from reuters.com:
Wed Nov 3, 2010 1:17am EDT
By James Hibberd
LOS ANGELES (Hollywood Reporter) - In 2004, the BBC rummaged through its library and dusted off "Come Dancing," a ballroom-competition series that launched in 1948 and ran for nearly five decades.
The British state broadcaster planned to revamp it into a celebrity edition titled "Strictly Come Dancing." Before its U.K. premiere, producers flew across the pond to shop the concept to U.S. networks. Armed only with a pitch and some generic footage, they received a less-than-enthusiastic response.
Executive producer Conrad Green: The BBC rang me and asked if I wanted to do "Dancing." I thought it was such a strange idea. Strange, but brilliant. Dance hadn't been on TV in a featured way in years, and it's one of the oldest forms of human entertainment.
Talent agent Greg Lipstone: I was representing the BBC. I thought "Dancing" was incredibly interesting because it worked on so many levels. It wasn't just a dance exhibition; it was about music, fashion and performance. It was clearly something different.
ABC programing executive John Saade: It was pitched to (ABC alternative series/specials senior VP) Vicki Dummer and I with this sizzle reel of the best ballroom dancing they could find, but it was everything you feared the concept would be: fairly stiff ballroom dancing. Everybody had the same reaction we had -- very quaint, very cute, very British -- but not a show anybody would watch. We just didn't see it.
Green: What weren't their concerns? "American Idol" was definitely helpful since you didn't have to explain the format. But a lot of people tried to make a lot of Idol-like shows and failed, and people had started to think Idol was nonrepeatable.
Lipstone: Everybody turned it down. (They all said), "Ballroom dancing won't work on American television."
The first season of BBC1's "Strictly Come Dancing" aired from May-July 2004. Producers pitched the show to U.S. networks again and again were rebuffed. Even with Fox's "American Idol" rocking the Nielsens since 2002, executives were convinced ballroom dancing was too passive and old-fashioned. When the BBC's second cycle of "Dancing" launched in October to mammoth ratings, producers tried to persuade U.S. executives to watch an episode of the format they had already turned down.
Green: It was a show people didn't want, but Richard refused to give up. He was quite insistent.
Former ABC alternative programing chief Andrea Wong: I remember I was having this drink with (executive producer) Richard (Hopkins). Everybody had passed on the show -- frankly, including us. I was explaining to him all the reasons I didn't think it would work: It would skew too old, ballroom dancing is not a tradition in the United States. He said, "Please take a leap of faith; you've got to try it." He asked me to watch the show. I took the DVD into the office the next day.
Saade: Our entire department sat down to watch it. Even though we didn't know any of the celebrities or the dance styles, it was really compelling. It was like the Olympics: By watching the show, you become an expert in professional ballroom dancing. At the same time, you're comparing your reaction to the dance versus the judges' reaction. And then there's the emotional component of whether you like the dancers that prompts you to vote and try to save your favorites.
Wong: We couldn't take our eyes off of it. Nobody wanted to fast-forward. At end of the episode, we looked at each other and were like, "Are we crazy?" We wanted it.
The programmers pushed ABC's top executives to take a chance on the show, including then-entertainment president Stephen McPherson and Walt Disney Co CEO Bob Iger.
Saade: It wasn't like Steve said, "I believe in this 100%, go do it." He was like, "I believe in your passion -- if you believe in this, go do it." Bob was one of the biggest supporters of the show since he had been in the U.K. and saw an episode.
Wong: The great thing about Steve was he always trusted his people. He responded to passion.
Saade: Compounding all this was the amount of press coming out of the U.K. about the show. There was this voting controversy going on. Sitting on the plane, there were three articles in the Daily Mail about the show.
Other factors played a role, too. VH1 made a competing offer for the format, and an Australian version of the series -- titled "Dancing With the Stars" -- debuted to strong ratings. ABC gave the ballroom-dancing show a modest initial order: six live episodes, cast-contingent, planned for summer.
Lipstone: It debuted in Australia, and it was working and that helped -- it gave everybody more comfort. It's not just a U.K. phenomenon.
Wong: The way we convinced everybody was to make it cast-contingent: "If you don't like the cast, you can pull the plug."
But it was difficult to convince celebrities to risk their most valuable commodity -- their reputations -- by ballroom dancing on live TV for a panel of judges. Executives started the search by asking stars like Pamela Anderson (who finally agreed to appear on the show last season), then scrambled to find just about anybody.
Wong: It was hard to get the first cast because we had no proof of concept in the U.S.
Saade: We loved that initial cast, though obviously we were going for a slightly different cast initially. We were going through name after name.
Green: You can never start these shows from scratch and have great names. We approached loads of people. A lot of the people who subsequently appeared on the show said "no" in Season 1.
Wong: I remember being on the phone with (former Bachelorette Trista Sutter) and others trying to convince them do it: "This is a huge hit show in the U.K., it's a great opportunity to amplify your career or move it in different direction, people love watching people take risks, and you become a hero to people for doing it."
The casting of heavyweight boxing champion Evander Holyfield was a turning point. Holyfield and Sutter joined actress-model Rachel Hunter, singer-actor Joey McIntyre, former "Seinfeld" actor John O'Hurley and actress Kelly Monaco as the show's first cast.
Green: We weren't happy with the cast until we got Holyfield. That was what made me think we got a headline: -- Evander Holyfield is going to ballroom dance; I got to watch that.
Saade: Holyfield had a certain stature and was somebody whom you would never expect to see ballroom dancing. It's captured the absurdity of the show -- a professional boxer dressing up in sequins and tuxedo and ballroom dancing.
Wong: He really caused men to say, "Maybe I should take a look at this."
Saade: We had one person left to go. We were two days past deadline when (casting director) Deena Katz was able to land O'Hurley.
ABC and producers began preproduction. Tom Bergeron and Lisa Canning were tapped as hosts.
Bergeron: My agent called and said, "ABC wants you to host a summer series, and you're gonna do it -- it's live TV." I'm all, "What aren't you telling me?" She says, "It's a big hit in England." Right, right. "You have to promise you'll look at the DVD of the British version before you say no." OK, what is it? "It's a ballroom-dancing competition." I said, "Why don't you just get me an infomercial, and we'll just call it a career?"
Green: We knew we needed to pace it up, get more stuff happening faster (compared to the British version). Adding Tom as a host helped enormously. The fact it looked like "The Lawrence Welk Show", like a ballroom from the 1950s, helped too. It didn't look like an Idol wannabe.
Saade: We thought of every obvious dumb title you can think of. We had the concern that "Dancing With the Stars" hit it so hard on the head that it may be a turnoff. At the same time, the name was simple and explained the premise as well as anything.
Wong: One of the biggest challenges was how to promote the premiere -- there was no footage (the show is live). We had to cut promos out of British footage.
As a live show with an orchestra, "Dancing" wasn't cheap. But the cost was a minor concern compared to the mounting industry perception that the show would prove to be an embarrassing flop.
Wong: Nobody thought it would work. They were licking their chops. We said, "Look, it's not going to be a middle-of-the-road show. This was going to be a spectacular success or noble failure."
Bergeron: I was sold on it being six weeks of retro live TV. I thought at best it might come back for six episodes every summer.
Lipstone: In the industry, people thought it was incredibly risky.
Green: Everybody thought it would fall on its ass. I heard an executive who passed on it at another network said, "If that works, we should all resign."
On June 1, 2005, the "Dancing With the Stars" premiere drew 13.5 million viewers -- the biggest summer debut for a reality series since "Survivor" five years earlier."
Green: We knew it worked when Holyfield got told off by the judges.
Lipstone: It was instantaneous. The minute that it hit the air, you saw the reaction.
Saade: The reaction was everything we hoped. It was bemused and confused, but passionate. A lot of, "What do think you're doing?" and "This is the weirdest thing I've seen on TV." It was the biggest sigh of relief when the fast nationals (ratings) came out at 7:15 a.m. (the next day)
Although there were some hiccups...
Green: (During the season), Kelly (Monaco) had her wardrobe malfunction live on the air. Her bra popped off, and she spent most of the dance holding it up. After that, they were particularly vigilant on the five-second delay and instituted that women had to wear pasties. A lot of characters in the ballroom scene were eccentric, too: A staffer held our wardrobe hostage for days after she took it home. We sent a producer to stake out her hotel and get it back. We had to get the dancers to bring them their own clothes from home to the finale in case we couldn't get their costumes.
ABC renewed "Dancing" for a second season, and the show quickly became a power player. Moved from summer into the season, the cast was expanded, a second night was added for a results show and the network began running the series in the fall and spring. Five years later, "Dancing" remains one of the most-watched shows on TV."
Saade: There was more fear going into the second cycle; we didn't know if it was a flash in the pan or going to sustain. And getting celebrities -- after 12 cycles, it hasn't gotten any easier. But there's an energy that runs through every single episode. Everyone who's been on the show says it's a blast. It's that father-daughter dance at a wedding; it's the senior prom.
Wong: It sort of grew from there. It catches fire and builds every season. It was one of those sets that made you smile. I used to love being on that set.
Green: We created our own world right from the outset. We got just the right level of irony: not being too pompous and embracing the inherent stupidity of what you're doing. It's helped the careers of a number of people, and it occupies a warmhearted spot. A lot more people are doing ballroom dancing now. We don't profess to be an important show, but we make people happy. If that's the show's legacy, that's a pretty good legacy.
Wednesday, November 03, 2010
Monday, November 01, 2010
All The Pros Over The Years!
To celebrate the 200th episode of Dancing With The Stars today, let’s take a look at all the professional dancers who have participated throughout the years on this hit show. What does it take to earn a spot as an instructor to the stars?
(Some of these names you’ll recognize but others you may not…)
Louis Van Amstel
Appearing in seven seasons of DWTS, Louis Van Amstel is an accomplished, Dutch-born ballroom dancer. He has also appeared as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. His dancing achievements include US Professional Latin American champion, 7-time Dutch National Amateur Champion, World Professional Showdance Champion, Professional World Latin Finalist.
His best showing on DWTS was on season 9 with partner Kelly Osbourne; they came in 3rd.
