Category: Ballroom Blog

Why You Can’t Learn to Dance (Well) With YouTube

Posted on by catsballroom

Learn to Dance the Right Way!

couple dancing awkwardly

Quick – can you spot 3 things this couple is doing wrong? I can.

Don’t get me wrong, I love YouTube. It’s full of fun stuff, and I’ve used it to learn many things, from knitting to building a fence. But, there are some things it’s not good for, and learning to dance well with a partner is one of them.

Before I go any further, let me first explain what I mean by dancing well. Some people believe that being a good dancer means knowing a lot of steps. I beg to differ. The core of good partner dancing is being able to lead or follow effectively. Without those skills, you’re pretty much limited to dancing with people who have memorized the same patterns you have. Even then it might be rocky. Once you’ve mastered lead or follow however, you can dance with anyone in the world who has been properly trained. Anyone. Which would you prefer?

So now back to learning to dance using YouTube. We see a lot of people that have tried it and are so frustrated that they’re about to give up on dancing altogether. Why? Because videos don’t give you any feedback. It’s very difficult to evaluate your own movement patterns. That’s why athletes have coaches.

Try this. Put your arms around your partner and walk across the room. Remember, one of you is going backwards. Was it smooth and easy or did you step all over each other? Do you think it will be easier when you add in rhythm and changes of direction? Oh, you don’t have a partner? Do you plan to break out your new “skills” with a stranger in a crowded club? Hmmm. Let me know how it goes.

Leading and following both require a combination of subtle skills that must be mastered to be effective. They’re not difficult, but they’re not entirely intuitive either. If you’re learning with a partner and something isn’t working, you won’t know which one of you isn’t doing their part correctly. And guess what? It’s probably both of you. It’s even worse if you’re learning on your own, because you won’t even know if your move is working or not.

The truth is there are several things that almost every beginner does incorrectly at first, and an even greater number of individual quirks that are possible. Most videos don’t (or can’t) address all of them. That’s why learning to dance well requires the keen eye of a good instructor who can tell you what you’re doing right, what you’re doing wrong, and how to fix the problems. And that is something Professor YouTube will never be able to do.

couple dancing in kitchen

Better.

One final thought. Once you’ve become a genuinely good dancer, if you want to go scouring YouTube for new moves, have at it. You have my blessing. 😉 

 

More Articles That Might Interest You

 Ballroom Etiquette 

 Three Dances Everyone Should Know How to Do

 

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our  Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

4 Reasons to Consider Wedding Dance Lessons

Posted on by catsballroom

groom lifting bride

Classic!

Maybe you’re thinking about taking wedding dance lessons and you’re just not sure if they’re for you. Well consider this – your first dance is one of the four or five all-eyes-on-you moments of your wedding day. It’s also the first thing you do together after you say, “I do,” and walk into the world as a married couple. A good first dance shows everyone that you’ve worked together to create something that honors your individual personalities and your union as a couple.

bride and groom entertaining friends with their first dance

When you prepare with lessons, nobody will be looking at their phone!

[Photo by NLA Weddings]

A Beautiful First Dance is a Gift for Your Loved Ones

Your friends and family love you and they’ll be happy even if you just hang and sway. But wouldn’t it be nice for them to see something more creative and exciting. Make grandma blush with a slow sultry number, show your sophistication with an elegant foxtrot, bring the fun with some crazy swing steps, or charm everyone with an airy lift. There is no wrong choice as long as you’re true to yourselves. Your guests will love it and remember it forever.

man on railroad track doing awkward dance move

Is this your best move?

Wedding Dance Lessons Give You Confidence!

This may be the most important reason to take lessons for your first dance. For most people the thought of dancing in front of a crowd is nerve wracking, so they try not to think about it. But it’s going to happen one way or the other, so why not prepare for it? Taking wedding dance lessons with a qualified instructor means there won’t be any awkward moments, because you’ll know what to do every step of the way.

couple taking wedding dance lessons

Just needs a few small tweaks to look great!

You Need Feedback & Accountability

You may be tempted to try to learn to dance by watching videos. There are a lot of reasons why that’s not ideal, and here are two of the most important ones. First, Professor YouTube isn’t going to give you any feedback. You won’t really know if you’re doing the moves correctly or how to fix something that’s not going right. You could even hurt yourself. Secondly, if you schedule lessons with someone, then you’ll show up. If you go it alone, you’ll probably procrastinate until it’s too late. And since your instructor will know if you don’t practice, you’ll work harder and be rewarded with a smoothly polished first dance.

couple taking wedding dance lessons

Looks like they’re enjoying their lessons to prepare for their first dance!

