Midland Mavericks

It sounds a bit odd, but I started salsa in the unlikely location of Heidelberg, Germany. While, traveling there for a study abroad program for university, the summer program included a bit of salsa. The teacher, Voytek, hailed from Poland. On the first day of class there were Georgio, the Italian student that every girl I met there seemed to know, an associate of Georgio, myself, and about thirty girls. I wished I had a camera. With those odds, it did not matter that I had never danced salsa before. On one of the days a number of the men dancers decided to play soccer instead of practicing, which didn't quite fly with Voytek. I played a bit of soccer myself, but during non-salsa time[..]

There is nothing that can match the buzz that you get when you're getting dressed for a nights ballroom dancing, it's different and very exciting. With ballroom dancing becoming a fashionable American pastime, the dress code is constantly being restyled and changed. We've seen many styles of ballroom dancing dresses on television, thanks to the media's recent interest in covering this elite activity. However, there are several differences in ballroom dress styles depending on the country. Different nationalities tend to be associated with certain styles of ballroom dancing dresses and the US is no different. American ballroom dancing dresses tend to utterly beautiful, long, soft and[..]

Want to get active this year, and get your groove on? A dance class is an excellent outlet to keep your body active. Also, dancing is a fun way for people of all ages to stay healthy without feeling like you're "working out." Before you dive in to a new dance class, here's three simple steps I recommend you take to get the most out of your experience and achieve your fullest potential: 1. Research a dance class or instructor you're interested in. Ask questions. Search their websites. Consider a class that has a track record of delivering results, and leaves you with a positive, encouraging impression. As with anything, avoid any business that appears to be a shady, fly-by-night[..]

Learning to dance ballet is one of the difficult dances that a person could ever perform because the dance itself requires not only physical strength but also skills and years of practice and discipline. Since the dance is hard to master, ballerinas are trained very early to develop the physique and discipline needed for the dance. If you are one of those who are planning to learn ballet, you must first assess yourself physically, emotionally, and financially if you can cope up with the demands of the dance. Once you have decided that you can manage in all of these aspects, then the next thing to do is familiarize yourself with everything about it. Knowing the origin of something is very[..]

Tango music is very different to what we listen today in popular culture. In fact it has all the flavours required to make one happy because the music is lively, rhythmic and the same time soulful. Starting from soft tango there is the hard tango and also the ones where the dance becomes extremely sensual, more so because of the songs. Therefore the music as well as the dance form has become extremely popular all over the world, no matter which country you take into consideration. As we all know, tango originated in Argentina, it was the local dance of that place. However, as time went by, more and more people got attracted to this form of dancing and singing. Actually it is one form of[..]

Modern Ballroom dancing became popular with the English working class in the late 19th and early 20th century however, it had been very popular with the upper classes of England for a lot longer. Ballroom dancing is defined as "Any of various, usually social dances in which couples perform set moves". Elegant moves indeed with the flowing waltz, the sultry latin moves of the Tango or Paso Doble, and the lively rhythm of the Fox Trot, Jive or Quick Step. It wasn't until the early 1920's that competitive ballroom dancing gained popularity and Modern Ballroom and Latin American Ballroom became standardized for teaching purposes. The standardization included set, internationally[..]

Anyone who wants to go to a Western line dance will need a nice looking pair of boots. It is not enough, though, to wear just any kind of boots. Construction boots would look dramatically out of place, and would probably make the dancing harder. Instead, it is best to carefully select the most comfortable cowboy boots available - that is the style everyone will be wearing, and comfort of the feet is important in any kind of dancing. One might ask why one should bother with this kind of dancing if special footwear is needed. The answer is simple: Western line dancing is lots of fun without any of the complications of needing a partner on the floor. This is not to say that one cannot have[..]

Parents often wonder if it makes sense to enroll their children in kid's dance classes. In other words, is there a benefit to doing so? Unless the child wants to pursue a career in that field, should they take classes? More often than not, the answer is yes. Would you think twice about the benefits of your kid being involved with an after-school sports program? No, you probably wouldn't. You'd say that it makes sense for them to be involved with something that got them away from the computer and the TV for a while. The same is true with dance classes. Plus, the classes offer an alternative to traditional sports. Not only are they usually, but kids will learn something they might not[..]

Ballroom dancing is a wonderful and elegant activity that many people partake in. One of the most important components is the footwear of the dancers. More specifically, a correctly fitting set of shoes is crucial to a ballroom dancer. First of all, purchasing a pair of shoes solely because you like the way they look can be extremely detrimental. This can be predicated by dancing in a shoe that is not an accurate fit for your foot, consequently effecting dance moves. The most important thing a dancer should take into account is the fit of the shoe; the better the fit of the shoe, the better the ability to maximize posture and balance. When fitting into a shoe, there should be no[..]

