Ballroom Dancing

Posted on by Aleksandr

You want Romance? Get up and Dance!

People who think that ballroom dancing is old fashioned and boring could not be further from the truth. In fact, ballroom dancing is a cool, fun and exciting way to enjoy the music, make new friends, and experience the thrill and excitement of moving to the music together with your partner.

Here are some common misconceptions about ballroom dancing:

Myth # 1) you need to start young to become a good ballroom dancer. The truth is that many adult people who never danced in their life can become reasonably good in as little as six months of consistent practices.

Myth # 2) you need to have a good sense of rhythm to become a good dancer. The reality is that you can easily learn to hear the beat even if you thought that you have no rhythm. By starting out small, and learning how to break down music into the quick and slow counts, you will be able to hear and understand the music in no time.

Myth # 3) I have never danced in my life, and when I did it was horrible, therefore I cannot possibly become any good in ballroom dancing. This statement couldn’t be further from the truth, many people have doubts when they first start dancing especially if they never danced before. Yet, with a little confidence, persistence, and determination, many adults not only become good social dancers and develop a good sense of rhythm and movement, but also go on to become so good that they start winning at amateur ballroom dance competitions.

So, if you’re new to ballroom dancing, then get yourself a pair of practice ballroom dance shoes, and join a group dance lesson class at your local ballroom dancing studio, or a college ballroom dance club. You do not need to have a partner, as there will be many people just like yourself who will be more than happy to partner up and learn some ballroom dancing with you!

So get yourself some confidence to go and find that ballroom dancing studio where you feel comfortable signing up for a group class. Be sure to give yourself at least a few months to learn the basics of ballroom dancing at your own pace. Be prepared to meet new cool people, improve your posture, lose weight, and become addicted in a good way!

What to expect from a ballroom dance studio:

Ballroom dance lessons are generally separated into four categories.

Standard Lessons include: Waltz, Quickstep, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
Latin Lessons include: Rumba, Cha Cha, Samba, Jive and Paso.
Smooth (American Style) Lessons include: Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot and Viennese Waltz.
Latin American Rhythm Lessons include: American Rumba, Cha-Cha-Cha, American Ballroom Swing, and Mambo (Similar to Salsa, but danced like Salsa on the two)

Rounds is a practice session for people to build their skills in both Standard and Latin Ballroom styles.

General Dancing is a practice session in the evening or night for Standard and Latin Ballroom Dance

Group Lessons are Ballroom classes that are lead by an instructor for the group at a certain level of Dancing (Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Open)

Social Dance is an open dancing session for Line Dance, Ballroom, Latin and Salsa dancing.

You are still here!? Go ahead and Find a Ballroom Dance Studio now!

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Ballroom Etiquette

Posted on by Aleksandr

Are you a newbie to the ballroom dancing scene and are unsure of the right way to dress, and interact with your partner and other dancers? You do not need to worry, as ballroom dancing etiquette is not rocket science, but there are a few simple rules that you should be aware of. Familiarizing yourself with these rules will help you feel at home on the dance floor, so that you can actually accomplish what you came to do in the first place: dance and have lots of fun!

Hygiene

While personal oral and bodily hygiene seems like an obvious must when dancing with a partner, its importance cannot be overstated enough. Make sure to use deodorant, body spray, breath mints and anything else in your arsenal to make sure that it would be pleasant for another person to remain in close proximity to you. It is best to avoid heavy perfumes and hair styling products with strong smells.

Dress Code

First and foremost your clothing should be comfortable and suitable for dancing. Also, bear in mind that your attire should not cause any discomfort to your partner (i.e. hard metal belt buckles, beaded sleeves that brush up against partner’s faces, etc).
Men should always close their jackets or take them off before dancing. Your attire should also be appropriate for the occasion:

Informal: Nice casual attire that you would wear to an upscale nightclub

Semiformal: Men should wear coat and tie for men. Women should wear a dress of any length.

Formal: Men should wear a dress suit or tuxedo. Women should wear a dress of any length.

Black-tie formal: Men should wear a tuxedo or white dinner jacket. Women should wear a long dress.

Asking someone to dance

While it may feel awkward or scary to ask someone to dance, you need to remember that this is not a typical social situation and people who ballroom dance are there to do one thing: ballroom dance. This means that it is not likely that you will be turned down, unless the other person has a good reason for it. In the same vein, try your best not turn someone down if they asked you to dance. If you do turn down a request to dance, it is polite to give a reason. It is all right to say that you are “resting” “sitting out”, or that you are “not familiar with this particular dance”. If you would like, you can also warn them that you are a “beginner”. It is considered very rude to turn down one person and then accept another invitation during the same dance number. Moreover, doing the 100 meter dash to get a “choice” partner is considered improper.

There are also no complicated pick up lines required, you can simply ask”May I have this dance?” or “Shall we dance?” Ladies, the same philosophy applies to you, in ballroom dancing it is perfectly acceptable for you to ask a man to dance. At the conclusion of a dance it is polite to thank you partner, and the man should walk the woman back to her seat, even if she asked him to dance.

Be sociable, nice and smile:) Introduce yourself to your partner right away and make eye contact. While these are very simple and basic social skills, they will take you a long way in ballroom dancing. By being open, warm, and focusing on learning while having a good time instead of stressing out about imperfections in your dance skills, you will ensure that people will want to dance with you again.

On the floor

If you are just starting out, it is especially important for you to learn to observe the line of dance. In traveling dances such as waltz, tango, foxtrot, samba, Viennese waltz, and quickstep,couples always move counterclockwise on the floor. Faster, more experienced dancers should always be in the outermost lane, intermediate dancers in the middle lane and inexperienced dancers in the center of the ballroom. By following this placement you will ensure your own safety, prevent collisions and save yourself a lot of stress.

Leading/following

Both leading and following is an art as much as it is a science that takes practice, diligence and creativity to master. While you are learning, make sure to never criticize or blame your partner for being a poor leader/follower. This will only lead to hurt pride and feelings, but will not be constructive to your learning.

Men should avoid exercising forceful leads to achieve a pattern. By pushing and pulling a woman into desired position, you will only make her feel uncomfortable. Pay attention to your partner’s level of skill and only lead what is appropriate to this current level.

When a woman accepts a dance, it implies that she is agreeing to follow and let the man lead. This means that if you are following, you should not try to lead. By doing this, you reject the man’s contribution to the partnership during the dance. This applies to the choice of dance, patters, and timing.

Collisions and accidents

When you are just starting to dance, collisions on the dance floor can be the cause of stress and anxiety. All you need to remember is that when you get more than two people out on the dance floor, collisions sometimes can happen and there are a few simple things you can do to prevent them. As a rule of thumb, paying attention to other couples around you and not panicking if you see a couple moving in too close, should keep you and your partner safe. Ladies, if you notice another couple about to collide into you and your partner, simply tap your partner gently on the shoulder. This will signal for him to move you in a different direction. Its important to remain calm and not grab your partner, as this may startle him, making the collision inevitable. If you happen to step on (or bump into) anyone, apologize to all partners involved, make sure that everyone is OK, and proceed with the dance.

No matter how careful or skilled of a dancer you may be, it is important to adapt a lighthearted attitude toward accidents on the dance floor. Chances are that once in a while they will happen! You may end up dancing with someone who is not such a great lead/follow, someone may step on your feet or you may get an odd shove on a very crowded dance floor. Don’t get angry.Take it with a smile and go on dancing!

Personal Space

While ballroom dancing is passionate, sexy and provocative by nature it does not mean that accepting or asking someone for a dance imply personal/romantic interest. It is very important for both men and women to be aware of and maintain this personal boundary. You do not wan to run the risk of offending someone or embarrassing yourself. In the spirit of not crossing boundaries, kissing a woman’s hand or any other part of her body without her permission or invitation to do so can easily be considered a serious invasion of her personal space and even sexual harassment. Both men and women should think of each dance as brief light conversation at a party where they will then move on to the next chat.

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5 Unexpected Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Posted on by Aleksandr

Have you been watching the new sizzling season of Dancing with Stars, and wondering what it would be like to try out ballroom dancing? Now is the perfect time to jump in since popularity of ballroom dancing is on the rise, with many dance studios offering ballroom dance programs and workshops that attract people of all ages, and with very different backgrounds and goals. More people are discovering that ballroom dancing can be a lot more than just sexy, impressive dance moves. It is proving to be a highly versatile dance form that offers a wide range of awesome benefits. Whether you are a beginner who has never stepped on the dance floor before, or a professional dancer, trained in another style, giving ballroom dancing a go will surely be a rewarding and fun experience.