You’ll Have Fun

You may not believe this yet, but chances are once you start lessons, you’ll actually enjoy them. Really what could be better amidst the hustle-bustle of wedding planning than setting aside time each week to spend in each other’s arms?

More Articles That Might Interest You

4 People to Loop In On Your First Dance Plans

Avoid the Oops

 

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three easy ways to find out how we can help you with your first dance.

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

Is That Step Legit? | Understanding the Ballroom Dance Syllabus System

Posted on by catsballroom

Have you ever seen a couple dancing patterns that no one else seemed to know? Did you wonder if their moves were for real?  Or heard someone say they’re full silver and thought, “What the heck are they talking about?” Are there right steps and wrong steps? To answer these (and many other) questions, you need to understand what a ballroom dance syllabus is and how it pertains to you.

couples dancing in a competition following a ballroom dance syllabus

What Is a Ballroom Dance Syllabus?

A ballroom dance syllabus is a list of approved steps for a particular level of a dance. The levels are Bronze (beginner), Silver (intermediate), Gold (advanced) and Supreme Gold (the icing on the cake). Some studios and competitions break the categories down even more so students don’t feel overwhelmed. For instance, the first 5 steps in an American style rumba syllabus might be called Beginner Bronze Rumba, Pre-bronze Rumba, or Social Rumba, depending on where you learn them.

Who “Approves” the Steps?

Lots of people actually. There are at least five (5!) major dance organizations that produce syllabi. On top of that, some studios also develop their own. Confused? Don’t worry. Almost everyone recognizes The National Dance Council of America (NDCA) syllabi for American Smooth and Rhythm dances and The Imperial Society of Teachers of Dancing (ISTD) syllabi for International Standard and Latin dances. Consider them the OG’s of the dancing world. The others will generally include the same patterns (although sometimes with different names), and a few additional steps that can be fun to learn. For example, Dance Vision is a huge online platform that has syllabi and videos for all the major (and quite a few minor) dance styles.

Do I Need to Follow a Ballroom Dance Syllabus?

It depends on what you’re trying to do, but generally, yes. The good news though is that a qualified instructor or coach will be familiar with the appropriate syllabi. They should be able to keep you on track. 

As a social dancer there are some commonly accepted practices (see Ballroom Etiquette), but otherwise you aren’t really bound by any formal rules. The most important thing for you is to learn to lead or follow effectively. A syllabus can still act as a useful guide though. If you want to be able to dance anywhere and with anyone, you need to know the generally accepted patterns for your skill level.

If you plan to compete, then you must abide by the rules of each competition. Since competitors and judges come from a variety of backgrounds, many competitions will allow several different syllabi. Be sure to check which ones are allowed. And again, almost everyone recognizes NDCA and ISTD syllabi.

For shows and exhibitions the rules kind of go out the window a bit. Choreographers will sometimes mix patterns from different levels (and even different dances) to add some zing to a performance or challenge a student a bit. This is fine (within reason), so if you’re a beginner and your teacher adds a sit-drop to your studio showcase routine, don’t panic.

judges at a ballroom competition - ballroom dance syllabus

Hmm, that penalty judge looks familiar.

A Little Hack for Competition

Instead of trying to memorize every approved pattern of every dance at your level, you may want to familiarize yourself with the restrictions for each category. For example, in all bronze smooth dances (waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz) the feet must close at the end of the pattern, so if you’ve learned some patterns in which the feet don’t close (continuity), then you’ll know not to use them when competing at a bronze level. Easy peasy.

couple in a dramatic dance pose

More Articles That Might Interest You

 Ballroom Etiquette 

Why You Can’t Learn to Dance (Well) With YouTube

 

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our  Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

4 People to Loop In On Your First Dance Plans

Posted on by catsballroom

A beautiful first dance is like a gift for your friends and family.

Your First Dance Dream Team

Couple posing dramatically during first dance.

 

You’ve put time and effort into preparing an amazing first dance that your friends and family will love and that you will remember forever. Maybe you’ve told everyone you know each fabulous detail, or maybe it’s top secret. Either way, make sure you get the most out of it by communicating ahead of time with a few key professionals.

