Friday, February 3, 2012
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
Dance Taxonomy
 |
| "Alright, we'll end the season with the Pachanga." |
A combination of two of my passions - Dance and Microsoft Excel (yeah, that's done in Excel).
I know it's not comprehensive. Deal with it.
But this will get you a better idea of what somebody means when they say, "I'm a ballroom dancer." And it also shows you that there is something for everyone. And believe it or not, you're allowed to pick favorites.
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
Monday, December 12, 2011
Confessions of a Ballroom Addict
Remember, if you or someone you know is experimenting with ballroom dance, be safe - find an experienced dance instructor to help mentor you. Get more information about the different types of dances to make sure you are aware of the alternatives.
And remember friends that can't lead or follow are NOT real friends.
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Don't Be "That Guy"
Dear Swing Dancers,
Please, don't be "that guy." I have been That Guy on many occasions, and I had to learn the hard way about most of these - the hard way being, I've been kicked in the face by two people doing aerials, and I've had a shoulder popped out of socket by a lady backleading. So, sincerely, I beg of you, do NOT be "That Guy" (or "That Girl") described by any of the following:
GUYS, don't be:
That Guy that does Aerials in the Middle of a Slow Song
You probably didn't laugh in the theater when Dobby took one for the team, even if for some sick reason you found it comical. There's this thing called common courtesy - a respect for the mood and atmosphere of the people around you. And waltz or rumba is typically not characterized by "Hey dudes, check out this thing I saw on Youtube!" Save it for the swing songs.
That Guy that does Nothing But Aerials
It's dance, not cheerleading. No, seriously. Keep your feet (and your partners') on the floor for a bit and show that you actually know how to dance. Aerials, tricks, and dips are dessert - you need some substance in your dance-diet first.
That Guy that Does Nothing but Spin the Girl
DID YOU KNOW that the most impressive part of an art gallery is what's NOT on the walls? It's not about cramming in as much art as possible - only the good stuff, with plenty of wall space in-between to allow each high-end piece of art the respect it deserves. Similarly, each move in dance deserves some respect - dancing is more about when NOT to move, as opposed to constant movement.
That Guy that Dances Off-Time
There's a reason music is playing. Because otherwise you're just performing a long kata.
That Guy that Waltzes in 4/4 Time (ie, Chasing Cars)
Doing a box step in 4/4? That's called American Rumba. Waltz is, by definition, written in 3/4 time. Find some basic steps HERE if you're confused. Also, Waltz is not about how quickly you can get to 3. See above.
That Guy that Does Aerials in a Crowd
I had a headache for a week from two dudes doing a boxcar, resulting in a size 12 and 180 pounds landing between my eyes. Yeah, my friend Molly and I will do a Boxcar with people around. But that's because -
a. We've been doing it for years
b. We have insane control (we can stop on the vertical part and spin in place. In fact we can stop the move at any point.)
c. We can recognize the difference between a lot of people on the floor, a lot of people nearby, and a lot of people at risk for getting a foot in the face.
That Guy that Never Bathes/Shaves/Brushes his Teeth/Wears Deodorant/etc
Sweat happens. For everything else, there's the toiletries aisle at Walgreen's.
That Guy that Never gets Any Better
Ok, this one's kind of mean. But seriously, learn a new move or go to a workshop or ask someone better occasionally. You want to dance with the better girls? Fine. But they want to dance with the better guys.
That Guy that Bumps Into People Without Saying Sorry
Always assume it's your fault. Try to keep bumps to a minimum (I know I can tend to get a little crazy, too), but ultimately, they'll happen. Even if it wasn't your fault, play nice with the other kids. Ladies, you too. But mostly the dude, since he's steering.
GIRLS, don't be:
That Girl that Claims, "I Can Follow"
- Me: "Do you Chacha?"
- Girl: *pause* "Um...I can follow...?"
DON'T DO THAT. Especially if you and I don't dance often. Be upfront and honest. Even if you don't dance at all, let me know. If you're worried that if a guys asks you to West Coast/Chacha/Waltz/Etc, and you admit you don't know how, you've blown your chance, you're wrong. If you tell him you know how, and he dances with you and it prevents him from having fun, NOW you've blown your chance. I don't mind dancing with new girls. I mind dancing with girls that claim they're good when they're not.
Better:
- Me: Do you chacha?
- Girl: No, I'm afraid I only know swing.
(My options are now: "Would you like to learn?" "Oh, can I find you for the next swing?" "Do you at least know the basics?" MUCH better).