Corky Ballas
Corky is a retired professional ballroom dancer who has been on DWTS for two seasons. He is also the father of two-time DWTS champion Mark Ballas and has trained many other DWTS professionals, including Karina Smirnoff, Julianne & Derek Hough, Tony Dovolani, Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Brian Fortuna, Jonathan Roberts, Anna Trebunskaya, and Jesse DeSoto. He holds several Latin dance championship titles, including Open To The World International Champion, Open to the World British Champion, and eight-time undefeated US International Latin Champion (along with famed partner Shirley Ballas). Corky and Shirley were known as one of professional competitive Latin Dance's most successful couples ever.
Mark Ballas
Mark Ballas has won Dancing With The Stars two times (with Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson) and appeared in 6 seasons. He is the son of Corky and Shirley Ballas. His achievements include becoming the British Juvenile Ballroom and Latin American Dance Champion, US Open To The World, British Open To The World, and International Open To The World Junior Latin American Champion, and Junior Olympics Gold Medal winner. He is also a signer and songwriter for the Ballas Hough band.
Inna Brayer
Inna Brayer was paired with actor Ted McGinley on the seventh season of DWTS. She was born in Russia and made the rounds of the international dance competition circuits. She has represented America in several competitions, including the World Championships. With former partner Pavel Pashikov, Inna was recognized as the National Amateur 10-Dance Champion. She also competed in 6 world championships.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl is a Latin Champion dancer and two-time Emmy nominated choreographer who has been on Dancing With The Stars for 10 seasons. She won back-to-back disco ball trophies with partner Drew Lachey in Season 2, and then with Emmitt Smith in Season 3. Her dancing achievements include becoming the World Cup Professional Rising Star Latin Champion and Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Champion. She was also fourth in the US in the Under 21s division.
Dmitry Chaplin
Dmitry is an International Latin dancer and Emmy-nominated choreographer who was also a TOP 10 finalist in Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance. He has starred on DWTS twice before and finished in second place with his partner Mya in Season 9. His dancing achievements include becoming a World Class Latin Finalist and US National Amateur Latin Champion Finalist.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maks is a Ukrainian-born Latin Ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and instructor. He owns four dance studios in the New York City area and is one of the creators of Dance Team USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to training dance sport participants. Participating in 9 seasons of DWTS, Maks has come close to getting that shiny disco ball three times. He made it to the finals with boxing champ Laila Ali in Season 4, finished in second place in Season 5 with Mel B, and last season a close third with Erin Andrews.
Ashly Costa
Ashly is a professional Latin dancer from Highland, Utah who starred on the ABC television series Dancing with the Stars for the first three seasons and returned for Season 10 to partner with famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin. With partner Jonathan Gulledge, Costa has won several Amateur Ten Dance titles. She also partnered professionally with Rick Robinson on the professional Latin circuit before retiring.
Anna Demidova
Anna won the professional dancer competition on DWTS and went on to partner with Michael Irvin on the following season. Michael and Anna were eliminated in the seventh week of that show. She is a Russian-American ballroom dancer who was an Under 21 Ballroom Finalist at Blackpool and placed second in the Rising Star International Standard Division with partner Andrei Begunov.
Jesse DeSoto
Jesse DeSoto competed on only one season of Dancing With The Stars, Season 3 with model Shanna Moakler. They finished in tenth place. Jesse's list of accomplishments include: Nevada Star Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Champion, Ohio Star Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Champion, U.S. Dancesport Championships World Mambo Finalist, Cleveland Dancesport Champion, Crystal Ball American Rhythm Champion, St Louis Star Ball American Rhythm Champion, Indiana Challenge Open American Rhythm Champion, California Open American Rhythm Champion. He also owns two Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the Chicago area.
Tony Dovolani
One of the most recognizable faces in the professional dancing world today, Tony is a professional dancer and actor. Getting his start at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio, he went on to become the World and US Rhythm champion. He also coached Jennifer Lopez and had a small part in the hit dance movie, Shall We Dance. On Dancing With The Stars, he has made it to third place three times with Stacey Keibler and Melissa Rycroft.
Brian Fortuna
Brian is a professional Ballroom and Latin dancer, specializing in street-style Salsa. In addition to choreography and instruction, he is adept at choreographing and teaching wheelchair ballroom dancing. Brian danced with Shandi Finnessey on season 4 of DWTS. He has also starred on the UK version of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004 and 2005, Brian won the North American Top Teacher competition and was the Imperial Dance Sport Champion. Brian is a certified judge by the United States Terpsichore Association. Brian appeared as a featured dancer in the film The Aviator.
Elena Grinenko
Elena was the undefeated U.S. and World Rhythm Champion with Tony Dovolani. On the third season of DWTS, she was eliminated in the first week with partner Tucker Carlson. She returned the next season to dance with Clyde Drexler. They were the fourth couple to be eliminated. In 2010, Grinenko represented the U.S.A. in the Second Dance World Championship (celebrated in Mexico) with Paul Barris.
Andrea Hale
Andrea only participated in the second season of DWTS with partner Kenny Mayne. They were voted off during the first week. She competes in both standard and Latin styles of dance. Her list of accomplishments include: North American Champion, 2 time U.S. National Champion, 4 time U.S. Representative to the World Dancesport Championships, highest ranking couple in International Championships - United Kingdom Championships - and British Open Championships.
Chelsie Hightower
Chelsie, an Emmy-nominated Latin ballroom dancer, is an alumnae of So You Think You Can Dance. She was the US Worlds Finalist and represented Team USA in the Latin Style at Blackpool (coming in third with her team). On Dancing With The Stars, she has gone as high as 4th place with partner Ty Murray in Season 8.
Derek Hough
Derek is a former world Youth Latin Champion dancer and a current member of the Ballas Hough band. A multi-talented entertainer, Derek also performed on London's West End and played the lead in Footloose. He has been on 7 seasons of DWTS and has won the competition twice, with partners Brooke Burke and Nicole Scherzinger.
Julianne Hough
Julianne, Derek Hough’s sister, has also won the DWTS mirror trophy ball two times with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves. She is a professional dancer, having won the Latin Youth Championship at Blackpool, and is also a professional country music singer.
Kym Johnson
Kym is an Australian dancer, model, and TV celebrity. She was the Australian Ballroom Champion and represented Australia in the world 10 Dance Championships for 2 years. She also was part of the world tour of the Burn The Floor Production and appeared in the hit dance movie Strictly Ballroom. She won season 9 of DWTS with partner Donny Osmond.
Charlotte Jorgensen
A Danish dancer, Charlotte has only participated in the first season of DWTS. Her partner was John Hurley and John and Charlotte eventually won the championship in a controversial “dance off” with Kelly Monaco. She was the World Amateur Champion and won the Professional Rising Star Championships at Blackpool. She was also Richard Gere’s dance instructor for the hit dance movie Shall We Dance.
Nick Kosovich
Nick is a professional ballroom dancer and Emmy-nominated choreographer who specializes in American Smooth and International Ten Dance. An internationally respected figure in the ballroom world, Nick competed for 36 years having represented in seven Professional World Championship events. He won the United States American Smooth Championships and finished second in the 2004/5 World Classic Showdance Championships. He partnered with Tatum O’Neal and Vivica Fox on DWTS.
Alec Mazo
Alex won the first season of DWTS with partner Kelly Monaco. He is married to fellow dancer Edyta Sliwinska. He was the 5-time US National Finalist. Alec has been in the movies Dance With Me and The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons.
Jonathan Roberts
Jonathan was the World and US Smooth champion with partner Valentina Kostenko and US Rising Star Latin Champion with his partner and wife Anna Trebunskaya. He has competed on all the seasons except for 3, 7, 10, and 11 of DWTS, getting as far as 3rd place with Marie Osmond in season 5.
Fabian Sanchez
Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Fabian Sanchez is a highly accomplished professional ballroom dancer. He started dancing and competing in 1992 and has since then gained several recognitions from different championships. Among his titles are the United States Rising Star Champion and the United States Open American Rhythm Finalist. He was also a four-time Fred Astaire National Champion. In 2006, he won the United States World Mambo. Sanchez and wife Jacqueline own and run the Fred Astaire Dance Studio located in Hoover, Alabama. Sanchez is also active in his career as a choreographer and a coach. On DWTS, Fabian partnered with Marlee Matlin on season 6.
Lacey Schwimmer
Lacey was the winner of multiple youth championships and one of the top 4 finalists on the hit dance TV show So You Think You Can Dance. She danced at the MTV Movie Awards 2008 alongside Adam Sandler and was cast to dance in Adam Shankman's film Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler. On Season 7 of DWTS, Lacey was partnered with Lance Bass and they finished in third place.
Edyta Sliwinska
Edyta was a four-time US finalist in Latin dancing. She competed in the first 10 seasons of DWTS, getting as far as second place with partner Jason Taylor in Season 6. Her professional awards include becoming the Emerald Ball Latin Amateur Champion and winning first place in the International Grand Ball and the Holiday Ball. She is married to fellow dancer Alec Mazo.
Karina Smirnoff
Karina is an acclaimed dancer. Her achievements include becoming five-time US National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. She is the first woman to ever make the British Professional Final with three different partners. The highest score she’s gotten in DWTS was on season 3 with partner Mario Lopez; they finished in second place.
Anna Trebunskaya
Anna’s many achievements on the dance floor include becoming the International Grand Ball Champion, US Rising Star Latin Champion, and Blackpool Rising Star Latin Finalist. She is married to fellow dancer Jonathan Robers and has made it to the finals twice during her time with DWTS, with Jerry Rice and Evan Lysacek.
Damian Whitewood
Damian is an Australian champion dancer who has performed on DWTS in the U.S. and So You Think You Can Dance in Australia and Holland. He also is a cast member of the ever popular Burn The Floor stage production. He partnered with Pamela Anderson in Season 10; they were the 6th couple to be eliminated.
(Some of these names you’ll recognize but others you may not…)
Louis Van Amstel
Appearing in seven seasons of DWTS, Louis Van Amstel is an accomplished, Dutch-born ballroom dancer. He has also appeared as a choreographer on So You Think You Can Dance. His dancing achievements include US Professional Latin American champion, 7-time Dutch National Amateur Champion, World Professional Showdance Champion, Professional World Latin Finalist.
His best showing on DWTS was on season 9 with partner Kelly Osbourne; they came in 3rd.
