convention, I was reborn. It was not a congress, mind you, it was just a bachata convention…I mean whodathought, right?
Oh trust me, dear diary, there were some doubters there floating around. Come to think of it, they have been doubting Thomases since I started promoting bachata dance 8 years ago anyways. It is such a simple dance with lots of twings and twangs of the guitar, yeah, I know, it’s not that alluring to hardcore salseros that love xylophones and all, but it has evolved and fast evolving.
But past is PAST and moving forward is always the wise choice…burning bridges is not my cup of tea, after all, I know that sooner or later I’ll be crossing lots of bridges, so yeah, my motto; don’t mess with bridges because it more important to be nice than being important.
I have to admit, Reno Bachata Convention wasn’t part of the plan. The real plan was just to concentrate on planning the 1st San Francisco Bachata Festival. Of course, realistically, all things don’t exactly go perfectly according to plan.
November of 2008, I got a FB message from Juan I. Ruiz, one of the founding fathers of successful Sydney Bachata Festival, saying, “Hey Rodney, I’ll be vacationing in Chicago and I’d like to drop by San Francisco to hang out, bachata and then some, will you be in town?”
You see Sydney Bachata Festival is pretty much the event that made me “international” – you could say that I was baptized there as an international dance teacher. And I will never forget the hospitality of Australian bachateros. Their attitude and friendship is still immensely felt here in my heart a year later- little good things that done to me will be appreciated and never be forgotten.
“Juan, let me see what I can do, brotha. Bay Area ain’t that really fanatic for bachata compared to Sydney, but let me ponder and think of something.”
And so I pondered, indeed…
Hmmm, maybe a bootcamp…
Maybe, a series of workshops in SF, San Jose and Sac…
Hmmm…
I called Jorge Elizondo, “Bro, Juan is coming to SF and he wants to hang out, you in?”
“Tell me more, when and what do you have in mind…” Jorge was curious
Jorge loves SF and everytime he was here, he stayed at my place. We develop a friendship over the years because of bachata. I love bachata instructors that love the dance and promote it at the same time. I could care less which bachata style they teach or dance as long they have passion and really believe in what they’re doing. I dislike haters who are up to no good and just talk shit about each other, it’s a lose-lose situation and they sound like losers.
Since Jorge is a savvy businessman, I had to make sure he knows my intention and reaffirm my vision. So I said, “Bro, I’m thinking of bachata bootcamp with you, Juan and Camille in San Fran. Juan treated me well when I was in Sydney, so let’s give him a good time here in SF. I need your help in this.”
Jorge was in…
Last time I hosted a bootcamp here in the Bay Area, although well attended, I didn’t like it and it didn’t feel like an accomplishment for me. I was secretly disappointed that it didn’t make a dent in my vision – for bachata to be respected and recognized, not only by salsa dancers but salsa Djs as well as Latin dance enthusiasts.
Last question in my mind was, “Do I continue hosting little workshops here and there or do something really big before the SF fest?”
So the pondering ended with the question above, on which, I never pondered again, not until I taught a bachata workshop in Reno…
I love Reno people, you know why? Because they love to party and they don’t give a shit whether you are Cuban stylist or Mambo stylists or OutOfTiming stylist. They dance for fun and they learn to dance for fun. I especially love them when they always ask when I’m coming back to Reno after the end of teaching a workshop.
I have been sponsored by BB of Salsa Reno and Reno Dance Sensation numerous times there and everytime I went and taught the community there loves me. So for a Halloween night, I had no plans and really didn’t feel like partying in San Francisco, yes, I was bored. And dear diary, you and I both know that I am not the most productive or even creative when I’m bored. I was seeking an adrenaline rush, a fix, if you will.
I got a call from BB…with fees and little negotiations; I was slated for Halloween at Pearl’s Reno’s Latin Thursday. BB is a cool guy. I call him the Godfather of Reno Salsa and rightfully so. We instantly connected when I met him 4 years ago. With lessons and workshops later, I endorsed him to teach bachata in the Reno/Tahoe area. We became friends eventually, and I always admired his go-getter personality.
After teaching an enthusiastic crowd of 400 people, I thought to myself, “Hmmm, I think I just found my answer here.”
Back to the Bay Area, I needed to confirm to Juan and Jorge about the proposed SF Bootcamp. I wasn’t 100% about the bootcamp idea. I needed to make a decision fast. There was no time to lose and January was just around the corner.