If you have been thinking about signing up for a ballroom class, or are considering signing your child up, check out these 5 hidden benefits of ballroom dancing:

Great social and cognitive development benefits for children

While you may think that signing up your child for a ballroom dance class will be a great way to add physical activity into their routine, you will be pleasantly surprised to learn that ballroom dancing offers a few other major benefits that may not be readily apparent. Unlike solo dance styles such as ballet or jazz, the requirement to dance in a pair in ballroom, teaches children a whole new set of invaluable skills. These include such social skills as improved communication and increased self confidence, as well as cognitive skills such as, increased attentiveness and improved creativity in problem solving. Children who do ballroom dancing on a regular basis also enjoy noticeable boosts in energy and improve their coordination. All of these skills actually enable kids to be better students at school, and to be well socially adjusted in their peer relationships.

Children as young as three years old can start attending a ballroom class once a week. In recent years, ballroom dancing has become an extremely popular medium for boys, and the demand for professional male dancers is on the rise. So if you have a boy, you do not need to be concerned that he will be singled out and lonely in a ballroom dance class. In fact, many studios are now experiencing quite the opposite, with more boys than girls singing up for classes. Also, if your child is already taking another dance class, do not hesitate to suggest they try ballroom as well. Many kids love the cross training and experience marked improvements in both dance styles as a result.

Keeps you body fit and healthy at any age

If you are looking for a fun way to stay fit, ballroom dancing is a nice alternative to exercise that delivers serious results. Ballroom dancing is not only great for cardio, it is actually a whole body work out, which is something you will surely notice once all the muscles in your body will ache after attending a class. Out of many physical activities, dancing is one of the top five, and is a highly effective way to loose weight. It is second to only running, with an average adult burning between 200 and 500 calories during an hour of dance, depending on the intensity of the workout. Ballroom dancing also helps improve flexibility and posture, which is something many people who sit crouched behind their desks at work all day struggle with. Moreover, dancing helps strengthen muscles and build bone mass, which can help prevent osteoporosis, an issue that is particularly important for women to work on preventing.

Relieve stress and improve your mood

Whether you are stressed out after a log day at work or in school, ballroom dancing can help you unwind. Dancing helps the brain release endorphins into your system, these are feel good chemicals that will almost instantly make the blues and the tension go away. This means that even a half hour of ballroom dancing after work will help you balance out your day, and keep you from falling into negative feelings of stress related anxiety, or depression.

A no-pressure way to meet people and socialize

These days many of us are overworked and over-committed, making it hard to find time to meet new people and socialize without feeling pressured, shy, or awkward. Ballroom dancing is a wonderful way to get out of your shell and expand your circle of friends in a low-key, safe environment that encourages socializing. If you are a beginner, you do not need to be worried about not having a partner, as many people do not, and you rotate partners during class anyway. This means that you will have the pleasure of meeting and dancing with many different people. Because of its lively music, fun and engaging atmosphere, ballroom dancing classes are also a great pastime for senior citizens, many of whom are very eager to get out and socialize. So whatever your age or personal circumstances are, you will have an enjoyable social experience at a ballroom dance class.

Expanded work opportunities for professional dancers

In a highly competitive professional dance industry, dancers who are cross-trained have a major advantage, and actually get hired. While there are plenty of outstanding jazz, ballet, hip-hop dancers, etc. very few can do any style, including ballroom. As a result, they loose out in the market that demands versatility. This means that if you are a professional dancer, or are considering this career path, it would be to your great advantage to gain exposure to ballroom dancing. While it may not come easy to you at first, and will require some adjustments on your part, the vocabulary and understanding of the ballroom rhythms will be an invaluable asset, and a step in the right direction in your professional dance career.

Posted in Ballroom Dancing | Tagged ballroom dancing benefits, benefits of ballroom dancing, Why Ballroom Dancing, why do ballroom dancing | Leave a comment

Why Should I Take Ballroom Dance Lessons?

Posted on by Aleksandr

Taking professional and well-taught ballroom dance lessons can be a wonderful, fun and exciting activity for you and your spouse, or significant other. From learning more about different dances and making yourself more confident in social situations where dancing occurs to getting a great exercise that releases some endorphins (feel good hormones) in a fun and enjoyable way.

If you are lucky enough to have found a great studio and a good instructor, you will find that professionally taught lessons will not only help you become a better dancer, but will also enrich your life in ways you could not even imagine before. Ballroom dancing can become not only a new hobby and fun social activity for you, but it can turn into a fun discipline that you may really fall in love with!

Why Ballroom Dance?

Have you had an experience of going to a wedding or other social events where people dance? Have not you wished you could step confidently on the floor, and join the fun? Well, you can! Yes, you can join the fun, but first you will have to find a good studio, and take a few group lessons to learn the fundamentals of dance, which will help you develop confidence to dance socially.

A good instructor will help you develop musicality, sense of rhythm, grace of movement, balance, and style. Taking dance lessons with the right ballroom dance teacher is a great way to learn popular social dances that are often danced at social events. Picture yourself stepping confidently onto the dance floor and lighting up the party. By learning a few basic dances, and learning how to move your body to the musical rhythm, you may soon find that you can hold your own no matter what the music is, because you will be able to hear the beats, and it will seem quite natural to you to rock to the music.

Are you looking for something new to do with your significant other? If so, then taking ballroom dance lessons together can be just the thing to put add a spark to your romance, shake things up, and make things more exciting and fun all at once. Laughing together when you make mistakes, holding each other close, and looking into each other’s eyes – what could be better to bring the two of you together? Use the time together to rekindle your romance and to simply enjoy being together and moving to the music.

Do you want a new and exciting way to get some exercise in? Any type of dance lessons can burn some calories, and help you have some fun. Dance is a great way to give your body an all-over workout. Putting some variety into your workout routine can help you burn some excess fat without even really trying! Would not that be both fun and rewarding in so many ways? You can and should practice in between the lessons to master the technique learned, and to stay active.

What kind of dances can you learn? Ballroom dance lessons encompass many different dances that you normally do with a partner. From Waltz, Tango and Foxtrot, to Rumba, Cha Cha, and Jive; all of these dances are considered partner dances, and feature different music, dance style, energy and mood. Whether you want to dance at your wedding, at the prom, or just because, you will find that learning how to ballroom dance, will give you the confidence to do any of the above, anywhere!

Dance lessons are normally given in succession with you learning step by step, and building upon what you have already learned. By learning in a step by step fashion, and practicing in between your lessons, you will develop a muscle memory and eventually your dance steps and routines, and effortless movement to the music will become a second nature to you.

Learning to dance is no different from learning any other discipline. It may feel awkward and clumsy at first. That’s to be expected. Eventually, you will master the basics, and will be able to dance with full enjoyment without having to think about it. You will be able to feel it and just dance. The good news is that learning to dance is always fun, even at the early stages. So, do not delay, go after it and learn!

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Lessons | Tagged group vs. private ballroom dance lessons, should I take ballroom dance lessons | Leave a comment

How to Find a Ballroom Dancing Partner

Posted on by Aleksandr

Here are a few Valuable Tips on Finding a Dance Partner…

1. Do not waste your time looking on ballroom site bulletin boards and their partner searches or classifieds. I’ve had over 250 people e-mail me what a horrible experience they’ve had through them. According to the reports, most of the people listed have actually been looking for relationships, turned out to be no where near what they claimed, or were “psychos”. I have also, as of yet, NEVER heard of anyone successfully finding a partner this way. Below are the two most proven successful methods.

2. For Ballroom dancing Professionals seeking Professional partners – go to EVERY competition in your region, even if only as a spectator. With a little ingenuity, you can find out who the various studio owners and judges are, introduce yourself and explain your dilemma. These days it seems that professionals, coaches and top studio owners make the decisions and introductions of potential dance partners for their instructors, and it is becoming a more common trend for teachers to respect their coaches/studio owners’ “suggestions” of a partner. It also gives you a possible chance of seeing the potential partner in action, and possibly meeting them to discern their worth. Judges at these comps, especially bigger comps, are usually VERY well informed on who’s looking for a partner, and if you can make an impression on these folks, you are in like flint.

