Well, a dancer can only sit on the sidelines so long! I figured I hurt when I sat down, when I walked and when I slept, so I might as well hurt while dancing, too! Having already ruptured one tendon in my foot, I approached dancing very cautiously. I taped up both of my feet, put on ankle and knee supports and gingerly danced. Of course most of the dancing was during a class, so it wasn’t nearly as strenuous as a real night out on the floor, but it was better than nothing!

I am pleased to say that while I was almost afraid to wake up this morning to more pain than ever, I am no worse fore the wear! I think I shall try it again!

Dancers’ do you find yourself sitting on the sidelines watching others dance? If so, there is only one sure fire way to resolve this problem. Get up, walk over to another dancer and ask them to dance. Chances are that they will lead you directly to the dance floor.

In a dance community, asking someone to dance does not imply that you are interested in starting a relationship with that person. It simply means: “I would like to dance”. There are many couples that go social dancing or attend dance conventions together and rarely even dance with each other. Couples, we dancers all thank you for sharing your significant others. We understand that  “A Dance is just A Dance.”

When I first started dancing I was HORRIBLE. I did not have a clue how to dance but, I was determined to learn. I would show up at my local social dances 3-5 nights a week and literally BEG the guys to dance with me. I was unaware that dance classes were even available, so I was at the mercy of anyone that would help me.

During that time, my 3 year old grandson was visiting for 3 weeks. One night he fell asleep watching Shrek, if any of you have kids and have watched the movie you will know exactly what I am about to say. At the end of the movie the little donkey jumps up, over and over saying:  “Pick Me, Pick Me”, I was too tired to get up out of bed and shut it off, so all night long I heard, “Pick Me, Pick Me”!!! The next night at dance, my hand flew up in the air and the words just came out of my mouth: “Pick Me, Pick Me!!!”" From that day forward, I never sat on the sidelines again! As a matter of fact,  as I eventually learned to dance, all it took was one “Pick Me” a night and I rarely left the dance floor. You see, once you get yourself out there on the dance floor, chances are that you will find your next dance while still there. So dancers, feel free to use my mantra and ask them to “Pick You.” Do not be afraid to ask someone to dance and if you must turn someone down, do it politely. There are legitimate reasons for saying no.

Positioning is also very important. Do not hide in the corner or sit at the back of the room. Stand near the dance floor and look like you WANT to dance. Watch where the dancers are entering and exiting the floor and remember that they are there to dance, just like you. I know that it is often difficult to ask a dancer that is more experienced than yourself, but if you truly want to become a better dancer, you’re going to have to be brave and do it! In retrospect, if you are a more experienced dancer, try to “remember when” and occasionally ask a lower level dancer to dance. Let’s all dance together and build a strong healthy dance community.

Bottom line: if you are sitting on the sidelines, you have only yourself to blame. You must be brave, suck it up and ask someone to dance!

If you’ve never been to a dance event before, the Los Angeles Dance Premier is a great one to attend. It is a country event with competitions and workshops in Country 2 Step, Night Club 2 Step, Cha Cha, East and West Coast Swing, Polka, Triple 2 Step, Hustle and even Waltz. There will be a Swing room and a Country room.

There will be a great teaching staff:

Ronnie DeBenedetta & Brandi Tobias
Gary McIntyre & Susan Kirklin
Aaron & Tiffany Lorenzen
Mike Eads & Annick Paquet

just to name a few. Joe Tschirhart and I will be teaching a Country 2 Step Lesson as well. If you’re there, look me up for a dance or two!

One of the most difficult things for me about social dancing, and I am talking about “organized club” dancing in my area, is that no matter what type music is played, most (ok, almost ALL) dancers still just dance West Coast Swing. It is so hard for me to just do West Coast Swing when the DJ is playing a Cha Cha or Hustle. Even if you can find a fellow Hustle dancer you will have a difficult time “doing the Hustle” as the West Coast Swing dancers get annoyed if you use too much floor space! UHG! Same applies to Cha Cha……oh, well, I guess some dancers prefer to only dance one dance………..what a shame, because the other dances are equally just as much fun!

Even though I am now able to put one foot in front of the other, turn without wobbling and follow many different leaders, I still find the different theories and concepts of dancing quite challenging and often frustrating. It is amazing to me how many different ways one dance is interpreted and taught depending upon your instructor,  and often even where you live.

My “theory” is to listen closely to the person that you are either learning from, or dancing with, and apply what he or she is teaching you at that particular moment. Attempt to retain as much information and technique that you can from each and every individual. You will find that you will become a more accomplished dancer by allowing the many different styles, characteristics and  idiosyncrasies  that you encounter to permeate your body and mind while learning and dancing.