I went to a Chinese restaurant and ordered my fave; Pan Fried Eggs with oysters. Oysters are filled with zinc and of course eggs are filled with B vitamins, in other words, it keeps your testosterone level high 
You know what they say, you think faster and smarter when your testosterone levels are high.
In the middle of my meal, I texted BB of Salsa Reno, “Bro, I am gonna do a bachata event in Reno and I would love you to be a part of it.”
1, 2, 3, 4, 5….phone rings…
“Hello BB…”
BB was in…
After talking to BB, I called Jorge,
“Jorge, change of plan…we’re going to Reno and we’re gonna do a prelude Bachata event for SF Bachata Festival. I think 400 people would suffice.”
til next time,
Rodchata
Rodney Rodchata Aquino
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/diary-of-an-ambitious-bachatero-734532.html
I have been noticing that the Bay Area Salsa performers are getting quite friendly with “the walk” entering a stage. My aim in this blog is to critique “their walk” and hopefully they’d take this criticism as constructive.
What is “the walk” and where did it come from?
The walk is just that, a walk. But it is different from the normal walk everyone does going about their own business everyday, everywhere. “The walk’ exudes confidence. It gets attention. It could be in an introduction or at the end of the routine as performers walk out of the stage.
Where does “the walk” come from?
It is my belief that it came from the ballroom dance, to be specific, ballroom standard (Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango and Quickstep). The Latin Ballroom then later adopted it (Paso doble, jive, rumba, samba & cha-cha). Culturally, Europeans practice such “walk” in their lavish parties and events (you can see the walk most of the English movies such as Beethoven, Casanova, etc).
Maybe it’s just me, but I have never seen “the walk” adopted by salsa performers ’till less than two years ago. In fact, I don’t think East Coast salsa performers practice such walk. Not even Los Angeles. I have only noticed this from Bay Area performers. With that in mind, I commend them for being creative. But here comes the critique…
“The walk” falls short. It looks funny and annoying at the same time. There’s a difference between confidence and arrogance. To be honest, it doesn’t even look arrogant. If you have ever seen a geek trying to be a playa, you’d instantly notice that his gestures, actions and even words just don’t fit him – this is how I see some of the performers when they do “the walk.” I am not saying everyone does that type of walk, but I think that the dance directors should at least pay attention to their dancers and critique them if need be.
What is the proper walk?
The answer depends on what theme is in their routine. Is it an elegant routine? Walk elegantly. If you don’t know how to walk elegantly, watch movies, search the web and study everything about being elegant. It also really helps if you make some eye contact with the audience during the entrance. If your routine is sluttish, it’s the same thing, do a good amount of research.
In Ballroom, we train to develop the proper posture e.g., posture of our faces, shoulders and entire body. If you ever watch ballroom performers, you’d notice that their chin is not higher than the ceiling. There’s a big difference between being snobby and confident.
A year ago, I was talking to several Swing instructors after teaching bachata at the Chico Dance Sensation. In fact, I remember Felipe was present as well. We got into discussing “stepping out of the box” meaning being creative and innovating a dance. It was a roundtable of discussion to the point that we even went back to the history of dancing. We all agreed that the essence of any original dance shouldn’t be phased out or “throw out” altogether but that it should be respected, acknowledge and improved upon. We finished such discussion as very educational and Sarah Vann Drake, a respected Swing performer and teacher, said it so brilliantly, “there’s a difference between getting out of the box and stepping out of the box. When we step out of the box, it basically means, one of our foot is out of the box while the other foot never left the box.”
Salsa is a street and social dance. Yes it has evolved and we owe a great deal to many dance innovators out there, but let’s not forget where it came from and what it was all about. A street dance is never snobby or arrogant. It’s non-intimidating and fun.
Rodney Rodchata Aquino
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/salsa-dance-incorporating-the-walk-in-a-routine-149113.html
Unsure of what to get your grandparents this holiday? Not the books and the checked ties again. Check out these offbeat and a bit outrageous but nevertheless, thoughtful gift ideas.
The Ultimate Makeover Move
Delight grandma with a trendy, new look. Surprise her by setting up an appointment with a makeover team. Give her the entire works – the face, the hair and the outfit. Check out the transformation and enjoy the smile that lights up the wrinkles on her face. And while grandma is away, let grandpa play! Round up his gang and treat him to a special night out with the boys.
