There was no time to celebrate...it was ANOTHER 4am start to get from the hotel to Orlando Airport, to catch a 7am flight to Chicago, and then on to Toronto!
Our studio was invited to participate in the 1st Olympic Stars Dancesport Championships held in Toronto, Canada. Being the only studio to attend from the whole of the United States, we got to represent the country.
Just as well, because one of my colleagues won the Top Teacher Award, and one of our students won the Top Student Award!
It was a whirlwind tour because we had to fly back the very next day on another of those awful 7am flights. Although I didn't get to go and see Niagara Falls, or experience the 287 (?!!)-shop malls, we did have the most hospitable welcome from our hosts, and we look forward to the 2nd Olympic Stars Dancesport Championships next year.
Sunday, 12 October 2008
2nd Place at United States Championships Sept 2008!
As you gather from the title, we did rather well!
After the time I had taken out of training, I hadn't planned to attempt the United States Professional-Amateur Championships in Orlando, Florida this year, but after training for just a couple of months, we thought, 'Why not?!'
It was a good attitude - I have a lot of competition experience, but never before at the National level. I didn't really know what I was in for, so in some ways, I was perhaps less nervous than I might have been.
Nationals was interesting...unlike other competitions, there was never a break in the events, so until we took that first step in the Waltz, we had no idea whether the floor was 'sticky' or 'smooth'. Being spoilt at our studio in Sacramento, where we have the largest and smoothest floor in town (its bamboo, and its gorgeous to dance on!), we realized instantly that we'd have to adjust the way we moved in order to do anything on this floor, which was really sticky (I heard a fair few complaints from others too).
That, and in order to get through the number of events, they split the floor into two halves, and so we had to 'fold up' our routine just to make it all fit! It was definitely interesting.
Our first event was at 8 in the morning, and our last event was at 2.30 in the afternoon. We had the customary wait of a couple of hours before the awards for our events were presented (pictures to come!!!), and it was all over for the day....for that day, at least....
After the time I had taken out of training, I hadn't planned to attempt the United States Professional-Amateur Championships in Orlando, Florida this year, but after training for just a couple of months, we thought, 'Why not?!'
It was a good attitude - I have a lot of competition experience, but never before at the National level. I didn't really know what I was in for, so in some ways, I was perhaps less nervous than I might have been.
Nationals was interesting...unlike other competitions, there was never a break in the events, so until we took that first step in the Waltz, we had no idea whether the floor was 'sticky' or 'smooth'. Being spoilt at our studio in Sacramento, where we have the largest and smoothest floor in town (its bamboo, and its gorgeous to dance on!), we realized instantly that we'd have to adjust the way we moved in order to do anything on this floor, which was really sticky (I heard a fair few complaints from others too).
That, and in order to get through the number of events, they split the floor into two halves, and so we had to 'fold up' our routine just to make it all fit! It was definitely interesting.
Our first event was at 8 in the morning, and our last event was at 2.30 in the afternoon. We had the customary wait of a couple of hours before the awards for our events were presented (pictures to come!!!), and it was all over for the day....for that day, at least....
Monday, 19 May 2008
SAMBA NITE SUCCESS!
Samba Nite was a huge success! We started with a bit of academic stuff about Brazil and the origins of Samba. After that, we were treated to a demonstration of drumming from Ray. Little did we know, but we were just about to become his backup band! One by one, more drums appeared and Ray taught us how to work with the samba beat. I think we were good....maybe we'll put together a CD...??
We ended with a lesson in dancing Ballroom-style samba, a whole different animal from the samba danced in the streets of Brazil during carnivals. I'm so proud that everyone picked up the routine really well. We did:
1. Box (1a2; 2a2; 3a2; 4a2)
2. Botofogas (5a2; 6a2; 7a2; 8a2)
3. Whisk (1a2; 2a2; 3a2; 4a2) - dont forget to change your direction on the last count!
4. Promenade samba walks (5a2; 6a2; 7a2; 8a2) - with a close of feet and face partner again on the last count.
...and you are back to the beginning to dance box again.
Thanks to everyone who came and all of the generosity!Along with the raffles and games, we raised 97.65GBP for Age Concern and had a lot of fun.