That Girl that Backleads
Ow. My shoulder. I asked her politely, with my distinct lead, to go right, and she took my arm (ligaments and all) to the left. *POP* - Ice and ibuprofen for a week. Ladies, the tradeoff is as such: he's in control, you look good. If he's not steering well, don't give him suggestions - just finish the dance and go find a better partner. Yeah. Unless his lead is hurting you, in which case, tell him (save the next girl!). And get this - the better guys like dancing with the better FOLLOWS, not the better LEADS.
That Girl that Doesn't Wear Shorts
Surprise, surprise. Or, if you are this girl, don't also be that girl that does aerials.
That Girl with the Flip Flops
Yeah, there's a song called "Flip, Flop, Fly" - but notice the next line is, "Don't Care If I Die." Because your ankles will. Or the skin on the bottom of your feet. Believe it or not, tennis shoes are cool at swing dances. And if you barefoot it, don't whine to me about the burns.
EVERYBODY, don't be:
That Person that Doesn't Say Thank You
Thank your partner, jerk.
That Person that Only Dances with One Person
Social dance requires sociability. No hogging, now!
That Person that Complains About the Music
There are other places to go. You can hate a song or two, but of the music really bugs you, write the DJ an email or go somewhere else!
That Person that Looks Down
Your feet will be there. And they will go where you tell them. BELIEVE!!! Plus the top of your head hides your smile - let your partner know that you enjoy dancing with them.
That Person that Grabs a Bunch of Friends and Starts Jumping Up and Down in a Circle
Don't. Please. Just don't. If you're really THAT insecure about trying to partake in the cultural experience of partner dancing, then show up to the lesson on time. If you don't want to learn in front of other people, ask someone who knows what they are doing - particularly a friend. If you just don't want to learn to actually dance, then GO TO A FRICKIN' RAVE WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!?
BASICALLY,
Do unto others....A little common courtesy goes a long way. If you need more clear "rules," check out this guide, "Elements of Dance Etiquette" by Aria Nosratinia.
Please, don't be "that guy." I have been That Guy on many occasions, and I had to learn the hard way about most of these - the hard way being, I've been kicked in the face by two people doing aerials, and I've had a shoulder popped out of socket by a lady backleading. So, sincerely, I beg of you, do NOT be "That Guy" (or "That Girl") described by any of the following:
GUYS, don't be:
That Guy that does Aerials in the Middle of a Slow Song
You probably didn't laugh in the theater when Dobby took one for the team, even if for some sick reason you found it comical. There's this thing called common courtesy - a respect for the mood and atmosphere of the people around you. And waltz or rumba is typically not characterized by "Hey dudes, check out this thing I saw on Youtube!" Save it for the swing songs.
That Guy that does Nothing But Aerials
It's dance, not cheerleading. No, seriously. Keep your feet (and your partners') on the floor for a bit and show that you actually know how to dance. Aerials, tricks, and dips are dessert - you need some substance in your dance-diet first.
That Guy that Does Nothing but Spin the Girl
DID YOU KNOW that the most impressive part of an art gallery is what's NOT on the walls? It's not about cramming in as much art as possible - only the good stuff, with plenty of wall space in-between to allow each high-end piece of art the respect it deserves. Similarly, each move in dance deserves some respect - dancing is more about when NOT to move, as opposed to constant movement.
That Guy that Dances Off-Time
There's a reason music is playing. Because otherwise you're just performing a long kata.
That Guy that Waltzes in 4/4 Time (ie, Chasing Cars)
Doing a box step in 4/4? That's called American Rumba. Waltz is, by definition, written in 3/4 time. Find some basic steps HERE if you're confused. Also, Waltz is not about how quickly you can get to 3. See above.
That Guy that Does Aerials in a Crowd
I had a headache for a week from two dudes doing a boxcar, resulting in a size 12 and 180 pounds landing between my eyes. Yeah, my friend Molly and I will do a Boxcar with people around. But that's because -
a. We've been doing it for years
b. We have insane control (we can stop on the vertical part and spin in place. In fact we can stop the move at any point.)
c. We can recognize the difference between a lot of people on the floor, a lot of people nearby, and a lot of people at risk for getting a foot in the face.
That Guy that Never Bathes/Shaves/Brushes his Teeth/Wears Deodorant/etc
Sweat happens. For everything else, there's the toiletries aisle at Walgreen's.