3. For Amateurs seeking Amateur partners – Second best suggestion is follow #2 above. Best suggestion is to contact your local United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association – USABDA. They often list competitions, and studios in your area, which you will have to visit. By going to EVERY group class in your level in your reasonable area, you not only get to see potential partners in action, but you can also meet, and interview them on the spot. Plus, you get the bonus of learning from many perspectives, which will at least improve your dance even if you don’t find a partner right away.

Finally, when you seek a partner, be very EXPLICIT!!! Make absolutely sure you explain very clearly what you are looking for, what you are truly able to commit both time wise and financially, and especially what your precise goals are. I’ve seen many couples have HORRIBLE break ups (some which were career damaging) after a year or more of investing thousands of dollars, and hundreds of practice hours just because they didn’t take the time in the beginning to ensure all the above goals and desires matched. I hope these were helpful, and wish you much success and luck.

Christopher Pilarchik – 12 Year Professional – Ballroom Bliss

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Partner Search | Tagged finding a ballroom dancing partner, finding a dance partner, how to find a dancing partner, how to find a partner in ballroom dancing, tips to find a ballroom partenr | Leave a comment

Where to Go Dancing in Boston

Posted on by Aleksandr

If you enjoy Latin Jazz, Salsa, and Ballroom dancing music, like to express yourself through a dance movement, and would want to join a dancing community in Boston area, then read on…

I can recommend a quite a few dancing places in Boston where you can learn how to dance, and also enjoy some pure partner dancing at a beautiful and friendly venue. By the way, we are talking about partner dancing that does not involve grinding, or bumping into obnoxious drunks you can see in the clubs near Boston Common, and else where.

Social Dancing venues:

Ryles has Salsa and Ballroom dances on Saturdays at 9pm. You can also get to learn some basic dance steps starting at 8pm Ryles Jazz club in Cambridge, MA. The entrance is usually $15.00 per person, but it is well worth it if you are there to dance. They also have a bar should you get thirsty from all the Salsa, Swing, Cha-Cha, and Rumba dancing.

Supershag is a Ballroom dancing studio in Waltham, MA. They are the people behind Ryles Salsa dance party on Saturday nights. They genuinely love dancing and are very welcoming. Their Friday Night Ballroom dance parties start at 8pm with a complimentary lesson. They also have dance performances during their dances.

If you are interested in learning ballroom dancing, Dance Fever Studio in Newton, MA – offers group and private lessons in International Latin / ballroom dancing. These are competitive dances that have a lot of structure, and can be a lot of fun. If you happen to be Russian, you will be pleasantly surprised by how many Russian people you will get to meet there.

I have taken dance lessons at Dance Fever, and I think it may be a good place to learn. I would probably also explore Salsa venues and swing/jitter bug venues if you like the oldies:)

A bit about the dances:

Ballroom dancing is pretty structured in terms of fundamentals of movement, and partner dancing based on lead and follow techniques.

Salsa dance has a lot more freedom, less structure and can be very fun to dance as well. It is a very rhythmical Cuban dance that also has a lot African influence. It is not strict in terms of what you do on the dance floor, as long as you are on the beat, so there is a lot of freedom.

Ballroom dances can also be free-styled and tweaked to a point, once you develop good leading / following skills to fully enjoy it…

There are also university organized salsa dance clubs. I am pretty sure that MIT and Harvard have Salsa dance classes that are also open to the public.

Dance Fever Studio in Newton may be a more costly, and a more structured way to learn, but it may also be a short cut in terms of becoming good in a shorter period of time, especially if you are interested in competitive dancing.

If you like Swing and Jive dances then it is also a part of ballroom dancing as well as tango, samba, waltz e.t.c

MIT also has many smaller dance clubs like jazz, tap, hip hop, you name it. You can Google them if any of these catch your interest.

Cheers and a Happy New Year!!!

Alex

Posted in Ballroom Dancing in Boston | Tagged ballrom dancing in Newton MA, ballroom dancing in boston area, ballroom dancing in waltham MA, salsa dacing in boston area, where can I go dancing in Boston, where to go ballroom dancing in Boston, where to go salsa dancing in Boston | Leave a comment

Psychology of Ballroom Dance

Posted on by Aleksandr

The Feet May Learn the Steps…But Only the Spirit Can Dance!!!

The largest complaint I hear, by far, amongst ballroom dancers is that something about their dancing doesn’t “feel” right. They want to swoosh and flow and wiggle like the big boys and girls, but some things (for most – a lot of things) feel unnatural and awkward. These comments are not made to me by beginners, these are students and professionals alike who’ve taken lessons and been competing for years! Below is THE single ingredient that most people require to reach their goal. It’s one of those “many seek but few shall find” type of thing, so grab a hold of this concept. You can save YEARS and $$$ with what is professionally explained below. Get ready to send your dancing through the roof!

Often people “think” too much and forget to “feel” their dancing. Before you just blow that comment off, let me explain. Ballroom and Latin dancing is all “muscle” memory, where your muscles remember a type of movement through repetition. This is a fact. Like when you reach for a glass, your hand knows (from doing it so many times) just how much pressure to apply to not drop the glass, yet not squeeze it so tight as to break the glass. You don’t consciously think about the amount of pressure you use do you? This is only one small example of how muscle memory works and how to feel more like dancing while thinking less and enjoying the dancing, the music and your partner to the fullest. The following is how I came across the revelation which opened my full dance potential:

I had been teaching for about 4 years, when I hit a huge plateau in my learning. No matter who I coached with, no matter how hard I would work, or how long I would practice, I just couldn’t get the slightest gain in improvement for the next 3 years. I was getting so frustrated at trying so hard for so long and seeing no results. It was ruining any semblance of enjoyment. Then came my final trip to the Ohio Star Ball.

I had just finished watching the International Latin Finals. At the end of the cha cha, Billy Sparks did a cha cha lock toward the crowd with tons of energy, it knocked us back in our chairs. All pumped up from the show I returned to my hotel room, went to the mirror and did my best Billy Sparks imitation. I exuded all the attitude I could muster and this big fancy arm movement (ok and yes, even the “SSSSSSPPPPAAAAAAAAA” noise International Latin dancers are known for.

The Funny thing was, when I saw myself in the mirror, I thought “Hey, that wasn’t bad, in fact, it looked GREAT!!!”. Granted I didn’t do Mr. Sparks much justice, but for me it unlocked for me a great mystery and ended all my dance frustrations. At that moment I learned what I did wrong with all my practices and coaching. I spent all my time thinking of how I was doing something and no time feeling it. When I danced from my heart and turned my brain off, I could do everything I had been taught and more! No more stick arms, no more robot-like movement, only the music and the movement, ah heaven!

So next time something doesn’t “feel” right, make sure you’re feeling the movement and not thinking about it. It can make all the difference in the world and if nothing else will make you enjoy your dancing regardless of the outcome.

E-mail the author, Christopher Pilarchik at: cpilarchik ( @ ) home.com or cpilarchik ( @ )yahoo.com

Posted in Ballroom Dancing | Tagged ballroom dancing and mental state, ballroom dancing psychology, dancign from the heart, dancing psychology, how to dance with clear mind, psychology of dance | Leave a comment

How to Become a Professional Ballroom Dancer

Posted on by Aleksandr

I cannot tell you how many times lately, that people are e-mailing me how their all consuming passion for Ballroom and Latin dancing is now an obsession (as well as now beyond their budget, life savings and second mortgage). So they want to dedicate their lives to dancing and become a Professional Dance Instructor… Oooh, the prestige, the glory, the dancing! And they pay me to do it, is not this great?

Hello!!! Wake up Call. If you ever thought this was what you wanted, read the rest of this article before you decide. It can save you a lot of time and heartbreak, as well as help guide you in a solid course of action and the required actions to take to make a living at it if it is truly for you.

Sadly, most people who have no idea what they are truly getting themselves into. I will outline what seems to be the general scenario I have heard from those who’ve asked advice on this matter. I will follow that with the four biggest reasons and/or misconceptions people have about becoming a Professional Ballroom and Latin Dancer.

An Aspiring Professional:

“I’ve been a student xxx years at the XYZ Studio, and I do several competitions a year. I feel I have all the talent needed, and I love it with all my heart. I would love to make this my profession so I could do what I love and get paid for it.”