DANCE BEYOND IS TAKING A BREAK FOR THE SUMMER. I'M HEADING TO THE STATES TO COMPETE, SO I'LL BE KEEPING YOU POSTED ON EVERYTHING I'M UP TO OVER THERE. PLEASE DO WATCH THIS SPACE - SOME PRETTY FUN STUFF COMING UP....!!
Monday, 12 May 2008
Samba Nite!
This Friday night, I'll be holding a special Samba lesson as part of a mini-symposium on the Samba itself. You will have the chance to hear some authentic-style Brazilian Samba drumming as well learning the steps to dance.
Stuff to note:
- its £3 and all proceeds go to Age Concern
- we'll have some food and drink, but it would be great if you could bring a little gift to raffle (like a Secret Santa - everyone wins, yay!)
- starts at 7pm, ends at 9pm. If you'd like to, some of us will head to the Empire afterward to dance the night away!
Do rsvp to let us know if you can make it. Looking forward to seeing you there!
Dance Like the Stars Masterclass at Fitness First in Bangor
On Friday May 9th, Fitness First in Bangor organised a dance masterclass with me (!) to raise money for their favourite charity, The British Heart Foundation.
It was a superb event with a great turnout. By the end of the hour, we had a roomful of people dancing the flirty Cha Cha, the dramatic Tango, the beautiful Waltz and the crazy Jive!
Watch this space for news of my exciting Samba workshop coming up later this week....
WEEK 11 - May 7th 2008
Tonight we decided to change things up a bit and learn some jive. Its a less crazy version of the ballroom jive which you might have seen on TV, but its a lot of fun, especially because there's a wide variety of music that you can dance it to. The key is (and contrary to everything we've taught you before!), to NOT WORRY ABOUT YOUR FEET : ) Just go with the flow and have fun.
We gave you a 4 move routine:
1. SWIVELS IN TIME
Take a double hand hold with your partner, and both step back to indicate the start. Then, both partners swivel to your left, then to the right, and to the left again. Emphasise this with your arm movements. Leaders, raise your left arm (letting go of your follower with the right!); followers turn under the arm clockwise, and then turn anticlockwise to face your leader again. The whole move should take 8 counts, with each step I've described taking one count except for the turn, which takes 2 counts for each direction.
2. THE OPENING OUT
Again, leaders left to followers right hand hold and both partners step back (just not too far out!). Followers, take a step forward to the leaders right side and place your left hand on their right shoulder; leaders, drive your left hand down and you will see that this causes your follower to swivel out and face the same direction as you. To get your followers to return to face you again, pull your left hand up again. Leaders, raise that left hand a little higher - followers, again, turn clockwise over 2 counts, and anticlockwise over 2 counts. Fabulous.
3. CHANGING PLACES
This time, take a double hand hold and take a step back. Leaders, wrap your follower into your right side still holding both hands. Followers, you are turning anticlockwise, letting your right hand go over your head, so that you end up at the leaders side, and with your arms crossed. Leaders, let go with your right hand and turn to face your follower. Now its the leaders turn to wrap into the followers right side. This time, followers, let go of that right hand and turn to face the leader. For final change of place, followers repeat your move. You should end facing each other in a 2 hand hold.
4. AMERICAN SPIN
You may have seen this move before. Leaders, toss your followers right hand into your right hand (you could actually do this with style, by literally tossing your followers hand up into the air, and appearing to catch it with your right hand, a bit like juggling!). Drive your right hand forward to make your leader step back, then bring your hand forward to make them step forward, and create a cup shape with your hand....that's it! Your followers will spin themselves, otherwise, with an added push from you, you might just send them into orbit! Followers: when the leader makes their hand into a cup shape, make a fist (or ball shape) with your hand, and use the resistance of the leader to spin yourself clockwise. You don't even need to push against their hand. In fact, lets not try to push our leaders over!
End facing each other, and ready to begin again!
We gave you a 4 move routine:
1. SWIVELS IN TIME
Take a double hand hold with your partner, and both step back to indicate the start. Then, both partners swivel to your left, then to the right, and to the left again. Emphasise this with your arm movements. Leaders, raise your left arm (letting go of your follower with the right!); followers turn under the arm clockwise, and then turn anticlockwise to face your leader again. The whole move should take 8 counts, with each step I've described taking one count except for the turn, which takes 2 counts for each direction.