That Guy that Never gets Any Better
Ok, this one's kind of mean. But seriously, learn a new move or go to a workshop or ask someone better occasionally. You want to dance with the better girls? Fine. But they want to dance with the better guys.
That Guy that Bumps Into People Without Saying Sorry
Always assume it's your fault. Try to keep bumps to a minimum (I know I can tend to get a little crazy, too), but ultimately, they'll happen. Even if it wasn't your fault, play nice with the other kids. Ladies, you too. But mostly the dude, since he's steering.
GIRLS, don't be:
That Girl that Claims, "I Can Follow"
- Me: "Do you Chacha?"
- Girl: *pause* "Um...I can follow...?"
DON'T DO THAT. Especially if you and I don't dance often. Be upfront and honest. Even if you don't dance at all, let me know. If you're worried that if a guys asks you to West Coast/Chacha/Waltz/Etc, and you admit you don't know how, you've blown your chance, you're wrong. If you tell him you know how, and he dances with you and it prevents him from having fun, NOW you've blown your chance. I don't mind dancing with new girls. I mind dancing with girls that claim they're good when they're not.
Better:
- Me: Do you chacha?
- Girl: No, I'm afraid I only know swing.
(My options are now: "Would you like to learn?" "Oh, can I find you for the next swing?" "Do you at least know the basics?" MUCH better).
That Girl that Backleads
Ow. My shoulder. I asked her politely, with my distinct lead, to go right, and she took my arm (ligaments and all) to the left. *POP* - Ice and ibuprofen for a week. Ladies, the tradeoff is as such: he's in control, you look good. If he's not steering well, don't give him suggestions - just finish the dance and go find a better partner. Yeah. Unless his lead is hurting you, in which case, tell him (save the next girl!). And get this - the better guys like dancing with the better FOLLOWS, not the better LEADS.
That Girl that Doesn't Wear Shorts
Surprise, surprise. Or, if you are this girl, don't also be that girl that does aerials.
That Girl with the Flip Flops
Yeah, there's a song called "Flip, Flop, Fly" - but notice the next line is, "Don't Care If I Die." Because your ankles will. Or the skin on the bottom of your feet. Believe it or not, tennis shoes are cool at swing dances. And if you barefoot it, don't whine to me about the burns.
EVERYBODY, don't be:
That Person that Doesn't Say Thank You
Thank your partner, jerk.
That Person that Only Dances with One Person
Social dance requires sociability. No hogging, now!
That Person that Complains About the Music
There are other places to go. You can hate a song or two, but of the music really bugs you, write the DJ an email or go somewhere else!
That Person that Looks Down
Your feet will be there. And they will go where you tell them. BELIEVE!!! Plus the top of your head hides your smile - let your partner know that you enjoy dancing with them.
That Person that Grabs a Bunch of Friends and Starts Jumping Up and Down in a Circle
Don't. Please. Just don't. If you're really THAT insecure about trying to partake in the cultural experience of partner dancing, then show up to the lesson on time. If you don't want to learn in front of other people, ask someone who knows what they are doing - particularly a friend. If you just don't want to learn to actually dance, then GO TO A FRICKIN' RAVE WHAT ARE YOU DOING HERE?!?!?
BASICALLY,
Do unto others....A little common courtesy goes a long way. If you need more clear "rules," check out this guide, "Elements of Dance Etiquette" by Aria Nosratinia.
5 Web Resources to Improve your Ballroom Dancing
"Every day's a school day"
~ Steve and Susan McFerran, U of M Ballroom Dance Team Coaches
Learning does NOT stop at the end of a lesson. There's no photographic memory when it comes to muscles - they need a bit more persuasion before they can manage technique and styling on autopilot. But learning doesn't have to start at a group or private lesson. There are plenty of places for new ideas and information to help you improve your dancing.
1. Youtube
Ok, so we all knew this one was coming. Saying "there are dance videos on youtube" is like telling you that there are books on Shakespeare at the library. But have no fear - I'll skip the Dewey Decimal System and point you straight to some of my favorites:
- The Grand Ballroom - the largest studio in Canada produces a set of DVD's containing sets of steps and routines for nearly every ballroom dance. They have been kind enough to make a good number of these available to the public. The couple is professional and charming. They are by no means flashy, but they really break down the steps in an easy-to-learn format.
- The Russian Latin Dudes - "Два и три и четыре Один" - "2 and 3 and 4 - 1" - at least, that's what google translate tells me they're saying. Part of danceshop.ru, which chrome was kind enough to interpret for me. They upload quite a bit, so you'll have to search their channel. Still, it's going to be hard to find more clear-cut advanced latin steps. You can count to 4, right?