Man Who has Been There:

First of all, an aspiree thinks that someone is going to just train and pay you to be an incredible dancer for years? Not likely. First, they want something back, which is for you to sell lessons; and they are not always that concerned about how you make the sales, so long as they keep coming in. Often this is something that over time causes you to eventually compromise your integrity. I will say no more on that issue.

Second, training in this business is like being in a witness protection arrangement. You only get a free ride for the intro, then you’re on your own. The better you are, the more a threat you are to Dance Studio owners’ clientele and business. I know, you say “no, I’d sell more lessons by being a better dancer and knowing more”. But, the Big Business sees you as someone good enough to get a job at the competitor’s studio with their hard paid training. Taking their client base of students with you (so you have to see their point too, especially because it does actually happen more often than you can imagine.

Second, if you started as a student, and have been one for 2 or more years, the odds are this isn’t for you. Teachers can be spotted from the beginning of their training and are generally natural to the dance. There are exceptions, but rarely. Students also over time develop a “student”mentality that is seldom overcome. You just never get comfortable with the numbers (dollars). To you it’s still “WHAT! $4,000!?!?” but to someone who has what it takes to make a living at this, that cost is nothing in comparison to what you will get in exchange for it, and they can tell you enough to make you believe it’s worth it. If you’re that second guy or gal, this gigs for you. If the dollars freak you out, you won’t last even two months there.

Third, realize that you will have to teach even if your goal is to dance and perform professionally! This may not be what you imagined, nor what you are necessarily apt towards. I will explain. I know many instructors who are truly magnificent dancers, many of whom I’d once envied greatly. However, they did not have an ability to impart that knowledge easily and in a fun way. Needless to say, those kind don’t last long. If you have to teach, you have to teach well. I am not the greatest technician in dance, I certainly don’t have the most impressive lines or perfect form, but I love what I do, I care about my students and about taking care of their dance needs, and most importantly I have an ability to teach! This is crucial to earning an income and getting to your goal down the road. Also, as a teacher, you spend most of your time working on other people’s dancing, and little on your own.

Finally, if you take no heed to the warnings above, or just feel you have what it takes in spite of the above, then become very familiar with the guidelines/suggestions below for how to become a Professional Ballroom and Latin Dancer. This lists is not only the safest, but it is also the only realistic way to accomplish your goals. Good Luck from Ballroom Bliss and here we go…

How to Increase Your chances of Success:

Don’t quit your day job just yet. Find and investigate EVERY dance studio, college and night school within 1/2 hour to 45 minutes of your area. Apply for an introductory instructor’s position. Emphasize people skills, love of dance, and years of even freestyle dancing. Most importantly, Enthusiasm!!! That’s what sells and that’s what can get your foot in the door. Most studios need or want part timers for nights and weekends (they don’t have to pay benefits that way) plus that’s the time of heaviest demand student wise.

You’ve got the job, now what? Practice, Practice, Practice. Learn what you are taught, imitate what you see both in movement, and in instruction technique. These are what you will take out on the floor with you on your first lessons. In time, you will develop your own style and personality in instruction, for now just be patient above all else, especially with your students and with teaching. The biggest single mistake new instructors make is teaching too much too quickly. Remember this is a muscle memory, a movement is learned through the repetition. Do not rush to move on just as soon as your students have the rough idea. These are building blocks that your students will need to develop, and thus grow in confidence with you, and buy more lessons from you. IT is a vicious cycle, I know.

3. The 4 Steps to a Perfect Lesson:

A. Preparation – know the material you are going to show and know it well (know both man’s and woman’s part!).

B. Presentation – know how you will introduce and breakdown the steps to the student. The introduction is referred to as “selling the sizzle”, while the breakdown is the actual way you demonstrate to the student how to perform the step.

C. Application – apply what you have learned. Practice over and over with the student and let them do some by themselves.

D. Check the results – this is where you fine tune anything out of what, and show the student their progress in the step.

How to Sell – believe in what you provide, listen carefully and always to what your student truly wants. Do everything possible to give your student what they want (within reason), explain patiently what it will take to achieve their goals, and let them know over time what services you can provide. This usually has them wanting to buy as opposed to you trying to make them buy.

I sold a few dance packages, now what? Now you continue to follow steps one through three for about 6 months, building your base clientele. This core group will be your paycheck, as well as be your most likely prospects to start getting you into competing (although it will be with your students for the first 3-5 years on average). Take advantage of this time to advance your training on your own by taking coaching with top pros who the studio invites in, well worth the money and saves months of work and time. Also spend it scoping out prospective future professional dance partners. This is often a long search so start as early as possible.

Pro/Am Competitions – get your students involved in comps. The more practice you get in these, the more comfortable you will be competing as a professional with another professional. I cannot help in how to get them to go, your own style and integrity will guide you over time. Doing at least 3, preferably 5-6 comps a year if your studio permits. This goes on with your teaching from above for about 3-5 years at about 24-30k full time, 19-24k part time (really hustling though).

You found another Pro! – now decide whether you’ll compete International or American Style, then whether you’ll dance smooth, or rhythm category (nobody truly masters them both at the same time). Begin getting coaching and choreography from the best judges, and coaches available. You are much more likely to be scored by judges you’ve worked with than people whom the judges have never seen before.

Work for about 1-2 years on the routines and begin competing in every comp you can. You will pay your dues for a while, not even making a final your next year to 3 years after that. The next several years you should begin to start placing and making moderate income ($100 to $1000 per comp) from the professional prizes. Unfortunately, this usually does not even cover your expenses. That’s why you still need to teach. Your students pay your expenses in their markup price. They are all aware of it, even if only subconsciously.

We’re winning Pro Comps, now what? – Hopefully, while you were working your way up, you were also making connections along the way; working with every judge and top coach/competitor possible, and mingling with the owners of the more prominent studios at the various competitions. These studios are your future bread and butter. Once you’ve established your credentials, you can now judge events and go around the country coaching other professionals, as well as students with their instructors. You can also do Professional Exhibitions. Often, you end up doing a combination of all three for a studio. This type of consulting is the only truly attractive financial opportunity in this business (unless you can afford to open your own studio, or organize your own competition).

Hopefully this has been helpful as a basic guide to making a living in the ballroom and Latin dancing profession. Written by By Christopher Pilarchik, a 12 year Ballroom Dance Professional.

Author’s Email: cpilarchik@home.com

Author’s Notice: This is a guideline only. It reflects the opinion only of myself and is based upon what I have seen and experienced in my 12 year career as a Ballroom and Latin Dance Professional.

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Lessons | Tagged becoming a ballroom dancing pro, becoming a ballroom dancing professional, How can I beome a Professional Ballroom Dancer, How difficult is it to become a professional ballroom dancer, how to become a professional ballroom dancer, What it is like to be a professional ballroom dancer | 1 Comment

How to Beat & Overcome Ballroom Dancing Competition Nerves

Posted on by Aleksandr

This inspirational piece was originally written and published by Christopher Pilarchik at BallroomBliss, you can contact the Author via email at the bottom of the post.

Beating Competition Nerves

For some people (ok, most people), performing in front of others can be the single most frightening experience of their life. Fortunately, it doesn’t have to be that way. Here are some tried and true tips from a 12 year professional on how to beat competition nerves. The first section are tips you can actually physically apply, the second half are tips on mental preparation and attitude. If you think the second half is unnecessary, you are quite mistaken. The way you think about something definitely influences a situation’s outcome.

The Physical Aspect

Eye Level-Keep your eyes looking just above the heads of the audience and the same for the judges. Looking above the crowd makes them MUCH less noticeable and aids in keeping your dancing frame maintained.

Breathing – Please remember to breathe! This sounds silly but I cannot tell you how many students I have had to tell to breath in a competition. Air is desperately needed for the muscles to perform at a higher level (not to mention to sustain life and keep your instructor from having heart failure that their student is going to suffocate on them). Focus on slow, smooth and controlled breathing. This also takes one’s mind off of worrying about anything.

Pre-competition stretching-stretching the muscles thoroughly before going out on the competition floor is critical; when your legs are shaky from nerves they just start a chain reaction, they make you conscious of your nervousness and add to it. Stretch for a good 10 minutes before dancing and keep moving and loose between dances.

The Mental State for Ballroom Dancing Competition:

Anticipation – I wish I knew who said it but I don’t, “the anticipation of an event is always worse than the actual event itself”. Often in life we panic unnecessarily over an impending situation. Unless you’re a psychic, you REALLY DON’T KNOW how the situation will turn out! Be open to the possibilities and opportunities awaiting you instead of fearing the unknown.

