We’ve set the stage with an intro to general turning technique, as well as the 5 elements that we can change to give our dance spins a different look and feel. Now, we’re finally ready to upgrade the actual dance spins we use in our dances. Previously, we looked at the spot turn, and how to make it work. Let’s try something a little more advanced: the pivots and pivoting actions. Continue reading "Ballroom Dance Spins: Pivots VS ‘Pivoting Actions’"
The 5 Elements of a Good Dance Spin
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of how turns work and how they differ between rhythm and smooth dance styles, what are the qualities behind a well-executed dance spin? As you practice, you will gradually increase your mastery over each of these 5 elements, allowing you to make every turn unique, and uniquely yours. Continue reading "The 5 Elements of a Good Dance Spin"
The Secrets to Making a Perfect Dance Turn
Whether it’s a slow waltz or a blazingly fast salsa, turns, spins, pivots and other types of rotations are a part of every dance style. Want to improve your balance, make snappier dance turns, or just sound smart talking about them to your buddies? Let’s start by taking a detailed look at a how a dance turn actually works. Continue reading "The Secrets to Making a Perfect Dance Turn"
5 Ways to Shine in Your Dancing Performance
All the prep work’s been done. You’re walking out on stage for your dancing performance when… Oh my goodness, look how many people are watching! Wait, did my shoe unlace itself? AHH, IT”S ALL GOING WRONG!!!
Don’t let this be you. The 5 strategies I’m sharing here will keep you focused and lower stage jitters to a minimum. I owe both my own coaches and other ballroom experts for this hard-won advice - may it do you as much good as it did me. Continue reading "5 Ways to Shine in Your Dancing Performance"
6 Secrets to Preparing for A Dance Performance
Some perform because it motivates them to improve, because they love the stage, or because they rarely get the space to dance with their whole heart. Sadly, many others are intimidated by the stage, and miss out on the the joy of performing for others. If you’ve decided to take the plunge however, here’s how to get ready your next dance performance. Continue reading "6 Secrets to Preparing for A Dance Performance"
Dance Partner Tricks for Connecting
So, you still want more? Now that we’ve used our new connecting skills with our simple leads and follows, let’s delve into some of the advanced dance partner tricks that will give your connection a special smoothness and fluidity. Continue reading "Dance Partner Tricks for Connecting"
You and Your Dance Partner: Common Leads and Follows
You’re finally ready to start moving with your dance partner to some of the more common ballroom patterns. These patterns are used in multiple dances, but the leads and follows are virtually the same. I recommend you make sure you know the footwork already. Follower instructions will be italicized after the leader’s instructions. Continue reading "You and Your Dance Partner: Common Leads and Follows"
Connecting for Dancing Partners: How to Move
A good connection with your dancing partners is like food for your dog - keep providing it, and they’ll always come back for more. Last time, we looked at the basics of taking a ballroom dance frame. Now it’s time to get you two moving with a few more all-important commandments: Continue reading "Connecting for Dancing Partners: How to Move"
How to Connect With Your Partner
As they say, the devil is in the details. When we lead and follow in a ballroom dance for instance, our movements combine lots of little elements to create this wonderful thing called ‘connection’. Continue reading "How to Connect With Your Partner"
To Improve Posture, Watch Your Posture!
Are you an ‘armchair dancer’? It’s easy to learn how to improve posture, but do you actually work it into your routine? Like any changes we make in life, it often takes our brain some convincing - and even a little trickery - to build a new habit. The following is a list of possible places and ways you can improve posture without taking up too much mental space. Finally, we wrap up with some tips every upstanding dancer needs to improve posture, and everything connected with it. Continue reading "To Improve Posture, Watch Your Posture!"