 

notebook, pen, candle, and flowers to indicate planning for wedding and first dance

Wedding Planner

It goes without saying that your wedding planner (or day-of coordinator) will be most effective if they know all the details of your dream wedding, including how you want your first dance to go. A few things to discuss might be:

  • How much room are you going to need? Some dances (e.g. waltz) cover a lot of ground, while others (e.g. swing) can be done in a smaller space.
  • Where should people be seated or standing to give everyone a good view?
  • Are you using any special props (yeah, we do that sometimes), or will other people be involved?
  • Will you be changing into a different outfit before the dance?

 

hand adjusting knobs on a turntable

DJ or Bandleader

Obviously your DJ has a lot to do with how smoothly your first dance goes. They will not only play the music, but announce you beforehand and acknowledge you again when you finish. Since many people do some version of the hang-and-sway, the DJ may be in the habit of killing time by starting the music as the couple walks on the floor and/or fading the music early. Both of these practices can ruin your plans, so let them know that you’re doing something special, and keep the following in mind when you do:

  • Make sure they know you are using an edited version of your song.
  • Get the final edit to them as soon as possible and make sure that the file name is clear (e.g. Let The Good Times Roll_Suzie & Joe edit) so there’s no mixing it up with the full version.
  • Tell them not to fade the song in or out, but to let it play as is.
  • Let them know to start the music either when you signal them or when you are in position.

If you have a band or singer, it’s even trickier. Everything above still applies, but you also have the additional step of making sure that the music they play is the same as what you’ve been practicing to. Talk to the band leader as early as possible and see how they like to handle things. This is what we like to do:

  • We edit a recorded version of your song to make sense (length, feeling, highlights) for a first dance.
  • You send the edited version to the band so they can develop a similar arrangement.
  • They record their live version and send it back to you to practice with.

 

woman looking through camera

Photographer

Photographers capture moments. Normally there’s not much going on during a first dance, so they concentrate on details like expressions, the ring, shoes, etc. But your dance isn’t going to be ordinary and you’ll want great shots of every lift, dip, and line. Your photographer can only do that if they know what’s coming. Prepare them by doing these two simple things:

  • Discuss with them the types of shots you want.
  • Give them a video of you practicing. This is the best way to make sure they know what to expect and are ready for the highlights.

 

woman looking at video camera

Videographer

Like photographers, videographers will focus on close shots if there’s no action, so make sure they know that there will be. [If you aren’t using a professional videographer, be sure to share the same information with a trusted friend or relative. And don’t pick someone that is shy, overly polite, or easily distracted. You want someone who’ll be right up there capturing every moment of your amazing first dance.] Again, doing these easy things ahead of time will get you the best results:

  • If they’re only using one camera, ask them to set it up to capture the whole area you’ll be dancing in. Zoom-ins and other effects can be added post-production.
  • Give them a copy of the same practice video that you provided for the photographer. This will give them an idea of the best placement for the main camera, and where to position themselves for additional footage if a second one is being used.

 

father dancing his daughter in a circle at his wedding

Of course, all of this also applies to father-daughter and mother-son dances as well.  With a little preparation and good communication, these special moments will be a dream come true, and you’ll be able to enjoy reliving them together for years to come.

Special thanks to The Warmth Around You for the lovely first dance photo.

 

More Articles That Might Interest You

Avoid the Oops

Why You Can’t Learn to Dance (Well) With YouTube

 

And if you want to see real couples preparing for and performing their first dances, then our Wedding Stories blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

Ballroom Etiquette

Posted on by catsballroom

What to do (or not do) on the dance floor.

Just exercising common courtesy will go a long way on the dance floor, but there are a few ballroom specific things you might want to know.

 

Group of people dancing at a party and exhibiting ballroom etiquette.