When you consider ballroom dancing, you probably consider slow music being played by a violin. Hundreds of years ago, your options would have been very accurate. Ballroom dancing was originally carried out to acoustic guitars, violins, and cellos. This type of music was proper at the time, as most ballroom dances were slow and very precise. However, as time passed and ballroom dancing gained popularity, the music changed right along with the dances. Gone are the days of the mellow acoustic strings; these days, a variety of music is made use of in ballroom dancing. The music depends stringently on the kind of dance being executed. In ballroom dancing, there are over ten traditional dances[..]

Judging ballroom dancing is difficult business and you need experience to be able to do it well. True, there are a few set parameters on which the couples are rated but in any competition, the relativity factor is very important. Every couple has to also be judged in comparison to the others and this is the tough part. Let's look at the rateable factors. These are Timing, Posture, Hold, Line, Poise, Presentation, Togetherness and Power and each competition could just have a few more on the list. Timing is so important. You blow that and you're out. This is why couples practice so much so they can be sure of getting the timing right in their sleep. You just have to be in perfect time to[..]

Two of my favourite Ballroom Dances would be The Jive and The Samba. The Samba is a composition of several different South American dances that were practiced by slaves bought into Portugal in the 16th century, like the Catarete, Embolada and the Batuque. These dances were considered vulgar by the Europeans and one of the dances, the Batuque was so popular that it was outlawed. The Batuque was danced in a circle with steps resembling those of a Charleston with a solo dancer in the center of the circle. Eventually, carnival steps were added and the dance was modified to use the closed ballroom position and considered a proper dance by the Europeans. The Samba appears to be a combination[..]

There are many reasons why someone will want to learn how to dance. One of the great things about learning to dance is you will get an invigorating exercise workout. If learning to dance does nothing else for you, it will get your heart pumping and may help you get into shape. If your goal is to get in shape then this mean a simple one week dance class will not do the trick. You should have at least 3 months or more dance lessons which take place 3 times a week or more for at least 1 hour or more per dance lesson. It is important to take dancing serious and attempt to do every move with precision, oppose to a lazy dance move. You need to push yourself to get the most out of your dance[..]

You probably go through Youtube to find hip hop dance tutorials - like many others, including me as well. Don't get me wrong, it's definitely a good way to learn what your body can do in hip hop dances. However, it would waste too much of your time trying to imitate those moves. Moreover, you'll be lacking your own style. Good hip hop dancers have their own unique signature moves. By the time you finish reading this, you should be able to really differentiate hip hop dance from other forms of dancing. You need to know the fundamentals of hip hop dance. And after knowing it, you can come up with your own style of dancing. Knowing the basics of hip hop dancing also boosts your ability to[..]

I have been noticing that the Bay Area Salsa performers are getting quite friendly with "the walk" entering a stage. My aim in this blog is to critique "their walk" and hopefully they'd take this criticism as constructive. What is "the walk" and where did it come from? The walk is just that, a walk. But it is different from the normal walk everyone does going about their own business everyday, everywhere. "The walk' exudes confidence. It gets attention. It could be in an introduction or at the end of the routine as performers walk out of the stage. Where does "the walk" come from? It is my belief that it came from the ballroom dance, to be specific, ballroom standard (Foxtrot, Waltz,[..]

Samba is a Brazilian dance and musical genre originating in African roots. It is recognized around the world as a symbol of Brazil and the Brazilian Carnival. Samba is considered as an icon of Brazilian national identity and considered as one of the most popular Brazilian cultural expressions. Many versions of samba are danced at the local carnival in Rio. Click Here For Let's Dance Louis Instant Access Now! Samba is a great dance to learn. To achieve true character of this dance, a dancer must use a pulsing action to accent its flirtatious and exuberant interpretation. Whenever you see someone dance the samba, I'm sure you will feel like dancing too. Now, you can also be the dancer and[..]

If we are able to repeat an action the same way each time, then we are able to do dance steps. Dance steps occur when we move the weight of our body from one foot to the other within a time period dictated by the music. During every step, our foot must be supporting our body. When we finish a dance step with our weight on one foot, we then know which foot we are to move next. The goal is to not have our weight on two feet at any time. It sounds simple, but it not so easy to do. It can take time for new dancers to complete a sequence of dance steps without conscious thinking and effort. However, this process can be accelerated when we understand that our body actually knows what to do and[..]

If you don't know anything about Argentine Tango apart of the tons of cliches which many people have in their minds, you really might ask yourself "What the heck is that guy talking about?" Just give me a minute and I will explain. Maybe you know Tango only from movies where obscure figures on dim lighted dance floors do strange movements, chewing wagon loads of roses. Maybe you made up your judgment about Tango having seen ballroom dance competitions, frozen smiles, rigid moves, heads twisting unnaturally with every movement... Could be you went to a Tango Show, spectacular, technically brilliant sensual and maybe most impressive. Yet, what has all this to do with social competence? To[..]

