from foothillsmediagroup.com:
Monday, August 9, 2010
WEST HARTFORD — Lucille Ellis of Granby, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in West Hartford, just returned from her first national dance competition where she and her teacher, Olaf Pries, dominated the dance floor. She earned the World Champion Pro-Am title in the competitions, which took place in Puerto Rico.
Ellis and Pries competed against 15 other couples from other Fred Astaire studios all over the country and took home first place in almost all dances. Ellis also won first place in her championship division as well as her scholarship division.
While in Puerto Rico, Ellis meet two professional dancing stars from the hit ABC show “Dancing with the Stars,” Maksim Chmerkovskiy and Tony Dovolani, who were there judging the event.
When asked about her experience at the event, Ellis said “It was the best time, so much fun!”
For more information, contact the studio at (860) 232-2678. The studio is located at 1128A New Britain Ave., West Hartford.
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
SYTYCD Ballroom Dancers Join Burn The Floor Tour!
from sandiego.ballroomworld.com:
The producers of BURN THE FLOOR, Broadway's Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular, announced today that Anya Garnis and Pasha Kovalev of TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" will join the touring company of BURN THE FLOOR, from September 7, 2010 to November 28, 2010. Anya and Pasha come to the tour after performing in the London production now playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre. BURN THE FLOOR will heat up SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE in a Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation, OCTOBER 12 - 17, 2010. Individual tickets go on sale WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 at 8PM ~ just in time for Part I of the Two Day Season Finale of "So You Think You Can Dance"!
Due to Anya and Pasha's popularity and success competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" season 3, they have been featured in the 7th season as All Star dancers, partnering up with the contestants to help them compete for the title of America's favorite dancer.
Anya has also been a guest dancer on "Dancing with the Stars," "Superstars of Dance" and "The Academy Awards." She was born in Latvia and has been a superstar of the ballroom world for 10 years. Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha started dancing at age 8. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he has appeared on many TV shows including "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." Anya and Pasha have also choreographed for the US and Australia versions of "So You Think You Can Dance."
San Diego's own Mary Murphy, a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" will also appear in the San Diego and San Jose engagements of the National Tour; partnered with ballroom champion Vaidas Skimelis. Murphy made her Broadway debut earlier this year in BURN THE FLOOR. Best known for her enthusiastic and emotional judging style on "So You Think You Can Dance," Mary gained notoriety and earned fans as the "Queen of Scream." She is a US Ballroom Dance Champion and an Austrian National 10-dance and Ballroom Champion. In addition to owning Champion Ballroom Academy in San Diego, Mary is a partner in the "Chance to Dance" program in the San Diego area school district, helping provide dance classes to children unable to afford lessons.
The fall portion of the tour also features "So You Think You Can Dance" alums Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer. All five have been seen on TV's "So You Think You Can Dance," in the US (Ashleigh & Ryan Di Lello, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer, Top 10 Finalists) and Australia (Robbie Kmetoni, 2010 Winner).
Years before "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" turned Ballroom Dancing into must-see TV, BURN THE FLOOR was blazing a new dance trail and igniting stages around the globe. In BURN THE FLOOR, Ballroom Dance is totally reinvented. All the dance styles are refreshed and invigorated and leave audiences grinning with delight and screaming for more. You see and feel, live on stage, all the passion, drama and sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous world champion dancers in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls, "Dazzling!" and The Times (London) calls "the summer's hottest ticket"!
BURN THE FLOOR is directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, former World Champion Latin and Ballroom dancer, and guest choreographer on the fourth season of "So You Think You Can Dance." The national tour of BURN THE FLOOR launches in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday September 7, 2010. For a full list of tour cities, please visit burnthefloor.com.
Individual tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 11 at 8PM online at BroadwaySD.com; in person at the Civic Theatre Ticket Office (3rd & B Street, 1100 Third Ave., downtown San Diego); or by calling the Ticket Office at (619) 570-1100 or Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787.
The producers of BURN THE FLOOR, Broadway's Latin and Ballroom dance spectacular, announced today that Anya Garnis and Pasha Kovalev of TV's "So You Think You Can Dance" will join the touring company of BURN THE FLOOR, from September 7, 2010 to November 28, 2010. Anya and Pasha come to the tour after performing in the London production now playing at the Shaftesbury Theatre. BURN THE FLOOR will heat up SAN DIEGO CIVIC THEATRE in a Broadway/San Diego ~ A Nederlander Presentation, OCTOBER 12 - 17, 2010. Individual tickets go on sale WEDNESDAY, AUGUST 11 at 8PM ~ just in time for Part I of the Two Day Season Finale of "So You Think You Can Dance"!
Due to Anya and Pasha's popularity and success competing on "So You Think You Can Dance" season 3, they have been featured in the 7th season as All Star dancers, partnering up with the contestants to help them compete for the title of America's favorite dancer.
Anya has also been a guest dancer on "Dancing with the Stars," "Superstars of Dance" and "The Academy Awards." She was born in Latvia and has been a superstar of the ballroom world for 10 years. Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha started dancing at age 8. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he has appeared on many TV shows including "So You Think You Can Dance," "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." Anya and Pasha have also choreographed for the US and Australia versions of "So You Think You Can Dance."
San Diego's own Mary Murphy, a guest judge on "So You Think You Can Dance" will also appear in the San Diego and San Jose engagements of the National Tour; partnered with ballroom champion Vaidas Skimelis. Murphy made her Broadway debut earlier this year in BURN THE FLOOR. Best known for her enthusiastic and emotional judging style on "So You Think You Can Dance," Mary gained notoriety and earned fans as the "Queen of Scream." She is a US Ballroom Dance Champion and an Austrian National 10-dance and Ballroom Champion. In addition to owning Champion Ballroom Academy in San Diego, Mary is a partner in the "Chance to Dance" program in the San Diego area school district, helping provide dance classes to children unable to afford lessons.
The fall portion of the tour also features "So You Think You Can Dance" alums Ashleigh Di Lello, Ryan Di Lello, Robbie Kmetoni, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer. All five have been seen on TV's "So You Think You Can Dance," in the US (Ashleigh & Ryan Di Lello, Janette Manrara and Karen Hauer, Top 10 Finalists) and Australia (Robbie Kmetoni, 2010 Winner).
Years before "Dancing with the Stars" and "So You Think You Can Dance" turned Ballroom Dancing into must-see TV, BURN THE FLOOR was blazing a new dance trail and igniting stages around the globe. In BURN THE FLOOR, Ballroom Dance is totally reinvented. All the dance styles are refreshed and invigorated and leave audiences grinning with delight and screaming for more. You see and feel, live on stage, all the passion, drama and sizzling excitement of 20 gorgeous world champion dancers in a true theatrical experience, a performance with a grace and athleticism that The New York Times calls, "Dazzling!" and The Times (London) calls "the summer's hottest ticket"!
BURN THE FLOOR is directed and choreographed by Jason Gilkison, former World Champion Latin and Ballroom dancer, and guest choreographer on the fourth season of "So You Think You Can Dance." The national tour of BURN THE FLOOR launches in Portland, Ore., on Tuesday September 7, 2010. For a full list of tour cities, please visit burnthefloor.com.
Individual tickets will go on sale on Wednesday, August 11 at 8PM online at BroadwaySD.com; in person at the Civic Theatre Ticket Office (3rd & B Street, 1100 Third Ave., downtown San Diego); or by calling the Ticket Office at (619) 570-1100 or Ticketmaster at (800) 982-2787.
Monday, August 09, 2010
WORLD CHAMPIONS COACHING IN YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO
August 21st, 2010
Hanna Karttunen & Victor DaSilva, the World Champions also seen on Dancing With The Stars, will be coaching at the Youngstown Fred Astaire Dance Studio this coming August 21st 2010.
Victor and Hanna both will be coaching Private lessons and Group classes. Group Classes will be held at 12:45pm & 1:30pm. The Cost is $30 for one and $50 for both. This will be Victor’s second time coming back to the studio and Hanna’s first, so let's give them a warm welcome and show that Youngstown is the place to be!
Please call or stop in for reservation.
330.788.3200
Upcoming Event: Boston Ballroom Conference and Competition
from visionarysteps.com:
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, 9/17/10 to Sunday, 9/19/20 for a dance weekend like no other!
Join us for the exciting premiere of the Boston Ballroom Conference and Competition (BBC&C) at the Westin Copley Place Hotel - a fun and interactive weekend of learning, dancing and socializing with pro-am competitors, spectators and supporters, who share a passion for ballroom.
BBC&C will kick off the weekend with a social mixer on Friday, September 16, at the Westin Hotel. Attendees are then invited to attend the SuperShag Fall Ball and a special wine tasting with Four Vines at the Waltham studio.
On Saturday, September 17, enjoy any number of dance workshops to enhance your technique, creativity and style, or engage in a thought-provoking discussion on some hot dance-related topics led by industry experts. The dance conference titled, “Moving Beyond the Dancefloor,” is open to the public. No partner is necessary, and dancers at any level are welcome!
Then celebrate the contributions of a pioneer within the ballroom dance industry with the presentation of BBC&C’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be followed by a special Gala soirée, featuring special appearances by Ohio Star Ball Latin Champions, Anna Kovalova and Roman Kutskyy, show-stopping performances by world-class professional dance couples and ample time for general dancing.
On Sunday, September 19, participate in a dynamic, full-day pro-am dance competition, complete with a distinguished group of adjudicators and dancers at all levels for the ultimate dance off for scholarships and prizes.
Throughout the weekend, there will be numerous opportunities to socialize and enjoy evenings out on the town to sample the best of Greater Boston.
SAVE THE DATES!
Friday, 9/17/10 to Sunday, 9/19/20 for a dance weekend like no other!
Join us for the exciting premiere of the Boston Ballroom Conference and Competition (BBC&C) at the Westin Copley Place Hotel - a fun and interactive weekend of learning, dancing and socializing with pro-am competitors, spectators and supporters, who share a passion for ballroom.
BBC&C will kick off the weekend with a social mixer on Friday, September 16, at the Westin Hotel. Attendees are then invited to attend the SuperShag Fall Ball and a special wine tasting with Four Vines at the Waltham studio.
On Saturday, September 17, enjoy any number of dance workshops to enhance your technique, creativity and style, or engage in a thought-provoking discussion on some hot dance-related topics led by industry experts. The dance conference titled, “Moving Beyond the Dancefloor,” is open to the public. No partner is necessary, and dancers at any level are welcome!
Then celebrate the contributions of a pioneer within the ballroom dance industry with the presentation of BBC&C’s Lifetime Achievement Award, which will be followed by a special Gala soirée, featuring special appearances by Ohio Star Ball Latin Champions, Anna Kovalova and Roman Kutskyy, show-stopping performances by world-class professional dance couples and ample time for general dancing.
On Sunday, September 19, participate in a dynamic, full-day pro-am dance competition, complete with a distinguished group of adjudicators and dancers at all levels for the ultimate dance off for scholarships and prizes.
Throughout the weekend, there will be numerous opportunities to socialize and enjoy evenings out on the town to sample the best of Greater Boston.
Dizzy Utah feet celebrate National Dance Day
from deseretnews.com:
SALT LAKE CITY — More than 150 Utah dancers moved to the music Saturday in celebration of National Dance Day, an idea that grew out of a national television show and was recognized by Congress for the first time this year.
The Salt Lake event, sponsored by local dance company Xtreme Danzz, was held at Studio 600.
Dance professionals from around the state volunteered their time Saturday, including "High School Musical" choreographer Ro Malaga and the Utah Jazz Dance Team, who taught everyone the Dizzy Feet dance.
"That's the dance that everyone around the world is doing today," Jazz dance team captain Nicole Gunnarson explained.
Different styles of dance were highlighted throughout the day, and anyone was welcome to come out and give them a try for free. These included fitness dance classes featuring ballroom and hip-hop. There were classes for the tropical hula and Tahitian dances. The day ended with a final routine of the Dizzy Feet dance.
Fitness buddies Wendy Smock and Monique Way attended the event together to try out new styles of dance.
"We all need to be more active," said Smock, who met Way through a Zumba dance class. "And this is a way to get people moving and let people know there's different ways they can get dancing and get moving to exercise."
Amy Moore, part owner of Xtreme Danzz, said that more than anything else, celebrating National Dance Day was about sharing dancing and getting people to care more about fitness. Dance has been a part of her life since she was 3 years old, says Moore, who has opened her own dance studio focused on teaching kids.
"(National Dance Day) was about bringing everyone together and making new friends," she said.
The idea for the day got its start on the popular television show "So You Think You Can Dance," whose producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe pushed efforts to have the day recognized by Congress. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the congressional delegate to Washington, D.C., and leader of the government's national healthy lifestyle movement, took up the cause and pushed recognition of the day through.
The purpose is to celebrate dance, from professional ballet to hip-hop and crunk, but also to help get people up and moving. Fitness is a huge issue for the congresswoman, and Saturday's newly recognized day is one way she's pushing physical activities.
"More than 30 percent of Americans are obese and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years," Norton said in a press release. "Television shows such as 'So You Think You Can Dance' are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle. Holding a National Dance Day in the nation's capital is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity."
Moore helped coordinate the Salt Lake City event by calling local dance studios and recruiting groups to come out and showcase their dancing skills.
"We just wanted to offer a great convention. … We just wanted to offer everyone a reason to come out and get moving, celebrate dance, get fit. It's just a great opportunity for the community to come out and get together."
National Dance Day popped up in different forms in every state, from Florida to Alaska, all celebrating the Dizzy Feet Foundation's dance. The foundation, which was started by Lythgoe, helps teach underprivileged youths to dance.
SALT LAKE CITY — More than 150 Utah dancers moved to the music Saturday in celebration of National Dance Day, an idea that grew out of a national television show and was recognized by Congress for the first time this year.
The Salt Lake event, sponsored by local dance company Xtreme Danzz, was held at Studio 600.
Dance professionals from around the state volunteered their time Saturday, including "High School Musical" choreographer Ro Malaga and the Utah Jazz Dance Team, who taught everyone the Dizzy Feet dance.
"That's the dance that everyone around the world is doing today," Jazz dance team captain Nicole Gunnarson explained.
Different styles of dance were highlighted throughout the day, and anyone was welcome to come out and give them a try for free. These included fitness dance classes featuring ballroom and hip-hop. There were classes for the tropical hula and Tahitian dances. The day ended with a final routine of the Dizzy Feet dance.
Fitness buddies Wendy Smock and Monique Way attended the event together to try out new styles of dance.
"We all need to be more active," said Smock, who met Way through a Zumba dance class. "And this is a way to get people moving and let people know there's different ways they can get dancing and get moving to exercise."