Corky Ballas
Corky is a retired professional ballroom dancer who has been on DWTS for two seasons. He is also the father of two-time DWTS champion Mark Ballas and has trained many other DWTS professionals, including Karina Smirnoff, Julianne & Derek Hough, Tony Dovolani, Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Brian Fortuna, Jonathan Roberts, Anna Trebunskaya, and Jesse DeSoto. He holds several Latin dance championship titles, including Open To The World International Champion, Open to the World British Champion, and eight-time undefeated US International Latin Champion (along with famed partner Shirley Ballas). Corky and Shirley were known as one of professional competitive Latin Dance's most successful couples ever.
Mark Ballas
Mark Ballas has won Dancing With The Stars two times (with Kristi Yamaguchi and Shawn Johnson) and appeared in 6 seasons. He is the son of Corky and Shirley Ballas. His achievements include becoming the British Juvenile Ballroom and Latin American Dance Champion, US Open To The World, British Open To The World, and International Open To The World Junior Latin American Champion, and Junior Olympics Gold Medal winner. He is also a signer and songwriter for the Ballas Hough band.
Inna Brayer
Inna Brayer was paired with actor Ted McGinley on the seventh season of DWTS. She was born in Russia and made the rounds of the international dance competition circuits. She has represented America in several competitions, including the World Championships. With former partner Pavel Pashikov, Inna was recognized as the National Amateur 10-Dance Champion. She also competed in 6 world championships.
Cheryl Burke
Cheryl is a Latin Champion dancer and two-time Emmy nominated choreographer who has been on Dancing With The Stars for 10 seasons. She won back-to-back disco ball trophies with partner Drew Lachey in Season 2, and then with Emmitt Smith in Season 3. Her dancing achievements include becoming the World Cup Professional Rising Star Latin Champion and Ohio Star Ball Rising Star Champion. She was also fourth in the US in the Under 21s division.
Dmitry Chaplin
Dmitry is an International Latin dancer and Emmy-nominated choreographer who was also a TOP 10 finalist in Season 2 of So You Think You Can Dance. He has starred on DWTS twice before and finished in second place with his partner Mya in Season 9. His dancing achievements include becoming a World Class Latin Finalist and US National Amateur Latin Champion Finalist.
Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Maks is a Ukrainian-born Latin Ballroom dance champion, choreographer, and instructor. He owns four dance studios in the New York City area and is one of the creators of Dance Team USA, a non-profit organization dedicated to training dance sport participants. Participating in 9 seasons of DWTS, Maks has come close to getting that shiny disco ball three times. He made it to the finals with boxing champ Laila Ali in Season 4, finished in second place in Season 5 with Mel B, and last season a close third with Erin Andrews.
Ashly Costa
Ashly is a professional Latin dancer from Highland, Utah who starred on the ABC television series Dancing with the Stars for the first three seasons and returned for Season 10 to partner with famed astronaut Buzz Aldrin. With partner Jonathan Gulledge, Costa has won several Amateur Ten Dance titles. She also partnered professionally with Rick Robinson on the professional Latin circuit before retiring.
Anna Demidova
Anna won the professional dancer competition on DWTS and went on to partner with Michael Irvin on the following season. Michael and Anna were eliminated in the seventh week of that show. She is a Russian-American ballroom dancer who was an Under 21 Ballroom Finalist at Blackpool and placed second in the Rising Star International Standard Division with partner Andrei Begunov.
Jesse DeSoto
Jesse DeSoto competed on only one season of Dancing With The Stars, Season 3 with model Shanna Moakler. They finished in tenth place. Jesse's list of accomplishments include: Nevada Star Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Champion, Ohio Star Ball Rising Star American Rhythm Champion, U.S. Dancesport Championships World Mambo Finalist, Cleveland Dancesport Champion, Crystal Ball American Rhythm Champion, St Louis Star Ball American Rhythm Champion, Indiana Challenge Open American Rhythm Champion, California Open American Rhythm Champion. He also owns two Fred Astaire Dance Studios in the Chicago area.
Tony Dovolani
One of the most recognizable faces in the professional dancing world today, Tony is a professional dancer and actor. Getting his start at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio, he went on to become the World and US Rhythm champion. He also coached Jennifer Lopez and had a small part in the hit dance movie, Shall We Dance. On Dancing With The Stars, he has made it to third place three times with Stacey Keibler and Melissa Rycroft.
Brian Fortuna
Brian is a professional Ballroom and Latin dancer, specializing in street-style Salsa. In addition to choreography and instruction, he is adept at choreographing and teaching wheelchair ballroom dancing. Brian danced with Shandi Finnessey on season 4 of DWTS. He has also starred on the UK version of DWTS, Strictly Come Dancing. In 2004 and 2005, Brian won the North American Top Teacher competition and was the Imperial Dance Sport Champion. Brian is a certified judge by the United States Terpsichore Association. Brian appeared as a featured dancer in the film The Aviator.
Elena Grinenko
Elena was the undefeated U.S. and World Rhythm Champion with Tony Dovolani. On the third season of DWTS, she was eliminated in the first week with partner Tucker Carlson. She returned the next season to dance with Clyde Drexler. They were the fourth couple to be eliminated. In 2010, Grinenko represented the U.S.A. in the Second Dance World Championship (celebrated in Mexico) with Paul Barris.
Andrea Hale
Andrea only participated in the second season of DWTS with partner Kenny Mayne. They were voted off during the first week. She competes in both standard and Latin styles of dance. Her list of accomplishments include: North American Champion, 2 time U.S. National Champion, 4 time U.S. Representative to the World Dancesport Championships, highest ranking couple in International Championships - United Kingdom Championships - and British Open Championships.
Chelsie Hightower
Chelsie, an Emmy-nominated Latin ballroom dancer, is an alumnae of So You Think You Can Dance. She was the US Worlds Finalist and represented Team USA in the Latin Style at Blackpool (coming in third with her team). On Dancing With The Stars, she has gone as high as 4th place with partner Ty Murray in Season 8.
Derek Hough
Derek is a former world Youth Latin Champion dancer and a current member of the Ballas Hough band. A multi-talented entertainer, Derek also performed on London's West End and played the lead in Footloose. He has been on 7 seasons of DWTS and has won the competition twice, with partners Brooke Burke and Nicole Scherzinger.
Julianne Hough
Julianne, Derek Hough’s sister, has also won the DWTS mirror trophy ball two times with partners Apolo Anton Ohno and Helio Castroneves. She is a professional dancer, having won the Latin Youth Championship at Blackpool, and is also a professional country music singer.
Kym Johnson
Kym is an Australian dancer, model, and TV celebrity. She was the Australian Ballroom Champion and represented Australia in the world 10 Dance Championships for 2 years. She also was part of the world tour of the Burn The Floor Production and appeared in the hit dance movie Strictly Ballroom. She won season 9 of DWTS with partner Donny Osmond.
Charlotte Jorgensen
A Danish dancer, Charlotte has only participated in the first season of DWTS. Her partner was John Hurley and John and Charlotte eventually won the championship in a controversial “dance off” with Kelly Monaco. She was the World Amateur Champion and won the Professional Rising Star Championships at Blackpool. She was also Richard Gere’s dance instructor for the hit dance movie Shall We Dance.
Nick Kosovich
Nick is a professional ballroom dancer and Emmy-nominated choreographer who specializes in American Smooth and International Ten Dance. An internationally respected figure in the ballroom world, Nick competed for 36 years having represented in seven Professional World Championship events. He won the United States American Smooth Championships and finished second in the 2004/5 World Classic Showdance Championships. He partnered with Tatum O’Neal and Vivica Fox on DWTS.
Alec Mazo
Alex won the first season of DWTS with partner Kelly Monaco. He is married to fellow dancer Edyta Sliwinska. He was the 5-time US National Finalist. Alec has been in the movies Dance With Me and The Curious Case of Benjamin Buttons.
Jonathan Roberts
Jonathan was the World and US Smooth champion with partner Valentina Kostenko and US Rising Star Latin Champion with his partner and wife Anna Trebunskaya. He has competed on all the seasons except for 3, 7, 10, and 11 of DWTS, getting as far as 3rd place with Marie Osmond in season 5.
Fabian Sanchez
Dancing with the Stars professional dancer Fabian Sanchez is a highly accomplished professional ballroom dancer. He started dancing and competing in 1992 and has since then gained several recognitions from different championships. Among his titles are the United States Rising Star Champion and the United States Open American Rhythm Finalist. He was also a four-time Fred Astaire National Champion. In 2006, he won the United States World Mambo. Sanchez and wife Jacqueline own and run the Fred Astaire Dance Studio located in Hoover, Alabama. Sanchez is also active in his career as a choreographer and a coach. On DWTS, Fabian partnered with Marlee Matlin on season 6.
Lacey Schwimmer
Lacey was the winner of multiple youth championships and one of the top 4 finalists on the hit dance TV show So You Think You Can Dance. She danced at the MTV Movie Awards 2008 alongside Adam Sandler and was cast to dance in Adam Shankman's film Bedtime Stories starring Adam Sandler. On Season 7 of DWTS, Lacey was partnered with Lance Bass and they finished in third place.
Edyta Sliwinska
Edyta was a four-time US finalist in Latin dancing. She competed in the first 10 seasons of DWTS, getting as far as second place with partner Jason Taylor in Season 6. Her professional awards include becoming the Emerald Ball Latin Amateur Champion and winning first place in the International Grand Ball and the Holiday Ball. She is married to fellow dancer Alec Mazo.
Karina Smirnoff
Karina is an acclaimed dancer. Her achievements include becoming five-time US National Champion, World Trophy Champion, and Asian Open Champion. She is the first woman to ever make the British Professional Final with three different partners. The highest score she’s gotten in DWTS was on season 3 with partner Mario Lopez; they finished in second place.
Anna Trebunskaya
Anna’s many achievements on the dance floor include becoming the International Grand Ball Champion, US Rising Star Latin Champion, and Blackpool Rising Star Latin Finalist. She is married to fellow dancer Jonathan Robers and has made it to the finals twice during her time with DWTS, with Jerry Rice and Evan Lysacek.
Damian Whitewood
Damian is an Australian champion dancer who has performed on DWTS in the U.S. and So You Think You Can Dance in Australia and Holland. He also is a cast member of the ever popular Burn The Floor stage production. He partnered with Pamela Anderson in Season 10; they were the 6th couple to be eliminated.