Alter Ego-in a recent conversation with Dorothy, a ballroom student and friend, she was commenting on some comments given her after a VERY playful character kind of routine. Someone asked her how she could get up and act so crazy, so funny, so wonderfully in front of all those people. Dorothy responded “are you kidding, how many chances in life do you get to be a whole other personality or person!?!” She certainly hit the nail on the head. For about two minutes, you can be whoever you want and we all know how uncommon a chance that is so GO FOR IT! If you’re Latin dancing, imagine yourself the greatest Matador in Spain, roses thrown at your feet. For women, you’re the prettiest Senorita in all Spain, men vying for your affections and unable to resist your charms. Imagine whatever you wish and for two minutes let it come true!

Compete only against yourself-make your competition have one goal and one goal only, to dance bigger and better than you ever have before. If you dance for the enjoyment, you win no matter what place the judges give you and have a True memory to last a lifetime.

Overcoming Negative Thoughts and Doubts

Negative thoughts – think only positive thoughts before and during competition. The times I said to myself, “I don’t want to goof that up” or “I hope I remember this or that”, I goofed up what I thought I wouldn’t and forgot what I hoped to remember, EVERY TIME!!! Think instead, I will remember this or that, I will do this or that right. Negative thoughts bring negative actions.

Finally, Trust your Instructor-You’re dancing with a trained professional who happens to be in his or her element, just enjoy the ride. I tell and have told my students for years, when you’re at a competition, you’re in My Backyard, Ain’t NOTHING bad gonna happen to you in MY backyard! It’s the truth, most instructors are truly in their element on the competition floor. If you trust in them and just enjoy the outcome, you’re guaranteed to make far fewer mistakes, shine brighter and have a great time in the process.

Hope these help and Good Luck from Christopher Pilarchik and BallRoomBliss

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Competitions | Tagged ballroom dancing competiton nervousness, nerves and ballroom dancing competition, nerves and ballroom dancing performance, overcoming nervousness in ballroom dancing competition | Leave a comment

Ballroom Dance For Beginners – How to Start Ballroom Dancing

Posted on by Aleksandr

Ballroom dancing is a type of partner dancing that is becoming increasingly popular worldwide. People participate in ballroom dance at social events, and as a part of competitions. Ballroom dance is enjoyed not only by dancers, but also by audiences, as it is a very entertaining style of dance. While any type of dancing performed socially may be called ballroom dancing, modern ballroom dancing also known as dance-sport comprises of five dances of International Latin style; Samba, Rumba, Cha-Cha, Jive, and Pasodoble, and five Standard Ballroom dances; Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quick Step, Viennese Waltz, and Tango. Both the International Standard and International Latin ballroom dancing techniques were created in England, and the World Dance Council regulates the dances. IDSF – International Dance Sport Federation oversees all international amateur ballroom dance competitions.

In the United Kingdom, a style of ballroom dancing called sequence dancing is also extremely popular. In the US the most popular ballroom dancing style is called American Style, either American Smooth, or American Rhythm. Both of these are less technically stringent, and easier to learn versions of international styles that are a big part of social ballroom dancing in the US.

How did Ballroom Dancing originate?

Historically, ballroom dancing was conducted in ballrooms and large salons designated for dancing by the upper class of society, leaving the lower classes to folk dancing. Since the 16th century, ballroom dancing has been quite fashionable, with dances like Minuet, Polka, and Quadrille as a dance enjoying favor with a lot of folks. In the early 1800s, the waltz became a very popular dance in Europe, and by the mid 1800s, many of the original decorative dance steps had disappeared in traditional ballroom dancing.

By the 20th century, ballroom dancing had moved away from its traditional roots in sequence dancing, and became a style of dance in which the dancing couples moved freely from other couples. Professional ballroom dancers worked to bring ballroom dancing to the public by teaching many of the typical ballroom dance steps. Classes by Arthur Murray in the United States became very popular, and the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing in the United Kingdom flourished. When movie stars, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers danced in the movies of the 1930s, people clambered to learn the steps they watched on-screen.

It is not just a hobby, It is a Dance Sport!

The International Olympic Committee, now recognizes competitive ballroom dancing, but it is unclear whether dancing will ever be included in the Olympic Games. Currently, there are approximately 30 countries that participate in competitive ballroom dancing at the international level, and many countries hold national and regional dance competitions.

How is a ballroom dancing competition judged?

Judges in ballroom dancing competitions evaluate dancers on their poise, timing, presentation, posture, musicality, and authenticity of the character of dance.
Adjudicating ballroom dancing competitions is quite subjective and it is up to the judges to decide who gets their coveted mark to advance to the next round. Based on the number of total recalls in the last round danced, a given couple either advances onto the next round, or gets cut, if it did not get the minimum required number of marks/votes of confidence from the judges. Given the subjective nature of adjudicating ballroom dancing competitions, complaints are common. Scorekeepers are commonly used to keep track of the number of recalls each couple receives through the final round, and then the skating system is used to calculate the scores by ordinals 1 through 6.

Ballroom Dancing Competition IDSF Latin 2010 World Championships New York

Popular Social Dances

Some of the more popular current ballroom dances within the last few decades include Salsa, Hustle, West Coast Swing, Tango, Mambo, East Coast Swing, and Merengue. American Smooth ballroom dancers typically dance to the music from the 20th century, and move counter-clockwise around the dance floor while wearing formal attire. Men normally wear bow ties and tailcoats, while women wear full-length ball gowns. In some areas, men wear tuxedos in lieu of tailcoats.

Competitive Dances – International Latin

When ballroom dancers participate in the International Latin dancing, they do not move in a counter-clockwise fashion, but rather dance in roughly the same spot. Women normally wear short skirts and men wear tight pants that are wide at the bottom, and shirts, both in typical Latin style. The type of dress works to enhance the appearance of the leg and body movements of the dancers.

Waltz – American Smooth, and International Standard

Waltz has lasted as one of the most popular dances of the ballroom genre, and needs to be a part of every beginner’s dancer repertoire. The Waltz is a smooth dance that includes flowing movements, graceful and continuous turns that rise and fall, making the dancers appear to glide effortlessly around the dance floor. The tempo is slow, but the music is often expressive and brings out commanding performances by the dancers. The basic rhythm of the Waltz is 1, 2, 3, – 1, 2, 3, with the accent on the first beat.

Viennese Waltz

Viennese Waltz refers to the fast Waltzes from Vienna during the Romantic period. The music typically has a fast tempo of 6/8, with the basic rhythm of 1, 2, 3 – 1, 2, 3, with the accent focused on the 1.

Foxtrot – Smooth, and Standard

Jazz music inspired the development of the Foxtrot dance, which is a smooth ballroom dance style where the dancers move in long, flowing movements around the dance floor. The Foxtrot can be danced to many types of music, but is typically danced to big band style music. Frank Sinatra, Nat King Cole, and Billie Holiday are the characteristic vocalists of Foxtrot dancing. Named after the dance’s inventor, Harry Fox, the Foxtrot is a very versatile dance that has gone through many changes in style throughout the ages. The Slow Foxtrot is now the basis of the modern Foxtrot dance. Foxtrot’s basic rhythm is slow quick quick on a 4/4 timing.

Tango – Smooth and Standard

Tango is a popular Smooth/Standard dance that also has a lot in common with Latin ballroom dances in terms of passion, sharpness and style. Tango originated in Buenos Aires where it used to be danced around a small circle in the Argentinian salons. Tango became an international favorite when Europeans adopted and transcended the dance moves to new levels. The tango is an exotic and suggestive dance that is emotional and contains a lot of gyration. The choreography is often sexual in nature, with the original dance being designed to pantomime a pimp and a prostitute communications. While the tango has changed somewhat, the emotional style, and the bandoneon background music remains.

Tango incorporates some patterns from other Ballroom and Latin dances, but it is unique in its sharp head snaps and dramatic motions. American Smooth Tango, like Foxtrot is danced to a 4/4 timing, and its basic step timing is quick-quick-slow. It is often said that Tango steps should be similar to careful steps of a cat or a fax quietly sneaking/closing in on its prey.

