So you think you can dance like Courtney Galiano? Here’s your chance to prove it to the Knicks City Dancers at Madison Square Garden’s open auditions on *Sunday*, *June 28th at 10AM*.
They want YOU to join them on the court and share the excitement of what it feels like to ROCK THE GARDEN! Find your dancing shoes and click here for more info and guidelines:
http://blogs.msg.com/themonitor/2009/05/15/knicks-city-dancers-want-you/
May 21, 2009
And the Winner is.....
ABC's Dancing With The Stars announces a new 2009 winner : Olympic medalist Shawn Johnson.
After eleven weeks of hard work, dedication, criticism and praise Shawn and her partner Mark Ballas reigns the dance floor beating actor Gilles Marini and his partner Cheryl Burke by a mere 1%.
This season has been the most competitive and intense in the series so far!
(Photo courtesy of Flickr : (http://www.flickr.com/search/?q=shawn%20johnson%20dwts&w=all)
May 12, 2009
Carrie Ann Inaba's Favorite Dance Photos
LIFE asks Dancing With The Stars' judge Carrie Ann Inaba to pick her favorite dance photos.
http://www.life.com/image/84210411/in-gallery/23258/carrie-ann-inabas-top-dance-pics
http://www.life.com/image/84210411/in-gallery/23258/carrie-ann-inabas-top-dance-pics
May 11, 2009
Hey Magalenha
One of my favorite songs for a fast paced Samba, is "Magalenha" (by Sergio Mendez) and then of course the many re-mixes. If you have never heard the song, it's featured in the movie "Dance with me" with Venessa Williams and Chayanne give an astounding performance.
I have spent so much time on Youtube and other media for dances and performances by various pro dancers, groups and other individuals as they try to conquer this song so I thought I would add a few clips that I have found so far which I believe are worthy of comments.
Please feel free to add or link to any other dance variations/choreographies for Magalenha.
I have spent so much time on Youtube and other media for dances and performances by various pro dancers, groups and other individuals as they try to conquer this song so I thought I would add a few clips that I have found so far which I believe are worthy of comments.
Please feel free to add or link to any other dance variations/choreographies for Magalenha.
May 5, 2009
Frostie the Dancing Bird
Here is a video of Frostie the dancing bird. Just a little something for everyone to enjoy.
If you can't fly away....at least just dance away.....
If you can't fly away....at least just dance away.....
May 4, 2009
A Dance Partner at Last !
Whether you are new to ballroom dancing (or any other genre of dancing that consists of dancing with a partner) or a seasoned dancer who is looking for a new partner, here are some tips to keep in mind when choosing your "other half" to compliment you on the dance floor. While some traits of a prospective partner maybe visible from the start, others may take a while (or at least a few trials) for realization.
Sibling, friend or stranger, as a dance couple, you need to not only act the part but also look the part as keeping your audience entertained stretches way beyond perfect steps and choreography. When dancing, you are telling a story, expressing yourself, not with words but with every part of your body and inner being.
Confidence
This is the first and one of the most important traits to look for in a dance partner.
As a female dancer, one must have confidence in herself to be led on the dance floor. Dancing is one of the few instances a lady requires the ability to guess which step the man is going to take before he actually takes it. It is the female's duty to step with confidence and follow the partner with in each progressive step and in some cases like twists, turns, spins and lifts, be able to have enough faith to know that he would direct you properly and adequately and not let you down.
As a male dancer, confidence comes in the sense of being able to lead the lady on the dance floor, to convey to her (only with your body movement) what she needs to do. It is the male that decides what happens on the dance floor, where on the floor it happens and which figures and steps to dance, so having a confident male partner who has the capability to make on the spot dance decisions and maneuver the lady around other couples on the dance floor, is detrimental.
If you are a gentleman who had confidence to ask a lady to the dance floor for the first time, then you possess the pre-requisite to be a great dancer!
Physical Attraction
Just as with regular couples, physical attraction is important with dance couples to build and maintain chemistry on the dance floor. Whether your a man or a woman, having an attractive partner will put some "fizz" in to your dancing. As a ballroom dancer, if there is no connection with your partner on the dance floor, you are as good as if you were to dance alone and the spectators would be the first to conclude that you are a "mismatch".