So You Think You Can Be A Salsa Instructor? Well let me tell you..You can! If you have the dedication, passion, time, and necessary investment then you are on your way. But those things are just prerequisites. Being a GOOD teacher requires much more and we have some tips to strengthen your teacher status. For the fresh-out-the-box or the seasoned veteran, these tips will remind all teachers what it's all about. 1) Firmly Embrace Your Salsa. I mentioned before that passion is a prerequisite but more than that it is fundamental to being a good teacher. No one wants to be lectured on the specifics of the dance or get a history lesson when they are first learning. If you do this, your[..]

When it comes to purchasing a ballet bar which is without a doubt the singularly most important item of equipment that a dancer will use, it is remarkable how (through lack of knowledge and experience) the purchaser fails to make a suitable decision and gets bogged down in small details, whilst at the same time failing to take on board the big picture. The purchaser ends up making a (frankly unwise) choice of purchase based on what they assume will make for a reliable ballet dance bar rather than what will actually make a reliable one. First and foremost, it is crucial that the purchaser considers the level of ability and skill that the dancer currently possesses, as this will have a[..]

The ballet bar allows beginners and novice dancers to do a variety of exercises to improve their posture and steadiness. The barre exercises come in many forms and involve foot and hand work. These exercises are used as warm-ups and form the basis for complicated routines. Most dancers are advised to include barre exercises as a significant proportion of their routines. This holds for beginners and advanced learners. The cardinal barre exercises are monotonous and extremely slow. This is however their main strength. The exercises help build strength in the dancer's feet and legs. They also help the dancers learn correct dance postures. These exercises benefit a dancer by giving him or[..]

Most classical ballet dancers know that although their ballet dancing class progresses slowly so that body is well warmed up before hitting the centre work, they will get a lot more out of their class if they arrive ten minutes early to warm up and stretch. Ballet requires long, lean and strong muscles to facilitate ballet technique. These same muscles that work so hard in ballet class can become tight, bunchy and overdeveloped if not properly stretched. It is also easier to coax your body into ballet's various positions without too much strain when your muscles are warm. Warming up before class also prevents injury, especially those tiny niggly ones and small tears that are just serious[..]

Edgar Degas is highly considered to be one of the leading Impressionists of his day and as a result, the world has a number of paintings which enrich the art world as a whole. One of Degas' most famous works is The Dancing Class and when you look to this particular painting, you will be treated to a rich and vibrant world that Degas has managed to capture for future generations to enjoy. There are a number of layers to this particular painting and only after you take the time to study it in depth will you be able to fully appreciate everything it has to offer. To understand what Degas typically does in his paintings, you will need to look into the life of the man himself. Degas was born[..]

As a dance style there are many aspects of locking that are appealing. The big moves, the funkiness, the costumes and a lot more. So if you are a beginner looking to learn locking what choices should you make? Is it better to learn from a locking dance DVD or by taking lessons with a locking teacher? There are advantages to each method and I aim to highlight these in the coming article. The big advantage of taking lessons with a teacher is the class environment. When you are in the same room, if you do not understand how something is done or want further clarification or explanations these are possible. In effect what you have is the chance to have a dialogue, which of course is not[..]

It will depend on how good of a dancer you wish to become, what dances you wish to learn and how often you can go into the studio to take classes. How much practising you are prepared to do as well as your your own capability. With all that in mind it is difficult to determine it all depends on you. For instance, if a couple or single takes private lessons and group classes and you only take a group class then it will take you twice as long to reach the same level. On the other hand if you dance four times a week you may reach the same level in half the time. The bottom line is that how long it takes to learn to dance all depends on you. Private Lessons are a great way to get a jump on[..]

If you want to learn how to breakdance, here are some tips that will help you on your path, but first let me say... When you make the move to learn breakdancing, you will be hit with an array of emotions. Enthusiasm will hit as you get excited and you will be anticipating learning the 'power moves' such as flairs and headspins. But at the same time you will feel overwhelmed as breakdancing is a tough hobby to take up, and to keep at, so have some compassion toward yourself and some patience. At the end of the day, only your hardwork and dedication will see you through. Many start out in their mid 20's, as it takes a real decision to start this art form, so don't think you need to be a[..]

When it comes to pleasing the dancers, you need to play the top 100 salsa dance songs. But, what are they and who decides what the top 100 salsa dance songs are? That is a question that many salsa DJs have pondered, when trying to play the top 100 salsa dance songs for their audience. There's just such a wide variety in styles, speeds, singers and songs that makes choosing a hand full (or even the one to play next) such a dilemma. A good DJ always finds a way to please the majority, though. On the other hand, a novice DJ, who doesn't have the skill level, knowledge or has ever been a true, dance to the meaning of the song and music, salsero... well, a disaster is an understatement. There[..]