Amy Moore, part owner of Xtreme Danzz, said that more than anything else, celebrating National Dance Day was about sharing dancing and getting people to care more about fitness. Dance has been a part of her life since she was 3 years old, says Moore, who has opened her own dance studio focused on teaching kids.
"(National Dance Day) was about bringing everyone together and making new friends," she said.
The idea for the day got its start on the popular television show "So You Think You Can Dance," whose producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe pushed efforts to have the day recognized by Congress. Eleanor Holmes Norton, the congressional delegate to Washington, D.C., and leader of the government's national healthy lifestyle movement, took up the cause and pushed recognition of the day through.
The purpose is to celebrate dance, from professional ballet to hip-hop and crunk, but also to help get people up and moving. Fitness is a huge issue for the congresswoman, and Saturday's newly recognized day is one way she's pushing physical activities.
"More than 30 percent of Americans are obese and childhood obesity has tripled in the past 30 years," Norton said in a press release. "Television shows such as 'So You Think You Can Dance' are not only entertaining but are also encouraging people to live a physically active lifestyle. Holding a National Dance Day in the nation's capital is a terrific way to promote fitness and fight obesity."
Moore helped coordinate the Salt Lake City event by calling local dance studios and recruiting groups to come out and showcase their dancing skills.
"We just wanted to offer a great convention. … We just wanted to offer everyone a reason to come out and get moving, celebrate dance, get fit. It's just a great opportunity for the community to come out and get together."
National Dance Day popped up in different forms in every state, from Florida to Alaska, all celebrating the Dizzy Feet Foundation's dance. The foundation, which was started by Lythgoe, helps teach underprivileged youths to dance.
Thursday, August 05, 2010
5 Reasons Men Can Enjoy Ballroom Dancing Too
from articlesnatch.com:
By: D Fraer
Some men might view ballroom dancing as an activity for women. How ever there have been some pretty manly men prove that they can dance with the best of them on hit TV shows like Dancing with the Stars.
The truth is there are lots of great reasons men should be interested in learning ballroom dance as well and I'll give you five of those reasons in this article.
Fitness
Ballroom dance is not for any slouch. You're constantly moving, on your feet and stretching your muscles. You require a certain level of physical fitness to be able to perform some of the more popular ballroom dance styles. If you find you don't exercise as much as you used to then ballroom dancing can be a great activity to keep fit.
Entertainment
Dancing is as much about having a good time as it is about fitness. IF you go into dance lessons with an open mind you'll find it's fun and is a great alternative to some of the regular things you used to do on a Friday night.
Team Work
Working together with your significant other to learn the steps to a particular dance takes team work. The type of team work that will spill over into the rest of your life around the house, with the kids or even just getting groceries. It's a great growth exercise.
Romance
Holding each other close during your dance lessons or during a night out on the town dancing is romantic. It builds intimacy between you and your partner and allows you to express your emotions in a new way, even if you normally have trouble talking about them. Many men decide to take ballroom lessons because they believe it will put them in the good books with their wives or girl friends, but if you really give yourself to process you'll get so much more in return.
Variety
Find yourself asking your partner what do you want to do tonight a lot? We often end up doing the same old things over and over. Going to the movies, watching TV or reading a book. Why not spice things up with dance lessons or a night on the town.
By: D Fraer
Some men might view ballroom dancing as an activity for women. How ever there have been some pretty manly men prove that they can dance with the best of them on hit TV shows like Dancing with the Stars.
The truth is there are lots of great reasons men should be interested in learning ballroom dance as well and I'll give you five of those reasons in this article.
Fitness
Ballroom dance is not for any slouch. You're constantly moving, on your feet and stretching your muscles. You require a certain level of physical fitness to be able to perform some of the more popular ballroom dance styles. If you find you don't exercise as much as you used to then ballroom dancing can be a great activity to keep fit.
Entertainment
Dancing is as much about having a good time as it is about fitness. IF you go into dance lessons with an open mind you'll find it's fun and is a great alternative to some of the regular things you used to do on a Friday night.
Team Work
Working together with your significant other to learn the steps to a particular dance takes team work. The type of team work that will spill over into the rest of your life around the house, with the kids or even just getting groceries. It's a great growth exercise.
Romance
Holding each other close during your dance lessons or during a night out on the town dancing is romantic. It builds intimacy between you and your partner and allows you to express your emotions in a new way, even if you normally have trouble talking about them. Many men decide to take ballroom lessons because they believe it will put them in the good books with their wives or girl friends, but if you really give yourself to process you'll get so much more in return.
Variety
Find yourself asking your partner what do you want to do tonight a lot? We often end up doing the same old things over and over. Going to the movies, watching TV or reading a book. Why not spice things up with dance lessons or a night on the town.
Dance floor experiences include lessons in etiquette
from blog.al.com:
A Mobile native, Debbie Simmons moved with her family to the small town of Hartselle when she was in elementary school. But she returned to her home turf as soon as possible and became active in the community.
"I graduated from Hartselle High School, but I moved back to go to (the University of South Alabama)," she said. "My grandmother was still living here, and the plan was that I’d move back and live with her."
The arrangement had an unexpected benefit when Simmons got involved in ballroom dancing.
"I’ve been dancing my whole life. My mother had a dance studio, but never ballroom," Simmons said. "My grandmother started taking lessons at Fred Astaire in Mobile, and she kept asking me to go."
Simmons finally conceded and started dancing in 1988, and before long, she was working at the studio.
"They asked me to work part time at night while I was in college," Simmons said. "I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in college, but I knew my passion was dancing."
So she left college and focused on ballroom dancing, and in 1993, she and her husband, Mike, took over the Mobile location of Fred Astaire studios.
"My husband moved here from Birmingham, and he’s been dancing for years," she said. "We moved the studio to Daphne in 2001, and we love having it here."
With 70 students ranging in age from 9 to 87, Simmons said the hobby provides unexpected benefits.
"So many young kids dance. They love it because of what they’ve seen on television, and they dream of being on TV," she said. "To me, the most important thing it teaches is respect for the other person. There are a lot of etiquette lessons in the dance lessons."
Their first classes of the day start at 3 p.m. at the Daphne studio, and private lessons are held during the week with group dances one night per week.
"Some people take because they’re getting ready for weddings or cruises, or some people just like it as a hobby, like golf," Simmons said. "They get to be around other people who share their enthusiasm and you meet the most amazing and fun people in the world."
Simmons’ other passion is cat rescue, and two years ago she became vice president of the Azalea City Cat Coalition with friend Susan Young.
"I’d been doing cat rescue work independently with my neighborhood, but when Susan approached me, I had to do this," she said. "It’s basically four or five people, and we trap feral cats."
The cats are neutered, marked with an ear notch, and then released back into their habitats.
"It’s a trap, neuter, release program, and it operates with the understanding that we can’t catch all of them," she said. "And even if you did, other cats would just move in and take over."
Simmons stressed that her program prevents population growth.
A Mobile native, Debbie Simmons moved with her family to the small town of Hartselle when she was in elementary school. But she returned to her home turf as soon as possible and became active in the community.
"I graduated from Hartselle High School, but I moved back to go to (the University of South Alabama)," she said. "My grandmother was still living here, and the plan was that I’d move back and live with her."
The arrangement had an unexpected benefit when Simmons got involved in ballroom dancing.
"I’ve been dancing my whole life. My mother had a dance studio, but never ballroom," Simmons said. "My grandmother started taking lessons at Fred Astaire in Mobile, and she kept asking me to go."
Simmons finally conceded and started dancing in 1988, and before long, she was working at the studio.
"They asked me to work part time at night while I was in college," Simmons said. "I didn’t really know what I wanted to do in college, but I knew my passion was dancing."
So she left college and focused on ballroom dancing, and in 1993, she and her husband, Mike, took over the Mobile location of Fred Astaire studios.
"My husband moved here from Birmingham, and he’s been dancing for years," she said. "We moved the studio to Daphne in 2001, and we love having it here."
With 70 students ranging in age from 9 to 87, Simmons said the hobby provides unexpected benefits.
"So many young kids dance. They love it because of what they’ve seen on television, and they dream of being on TV," she said. "To me, the most important thing it teaches is respect for the other person. There are a lot of etiquette lessons in the dance lessons."
Their first classes of the day start at 3 p.m. at the Daphne studio, and private lessons are held during the week with group dances one night per week.
"Some people take because they’re getting ready for weddings or cruises, or some people just like it as a hobby, like golf," Simmons said. "They get to be around other people who share their enthusiasm and you meet the most amazing and fun people in the world."
Simmons’ other passion is cat rescue, and two years ago she became vice president of the Azalea City Cat Coalition with friend Susan Young.
"I’d been doing cat rescue work independently with my neighborhood, but when Susan approached me, I had to do this," she said. "It’s basically four or five people, and we trap feral cats."
The cats are neutered, marked with an ear notch, and then released back into their habitats.
"It’s a trap, neuter, release program, and it operates with the understanding that we can’t catch all of them," she said. "And even if you did, other cats would just move in and take over."
Simmons stressed that her program prevents population growth.
Tuesday, August 03, 2010
Astaire World Championships 2010 Results
Congratulations to all participants of our latest competition, the Astaire World Championships held in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and special congratulations go out to the following Fred Astaire pros:
American Closed Bronze/Silver Smooth
1st – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibodeaux (Norwalk, CT studio)
2nd – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
3rd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach, FL studio)
4th – Vadim Boldirev & Karla Pinet (Bloomfield Hills, MI studio)
5th – Tommy Alejandro & Kateryna Angelone (Houston-Katy, TX studio)
American Closed Bronze/Silver Rhythm
1st – Joe Hasson & Missy Keller (Washington D.C. studio)
2nd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Ryan Wiemers & Cheryl Humphreys (San Diego, CA & Houston-Woodlands, TX studios)
4th – Rob Rocha & Jessica March (St. Petersburg, FL studio)
5th – Zeke Cribbs & Pamela Dachelet (Madison, WI studio)
American Rising Star Smooth
1st – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
2nd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach. FL studio)
3rd – Vadim Boldirev & Karla Pinet (Bloomfield Hills. MI studio)
4th – Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
5th – Christopher Muise & Kirsten Obermiller (Belmont, MA studio)
American Rising Star Rhythm
1st – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd – Joe Hasson & Elena Tsirlin (Washington D.C. & South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
4th – Christopher Uy & Nina Diperro (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
5th – Martin Rycroft & Michelle Montanez (Belmont, MA studio)
American Closed Novice/Mixed
1st – Thomas Radon & Sarah Parzica (Orchard Park, NY studio)
2nd – Dmytro Gurkov & Amanda Bradford (Houston-Katy & Woodlands, TX studios)
3rd – Justin Scott & Brandi White (Madison, WI studio)
4th – Zeke Cribbs & Pamela Dachelet (Madison, WI studio)
5th – Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
Astaire World American Open Rhythm 5-Dance
1st – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd – Joe Hasson & Elena Tsirlin (Washington D.C. & South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
4th – Christopher Uy & Nina Diperro (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
5th – Martin Rycroft & Michelle Montanez (Belmont, MA studio)
Astaire World American Open Smooth 4-Dance
1st – Mikhail Zharinov & Gala Detkina (NY East studio)
2nd – Vladimir Kosarev & Vera Kosarev (Buffalo, NY studio)
3rd – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibodeaux (Norwalk, CT studio)
4th – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
5th - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
International Open Latin 5-Dance
1st - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
2nd – Plamen Danelov & Tina Gerova (NY East studio)
Astaire World International Open Standard 5-Dance
1st – Ruslan Meshkov & Alexandra Nema (Albany, NY studio)
2nd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach, FL studio)
Professional Open Cabaret
1st - Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
3rd - Plamen Danelov & Tina Gerova (NY East studio)
American Closed Bronze/Silver Smooth
1st – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibodeaux (Norwalk, CT studio)
2nd – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
3rd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach, FL studio)
4th – Vadim Boldirev & Karla Pinet (Bloomfield Hills, MI studio)
5th – Tommy Alejandro & Kateryna Angelone (Houston-Katy, TX studio)
American Closed Bronze/Silver Rhythm
1st – Joe Hasson & Missy Keller (Washington D.C. studio)
2nd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Ryan Wiemers & Cheryl Humphreys (San Diego, CA & Houston-Woodlands, TX studios)
4th – Rob Rocha & Jessica March (St. Petersburg, FL studio)
5th – Zeke Cribbs & Pamela Dachelet (Madison, WI studio)
American Rising Star Smooth
1st – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
2nd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach. FL studio)
3rd – Vadim Boldirev & Karla Pinet (Bloomfield Hills. MI studio)
4th – Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
5th – Christopher Muise & Kirsten Obermiller (Belmont, MA studio)
American Rising Star Rhythm
1st – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd – Joe Hasson & Elena Tsirlin (Washington D.C. & South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
4th – Christopher Uy & Nina Diperro (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
5th – Martin Rycroft & Michelle Montanez (Belmont, MA studio)
American Closed Novice/Mixed
1st – Thomas Radon & Sarah Parzica (Orchard Park, NY studio)
2nd – Dmytro Gurkov & Amanda Bradford (Houston-Katy & Woodlands, TX studios)
3rd – Justin Scott & Brandi White (Madison, WI studio)
4th – Zeke Cribbs & Pamela Dachelet (Madison, WI studio)
5th – Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
Astaire World American Open Rhythm 5-Dance
1st – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd – Joe Hasson & Elena Tsirlin (Washington D.C. & South Barrington, IL studio)
3rd – Andre Santore & Yuliana Chepurna (South Barrington, IL studio)
4th – Christopher Uy & Nina Diperro (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
5th – Martin Rycroft & Michelle Montanez (Belmont, MA studio)
Astaire World American Open Smooth 4-Dance
1st – Mikhail Zharinov & Gala Detkina (NY East studio)
2nd – Vladimir Kosarev & Vera Kosarev (Buffalo, NY studio)
3rd – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibodeaux (Norwalk, CT studio)
4th – Ben Seifert & Cheryl Humphreys (Houston-Woodlands, TX studio)
5th - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
International Open Latin 5-Dance
1st - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
2nd – Plamen Danelov & Tina Gerova (NY East studio)
Astaire World International Open Standard 5-Dance
1st – Ruslan Meshkov & Alexandra Nema (Albany, NY studio)
2nd – Andreas Luetzner & Doreen Scheinpflug (West Palm Beach, FL studio)
Professional Open Cabaret
1st - Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad (Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio)
2nd - Forrest Walsh & Michelle Current (Pasadena, CA studio)
3rd - Plamen Danelov & Tina Gerova (NY East studio)
Which 'Dancing' Pro Choreographed Chelsea Clinton's First Dance with Marc Mezvinsky?
from newsok.com:
Chelsea Clinton wed longtime beau Marc Mezvinsky Saturday evening in Rhinebeck, New York -- but was the happy couple's special first dance choreographed by one of these "Dancing with the Stars" pros?