Compatibility
Compatibility goes in par with the second tip and I am using the term in a much broader sense that includes (but not limited to) physical compatibility (height, weight, built), age and interests. It is much easier to dance with and relate to a partner who is of the same age and share common interests as you. Physical compatibility is important to couples who dance standard/smooth and latin/rhythm styles to maintain form and posture, for easy leading/following and to look smooth on the dance floor. It is also important to make sure that the partner you choose has the same interest and goals for dancing as you in order to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation of intentions later on.
Comfortable to dance with
In a great dance performance, there is no holding back. When you dance, one must be able to express and feel free to "let go", disconnect from the every day life and connect with a different realm. To achieve this, you need a partner whom you will be comfortable dancing in close proximity with and a partner who will make you want to shed away every bit of shyness and hesitation you may have.
You may not be able to address the issue of "comfort level" when dancing with a brand new partner initially, but with time, you may either be able to make a judgment on how "close" you can be without creating any awkward situations and moments or you will be able to get past whatever the discomfort you felt at the very beginning. Every thing new takes time getting used/adjusted to, so don't give up without at least a try.
Patience
This is especially applicable to individuals whose prospective partners are above/below your standard and knowledge of dancing. One must ensure that the partner has enough patience to teach you and/or practice with you (without the fighting and the disagreements) until both of you are have caught up to the same level and have mastered the techniques of each step and variation. No one is perfect and no one can get it right every time, therefore having a supportive partner with steady perseverance and diligence can make your dancing experience that much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Dedication & Commitment
To some, dancing is second in nature to walking, while others find it quite challenging to listen to and feel the music and to dance in sync to a beat, let alone a beat and a partner at the same time. In my years of dancing with many different partners (from beginners who have never taken a dance step in their life to people who feel the music in their body and have the spring in their feet) I have come to realize that no matter what your level and knowledge of dancing is, just like with every new venture in life, a little bit of dedication and hard work will make you look like you have been dancing for years. Dancing is a very competitive and challenging sport and comes with a lot of practice, sweat, falls, bruises and aching feet. But if you can find a partner who is as dedicated as you are to becoming a good dancer, you will most definitely be able to see past the pain and enjoy every moment you are on the dance floor.
Creativity and Imagination
Just like any other form of art and expression, dancing requires a great deal of imagination and creativity. Performing a few basic routines and steps that you and your partner have learned in class is one thing, but choreography that keeps an audience and yourself (as the dancer) entertained and interested is a challenge. This is especially felt by beginners whose dancing is limited to a very few basic steps. In such instances, dancing can get quite boring and monotonous but if you had a creative partner who can build upon the basic steps and routines and come up with a new variation or two, I guarantee you will want to stay on the dance floor for the next dance.
Passion for Dancing
This, in my "book of dancing" is the most important aspect to look for in a dance partner. Some people dance for exercise/fitness purposes, to some it's a place to make new friends from the opposite sex while to a very handful, dancing is a hobby and a passion. It does not matter what age, color and knowledge your prospective partner has, how attractive he/she is, what physical capabilities and compatibilities your partner possess to dance or how good they may be at keeping to rhythm, the utmost important trait to look for in a dance partner should be his/her passion for dancing. Because without the passion, there is no desire to express, to let go and to let your body, feet, arms and facial expressions tell a story.
Choose a partner who can bring out the best in you, someone who can constantly motivate you to be better than you are, someone who gives you confidence to take the next step. Don't let your (bad) choice of a partner prevent or limit you from dancing to the best of your ability.
Sibling, friend or stranger, as a dance couple, you need to not only act the part but also look the part as keeping your audience entertained stretches way beyond perfect steps and choreography. When dancing, you are telling a story, expressing yourself, not with words but with every part of your body and inner being.
Confidence
This is the first and one of the most important traits to look for in a dance partner.
As a female dancer, one must have confidence in herself to be led on the dance floor. Dancing is one of the few instances a lady requires the ability to guess which step the man is going to take before he actually takes it. It is the female's duty to step with confidence and follow the partner with in each progressive step and in some cases like twists, turns, spins and lifts, be able to have enough faith to know that he would direct you properly and adequately and not let you down.