2. THE OPENING OUT
Again, leaders left to followers right hand hold and both partners step back (just not too far out!). Followers, take a step forward to the leaders right side and place your left hand on their right shoulder; leaders, drive your left hand down and you will see that this causes your follower to swivel out and face the same direction as you. To get your followers to return to face you again, pull your left hand up again. Leaders, raise that left hand a little higher - followers, again, turn clockwise over 2 counts, and anticlockwise over 2 counts. Fabulous.
3. CHANGING PLACES
This time, take a double hand hold and take a step back. Leaders, wrap your follower into your right side still holding both hands. Followers, you are turning anticlockwise, letting your right hand go over your head, so that you end up at the leaders side, and with your arms crossed. Leaders, let go with your right hand and turn to face your follower. Now its the leaders turn to wrap into the followers right side. This time, followers, let go of that right hand and turn to face the leader. For final change of place, followers repeat your move. You should end facing each other in a 2 hand hold.
4. AMERICAN SPIN
You may have seen this move before. Leaders, toss your followers right hand into your right hand (you could actually do this with style, by literally tossing your followers hand up into the air, and appearing to catch it with your right hand, a bit like juggling!). Drive your right hand forward to make your leader step back, then bring your hand forward to make them step forward, and create a cup shape with your hand....that's it! Your followers will spin themselves, otherwise, with an added push from you, you might just send them into orbit! Followers: when the leader makes their hand into a cup shape, make a fist (or ball shape) with your hand, and use the resistance of the leader to spin yourself clockwise. You don't even need to push against their hand. In fact, lets not try to push our leaders over!
End facing each other, and ready to begin again!
Monday, 5 May 2008
'Habitats for Humanity' night
Saturday May 3rd seemed to be THE night to get your dancing feet out and raise some cash for a good cause. I knew of three events being held to raise money to build homes and schools in places like Guatemala, Ghana and Uganda. We supported the 'Habitats for Humanity' event held at the Belfast Boat Club, to raise money to send volunteers to Guatemala.
It was a fantastic night, very well attended, with mini-lessons in salsa, bachata (we haven't taught you that one yet, but we will!), rueda and some fun dances.
I was thrilled to have had the chance to dance with Roy Blackstock, a ballroom and latin dance teacher, adjudicator and former all-Ireland Champion. We performed a show dance rumba to the song 'Nobody Knows' by The Tony Rich Project. It was tremendous fun!!
Enjoy the long weekend, and we hope to see you on Wednesday for more dancing dancing dancing!
Thursday, 1 May 2008
WEEK 10 - April 30th 2008
Hey Everyone!
Thanks to everyone who came to class last night. Excellent effort by our visiting models - we'd love to have them come back! That was a lot of fun.
So last night we decided to add a touch of panache to our salsa. You will see dramatic dips and drops in salsa clubs wherever you go. We did attempt to demo a few of them, but as you saw, there are numerous variations and I admit that I chickened out of one particularly cool one! Maybe J and I will have time to practice so that we can show you next time. Anyway, we picked a couple of nice easy ones for you to keep and try for yourselves.
SHOW OFF YOUR PARTNER: Super easy one!
LEADERS: Take the ballroom hold with your partner and do 123 of a X-body. For 567, just turn your body (from the waist up only) toward your left. To get out of it, just rotate to the right, and put your follower back on their feet facing you!
FOLLOWERS: Now, I know that we talked about trusting your partner this week, but when you go out social dancing and you dance with someone you dont know, its safer to take responsibility for yourself. Its also a good idea when we are learning lifts, dips and drops. Besides, we want to make sure that we dont make our leaders carry us - thats just not nice!
Okay, so your steps: 123 of a X-body, but on 3, make sure that your weight is on your right foot, and that you are now FACING your partner. On 5 6 7, your leader will be rotating their body, which should make you look over your left shoulder (at the audience). Lower by bending your right leg - keep your left leg out straight, and most importantly, keep your body upright. DONT LEAN BACK otherwise your leader will lose balance. Essentially, you are crouching on one leg. To get out of it, your leader will rotate you back to starting position, so step onto your left leg and face your partner. You will be ready to start again, going back on your left.
THE LEAN: I love this one - simple and elegant, its just classy!