I am certain that we all hear and feel music differently, but during a  dance it should be both dancers’  goal to connect  to each other and to dance as one. So bearing this in mind, apply what you have mastered through experience, be open to new philosophies and technique and try and have the best dance that you can at any particular moment.

As much as I don’t like to admit it……..there are dancer’s that I just do not want to dance with. I am also certain that I am that person for some dancer’s as well, so I guess that is just a dancing fact!

While attending The Palm Springs New Year’s Bash, I got brave enough to sign up for 3 Jack n Jill competitions. For those of you that are unfamiliar with a Jack n Jill, it is a competition where dancers are randomly paired up. You do not know who your partner is, or what music you will be dancing to.

While checking in for the competition, my friend commented that she hoped she wasn’t paired up with the guy that she was standing in front of. I said that there was really only one guy, in the whole group that I didn’t want to get paired up with. Turns out, it was the same person. Guess who got the guy.

Yup, it was me……..karma……..seems that if I put it out into the universe, it happens!

Now, for the confession……the dance really wasn’t that bad at all. I was actually pleasantly surprised. The leader was no longer difficult to follow and he even stayed on time. Moral to the story…….keep your mouth shut, feet moving and a positive attitude. Shame on me for having negative thoughts!

I didn’t even make semi finals in that West Coast Swing category, but I did place third in Hustle. Just goes to show you, you never know what is going to happen~

For those of you with little, to no internet experience, yet still a desire to have an internet business, this will be the most valuable thing you will ever hear from me.  Tabrej aka Tab. He is my virtual man! He has done things on my website and blog for me that I have wasted hours and days trying to do, in as little as 10 minutes. He can virtually do anything! He even managed to restore my blog and find past articles after it was hacked. It is a great feeling knowing that while you sleep, he is accomplishing your “wish” list. He is proficient, accomplished, capable, willing and able, not to mention completely affordable and reasonable.

Honestly, I cannot recommend anyone more highly. Thank you, Tab…..my Virtual Man!

Do you attend a lot of dance classes and work shops? Is your dancing improving or staying at the same level? Are you learning new things and find that you can’t remember them the next day?

Well, here is my definitive opinion, for what it’s worth.

One: You are not listening and trying to apply what you are learning in class.

Two: You are not social dancing.

Three: You are not practicing on your own time.

Four: Maybe you need a different instructor, one that you connect with.

Five: Maybe you just don’t care.

Six: Maybe you think you already know it all.

Seven: Maybe you should take up tennis!

And maybe I need to get out of the house and go dancing!

Seems as though someone thought that it would be amusing to hack this blog. They managed to steal about 3 days of my time and a years worth of information. My suggestion to them is to take up dancing. Dancing uplifts your heart and brings happiness to those who participate. Chances are if they discovered dancing, maybe their mean spirited side would disappear and their unfulfilled hours would be better spent enjoying their life instead of trying to make others miserable. Just a thought!

Anyway, I am hoping that some of you may have saved an article or two and would be kind enough to send it to me @ meeeesh@aol.com Much appreciation and thanks.

Happy Dancing,
Michele

For those of you that remember my “whining” not “wining” about lack of dancers on my last few cruises. Ras #2 and I, at the insistence of our members have decided to organize a dance cruise aboard the Carnival Splendor,  Sept. 27, 2009. I twill be 7 glorious days and nights of dancing, workshops and parties.

UCWDC Master Dance Instructor Mike Eads and his lovely wife Cassie, along with 12 year UCWDC competitor Joe Tschirhart will holding workshops on sea days and dancing the nights away on all of the ships dance floors.

You will have the time of your life, please help us to fill the dance floors aboard the Carnival Splendor.
Until Feb. 28th, 2009 you can hold your cabin for only $25. Hurry and sign up, as space is limited.

There will be no lack of dance partners and fun aboard this ship!

Check out incentives for ship credit here!

Happy dancing,

Ras #1

I am so confused! For the past two years I’ve been concentrating on learning a variety of swing & country dances. About a week ago, the ballroom dance club held a 2-day dance workshop. I signed up for the Saturday classes in which they taught ballroom waltz and the rumba. After the workshop, they held a ballroom dance with a free Bolero lesson.