A source tells ET that it was none-other-than ballroom bad boy Maksim Chmerkovskiy who choreographed the duo's first dance as husband and wife.
Chelsea Clinton wed longtime beau Marc Mezvinsky Saturday evening in Rhinebeck, New York -- but was the happy couple's special first dance choreographed by one of these "Dancing with the Stars" pros?
A source tells ET that it was none-other-than ballroom bad boy Maksim Chmerkovskiy who choreographed the duo's first dance as husband and wife.
Monday, August 02, 2010
Dancing With The Stars Season 11!
The cast of Dancing With The Stars Season 11 will be announced on August 30th on an episode of ABC's newest reality series, 'Bachelor Pad.'
FADS Pros Win Big!
Professional dancers from Fred Astaire Dance Studios around the country are heating up the dance floor this year at various prestigious competitions. Here are some recent results:
Millennium Dance Championships
American Open Rhythm
4th - Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle
6th - Hayk Arshakian and Sarah Haworth
Cabaret
1st – Jesse Benedetti and Kimalee Piedad
4th – Vicente Martinez and Megan Murphy
Rising Star American Smooth
5th – Chris Germain and Simona Palmova
Rising Star American Rhythm
1st – Aleks Nashev and Brittney Bartler
2nd – Aaron DeSoto and Jaana Lillemagi
4th – Slash Sharan and Ria Valenzuela
Manhattan Dance Championships
American Rhythm
3rd – Ken Hansen and Christina Penatello
4th – Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle
American Smooth
5th - Mikhail Zharinov and Galina Detkina
Latin
5th place – Plamen Danailov and Tina Gerova
Rising Star American Rhythm
2nd – Slash Sharan and Ria Valenzuela
3rd – Eugene Yeremenko and Marisa Yatsenko
Rising Star American Smooth
4th – Peter Hahn and Juliet Thibodeaux
Millennium Dance Championships
American Open Rhythm
4th - Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle
6th - Hayk Arshakian and Sarah Haworth
Cabaret
1st – Jesse Benedetti and Kimalee Piedad
4th – Vicente Martinez and Megan Murphy
Rising Star American Smooth
5th – Chris Germain and Simona Palmova
Rising Star American Rhythm
1st – Aleks Nashev and Brittney Bartler
2nd – Aaron DeSoto and Jaana Lillemagi
4th – Slash Sharan and Ria Valenzuela
Manhattan Dance Championships
American Rhythm
3rd – Ken Hansen and Christina Penatello
4th – Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle
American Smooth
5th - Mikhail Zharinov and Galina Detkina
Latin
5th place – Plamen Danailov and Tina Gerova
Rising Star American Rhythm
2nd – Slash Sharan and Ria Valenzuela
3rd – Eugene Yeremenko and Marisa Yatsenko
Rising Star American Smooth
4th – Peter Hahn and Juliet Thibodeaux
The Health Benefits Of Ballroom Dancing
from fivestarwayofliving.com:
By Blaze Smith, on July 22nd, 2010
Ready to get in shape but not a fan of the gym? You love to move to music, can’t help but tap your foot or loved to dance as a child? Would prefer to exercise while accomplishing something other than repetition? You sound like a great candidate to explore the enormous benefits of getting your exercise by going ballroom dancing.
There are many studies that show social dancing is an exceptional form of exercise. Mayo Clinic researchers claim social dancing helps “boost energy, improve strength, increase muscle tone and coordination all while reducing stress.” And not only in America have studies shown its value. In Italy, researchers found that 21 minutes of dancing just three times a week has cardiovascular benefits equal to a bicycle or treadmill workout.
Typical exercises can improve your bones and muscles but experts claim that dancing is the best workout when it comes to increasing your metabolism. Dances such as Jive and Salsa actually require surprisingly large amounts of energy. Dance increases your heart rate while consuming stored fats in your body. Ballroom dancing is definitely an enjoyable way to lose weight! Ballroom dancing tones your muscles, strengthens your core and improves your skin. So you look and feel better all while burning calories on the dance floor!
And what did the National Heart, Ling and Blood Institute (NHLBI) say about dancing? Well, they indicated that dancing can decrease your blood pressure, aid you in managing your weight, lower your risk of coronary heart diseases and strengthen your bones, especially those on your hips and legs. The good just keeps coming.
Can you believe that dancing also helps with memory, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia? The New England Journal of Medicine reported that dancing does.
Like most exercises, the amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on the type and intensity. Exercise physiologist Catherine Cram of Comprehensive Consulting in Middleton, Wisconsin, stated that “a terrific workout occurs when a person gets his or her heart rate up (and) … dance is a weight-bearing activity which builds bones.”
I am confident you will find your own multiple reasons why ballroom dancing will benefit you – and your loved ones!
If you are pregnant (or know someone who is,) want to exercise and have fun, do take a look at Blaze Smith’s free “Ballroom Dance and Pregnancy” video on the topic. She also has other ballroom dancing tips and how tos freely available on the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mamaroneck site that provide tips and information about ballroom dancing, what to wear, what to expect at the studio and more.
By Blaze Smith, on July 22nd, 2010
Ready to get in shape but not a fan of the gym? You love to move to music, can’t help but tap your foot or loved to dance as a child? Would prefer to exercise while accomplishing something other than repetition? You sound like a great candidate to explore the enormous benefits of getting your exercise by going ballroom dancing.
There are many studies that show social dancing is an exceptional form of exercise. Mayo Clinic researchers claim social dancing helps “boost energy, improve strength, increase muscle tone and coordination all while reducing stress.” And not only in America have studies shown its value. In Italy, researchers found that 21 minutes of dancing just three times a week has cardiovascular benefits equal to a bicycle or treadmill workout.
Typical exercises can improve your bones and muscles but experts claim that dancing is the best workout when it comes to increasing your metabolism. Dances such as Jive and Salsa actually require surprisingly large amounts of energy. Dance increases your heart rate while consuming stored fats in your body. Ballroom dancing is definitely an enjoyable way to lose weight! Ballroom dancing tones your muscles, strengthens your core and improves your skin. So you look and feel better all while burning calories on the dance floor!
And what did the National Heart, Ling and Blood Institute (NHLBI) say about dancing? Well, they indicated that dancing can decrease your blood pressure, aid you in managing your weight, lower your risk of coronary heart diseases and strengthen your bones, especially those on your hips and legs. The good just keeps coming.
Can you believe that dancing also helps with memory, Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia? The New England Journal of Medicine reported that dancing does.
Like most exercises, the amount of benefit you get from dancing depends on the type and intensity. Exercise physiologist Catherine Cram of Comprehensive Consulting in Middleton, Wisconsin, stated that “a terrific workout occurs when a person gets his or her heart rate up (and) … dance is a weight-bearing activity which builds bones.”
I am confident you will find your own multiple reasons why ballroom dancing will benefit you – and your loved ones!
If you are pregnant (or know someone who is,) want to exercise and have fun, do take a look at Blaze Smith’s free “Ballroom Dance and Pregnancy” video on the topic. She also has other ballroom dancing tips and how tos freely available on the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mamaroneck site that provide tips and information about ballroom dancing, what to wear, what to expect at the studio and more.
Tuesday, July 20, 2010
Upcoming Event
United States Dance Championships 2010 held in Orlando, Florida on September 7-11, 2010 is one of the most prestigous dance competitions in the country. Over $180,000 will be awarded in cash, medallions, and trophies at this exciting event. The competition will feature:
- United States National Open & Pro/Am Championships and United States National Professional Championships - The winners and runners-up from the U.S. National Professional International Standard and Latin will represent the USA in the WDC World Professional Dance Championships.
- United States Grand Championships - The winners of the U.S. Pro/Am "Open" Latin, Rhythm, Standard, Smooth and the winners of the U.S. Pro/Am Ten Dance and Nine Dance Championships will compete on Saturday afternoon to determine the U.S. Pro/Am Grand Champion.
- The U.S. Open to the World Professional Standard Championship and the U.S. Open to the World Professional Latin American Championship. Both events are WDC World Series Events. The WDC World Series combines the premiere Professional dancing competitions for Standard & Latin in the World to form the foundation for the World Ranking for Professional Dancers in their respective styles.
- World Professional Dance Championships™ featuring World Cabaret/Exhibition Championships.
Exciting Results!
On June 22, the Millennium Dancesport Championships were held in St. Petersburg, Florida. Fred Astaire Professional Wisconsin Couples won top honors at this year's event. Congratulations to the following American Open Rhythm Finalists:
Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle - 4th place
Hayk Arshakian and Sarah Haworth - 6th place
On June 30, at the Manhattan Dancesport Championships in New York City, another Fred Astaire couple took the competition by storm. Congratulations to Ken Hansen and Christina Penatello for placing 3rd in American Rhythm.
Ricky Bentzen and Albina Habrle - 4th place
Hayk Arshakian and Sarah Haworth - 6th place
On June 30, at the Manhattan Dancesport Championships in New York City, another Fred Astaire couple took the competition by storm. Congratulations to Ken Hansen and Christina Penatello for placing 3rd in American Rhythm.
DWTS Tony Dovolani Wants A More Able Partner Next Time
from people.com:
Dancing with the Stars doesn’t kick off its 11th season until the end of September, but it’s never too early for the pro partners to start planning ahead and thinking of ways to get their hands on that mirror ball trophy.
“I enjoyed every bit of last season — well, most of it, I mean,” Tony Dovolani, who partnered with controversial contestant Kate Gosselin last season, told PEOPLE at the ESPY Awards Wednesday in L.A. “Next season I would like to have a more able partner, someone who doesn’t have so many distractions in their life. The producers know how I feel.”
Tony and Kate were eliminated after several weeks of low scores and negative reviews from the judges. They also had their fair share of drama.
So who would be up to Dovolani’s standards when it’s time to waltz again? “I would love to see Anna Kournikova come on our show [or] Jennifer Aniston,” he says with a laugh. “I aim very high.”
And since he aims so high, why not add occasional costar Julianne Hough‘s beau Ryan Seacrest to the equation? “I think FOX would have a real problem with him coming onto our show,” Dovolani says. “But I wish [him and Julianne] both well. I think you could put anyone next to Julianne and you have a cute couple. She can make anyone look good!”
Dancing with the Stars doesn’t kick off its 11th season until the end of September, but it’s never too early for the pro partners to start planning ahead and thinking of ways to get their hands on that mirror ball trophy.
“I enjoyed every bit of last season — well, most of it, I mean,” Tony Dovolani, who partnered with controversial contestant Kate Gosselin last season, told PEOPLE at the ESPY Awards Wednesday in L.A. “Next season I would like to have a more able partner, someone who doesn’t have so many distractions in their life. The producers know how I feel.”
Tony and Kate were eliminated after several weeks of low scores and negative reviews from the judges. They also had their fair share of drama.
So who would be up to Dovolani’s standards when it’s time to waltz again? “I would love to see Anna Kournikova come on our show [or] Jennifer Aniston,” he says with a laugh. “I aim very high.”
And since he aims so high, why not add occasional costar Julianne Hough‘s beau Ryan Seacrest to the equation? “I think FOX would have a real problem with him coming onto our show,” Dovolani says. “But I wish [him and Julianne] both well. I think you could put anyone next to Julianne and you have a cute couple. She can make anyone look good!”
Monday, July 19, 2010
Get Excited for National Dance Day
from danceblogs.fox.com:
So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe would like to declare July 31, NATIONAL DANCE DAY.
WHAT: NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.
WHEN: Saturday, July 31
WHY: To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.
Nigel has been tweeting up a storm about National Dance Day, a.k.a. D-Day. He said the goal is to “prove that the ‘Power of Dance’ can MOVE an entire Country!” So get up off the couch and put on your dancing shoes on July 31st.
So You Think You Can Dance executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe would like to declare July 31, NATIONAL DANCE DAY.
WHAT: NATIONAL DANCE DAY, a grassroots initiative that encourages the nation, young and old, to move! Individuals, families, organizations and communities from across the nation come together through their creative expression in dance. Any style of dance is welcome and imagination is recommended in order to get the most out of this celebratory day.
WHEN: Saturday, July 31
WHY: To continue to generate national awareness for dance, a medium of expression and storytelling which, through shows like So You Think You Can Dance, has proven its value in bringing individuals from all walks of life together through a positive platform that has no boundaries and cultivates imagination and passion. Most importantly, the day is intended to promote health and wellness nationwide.
Nigel has been tweeting up a storm about National Dance Day, a.k.a. D-Day. He said the goal is to “prove that the ‘Power of Dance’ can MOVE an entire Country!” So get up off the couch and put on your dancing shoes on July 31st.