Cha Cha – American Rhythm and International Latin

In Cha Cha, dancers take their first steps on the ball of their foot and then lower the heel to the floor. When the dancer lifts their foot the heel is removed from the floor first, while allowing the toes to push off the floor. Alternating bending of the knees, and then straightening them out again create Cha Cha’s characteristic hip movements. The free leg bends, while the leg carrying the weight is kept straight. Hips will naturally move toward the weighted leg, and when the free leg straightens right before it becomes the weighted leg. Cha Cha is danced in the basic rhythm of 2, 3, 4, and 1, 2, 3, 4 and 1, with accent on the 1 and 3.

Cha Cha Dance International Latin Championships - IDSF 2010, New York

Samba – International Latin Only

Samba is a Brazilian dance with a medium tempo, danced to the basic rhythm of 1 a2, 1 a2 with the accent on the downbeat in a 2/4 meter. The basic dance steps in Samba are series of forward and backward steps, alternating in a bouncy motion, which is created from the pelvis. The Samba includes a move called the whisk in which the dancer’s foot crosses behind the other during the second beat of the measure.

Salsa (Street) – Mambo (American Rhythm)

Salsa dancing is characterized by up-tempo Latin music that is popular in nightclubs, danced in the rhythm of quick-quick-slow. All footsteps in Salsa are taken with the ball of the foot making first contact with the floor, and the heel being lowered to the floor when all of the weight is transferred. Hip movement is rather subtle in Salsa dancing, while arms of the dancers are kept at, or above the waist level. All arm movements should be a result of the body movement, instead of independent movements, which can appear to be contrived, and abnormal. Mambo is a Salsa-inspired American rhythm dance with the same timing as Salsa “on the 2″.

Where can I go to Ballroom Dance?

Many cities have dance classes, studios, and organizations to join, where all aspects of ballroom dancing can be learned and enjoyed. Learning to ballroom dance can provide great opportunities to have fun and meet new people. The companionship and social interaction of group dance classes can supply dance students with a stimulating environment of learning, where both beginners and seasoned veterans work together. Before signing a contract for dance lessons, many dance studios offer a free first lesson to give you a feel for their atmosphere and teaching methods. This can be a good way for you to assess the studio and its instructors before committing to and private dance lessons or buying a package of private dance lessons.

Benefits of Ballroom Dancing

Aside from the social aspect of dance, ballroom dancing also produces many physical and good mood benefits. It can be a fantastic stress reliever! Ballroom dancing can boost your self-confidence, and improve your overall health. Private instructors are available for booking, if you are looking to learn quicker and advance your ballroom dancing in a shorter period of time. By taking a private lesson by yourself or with your partner, you will benefit from individual attention and focus. You should also consider taking group classes to establish a good base, and get a good feel for a dance of your interest. You can later build upon that base, and fine tune any quirks in your dancing during your private lessons.

How to Get/Become good at Ballroom Dancing

Becoming a skilled ballroom dancer requires more than just an expert instructor, as dancers will need to commit to continuous practice and use of learned techniques. A minimum of 15 minutes per day should be devoted to practicing ballroom dancing steps, in which focus is spent on reinforcing what has been learned in class. Learning how to ballroom dance can take a great deal of time and practice, but the payoff can be well worth the effort.

Posted in Ballroom Dances | Tagged ballroom dance basics, ballroom dancing advice for beginners, ballroom dancing beginner tips, ballroom dancing for beginners, beginning ballroom dancing, how to start ballroom dancing | Leave a comment

Chelsie Hightower’s Biography

Posted on by Aleksandr

Who is Chelsie Hightower?

Chelsie Kay Hightower is a professional dancer best known for her performances on the reality TV shows “So You Think You Can Dance – Season 4″ and “Dancing With The Stars – Seasons 8, 9, and 10″. Chelsie specializes in Latin and Standard styles of ballroom dance.

Biography

Chelsie Hightower’s bio provides overview of her dance history and her accomplishments as a dancer. You can view her pictures and watch videos of Chelsie dancing. Also find out whom Chelsie Hightower is dating.

Chelsie was born July 21, 1989 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Chelsie and her family moved to Orem, Utah, when she was 6. Chelsie was the youngest in the family of 6 children. She and her five siblings who were all boys used to play all kinds of sports and especially soccer.

It was not until Chelsie was 9, that she started dancing ballroom dances socially at the after-school ballroom dance program. Later she joined a studio where she trained in Hip-Hop, Jazz, Ballet, and Ballroom dances.

Chelsie’s natural talent for dance was shining through, which helps explain why she was approached by the audition team of a rising Latin ballroom youth star, Bradley Gregory. After auditioning in front of a legendary Latin Ballroom Coach Shirley Ballas, Chelsie was selected, and thus her world Latin ballroom dancing career has began.

Bradley’s uncle spared no expense to help Bradley and Chelsie improve their dancing. He hired world class coaches such as Karina Smirnoff, who would train the couple one-on-one for an hour and a half every day.

Ballroom Dancing Accomplishments

On March 12th, 2005, Chelsie and Bradley placed 3rd in the US National Junior and Professional Dancesport Championships in Provo, Utah. They were also selected to attend the world’s most prestigious Black Pool Ballroom dancing competition in England. But, they did not do so well in Blackpool, and shortly after Chelsie auditioned for the the season 4 of TV show “So you think you can dance?”

Chelsie Hightower and Gev Manoukian on So You Think You Can Dance Season 4

18 Year old Chelsie Hightower Audition Video on So You think You can dance in Utah

Appearing on SYTYCD gave Chelsie an opportunity to work with Mia Michaels and Tyce Diorio who are some of the top choreographers in the dance industry. Sfe ended up taking 5th place in the season 4 of the SYTYCD show.

Chelsie Hightower Rumba with Louie on DWTS

Chelsie Hightower Michael Bolton DWTS

Chelsie Hightower and Ty Murray on Dancing with the Stars

Chelsie Hightower and Mark Kanemura Broadway Routine

Chelsie Hightower Jive Video with Michael Bolton on DWTS

Chelsie Hightower Mark Kanemura Argentine Tango

Personal Life

Chelsie Hightower does not have a boyfriend and is not known to be dating anybody as of the date of this post.

Posted in Ballroom Dance Videos, Ballroom Dancers Profiles, Blackpool Ballroom Dancing Championships, Dancing With The Stars, Jive Dance, Rumba Dance, So You Think You Can Dance | Tagged Chelsie Hightower Audition, Chelsie Hightower Audition SYTYCD, Chelsie Hightower biography, Chelsie Hightower pictures, Chelsie Hightower videos, who is Chelsie Hightower | Leave a comment

Inna Brayer’s Biography

Posted on by Aleksandr

Who is Inna Brayer?

Inna Brayer is an amateur competitive Latin and Ballroom dancer competing in a 10 dance event. Inna and her dance partner Pavel Pashkov have placed 1st in the US Nationals 10-Dance Championships competition on Aug 13th, 2006 in San Hose, California.

They have defended their 1st place finish in the US Nationals in Louisville, KY and in Baltimore, MD on Aug 5th, 2007 and Apr 6th, 2008, respectively.

Together with Pasha, Inna has placed in many international competitions. She has also danced with Valentin Chmerkovskiy 1998-1999 as a youth placing 2nd in world junior Latin.

Background

Inna was born in Moscow, Russia. She is of a Russian Jewish descent. She came to the United States when she was just 2 years old. Inna started dancing at the age of 7 focusing on International Latin and Standard ballroom dance styles. She was coached by Taliat and Marina Tarsinov.

Inna Brayer is best known for her appearance on Dancing with the Starts where she competed with Ted McGinley in season 7 of DWTS. They were the 2nd couple eliminated in the first week.

Inna Brayer Mambo Video – Dancing with Ted McGinley on Dancing With the Stars – Season 7

Inna Brayer – Paso Video – Dancing with Pasha Pashkov

Watch for Inna dancing PasoDoble (She is wearing bright Orange dress. You can see her dance in the last quarter of the video.).

Pictures of Inna Brayer and Ted McGinley on the reality show “Dancing with the Stars”

Pictures of Inna Brayer and Pasha Pashkov on American Ballroom Challenge

Posted in American Ballroom Challenge, Ballroom Dance Videos, Ballroom Dancers Profiles, Ballroom Dances, Dancing With The Stars, PasoDoble Dance | Tagged Inna Brayer, Inna Brayer Biography, Inna Brayer DWTS, Inna Brayer pictures, Inna Brayer videos | Leave a comment

Giselle Peacock’s Biography

Posted on by Aleksandr

Who is Giselle Peacock?