As a male dancer, confidence comes in the sense of being able to lead the lady on the dance floor, to convey to her (only with your body movement) what she needs to do. It is the male that decides what happens on the dance floor, where on the floor it happens and which figures and steps to dance, so having a confident male partner who has the capability to make on the spot dance decisions and maneuver the lady around other couples on the dance floor, is detrimental.
If you are a gentleman who had confidence to ask a lady to the dance floor for the first time, then you possess the pre-requisite to be a great dancer!
Physical Attraction
Just as with regular couples, physical attraction is important with dance couples to build and maintain chemistry on the dance floor. Whether your a man or a woman, having an attractive partner will put some "fizz" in to your dancing. As a ballroom dancer, if there is no connection with your partner on the dance floor, you are as good as if you were to dance alone and the spectators would be the first to conclude that you are a "mismatch".
Compatibility
Compatibility goes in par with the second tip and I am using the term in a much broader sense that includes (but not limited to) physical compatibility (height, weight, built), age and interests. It is much easier to dance with and relate to a partner who is of the same age and share common interests as you. Physical compatibility is important to couples who dance standard/smooth and latin/rhythm styles to maintain form and posture, for easy leading/following and to look smooth on the dance floor. It is also important to make sure that the partner you choose has the same interest and goals for dancing as you in order to avoid any miscommunication and misinterpretation of intentions later on.
Comfortable to dance with
In a great dance performance, there is no holding back. When you dance, one must be able to express and feel free to "let go", disconnect from the every day life and connect with a different realm. To achieve this, you need a partner whom you will be comfortable dancing in close proximity with and a partner who will make you want to shed away every bit of shyness and hesitation you may have.
You may not be able to address the issue of "comfort level" when dancing with a brand new partner initially, but with time, you may either be able to make a judgment on how "close" you can be without creating any awkward situations and moments or you will be able to get past whatever the discomfort you felt at the very beginning. Every thing new takes time getting used/adjusted to, so don't give up without at least a try.
Patience
This is especially applicable to individuals whose prospective partners are above/below your standard and knowledge of dancing. One must ensure that the partner has enough patience to teach you and/or practice with you (without the fighting and the disagreements) until both of you are have caught up to the same level and have mastered the techniques of each step and variation. No one is perfect and no one can get it right every time, therefore having a supportive partner with steady perseverance and diligence can make your dancing experience that much more pleasant and enjoyable.
Dedication & Commitment
To some, dancing is second in nature to walking, while others find it quite challenging to listen to and feel the music and to dance in sync to a beat, let alone a beat and a partner at the same time. In my years of dancing with many different partners (from beginners who have never taken a dance step in their life to people who feel the music in their body and have the spring in their feet) I have come to realize that no matter what your level and knowledge of dancing is, just like with every new venture in life, a little bit of dedication and hard work will make you look like you have been dancing for years. Dancing is a very competitive and challenging sport and comes with a lot of practice, sweat, falls, bruises and aching feet. But if you can find a partner who is as dedicated as you are to becoming a good dancer, you will most definitely be able to see past the pain and enjoy every moment you are on the dance floor.
Creativity and Imagination
Just like any other form of art and expression, dancing requires a great deal of imagination and creativity. Performing a few basic routines and steps that you and your partner have learned in class is one thing, but choreography that keeps an audience and yourself (as the dancer) entertained and interested is a challenge. This is especially felt by beginners whose dancing is limited to a very few basic steps. In such instances, dancing can get quite boring and monotonous but if you had a creative partner who can build upon the basic steps and routines and come up with a new variation or two, I guarantee you will want to stay on the dance floor for the next dance.
Passion for Dancing
This, in my "book of dancing" is the most important aspect to look for in a dance partner. Some people dance for exercise/fitness purposes, to some it's a place to make new friends from the opposite sex while to a very handful, dancing is a hobby and a passion. It does not matter what age, color and knowledge your prospective partner has, how attractive he/she is, what physical capabilities and compatibilities your partner possess to dance or how good they may be at keeping to rhythm, the utmost important trait to look for in a dance partner should be his/her passion for dancing. Because without the passion, there is no desire to express, to let go and to let your body, feet, arms and facial expressions tell a story.
Choose a partner who can bring out the best in you, someone who can constantly motivate you to be better than you are, someone who gives you confidence to take the next step. Don't let your (bad) choice of a partner prevent or limit you from dancing to the best of your ability.
