My Ballroom Lessons

Ballroom Lessons in Ballroom Dance History

admin — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 20:40:59 +0000

One of the most beautiful styles of dancing is ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing includes a variety of different dances. Today it is growing more popular across the United States and is an excellent choice for those interested in dance. Many people are starting to take ballroom lessons due to their fun, social, and exciting nature…

Ballroom dancing is a beautiful style of dancing that encompasses a variety of different dances, such as the waltz and the Viennese waltz. While in recent years this style of dancing seemed to go out of style for some time, ballroom dancing has been making a comeback recently with the emergence of various dancing shows on television, such as Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance. Throughout America, ballroom lessons are once again becoming popular, and no doubt they will continue to do so in the years to come.

When most people think about ballroom dancing classes, usually they have visions of elegant women in beautiful gowns and men in handsome tuxedos waltzing across the floor. However, ballroom dancing includes much more than the waltz. While the waltz is one of the most popular ballroom dances, there are other dances out there, including the Quick Step, the Tango, Paso Doble, Rumba, Swing, and even the Foxtrot. Therefore, by taking ballroom lessons, you have to figure out which type of ballroom dance instruction you want to focus on.

A Rich History
Ballroom dancing actually goes back for hundreds of years and has a very rich history. It was very popular in England among the upper class back in the late 18th century and even on into the 19th century as well. It wasn’t until much later though that ballroom dancing began to be a hit with people who were a part of the working class. Competitive ballroom dancing really began to grown around the 1920’s and soon a Ballroom Branch was formed to make the various ballroom dances standardized for competitions.

When it comes to modern ballroom dancing, there are five basic dances that are included. These dances are the Slow Foxtrot, the Modern Waltz, the Quickstep, the Tango, and the Viennese Waltz. Other ballroom dances are included in the Latin American ballroom dances, such as the Paso Doble, Samba, Cha-Cha, the Jive, and the Rumba.

If you take a look at most ballroom lessons, you will notice that most of the teachers explain a right side to right side contact in the closed hold. This actually traces back to the time when men were dancing while wearing their swords. Usually their swords were worn on the left side, which means that they had to be careful not to hit their partner with their sword. This also seems to account for the counter clockwise movements that are usually used in ballroom dancing as well.

Well Known Ballroom Dancers
In the United States, two of the most influential people when it comes to ballroom dancing were Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. They both were wonderful dancers and they often danced together for their films. One of their films actually portrayed dancers from the early 20th century and they are now considered to be icons of ballroom and social dancing. Many people who seek out beginner ballroom dancing classes, or even advanced ballroom lessons, will aspire to emulate or harness the energy and poise of Ginger and Fred.

Ballroom Dancing Today
Today ballroom lessons are growing in popularity and more and more people are beginning to get involved in this type of dancing. While it used to be a dance that mainly older people and wealthy people took part in, now-a-days almost everyone can take a ballroom dance instruction and go out dancing. Many people also think that ballroom dancing is just a slow dance around the floor; however, many of the dances are upbeat and there are different varieties of ballroom dancing as well.

Many ballroom dances are now seen frequently at competitions, in nightclubs, and in many dance studios as well. People are now realizing that not only is ballroom dancing a beautiful art, but it is also great exercise as well. Taking ballroom dancing classes and going out to dance can help strengthen the heart, the muscles, and build up endurance too. So, if you are interested in learning to dance, ballroom lessons are a great choice for you.