 

Navigating the Floor

First of all, where should you be on the floor? For spot dances (swing, rumba, etc.) it really doesn’t matter. Any open space is fine (*usually). But for travelling dances (waltz, foxtrot, etc.) there is a structure similar to a racetrack. If you aren’t moving at all, stay in the center. Move out a little when you are ready to progress and utilize the periphery when you have the skill to move quickly and navigate effectively. And always keep in mind that the flow is counterclockwise, so you don’t end up going the wrong way on a one-way street. [*Some songs are appropriate for multiple dances, so even if you are doing a spot dance, be aware if others are travelling. In other words, don’t do swing in the foxtrot lane.]

diagram of a race track

Asking For/Accepting a Dance

It is a convention when at a ballroom event to dance with a variety of partners. This is partly to ensure that everyone has a good time, and partly to improve your own dancing. You can dance with more accomplished partners to elevate your own skills, then pay it back by dancing with the less experienced. If you are part of a group, try to dance with everyone at least once. If you’re on your own, spend some of your dances on the wallflowers. Not only is it kind, but you may find yourself pleasantly surprised by the experience. You don’t need to avoid approaching someone who is clearly part of a couple, but it is generally a good idea to ask their partner if they mind. Most don’t, but it’s better to ask. And if you are the one being asked, say yes unless there is a compelling reason not to. You don’t have to subject yourself to a partner that is known to be handsy or has extreme body odor, but don’t reject someone because they are inexperienced, socially awkward, or not part of your immediate circle. Again, you might be surprised.

After the Dance

Once you have asked someone to dance you should escort them onto the floor and back off again afterward. Simply walking away and leaving someone standing alone on the floor is rude and probably won’t get you many second dances. When the music ends, thank your partner, offer your arm, and return them to their seat. You may be a little less formal with someone you know well and dance with often, but it’s always appropriate to show appreciation for your partner.

close up of a couple holding hands

Partnership

Always strive to complement your partner. For the leader that means not being rough or trying to force patterns far beyond your partners current capabilities. Making someone look good and feel comfortable is far more effective than showing off every move you know on someone who isn’t ready for them. Being able to assess a partner’s competency is a valuable skill, and dancing at (or slightly above) their level will make them feel accomplished and you look like a good leader.

As for followers, they should follow. It may be tempting to try and anticipate your partner’s next move. It’s also hard to resist “helping” a leader who seems to be struggling. Neither makes you or your partner a better dancer. Also, avoid breaking out things like dramatic styling or advanced syncopations on inexperienced partners. It will confuse and short-circuit them. Instead, concentrate on perfecting the basics and save the frills for someone who can match and appreciate them.

And no matter what, avoid blaming and complaining. Even if you’re right, it won’t make you very popular. It’s far too common (and a particular pet peeve of mine) to hear weak dancers complaining about the perceived inadequacies of their partners. You will always be sought-after and admired if you concentrate on improving your own skill and are generally kind and encouraging to others.

older couple dancing and smiling

Showing Off

Save the tricks for performances. Full body drops, lifts, and the like have no place in social dancing. That kind of behavior is potentially dangerous, intimidates beginners, and irritates experienced dancers. If you’re truly a good dancer, you don’t need to prove it by slinging someone over your head on a crowded floor.

couple doing a lift to illustrate poor ballroom etiquette in a social situation

Collisions

Even the best dancers following all the rules will occasionally bump into one another. So will you. Often it is unclear who bumped into whom. Never try to assign blame. Simply say “excuse me” (or gracefully acknowledge the apology if you where clearly the bumpee) and move on. If you do encounter the rare aggressive (or oblivious) dancer that frequently plows into others, it is best to simply avoid them.

bumper cars

Common (Or Not) Sense

And finally, a few general guidelines that apply whether in a lesson or at a gala. They may seem like common sense, but experience tells me they still bear mentioning.

  • Don’t eat garlic or onions beforehand (unless everyone does), and don’t convince yourself that you can cover it up with a swig of mouthwash.
  • Take a shower and wear clean clothes.
  • Carry gum or mints.
  • Don’t douse yourself in cologne/perfume.
  • Put away the cell phone (unless you’re a surgeon or volunteer fireman on call) and pay attention to the people you’re with.

collage of onion, gum, perfume, shower head, phone

 

Now you know, so go out and have fun!

More Articles That Might Interest You

Is That Step Legit | Understanding the Ballroom Syllabus System

 Three Dances Everyone Should Know How to Do

 

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our  Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

The 5 W’s of Dance Practice

Posted on by catsballroom

The What, Why, Who, Where, & When of Dance Practice

skeleton keys hanging on a hook

Practice Makes Progress

What

Some of the most common questions we hear are about dance practice. The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines practice as to do or perform often, customarily, or habitually or to perform or work at repeatedly so as to become proficient. The upshot is repetition and habit. Trying to remember some steps 5 minutes before your lesson is not practice – it’s review.