Friday, October 29, 2010
Waltz was once considered dirty dancing
from examiner.com:
By Patsy Holden, Orlando Ballroom Dancing Examiner
.. No matter what generation you emerge from, there will always be something that the younger generations do that cause you to shake your head and frown with disgust. Believe it or not, the Waltz was once considered one of those very things, the downfall of young society.
It is true, yet hard to believe, that there was once a time when every pastor in America preached against the evils of the Waltz. The desperate accusations, including that the Waltz stole every woman of her virtuous nature, were the same complaints heard in the 1920's about Jazz and the Lindy-hop, the 1950's with the Swing and Rock-n-Roll, and the in the 1970's with the Hustle...that couples' dancing was sinful. In fact, virtually every ballroom dance was originally conceived as sinful and just plain wrong.
The Waltz originated from peasant dancing in Europe, and the white elite society would not dare be caught seen dancing in the ways of "those people." Yet "those people" enjoyed what they could of life though their music and untrained dance movements, and the temptations on the upper classes to also enjoy music and life were real and could not be avoided. The solution? Hire your own private dance instructor who could mold the barbaric and animalistic peasant dance moves using elite mannerisms to make them look more elite-worthy.
The Waltz is the oldest of all the ballroom dances, and was the most popular dance during the entire 19th century. In formal attire, men often wore swords and women always wore huge gowns. This, and the fact that ballrooms had large floors, that women liked to twirl and and spin, and that Johann Strauss Jr. and his fast Waltzes were extremely popular, helped to shape the image of the Waltz dance position and Waltz style that we know today. However, because of that dance position, which meant touching the opposite sex in public, the Waltz was considered the downfall of the entire young elite society that embraced it with enthusiasm. How times have changed our views of this beautiful dance.
By Patsy Holden, Orlando Ballroom Dancing Examiner
.. No matter what generation you emerge from, there will always be something that the younger generations do that cause you to shake your head and frown with disgust. Believe it or not, the Waltz was once considered one of those very things, the downfall of young society.
It is true, yet hard to believe, that there was once a time when every pastor in America preached against the evils of the Waltz. The desperate accusations, including that the Waltz stole every woman of her virtuous nature, were the same complaints heard in the 1920's about Jazz and the Lindy-hop, the 1950's with the Swing and Rock-n-Roll, and the in the 1970's with the Hustle...that couples' dancing was sinful. In fact, virtually every ballroom dance was originally conceived as sinful and just plain wrong.
The Waltz originated from peasant dancing in Europe, and the white elite society would not dare be caught seen dancing in the ways of "those people." Yet "those people" enjoyed what they could of life though their music and untrained dance movements, and the temptations on the upper classes to also enjoy music and life were real and could not be avoided. The solution? Hire your own private dance instructor who could mold the barbaric and animalistic peasant dance moves using elite mannerisms to make them look more elite-worthy.
The Waltz is the oldest of all the ballroom dances, and was the most popular dance during the entire 19th century. In formal attire, men often wore swords and women always wore huge gowns. This, and the fact that ballrooms had large floors, that women liked to twirl and and spin, and that Johann Strauss Jr. and his fast Waltzes were extremely popular, helped to shape the image of the Waltz dance position and Waltz style that we know today. However, because of that dance position, which meant touching the opposite sex in public, the Waltz was considered the downfall of the entire young elite society that embraced it with enthusiasm. How times have changed our views of this beautiful dance.
So You Think You Can Dance - Summer 2011
Auditions are underway for season 8 of the hit show So You Think You Can Dance. The show will continue its search for America’s Favorite Dancer on Monday, Nov. 15 at the Howard Gilman Opera House at BAM in Brooklyn, NY.
Additional audition cities, dates and venues will be announced.
Additional audition cities, dates and venues will be announced.
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week Six
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week's theme was rock and roll with a group marathon at the end.
Brandy had the best performance of the night with her Tango danced to "I Need A Hero." Brandy and Maks are becoming a very interesting couple to watch. They won the best routine for the night and finished first place in the marathon.
Audrina Patridge came in second place this week with her Paso Doble. I really liked the music she danced too and her costume looked fantastic. She showed good footwork but, again, she didn't express the character of the dance. She had beautiful lines but her face showed no emotion. She doesn't understand or feel the mood of the dance. She got a score of 24 with 8 additional points for the marathon for an overall score of 32. I am pretty upset by her elimination. In my opinion, she should still be in the competition. There are three other couples that should've gone before her.
Rick Fox's Tango definitely showed improvement. His dance earned 24 points plus 6 points in the marathon for an overall score of 30.
Also getting an overall score of 30 was Kyle Massey. He danced a Tango for a score of 23 (with additional 7 points for the marathon). It looked like Lacey was really pushing him in rehearsal and it showed. His movement and footwork was so much better.
Jennifer Grey came in next with an overall score of 29 (20 for her dance plus 9 points for the marathon). It was not her best week. Perhaps she is feeling too much pressure at being #1 because now her results are going down. She looked nervous when she danced her Paso Doble. She messed up her footwork and lost her balance (along with her partner Derek Hough).
Bristol Palin danced a Tango for an overall score of 28 (23 for the dance and 5 for the marathon). She was much better than last week. I felt like she really tried.
Kurt Warner came in last place for an overall score of 22 (18 for his Paso Doble and 4 for the marathon). His performance, for me, wasn't so good. I think they can do much better. I still don't see any improvement in his posture.
Results of the dance marathon:
1st place - Brandy
2nd - Jennifer
3rd - Audrina
4th - Kyle
5th - Rick
6th - Bristol
7th - Kurt
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week's theme was rock and roll with a group marathon at the end.
Brandy had the best performance of the night with her Tango danced to "I Need A Hero." Brandy and Maks are becoming a very interesting couple to watch. They won the best routine for the night and finished first place in the marathon.
Audrina Patridge came in second place this week with her Paso Doble. I really liked the music she danced too and her costume looked fantastic. She showed good footwork but, again, she didn't express the character of the dance. She had beautiful lines but her face showed no emotion. She doesn't understand or feel the mood of the dance. She got a score of 24 with 8 additional points for the marathon for an overall score of 32. I am pretty upset by her elimination. In my opinion, she should still be in the competition. There are three other couples that should've gone before her.
Rick Fox's Tango definitely showed improvement. His dance earned 24 points plus 6 points in the marathon for an overall score of 30.
Also getting an overall score of 30 was Kyle Massey. He danced a Tango for a score of 23 (with additional 7 points for the marathon). It looked like Lacey was really pushing him in rehearsal and it showed. His movement and footwork was so much better.
Jennifer Grey came in next with an overall score of 29 (20 for her dance plus 9 points for the marathon). It was not her best week. Perhaps she is feeling too much pressure at being #1 because now her results are going down. She looked nervous when she danced her Paso Doble. She messed up her footwork and lost her balance (along with her partner Derek Hough).
Bristol Palin danced a Tango for an overall score of 28 (23 for the dance and 5 for the marathon). She was much better than last week. I felt like she really tried.
Kurt Warner came in last place for an overall score of 22 (18 for his Paso Doble and 4 for the marathon). His performance, for me, wasn't so good. I think they can do much better. I still don't see any improvement in his posture.
Results of the dance marathon:
1st place - Brandy
2nd - Jennifer
3rd - Audrina
4th - Kyle
5th - Rick
6th - Bristol
7th - Kurt
Shocking Elimination!!!
from abcnews.com:
It was the biggest shocker of the season so far.
Audrina Patridge, who entered the limelight via the MTV reality show, "The Hills," was voted off "Dancing With the Stars" last night despite scoring a combined 32 from the three judges, the second-highest total of the show's sixth week.
"We were baffled Monday night after what the judges said. I still don't understand. I'm really sad to be off the show," Patridge said on "Good Morning America."
Throughout the competition, the judges consistently gave Patridge high marks for her dancing, but sometimes said her performances lacked character.
"I just know that I had so much fun, this entire experience," she said upon learning her fate. "I felt like I was really pushing it and trying to give more character, but I guess I couldn't tap into that."
During rehearsal, Patridge's professional partner Tony Dovolani took her to train in mixed martial arts to get her to be more aggressive and passionate. On "GMA" Dovolani rebuffed the judges' critique that Patridge was not intense enough.
"She brought the intensity. She really performed well for me," he said. "I honestly thought we had a really good shot to be there in the finals...We invested so much emotions and worked so hard to get to this spot."
Over the six weeks of the competition, Patridge said she developed a passion for dancing she never knew she had.
"I'm going to keep dancing. And Tony said he will teach me when he's in town," she said.
After 10 seasons on the show, Dovolani said Patridge was a refreshing partner.
"Being paired up with Audrina was like a breath of fresh air," he said. "We had a blast through the entire process. We left with a smile on our face."
In last night's elimination, it came down to two couples who have consistently ranked at the top of the leaderboard: Patridge and Dovolani and Jennifer Grey and her partner Derek Hough. Judge Len Goodman said it was "absolute nonsense" that those two couples were in jeopardy.
"I know America is attached to the underdog, but you got to give credit to where credit is due...to the people who are putting in the work," Dovolani said. "I pick Brandy, I pick Jennifer. Brandy has been consistently great, so has Jennifer. I was hoping we were the third couple that would be in the mix, but we are not."
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
U.S. So You Think You Can Dance getting another overhaul, Mary Murphy says
from thestar.com:
October 25, 2010
Cassandra Szklarski
Mary Murphy says more changes are afoot for the U.S. So You Think You Can Dance.
So You Think You Can Dance will undergo another format overhaul in the U.S. after disappointing ratings over the summer, says Mary Murphy, the high-octane ballroom expert who until last season was a judge on the U.S. series.
Murphy, who also guest-judged the Canadian version of the dance competition, says last season's decision to incorporate all-star dancers into weekly routines did not entirely resonate with audiences.
“Ratings did drop in the States this last season and so they're going to make changes,” Murphy said backstage at So You Think You Can Dance Canada, which crowned ballroom dancer Denys Drozdyuk the winner on Sunday.
“We’re probably going back to the way that we used to do it and they're going to keep the all-stars as well, so they're going to do half of the show the way it used to be done and the later half of the show with the all-stars. How that's going to work out, exactly, I’m not sure yet because does that mean we increase the season if we start off with 20 dancers? Or we may be kicking more dancers off than one couple at a time. So it'll be very interesting to see how that plays.”
The Canadian show maintained the original format in which 20 hopefuls (22 in the case of Season 3) are split into 10 pairs to tackle different dance styles every week, with two eliminations a week until a winner is chosen from the top four.