So You Think You Can Dance Tour Dates
Sep-19 New Orleans, LA/Lakefront Arena
Sep-21 Houston, TX/Reliant Arena
Sep-22 Grand Prairie, TX/Verizon Theatre
Sep-24 Kansas City, MO/Sprint Center
Sep-25 St. Louis, MO/Chaifetz Arena
Sep-27 Duluth, GA/Arena at Gwinnett Center
Sep-29 Miami, FL/American Airlines Arena
Sep-30 Orlando, FL/Amway Arena
Oct-02 Charlotte, NC/Time Warner Cable Arena
Oct-03 Richmond, VA/Richmond Coliseum
Oct-05 Baltimore, MD/1st Mariner Arena
Oct-06 Trenton, NJ/Sun National Bank Center
Oct-07 New York City, NY/Radio City Music Hall
Oct-09 Mashantucket CT/MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods*
Oct-10 Manchester, NH/Verizon Wireless Arena
Oct-11 Boston, MA/Agganis Arena at Boston University
Oct-13 Rochester, NY/BlueCross Arena
Oct-15 Long Island, NY/Nassau Coliseum
Oct-16 Atlantic City, NJ/Boardwalk Hall
Oct-17 Newark, NJ/Prudential Center
Oct-19 Toronto, ON/Air Canada Centre
Oct-20 Detroit, MI/Joe Louis Arena
Oct-22 Pittsburgh, PA/CONSOL Energy Center
Oct-23 Louisville, KY/KFC Yum! Center
Oct-24 Columbus, OH/Schottenstein Center*
Oct-26 Rosemont, IL/Allstate Arena
Oct-27 Milwaukee, WI/Bradley Center
Oct-29 Rockford, IL/Rockford's MetroCentre
Oct-30 Minneapolis, MN/Target Center
Nov-02 Broomfield, CO/1stBANK Center
Nov-04 West Valley City, UT/Maverik Center
Nov-06 Tacoma, WA/Tacoma Dome
Nov-07 Portland, OR/Rose Garden
Nov-09 Sacramento, CA/ARCO Arena
Nov-10 San Jose, CA/HP Pavilion at San Jose
Nov-12 Las Vegas, NV/The Theater for the Performing Arts Center at Planet Hollywood
Nov-13 San Diego, CA/San Diego Sports Arena
Nov-14 Ontario, CA/Citizens Business Bank Arena
Nov-16 Los Angeles, CA/STAPLES Center
Nov-17 Glendale, AZ/jobing.com arena
Sep-21 Houston, TX/Reliant Arena
Sep-22 Grand Prairie, TX/Verizon Theatre
Sep-24 Kansas City, MO/Sprint Center
Sep-25 St. Louis, MO/Chaifetz Arena
Sep-27 Duluth, GA/Arena at Gwinnett Center
Sep-29 Miami, FL/American Airlines Arena
Sep-30 Orlando, FL/Amway Arena
Oct-02 Charlotte, NC/Time Warner Cable Arena
Oct-03 Richmond, VA/Richmond Coliseum
Oct-05 Baltimore, MD/1st Mariner Arena
Oct-06 Trenton, NJ/Sun National Bank Center
Oct-07 New York City, NY/Radio City Music Hall
Oct-09 Mashantucket CT/MGM Grand Theater at Foxwoods*
Oct-10 Manchester, NH/Verizon Wireless Arena
Oct-11 Boston, MA/Agganis Arena at Boston University
Oct-13 Rochester, NY/BlueCross Arena
Oct-15 Long Island, NY/Nassau Coliseum
Oct-16 Atlantic City, NJ/Boardwalk Hall
Oct-17 Newark, NJ/Prudential Center
Oct-19 Toronto, ON/Air Canada Centre
Oct-20 Detroit, MI/Joe Louis Arena
Oct-22 Pittsburgh, PA/CONSOL Energy Center
Oct-23 Louisville, KY/KFC Yum! Center
Oct-24 Columbus, OH/Schottenstein Center*
Oct-26 Rosemont, IL/Allstate Arena
Oct-27 Milwaukee, WI/Bradley Center
Oct-29 Rockford, IL/Rockford's MetroCentre
Oct-30 Minneapolis, MN/Target Center
Nov-02 Broomfield, CO/1stBANK Center
Nov-04 West Valley City, UT/Maverik Center
Nov-06 Tacoma, WA/Tacoma Dome
Nov-07 Portland, OR/Rose Garden
Nov-09 Sacramento, CA/ARCO Arena
Nov-10 San Jose, CA/HP Pavilion at San Jose
Nov-12 Las Vegas, NV/The Theater for the Performing Arts Center at Planet Hollywood
Nov-13 San Diego, CA/San Diego Sports Arena
Nov-14 Ontario, CA/Citizens Business Bank Arena
Nov-16 Los Angeles, CA/STAPLES Center
Nov-17 Glendale, AZ/jobing.com arena
Star Judge at Fred Astaire Dance Studios National Competition!
We are proud to announce that Max Chmerkovskiy, a well-known dance celebrity and long time professional instructor on Dancing With The Stars, will be a judge at this year's Astaire World Championships in San Juan, along with Tony Dovolani!
Monday, July 12, 2010
Lauren Froderman signals to Fred Astaire Dance Studios!
The Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona is thrilled to have their student, Lauren Froderman, on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance. She promised to give the "shaka" signal on television to show that she's thinking of FADS and here she is...
Tuesday, July 06, 2010
TV's 'Glee' inspires new performing arts camps for women
from ctpost.com:
By Sandra Diamond Fox, Contributing Writer
By Sandra Diamond Fox, Contributing Writer
Mamma mia, does it show again?
My, my, just how much I've missed you.
Mamma mia, here I go again
My, my, how can I resist you?
About 15 Danbury-area women are showing just how much they can't resist being on stage this summer by participating in two performance camps created just for them.
The camps, called "Moms Gone Glee" and "Moms Gone Wild," are taking place at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Brookfield. And they aren't just for moms -- they're for any women.
They're based upon the new musical drama TV series "Glee," produced by Ryan Murphy, airing Thursdays on FOX TV. The series is about an Ohio high school teacher -- played by Matthew Morrison -- who attempts to save his school's glee club while helping the club's members develop their talents.
"Moms Gone Glee" will
emphasize singing and dancing. Students will perform songs from "Glee" as well as from Broadway. Aside from "Mama Mia," songs include, "All That Jazz" from "Chicago," "I Hope I Get It" from "A Chorus Line," "Better Shape Up" from "Grease," and "Big Spender" from "Sweet Charity."
Other songs will include "Out Tonight" from "Rent," "In the Heights" from "In the Heights," "Maybe This Time" from "Cabaret," "Roxie" from "Chicago," and "Defying Gravity" from "Wicked."
"Campers will help choreograph all the performances and put their own spin on each song," says Nancy Mulligan, 46, Glee Camp's executive director, and marketing director of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
The camp encourages women to be as expressive and creative as they want, Mulligan explains.
"Whether you're a former drama club `geek' or just sing in the shower, this is the place for you," says Mulligan. "We welcome every level here."
"Watching `Glee' (on TV) you see all different kinds of people coming together through their common love of the performing arts, and this is what they are doing in these camps," she adds.
Mulligan says the camp will be a trip down memory lane for everyone who was involved in the performing arts when they were younger.
"I think this camp is such a great idea," says Juliette Koch, 41, who is participating in "Moms Gone Glee."
Koch grew up in the theater and has been performing since the fifth grade. Her father owned a restaurant in New York that was a cabaret.
"Life is so busy for us moms. We are always bringing our kids to all their activities so it's hard to be able to devote time to do things for ourselves," says Koch, the mother of two teens who works as an administrative assistant in a New York art gallery.
"I think this is a great time for all of us to get together and cultivate a common passion," she adds. "We are all in the same boat and we all want each other to succeed. It's a very supportive environment."
Mulligan has a bachelor's degree in TV and musical theater from Syracuse University. She has been a producer for children's television -- including Nickelodeon and Scholastic productions -- for 25 years. For the past 10 years, she has been performing with Musicals at Richter in Danbury.
"Mom's Gone Wild" is a dance class that teaches original choreography of the same songs that are taught in "Moms Gone Glee."
"The cool thing about this camp is that it's a mix of all the original show tunes -- like a remix," says Marcello Deaguero, 24, of Danbury, camp choreographer of "Moms Gone Wild."
Deaguero will be working with women on shows "they have grown up on and still watch today," he says.
Deaguero has been dancing for over a decade, and is a choreographer at dance studios all over Connecticut, including the Ridgefield Studio of Performing Arts, Just Dance Studios in Norwalk, and the Conservatory of Dance in Georgetown. He teaches break dancing, hip-hop, and jazz.
Rather than having all campers follow his choreography, Deaguero prefers a collaborative effort.
"I'm looking for the creative efforts from all the moms," he says. "This class will be a chance to reminisce, as well as explore the side of ourselves that is passionate about dance, while having fun at the same time."
Aside from the moms' camps, Mulligan has also created a Glee camp for kids. Children ages 8 to 16 work with professional choreographers, musical directors, vocal coaches and actors. Campers travel to Manhattan, N.Y., to see Broadway shows. At the end of each session, they perform before an audience.
"I hope this camp will inspire kids to have an appreciation for the performing arts, and consider it as a career," Mulligan says. "I also hope they enhance their self-esteem, and increase their confidence to find their hidden talents."
Mulligan hopes by the time the camp is over, if campers want to go further with their passion, they can utilize her staff's connections. "We have a team that can put them in the right direction," she says.
"At Glee camps, all campers get a chance to shine and find what their particular passion and talents might be. I feel Glee camps speak to both adults and children about exploring the arts," says Mulligan, who plans to continue offering all her camps in the fall.
"Moms Gone Wild" and "Moms Gone Glee" classes are July 8, 15, and 22. "Moms Gone Wild" is from 7:30 to 8 p.m. and "Moms Gone Glee" is from 8 to 8:30 p.m. Cost is $15 per class if you sign up in advance. Walk-ins are $20 per class.
"Glee Camp Kids" is offered from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Friday in four two-week sessions: July 5-16; July 19-30; Aug. 2-13; and Aug. 16-27. Cost is $500 per session. Price includes a Broadway show ticket, transportation fees, and T-shirt.
For more information, contact Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 117 Old State Road, Brookfield, 203-775-6588.
Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tony Dovolani To Judge At FADS Competition!
TONY DOVOLANI will be a judge at our next national competition, the Astaire World Championships in San Juan on July 21-25!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Fred Astaire Dance Studios On So You Think You Can Dance!
FABIAN SANCHEZ, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Birmingham, Alabama and formerly on Dancing With The Stars, will be choreographing for Salsa and Mambo couples on this season's show.
Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D’umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
In addition, LAUREN FRODERMAN, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says studio owner Robert Doyle, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Congratulations to Fabian and Lauren for their outstanding achievements!
Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D’umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
In addition, LAUREN FRODERMAN, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says studio owner Robert Doyle, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Congratulations to Fabian and Lauren for their outstanding achievements!
Dancing Tips
By Stanley McCalla, Fred Astaire Dance Board Member and ExaminerHello there, I hope that you are all about to enjoy a dance lesson, or have had yours some time in the near past.
Last night, I was asked to teach an international Latin group class. The group of students (4 guys and 3 girls) had such a good time learning that I came out of that class with a great feeling of accomplishment.
One of the students approached me after the class and said: “Mr. McCalla, I really learned a lot today and I am very pleased how you communicated the information to us.” He went on to say, “I don’t know about the others but I appreciate how you explained things from the bottom up.”
Since you are probably curious about what the student was talking about, let me explain. The dance I was teaching was the International Latin Cha Cha. The students did not know that style very well at all, so I started with a series of exercises that would hopefully instill a strong foundation in them. These are exercises that you could practice yourself while reading this.
First, I had everyone standing around me in a circle. Second, I had them stand feet together in first position, toes turned out, the body erect, their spines straight, their shoulders down, the back of their necks pulled up, their sit bones hanging between their feet and with their body weight perched over the ball of their feet. They would move then to 2nd position, then to 3rd, then to 4th, then to 5th.
Thereafter, I taught them the lock step or triple cha cha, as you might know it, as a fourth, a fifth and a fourth step. Then I would link the right lock to the left lock followed by the right lock again, ending with a forward break step. I would do the same thing for the back locks and link the two patterns together. All the while doing these exercises, I would talk about foot pressure, strengthening and bending of the knees (when and how), rotation and settlement of the hips (when and how).
The next pattern and exercise I showed them was the basic chasse to a New Yorker or a crossover brake, as you might know it. The students would practice those slowly with my supervision, then they would do it by themselves to slow music, and then they would do it again partnering each other. They would then change partners practicing leading and following. At the end of the hour, the students were having fun, sweating and happy. To make it short, the students had learned some patterns of a new dance, practicing some of their learned foundation and technique in a fun and comprehensive way.
Obviously, I could not go into everything in detail with you today, but some of the technique including the posture, the foot position and the leg techniques mentioned above here could be very beneficial to you by practicing them. I recommend that you try them, but before you do so, please check with your expert teacher who will make sure that you practice correctly.
I hope I gave you some food for thought that should enhance your dancing quest. Until next time, keep your dancing feet moving to the beat!
I hope I gave you some food for thought that should enhance your dancing quest. Until next time, keep your dancing feet moving to the beat!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
DeSoto Kicks Off Lunch, Rush Hour Classes at Downtown Fred Astaire
from chicagonow.com:
Local celeb and former Dancing with the Stars dancer Jesse DeSoto is kicking the summer off with a new class series at his newest Fred Astaire studio downtown.
The new classes target professionals working downtown who want to utilize their lunch hours or rush hours for something other than eating or commuting through heavy traffic.
DeSoto says the classes are perfect for people looking to "enjoy their time instead of spending it in a cubicle or on the road." With these classes, attendees will be able to learn a new skill during a time which otherwise might be wasted sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The class targets adult beginners looking to improve their skills on the dance floor (it is wedding season people!). But with any skill that takes practice, the sky is the limit. DeSoto himself didn't start until after high school. The former high school jock started out training when he was 19 at the Fred Astaire near his hometown of Greendale, Wisconsin. The rest is history, as he started competing with Jackie Josephs in 2003 and winning countless titles, including 2nd place in the World Mambo.
DeSoto got picked up by Dancing with the Stars in 2006, and danced with Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and Travis Barker's ex-wife. DeSoto retired from competing in 2008. He opened Fred Astaire studios in Buffalo Grove and South Barrington, Illinois, in 2008, and then purchased the downtown Chicago location this past April.
The kickoff event for the Lunch Hour and Rush Hour Beginner Group Dance Lessons is at China Grill this Tuesday, June 15, at 12:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. DeSoto and his staff will lead a free 30-minute group lesson, have dance demos, drawing for prizes, and complimentary tastes from China Grill's revamped menu. The actual lesson series begins June 21. For more information call the studio at (312) 263-6505.
Local celeb and former Dancing with the Stars dancer Jesse DeSoto is kicking the summer off with a new class series at his newest Fred Astaire studio downtown.
The new classes target professionals working downtown who want to utilize their lunch hours or rush hours for something other than eating or commuting through heavy traffic.
DeSoto says the classes are perfect for people looking to "enjoy their time instead of spending it in a cubicle or on the road." With these classes, attendees will be able to learn a new skill during a time which otherwise might be wasted sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The class targets adult beginners looking to improve their skills on the dance floor (it is wedding season people!). But with any skill that takes practice, the sky is the limit. DeSoto himself didn't start until after high school. The former high school jock started out training when he was 19 at the Fred Astaire near his hometown of Greendale, Wisconsin. The rest is history, as he started competing with Jackie Josephs in 2003 and winning countless titles, including 2nd place in the World Mambo.
DeSoto got picked up by Dancing with the Stars in 2006, and danced with Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and Travis Barker's ex-wife. DeSoto retired from competing in 2008. He opened Fred Astaire studios in Buffalo Grove and South Barrington, Illinois, in 2008, and then purchased the downtown Chicago location this past April.
The kickoff event for the Lunch Hour and Rush Hour Beginner Group Dance Lessons is at China Grill this Tuesday, June 15, at 12:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. DeSoto and his staff will lead a free 30-minute group lesson, have dance demos, drawing for prizes, and complimentary tastes from China Grill's revamped menu. The actual lesson series begins June 21. For more information call the studio at (312) 263-6505.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fred Astaire Dance Student On So You Think You Can Dance!