I loved them……………….I mean I really loved them! I am so confused now! Which direction do I go, what do I learn next……….help me please. I’m afraid to try anything else new, or I’ll just be more confused. I want to learn them all! I love every kind of dance I’ve ever tried, well maybe with the exception of one, but I’m not going to tell which one that is, because I know many who do love it. So even if I eliminate that one, there are dozen’s more I love. I know there are many dancers who stick with just one dance and become very, very good at it and I do envy the fact that they are so good…………but………..I love too many to just pick one or even two. I guess I’ll just have to resign myself to being a jack of many dances……master of none! Not sure that is all that bad.

Take Survey Now.

SCORING:

• 9 or more. Mayday, mayday. Houston, we have a serious dance problem. Don’t be surprised if your friends organize an intervention to confront you with your addiction. You can deal with problem directly by checking your phone book for the local 12-step-hop program in your area.
• 6-8. You’re a borderline dance-aholic. With some effort on your part you can take back control of your life without outside help. It may be enough to cut out dancing between dance classes.
• 3-5. Not to worry. You’re one of those social dancers. You can take it or leave it. You can walk off the dance floor anytime. Dance-aholics view you with suspicion.
• 0-2. Are you kidding? Are you taking this test as a joke? You probably don’t know a step-hop from a pivot. Get outta here — you wouldn’t even watch dance-related television programs!

As dancers, how about we make a pact to try and transform all of those couch potato addicts into Dance Addicts?

Many years ago a friend and I met in Las Vegas. One of our typical hangouts has always been the lounge in the Bellagio. The band is terrific and when they take a break you can go out on to the veranda and watch the fountain show from the backside, which is equally as amazing as watching it from the front.

Usually we spend many hours there, dancing the night away. On this particular visit, we sat and watched, discouraged and envious. Normally there are all types of dancers on the dance floor and we never felt the least bit intimidated. On this particular evening, it seemed as though we had been dropped right into the middle of an Arthur Murray dance studio. Everyone on the dance floor was partner dancing as though they had been dancing together their entire lives. We watched in awe as the partners and dances kept changing to the music, and wondered what had happened since the last time we were there. They were having so much fun, and while we enjoyed watching them, we were both thinking the same thing……….I want to do that! My envy turned to desire, I was no longer envious, and I became inspired.

What we learned, while commiserating on the veranda, was that there was a Ballroom Dance Convention in town for the weekend. Something that I never even knew existed. A world of dance. People just like me, not just the professional dancers that you see on TV, but everyday regular Joe’s. It was right then and there that I decided that I was going to learn to dance.

After returning home from that trip, I did not immediately start dancing. I did not have a partner and I really didn’t know what to do. While my excuses slowed me down, they did not quench my thirst. Several years went by and the desire to learn to dance just increased. “Dancing with the Stars” became a phenomenon and my feet became more restless. I moved from southern Ca to Idaho and said, “Self, you have always wanted to learn to dance, there is no time like the present”! Luckily, I stumbled upon a Cha Cha class at our local recreation center. I went alone and have never looked back. Dance is the greatest gift I have ever given myself.

For those of you like me, that have many excuses and reasons why NOT to dance, here are a few really good reasons TO learn to dance.

1. It is Fun!

2. It’s great exercise for the body, mind and spirit.

3. It’s a great way to make new friends.

4. It builds confidence and makes you feel good.

5. It relieves stress.

And did I mention that it is so much FUN?

Let me help you get started, so you don’t waste any more time. Often the most difficult part of doing something new and different is knowing where to begin. You have many options. Let’s compare them and you can decide what works best for you.

The quickest way to learn to dance is to take private, one on one instruction. It is expensive, but affords you the opportunity to progress at a quick pace. I have personally paid $50 – $85 per “dance” hour (which can be anywhere from 45-60 minutes), and have seen prices as high as $150 per “dance” hour. I feel that it is money well spent. I would recommend being careful and selective in choosing a dance instructor. (More on this in another article)

Group lessons are an alternative to private lessons. Most private instructors also teach group lessons. They are much more affordable and often a stepping stone to “interviewing” a dance instructor, that you may want to take private lessons from, after perfecting your basics. They typically cost $25-$55 for a 4-6 week course. You do not need a partner and will make many new friends. Group lessons are often taught at dance studios and local Recreation and Senior Centers. The atmosphere is non intimidating and fun.

Many cities and towns have local Swing Dance and Ballroom Dance organizations that offer monthly dances with a lesson prior to their dance. They are also a great way to find instructors and ongoing dance classes. These dances and lessons are generally $5-$10.

