YouCanDance.net

Barry and Karen discuss social dance etiquette

Come join us and see some of the best dancing Ballroom has to offer. We will be heading out for a fun weekend of competition, dancing, shopping and more.

When planning your wedding day it is important not to over look the tradition of  “the first dance.”  Your first dance is significant as it introduces the two of you as husband and wife.  Proper preparation guarantees that the moment you step into the spotlight, you will  present yourselves with style and grace.

I can help the beginner and the experienced dancer through a series of tailor made lessons designed to make your first dance memorable; whether it be elaborate or simple,  I will choreograph your dance according to your specific needs.

Let us help you dance your first steps into your new life together in perfect time and  synchronicity.

Dance shoes are special shoes used for those who wish to Latin and Ballroom dance. The dances range from the Salsa to the Viennese Waltz. Shoes are a vital tool for the dance. I still get surprised when I walk into teach a class and I see students in their Nike running shoes. Think about it, running on a trail or on a track has nothing to do with dancing.

Ballroom and Latin dance shoes are supple and lightweight with either suede or smooth leather soles. Shoes called flats are for men and women and have 1 or 1.5 inch heels. Ladies’ high-heeled shoes typically have 2 to 3 inch heels.

Good dance shoes enhance your dancing performance. Dancing shoes are also an extension of your body, which can help create a better body line and technical appearance.

In addition, dance shoes will give you better posture, placing your center more over the balls of your feet, rather than back. Other features found in dance shoes include specially designed straps for added support and style, a soft and seamless leather lining, and suede sole.

So now you know what a Dance shoe is. When you look for those of your own do not choose only by appearance, but also for comfort, support, performance and protection. Make sure to look for sharp edges near your ankles and for poor quality interior seams that will rub and cause pain on your feet.

The performance of a shoe depends primarily on its sole. New or well-brushed suede soles are generally considered to offer just the right degree of traction on a wooden dance floor. More-slippery smooth-leather soles may be found on less expensive ballroom shoes.

For most women, a shoe with a heel will make your legs appear more attractive and give them movement. However you should know how to walk in them before you learn to dance.

Alipine Village has one of the largest dance floors in the South Bay. It is easy to get to and has dancing every night of the week. From Country Western to German Polkas there is always something fun happening on thier dance floor. Check out their schedule to see what nights are good for your style of dance. They are located at 833 W. Torrance Blvd Torrance, CA. 90502. Directions

From time to time I’m asked to explain the difference between the American and International styles of (ballroom) dancing. The simplified answer would be that with American styling you are allowed to leave the standard closed dance position and break out to side by side positioning, perform underarm turns, adopt shadow position holds or even completely break contact with your partner. With International style dancing you must remain in close proximity with your partner at all times.

Click this link for a more detailed discussion and remember it’s the dancer that makes a dance look good. Both styles are equally beautiful and can be fun to dance.

As an aid to your lessons it helps to have a diagram for what the instructor exactly means when he is describing where to put your feet. hope this will help

Saw a great movie this week end called Redbelt. It was not about dance but there is a connection. Its about A Ju Jitsu instructor and his school in Los Angeles.

“A fateful event leads to a job in the film business for top mixed-martial arts instructor Mike Terry. Though he refuses to participate in prize bouts, circumstances conspire to force him to consider entering such a competition.”

Go see it Im sure you will enjoy it.