Lauren Froderman, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says Robert Doyle, studio owner, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Monday, June 07, 2010
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Fred Astaire Professional On So You Think You Can Dance!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Fred Astaire's own Fabian Sanchez, co-owner of the Birmingham, Alabama studio and former instructor on Dancing With The Stars, will choreograph for Salsa and Mambo couples on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance at the end of June.
So You Think You Can Dance is one of the hottest reality TV shows around with an audience of 8-10 million viewers! Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D'umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
Congratulations to Fabian for this outstanding achievement!
So You Think You Can Dance is one of the hottest reality TV shows around with an audience of 8-10 million viewers! Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D'umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
Congratulations to Fabian for this outstanding achievement!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Finale!
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York
I will talk about the freestyle competition performed on Monday night before getting on to the finale.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin and Maks performed a contemporary style dance along with beautiful music. I didn't understand the idea of the bed on the floor. Their movements were too busy. I couldn't see the dance in their performance.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan and Anna performed a rock and roll dance. It was dynamic and looked good on the floor. However, they didn't dance together and lost their connection.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their dance was the best. They connected different dance styles and the mix was very interesting.
On Tuesday night's finale, Nicole looked like a champion. She had confidence. Evan, while performing his Quickstep, did not look so great. His feet were flat and he lost the lightness of the dance. The Quickstep should be light and you shouldn't drop your heel down. He needed to show the rhythm of the dance in his feet and he didn't.
Winner: Nicole Scherzinger! I was glad to be right about Nicole!
I will talk about the freestyle competition performed on Monday night before getting on to the finale.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin and Maks performed a contemporary style dance along with beautiful music. I didn't understand the idea of the bed on the floor. Their movements were too busy. I couldn't see the dance in their performance.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan and Anna performed a rock and roll dance. It was dynamic and looked good on the floor. However, they didn't dance together and lost their connection.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their dance was the best. They connected different dance styles and the mix was very interesting.
On Tuesday night's finale, Nicole looked like a champion. She had confidence. Evan, while performing his Quickstep, did not look so great. His feet were flat and he lost the lightness of the dance. The Quickstep should be light and you shouldn't drop your heel down. He needed to show the rhythm of the dance in his feet and he didn't.
Winner: Nicole Scherzinger! I was glad to be right about Nicole!
Ballroom Dancing Etiquette
from articlesnatch.com:
by: Meg Sommers
Ballroom dancing is an art and it is also a form of socialization that has its own etiquette. Here are some really helpful basic tips that every novice ballroom dancer should take to heart. Even when they are not followed rigorously, awareness of these rules really helps improve everyone's dance experience:
Like other types of exercises or sports, selecting the right clothes is essential. If you're new to a dance studio, try to take note of the dancers' fashion sense and find clothes that are comfortable yet appropriate with the studio's culture. You don't want to look out of place with your fellow dancers. Keep in mind that your clothes shouldn't get in the way of you and your partner when dancing. Wearing clothes in layers can help you avoid wardrobe malfunction and embarrassment.
For everyone's safety and especially yours, wear dance shoes that allow you to move comfortably on the dance floor. Shoes with rubber soles such as sneakers can stick to the floor during turns and spins and this can lead to injuries. Shoes with leather soles are most suited for dancing. If you dance regularly, really consider investing in quality shoes designed for ballroom dancing.
Do pay attention to your personal hygiene as ballroom dancing is a partnership sport! In addition, there's a high chance of dancing with several partners. So take time to refresh yourself during breaks and wash your hands after using the rest room. Avoid eating pungent foods a few hours prior to the dance session, bring breath mints, and brush your teeth. Do not use too much fragrance as this can be irritating for some people, and if you tend to sweat a lot, consider bringing extra clothes.
The dance floor also needs proper care and maintenance. Do not bring food and drinks onto the dance floor as these can spill and cause potential injuries. Be careful of the accessories that you wear and choose items that don't fall off.
Whether you are having a lesson, participating in a dance practice party, competition or social event, you're going to share the dance floor with different people of different age groups, backgrounds, and ethnicity. This makes it very likely that you will encounter dancers who have cultural behaviors that are entirely different from yours. For example, it's possible that a shy person can be mistaken as being cold or unfriendly. So be sensitive to the attitudes and cultures of others.
While traditionally, men are supposed to ask the women out to dance, nowadays it is OK if done otherwise. Be polite when asking people to dance even when you're very familiar with them. Nodding towards them, snapping fingers, and waving towards the dance floor are inappropriate gestures when asking people to dance. Instead, you should walk up to them, make direct eye contact, reach out your hand, and ask them politely.
It is usually polite to simply accept an offer to dance. In some cases, it is OK to decline a request politely for some valid reason (e.g. that person has hurt you in the past). In this case, it is better not to dance that particular dance with anyone else.
The line of dance is the direction that dancers should follow and this is counter-clockwise. Dancers should have have at least a basic knowledge of where they should be on the dance floor. The dance for is divided roughly into three lanes:
Outer/Fast Lane:
Progressive dances such as the Fox Trot, Polka, Tango and Waltz should be done outside the floor.
Inner/Slower Lane:
This is for the slower dancers. They should let the faster dancers pass on the outside.
Center:
Stationary dances such as Cha-Cha, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, and Swing should be done on the middle of the dance floor. The dancers should endeavor to stay aware and out of the path of those in the outer lanes.
Couples just coming onto the dance floor should give way to those who are already dancing, and men should take extra care of their partners and be prepared for urgent moves to evade a collision. The ladies should also look past their partners' shoulders to prevent up coming collisions.
Dancing should be more compact when you're on a crowded dance floor. When this is the case, keep your steps small and your elbows to yourself. You need to reduce the size of your turns and of course, as much as possible, try not to bump into other dancers. If you do collide with another person or couple, do not swear or blame them. Smile and apologize sincerely. Be considerate all the time and if you find dancers who aren't, do not pick fights with them. Just move to another section of the dance floor.
Novice dancers should never be ashamed that they are new. Everyone starts out as a novice, even today's experts. And it is definitely more embarrassing if you pretend to be a pro when you are not. Ballroom dancing is a learned activity and even long-time dancers need to brush up on their skills often. Do so with a smile!
by: Meg Sommers
Ballroom dancing is an art and it is also a form of socialization that has its own etiquette. Here are some really helpful basic tips that every novice ballroom dancer should take to heart. Even when they are not followed rigorously, awareness of these rules really helps improve everyone's dance experience:
Like other types of exercises or sports, selecting the right clothes is essential. If you're new to a dance studio, try to take note of the dancers' fashion sense and find clothes that are comfortable yet appropriate with the studio's culture. You don't want to look out of place with your fellow dancers. Keep in mind that your clothes shouldn't get in the way of you and your partner when dancing. Wearing clothes in layers can help you avoid wardrobe malfunction and embarrassment.
For everyone's safety and especially yours, wear dance shoes that allow you to move comfortably on the dance floor. Shoes with rubber soles such as sneakers can stick to the floor during turns and spins and this can lead to injuries. Shoes with leather soles are most suited for dancing. If you dance regularly, really consider investing in quality shoes designed for ballroom dancing.
Do pay attention to your personal hygiene as ballroom dancing is a partnership sport! In addition, there's a high chance of dancing with several partners. So take time to refresh yourself during breaks and wash your hands after using the rest room. Avoid eating pungent foods a few hours prior to the dance session, bring breath mints, and brush your teeth. Do not use too much fragrance as this can be irritating for some people, and if you tend to sweat a lot, consider bringing extra clothes.
The dance floor also needs proper care and maintenance. Do not bring food and drinks onto the dance floor as these can spill and cause potential injuries. Be careful of the accessories that you wear and choose items that don't fall off.
Whether you are having a lesson, participating in a dance practice party, competition or social event, you're going to share the dance floor with different people of different age groups, backgrounds, and ethnicity. This makes it very likely that you will encounter dancers who have cultural behaviors that are entirely different from yours. For example, it's possible that a shy person can be mistaken as being cold or unfriendly. So be sensitive to the attitudes and cultures of others.
While traditionally, men are supposed to ask the women out to dance, nowadays it is OK if done otherwise. Be polite when asking people to dance even when you're very familiar with them. Nodding towards them, snapping fingers, and waving towards the dance floor are inappropriate gestures when asking people to dance. Instead, you should walk up to them, make direct eye contact, reach out your hand, and ask them politely.
It is usually polite to simply accept an offer to dance. In some cases, it is OK to decline a request politely for some valid reason (e.g. that person has hurt you in the past). In this case, it is better not to dance that particular dance with anyone else.
The line of dance is the direction that dancers should follow and this is counter-clockwise. Dancers should have have at least a basic knowledge of where they should be on the dance floor. The dance for is divided roughly into three lanes:
Outer/Fast Lane:
Progressive dances such as the Fox Trot, Polka, Tango and Waltz should be done outside the floor.
Inner/Slower Lane:
This is for the slower dancers. They should let the faster dancers pass on the outside.
Center:
Stationary dances such as Cha-Cha, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, and Swing should be done on the middle of the dance floor. The dancers should endeavor to stay aware and out of the path of those in the outer lanes.
Couples just coming onto the dance floor should give way to those who are already dancing, and men should take extra care of their partners and be prepared for urgent moves to evade a collision. The ladies should also look past their partners' shoulders to prevent up coming collisions.
Dancing should be more compact when you're on a crowded dance floor. When this is the case, keep your steps small and your elbows to yourself. You need to reduce the size of your turns and of course, as much as possible, try not to bump into other dancers. If you do collide with another person or couple, do not swear or blame them. Smile and apologize sincerely. Be considerate all the time and if you find dancers who aren't, do not pick fights with them. Just move to another section of the dance floor.
Novice dancers should never be ashamed that they are new. Everyone starts out as a novice, even today's experts. And it is definitely more embarrassing if you pretend to be a pro when you are not. Ballroom dancing is a learned activity and even long-time dancers need to brush up on their skills often. Do so with a smile!
Life's A Dance In Florida!
from www.gulfbreezenews.com:
Get your ticket to ‘Life’s a Dance’ before they’re gone
Fred Astaire Dance Studio owners Victor Luna and Dawn Westberry present a star-studded evening of dance featuring local celebrities and cast members of ABC’s hit television series Dancing with the Stars.
The second annual Life’s a Dance benefiting Covenant Hospice will take center stage at the Pensacola Saenger Theater on Friday, June 4, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. Dance legend Corky Ballas and WEAR TV-3 news anchor Sue Straughn will emcee the event.
Don’t miss this stellar showcase by award-winning professional dancers Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo, two-time champion Mark Ballas, Tony Dovolani and Chelsie Hightower. Due to a dance-related injury, Season 7 winner Derek Hough will not perform as scheduled. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is vying for this year’s title with partner Erin Andrews, will take Hough’s place in the all-star cast.
Performing a variety of dances from the tango to the two-step, studio instructors will partner with local celebrities including former state legislator DeeDee Ritchie; community philanthropist Donna Clark; WEAR TV-3 newcomer Bree Sison; Medical Center Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Lakshmi Gopal; Levin Papantonio star attorney Fred Levin; Gulf Power senior engineer Antonio Terry; Great Southern Restaurant Group general manager Jean Pierre N’Dione; and founding president of Santa Rosa Young Professionals Jayer Williamson. Last year’s stars Roy Jones, Jr., Teri Levin, Malcolm Ballinger, Greg Litton and Dan Brask will reprise their roles for special dance numbers.
Following the show, VIP ticket holders will be invited to an exclusive casting party catered by Jackson’s at downtown hot spot 5eleven Palafox, 511 S. Palafox St., where they will eat, drink and mingle with the stars.
Tickets are still available in all price levels for $35, $50 and $75. A limited number of $150 VIP seats remain. Tickets may be purchased at the Pensacola Saenger Box Office at (850) 595-3880 or online at ticketmaster.com.
Enter a special “You Be The Star!” prize drawing for your chance to win dinner for two at Global Grill before the show begins. Feel like a celebrity when you step out of a limousine by Afleet Limo Services, who will be waiting to take you home at the end of the night. Tickets are one for $5, five for $10 or ten for $40. Purchase tickets online at http://support.covenanthospice.or g/lad/drawing.html, or call Ashley Kahn, development specialist, at (850) 208-7123.
Dancing is a true celebration of life. Proceeds from this event support Covenant Hospice’s mission to add life to days when days no longer can be added to life.
For more information, contact Leah Harrison, development manager, at (850) 208-7122 or by e-mail at leah.harrison@covenanthospice. org.
Purdue Ballroom Team Competes On DWTS!
from blogsuntimes.com:
Purdue ballroom team competes in collegiate finals on 'Dancing with the Stars'
One of the best reasons to watch tonight's final episode of season 10 of "Dancing with the Stars" is that eight members of Purdue's Latin & Ballroom Dance Team will be competing for the collegiate championship. They'll be facing off against Utah Valley University for the trophy.
While viewer votes helped propel Purdue to the championship round, tonight it's all up to judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who will determine the winners.
"We've been training anywhere from 4 to 12 hours a day to prepare for this [cha cha]," said Purdue team member Sean Lyons, a freshman who hails from suburban Naperville.
Lyons, a freshman at the West Lafayette campus, who is majoring in management and finance, said he has had a great time meeting several of the pros and the celebrities, especially fellow Naperville native Evan Lysacek. "He is so nice."
Another Chicago-area team member is Tracy Matz, who hails from Des Plaines.
"I've been ballroom dancing for three years, but have studied other dance since I was 5" Matz said. "It's so exciting to be on national TV in front of millions of people. It's crazy!"
Like Lyons, Matz, a junior who is majoring in visual communication and design, has met her share of the show's celebs and pros, including Lysacek, Anna Trebunskya, Niecy Nash and all the judges.
Prior to their initial turn on "Dancing with the Stars," the Purdue team had never competed in "formation" dancing, which is what they are judged on for this particular competition.
"Formation dancing is really more of a West Coast thing," Lyons said. "We're all about partners and pairs, and letting each couple's personalities come through. So it has been a great learning process for us."
As for that formidable dance floor, looks can be very deceiving.
"The ballroom is way smaller than it looks on TV," Lyons said. "Just look when there are 8 people out on that floor at the same time. They take up the entire space."
The rest of the Purdue team members that will appear on "Dancing with the Stars" include:
--Josef Conner, a senior majoring in biological sciences from Galveston, Ind.
--Tiffany Lam, a senior majoring in dietetics from Hong Kong and West Lafayette,
Ind.
--Kris Ezra, a senior majoring in aeronautics and astronautics from Winamac,
Ind.