LEADERS:
Again, this is basically a X-body turn (aren't you glad we taught you that one?!!) but on 567, give your follower an outside turn (to the right), and make sure that you stay in that 'open' foot position and dont turn to face the opposite wall just yet. On counts 123, drape your followers hand over your head and shoulders (the comb), and then let go of their hand, and put your left arm around their waist to make them feel nice and secure (followers like that!). Now, all you need to do to create the 'lean', is to shift your weight over your right foot. Keep your body straight though, otherwise you'll end up with a funky looking line, and worse - you'll make it look like your follower is heavy :O !! The lean happens on 567; to get them back on their own feet again, shift your weight back to both feet. As you get better and better at this, you'll be able to go straight into a basic (forward left).
FOLLOWERS:
We are doing a X-body with a turn on 567. By the end on this, we should have our right arm draped attractively over our leaders shoulders, and we should be side by side with them. As you feel the leader shift to the right, keep your body as rigid as possible (think of how this will contribute to a washboard stomach!), keep your weight on both feet, but allow yourself to lean on your partner. Don't worry, they won't let you fall!
Now here, Followers, we can add a bit of style. You could put your left arm straight up, or across (parallel to the floor). You could even bend and lift the left knee (in ballet, this is called 'passe').
Your leader will then shift their weight back to both feet, which will allow you to step onto your left foot, and get you set up to go straight into a basic (back right).
We also danced the CHA CHA basic, as we did in week 8. This time, we added a new move called the NEW YORK (I have no idea why it is called that, and honestly, I've never met anyone who does!). The New York can be done after a basic. Start by facing your partner, weight on your right (leaders), or left (followers). Swing the other leg through and step on it, so that you are now both facing the same direction (leaders turn to the right, followers turn to the left). Now step onto that back foot again (leaders right; followers left), and do the side-close-side step. Timing (2-3-cha cha cha). You can repeat this move now on the other side (leaders - right foot through; followers - left foot through). Again, timing, 2-3-cha cha cha. From here, you can go straight back into the basic (leaders: forward left; followers: back right), or you can continue with the New York ad infinitum (although, I wouldn't recommend it...).
Thanks to everyone who danced with me for my birthday jam - that was cool!
Oh, we also forgot to mention - Jonathan and I danced in a salsa contest on Tuesday night for Salsa-ni, and we not only survived a bunch of elimination rounds, we placed 2nd!! This is the only picture we have so far of the night...hopefully more to come! See you all next week!
Wednesday, 23 April 2008
WEEK 9 - April 23rd 2008
Hey Everyone!! Good to see you all yesterday!
We love that all of you are really getting the hang of the cross-body lead. As you can see, week after week, we have given you variations on the cross-body lead, so you can see that it's a really versatile move, with lots of room for creativity.
Last night, we kicked things off with a merEngue (NOT merIngue as my autocorrect function would have me believe!) warm-up. Merengue is a great dance for getting confident and getting comfortable on the dance floor - small marching steps, with all the focus on those arms. Aside from anything else, it's a good laugh!
Our main move was the cross-body with followers rotation.
LEADS: Normal cross-body steps, but raising the left hand to lead the follower to turn on step 5.
Throw in a basic here, just to set yourself up for the next part.
Next, take a 2-hand hold and lead 1-3 of a basic, swinging the hands to your right (on count 1), then to your left (on count 2), and now raise your hands to allow the follower to turn (on count 3). Remember, you are still holding both hands of the follower, so you should end up with your hands crossed over.
Once the follower has completed the turn and faces you again (on counts 5 6 7), its time for your turn. You will be turning anticlockwise (turning toward your left shoulder) on counts 1 2 3 - now, both you and your follower are facing the same direction, and they are behind you.
Your followers hands are still above your head so lets lower the hands on counts 5 6 7, with some merengue marching action in the feet to keep us on time - you can be more creative at this point - and if you were in class last night, you'll know what I mean ;) !!
To get out of this, leaders, take a step to the right on 1 2 3, allowing your follower to come through the space on your left. Give them a little turn, leading with your left hand, and end by trailing that left hand over your head. This last part should fit into 5 6 7.
Now you're both facing each other, with either a 'your left to their right' hand hold, or a double hand hold, ready to start again.
Followers! We haven't forgotten you! Its tough on the leaders since they have to know what they are doing, PLUS what you are doing, so we like to make sure that we are very clear on what they need to do to lead you better. Okay, now your steps:
FOLLOWERS: 1 2 3 of a cross-body, getting ready to turn clockwise (over our right shoulder) on 5 6 7.
Normal basic (1 2 3, 5 6 7).