April 14, 2009
How to get a man on the dance floor
To most men, dancing is a flimsy form of art, not very manly and definitely not the first choice of "extra curricular activity" or "hobby" to take on. In my 3+ years of dancing, I have come across more guys who looked down upon dancing and had very biased opinions of "men on the dance floor" than those who considered dancing as much a sport as any other.
Men, in general, prefer to be involved in sports such as football and wrestling and forms of entertainment such as drinking and smoking and function with a pre-determined notion that dancing should be left for the opposite sex to concur. Only the few men who are willing to shed that misconception and try their limits on the dance floor are fortunate enough to realize how much skill, talent and discipline it takes to be a great dancer.
Even though I speak of "men" as a mix of all age groups and social statuses, I believe that it is more difficult to get a younger guy to join a dance class and on the dance floor than a more matured man. I say this with much conviction since most of the dance classes and social dances I have attended (In the USA and Asia), consist mostly of older men and women (especially older men). This could be different in each country, state and city and also very dependent on the style of dancing (ex. Standard dances vs Latin etc.) but I don't think I am too much off tangent to assume this as a general observation.
For all the women who are trying hard to get their male friends/partners/significant others on the dance floor, here are a few more tricks you can try.
1. First and foremost, tell your partner that it doesn't matter what he can or cannot do, how many tricks he has up his sleeve and how many achievements he has in his life, if he cannot dance then he is not "complete". Tell him that being able to take a lady to the dance floor with confidence is one of the basic elements of "manhood" and being "manly" :)
2. My dance teacher always used to say "in a world where the battle of the sexes are becoming more obvious, dancing is the only time the men get to lead and the women are compelled to follow". Try this line next time on your partner, maybe his boosted ego and a chance to "lead" will get him off the couch and the TV and onto the dance floor.
3. Suggest a few easy dance videos / instructional videos for your partner to watch. Youtube is also a great source to get your hands on a variety of basic video clips for free. This will not only put him at ease and build confidence but also will be a great tool and guide to determine what kind of dancing will be most suitable to both your styles and purpose.
4. Dance at home with your partner if he is too shy to dance in a class on his first attempt. Make him try some dance moves at home when no one is watching! Guys would be surprised to find out the extent of their capabilities.
5. Encourage your male partner to try dancing (in a beginners group class or even at home and different types of dancing) as a form of exercise and recreation if he is not willing to put time and effort into serious dancing at first. Once they get the hang of it and learn to be less self-conscious you might be able to convince him to take some lessons with you and maybe even take dancing to the next level.
In summary:
To all the men who are averse to dancing should first come to the realization that looking graceful and elegant on the dance floor comes with a lot of practice, effort and discipline and that the dance floor is a space where you can take control, be in charge and show your audience everything your made of. It's a space, time and opportunity for all men to be more manly. Not less.
To all the women who are eager to get their men on the dance floor, try the above and be patient. The men will eventually come around.
Men, in general, prefer to be involved in sports such as football and wrestling and forms of entertainment such as drinking and smoking and function with a pre-determined notion that dancing should be left for the opposite sex to concur. Only the few men who are willing to shed that misconception and try their limits on the dance floor are fortunate enough to realize how much skill, talent and discipline it takes to be a great dancer.
Even though I speak of "men" as a mix of all age groups and social statuses, I believe that it is more difficult to get a younger guy to join a dance class and on the dance floor than a more matured man. I say this with much conviction since most of the dance classes and social dances I have attended (In the USA and Asia), consist mostly of older men and women (especially older men). This could be different in each country, state and city and also very dependent on the style of dancing (ex. Standard dances vs Latin etc.) but I don't think I am too much off tangent to assume this as a general observation.
For all the women who are trying hard to get their male friends/partners/significant others on the dance floor, here are a few more tricks you can try.
1. First and foremost, tell your partner that it doesn't matter what he can or cannot do, how many tricks he has up his sleeve and how many achievements he has in his life, if he cannot dance then he is not "complete". Tell him that being able to take a lady to the dance floor with confidence is one of the basic elements of "manhood" and being "manly" :)
2. My dance teacher always used to say "in a world where the battle of the sexes are becoming more obvious, dancing is the only time the men get to lead and the women are compelled to follow". Try this line next time on your partner, maybe his boosted ego and a chance to "lead" will get him off the couch and the TV and onto the dance floor.