--Yitian Chen, a senior majoring in pharmaceutical sciences from Xi'an, China,
and Moon Township, Pa.
--Lincoln Slentz, a senior majoring in chemistry from Auburn, Ind.
--Dessi Moneva, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry from Greenwood, Ind.
The team competes in intercollegiate competitions throughout the year and
conducts classes, shows and social dances on or near campus.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
New CBS Dance Show!
from tvbroadwayworld.com:
Paula Abdul to Star in CBS Dance Show
Back to the Article
by BWW News Desk
Paula Abdul has announced her return to the judges table and to television as she stars in a new TV series 'Got to Dance' on CBS. The show, which is based on a UK hit is, according to the Hollywood Reporter "The show is billed as broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series -- "from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango." Acts will compete for a panel of judges, with viewers getting to vote for their favorites during the semifinals and finals."
Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango. The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves. The very best will perform LIVE in the Semi-Finals and Finals where they will battle it out for viewers who will vote to choose the GOT TO DANCE champion.
GOT TO DANCE has been a ratings sensation for Britain’s Sky 1, making it one of the UK’s top-rated pay television series this season.
The panel of judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date. Details about the audition process will also be available on CBS.com.
GOT TO DANCE is a Shine Group format, created by Princess Productions and Shine TV and is produced by Reveille. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Mark Koops and Robin Ashbrook are executive producers. Distribution is handled by Shine International.
Paula Abdul to Star in CBS Dance Show
Back to the Article
by BWW News Desk
Paula Abdul has announced her return to the judges table and to television as she stars in a new TV series 'Got to Dance' on CBS. The show, which is based on a UK hit is, according to the Hollywood Reporter "The show is billed as broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series -- "from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango." Acts will compete for a panel of judges, with viewers getting to vote for their favorites during the semifinals and finals."
Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango. The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves. The very best will perform LIVE in the Semi-Finals and Finals where they will battle it out for viewers who will vote to choose the GOT TO DANCE champion.
GOT TO DANCE has been a ratings sensation for Britain’s Sky 1, making it one of the UK’s top-rated pay television series this season.
The panel of judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date. Details about the audition process will also be available on CBS.com.
GOT TO DANCE is a Shine Group format, created by Princess Productions and Shine TV and is produced by Reveille. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Mark Koops and Robin Ashbrook are executive producers. Distribution is handled by Shine International.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - SemiFinal
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York
Four couples performed both a Ballroom and a Latin dance this week. Nicole and Evan are currently tied for first place, with Erin next and Chad coming in last.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
For me, this is the best couple. Their Argentine Tango was dynamic and their Cha-Cha looked natural.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 59/60)
Their Foxtrot and Paso Doble was artistic and strong.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 56/60)
Erin is a strong competitor! Her Viennese Waltz was continuous, fluid, and well done. Her Paso was powerful and showed the character of the dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 52/60)
Chad and Cheryl were eliminated this week. I saw improvement in Chad's dancing since he started this competition but he wasn't on the same level as the rest of the contestants.
Next week: The finals, including the fun freestyle competition!
My Prediction: Nicole! She is the contestant that looks the most stable. She is stylish and dynamic in all her dances.
Four couples performed both a Ballroom and a Latin dance this week. Nicole and Evan are currently tied for first place, with Erin next and Chad coming in last.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
For me, this is the best couple. Their Argentine Tango was dynamic and their Cha-Cha looked natural.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 59/60)
Their Foxtrot and Paso Doble was artistic and strong.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 56/60)
Erin is a strong competitor! Her Viennese Waltz was continuous, fluid, and well done. Her Paso was powerful and showed the character of the dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 52/60)
Chad and Cheryl were eliminated this week. I saw improvement in Chad's dancing since he started this competition but he wasn't on the same level as the rest of the contestants.
Next week: The finals, including the fun freestyle competition!
My Prediction: Nicole! She is the contestant that looks the most stable. She is stylish and dynamic in all her dances.
News From Portland!
News From Portland!
Fred Astaire’s Portland dance studio is located in the Ventuno Strata building in downtown Portland’s historic and vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood. The Dance Studio is a bright, open, 3,500-square-foot space with professional lighting, city views and elegant hickory hardwood dance floors that transport guests to a time of top hats, tails, spats and elbow-length silk gloves. Owners Jan Lampe and Alex Aillon are pleased to be a part of the Fred Astaire family and are overwhelmed by Portland’s immediate response to the opening of Oregon’s only Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
On April 29, Fred Astaire hosted Portland Uncorked, a social club for wine enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine. It was an unusual twist on the usual Thursday night guest party. The evening was filled with gourmet Mexican fare, wine pairings and hot dance lessons at the studio. Over 200 guests enjoyed a night of delicious wine, salsa and even hotter salsa on the dance floor!
Fred Astaire’s Portland location has also been featured on two popular TV programs. Drew Carney, KGW News Channel 8’s “Out and About” reporter, broadcasted live from the studio for two hours Monday, May 10. Drew learned the Rumba in a short time and in his final segment performed his new found dance skills with Fred Astaire instructor, Jessi Reynolds. On Thursday, May 13, two instructors visited the KOIN TV Studio 6 set and performed the Tango and Swing for viewers. FADS Portland is one of the sponsors of “Weddings Portland Style.” The NW Examiner and The Oregonian have both featured articles about the opening of the new dance studio.
Portland’s Fred Astaire location was featured as a daily deal on the ever-popular Groupon site. The studio received such an outpouring of interest, management had to contact Groupon to end the deal once 1500 Groupons had been purchased! The studio has been extremely busy as these new customers visit for their lessons!
Thursday, May 20 is the official Grand Opening celebration for the studio. An evening of champagne, hors d'œuvres and dance exhibition will entertain local celebrities, press, students and friends of the studio. The studio will be offering a $20.00 grand opening special during the festivities, with all proceeds benefiting Young Audiences of Portland and SW Washington. Young Audiences connects classroom teachers with over 200 skilled residency and performing artists who provide programs in multiple artistic disciplines and cultures. Together they use the arts to make learning come alive for their students. Through Young Audiences' Run For The Arts, schools raise the funds to bring artists into their classrooms, pay for field trips to see performances and exhibitions and purchase art supplies. The studio is expecting over 200 people to this fabulous event and will present the donation at The Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom during Young Audiences annual variety show, Mad Hot Anything Goes on Saturday, May 22.
The Dance Studio has been a flurry of activity since it’s soft opening on April 6. Information and news clips covering Fred Astaire’s Portland location are frequently updated on Facebook at Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Portland.
Fred Astaire’s Portland dance studio is located in the Ventuno Strata building in downtown Portland’s historic and vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood. The Dance Studio is a bright, open, 3,500-square-foot space with professional lighting, city views and elegant hickory hardwood dance floors that transport guests to a time of top hats, tails, spats and elbow-length silk gloves. Owners Jan Lampe and Alex Aillon are pleased to be a part of the Fred Astaire family and are overwhelmed by Portland’s immediate response to the opening of Oregon’s only Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
On April 29, Fred Astaire hosted Portland Uncorked, a social club for wine enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine. It was an unusual twist on the usual Thursday night guest party. The evening was filled with gourmet Mexican fare, wine pairings and hot dance lessons at the studio. Over 200 guests enjoyed a night of delicious wine, salsa and even hotter salsa on the dance floor!
Fred Astaire’s Portland location has also been featured on two popular TV programs. Drew Carney, KGW News Channel 8’s “Out and About” reporter, broadcasted live from the studio for two hours Monday, May 10. Drew learned the Rumba in a short time and in his final segment performed his new found dance skills with Fred Astaire instructor, Jessi Reynolds. On Thursday, May 13, two instructors visited the KOIN TV Studio 6 set and performed the Tango and Swing for viewers. FADS Portland is one of the sponsors of “Weddings Portland Style.” The NW Examiner and The Oregonian have both featured articles about the opening of the new dance studio.
Portland’s Fred Astaire location was featured as a daily deal on the ever-popular Groupon site. The studio received such an outpouring of interest, management had to contact Groupon to end the deal once 1500 Groupons had been purchased! The studio has been extremely busy as these new customers visit for their lessons!
Thursday, May 20 is the official Grand Opening celebration for the studio. An evening of champagne, hors d'œuvres and dance exhibition will entertain local celebrities, press, students and friends of the studio. The studio will be offering a $20.00 grand opening special during the festivities, with all proceeds benefiting Young Audiences of Portland and SW Washington. Young Audiences connects classroom teachers with over 200 skilled residency and performing artists who provide programs in multiple artistic disciplines and cultures. Together they use the arts to make learning come alive for their students. Through Young Audiences' Run For The Arts, schools raise the funds to bring artists into their classrooms, pay for field trips to see performances and exhibitions and purchase art supplies. The studio is expecting over 200 people to this fabulous event and will present the donation at The Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom during Young Audiences annual variety show, Mad Hot Anything Goes on Saturday, May 22.
The Dance Studio has been a flurry of activity since it’s soft opening on April 6. Information and news clips covering Fred Astaire’s Portland location are frequently updated on Facebook at Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Portland.
What to Expect at Your First Ballroom Dance Lesson
from articlecity.com:
by: Meg Sommers
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little apprehensive coming to your first lesson at a dance studio. Exactly what happens? How difficult will it be? Who will be your instructor? What should you wear? Many questions will run through your mind. Here's some information to help you prepare.
When you arrive at the studio you'll be greeted by the studio manager and introduced to your instructor. In any of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, teachers are experienced in teaching beginner students through advanced dancers. Your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have any short-term dance goals, such as an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like. If you aren't sure which specific dances you want to try, your teacher will choose a few for you.
Don't worry if you haven't had prior dance experience; each figure will be broken down into very basic, natural movements. Under the guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and dull. It will go at your pace.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be surprised just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
If you come alone, you'll get to dance the entire time with your “easy-to-dance-with†teacher. If you participate as a couple, your instructor will assign each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
You should wear comfortable clothes which allow easy movement. Dressing in layers is a good idea because as the session progresses, you'll get warm just as with any other exercise. You should wear shoes which fit securely on your feet – slingbacks and sandals are not good choices and rubber-soled shoes have a tendency to stick to the floor. So it's preferable to wear either a leather-soled shoe or, ideally, a ballroom dance shoe with suede sole. If you're a woman who normally wears a high heel when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
Dance shoes aren't necessary for your first lesson, but if you'd like to shop ahead of time, we recommend you find and visit a local dance shoe store. They will help you select a pair of shoes appropriate for someone getting started in ballroom dancing.
by: Meg Sommers
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little apprehensive coming to your first lesson at a dance studio. Exactly what happens? How difficult will it be? Who will be your instructor? What should you wear? Many questions will run through your mind. Here's some information to help you prepare.
When you arrive at the studio you'll be greeted by the studio manager and introduced to your instructor. In any of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, teachers are experienced in teaching beginner students through advanced dancers. Your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have any short-term dance goals, such as an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like. If you aren't sure which specific dances you want to try, your teacher will choose a few for you.
Don't worry if you haven't had prior dance experience; each figure will be broken down into very basic, natural movements. Under the guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and dull. It will go at your pace.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be surprised just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
If you come alone, you'll get to dance the entire time with your “easy-to-dance-with†teacher. If you participate as a couple, your instructor will assign each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
You should wear comfortable clothes which allow easy movement. Dressing in layers is a good idea because as the session progresses, you'll get warm just as with any other exercise. You should wear shoes which fit securely on your feet – slingbacks and sandals are not good choices and rubber-soled shoes have a tendency to stick to the floor. So it's preferable to wear either a leather-soled shoe or, ideally, a ballroom dance shoe with suede sole. If you're a woman who normally wears a high heel when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
Dance shoes aren't necessary for your first lesson, but if you'd like to shop ahead of time, we recommend you find and visit a local dance shoe store. They will help you select a pair of shoes appropriate for someone getting started in ballroom dancing.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance Premiere
from sytycdism.com:
The premiere of season seven (May 27, 2010) is coming up! Here’s the TV schedule!
Confirmed:
Thursday, May 27 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Miami and New York City Auditions
Wednesday, June 2 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Chicago and Los Angeles Auditions
Thursday, June 3 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Nashville and Dallas Auditions, Vegas Callbacks Part I
Wednesday, June 9 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Vegas Callbacks Part II, Top 10 Reveal (Judges going to their houses)
Thursday, June 10 (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Top 10 Intro Show
Notes:
- Auditions actually went chronologically as: New York, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Schedule for the actual competition: performances Wednesdays 8pm (2 hours), results Thursdays 9pm (1 hour)
The premiere of season seven (May 27, 2010) is coming up! Here’s the TV schedule!
Confirmed:
Thursday, May 27 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Miami and New York City Auditions
Wednesday, June 2 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Chicago and Los Angeles Auditions
Thursday, June 3 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Nashville and Dallas Auditions, Vegas Callbacks Part I
Wednesday, June 9 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Vegas Callbacks Part II, Top 10 Reveal (Judges going to their houses)
Thursday, June 10 (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Top 10 Intro Show
Notes:
- Auditions actually went chronologically as: New York, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Schedule for the actual competition: performances Wednesdays 8pm (2 hours), results Thursdays 9pm (1 hour)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Let's Dance
Vida Vongsay’s real office doesn’t have any furniture, computers, calendars or other typical cubicle items. She doesn’t do much sitting, either.
Instead, Vongsay, a retired competitive dancer, teaches students of all ages from across Northeast Florida the art of dancing.
“That’s my office,” Vongsay said, pointing to an open dance studio with a mirrored wall and wood floor. “That’s where I am.”
Vongsay is a franchise owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios, named after the famed Broadway and film actor and dancer. At her Arlington studio, she instructs dance of all varieties, from ball room and salsa to line dancing and the tango.
Students come to the studio to learn for special events, such as cruises and weddings, or simply to learn. Some are apprehensive.
“I always ask them, ‘Can you walk? Does your heart beat?’,” she said. “When they say ‘yes,’ then I tell them they can dance.”
While business at the studio was down somewhat last year because of the economy, business has picked up.
Vongsay has been dancing for 17 years and teaching for six, and couldn’t be happier.
“I love it,” she said. “Some people are asked what they would be doing if they weren’t doing their regular job, but I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
She’s incorporating that love into playing a key role in two upcoming events that prominently feature dance: the Jacksonville “Dancing with the Stars” competition May 1 to benefit Pine Castle and the “Celebrate Asia! 2010” event May 8 at the Hyatt.
For the local “Dancing with the Stars” competition, Vongsay and her staff have been training local celebrity amateur dancers who have garnered votes online and will be judged in person during the event. Proceeds will benefit Pine Castle, a nonprofit that assists adults with developmental disabilities.
