YouCanDance.net

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.

As we are all different, with different needs and goals, one size does not fit all. A comment I frequently hear is, “I’m not good enough to take a private lesson.” Another is, “I don’t need the private lesson; I can learn all I need to know from the group class.” Neither student understands the purpose of group or private lessons. That being said, let me take a moment to explain the difference.

The main purpose of the group class is to teach foot placement, footwork and timing. This is a cost effective way of learning the skeletal structure of the dance figure. A group class is an ineffective way of practicing your dance figures and getting any sort of feed back, except what you see in the mirror. Most, or all, of the other students are learning the steps also. Practicing the step on your own, or at the studio parties is more effective.

The purpose of the private lesson is to work on the small details that make you look and feel good on the dance floor. Your dance instructor has the ability to physically place you in the correct position so you can feel where you need to be. This is not practical in group classes. A good private instructor evaluates the students’ dancing as they proceed and corrects the student on the spot. thereby eliminating bad habits before they are formed.

A combination of both group and private, along with student practice is the most practical and efficient way of learning.

In addition to our popular group Salsa classes we plan to open a new Performance Salsa class. This will be a class emphasizing showcase style choreographed routines with dips and drops. This class will be held at the South Bay Dance Center in Lomita , CA. Students come from all over Los Angeles San Pedro Torrance Carson Rancho Palos Verdes and Carson to have fun in Barry’s classes. Let us know if you might be interested in trying this out. Drop barry an email (barry.jost@yahoo.com).