1 2 3 of a basic - the leader is preparing us to turn by swinging our hands to the left, then the right, then raising them high....which means of course, we turn! Our turn is again clockwise, and we make a full turn to end up facing the leader (5 6 7).
Then they do a turn, and to make sure we all stay on time, we're going to march in place while they turn (1 2 3), and then we both march in place for another three counts (5 6 7).
The leader steps to the side, giving us room to step through (1 2 3), and turns us clockwise (5 6 7) so that we are ready to start again.
Wow, that was complicated to write down, but as you know, its easier when you are dancing it. To slip this into a routine, start off with a normal basic, then a normal cross-body, now CROSS-BODY WITH FOLLOWER'S ROTATION (last nights move), finish off with a basic, and that's you!
Have a great week everyone, see you all next time. And don't forget, if you liked the music selection last night, we have it all on one CD now so just let us know if you are interested in a copy. CDs are available for a fiver.
We love that all of you are really getting the hang of the cross-body lead. As you can see, week after week, we have given you variations on the cross-body lead, so you can see that it's a really versatile move, with lots of room for creativity.
Last night, we kicked things off with a merEngue (NOT merIngue as my autocorrect function would have me believe!) warm-up. Merengue is a great dance for getting confident and getting comfortable on the dance floor - small marching steps, with all the focus on those arms. Aside from anything else, it's a good laugh!
Our main move was the cross-body with followers rotation.
LEADS: Normal cross-body steps, but raising the left hand to lead the follower to turn on step 5.
Throw in a basic here, just to set yourself up for the next part.
Next, take a 2-hand hold and lead 1-3 of a basic, swinging the hands to your right (on count 1), then to your left (on count 2), and now raise your hands to allow the follower to turn (on count 3). Remember, you are still holding both hands of the follower, so you should end up with your hands crossed over.
Once the follower has completed the turn and faces you again (on counts 5 6 7), its time for your turn. You will be turning anticlockwise (turning toward your left shoulder) on counts 1 2 3 - now, both you and your follower are facing the same direction, and they are behind you.
Your followers hands are still above your head so lets lower the hands on counts 5 6 7, with some merengue marching action in the feet to keep us on time - you can be more creative at this point - and if you were in class last night, you'll know what I mean ;) !!
To get out of this, leaders, take a step to the right on 1 2 3, allowing your follower to come through the space on your left. Give them a little turn, leading with your left hand, and end by trailing that left hand over your head. This last part should fit into 5 6 7.
Now you're both facing each other, with either a 'your left to their right' hand hold, or a double hand hold, ready to start again.
Followers! We haven't forgotten you! Its tough on the leaders since they have to know what they are doing, PLUS what you are doing, so we like to make sure that we are very clear on what they need to do to lead you better. Okay, now your steps:
FOLLOWERS: 1 2 3 of a cross-body, getting ready to turn clockwise (over our right shoulder) on 5 6 7.
Normal basic (1 2 3, 5 6 7).
1 2 3 of a basic - the leader is preparing us to turn by swinging our hands to the left, then the right, then raising them high....which means of course, we turn! Our turn is again clockwise, and we make a full turn to end up facing the leader (5 6 7).
Then they do a turn, and to make sure we all stay on time, we're going to march in place while they turn (1 2 3), and then we both march in place for another three counts (5 6 7).
The leader steps to the side, giving us room to step through (1 2 3), and turns us clockwise (5 6 7) so that we are ready to start again.
Wow, that was complicated to write down, but as you know, its easier when you are dancing it. To slip this into a routine, start off with a normal basic, then a normal cross-body, now CROSS-BODY WITH FOLLOWER'S ROTATION (last nights move), finish off with a basic, and that's you!
Have a great week everyone, see you all next time. And don't forget, if you liked the music selection last night, we have it all on one CD now so just let us know if you are interested in a copy. CDs are available for a fiver.
Monday, 21 April 2008
Jonathan cleans up!
No, we're not talking domestics!
Last Saturday Jonathan entered a Dancesport Northern Ireland competition and took 1st and 2nd places in every event entered.
This is Jonathan standing with his lovely dance partner Ellie (one of a few different partners!!), taking 1st place in one of the ballroom and latin events (not 51st, as it might seem here. He was identified as couple number 51 on the floor). He and Elly also placed 2nd in the salsa contest, being runners-up to some salsa teachers, so a very good result.