“It’s going to be great,” she said.
She’s equally enthusiastic about the “Celebrate Asia! 2010” event that will commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. Vongsay is chair of the event and has been planning the most minute of details.
The celebration, which she expects will be a full house, will feature dance, music, food and entertainment from a number of countries.
“A lot of Asians love to dance,” she said as she adjusts a dragon costume in a spare room. “We’ve been working hard to make sure everyone will have a fantastic time. We have a lot of big names who will be there.”
Vongsay is enjoying the multiple tasks of event preparation and teaching.
“I just love what I do,” she said.
Monday, May 17, 2010
At 88, she got up off the floor to dance again
from jsonline.com:
Posted: May 14, 2010 (5) Comments
Move over, Betty White.
Octogenarian Sara Shipe of Grafton - she's 88, same as Betty - gets the spotlight now.
White is coming off last week's wildly successful hosting job at "Saturday Night Live." Agreed, she was fabulous and funny.
But Shipe - who may be to ballroom dancing what White is to comedy - is no slouch, either. Topping off months of recovery from multiple pelvis and elbow fractures, she donned a sparkling dress and her dancing shoes and fox-trotted her way out of a Cedarburg rehabilitation center last month.
"It felt pretty good after lying in bed all that time," she said.
Now she's back to weekly dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Mequon and working out again with a personal trainer.
"I'm not quite there yet, but we're getting there," she said of her old dancing form.
Shipe took up ballroom dancing just two years ago and did well enough in a Milwaukee competition last December to win a championship trophy for an age group of dancers up to 25 years younger than she.
Shipe's daughter and fellow dancing student, Susie Rugg of the Town of Grafton, said that during that same period, her mother overcame a stroke, breast cancer surgery and radiation.
"And all this time, she kept dancing," Rugg said.
Shortly after winning a trophy for her "smooth" dances - the waltz, tango and fox trot - last December, Shipe took a spill while hauling a case of soda from her garage into the house where she lives independently. Her daughter was alerted by Shipe's personal trainer, who said Shipe didn't show up for her usual three-times-a-week workout.
The news wasn't good.
Shipe, who said she was on the garage floor for about an hour, doesn't remember much. But her daughter said she was in a lot of pain from elbow fractures and two fractures in her pelvis. She couldn't walk, let alone dance. She was hospitalized for a while and then spent three months at Cedar Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Brooke Engelhart, therapy director at the center, said a therapist caught on to Shipe's interest in dancing and used that for motivation. And wouldn't you know? A new certified nursing assistant at the home, Jacob Schwanz, had been a Fred Astaire dance instructor and knew Shipe from the Mequon center.
Schwanz, 21, happily agreed to dance with Shipe on her last day in rehab, even if he wasn't scheduled to work that day. Rugg brought in her mother's outfit - a white gown glittering with crystals and small-heeled dancing shoes - and fixed her hair and makeup. She looked as glamorous as, well, Betty White.
Then, in front of staff, other patients and family, the pair of Schwanz and Shipe stepped out for the 90-second turn on the dance floor.
"It was really inspiring," Rugg said.
But that's her mom.
Shipe, mother of four, was a teacher and elementary school principal in Pennsylvania before retiring. Ten years ago, she moved to Grafton, near her daughter, needing a lift in life.
Rugg, who's been a gym teacher, dance team coach, diver dreaming of the Olympics, mother of two, homemaker and, currently, a psychotherapist, set an example. She turned to dancing first.
Rugg, 62, said she was overweight and a longtime smoker who finally took a look at herself five years ago.
"I said, 'That's it!' I declared food my enemy and threw away my cigarettes. I refused to die a chubby old, frumpy woman."
Rugg began to dance, hired a trainer and lost 55 pounds, so far. She's gone on to national competitions twice, she said - taking third place in rhythm dance routines last year behind two 18-year-olds who took first and second.
Shipe said after watching her daughter - "she looked so good" - she decided to do the same thing. She describes her daughter as "a lot better, more agile." Rugg returns the compliment, saying her mother is "extremely graceful," but someone who can "put on the ham" for applause, too.
"Dancing with the Stars" is must-see TV for these two, and Shipe bragged that she danced with Tony Dovolani - one of the show's professional dancers who this season was paired with Kate Gosselin.
"I was better than she," Shipe said, and who's to argue? Gosselin and Dovolani were booted from the mix last month.
As if to warm up to the challenge of overcoming broken bones, Shipe and Rugg both recalled a near disastrous accident at a dance competition earlier in 2009. Shipe caught her heel in a hallway rug. She tripped and flew up against a wall, cutting her forehead and requiring 33 stitches.
"This woman's crazy!" Rugg said, recalling how her mother danced the next day anyway.
"She said, 'Maybe I'll get some sympathy votes for it,'" Rugg recalled.
So the show - and the dance -goes on.
Posted: May 14, 2010 (5) Comments
Move over, Betty White.
Octogenarian Sara Shipe of Grafton - she's 88, same as Betty - gets the spotlight now.
White is coming off last week's wildly successful hosting job at "Saturday Night Live." Agreed, she was fabulous and funny.
But Shipe - who may be to ballroom dancing what White is to comedy - is no slouch, either. Topping off months of recovery from multiple pelvis and elbow fractures, she donned a sparkling dress and her dancing shoes and fox-trotted her way out of a Cedarburg rehabilitation center last month.
"It felt pretty good after lying in bed all that time," she said.
Now she's back to weekly dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Mequon and working out again with a personal trainer.
"I'm not quite there yet, but we're getting there," she said of her old dancing form.
Shipe took up ballroom dancing just two years ago and did well enough in a Milwaukee competition last December to win a championship trophy for an age group of dancers up to 25 years younger than she.
Shipe's daughter and fellow dancing student, Susie Rugg of the Town of Grafton, said that during that same period, her mother overcame a stroke, breast cancer surgery and radiation.
"And all this time, she kept dancing," Rugg said.
Shortly after winning a trophy for her "smooth" dances - the waltz, tango and fox trot - last December, Shipe took a spill while hauling a case of soda from her garage into the house where she lives independently. Her daughter was alerted by Shipe's personal trainer, who said Shipe didn't show up for her usual three-times-a-week workout.
The news wasn't good.
Shipe, who said she was on the garage floor for about an hour, doesn't remember much. But her daughter said she was in a lot of pain from elbow fractures and two fractures in her pelvis. She couldn't walk, let alone dance. She was hospitalized for a while and then spent three months at Cedar Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Brooke Engelhart, therapy director at the center, said a therapist caught on to Shipe's interest in dancing and used that for motivation. And wouldn't you know? A new certified nursing assistant at the home, Jacob Schwanz, had been a Fred Astaire dance instructor and knew Shipe from the Mequon center.
Schwanz, 21, happily agreed to dance with Shipe on her last day in rehab, even if he wasn't scheduled to work that day. Rugg brought in her mother's outfit - a white gown glittering with crystals and small-heeled dancing shoes - and fixed her hair and makeup. She looked as glamorous as, well, Betty White.
Then, in front of staff, other patients and family, the pair of Schwanz and Shipe stepped out for the 90-second turn on the dance floor.
"It was really inspiring," Rugg said.
But that's her mom.
Shipe, mother of four, was a teacher and elementary school principal in Pennsylvania before retiring. Ten years ago, she moved to Grafton, near her daughter, needing a lift in life.
Rugg, who's been a gym teacher, dance team coach, diver dreaming of the Olympics, mother of two, homemaker and, currently, a psychotherapist, set an example. She turned to dancing first.
Rugg, 62, said she was overweight and a longtime smoker who finally took a look at herself five years ago.
"I said, 'That's it!' I declared food my enemy and threw away my cigarettes. I refused to die a chubby old, frumpy woman."
Rugg began to dance, hired a trainer and lost 55 pounds, so far. She's gone on to national competitions twice, she said - taking third place in rhythm dance routines last year behind two 18-year-olds who took first and second.
Shipe said after watching her daughter - "she looked so good" - she decided to do the same thing. She describes her daughter as "a lot better, more agile." Rugg returns the compliment, saying her mother is "extremely graceful," but someone who can "put on the ham" for applause, too.
"Dancing with the Stars" is must-see TV for these two, and Shipe bragged that she danced with Tony Dovolani - one of the show's professional dancers who this season was paired with Kate Gosselin.
"I was better than she," Shipe said, and who's to argue? Gosselin and Dovolani were booted from the mix last month.
As if to warm up to the challenge of overcoming broken bones, Shipe and Rugg both recalled a near disastrous accident at a dance competition earlier in 2009. Shipe caught her heel in a hallway rug. She tripped and flew up against a wall, cutting her forehead and requiring 33 stitches.
"This woman's crazy!" Rugg said, recalling how her mother danced the next day anyway.
"She said, 'Maybe I'll get some sympathy votes for it,'" Rugg recalled.
So the show - and the dance -goes on.
Three Things Most People Don't Know About Ballroom Dancing
from articlesnatch.com:
By: Blaze Smith
First, it improves your poise and the presence that you take with you. It makes you more comfortable with your appearance and physique. If you get past your fear of dancing in front of many people, you become at ease in situations like meeting new people, speaking in front of a crowd, and sharing your knowledge to others. People around you become intrigued, fascinated, and see you in a different way than the way you perceive yourself. You're no longer afraid of the way you speak, the way you write or the way you craft a software program. A lot of people have gotten away from understanding how their physical presence is being observed by other people.
Next, taking dance lessons can be good for releasing stress. Many people are worried that they're unsure if they can make it. It's actually a simple thing to do. You start to relax and you become absorbed as the music is played. You dance with a nice person that's in front of you, remember the steps, and think about the laws of dance from your teacher. It's like playing a sports activity. It's very absorbing for a lot of people. The rest of the world may not melt away but your problems or issues tend to go away. Unlike meditating wherein you're in a sleep state, dancing makes you very focused and connected especially if you like the music or the song. It's like being in a car, singing out loud while driving fast! It's a "��yes"�� moment yet safer. You're also invigorating your body and building those endorphins out there. Everybody knows that those make you feel better. It's like watching a good movie that makes you laugh. Instead of just sitting and watching, you become part of the movie wherein you are actually moving around yourself. It really takes you into another place.
Lastly, if you follow and listen to your teacher's suggestions, it definitely gets you to use your core muscles and be more aware of working on your posture. Some people find they lose a couple of inches around their waists after toning these areas. They look slimmer & taller and fit into clothes differently. It's an aerobic exercise wherein you will burn off calories and lose weight if you come to the studio regularly. Even if you're not worried about losing weight, you get to tighten and tone your muscles especially the midsection area.
Let's go dancing!
By: Blaze Smith
First, it improves your poise and the presence that you take with you. It makes you more comfortable with your appearance and physique. If you get past your fear of dancing in front of many people, you become at ease in situations like meeting new people, speaking in front of a crowd, and sharing your knowledge to others. People around you become intrigued, fascinated, and see you in a different way than the way you perceive yourself. You're no longer afraid of the way you speak, the way you write or the way you craft a software program. A lot of people have gotten away from understanding how their physical presence is being observed by other people.
Next, taking dance lessons can be good for releasing stress. Many people are worried that they're unsure if they can make it. It's actually a simple thing to do. You start to relax and you become absorbed as the music is played. You dance with a nice person that's in front of you, remember the steps, and think about the laws of dance from your teacher. It's like playing a sports activity. It's very absorbing for a lot of people. The rest of the world may not melt away but your problems or issues tend to go away. Unlike meditating wherein you're in a sleep state, dancing makes you very focused and connected especially if you like the music or the song. It's like being in a car, singing out loud while driving fast! It's a "��yes"�� moment yet safer. You're also invigorating your body and building those endorphins out there. Everybody knows that those make you feel better. It's like watching a good movie that makes you laugh. Instead of just sitting and watching, you become part of the movie wherein you are actually moving around yourself. It really takes you into another place.
Lastly, if you follow and listen to your teacher's suggestions, it definitely gets you to use your core muscles and be more aware of working on your posture. Some people find they lose a couple of inches around their waists after toning these areas. They look slimmer & taller and fit into clothes differently. It's an aerobic exercise wherein you will burn off calories and lose weight if you come to the studio regularly. Even if you're not worried about losing weight, you get to tighten and tone your muscles especially the midsection area.
Let's go dancing!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Era Night!
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York.
This week, the couples did two routines and I was happy to see that Nicole Scherzinger finally earned a 10 from Len Goodman! Nicole and Derek are now in first place with 59 points out of 60. Close behind are Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya and Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
Nicole's first dance was a Foxtrot and it was a joy to watch. Nicole and Derek portrayed a nice love story. She looked great without any stress. For their second routine, they danced a 1950s Paso Doble. I didn't know how they were going to pull that one off but the dance was perfect. I have no critiques!
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 53/60)
Evan's first dance was a Waltz. I didn't care for this dance's choreography. In my opinion, waltzes should be more progressive, flowing across the floor, but Evan's dance didn't have that kind of movement. Then he danced a futuristic Cha-cha. Usually, Evan's Latin dances are weaker than his ballroom dances but in this case, his futuristic movements worked very well.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 53/60)
Erin's first dance, a Tango, was great. She had phenomenal legs and she pulled off a difficult, entertaining jump in the beginning. I really enjoyed the choreography. For her second routine, she danced an 80s Rumba. This was another dance with great choreography. Erin and Maks looked good together. She was very flexible with beautiful top lines. Her dance was smooth and lyrical.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 45/60)
Chad's Tango needed more polish. I loved the presentation but he needed to work more on the character of the dance and the connection with his partner. His 60s Jive was very high energy and a good dance overall.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel (total score: 43/60) ELIMINATED
Niecy's Viennese Waltz was very pretty but she needed more flowing actions and her transitions weren't clear enough. There was too much pull and push in the dance. Her 1990s Paso Doble didn't have enough control and balance. The dance's choreography was difficult with interesting elements but I didn't care for the music and it didn't seem to fit Niecy's personality.
It is important to show the style and technique of each dance and I'm happy to see that ALL the couples have improved each week with that. Next week, it's the semi-final round!
This week, the couples did two routines and I was happy to see that Nicole Scherzinger finally earned a 10 from Len Goodman! Nicole and Derek are now in first place with 59 points out of 60. Close behind are Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya and Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
Nicole's first dance was a Foxtrot and it was a joy to watch. Nicole and Derek portrayed a nice love story. She looked great without any stress. For their second routine, they danced a 1950s Paso Doble. I didn't know how they were going to pull that one off but the dance was perfect. I have no critiques!