Giselle Peacock is best known for her performances on the reality show “So You Think You Can Dance?”. Giselle started dancing at age 10 focusing on International Latin style of ballroom dance.

Competitive Latin Ballroom Dancing Background

Giselle started dancing with Genya Mazo in 1997, winning 1st place in US Closed Amateur Latin in 1999 in Utah, US. and capturing 1st place in 48th Elsa Wells International Championships in England – Brentwood London, in under 21 international Latin Division. They also took 2nd place in a prestigious Blackpool Youth Latin in 2001.

Giselle Peacock- Cha Cha Video – Dancing with Genya Mazo

Giselle ended her partnership with Genya in September 2001, and started dancing with Dan Kitsis continuing to compete in Amateur International Latin style until 01 May 2003.

Other dance partners were Artem Chigvintsev (01 Jun 2003 – 01 Apr 2005), Roman Nabatov (01 Jan 2006 – 01 Jun 2006 ), and Sasha Farber.

Giselle Peacock Henry Byalikov on Burn the Floor

On June 09, 2010, Giselle Peacock was eliminated from the show “So You Think You Can Dance?”.

So You think You can Dance Reality Show

Giselle Peacock- Samba Video – Dancing with Henry Byalikov

Pictures of Gissele Peackok and Henry Byalikov on the reality show “So You Think You Can Dance?”

Other Dance Styles

Along with International Latin, Giselle has also studied, ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and contemporary and modern dances. She has made appearances on “Burn the Floor”, SYTYCD, Dancing with the Stars and Superstars of Dance, and the reality show “So You think You can dance?”.

Posted in Ballroom Dance Videos, Ballroom Dancers Profiles, Cha Cha Dance, Samba Dance, So You Think You Can Dance | Tagged Giselle Peacock Biography, Giselle Peacock dance partenrs, Giselle Peacock pictures, Giselle Peacock videos, Who is Giselle Peacock | Leave a comment

Cha Cha Video Aleksandr Biyevetskiy and Clarion Hess

Posted on by Aleksandr

Silver Latin Cha Cha Dance Video

Are you considering competing in a College Ballroom Dance Competition?

Watch the cha cha silver level dance video below:

A Beginner Ballroom Dance Video of Aleksandr Biyevetskiy dancing Silver college level International Cha Cha dance at Uconn ballroom dance competition in 2009.

By watching this video you can see what it is like to dance at the Collegiate ballroom dance competition in Silver level.

Posted in Ballroom Dance Videos, Cha Cha Dance | Tagged aleksandr biyevetskiy, Aleksandr Biyevetskiy dancing, cha cha dance video, Clarion Hess, Silver Cha Cha, UCONN ballroom dance video | Leave a comment

IDSF world Latin 2010 Dance Videos

Posted on by Aleksandr

2010 IDSF World DanceSport Championship Latin Final Videos:

Here are some of the videos from the recent 2010 World amateur Latin DanceSport Championships in New York.

Solo Dances by Alexey Silde and Anna Firstova, Russia

Alexey Silde and Anna Firstova placed won 1st place in the finals of 2010 IDSF World Latin Dancesport Championships. Watch their solo videos: Rumba, and Pasodoble below:

Solo Dances by Zoran Plohl and Tatsiana Lahvinovich, Croatia

Zoran Plohl and Tatsiana Lahvinovich, placed 2nd overall in the finals of 2010 IDSF World Latin Dancesport Championships. Watch their solo videos: Rumba, and Pasodoble below:

Solo Dances by Andrey Zaytsev and Anna Kuzminskaya, Russia

Andrey Zaytsev and Anna Kuzminskaya placed 3rd overall in the finals of 2010 IDSF World Latin Dancesport Championships. Watch their solo videos: Rumba, and Pasodoble below:

IDSF 2010 World DanceSport Championship Latin Quarterfinal Cha Cha

Posted in Ballroom Dance Videos, Ballroom Dancing Competitions, IDSF Latin Championships | Tagged IDSF 2010 Latin Alexey Silde, IDSF 2010 Latin Videos, idsf world latin 2010 videos | Leave a comment

Ballroom Dancing Lessons – Studio Guide

Posted on by Aleksandr

Finding a studio to take Ballroom Dance lessons

Choosing the right ballroom dancing studio can be very important. If you are a beginner, then choosing a studio where you can feel comfortable and learn as much as you can, will encourage you to continue pursuing your interest and help you to become a good ballroom dancer. If you are a more advanced dancer, or if you intend to compete, then you will need to find a studio where you can obtain the instruction you need to succeed. If you live in a remote area, then your choice of ballroom dancing studio will probably be limited, but you will find that most large cities offer a selection of different studios from which to choose.

One thing that you need to think about when you choose your ballroom dancing studio is the reason that you want to learn how to dance. The type of studio which you should choose will be determined largely by whether you are interested in dancing socially or competitively. Some studios, particularly the larger ones, can serve all types of dancers. They can be an excellent choice if you want to begin slowly, but hope to progress to competition training later. More specialized studios such as the ones that focus on competitive International Latin or Ballroom styles of dance can also make good choices since they will enable you to meet dancers with similar reasons for dancing and attitudes as your own.

You should also consider the types of ballroom dance which you want to learn. Some studios and the instructors who you will find in them focus on a particular style, such as International or American style. You should make sure that you will be able to receive the instruction you want and that a particular studio offers ballroom dancing lessons that target your particular area of interest.

One of the ways you can gauge the effectiveness of the ballroom dance lessons offered by a particular studio is by observing the students who dance there regularly and evaluating their level of dance skill. This of-course would require making a subjective judgment on your part regarding the skill level of the dancers there.
If your primary goal is attaining a high level of mastery in one of the styles and excelling at ballroom dancing competitions, then you can simply follow the best dance couples at the competition and ask the dancers directly about who their coaches are, and where they take the dance classes.

There are a number of sources where you can find local ballroom dancing studios. The internet can be a very useful resource. Discussion boards frequented by ballroom dancers can be a good place to find recommendations, while you can also ask for recommendations from your friends if they have tried ballroom dancing. Local business directories can also be useful.

Once you have found a number of ballroom dancing studios in your area which may be suitable for you, you should try to find out more about your possible choices. If you are interested in dancing competitively, it is a good idea to attend a competition in your area. This will give you a chance to talk with other competitive dancers and to observe people who have trained in particular studios. If the dancers of a particular studio are successful and they seem happy and comfortable, then this is an excellent recommendation. Most studios will also be happy to tell you about their most successful students and to tell you about all of their victories. It is also a good idea to visit a number of studios before you make your final decision so that you can get a first hand view of them. Some studios will even allow you to take a trial lesson.

It is best to choose a studio with qualified, experienced instructors, particularly if you hope to compete. If you can meet with an instructor before you join their class, this will also give you a chance to find out whether you will be able to build a good relationship.

When you are looking for a particular type of instruction, you should make sure that this will be available at the studio. You may want to join a class, obtain private lessons, attend dance parties or practice during sessions set aside for competitive dancers to hone their techniques. You will need to find a studio that offers classes at the right level, but with the opportunity to progress. You may prefer to join a class that meets regularly, or to attend a studio which offers walk in classes so you can join in whenever you are available.

You should not forget the more practical considerations when choosing your ballroom dance studio. You should make sure that the schedule and prices are suitable for your needs. You should also be careful about signing a contract with a studio, in order to avoid making a commitment that you will regret.

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Lessons | Tagged ballroom dance classes, ballroom dance lessons, ballroom dance studio | Leave a comment

Ballroom Dance Shoes

Posted on by Aleksandr

The right ballroom dancing shoes are essential if you are a ballroom dancer. You need to find shoes that fit properly, are comfortable to wear and which look good, particularly if you are going to be dancing competitively.

Many beginners prefer to buy a single, multi-purpose shoe, usually a closed toe pump with an ankle strap, a flared heel for support and between 2 and 2.5 inches in height. If you have wide feet, it can be sensible to buy shoes that are narrower than you would usually wear since dance shoes often end up becoming stretched over time. A non-slip sole is very useful in a ballroom dancing shoe. Most shoes that are designed for dancing have thinner soles, which are lightweight and flexible. They are usually supported using a steel shank.