Get Together & Party the Night Away
Throw a 50′s themed party or better still a 50′s themed prom. Ask your grandparents and their friends to dress up like they did in the 50s. You can even rent a couple classic cars from “way back then” for everyone to show up in! Play music from that era, open up some cola and watch your otherwise controlled grandparents transform into noisy, giggling teenagers. Make sure you don’t miss out on the fun – be there as the chaperone!
Lessons that Help Unwind & Relax
How about giving your grandparents those lessons they always wanted to take but never had the time. Try dance lessons; Tango, Waltz, Ballroom or a sample lesson shaking to salsa. Adventure sports offer another option – water sports or maybe rock climbing. And if scuba-diving is not their cup of tea, maybe bowling is more up their alley. Art lessons can make a fun gift too. Your grandma will probably love to try her hand at sculpting, painting or craft making.
Weekend at a quaint inn – A different age & time
Give your grandparents the gift of old world charm. A weekend at a quaint inn would do just that. The charming atmosphere of a country inn and personable service will help them relax and take them to another time and place. The lush scenery, nature strolls, comfortable beds and scrumptious breakfast would make them fall in love all over again!
Gift Senior-Friendly Computer Software
As a Christmas gift for grandparents, you can get computer for seniors software, so they can benefit from easier communication with family and friends. It’s not just easy email for seniors that’ll attract their interest, but also the instant chats with family, regular stock updates, seeing regular pictures of grandchildren, online news, shopping, blogging and other fun activities.
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http://www.articlesbase.com/elderly-care-articles/offbeat-holiday-gift-ideas-for-grandparents-689179.html
The first time is always the hardest and even though private instruction is just that, private, group classes are not really that intimidating. Most people you’ll find in these sorts of groups are extremely encouraging and friendly. However if you’re really shy then private instruction is the way to go. With all the TV coverage it’s really got people saying I want to do that.
Sequence and New Vogue dancing is easy to learn. You start with easy ones and then progress to the more difficult amalgamations. Since the exposure of dance in the media dancing in all types and styles has really taken off. Classes have increased dramatically and people want more. There are over one hundred sequence dances and more are being created and published via the UK, finally reaching the Australian shores. Here in Australia we have tended to take on British dancing from our early origins and have taken their dance styles through to today. Sequence dancing has taken on the same rhythms from the ballroom such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive or Swing. Some of the sequences dances to name, just a few, Georgella Blues, Saunter Together, Glen Roy Foxtrot, Georgella Blues, Mayfair Quickstep, Melody Foxtrot, Ragtime Swing, Rumba One.
There are many places around Australia to learn all these dances, one particular non profit organization is the Ulladulla District Dance Group Inc. This organization has been going now for more than 30 years in the Ulladulla south coast NSW area. They have been successful in promoting the best and most attended sequence ball (held in last May) in NSW and on the south coast. Many couples drive long distances to enjoy this great night out and spend the weekend in this beautiful town and catch up with all their friends from Canberra, Sydney and even Bega. Ulladullla is a famous fishing town it’s beautiful harbour and friendly people make it a great get away for dancers to visit for the weekend after they dance their feet off at this fabulous dance ball.
Other activities include a Friday night class before the big event, this gives many people time to chat up on there busy lives before the big night. The attendance has been stronger than ever since it started more than 10 years ago, with great music from a great band and organised with the best leadup work, which is why so many people to repeatedly book every year.
You can scout around in all cities for dance studios that teach these styles, your local area may have a studio. They may also include other styles of dance and this is quite common because of the variety people demand. Every studio may offer different styles so it’s best to contact them before making any commitments, each business will have different priced dance programs. Enjoy!
david jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/where-to-learn-old-time-sequence-and-new-vogue-dancing-1239696.html
The first time is always the hardest and even though private instruction is just that, private, group classes are not really that intimidating. Most people you’ll find in these sorts of groups are extremely encouraging and friendly. However if you’re really shy then private instruction is the way to go. With all the TV coverage it’s really got people saying I want to do that.
Sequence and New Vogue dancing is easy to learn. You start with easy ones and then progress to the more difficult amalgamations. Since the exposure of dance in the media dancing in all types and styles has really taken off. Classes have increased dramatically and people want more. There are over one hundred sequence dances and more are being created and published via the UK, finally reaching the Australian shores. Here in Australia we have tended to take on British dancing from our early origins and have taken their dance styles through to today. Sequence dancing has taken on the same rhythms from the ballroom such as Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quickstep, Viennese Waltz, Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive or Swing. Some of the sequences dances to name, just a few, Georgella Blues, Saunter Together, Glen Roy Foxtrot, Georgella Blues, Mayfair Quickstep, Melody Foxtrot, Ragtime Swing, Rumba One.