Last spring, series creator Nigel Lythgoe announced a Top 10 instead of a Top 20 for the U.S. show, one weekly elimination instead of two, and a pool of ex-SYTYCD all-stars to serve as partners.
Murphy says she felt the change took away some of the drama that emerges when novice dancers tackle a genre they're unfamiliar with.
“Everybody knew they had somebody that was a pro in that division, someone that they can go home and practise with, and know that they know what they're talking about,” she said.
“When you get two different styles together and then they draw another style that they know nothing of, we're all sitting at home and we're sitting there as judges going, ‘Oh my gosh, this might be a train wreck!’ . . . But when they do it halfway good you're, like, all fired up over it. We didn't have that this season.”
Fox has ordered an eighth season of So You Think You Can Dance, and auditions began earlier this month in California.
Auditions for Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada begin Nov. 6 in Saint John, N.B.
October 25, 2010
Cassandra Szklarski
Mary Murphy says more changes are afoot for the U.S. So You Think You Can Dance.
So You Think You Can Dance will undergo another format overhaul in the U.S. after disappointing ratings over the summer, says Mary Murphy, the high-octane ballroom expert who until last season was a judge on the U.S. series.
Murphy, who also guest-judged the Canadian version of the dance competition, says last season's decision to incorporate all-star dancers into weekly routines did not entirely resonate with audiences.
“Ratings did drop in the States this last season and so they're going to make changes,” Murphy said backstage at So You Think You Can Dance Canada, which crowned ballroom dancer Denys Drozdyuk the winner on Sunday.
“We’re probably going back to the way that we used to do it and they're going to keep the all-stars as well, so they're going to do half of the show the way it used to be done and the later half of the show with the all-stars. How that's going to work out, exactly, I’m not sure yet because does that mean we increase the season if we start off with 20 dancers? Or we may be kicking more dancers off than one couple at a time. So it'll be very interesting to see how that plays.”
The Canadian show maintained the original format in which 20 hopefuls (22 in the case of Season 3) are split into 10 pairs to tackle different dance styles every week, with two eliminations a week until a winner is chosen from the top four.
Last spring, series creator Nigel Lythgoe announced a Top 10 instead of a Top 20 for the U.S. show, one weekly elimination instead of two, and a pool of ex-SYTYCD all-stars to serve as partners.
Murphy says she felt the change took away some of the drama that emerges when novice dancers tackle a genre they're unfamiliar with.
“Everybody knew they had somebody that was a pro in that division, someone that they can go home and practise with, and know that they know what they're talking about,” she said.
“When you get two different styles together and then they draw another style that they know nothing of, we're all sitting at home and we're sitting there as judges going, ‘Oh my gosh, this might be a train wreck!’ . . . But when they do it halfway good you're, like, all fired up over it. We didn't have that this season.”
Fox has ordered an eighth season of So You Think You Can Dance, and auditions began earlier this month in California.
Auditions for Season 4 of So You Think You Can Dance Canada begin Nov. 6 in Saint John, N.B.
Monday, October 25, 2010
The Best Gift Ever Gift ideas for Montclair, NJ and The Surrounding Universe
by Carrie Babcock, business-owner, mother, wife, daughter, sister, dancer, actor, singer, US Champion, amateur photographer, gardener.
Every year around gift giving time, I google search "great gifts for Dads" or "best gift ideas for my husband" or "gift ideas, Montclair, NJ". You see, I am the owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Upper Montclair, and all my friends and family already know how to dance, so I have to come up with ideas for gifts for them. For them, it's the quest for the perfect tie, cologne, pot or pan, candle, massage or other gift. Again. And it's boring me!
Why Ballroom Dancing Lessons Make a Great Gift
If you're like me, you want to buy something special for your parents or sisters, loved ones or friends. Tastes are difficult to guess, fashions come and go, some people won't wear cashmere. Dancing lessons have benefits that suit everyone.
Ballroom dancing changes lives.
I know it sounds corny or cliche, and pitchy at best, but it's true. Don't believe me? I googled it! And 159,000,000 entries came up. That's an astounding number.
How could it be there are 159,000,000 search results for "HOW DANCING CHANGED MY LIFE"?
Well, for me it's easy. I'm a dancer and a teacher. I see it every day. I've seen it every day since I started choreographing community theater for the Dansville Rotary Club production of DAMN YANKEES in 1983 or 1984.
While your reading the descriptions below, think Zen, think health....
Connection
Dancing, specifically, ballroom dancing, allows you to connect with another human being. Physically and mentally. Even if you don't have a partner, you connect with your teacher. And if you're like half the people who take lessons for the first time, you return, week after week. Connecting with your teachers, with your new friends at the studio. Weekly, For years. There are books out there about the innate desire for humans to have a human experience, searching for that connection. (Hey, if they don't want dance lessons, that book would make a great gift!)
New Friends
Once you've established yourself as a fixture at your studio, you make new friends. You see the same people week after week, and one day you strike up a conversation about art, politics, kids, tango, the merits of your teacher, and BAM, the next thing you know you're having monthly dinner outings with your new-found friends. And often your new friends trump your old friends. Sorry old friends. That's just the way it goes.
Therapy
Ok, so we're not therapists, we dance teachers, but you'd have to convince some students that we aren't at least as good as their life-coach or yoga teacher. Weekly Ballroom lessons get your mind off your troubles. Period. And your dance teachers now know about your sick dog, your aging dentist, your doctor who retired, the cancer scare, your kids' report card and your shingles. And we care. And we'll remember. And for 40 minutes or so, you'll forget.
Exercise
Whether you could get a gig on THE BIGGEST LOSER and can barely walk a mile, or you're a gym enthusiast looking for the next fitness craze, ballroom can be great exercise. Compare a foxtrot and a salsa. Anyone can do it. And everyone can benefit. Dancing burns calories. Watch the magazines this holiday season. "How to burn off the holiday weight" I guarantee you'll find at least 5 mentions of some form of ballroom for cardio.
Stress Relief
I could explain the benefits of physical exercise and the rise of endorphins, seratonin levels, etc. But if you've read this far you probably understand all that.
Ok, now, if you want to read more about the benefits of ballroom, do your own google search. Now I'll just list some more, otherwise I'll start thinking I'm an author too!
What to Buy
If you purchase an Introductory Program as a gift, your friend, parent or loved one will get a chance to explore the world of ballroom dance in just a few short weeks, and they can make a decision for themselves if they'd like to continue. At the Fred Astaire of Upper Montclair, our Introductory Program is 2 private lessons and 1 group class, and it's only $99.
It's Not Cheap
If it's a really special occasion, like a 25th or 50th anniversary gift, a gift for your spouse,
or a wedding gift for your best friend, perhaps you'd like to spend a little more. For only $360, you can give your friends 5 private lessons. That's like the gift of 5 personal training sessions. Yes, ballroom dance is a luxury gift. Your friends will think you have great taste!
If you'd like to talk about the perfect gift for your loved one, feel free to give us a call at 973-783-8999 Monday-Friday from 1-10PM. Or send an email to uppermontclair@danceastaire.com. If you don't live near Montclair, NJ, visit www.FredAstaire.com for the studio location nearest you.
Still not convinced that ballroom dancing lessons make the best gift you can give? Go ahead. Find a tie. I heard Macy's was having a 0ne-day sale.
Every year around gift giving time, I google search "great gifts for Dads" or "best gift ideas for my husband" or "gift ideas, Montclair, NJ". You see, I am the owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Upper Montclair, and all my friends and family already know how to dance, so I have to come up with ideas for gifts for them. For them, it's the quest for the perfect tie, cologne, pot or pan, candle, massage or other gift. Again. And it's boring me!
Why Ballroom Dancing Lessons Make a Great Gift
If you're like me, you want to buy something special for your parents or sisters, loved ones or friends. Tastes are difficult to guess, fashions come and go, some people won't wear cashmere. Dancing lessons have benefits that suit everyone.
Ballroom dancing changes lives.
I know it sounds corny or cliche, and pitchy at best, but it's true. Don't believe me? I googled it! And 159,000,000 entries came up. That's an astounding number.
How could it be there are 159,000,000 search results for "HOW DANCING CHANGED MY LIFE"?
Well, for me it's easy. I'm a dancer and a teacher. I see it every day. I've seen it every day since I started choreographing community theater for the Dansville Rotary Club production of DAMN YANKEES in 1983 or 1984.
While your reading the descriptions below, think Zen, think health....
Connection
Dancing, specifically, ballroom dancing, allows you to connect with another human being. Physically and mentally. Even if you don't have a partner, you connect with your teacher. And if you're like half the people who take lessons for the first time, you return, week after week. Connecting with your teachers, with your new friends at the studio. Weekly, For years. There are books out there about the innate desire for humans to have a human experience, searching for that connection. (Hey, if they don't want dance lessons, that book would make a great gift!)
New Friends
Once you've established yourself as a fixture at your studio, you make new friends. You see the same people week after week, and one day you strike up a conversation about art, politics, kids, tango, the merits of your teacher, and BAM, the next thing you know you're having monthly dinner outings with your new-found friends. And often your new friends trump your old friends. Sorry old friends. That's just the way it goes.
Therapy
Ok, so we're not therapists, we dance teachers, but you'd have to convince some students that we aren't at least as good as their life-coach or yoga teacher. Weekly Ballroom lessons get your mind off your troubles. Period. And your dance teachers now know about your sick dog, your aging dentist, your doctor who retired, the cancer scare, your kids' report card and your shingles. And we care. And we'll remember. And for 40 minutes or so, you'll forget.
Exercise
Whether you could get a gig on THE BIGGEST LOSER and can barely walk a mile, or you're a gym enthusiast looking for the next fitness craze, ballroom can be great exercise. Compare a foxtrot and a salsa. Anyone can do it. And everyone can benefit. Dancing burns calories. Watch the magazines this holiday season. "How to burn off the holiday weight" I guarantee you'll find at least 5 mentions of some form of ballroom for cardio.
Stress Relief
I could explain the benefits of physical exercise and the rise of endorphins, seratonin levels, etc. But if you've read this far you probably understand all that.
Ok, now, if you want to read more about the benefits of ballroom, do your own google search. Now I'll just list some more, otherwise I'll start thinking I'm an author too!