3. Suggest a few easy dance videos / instructional videos for your partner to watch. Youtube is also a great source to get your hands on a variety of basic video clips for free. This will not only put him at ease and build confidence but also will be a great tool and guide to determine what kind of dancing will be most suitable to both your styles and purpose.
4. Dance at home with your partner if he is too shy to dance in a class on his first attempt. Make him try some dance moves at home when no one is watching! Guys would be surprised to find out the extent of their capabilities.
5. Encourage your male partner to try dancing (in a beginners group class or even at home and different types of dancing) as a form of exercise and recreation if he is not willing to put time and effort into serious dancing at first. Once they get the hang of it and learn to be less self-conscious you might be able to convince him to take some lessons with you and maybe even take dancing to the next level.
In summary:
To all the men who are averse to dancing should first come to the realization that looking graceful and elegant on the dance floor comes with a lot of practice, effort and discipline and that the dance floor is a space where you can take control, be in charge and show your audience everything your made of. It's a space, time and opportunity for all men to be more manly. Not less.
To all the women who are eager to get their men on the dance floor, try the above and be patient. The men will eventually come around.
April 10, 2009
The Turns.....
If you are a ballroom dancer, a few steps you simply cannot run away from are the much dreaded heel turns and the double-reverse turns. Whether you are a lady or gent, heel turns are very much a part of the International Standard dances, the Waltz, Foxtrot and the Quickstep. A controlled and balanced heel turn (done by pivoting on your heel of course!) with the "rise and fall" done correctly and in sync with your partner, makes the dance look elegant and smooth. In the Foxtrot, every turn for the lady is a heel turn. Flexed knees, body rotation and all weight on your heels will produce a heel turn that would make you look the part of a pro dancer. And at the end of the turn all you have to do is rise up on your toes and continue on to the next step. So if you thought you can get away from heel turns, then I have to say, your very much mistaken!!
The double-reverse Turn, I am sure, is the nemesis for most of novice ballroom dancers. Done correctly and with a bit of practice, it is one of the figures that makes you look professional on the dance floor. The double reverse turn (DRT) is usually done after half a reverse turn and a reverse pivot. So if you keep your body turning constantly in the direction of travel, the DRT becomes that much easier to conquer. In the Waltz, the count is "1, 2, 3" (for the reverse turn), "AND" (which is half a beat for the reverse pivot) and "1, 2, 3" (for the DRT) where as in the Quickstep it is "S, Q, Q" (for the reverse turn), "S" (for the reverse pivot) and "S, S, Q, Q" (for the DRT).
Pay extra attention to your footwork, body rotation and the rise and fall the next time you do the heel turns and the double-reverse turns. I assure you the dance with be more fun and the steps will feel smoother and effortless.
The double-reverse Turn, I am sure, is the nemesis for most of novice ballroom dancers. Done correctly and with a bit of practice, it is one of the figures that makes you look professional on the dance floor. The double reverse turn (DRT) is usually done after half a reverse turn and a reverse pivot. So if you keep your body turning constantly in the direction of travel, the DRT becomes that much easier to conquer. In the Waltz, the count is "1, 2, 3" (for the reverse turn), "AND" (which is half a beat for the reverse pivot) and "1, 2, 3" (for the DRT) where as in the Quickstep it is "S, Q, Q" (for the reverse turn), "S" (for the reverse pivot) and "S, S, Q, Q" (for the DRT).
Pay extra attention to your footwork, body rotation and the rise and fall the next time you do the heel turns and the double-reverse turns. I assure you the dance with be more fun and the steps will feel smoother and effortless.
April 8, 2009
Dressed to Impress
Being a dance lover for many years, yet quite new to the dance arena, I am competing in my first Ballroom dance competition this month. With all the excitement and the hard work comes great payoffs - looking and feeling like a million dollars, dressed in shining couture (literally) and being the center of attention for the few minutes you are on the dance floor. However, due to time constraints and wanting to be the best I can, I am competing only in the International Standard events, the infamous Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, Quick Step and Viennese Waltz.. So I leave the 10-dance challenge till next time.