 

two women practicing dance together

Have Fun Practicing Dance With Friends

 

Why

Notice that part of the second definition above is to become proficient. That is one of the main reasons for practice. Presumably you’re taking dance lessons with the goal of becoming a good dancer, and practice is the key to success. You’ll also enjoy your lessons more because you’ll progress faster and feel a greater sense of achievement. And if your goal is specific and short term (e.g. a first dance at a wedding), you’ll save money because you’ll need fewer lessons to reach your objective.

Another important (and often underappreciated) reason for practicing is simply that it’s fun. If it’s not, then you’re taking it too seriously or you need to find another hobby.

 

a woman dancing joyfully

be Joyful

 

Who

Alone. I often hear people say they can’t practice because they don’t have a partner. I’m going to call bull on that. Sure, dancing with someone else is part of the fun and is necessary to improve your ability to lead or follow. But rhythm, timing, technique, quality of movement, body lines, and pattern recall can all be practiced on your own. That’s a lot of stuff! Take responsibility for improving your own dancing and not only will you feel pride in your accomplishments, but you’ll be a far more attractive to potential dance partners when they’re available.

With a Partner. If you do have a partner that is willing and available, then by all means take advantage of it. Now is the time to sharpen your leading or following skills. Just make sure it’s fun, because be it a friend, spouse, sibling, or whatever, a partner that has fun and feels appreciated is far more likely to want to repeat the experience.

In Your Own Head. Don’t underestimate the power of power of visualization Many elite athletes use it regularly and so can you. Fully engage your senses. Hear the music. Picture your lines. Sense your partner. Feel your muscles contract and lengthen. Done correctly visualization can be highly productive. It can also be deeply engrossing, so though you can do it anywhere (at the airport, in the grocery line, at a red light), use some common sense about when to practice in it.

 

an older man with headphones dancing

Hear It, See It, Feel It

 

Where

At Home. Practicing in your home is the easiest (and lowest pressure) option and probably the one you will use the most. Push back the chairs, pour a glass of wine (or not), put on some music, and have some fun.

At a Studio. Most studios have a weekly practice party, and many also organize outings for their students. There are several advantages to attending these on a regular basis.  You will get the chance to practice with others that are interested in and learning the same things you are, instructors will be on hand to help if you get stuck, and the music will be varied and appropriate.

Gyms, Churches, Country Clubs, and Community Centers. Many organizations have rooms set aside for group exercise and social gatherings that are available to members when not in use. Be sure to find out what the policy is to access them, and if there are any restrictions (such as available times or types of footwear allowed), but don’t be afraid to think outside the box. More than once I’ve heard of people practicing in unused racquetball courts or park pavilions.

At Work. No, I’m not suggesting that you start slacking at work or engaging your coworkers in flash mobs. This one is best explained with a few examples from actual students that have found creative ways to fit practice into their workdays.

  • A couple that work in the same office use the conference room to practice during lunch. Note that people may look at you funny when you both come out rumpled and breathing hard.
  • A man improves his Latin motion while walking up the parking garage ramp. He says the attendants love it.
  • A middle school football coach practices choreography with his fiancée in the gym after school.
  • A blacksmith dances hustle while at the forge. I still can’t quite picture how this works, but he’s a great dancer, so it must.

On the Town. For some this is the most intimidating possibility, but if you go to a nightclub, class reunion, or wedding reception and have the opportunity to dance, then take it. Don’t worry if you don’t know much or no one else is dancing. Chances are they know even less than you do, and they’ll be impressed and curious about what you’re doing.

 

a woman in business attire

Make The Most Of Your Workday

 

When

As often as possible.

 

a couple practicing dancing by a trolley

They May Have The Hold Backwards, But They’re Having Fun!

 

More Articles That Might Interest You

 Ballroom Etiquette 

 Three Dances Everyone Should Know How to Do

 

And if you want to see real people dancing in the wild, then our  Gallery blog is just the inspiration you need.

Three Easy Ways to Find Out More About Lessons

Visit our Lessons page. 

Contact us at (901) 359 – 6467 or cat@catsballroom.com

Try a free lesson to see if you like it. We know your will 😉

 

Schedule Your Consultation

 

Who’s afraid of dancing?

Posted on by catsballroom

 

Dancing is not as scary as skydiving!