What to Buy
If you purchase an Introductory Program as a gift, your friend, parent or loved one will get a chance to explore the world of ballroom dance in just a few short weeks, and they can make a decision for themselves if they'd like to continue. At the Fred Astaire of Upper Montclair, our Introductory Program is 2 private lessons and 1 group class, and it's only $99.
It's Not Cheap
If it's a really special occasion, like a 25th or 50th anniversary gift, a gift for your spouse,
or a wedding gift for your best friend, perhaps you'd like to spend a little more. For only $360, you can give your friends 5 private lessons. That's like the gift of 5 personal training sessions. Yes, ballroom dance is a luxury gift. Your friends will think you have great taste!
If you'd like to talk about the perfect gift for your loved one, feel free to give us a call at 973-783-8999 Monday-Friday from 1-10PM. Or send an email to uppermontclair@danceastaire.com. If you don't live near Montclair, NJ, visit www.FredAstaire.com for the studio location nearest you.
Still not convinced that ballroom dancing lessons make the best gift you can give? Go ahead. Find a tie. I heard Macy's was having a 0ne-day sale.
Birmingham dancer with stars Fabian Sanchez still moves
Published: Sunday, October 24, 2010, 6:00 AM
By Kathy Kemp -- The Birmingham News
Even on the telephone, Fabian Sanchez sounds like his hips swivel.
"Hey babe, what's up?" asks the Birmingham-area dance instructor, best known for his turn as actress Marlee Matlin's pro partner during their appearance in 2008 on "Dancing With the Stars."
But don't get the wrong idea. Fabian, 38, is a family man who loves talking about "my beautiful wife," Jackie, and their 8-year-old son, Ty. He's teaching his boy to play soccer, like he did as a child growing up in Colombia. Fabian's dad, Freddy, an architect, moved his family to Birmingham for a job when Fabian was 12. Check out Freddy's artwork at www.freddysanchezart.com.
Fabian and Jackie own and operate the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Hoover (979-4777). Although he no longer competes on the pro circuit, Fabian is a four-time Fred Astaire national champion and earned, with Christina Penatella, the title of World Mambo Champions in 2006.
His friendship with dancing pros Tony Dovolani and Maksim Chmerkovskiy opened the door for Fabian to dance with Marlee in 2008. The "Dancing" producers called him with the news they'd found his perfect match in the fiery deaf actress. Fabian and Marlee remain close, texting each other weekly to catch up on family goings on.
Fabian still talks with the producers, who tell him they are searching again for another match to bring him back. Fabian says he would love to dance with J.Lo or Shakira to show off his Latin flair. Meanwhile, he dances at special events, such as the Nov. 1 "Dancing with the Silver Stars" awards tribute hosted by the UAB Center for Aging. Area celebrities will pair with Fabian and Jackie Sanchez and others in the ballroom at The Club. For info, visit www.uab.edu/dwtss or call 975-5659.
Fabian never misses "Dancing with the Stars," seen Mondays at 7 p.m. and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC 33/40. He was impressed by Florence Henderson, who was voted off last week, and is blown away lately by Brandy and Jennifer Grey. He also likes Audrina Patridge and has empathy for Bristol Palin.
"She is the true, average person just learning to dance," Fabian says. "Some people may not like her mother, but Bristol is so sweet and cute and easy to like."
The same might be said of Fabian himself, a talkative, love-of-life kind of guy who enjoys meeting new people. He doesn't teach as much in the studio these days, preferring instead to help coach his son's soccer team and spend time with Jackie and their large extended family.
Life is good, Fabian says, with or without the swiveling.
By Kathy Kemp -- The Birmingham News
Even on the telephone, Fabian Sanchez sounds like his hips swivel.
"Hey babe, what's up?" asks the Birmingham-area dance instructor, best known for his turn as actress Marlee Matlin's pro partner during their appearance in 2008 on "Dancing With the Stars."
But don't get the wrong idea. Fabian, 38, is a family man who loves talking about "my beautiful wife," Jackie, and their 8-year-old son, Ty. He's teaching his boy to play soccer, like he did as a child growing up in Colombia. Fabian's dad, Freddy, an architect, moved his family to Birmingham for a job when Fabian was 12. Check out Freddy's artwork at www.freddysanchezart.com.
Fabian and Jackie own and operate the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Hoover (979-4777). Although he no longer competes on the pro circuit, Fabian is a four-time Fred Astaire national champion and earned, with Christina Penatella, the title of World Mambo Champions in 2006.
His friendship with dancing pros Tony Dovolani and Maksim Chmerkovskiy opened the door for Fabian to dance with Marlee in 2008. The "Dancing" producers called him with the news they'd found his perfect match in the fiery deaf actress. Fabian and Marlee remain close, texting each other weekly to catch up on family goings on.
Fabian still talks with the producers, who tell him they are searching again for another match to bring him back. Fabian says he would love to dance with J.Lo or Shakira to show off his Latin flair. Meanwhile, he dances at special events, such as the Nov. 1 "Dancing with the Silver Stars" awards tribute hosted by the UAB Center for Aging. Area celebrities will pair with Fabian and Jackie Sanchez and others in the ballroom at The Club. For info, visit www.uab.edu/dwtss or call 975-5659.
Fabian never misses "Dancing with the Stars," seen Mondays at 7 p.m. and Tuesdays at 8 p.m. on ABC 33/40. He was impressed by Florence Henderson, who was voted off last week, and is blown away lately by Brandy and Jennifer Grey. He also likes Audrina Patridge and has empathy for Bristol Palin.
"She is the true, average person just learning to dance," Fabian says. "Some people may not like her mother, but Bristol is so sweet and cute and easy to like."
The same might be said of Fabian himself, a talkative, love-of-life kind of guy who enjoys meeting new people. He doesn't teach as much in the studio these days, preferring instead to help coach his son's soccer team and spend time with Jackie and their large extended family.
Life is good, Fabian says, with or without the swiveling.
Thursday, October 21, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week Five
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week, the competitors danced to TV theme songs. I was looking for couples who really opened up the idea expressed in the theme song.
Brandy received the highest score of 27 for her Quick Step. Her dance showed lots of movement and was very interesting to watch.
I really liked Jennifer Grey's Foxtrot number. I saw the idea of the dance (all about love and marriage) from the beginning to the end. She had good style and a great connection with her partner.
Another dancer who showed the idea behind the dance was Rick Fox. Rick and Cheryl Burke danced the Rumba. He received a 24. I really liked the choreography of the dance. It was hot and sexy. He had nice positions and really stretched his lines.
Kurt Warner also received a 24 for his Quick Step. I still don't like his posture and I really haven't seen any improvement since the beginning of the show on that. He keeps his shoulders too far up and he leans forward too much. Although the movement of his dance was light and dynamic, he still needs to concentrate on his posture.
Audrina Patridge got a score of 23 for her Rumba. I agreed with the judges with this dance. From the hips down, everything looked nice and stable. But her upper body (including arms and the emotion expressed on her face) wasn't there. I didn't feel anything with her dance. In the Rumba, there should be some conversation between the partners but Audrina's dance had no emotion and no interaction. Technically, she did very well but she needs to bring expression to the dance.
Kyle Massey's Foxtrot earned him 20. I didn't think his dance was a Foxtrot; it looked more like a disco dance to me! The Foxtrot should be elegant, classic, flowing, and soft. There were too many jumps in his dance. He can do much better.
Florence Henderson was eliminated this week after she performed a Tango for a score of 21. The Tango should be passionate and dynamic but Florence didn't connect with the dance.
Bristol Palin came in last place with a score of 18. I think she should be eliminated next week. Her dance didn't look like a Jive. There wasn't any good technique to it. She lost timing during the dance and it just wasn't a good performance.
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week, the competitors danced to TV theme songs. I was looking for couples who really opened up the idea expressed in the theme song.
Brandy received the highest score of 27 for her Quick Step. Her dance showed lots of movement and was very interesting to watch.
I really liked Jennifer Grey's Foxtrot number. I saw the idea of the dance (all about love and marriage) from the beginning to the end. She had good style and a great connection with her partner.
Another dancer who showed the idea behind the dance was Rick Fox. Rick and Cheryl Burke danced the Rumba. He received a 24. I really liked the choreography of the dance. It was hot and sexy. He had nice positions and really stretched his lines.
Kurt Warner also received a 24 for his Quick Step. I still don't like his posture and I really haven't seen any improvement since the beginning of the show on that. He keeps his shoulders too far up and he leans forward too much. Although the movement of his dance was light and dynamic, he still needs to concentrate on his posture.
Audrina Patridge got a score of 23 for her Rumba. I agreed with the judges with this dance. From the hips down, everything looked nice and stable. But her upper body (including arms and the emotion expressed on her face) wasn't there. I didn't feel anything with her dance. In the Rumba, there should be some conversation between the partners but Audrina's dance had no emotion and no interaction. Technically, she did very well but she needs to bring expression to the dance.
Kyle Massey's Foxtrot earned him 20. I didn't think his dance was a Foxtrot; it looked more like a disco dance to me! The Foxtrot should be elegant, classic, flowing, and soft. There were too many jumps in his dance. He can do much better.
Florence Henderson was eliminated this week after she performed a Tango for a score of 21. The Tango should be passionate and dynamic but Florence didn't connect with the dance.
Bristol Palin came in last place with a score of 18. I think she should be eliminated next week. Her dance didn't look like a Jive. There wasn't any good technique to it. She lost timing during the dance and it just wasn't a good performance.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week Four
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week, the couples danced either an Argentine Tango or the Rumba. They were scored separately for technique and performance with a combined perfect score of 60.
The Situation's Argentine Tango wasn't so interesting. Although Karina did a great job dancing around her partner, I didn't see what of anything he was doing. They were eliminated this week.
Their score was 28.
Bristol Palin danced the Rumba for a score of 32. I didn't understand her dance. It didn't look as if she was inside the dance at all. There was no emotion or expression. The Rumba requires a lot of connection between the partners and the music. Bristol needed better balance and also, more of an extension when she created her lines. I felt that her dance was empty and I just couldn't read anything in it.
Kurt Warner's Rumba was an improvement over last week but it wasn't a great performance. I did see some hip movement during the dance but he needs to work more on his technique. His feet need to connect more with the floor. He can't just walk through the dance. His pivots didn't look quite right. His score was 34.