Further Ballroom Dance Reading:

Ballroom Dance – A Simple Guide | All Padded Up – Ballroom dance means kind of social dances where a couple would dance together following very common steps. Ballroom dance is a derivation from the word ‘ball’ (social events attended by elites in the early 18th century), …
Learn Ballroom Dancing: The Great Consideration – While at a ballroom dance, it is important that you follow basic ballroom dancing etiquette. Don’t turn down a request to dance unless you can’t avoid it. Accepting a dance when you’re asked is considered polite. …
Mon, 10/19: Larry Taylor’s Ballroom Dance (Gold Strike Hotel … – The longest and only night club in a Nevada hotel welcoming Ballroom, Latin and Swing Dan…Tomado de: http://las.vegas.eventguide.com/events/e100779.htm.
Ryan Di Lello, Ashleigh Di Lello, Karen Hauer – Ballroom – Video … – I’m sure his size helped with that though. Shollia UNITED STATES on October 26, 2009 at 11:45 pm. 3. The dancers were great. They danced the routine that the choreographer created for their ballroom dance. mia UNITED STATES …
NJ Ballroom Dance School . Learn Ballroom Dancing . Central Jersey … – NJ Ballroom Dance School . Learn Ballroom Dancing . Central Jersey: Ludo’s Ballroom – since 2000. – Owners Ludo Belan and Paula Medici. We are a Ballroom Dance School conveniently located in Whitehouse,NJ right off US Hwy 22. …

Technorati Tags: ballroom dance classes, ballroom dance instruction, ballroom lessons, latin ballroom dancing, latin dance lessons

Ballroom Dance Competitions: What it Takes to Master the Waltz: Ballroom Lessons and Beyond

admin — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 19:18:59 +0000

Over 300 years old and a dance that is loved around the world, the waltz is a very popular dance at ballroom dance competitions and in ballroom lessons. The waltz actually emerged from a folk dance in Bavaria in the 17th century, and then in the 1800s it began to become popular across Europe, although it faced a great deal of controversy as well. The waltz is probably one of the easiest out of all the ballroom lessons; however becoming a master of this dance could never be labeled with the term easy. While the steps are simple, beginners may have the appropriate steps while literally “bouncing” around the floor; however, the signs of a true master of this dance are smooth, sweeping steps that appear to glide across the floor. Therefore, the scope and depth of ballroom lessons for the Waltz is extremely great.

Waltz Characteristics

The most evident characteristics of this beautiful dance include the way swaying, rising, and falling are used throughout the dance. There should be a smoothness to the rising and falling and the steps should be reaching, confident, and sweeping. This dance should feel romantic and gentle, and its’ turning figures, elegant poses, and sweeping movements should command attention. While the music this dance is usually danced to is quite dreamy, the dance itself should have a light yet purposeful movement across the floor. When taking ballroom lessons, you will begin to notice how these attributes relate to the steps and music.

Waltz Techniques

In ballroom lessons across the world, the basic technique of the waltz is described as a three step that includes one step forward or backward, one step to the side, and one step that puts the feet back together. Every step uses the same timing and they are danced to music that is written in ¾ time, which means there are three beats in every measure of the music. This is an easy pattern to dance and is counted as 1,2,3; 1,2,3. When dancing the waltz, it is the first beat of every measure that gets the accent. This dance should use very soft, round patterns that will move you all around the dance floor.

Waltz Dance Competitions

Usually the first dance that is danced at ballroom competitions is the waltz. Remember, dancing the waltz may be giving the audience and the judge the first impression of your dancing. This is an essential part of ballroom competitions and being excellent at the waltz is a great way to get judges looking your way. Competitions are more than just performing and being judged though. Competitions are times when you can enjoy dance and learn more about dancing as well. No matter how great you are, you can always learn more about dancing, and competitions are great places to do so. When you choose to compete, you open the doors to challenge yourself as a dancer and to reach new and higher levels of dancing as well. Going to ballroom competitions is a great way to enhance your dancing career, no matter what your level of dancing is.

What Judges are Looking for in Your Waltz

When you are dancing the waltz in a ballroom dance competition there are many things that the judges are going to be looking for and you need to understand what they are so you can excel. There are many different general criteria that judges look for when judging a dance competition. Most judges take into account the way you present yourself and your dancing posture. They also tend to look at how you move to the music and whether you are dancing on time with the music. Usually, the look at how the man leads and the woman follows and whether or not partners are in sync together. Footwork, shape, line, and correct holds are also important things that judges look for as well.