More experienced dancers, particularly if they are competitive dancers, are often interested in ordering custom shoes. This will be more expensive, but it can ensure that your shoes are of the highest quality and that they fit you perfectly. You can also customize the appearance of your shoes, for example so that they match your dress. You should make sure that you order from a company that specializes in ballroom dancing shoes and that you know how long you will need to wait for your shoes to be completed.

Character shoes can be good for practicing, but you may want to invest in some flexible, attractive heels for social occasions. You should choose closed toe shoes for smooth or standard dances, and open toed shoes for latin or rhythm dances.

It is a good idea to buy separate shoes for practicing and competing if you are a serious ballroom dancer. Practice shoes tend to have lower heels and to be more comfortable. You should practice a bit in your competing shoes before the competition to make sure they are comfortable, but it is best to avoid wearing them out unnecessarily.

Standard ballroom dancing shoes are worn for the smooth or standard dances: the waltz, quickstep, Viennese, foxtrot, and tango. Woman’s standard shoes usually look like normal high heels. It is important that they fit comfortably and snugly. Men’s ballroom dancing shoes are usually black lace ups, typically Oxfords. Men’s standard shoes will have a flat heel.

Latin shoes are worn for the Latin or rhythm dances: the rumba, salsa, paso doble, jive, cha-cha, samba and swing. Woman’s Latin shoes tend to have higher, thinner heels than standard shoes. They typically have an open toe, and are held on by straps. As with standard shoes, Latin shoes should be snug. They also need to be flexible. The wearer’s big toe should rest against the edge of the shoe, although some ballroom dancers prefer it if their toe slightly overlaps the edge. Men’s Latin shoes usually have a slight heel, which it can take some time to get used to if you have not worn a heeled shoe before.

You should expect your ballroom dancing shoes to be a tighter fit than your normal shoes, but it should never feel as too tight. You will probably need to try on some shoes and ask for the advice of an experienced ballroom dancer or salesperson in order to find the best ballroom dancing fit for you since you will probably need a different shoe size than you are used to.

Once you have some idea about the type of shoes you are looking for, you should visit a local dance store that sells shoes. This will give you an opportunity to try on a few different pairs of shoes. Even if you decide to buy your shoes elsewhere, it is important to try on some shoes in person so that you know how different style will feel on your feet. For example, you can try shoes with different heel heights, shapes, widths and strap types. After you have narrowed down your choices, you will be able to search for a retailer which supplies the shoes you want at the best possible price. It can be a good idea to search for online retailers as well as local dance stores since you may be able to buy your shoes for less over the internet.

Quality and comfort are the most important considerations when buying ballroom dancing shoes. You need to find a shoe that will last and which will enable you to dance as well as possible, without having to cope with any discomfort or pain.

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Learning Ballroom Dancing

Posted on by Aleksandr

Ballroom dancing can be an interesting hobby, a great way to keep fit or an enjoyable way to socialize with other dancers. If you are serious about ballroom dancing, you can take it up as a sport and you can even dance competitively. If you are more interesting in meeting people and having fun, you can just enjoy the experience of dancing in a class or at a social gathering.

The first thing you will need to consider if you decide you would like to take up ballroom dancing is what type of dancing you would like to learn. Ballroom dancing includes a number of different types of dance. If you want to compete in ballroom dancing, then you will need to learn a number of different styles, but if you are just learning for fun, or while you are just beginning to learn, it can be a good idea to concentrate on a particular type of dance. Some common types of ballroom dance are the waltz, tango, foxtrot, quickstep, Viennese, samba, chachacha, rumba, jive and paso doble.

Once you have decided on the type of ballroom dancing you would like to learn, it can be helpful to search for some videos online or to find a website, book or DVD that can help you begin learning how to dance on your own. All you need to start learning is some music, some basic instructions and a space large enough to move around in. You can even start to learn on your own if you do not have a suitable partner, although learning with a friend can be fun. Spending some time learning a few steps by yourself can be a good idea, although most people will want to join a class or social dance group. Having some idea of what ballroom dancing entails before you try it in public can help you to follow your teacher’s instructions more easily and to feel more confident about dancing with other people.

When you are ready to take the next step, you should locate a class in your local area where you can learn more about ballroom dancing. You can join with a partner, if you already have one, or join a class on your own and dance with one of the other students. Dancing with other people is a great way to get to know them and to have fun. You should make sure that you choose an affordable course, one which meets at a convenient time and one, which is suitable for a beginner.

As you become a better ballroom dancer, you will be able to move on to classes for intermediate or advanced dancers. If you are interested in competing in ballroom dancing, your teacher will be able to advise you on how to proceed. You may also want to find a more social, relaxed setting in which to dance, such as a local social group or bar where you can dance for fun.

The most important thing to remember when you are learning ballroom dancing is to practice. Even if you can’t practice your steps, you may be able to listen to ballroom dancing music and practice picking out the dance rhythm. However, it is also important to spend time practicing your dance steps as much as possible.

Posted in Ballroom Dancing | Tagged learn ballroom dancing, learning ballroom dancing | Leave a comment

2010 IDSF world Latin championships in New York

Posted on by Aleksandr

For the first time ever, IDSF world Latin championships will be hosted in the New York City on November 13 2010. IDSF stands for international dance sport federation. IDSF is a member organization in some 86 countries.

Some of the best amateur international Latin dancesport athletes will meet in New York and show off their dancing to the world. I’m planning on attending this event, and taking a lot of pictures and videos of the top-level world amateur Latin ballroom dancing competitors.

I was fortunate to be able to get the front row seat tickets to this event. This is the first time that I’m going to be able to watch the international Latin ballroom dancesport championships. I promise to take lots of photographs and videos so I can post them here for you to see! Or, just come to New York and see it for yourself!

They will also host World Youth Ballroom Championships, and have some great professional ballroom dancing shows for everyone attending the event to see.

You can learn more about this upcoming event below:

http://www.2010idsfworldlatin.com/

Posted in Ballroom Dancing Competitions, IDSF Latin Championships | Tagged ballroom competition, ballroom dance competition, IDSF Latin 2010, IDSF World Latin 2010 | Leave a comment

Rumba Dance – How to dance Rumba

Posted on by Aleksandr

The ballroom version of rumba dance originates from Cuba where it was derived from a dance called Bolero-Son. The modern international ballroom style of the rumba dance was brought to England by Monsieur Pierre who visited Cuba in 1947, 1949, and 1953.

The international ballroom rumba dance tempo is slower than American rumba, which is more of a social dance. International ballroom rumba is danced to a rhythm of 120 beats per minute.
How to dance international rumba

There is no rise and fall in dancing rumba. The steps are small and precise in relation to the beat. It is very important that the step happens right on the beat. When taking a step, we arrive on a straight leg with our weight positioned right over the leg.

The timing of the step and arriving on the straight leg is more important than the hip action. It is critical to take the Rumba step and arrive on it just as the music beat strikes. The common mistake of many beginner dancers is taking the step too early.

Watch the rumba video below to see how precise and sharp Michaels and Joanna’s steps are. Also pay attention to their posture. Pay special at attention to the sensual aspect of the dance. Note you may disregard the introduction and focus on the dance itself.

The correct Latin dance posture is standing with the weight positioned over the balls of our feet, and our body being aligned over the balls of our feet, as well. When we stand correctly with our hip bones our shoulders aligned over the balls of our feet, then we feel very stable, which allows us to take quick and precise steps deriving speed and power from the dance floor.

A good way to develop a solid rumba technique is by practicing rumba walks from the first day that you start dancing. You will find that rumba walks are practiced in many competitive ballroom dancing studios by beginners and seasoned dancers alike. Below you can watch a rumba walk demonstration by Slavik and Karina.

Dancing the basic step

The basics step in Rumba is danced on 2 – 3 to take a step forward on 2, then transfer the weight back on 3. You can also count 2 and 3 as quick quick. Once you’ve danced two and three by taking a step forward and transferring your weight back on the count of three, you will take a step to the side on four and you will hold for the count of one. You can also count the four-one count as a slow. Please note that the step will still be quick and precise, but the hip action will be danced for two counts (4 and 1) to fill the music. You can watch the rumba basic demonstration video below.

Posted in Ballroom Dances, Rumba Dance | Tagged american rumba, ballroom rumba, how to dance rumba, international rumba, rumba dance | Leave a comment

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