Florence Henderson danced the Rumba also. The Rumba is a romantic and sensual dance. You can use some sharp accents but the dance really needs extensions and continuous movement. Florence's dance was too sharp and aggressive for me. She lost her balance and timing a few times during the dance. Her score was 35.
Rick Fox's Argentine Tango wasn't great this week. They are one of my favorite couples and I still think that Cheryl and Rick can have some great results on the show. But I didn't see him as much during this dance. Cheryl did all the work in this routine. They need to get more of a connection with each other. His score was 39.
Kyle Massey danced a Rumba and - as always - his performance was very interesting! His score was 40.
Audrina Patridge got a 46 for her Argentine Tango. In my opinion, their music just wasn't right for the Argentine Tango. It was closer to cha-cha music. In order to have a great performance, you need a real connection with the music . I think if they'd had a better song, they'd have had a better dance. Her score was 46.
I really liked Brandy's Rumba this week. She wore a beautiful costume. Her foot positions and steps looked clean and clear. The dance was lyrical. She had great hip actions. It was a powerful, grounded performance. Her score was 48.
Jennifer Grey got the highest score of the night. Her Argentine Tango was wonderful. Everything connected. I could read through the dance as if it was a question and answer dialog. They talked through their body language, without any words. Score: 56!
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week, the couples danced either an Argentine Tango or the Rumba. They were scored separately for technique and performance with a combined perfect score of 60.
The Situation's Argentine Tango wasn't so interesting. Although Karina did a great job dancing around her partner, I didn't see what of anything he was doing. They were eliminated this week.
Their score was 28.
Bristol Palin danced the Rumba for a score of 32. I didn't understand her dance. It didn't look as if she was inside the dance at all. There was no emotion or expression. The Rumba requires a lot of connection between the partners and the music. Bristol needed better balance and also, more of an extension when she created her lines. I felt that her dance was empty and I just couldn't read anything in it.
Kurt Warner's Rumba was an improvement over last week but it wasn't a great performance. I did see some hip movement during the dance but he needs to work more on his technique. His feet need to connect more with the floor. He can't just walk through the dance. His pivots didn't look quite right. His score was 34.
Florence Henderson danced the Rumba also. The Rumba is a romantic and sensual dance. You can use some sharp accents but the dance really needs extensions and continuous movement. Florence's dance was too sharp and aggressive for me. She lost her balance and timing a few times during the dance. Her score was 35.
Rick Fox's Argentine Tango wasn't great this week. They are one of my favorite couples and I still think that Cheryl and Rick can have some great results on the show. But I didn't see him as much during this dance. Cheryl did all the work in this routine. They need to get more of a connection with each other. His score was 39.
Kyle Massey danced a Rumba and - as always - his performance was very interesting! His score was 40.
Audrina Patridge got a 46 for her Argentine Tango. In my opinion, their music just wasn't right for the Argentine Tango. It was closer to cha-cha music. In order to have a great performance, you need a real connection with the music . I think if they'd had a better song, they'd have had a better dance. Her score was 46.
I really liked Brandy's Rumba this week. She wore a beautiful costume. Her foot positions and steps looked clean and clear. The dance was lyrical. She had great hip actions. It was a powerful, grounded performance. Her score was 48.
Jennifer Grey got the highest score of the night. Her Argentine Tango was wonderful. Everything connected. I could read through the dance as if it was a question and answer dialog. They talked through their body language, without any words. Score: 56!
Monday, October 11, 2010
Dancing With The Chicago Stars
from examiner.com:
What does long-time Chicago Bears Quarterback Bob Avellini have in common with Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson? Illinois State Rep Mike McAuliffee share with Jersey Shore's Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino? The common link between former Chicago radio host Judy Markey and Bristol Palin?
Seems they've all slipped into dance shoes in the past few weeks, preparing to burn-up the floor with their ChaChas, Rhumbas, and Quicksteps.
While Henderson, "The Situation," and Palin hoof-it-up in Hollywood as contestants on this season's wildly-popular Dancing With the Stars, Avellini, McAuliffee, and Markey are learning to bust a move during private training sessions with pro dance instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Buffalo Grove.
The studio, owned by Dancing With the Stars alum Jesse DeSoto, has partnered with the Northbrook-based Cancer Wellness Center for a ballroom dance competition featuring Avellini, McAuliffee, and Markey, each teamed with a pro dancer from Fred Astaire, to take place during the Center's 2010 Annual Benefit on Saturday, October 23 in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton and Towers.
Each contestant is now training weekly at the studio, located at 404 West Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. Keep checking the website for details to follow if you're interested in attending this special event.
What does long-time Chicago Bears Quarterback Bob Avellini have in common with Brady Bunch mom Florence Henderson? Illinois State Rep Mike McAuliffee share with Jersey Shore's Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino? The common link between former Chicago radio host Judy Markey and Bristol Palin?
Seems they've all slipped into dance shoes in the past few weeks, preparing to burn-up the floor with their ChaChas, Rhumbas, and Quicksteps.
While Henderson, "The Situation," and Palin hoof-it-up in Hollywood as contestants on this season's wildly-popular Dancing With the Stars, Avellini, McAuliffee, and Markey are learning to bust a move during private training sessions with pro dance instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Buffalo Grove.
The studio, owned by Dancing With the Stars alum Jesse DeSoto, has partnered with the Northbrook-based Cancer Wellness Center for a ballroom dance competition featuring Avellini, McAuliffee, and Markey, each teamed with a pro dancer from Fred Astaire, to take place during the Center's 2010 Annual Benefit on Saturday, October 23 in the Grand Ballroom of the Chicago Hilton and Towers.
Each contestant is now training weekly at the studio, located at 404 West Half Day Road, Buffalo Grove. Keep checking the website for details to follow if you're interested in attending this special event.
Friday, October 08, 2010
Thursday, October 07, 2010
Ballroom Dancing Legends Revealed!
from legendsrevealed.com:
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Fred Astaire’s will stipulates that he never be portrayed in a film.
STATUS: True
In the decade or so leading up to his death, Astaire had been turning down requests for “official” film versions of his life, and in his will, Astaire stipulated that he never been portrayed in a film.
He felt that he should be judged by his life, and his life only, and not what some filmmaker may wish to say about his life in a film.
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Jim Thorpe was a ballroom champion dancer.
STATUS: True
Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, Jim Thorpe won Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, played American football (collegiate and professional), and also played professional baseball and basketball. However, his athletic dominance was not reserved for the playing field. He also dominated in the ballroom! Thorpe was known as an excellent ballroom dancer and even won the inter-collegiate ballroom dancing championships in 1912!
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Cyd Charisse’s legs were insured for a million bucks each.
STATUS: False
Cyd Charisse, a famed dancer who partnered with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, was known for her beautiful long legs. For years, rumors were flying that MGM insured her legs for a million dollars each. But Charisse said for years before her death that it was not true and just a product of MGM’s publicity machine. In fact, MGM internal documents about Charisse during that time make no mention of such an insurance policy.
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Fred Astaire’s will stipulates that he never be portrayed in a film.
STATUS: True
In the decade or so leading up to his death, Astaire had been turning down requests for “official” film versions of his life, and in his will, Astaire stipulated that he never been portrayed in a film.
He felt that he should be judged by his life, and his life only, and not what some filmmaker may wish to say about his life in a film.
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Jim Thorpe was a ballroom champion dancer.
STATUS: True
Considered one of the most versatile athletes of modern sports, Jim Thorpe won Olympic gold medals for the 1912 pentathlon and decathlon, played American football (collegiate and professional), and also played professional baseball and basketball. However, his athletic dominance was not reserved for the playing field. He also dominated in the ballroom! Thorpe was known as an excellent ballroom dancer and even won the inter-collegiate ballroom dancing championships in 1912!
BALLROOM DANCING LEGEND: Cyd Charisse’s legs were insured for a million bucks each.
STATUS: False
Cyd Charisse, a famed dancer who partnered with both Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly, was known for her beautiful long legs. For years, rumors were flying that MGM insured her legs for a million dollars each. But Charisse said for years before her death that it was not true and just a product of MGM’s publicity machine. In fact, MGM internal documents about Charisse during that time make no mention of such an insurance policy.
“Live To Dance” Now Casting!
from cbs.com:
CBS will hold open casting calls for its new reality-competition series, “Live To Dance” in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 14 and Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 28. Paula Abdul, award-winning dancer/choreographer and multi-platinum recording artist, is executive producer and lead judge. She will also serve as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process, sharing input and guidance while sharing her experience with hopeful contestants.
Dancers who want the opportunity to showcase their talents are encouraged to attend the open calls and show why they deserve to be a contestant on LIVE TO DANCE. The most talented and entertaining dancers will receive a callback to audition for Abdul and the panel of experts, all world-class dancers themselves. Callbacks will take place Saturday and Sunday after each open call date.
In one of the most inclusive talent searches on television, dancers with raw ability, in any age group from across the nation (either performing solo or in a group) can audition in any form of dancing - ballet to break dance, tap to tango, or show us something we've never seen before with your own unique fusion of styles - rock ballet, hip-hop clogging or contemporary mixed with capoeira. The most talented dancers who make it through the callback process will have the chance to perform live on CBS in the semi-finals and finals, where they will battle for the right to be crowned LIVE TO DANCE champion and be awarded a $500,000 prize.
• NEW YORK CITY, NY - Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Jacob Javits Convention Center of New York
655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Check-in begins at 8:00 am
(Callbacks are Oct. 16 and 17, please plan accordingly)
• LOS ANGELES, CA - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Location TBD
CBS will hold open casting calls for its new reality-competition series, “Live To Dance” in New York City on Thursday, Oct. 14 and Los Angeles on Thursday, Oct. 28. Paula Abdul, award-winning dancer/choreographer and multi-platinum recording artist, is executive producer and lead judge. She will also serve as coach, mentor and advocate for contestants during the performances and elimination process, sharing input and guidance while sharing her experience with hopeful contestants.
Dancers who want the opportunity to showcase their talents are encouraged to attend the open calls and show why they deserve to be a contestant on LIVE TO DANCE. The most talented and entertaining dancers will receive a callback to audition for Abdul and the panel of experts, all world-class dancers themselves. Callbacks will take place Saturday and Sunday after each open call date.