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 53/60)
Evan's first dance was a Waltz. I didn't care for this dance's choreography. In my opinion, waltzes should be more progressive, flowing across the floor, but Evan's dance didn't have that kind of movement. Then he danced a futuristic Cha-cha. Usually, Evan's Latin dances are weaker than his ballroom dances but in this case, his futuristic movements worked very well.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 53/60)
Erin's first dance, a Tango, was great. She had phenomenal legs and she pulled off a difficult, entertaining jump in the beginning. I really enjoyed the choreography. For her second routine, she danced an 80s Rumba. This was another dance with great choreography. Erin and Maks looked good together. She was very flexible with beautiful top lines. Her dance was smooth and lyrical.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 45/60)
Chad's Tango needed more polish. I loved the presentation but he needed to work more on the character of the dance and the connection with his partner. His 60s Jive was very high energy and a good dance overall.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel (total score: 43/60) ELIMINATED
Niecy's Viennese Waltz was very pretty but she needed more flowing actions and her transitions weren't clear enough. There was too much pull and push in the dance. Her 1990s Paso Doble didn't have enough control and balance. The dance's choreography was difficult with interesting elements but I didn't care for the music and it didn't seem to fit Niecy's personality.
It is important to show the style and technique of each dance and I'm happy to see that ALL the couples have improved each week with that. Next week, it's the semi-final round!
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - College Competition Night!
from kpcnews.com:
BY LINDSAY WINSLOW BROWN lindsayb@kpcnews.net
Monday, 10 May 2010 04:57
AUBURN — DeKalb High School graduate Lincoln Slentz will show off his mambo moves during the results show of “Dancing with the Stars” Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Slentz, a chemistry major, is part of Purdue University’s Latin and Ballroom Dance Team.
He is one of eight people selected to perform a minute-and-a-half routine as part of an amateur college dance competition. The routine will take place in front of a live TV audience during the reality show, which features amateur celebrity dancers partnered with professionals.
If Purdue wins the competition, the team will appear on the final show May 25.
Dan Rutherford, who teaches at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Indianapolis, told Purdue coaches Daniel Dilley and Yuehwern Yih about the opportunity to compete on the show. Only undergraduate students are allowed to participate. Older students, who had intended to apply, were ineligible. So, Slentz and seven others were asked to learn a mambo routine.
The group started practicing the dance two weeks ago.
“It’s not one of my favorites, but it’s a lot of fun,” Slentz said. “It’s a dance I’m not used to doing. … The technique is slightly different than what I’m used to.”
Slentz spent four years in DeKalb High School’s show choir and band, and his desire to perform didn’t leave when he turned his tassle to graduate.
“I absolutely love performing for people. It’s something that I’ve loved to do forever. It’s a passion of mine. After studying for an entire semester, I wasn’t getting that,” Slentz said.
“Lincoln is a great kid,” said his high school choir director, Shelley Johnson. “He’s an all-around excellent music student. … One of those kids you never want to have leave your program. He’s still got the bug to perform.”
Slentz often participated in musicals and had the lead role in “Hair” during his sophomore year at Purdue.
After seeing a flier advertising a call-out for the dance team early in his college career, he joined the group.
“I’d had no ballroom experience at all. I had little bits of framework, but didn’t really know what I was doing,” Slentz said. He added that he had an occasional tap-dance or hip-hop lesson.
He and his partner, Tracy Matz, go to lessons twice a week and then practice between six and 15 hours per week. He learned the routine for “Dancing with the Stars,” but can’t give away too many secrets.
“We learned it. Quickly is a relative term. We practiced a lot. In the grand scheme of things, we probably learned it quickly,” Slentz said.
Slentz and his fellow dancers will fly to Hollywood Monday morning.
“It will be nonstop until we take a red-eye back sometime Tuesday night,” Slentz said.
“We’re all very nervous. We’re all very excited, too. I won’t say it trumps how much we’re nervous. The girls are going to be basket cases, and we’ll probably be freaking out, too,” Slentz said.
BY LINDSAY WINSLOW BROWN lindsayb@kpcnews.net
Monday, 10 May 2010 04:57
AUBURN — DeKalb High School graduate Lincoln Slentz will show off his mambo moves during the results show of “Dancing with the Stars” Tuesday at 8 p.m. on ABC.
Slentz, a chemistry major, is part of Purdue University’s Latin and Ballroom Dance Team.
He is one of eight people selected to perform a minute-and-a-half routine as part of an amateur college dance competition. The routine will take place in front of a live TV audience during the reality show, which features amateur celebrity dancers partnered with professionals.
If Purdue wins the competition, the team will appear on the final show May 25.
Dan Rutherford, who teaches at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Indianapolis, told Purdue coaches Daniel Dilley and Yuehwern Yih about the opportunity to compete on the show. Only undergraduate students are allowed to participate. Older students, who had intended to apply, were ineligible. So, Slentz and seven others were asked to learn a mambo routine.
The group started practicing the dance two weeks ago.
“It’s not one of my favorites, but it’s a lot of fun,” Slentz said. “It’s a dance I’m not used to doing. … The technique is slightly different than what I’m used to.”
Slentz spent four years in DeKalb High School’s show choir and band, and his desire to perform didn’t leave when he turned his tassle to graduate.
“I absolutely love performing for people. It’s something that I’ve loved to do forever. It’s a passion of mine. After studying for an entire semester, I wasn’t getting that,” Slentz said.
“Lincoln is a great kid,” said his high school choir director, Shelley Johnson. “He’s an all-around excellent music student. … One of those kids you never want to have leave your program. He’s still got the bug to perform.”
Slentz often participated in musicals and had the lead role in “Hair” during his sophomore year at Purdue.
After seeing a flier advertising a call-out for the dance team early in his college career, he joined the group.
“I’d had no ballroom experience at all. I had little bits of framework, but didn’t really know what I was doing,” Slentz said. He added that he had an occasional tap-dance or hip-hop lesson.
He and his partner, Tracy Matz, go to lessons twice a week and then practice between six and 15 hours per week. He learned the routine for “Dancing with the Stars,” but can’t give away too many secrets.
“We learned it. Quickly is a relative term. We practiced a lot. In the grand scheme of things, we probably learned it quickly,” Slentz said.
Slentz and his fellow dancers will fly to Hollywood Monday morning.
“It will be nonstop until we take a red-eye back sometime Tuesday night,” Slentz said.
“We’re all very nervous. We’re all very excited, too. I won’t say it trumps how much we’re nervous. The girls are going to be basket cases, and we’ll probably be freaking out, too,” Slentz said.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Students show off their best moves at ballroom dance competition
from news-press.com (Ft. Myers, FL):
By Evangelia Ganosellis • eganosellis@news-
press.com • May 9, 2010
1:10 A.M. — For 72 fifth-graders from six local elementary schools, Saturday was all about the
rhythm.
For two hours, all eyes were on them as they did their best tango, merengue, fox trot, rumba and swing.
For 10 weeks, they'd practiced ballroom dancing for the Dancing Classrooms program, a national
initiative administered locally by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
Saturday's event, Colors of the Rainbow, was their grand finale.
Students represented their schools by wearing certain colors while they danced.
But it wasn't all about dancing. The program is intended to help kids build confidence and social
skills.
"It gives our kids an opportunity that they otherwise wouldn't have," said Ronda Martin, assistant principal at Tice Elementary.
Along with Tice, students from Bonita Springs, J. Colin English, Spring Creek, Franklin Park and
Edgewood elementary schools competed.
Six girls were paired with six boys from each school.
"At the beginning it was kind of weird because we had to touch each other, but then we got over our fears," said 11-year-old Vanessa Cambiano from Spring Creek Elementary.
For Cambiano, the best part of the program was getting to know the other kids.
Taurick Bautista, 11, also of Spring Creek, agreed.
"I had plenty of fun," he said. "We all kind of had a good time and just hung out."
Parents, teachers and administrators cheered the students as they glided around the tile floor of
Miromar Design Center in Estero.
Some shook pom poms, and others waved signs as they rooted for dancers.
But the crowd roared as everyone shouted out the color their child or student represented, in hopes of swaying the judges' opinions.
Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington and Circuit Judge Kathy Sturgis judged Saturday's dance competition.
In the end, Bonita Springs Elementary came out on top.
"It was so much fun," said Parker Hazen, a Bonita Springs Elementary student.
Although he wasn't a dancer before, ballroom dancing came easy to the 11-year-old, with swing
his favorite.
His least favorite? "I don't hate any of them," he said. "I like them all."
By Evangelia Ganosellis • eganosellis@news-
press.com • May 9, 2010
1:10 A.M. — For 72 fifth-graders from six local elementary schools, Saturday was all about the
rhythm.
For two hours, all eyes were on them as they did their best tango, merengue, fox trot, rumba and swing.
For 10 weeks, they'd practiced ballroom dancing for the Dancing Classrooms program, a national
initiative administered locally by The Foundation for Lee County Public Schools.
Saturday's event, Colors of the Rainbow, was their grand finale.
Students represented their schools by wearing certain colors while they danced.
But it wasn't all about dancing. The program is intended to help kids build confidence and social
skills.
"It gives our kids an opportunity that they otherwise wouldn't have," said Ronda Martin, assistant principal at Tice Elementary.
Along with Tice, students from Bonita Springs, J. Colin English, Spring Creek, Franklin Park and
Edgewood elementary schools competed.
Six girls were paired with six boys from each school.
"At the beginning it was kind of weird because we had to touch each other, but then we got over our fears," said 11-year-old Vanessa Cambiano from Spring Creek Elementary.
For Cambiano, the best part of the program was getting to know the other kids.
Taurick Bautista, 11, also of Spring Creek, agreed.
"I had plenty of fun," he said. "We all kind of had a good time and just hung out."
Parents, teachers and administrators cheered the students as they glided around the tile floor of
Miromar Design Center in Estero.
Some shook pom poms, and others waved signs as they rooted for dancers.
But the crowd roared as everyone shouted out the color their child or student represented, in hopes of swaying the judges' opinions.
Lee County Commissioner Ray Judah, Supervisor of Elections Sharon Harrington and Circuit Judge Kathy Sturgis judged Saturday's dance competition.
In the end, Bonita Springs Elementary came out on top.
"It was so much fun," said Parker Hazen, a Bonita Springs Elementary student.
Although he wasn't a dancer before, ballroom dancing came easy to the 11-year-old, with swing
his favorite.
His least favorite? "I don't hate any of them," he said. "I like them all."
DWTS Formation Team Showdown!!!
Vote Tomorrow!
On the May 11th episode of Dancing With The Stars, Purdue University's Ballroom and Latin Formation Team, coached by FADS Area Developer Dan Rutherford, will face off against UC San Diego's Dancesport Team as part of an amateur college dance competition. The winners will then move on to the final round on May 25th.
Dan has coached the Purdue Team for the past seven years, and they are currently the #1 Rhythm team in the country! The eight dancers on this formation team will be dancing the Mambo on Tuesday night. Please cast your vote for Purdue and tell your students to tune in and vote also!
On the May 11th episode of Dancing With The Stars, Purdue University's Ballroom and Latin Formation Team, coached by FADS Area Developer Dan Rutherford, will face off against UC San Diego's Dancesport Team as part of an amateur college dance competition. The winners will then move on to the final round on May 25th.
Dan has coached the Purdue Team for the past seven years, and they are currently the #1 Rhythm team in the country! The eight dancers on this formation team will be dancing the Mambo on Tuesday night. Please cast your vote for Purdue and tell your students to tune in and vote also!
Thursday, May 06, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Cha-Cha Challenge!
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary on and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
I was impressed by Monday night's performances. Everyone did a great job compared to last week. I saw a big improvement in all couples.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
This couple was eliminated this week. They danced the slow waltz. Their dance was graceful and flowing. I really saw the elegant, romantic character of the dance. Pamela's footwork improved but her upper body position needed to be stronger. Score: 24.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
Their Quickstep was great. This dance is usually hard to perform because of its high speed. Niecy's Quickstep was light and she had good rhythm throughout the dance. However, they lost contact during the chasse. Score: 25
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
His posture was much improved this week. He looked stronger and taller (maybe because Tony Dovolani worked with him!) He had good arms during his Viennese Waltz and his lines were extended. During the turns, however, he collapsed his spine so that was why his hips looked as if they'd dropped down too much. Score: 25
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin's Quickstep was very interesting and dynamic. She had good rhythm throughout however there was some problem with syncopation during the chasse where her position collapsed and her upper body moved too much. Score: 27
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Nicole gave a great performance! Her slow waltz was elegant and smooth. I saw swing action, rise and fall, and flowing movement. I would've liked to see more connection between the partners, especially during the rotations. Score: 27
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan's Argentine Tango was dynamic, aggressive, and sexy. He had great footwork and sharp action. Score: 30
I was impressed by Monday night's performances. Everyone did a great job compared to last week. I saw a big improvement in all couples.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
This couple was eliminated this week. They danced the slow waltz. Their dance was graceful and flowing. I really saw the elegant, romantic character of the dance. Pamela's footwork improved but her upper body position needed to be stronger. Score: 24.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
Their Quickstep was great. This dance is usually hard to perform because of its high speed. Niecy's Quickstep was light and she had good rhythm throughout the dance. However, they lost contact during the chasse. Score: 25
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
His posture was much improved this week. He looked stronger and taller (maybe because Tony Dovolani worked with him!) He had good arms during his Viennese Waltz and his lines were extended. During the turns, however, he collapsed his spine so that was why his hips looked as if they'd dropped down too much. Score: 25
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin's Quickstep was very interesting and dynamic. She had good rhythm throughout however there was some problem with syncopation during the chasse where her position collapsed and her upper body moved too much. Score: 27
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Nicole gave a great performance! Her slow waltz was elegant and smooth. I saw swing action, rise and fall, and flowing movement. I would've liked to see more connection between the partners, especially during the rotations. Score: 27
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan's Argentine Tango was dynamic, aggressive, and sexy. He had great footwork and sharp action. Score: 30
Cha-Cha Challenge!
The Cha-Cha challenge was a great idea. It was new for the couples to work together as a team.
Lady GaGa Team: They were nice and strong. They changed the picture during the dance by traveling around the floor. It was interesting and dynamic to watch. They had a good speed and the couples had a great connection with each other.
Madonna Team: This team wasn't as good as the Lady GaGa team. I didn't feel they were as dynamic. They seemed heavier and didn't move around the floor as much. Also, their technique was not as good as the other team.
Next week: All couples will be dancing 2 dances. One of those dances will be from a specific decade. Maks & Erin will be dancing the Swing from the '80s.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Competition Videos Now Online!
Videos from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios national competition, Cross Country Dance Championships, are now online! Click here to view the video gallery.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)