There are many places around Australia to learn all these dances, one particular non profit organization is the Ulladulla District Dance Group Inc. This organization has been going now for more than 30 years in the Ulladulla south coast NSW area. They have been successful in promoting the best and most attended sequence ball (held in last May) in NSW and on the south coast. Many couples drive long distances to enjoy this great night out and spend the weekend in this beautiful town and catch up with all their friends from Canberra, Sydney and even Bega. Ulladullla is a famous fishing town it’s beautiful harbour and friendly people make it a great get away for dancers to visit for the weekend after they dance their feet off at this fabulous dance ball.
Other activities include a Friday night class before the big event, this gives many people time to chat up on there busy lives before the big night. The attendance has been stronger than ever since it started more than 10 years ago, with great music from a great band and organised with the best leadup work, which is why so many people to repeatedly book every year.
You can scout around in all cities for dance studios that teach these styles, your local area may have a studio. They may also include other styles of dance and this is quite common because of the variety people demand. Every studio may offer different styles so it’s best to contact them before making any commitments, each business will have different priced dance programs. Enjoy!
david jones
http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/where-to-learn-old-time-sequence-and-new-vogue-dancing-1239696.html
I am taking dance lessons and I thought this was a Waltz but the instructor told me it was a Rumba (which is the same box step but to a different beat) but I though Rumba was Latin.
I looked at several websites and all of them just say "slow dance". I am not in high school and I am not going to just sway back and forth.
This is for my wedding reception…any help is appreciated 
Your instructor is correct, it is a Rumba. A Waltz will have 3/4 timing and this song does not. Rumba is definitely a slow Latin dance, it is also supposed to be the most romantic of dances.
I teach Ballroom Dancers and have for over 20 years, I usually suggest doing a Rumba as the first dance. I have had a number of students who have asked for private lessons and a dance routine. Usually they think Waltz, but it has rise and fall and sweeping larger steps. This often will cause the bride in a long dress, with high heel shoes, to get her heel caught in the material. When you are dancing at speed, this can cause the bride to fall. Every couple that I have taught a Rumba routine to has found that it was the correct choice for them.
The Rumba however is a slow sexy dance and you can use it to caress your partners face, and have lots of hip movement.
I would not hesitate to suggest that a couple that chose Faithfully to dance a Rumba routine.
Links would be helpful if you know of examples I can watch. I tried learning about dances from videos of competition and Dancing with the Stars but they *all* look flamboyant on those. Oh and please don’t say tango, I know the tango is lovely but I just don’t get the point of those weird calf kicks so I’m not into tango. Plain and simple, I am looking for one where they dance together, it’s sexy, and there are no side by side showboating moments like on dancing with the stars, and one where the guy doesn’t have to do a bunch of sweeping arm movements that look like something a ballet dancer would do. There has to be at least one Latin ballroom dance other than tango where the guy doesn’t have to do stuff that looks effeminate or cheesy, right?
You might just have to look just outside the ballroom.
Many latin/ballroom dances are extremely flamboyant, but they are standardisstylized stylised versions of original dances.
Take Rock and Roll style – the ballroom jive is only a very narrow example of this style of dancing. Have a look at this clip of lindyhop dancers – they don’t look like the ones on Dancing with the Stars at all!
Ok, there are some silly moves in it, but on the whole it’s cool (lol)
General Rock and Roll classes might be for you. Here’s what you might see.
If you think the ballroom mambo is too flamboyant, how about looking at its variant salsa?
In Cuban style salsa particularly, the man is allowed to be quite macho.
There are other latin dances that have not been standardised by the dance federations and do not appear on dancing with the stars, such as
merengue
bachata
modern jive/ceroc
zouk/lambada
The dance feds have really camped up a lot of great dances. I love ballroom and latin but it really does have a lot to answer for!
Here's your chance to literally waltz your way to grace, style and confidence on the dance floor! You will learn the essential components of this great ballroom dance, including Rise and Fall, Sway, and Footwork, as well as exploring steps that will showcase your waltz dancing and help you gain the poise to shine on the dance floor! 