I consider ballroom dancing (at least in the competitive level) to be a luxury. The most important asset - your dancing partner. After all, the saying goes "it takes two to Tango". The more effort you put the more tuned and adjusted you will be to your dance partner. Being able to dance and dance in sync comes with great practice, but I believe the most important link to a great performance on the dance floor is the love and passion for dance. You live in the moment and you let go, it feels like you are in a different world, a world you can float in.
And then comes the dress!! The dance costume is usually of more importance to the lady than the gent. Then again, it IS the case most of the time, whether your dancing or not!! :)
I spent a lot of time looking for ballroom dresses. I considered many options such as getting a custom gown done or renting - which designer to go with, who had the most selection, creativity and unique designs. During my hunt I came across many many well-known designers in the industry, but one common theme they all had going for themselves was that NOTHING IMPRESSED ME. I believe that when you look at a dress and you go "WOW", now that is something to consider. Until then, you keep searching. After all your goal is to get the best value for the money you will be spending. Of course, price is a big factor in choosing a dress. Since this was my first time competing, I wanted to stick to a lower budget. After all it is not only the dress that matters, what about the accessories and the jewelry and the million other things that must all come together to look professional on the dance floor?
In the midst of all the searching (and bookmarking of designer websites!!), re-visiting them over and over, I came across one ballroom dress designer that put the "WOW" factor to test. The dresses are simple yet elegant and unique. It is in one of her dresses that I would love to Waltz to "Fascination". And I would definitely do the slowest Quick Step ever to stay as long as I can on the dance floor!! :)
I consider ballroom dancing (at least in the competitive level) to be a luxury. The most important asset - your dancing partner. After all, the saying goes "it takes two to Tango". The more effort you put the more tuned and adjusted you will be to your dance partner. Being able to dance and dance in sync comes with great practice, but I believe the most important link to a great performance on the dance floor is the love and passion for dance. You live in the moment and you let go, it feels like you are in a different world, a world you can float in.
And then comes the dress!! The dance costume is usually of more importance to the lady than the gent. Then again, it IS the case most of the time, whether your dancing or not!! :)
I spent a lot of time looking for ballroom dresses. I considered many options such as getting a custom gown done or renting - which designer to go with, who had the most selection, creativity and unique designs. During my hunt I came across many many well-known designers in the industry, but one common theme they all had going for themselves was that NOTHING IMPRESSED ME. I believe that when you look at a dress and you go "WOW", now that is something to consider. Until then, you keep searching. After all your goal is to get the best value for the money you will be spending. Of course, price is a big factor in choosing a dress. Since this was my first time competing, I wanted to stick to a lower budget. After all it is not only the dress that matters, what about the accessories and the jewelry and the million other things that must all come together to look professional on the dance floor?
In the midst of all the searching (and bookmarking of designer websites!!), re-visiting them over and over, I came across one ballroom dress designer that put the "WOW" factor to test. The dresses are simple yet elegant and unique. It is in one of her dresses that I would love to Waltz to "Fascination". And I would definitely do the slowest Quick Step ever to stay as long as I can on the dance floor!! :)
April 7, 2009
If there was one way to samba, it would be their way...
Brian Watson and Carmen....my Samba idols. Watch them dance at the World Latin Showdance. If there was a better definition for "utter perfection" let me know. All you dancers out there, this is a must see in case you missed it.
What do YOU think?
What do YOU think?
Prologue
After spending much time on the web searching for resources on dancing such as dance studios, dance instructors, where to rent and buy dresses, dance costume designers, where to buy shoes, accessories and jewelry I decided to be a first to come up with a site to make all this information available to the new dancer....all in one location.
My intention is to collect as much information as I can and throw it out to the readers and I hope in time to come, your comments and contributions will make this venture a success.
So please feel free to add, comment and share your thoughts on any topic related to dancing. And by dancing I mean any kind of dancing....Ballroom, Latin, Ballet, Jazz, to Hip-Hop....even Belly dancing!!
In the process, I hope this will turn out to be a learning experience for me.
My intention is to collect as much information as I can and throw it out to the readers and I hope in time to come, your comments and contributions will make this venture a success.
So please feel free to add, comment and share your thoughts on any topic related to dancing. And by dancing I mean any kind of dancing....Ballroom, Latin, Ballet, Jazz, to Hip-Hop....even Belly dancing!!
In the process, I hope this will turn out to be a learning experience for me.
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