Organizations and dance studios may also offer weekend workshops. These can be overwhelming at first, but give a beginning dancer the opportunity learn and practice for many hours at a time, helping to develop muscle memory. I encourage you to sign up for the first weekend workshop that you can find. The typical cost is $40-$100 per weekend. They often coincide with membership drives. I encourage you to join the organizations and get on their email list. They will keep you informed to upcoming dance opportunities.

If you really want to indulge yourself, attend a convention. Make sure if you are a beginner, that they offer beginning instruction. Conventions offer intensive instruction and many hours of dance practice as well as competitions. The last one I attended, I danced until 4 am every night, and when I left the dance floor, it was still packed! At a convention you will have the opportunity to watch and dance with incredibly talented dancers. Keep in mind, that the only difference between you and them is time and effort. Conventions typically cost $100 plus for 3 or more days. They are worth every cent!

Local bars, pubs and lounges often offer free dance lessons several night a week. Check them out and make a few phone calls. You are sure to find them.

Online instruction and DVD’s are another alternative to learning to dance if there is no instruction available or if you are intimidated or self conscious. It is also a great way to reinforcement all of the above suggestions. Remembering what you learned in your lesson is very difficult in the beginning. Do not become discouraged! It gets easier, I promise.

You can find excellent online instruction at www.LearntoBallroomDanceOnline.com

If you have a desire to learn to dance, do not allow anything to stop you. I hope that the above suggestions will help to move your feet onto the nearest dance floor.

Happy Dancing,

Ras #1

Looking back to when I first began dancing, I so clearly remember saying, “I can hardy wait for a year to pass”. To be clear, I was not wishing away a year of my life, and certainly not wanting to hasten the path to the big “50? ( which is in May, dread, dread!), but what I was yearning for was a year of dance under my belt, or should I say feet? Being that dance did not come naturally to me, I could hardly wait for the time that I was able to walk on to a dance floor, with any leader, without feeling like I was going to throw up!

I am thrilled to say that I have reached that goal. It wasn’t easy and there were many times that I wondered if I would EVER look like I knew what I was doing, and more importantly, didn’t frustrate the heck out of my leader. The option of of giving up and throwing out the dance shoes never existed for me, since the dance bug bit me right from the very start….

A bad dance was better than no dance at all! Of course there were times that I had to BEG men to dance, but that didn’t stop me, I forged on, and now one of my New Year’s Resolutions is to be sure and ask those brand new, beginning dancers’, to dance. Today’s beginners are tomorrows dancers. All dancers have one thing in common: We all started at the same place. The beginning. Even all of those fabulous professionals started at the beginning. The only difference is WHEN we start! I know that I wish I had discovered the world of dance many years ago, but the way I look at it is that times a wasting and I’d better get busy. I have a whole lot of making up to do!

I have actually been dancing close to two years now and am so glad that I stuck it out. I still have a long way to go, but am now enjoying every step of the way.

So remember that a year is going to pass by whether we like it or not.

The questions is: What are you going to do with it?

Will this New Year be filled with new beginnings and new experiences, or will the end of 2009 just end with aspirations for 2010 to be better than 2009.

If you have ever watched anyone dance and heard this little voice in your head say, “I wish I could do that or I want to do that”, well you can. I challenge you to get out and kick up your heels. Learn to dance. Your body, heart and soul will thank you, and you will help to make the world a more joyful place.

For Online beginning instruction and additional articles be sure and visit: www.LearntoBallroomDanceOnline.com

Any of you who have ever had the chance to be thrilled with the discovery of a place to dance while traveling out of town and felt shock and awe, not in the sense of military doctrine regarding overwhelming power, rather, in the realization that the quality of dancing was frightening, would understand what I’m talking about! Ras #1 and I discovered such a place….Tuesday 2-step was our agenda for the night! Now….don’t get me wrong….I’m not claiming to be a great dancer, in fact, I’m still on the huge upward learning curve, so, on that basis, you may have an understanding of how sad the dancing really was.

Now, Ras #1 and I have attempted on a few occasions to play the man’s part (lead) of the dance team, usually when there is no-one to else to dance with, and country 2-step is one of those we have attempted to dance the boy (oops, I mean man)-part. The fact that, while playing the man part, we were about as good at dancing as most of the men on the dance floor, and better than some, just proved how bad it was. DO NOT DESPAIR! DO NOT GIVE UP! More that likely you can find better dancing material in your area, you may just have to look longer and harder and/or drive further.

Ras #1 and I decided, right then and there, that we would never again complain about dancing in our own locale………..that is, until we attended the Palm Springs Swing Dance Classic……………………but that’s another blog for another time.