All in all, he ended up with 6 such awards. Quite a haul!
CONGRATULATIONS JONATHAN!!!!
Thursday, 17 April 2008
WEEK 8 - April 16th
GREAT JOB LAST NIGHT EVERYONE!!!!! Well done!
We did set you quite a challenge, and as ever, you really impressed us.
In Salsa, we added a new move: with a right-to-right handhold and on 123, the follower turns into the leaders right side. On 567, the FOLLOWER does a back step on the left foot and turns out again to face the leader, still in a right-to-right handhold. Remember followers, keep that right arm flexible and don't tense up, otherwise, it will look like you are being arrested!!!!
LEADERS, your footwork is just 2 back basics, one on each foot (first right foot, then left). Your movement will indicate to the follower to turn into you, or turn back out again. You can use a little push-pull motion with your right hand lead too for a little added encouragement, but mostly, the lead comes from your movement.
Do this action twice, and then, to get out of it, both partners will pass each other using an outside turn - that is, while still holding right hand to right hand, both turn toward your left shoulder.
And as if we hadn't set you enough of a task, I decided to throw in a little CHA CHA CHA into the mix. We'll spend more that 10 minutes on this dance another time (my fault! this one is a little harder). Cha cha cha (or 'cha cha'.....or even 'cha', if you are trying to be cool ; ) is another Latin-American dance, which you will find being danced in salsa clubs. It has some things in common with salsa - a forward part, and a back part, but between these, there is a little 'stomp-stomp-stomp'. This 'stomp-stomp-stomp' is the 'cha-cha-cha'.
LEADERS:
-- forward left, back right
-- step on left (CHA), close right to left (CHA), change weight and step to the side on your left (CHA)
-- back right, forward left
-- step on right (CHA), close left to right (CHA), change weight and step to the side on your right (CHA)
-- repeat.
FOLLOWERS: the same, except you start by going back on your right..etc.
This is the Cha Cha basic step - later, we'll add more exciting and cool stuff to this dance too, just as we have done with the salsa.
That's it for this week! See you again next Wednesday - have a super week until then.
We did set you quite a challenge, and as ever, you really impressed us.
In Salsa, we added a new move: with a right-to-right handhold and on 123, the follower turns into the leaders right side. On 567, the FOLLOWER does a back step on the left foot and turns out again to face the leader, still in a right-to-right handhold. Remember followers, keep that right arm flexible and don't tense up, otherwise, it will look like you are being arrested!!!!
LEADERS, your footwork is just 2 back basics, one on each foot (first right foot, then left). Your movement will indicate to the follower to turn into you, or turn back out again. You can use a little push-pull motion with your right hand lead too for a little added encouragement, but mostly, the lead comes from your movement.
Do this action twice, and then, to get out of it, both partners will pass each other using an outside turn - that is, while still holding right hand to right hand, both turn toward your left shoulder.
And as if we hadn't set you enough of a task, I decided to throw in a little CHA CHA CHA into the mix. We'll spend more that 10 minutes on this dance another time (my fault! this one is a little harder). Cha cha cha (or 'cha cha'.....or even 'cha', if you are trying to be cool ; ) is another Latin-American dance, which you will find being danced in salsa clubs. It has some things in common with salsa - a forward part, and a back part, but between these, there is a little 'stomp-stomp-stomp'. This 'stomp-stomp-stomp' is the 'cha-cha-cha'.
LEADERS:
-- forward left, back right
-- step on left (CHA), close right to left (CHA), change weight and step to the side on your left (CHA)
-- back right, forward left
-- step on right (CHA), close left to right (CHA), change weight and step to the side on your right (CHA)
-- repeat.
FOLLOWERS: the same, except you start by going back on your right..etc.
This is the Cha Cha basic step - later, we'll add more exciting and cool stuff to this dance too, just as we have done with the salsa.
That's it for this week! See you again next Wednesday - have a super week until then.
Thursday, 10 April 2008
WEEK 7 - April 9th
Hey Everyone!
It was great to see you all yesterday, and a special thanks to our brand new dancers for giving Salsa a try. You are all dancing so well!
Here's a little recap on last nights class -
We did some warm-ups.
This gets us moving, and gives us practice on being light on our feet. Salsa music can be really fast, and so one little secret is to dance on the front part of our feet and hardly put the heel down. Definitely dont put any weight back on the heel.