 

It has been brought to my attention numerous times that many (most?) people find the idea of dancing to be terrifying. I’ve felt otherwise very confident and accomplished men literally trembling as we danced (I’m pretty sure I’m not that intimidating), and it’s not unusual to hear students sigh some version of “That wasn’t nearly as scary as I thought it would be,” at the end of a first lesson. The sentiment always surprises me, but it shouldn’t, because if I just think back to my first class, I can remember being pretty nervous myself.

So why is dancing so scary? I have a few ideas, but I’d love to hear yours.

First, we don’t often learn completely new skills as an adult. All of the really tough and important ones (walking, talking, making PB&J sandwiches) we learn when we’re young. As adults we may broaden and improve our abilities, but we usually aren’t starting from zero.

When we do take up new hobbies as an adult, they also aren’t usually so public. We can learn to knit, or cook, or play the guitar in private, sharing our accomplishments only when and if we’re good and ready. Dancing by its nature is a social activity and so people are going to see you do it. In general, the more public the activity, the more pressure we feel.

And then there is the social baggage around dancing. Race, gender, religion, age, and a host of other factors play into our feelings about dancing. I’m not going to delve into any of that here, other than to say that most of it doesn’t hold up under closer inspection. Still, we’re all affected (consciously or otherwise) by cultural factors.

Then how can we overcome our perfectly natural feelings of nervousness?

Find your why. This advice is common in situations involving change because it helps you refocus when you start to waiver. Do you want to dance at your child’s wedding? Or feel more at ease at parties? Maybe you need a creative outlet? Chances are your reason for learning is bigger than your fear, so keep it front and center.

Realize that you’re not alone. Almost everyone in a beginner dance class thinks that he or she is the worst student ever. So talk with others. You’ll likely find that they’re having the same doubts that you are. You’ll also build a network of “dance friends” that understand your frustrations and triumphs and can support you on your journey.

Choose a nurturing environment. When you go to classes, lessons, or parties you should feel a culture of mutual support and encouragement. Constructive feedback from your instructor is important, but there should be no judgement. If this isn’t the case, it isn’t you who’s failing, it’s the studio. Go someplace else.

And if you still need a push, list the pros and cons. I think you’ll see that one list far outweighs the other. Here are some ideas to get you started. Happy dancing!

PROS

It’s a cool hobby.

It’ll reduce stress and help me relax.

I’ll enjoy it.

My friends and family will be impressed.

I’ll be able to meet social obligations.

It’ll be great for networking.

The exercise will be fun.

I’ll have a skill most others don’t.

My poise and grace will increase.

I’ll meet interesting new people.

CONS

I’ll feel silly.

I might step on someone.

Avoid the Oops!

Posted on by catsballroom

 

Wedding Dance Snags to Watch Out For

The first dance is one of the highlights of the reception, so you’ll want to make sure that it goes as smoothly as possible. Let’s look at a few common (and easily preventable) problems that you might encounter.

Too Long Song

Let’s start with your song. Hopefully you’ve picked out something that you both love and that is meaningful to you. That doesn’t mean you have to use the whole thing! People get bored quickly and you’d be surprised how long 3 or 4 minutes can feel when everyone’s eyes are on you. Have your song professionally edited (not that expensive) down to 1 ½ to 2 minutes and everyone will be happier.

 

 
Gorgeous, but can she do the wobble?

 Dress Stress

You deserve to look like a princess on your wedding day, but remember that all those layers, lace, sequins, pearls, and whatever else will feel very different from what you usually wear. Even bustled, wedding dresses sometimes cause unexpected problems. Long before the big day you should put on the dress and try moving around in all directions. Walk forwards, backwards (often difficult), and sideways. Try spinning around. And if your gown is strapless, make sure you can raise your arms over your head comfortably. Having a boob pop out when your dad twirls you around is next level embarrassing.

If you do find any problems with movement, your dressmaker may be able to help. If not, just make sure you clue in your fiancé, father, and choreographer (if you have one) ahead of time about your concerns

Shoe Boo

Just as with the dress, practice dancing in your wedding shoes. This is especially true if you’ll be wearing 4-inch stilettos when you normally sport tennis shoes. And if you plan to wear different shoes for the ceremony and reception, be sure to tell your dressmaker to account for any difference in height. Whatever height heel you decide on, use a nail file to smooth any rough spots so they won’t catch on the fabric of your dress. And if your shoes don’t have straps, consider using clear elastic straps over your instep when you’re dancing so that your shoes stay on securely.