Specific to the waltz, judges look for natural turns, reverse turns, closed changes, basic weaves, reverse pivots, closed impetus, and back whisks. Achieving a silver medal will require that you show outside spins, turning locks, drag hesitation, open impetus and wing, and open telemark and cross hesitation. To win a gold medal, you will have to be even more technical and memorable and have techniques like the contra check, fall away reverse and slip pivot, hover corte, closed wing, and left whisk will be the defining factors in your dance. For this, ballroom lessons are not always enough. It take’s dedication and an adept spirited resourcefulness to capture an audiance.

Preparing to Compete in the Waltz

Preparation for competing in the waltz is imperative if you want to be the best in this dance. While the basic steps may be easy for you to master and will quickly come as second nature, you will have to go beyond the basics in your presentation. You will need to spend hours practicing the advanced techniques that take you from a social waltz dancer to an excellent competitive dancer. Connecting well with your partner is imperative as well and you must master the connection before you compete in the waltz. Ballroom lessons will take you far, but you will need to practice passionately and dance with vitality in order to reach a level of competition.

When the day of your competition arrives no doubt you will be dealing with nerves; however, it will be an exciting time as well. Make sure that you arrive well prepared with your costume, needed makeup supplies, hair supplies, and anything else you may need to get ready for your big dance. Also be sure that you bring along your music for your dance as well. Take time to stretch and warm up before you go out on the dance floor and be sure that you arrive early so you will not miss your performance. Once you are out there dancing in the competition, let the smooth, flowing steps of the waltz carry you away and dance your way to being a winner.

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Salsa Dance Hammerlock Flip Move

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:56:24 +0000

Salsa Dancing Lesson from http://addicted2salsa.com ! In this salsa dance lesson we show you a sneaky hammerlock hand trick that you can use at the salsa dance club to
keep your dance moves fresh! It is performed by doing a reverse copa hammerlock, into a quick hand flip. Enjoy the salsa dancing lesson!

The song used in this episode is called El Cazanguero by Ruben Blades. Please support the artist!

Duration : 0:6:23

Technorati Tags: dance, Dancing, latin, ruben blades, salsa, salsa dance moves, salsa dancing, salsa lessons

IDSF Albena Open Latin Ballroom Dancesport Championship 2007

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:56:10 +0000

IDSF Albena Open Latin Ballroom Dancesport Championship 2007

Duration : 0:7:24

Technorati Tags: albena, Ballroom, chacha, competition, dancesport, Dancing, doble, IDSF, international, jive, latin, paso, rumba, samba

Gekhman Silver Robot ballroom Dance

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:55:53 +0000

Garry and Rita Gekhman, U.S. Classic Showdance Champions (also 2nd in World Showdance); exhibition by request at Ohio Star Ball 2006 = America’s Ballroom Challenge 2007: “Silver” Dance (for the record: Garry and Rita NEVER claimed to be doing “The Robot”, or even being robots. They just call this their Silver dance. Interpretation is up to the viewer).

www.garrygekhman.com

Duration : 0:4:24

Technorati Tags: 2007, America's, Ballroom, break, champion, couple, dance, Dancing, Darth, Disney, dwts, foxtrot, funny, Gekhman, hiphop, Hollywood, lock, ohio, Partner, pop, Quickstep, rhythm, Rinoa, robot, robotic, samba, showdance, Silver, Squall, Standard, star, tango, thriller, Vader, Viennese, waltz, Wars, world

Ballroom Dance Classes with Svetlana Iskhakov in Columbus Ohio – Twins

admin — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 01:55:48 +0000

Twins – has been created by Igor and Svetlana Iskhakov on September 11th, 2001. This dance is expression of the feelings that dancers had at that tragic day.