We used some old-style salsa music last night which was nice and slow - if you liked it, its from the soundtrack of 'Buena Vista Social Club', and the music is played by the Cuban Allstars. This is a documentary-style film which was released a little while ago.
We also learned another variation on the cross-body lead, this time, with an inside turn for the leader (on 1-2-3), and then a turn for the follower (on 5-6-7). Remember to change hands before the start of this move (right hand to right hand hold). You can dance this variation straight after a basic cross body lead - a pretty cool combo!
Have a great week! Looking forward to seeing you all next Wednesday.
By the way, the picture is from a Drag Kings show that I helped out with last year in California, a rendition of 'Minnie the Moocher'.
Wednesday, 2 April 2008
WEEK 6 - April 2nd 2008
This weeks session was a really good recap of everything we have done so far, as well as 'tidying' up some of the moves and making a small routine. I think everyone really got to grips with the cross-body lead.
Remember - frame, connection, resistance with your partner - are all important for communicating with your partner. It's a social dance, yes, but you probably don't want to be verbally telling your partner when to turn - I'm sure you'll have more interesting things to talk about!
Also remember to pick those feet up when you are dancing. When you get used to dancing, you'll find that the basic principle is just like walking - you move from one foot to the other.
Thanks to everyone who came to class last night, we love working with you all!!!
Have a great week, and we'll see you next time!
Monday, 31 March 2008
Week 5 - March 26th 2008
Things are getting serious now!
We started this lesson off with learning to 'hear the music'.
The clave (pronounced claa-vey) forms the foundation of salsa - if you listen for it, you'll find it has a distinctive beat. Not all salsa music will have the clave, but there will be an instrument in the background tapping out the clave beat. We improvised using some things we found in the kitchen....a cheese grater and a couple of sticks of Blackpool rock (because of course, everyone has those lying around!). I'm not sure we could form a salsa band quite yet, but its still early days....
And as promised, we showed you a variation on the cross body lead from last week - a cross body lead with a half nelson (where leaders dont let go of the followers hands during the cross body).
Week 4 - March 19th 2008
We're onto the core move in salsa (I believe, anyway!) - the CROSS-BODY LEAD.
If you watch salsa dancers, you will start to recognise the cross-body lead in a variety of guises. The cross-body (short name!) is essentially a change of place, so remember to keep it going in a straight line. Don't forget our improvised straight line - those pieces of string which just wouldn't stay in place!
Leads - remember to open out on step 3 to let your follower step through.
This figure has lots of interesting and cool variations....we'll show you one next week...stay tuned.
If you watch salsa dancers, you will start to recognise the cross-body lead in a variety of guises. The cross-body (short name!) is essentially a change of place, so remember to keep it going in a straight line. Don't forget our improvised straight line - those pieces of string which just wouldn't stay in place!
Leads - remember to open out on step 3 to let your follower step through.
This figure has lots of interesting and cool variations....we'll show you one next week...stay tuned.
Week 3 - March 12th 2008
In week 3 of our salsa taster classes, we learned the left turn.
We're building up the steps into a small routine that you can dance anywhere they play salsa!
We're building up the steps into a small routine that you can dance anywhere they play salsa!
Week 2 - March 5th 2008
This week was the second of our free salsa taster sessions. We covered the following steps:
- the basic
- followers right turn
- leaders right turn
- the basic
- followers right turn
- leaders right turn
Week 1
We were really excited about all of you coming to our very first salsa taster class! We owe thanks to everyone at Queerspace who helped us to advertise this event.
Queerspace is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and our salsa taster class was one of their featured events. Please do check out the Queerspace website for details of their forthcoming events so that you don't miss out on any of them (http://www.queerspace.org.uk/). There were between 30 and 40 of your who came out to dance with us at Mynt in Belfast (many thanks to Mynt for putting on the snacks and giving us a dance space). We really hope that you enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you at future dance classes.
Queerspace is celebrating its 10th anniversary, and our salsa taster class was one of their featured events. Please do check out the Queerspace website for details of their forthcoming events so that you don't miss out on any of them (http://www.queerspace.org.uk/). There were between 30 and 40 of your who came out to dance with us at Mynt in Belfast (many thanks to Mynt for putting on the snacks and giving us a dance space). We really hope that you enjoyed the evening and look forward to seeing you at future dance classes.
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