- The Latvian Standard Dudes - Latvian? Google translate to the rescue again. Either way, I hope you can count on your own. These guys upload a ton of videos as well, so you may have to search their channel a bit - however, this is the place to go for some sweet waltz and foxtrot steps.
- WSSDF (World SuperStars of Dance Festival) - This is the tip top of partner dancing. Seriously. As in, the human race is currently incapable of producing better dancers than these people - nobody can move smoother, sharper, or more controlled than these people. Use this stuff for showcases or open choreography or whatever. Still, though, try your best to see their subtleties. As my friend Vincent says, "Unless you can do a better Rumba walk than the world champion, you won't do the fancy stuff better. If your Rumba walk is better, you've already won."
- Swing aerials and stuff - believe it or not, some swing dancers actually study technique! But still, don't be afraid to goof off a bit. Learn a new move every week. Search around on something like LindyLibrary to learn some of the fancy stuff that you can use to keep your partner from getting bored.
2. BallroomDancers.com
This one REALLY helped me get started. It has the bronze syllabus for EVERY SINGLE BALLROOM DANCE ready to go, complete with variations and some sequences. They even have Paso and Bolero! You have to register to see some of the videos, but it's free and to this day I have never been spammed.
It's also got resources for finding further instruction, finding the most popular music for any dance, and a few social connection features (ie, partner search, find a nearby instructer, etc).
Even if you're an experienced dancer, I recommend you check out their Variation of the Week - I've learned a few new tricks this way!
This one REALLY helped me get started. It has the bronze syllabus for EVERY SINGLE BALLROOM DANCE ready to go, complete with variations and some sequences. They even have Paso and Bolero! You have to register to see some of the videos, but it's free and to this day I have never been spammed.
It's also got resources for finding further instruction, finding the most popular music for any dance, and a few social connection features (ie, partner search, find a nearby instructer, etc).
Even if you're an experienced dancer, I recommend you check out their Variation of the Week - I've learned a few new tricks this way!
3. eHow.com (formerly ExpertVillage)
This is where I learned Nightclub 2-Step and a bit of Argentine Tango. The nice thing about ExpertVillage is that instructers were paid to post lectures in a series, so you actually get a decent start-to-finish lesson structure. They have these for specific styles and some overall ballroom tips. Just make sure you only search the videos - many of the written articles are less than professionally drafted.
This is where I learned Nightclub 2-Step and a bit of Argentine Tango. The nice thing about ExpertVillage is that instructers were paid to post lectures in a series, so you actually get a decent start-to-finish lesson structure. They have these for specific styles and some overall ballroom tips. Just make sure you only search the videos - many of the written articles are less than professionally drafted.
4. USADance.org (the Syllabus and stuff)
Not everybody's a visual learner. And some people need direction before they can start absorbing information. Having your definitions down solid will make learning go a lot smoother, and maybe taking a look at the syllabus will help you figure out WHAT to search for when you're ready for the videos.
Not everybody's a visual learner. And some people need direction before they can start absorbing information. Having your definitions down solid will make learning go a lot smoother, and maybe taking a look at the syllabus will help you figure out WHAT to search for when you're ready for the videos.
5. Freedom By Technique with Anna Mikhed (coming soon)
I hear this one's going to be pretty good. I met Anna Mikhed at IDB 2011, and she was a fantastic teacher. She was very excited about this upcoming series - I've been anxiously awaiting this for quite some time! On top of being an accomplished standard dancer, she is an excellent instructor (not to mention easy on the eyes :P). If it's anything like her in-person lessons, you can expect them to be simple, informative, and entertaining. I'll keep you posted as I hear about the site's progress.
At the end of the day, nothing beats proper instruction and focused practice. But don't limit your learning to studio time - there's a lot of people out there who are offering you valuable information through the web.
I hear this one's going to be pretty good. I met Anna Mikhed at IDB 2011, and she was a fantastic teacher. She was very excited about this upcoming series - I've been anxiously awaiting this for quite some time! On top of being an accomplished standard dancer, she is an excellent instructor (not to mention easy on the eyes :P). If it's anything like her in-person lessons, you can expect them to be simple, informative, and entertaining. I'll keep you posted as I hear about the site's progress.
At the end of the day, nothing beats proper instruction and focused practice. But don't limit your learning to studio time - there's a lot of people out there who are offering you valuable information through the web.
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