Duration : 0:4:30

Technorati Tags: 9/11/2001, art, Ballroom, center, centre, columbus, dance, Igor, Iskhakov, modern, Svetlana, twins

7 Fun Activities to Help You Lose Weight

admin — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 17:11:10 +0000

Exercising and staying fit doesn’t have to mean hard work. Simply being active will help you get or stay in good shape… and it’s a great way to burn extra fat too. So with that said, here are some enjoyable activities that can help with your fitness and weight loss goals too.

1. Bicycling – When you ask many adults when the last time they rode a bike is, they cannot answer. Although bicycling is a favorite pastime, many adults do not take advantage of this great option for exercise. Not only does bike riding exercise the body and build a stronger cardiovascular system, it allows you to get out and enjoy nature, fresh air, and see new sites.

2. Jogging or Walking – Both jogging and walking are GREAT ways to get fit. Not only do they tone the muscles, relieve stress, create a healthier heart, and improve lung capability, they make you look wonderful, which in turns helps you get excited about doing other exercise for fitness activities.

3. Swimming – Swimming is an excellent way to get into and stay in shape. If you do not own a pool, many high schools have aquatic centers, or there is always the YWCA or YMCA, or your local gym. Many offer water aerobic classes that will help you tighten your body, lose weight, and get a good overall workout.

4. Tennis Anyone? – Tennis is not only a fun sport, but also a great way to exercise. You do not have to be a professional to play – in fact, you do not even have to be good. Just running after the ball alone will help get you into shape. This is a great way to strengthen your cardiovascular system and lose weight. You can find tennis courts in just about every city and if you would like to play but have no idea how, lessons are reasonable.

Tip: Raquetball is sort of a “one person tennis”. If you don’t have someone to play tennis with, or you aren’t feeling sociable, try raquetball instead.

5. Dancing – Dancing is so much fun and whether you enjoy a slow, Ballroom dance or a nightclub packed with people all moving to heart-pumping techno, as long as you are moving, it really does not matter what type of dance or music. The whole idea is to move your body. Dancing has long been recommended as an avenue to fitness.

Tip: Belly Dancing is an excellent workout for your stomach, waist and hips ladies!

6. VCR or DVD – If you have a VCR or DVD, rather than just using it for your favorite comedy or action-packed movie, try sticking in some good workout tapes. Even taking 15 minutes every day to work out will get you started. Try that for two weeks and you will be surprised at the results. Once you see that 15 minutes a day makes a difference, you will be encouraged to increase the time spent.

7. And one of my personal favorites… Yardwork! – Whether you’re pulling weeds, planting flowers, mowing the grass or chopping wood: All of these activities can help you get into better shape. Don’t cheat yourself though. Using a riding mower to cut the grass won’t help you use the muscles or get your blood pumping

So go out and get active, have fun, and work on getting or staying fit too!

Kathy Burns-millyard
http://www.articlesbase.com/non-fiction-articles/7-fun-activities-to-help-you-lose-weight-64749.html

Dance Shoes

admin — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:28:11 +0000

Men’s suede bottom dance shoe in White & Black with 1″ heel

IDSF Australian Latin Ballroom Dancesport Championship 2003

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:16:25 +0000

IDSF Australian Latin Ballroom Dancesport Championship 2003

Duration : 0:8:43

Technorati Tags: Ballroom, chacha, competition, dancesport, Dancing, doble, IDSF, international, jive, latin, paso, rumba, samba

How to Dance the Salsa : Basic Back Step in Salsa Dancing for Beginners

admin — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:16:09 +0000

Learn the basic back step of salsa dancing, including dance moves, footwork and rhythm in this free beginners video salsa lesson.

Expert: Leslie Sack
Contact: www.lesliesack.com
Bio: Leslie Sack has been teaching, performing and competing in Latin and ballroom dancing for the past 12 years. She was an award-winning teacher and dance competitor for Arthur Murray Dance Studios.
Filmmaker: Diana Bacon

Duration : 0:2:15

Technorati Tags: beginner, dance, Dancing, footwork, free, how, lessons, moves, salsa, steps, to, video