Break dancing is exciting to watch, it is full of sharp and sometimes electrifying moves. However, performing a break dance is easier said than done. People often want to learn how to break dance and they often find that it requires a great deal of skills and stamina.   When learning how to perform a break dance there are several specific moves that you need to know how to do. One of the main moves of a break dance is the down rock. This consists of six steps. In order to perform the down rock you must get into the push up position with your legs spread shoulder width apart. Then you must lift your right hand and place your left leg where your right hand has been. If you are not able to[..]

In order to develop an effective dance studio marketing strategy, you must first identify the right families or dancers to target. A solid understanding of your target market will save you money, increase your response rate, and generate a higher return on investment from your marketing efforts and is just plain smart dance studio business management.target-market Potential paying parents or dancers experience a range of business and personal pains and have different motivations for looking at your dance studio over the others in your area. Your messaging should speak to those pains and motivations; a one-size-fits-all approach will not be effective in driving new students to your[..]

There are certain professions where the equipment means everything. A musician needs a good instrument, a golfer needs good clubs, and a tap dancer needs good tap shoes. After all, without tap shoes there can be no tap. For children that are just beginning their dancing career it often falls on the parents to make the right choice of shoe for their child. Making the right shoe choice is a very important decision, but there is no reason you can't get it right. 1. Comfort First For children and beginners comfort should take priority. Have the staff at the store take measurements before trying any shoe on as well, this can make it much less of a guessing game. Tap shoes should not be too[..]

Becoming a great leader on the dance floor is a lofty goal with many rewards. It's also within the reach of anyone willing to pursue this elusive skill. There are two key ingredients to becoming a great leader: 1. Connection 2. Clarity On this issue will be concentrating on the first Key ingredient - "Connection". CONNECTION In order to lead someone you first need to establish a connection with that person. Without connection any attempt to lead will feel abrupt and unsettling. In order to establish connection with another person, you first need to be connected within yourself. The best way to develop your inner connection is by consciously focusing on your core area (one inch above[..]

I have already written an article in which I give some warm up exercises for you to do before your dancing class. It is really important to warm up before your dancing, or any other exercise classes for that matter. By warming up you will prevent possible injury and strain to your precious body, and prepare it for the vigorous work out ahead. Here are some more great warm up ideas for you to try. 1. Bend and Breathe. Start this exercise by standing with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms hanging relaxed at your sides. Inhale deeply and slowly lift your arms out to the sides and then over your head to form a wide V. Next tilt your torso to your right side and lower your right[..]

When someone says "modern dance," the image that most often comes to mind is a dancer dressed in black spandex rolling around the floor. Though dancers do use alternative costuming and often dance barefoot, the style is much more than artsy people expressing themselves in strange ways. Perfected in the early 20th century, modern dance was developed as a direct response to the rigid structure of ballet. Led by German and American women, a group of dancers went out to show that other forms of movement could be as graceful and beautiful as traditional forms of ballet, without the constraints of such baroque styles. Many similar forms of expressive dance came before what we know today. Free[..]

Ballroom dance is usually a group of partner dances. This form of dancing originally came from Germany and is now something that is enjoyed both by many people. Today, ballroom dancing is practised both socially and competitively around the globe. The various elements of ballroom dancing are also visible on stage, film, television. The term "ballroom dancing" comes from the word ‘ball’, which originally comes from the Latin word ‘ballare’. ‘Ballare’ can be roughly translated as "to dance". In the days of old, ballroom dancing was something that was only enjoyed by the privileged classes, while "folk dancing" was practised by the lower classes. These distinctions have now[..]

When selecting a ballroom dancing shoe, there are many considerations that come into play. For some, particularly those new to ballroom dancing, price may be a determining factor. Other criteria include comfort, protection, support and appearance. Shoe sizing for ballroom dance shoes is different from that of ordinary shoes. The shoes are intended to fit more closely to the foot. There should not be any additional room in the toe of the shoe. Also, ballroom dance shoes are almost always listed in British sizes. Because of these factors, it is very important to try the shoes on, and spend a while walking around in them to ensure they fit properly. If you have ordered the shoes[..]

I lived in Hawaii for several years, but when I initially moved there I did not know anyone. Let me tell you tip on how I was able to meet beautiful women and make great relationships! The secret is salsa dancing! When you live in Hawaii, love is in the air! It is really easy to meet people around the world by talking to the on the beach or in a club. However, I found that the easiest way to break the ice with beautiful strangers is by meeting them on the dance floor! I learned how to salsa, and if you are decent, you will have tons of beautiful women who want to dance with you. Furthermore, since salsa is a sensual dance, it can arouse a bond between the both of you, and it can lead to[..]