 

Professional Confessional

Good communication with the professionals involved in your wedding is essential to avoid disappointing results. Speak to everyone ahead of time so they know exactly what you want.

First speak to your contact at the venue about the size and layout of the floor. How will people be arranged around it? Where will you be walking on from? What type of surface (carpet, tile, wood) will you be dancing on? Also ask if you can practice on it ahead of time. You’ll feel more relaxed if you can.

If you’ve had your song edited, make sure your DJ has a copy. If not, you may want to ask him or her to fade it out after a certain amount of time. He or she also needs to know when to start the music (i.e. as you’re announce, while you’re walking on, when you’re in position, or on your cue).

The photographer and videographer will approach your dance a little differently depending on what you’re doing, so tell them what to expect. If you’re doing a standard stand-and-sway (no judgement) they’ll stay close and focus on your faces and maybe take some shots of your feet. If you have something more elaborate planned they’ll want to move back a bit to be sure to fit it all in. Clue them in on any “spectacular” moves like lifts or dips so they know where to position themselves for the best shots.

Rehearsal Dispersal (okay, it’s a stretch)

The last (and maybe the most important) thing is to practice together ahead of time as often as you can. You’ll feel a lot less stressed if you can dance with each other comfortably and know what to expect. And besides, it’s fun!

Is Ballroom Dancing Really Exercise?

Posted on by catsballroom

Is Ballroom Dancing Really Exercise?

 I recently read a wonderful analogy about dancing on the Time magazine website. Rick Smeeton, a lecturer at University of Brighton, compared dancing to a car being driven in the city. Frequent stopping, starting, and changing direction pushes the body to burn a lot of calories just as it causes a car to use more fuel. In fact, while engaging in partner dancing you can burn up to 500 calories per hour, but you probably won’t realize it because you’ll be having so much fun!

But calorie burn isn’t the only thing that makes ballroom dancing a great form of exercise. When dancing with a partner your entire body is engaged. You will use not only the large powerful muscles that move you through life, but many of the smaller accessory muscles that are not challenged by normal daily activities. Your core, back, and shoulders must act together to maintain good posture and a toned frame so that you can have a good connection with your partner. Your legs and hips must propel you not only forward and backward, but also side-to-side and up-and-down. And because dancing is low impact, it tones your muscles and improves your coordination without stressing your joints.

So, is ballroom dancing really exercise? Yes! And a darned good one at that.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2034191/

http://time.com/4828793/dancing-dance-aerobic-exercise/

https://www.fitness.com/articles/113/dance_your_way_to_good_health.php

http://www.cnn.com/2017/06/08/health/health-benefits-of-dancing/index.html

http://www.berkeleywellness.com/fitness/active-lifestyle/article/many-health-benefits-dancing

https://www.latindancepro.com/etiquette-tips-facts/152-how-many-calories-do-i-burn-while-i-dance.html

http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2013-09-30/strictly-come-dancing-how-many-calories-do-those-dances-burn/

3 Dances Everyone Should Know How to Do

Posted on by catsballroom

3 Dances Everyone Should Know How to Do

 

All right, if I’m honest, I think you should know a lot more than three dances. But in general, you need at least three: one for slow music, one for fast music, and one for intermediate tempos. So here are three very handy dances that will fit the bill for almost any occasion.

Not every studio teaches slow lounge, but it works beautifully for those slow songs that will inevitably be playing for the first half-hour or so of any event (wedding reception, class reunion, charity gala). It can be relaxed and friendly, sensual and romantic, or even a little campy, depending on the song and the mood of the couple dancing. In fact, many engaged couples will learn it for their first dance and then also use it for the father-daughter or mother-son dance. It’s that versatile!

 

Swing is a big umbrella that includes several dances (many of them regional), but the simplest is push-pull. It’s fast and fun, making it a go to dance for parties. Unlike most forms of swing (which use a syncopated 6-count rhythm), push-pull has a simple four beat pattern, making it easier to learn and to lead. It’s also less taxing than its more complex cousins, and therefore appropriate for almost any age or fitness level.

 

And then there is rumba. At first glance it’s not an obvious choice, since it’s traditionally a Latin dance, but the rumba rhythm can be found in oldies, pop, and even country music. The basic movement is a simple box-step that anyone can learn. From there you can add a few simple patterns for social dancing, or develop a sophisticated repertoire of wraps, turns, Latin motion, and styling.

 

So, these are my choices for the three dances everyone should know. What are yours?