In one of the most inclusive talent searches on television, dancers with raw ability, in any age group from across the nation (either performing solo or in a group) can audition in any form of dancing - ballet to break dance, tap to tango, or show us something we've never seen before with your own unique fusion of styles - rock ballet, hip-hop clogging or contemporary mixed with capoeira. The most talented dancers who make it through the callback process will have the chance to perform live on CBS in the semi-finals and finals, where they will battle for the right to be crowned LIVE TO DANCE champion and be awarded a $500,000 prize.
• NEW YORK CITY, NY - Thursday, October 14, 2010
The Jacob Javits Convention Center of New York
655 West 34th Street, New York, NY 10001
Check-in begins at 8:00 am
(Callbacks are Oct. 16 and 17, please plan accordingly)
• LOS ANGELES, CA - Thursday, October 28, 2010
Location TBD
Inspirational Student Shows Us Nothing Is Impossible!
By Catherine Brill
Tao Porchon-Lynch isn’t your ordinary dance student. She is a former Hollywood movie and small screen actress, model, screenwriter, and documentary producer, and has been a Master Yoga teacher for more than 45 years. She has studied with yoga legends Indra Devi and BKS Iyengar and has made over 24 pilgrimages to India with her yoga students. She also frequently competes in Fred Astaire regional ballroom dance competitions.
Not too bad for someone who is 92 years old.
Tao actually met Mr. Fred Astaire in the 1950’s when they were both at MGM. “He was a very sweet and shy man. Everybody liked him,” she remembers. But she didn’t start ballroom dancing until seven years ago. “I always wanted to go to Argentina to dance the Tango!” Now she takes two to four lessons a week at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Hartsdale, New York.
Tao doesn’t let anything slow her down, not even hip replacement surgery! In April of this year, she kept dancing (with her hand in the air) after breaking her wrist. More recently, Tao injured herself in a fall and her doctors advised her to stop dancing for a month. She only took a week off before returning to the dance floor. “There’s so much to do in life and so little time,” she reflects.
At the most recent regional competition in Verona, New York, Tao performed 31 dances and three solos. Not surprisingly, she received a standing ovation for her performances. To celebrate her latest birthday, the studio threw her a big party where she danced the Jive, Samba, and Argentine Tango for her guests.
Her extensive background in yoga has helped her with her dancing. “Yoga makes you breathe and gives you more energy. Both yoga and dance get you in touch with the creation of life.”
“Dancing brought new joy into my life,” Tao believes. She is now practicing for another competition in New Jersey in November and a showcase in Tarrytown in mid-October. She is an inspiration to dancers and non-dancers alike, an extraordinary woman who has made the most out of life.
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week Three
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week was Story Week where each dance had to tell a story.
Margaret Cho was eliminated this week after performing a Samba. The beginning of her dance was OK but then she lost her timing as the dance progresses.
Bristol Palin performed a Foxtrot for a score of 19. Her dance last week was much better than this week's.
Florence Henderson received a 20 for her Waltz. I always enjoy watching her. She looks beautiful on the floor. Her dance was sweet and full of emotion. She had a nice presentation.
The Situation also received a 20 for his Foxtrot. His dance was entertaining but it needed more flowing action and style. He needs to concentrate on that.
My two favorites this week were Jennifer Grey and Audrina Patridge.
They had the most interesting performances for me. Jennifer performed a beautiful and complicated Samba. Her Samba Rolls were executed nicely and I enjoyed the story of her dance. Similarily, Audrina performed a beautiful Foxtrot. I am so proud of and happy for Tony Dovolani for teaching Audrina so well! Her memorable dance was smooth, elegant, and emotional.
One quick comment about Maks and Brandy. This week, there was some footage shown of Maks slapping Brandy as he taught her. I know that Maks is tough on his students but he needs to understand that these celebrities are not professional dancers. Our goal as teachers should be to have students feel confident and enjoy themselves. Yes, we should concentrate on the technique and style of each dance but we can't forget that dancing is also about having fun and enjoyment.
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
This week was Story Week where each dance had to tell a story.
Margaret Cho was eliminated this week after performing a Samba. The beginning of her dance was OK but then she lost her timing as the dance progresses.
Bristol Palin performed a Foxtrot for a score of 19. Her dance last week was much better than this week's.
Florence Henderson received a 20 for her Waltz. I always enjoy watching her. She looks beautiful on the floor. Her dance was sweet and full of emotion. She had a nice presentation.
The Situation also received a 20 for his Foxtrot. His dance was entertaining but it needed more flowing action and style. He needs to concentrate on that.
My two favorites this week were Jennifer Grey and Audrina Patridge.
They had the most interesting performances for me. Jennifer performed a beautiful and complicated Samba. Her Samba Rolls were executed nicely and I enjoyed the story of her dance. Similarily, Audrina performed a beautiful Foxtrot. I am so proud of and happy for Tony Dovolani for teaching Audrina so well! Her memorable dance was smooth, elegant, and emotional.
One quick comment about Maks and Brandy. This week, there was some footage shown of Maks slapping Brandy as he taught her. I know that Maks is tough on his students but he needs to understand that these celebrities are not professional dancers. Our goal as teachers should be to have students feel confident and enjoy themselves. Yes, we should concentrate on the technique and style of each dance but we can't forget that dancing is also about having fun and enjoyment.
Tuesday, October 05, 2010
Students dance the way to social skills
from the Winston-Salem Journal:
By Mary Giunca
Pierre Dulaine strides onto the stage at Forest Park Elementary School with a combination of Old World courtliness and drill sergeant snap.
“Feet together!” he commands a group of fifth-graders who stand around in various forms of slouch. “Hands out of your pockets.”
For the next 45 minutes, Dulaine, a professional dancer and the founder of Dancing Classrooms, alternately guides, cajoles and bullies another MTV generation through the rudiments of ballroom dance.
“Is this elegance?” he asks as he demonstrates the wide leg, hands-in-pocket stance of the students.
They laugh.
Yesterday was Dulaine’s first appearance at the school. The Dancing Classrooms program started last year at Forest Park, Cook, the Arts Based and Ibraham elementary schools.
Dancing Classrooms is a 10-week, 20-session program for fifth- and eighth-grade students that uses ballroom dancing as a tool to develop social skills, self-confidence and teamwork.
Ann Guill, a local dance teacher, works as the site director for the state pilot program, which got its start in Winston-Salem last year.
The program was founded in 1994. Last school year, it served 50,000 children in 525 schools in 16 U.S. cities as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Geneva, Switzerland. Dancing Classrooms inspired the film Take the Lead, in which Antonio Banderas played Dulaine.
The program works, says Sandra Gilmer, Forest Park’s principal.
Last year, people commented on how well-behaved the children were on field trips as the year progressed, and she credits the program for that.
Dulaine’s program incorporates many of the elements of a basic etiquette course, such as the proper way to stand, shake hands and hold partners when dancing.
He has advice for fifth-graders who are dubious about being paired off and told to hold hands: “He’s not going to be your boyfriend. She’s not going to be your girlfriend.”
The children laugh, and the session continues.
Dulaine said children know he is on their side and working with them.
“Many times we tell children how wonderful they are without being specific,” he says. “They need truth. They need answers.”
mgiunca@wsjournal.com
727-4089
By Mary Giunca
Pierre Dulaine strides onto the stage at Forest Park Elementary School with a combination of Old World courtliness and drill sergeant snap.
“Feet together!” he commands a group of fifth-graders who stand around in various forms of slouch. “Hands out of your pockets.”
For the next 45 minutes, Dulaine, a professional dancer and the founder of Dancing Classrooms, alternately guides, cajoles and bullies another MTV generation through the rudiments of ballroom dance.
“Is this elegance?” he asks as he demonstrates the wide leg, hands-in-pocket stance of the students.
They laugh.
Yesterday was Dulaine’s first appearance at the school. The Dancing Classrooms program started last year at Forest Park, Cook, the Arts Based and Ibraham elementary schools.
Dancing Classrooms is a 10-week, 20-session program for fifth- and eighth-grade students that uses ballroom dancing as a tool to develop social skills, self-confidence and teamwork.
Ann Guill, a local dance teacher, works as the site director for the state pilot program, which got its start in Winston-Salem last year.
The program was founded in 1994. Last school year, it served 50,000 children in 525 schools in 16 U.S. cities as well as the U.S. Virgin Islands and Geneva, Switzerland. Dancing Classrooms inspired the film Take the Lead, in which Antonio Banderas played Dulaine.
The program works, says Sandra Gilmer, Forest Park’s principal.
Last year, people commented on how well-behaved the children were on field trips as the year progressed, and she credits the program for that.
Dulaine’s program incorporates many of the elements of a basic etiquette course, such as the proper way to stand, shake hands and hold partners when dancing.
He has advice for fifth-graders who are dubious about being paired off and told to hold hands: “He’s not going to be your boyfriend. She’s not going to be your girlfriend.”
The children laugh, and the session continues.
Dulaine said children know he is on their side and working with them.
“Many times we tell children how wonderful they are without being specific,” he says. “They need truth. They need answers.”
mgiunca@wsjournal.com
727-4089
Monday, October 04, 2010
The secret of success for men on the dance floor
from independent.co.uk:
The secret of male dance floor success is all above the waist!
A study reveals upper body movement, not fancy footwork, is key to attracting women
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
The difference between a good and bad dancer - as rated by 35 heterosexual women for the Northumbria University study - lies in the movements of the upper body
We have all witnessed it – a packed dance floor of bodies gyrating perfectly to the beat suddenly being emptied by the unwelcome appearance of a man flailing his arms about wildly.
But for the millions of wannabe lotharios who find it impossible to dance without looking like a malfunctioning windmill, a solution may be at hand: psychologists claim to have discovered the key dance moves that make men attractive to women.
As the single most important arena where humans select their mates, the dancefloor can inspire terror and longing – but more often embarrassment and hilarity. Millions strut their stuff every night in venues across the country, but no scientific study of what makes a successful dancer has been made until now.
Researchers at Northumbria University identified differences between "good" and "bad" male dancers based on the responses they provoke in women. The results, which are surprisingly detailed, suggest that the speed of the right knee is critical, as is the size and variability of movement of the neck, trunk, left shoulder and wrist.
Women were most excited by men who danced vigorously, making large movements of their upper body and head, but who also varied their movements, showing creativity and flair. Head bangers were a definite turn-off. Those who lean towards folk dancing of the Riverdance kind face disappointment – Irish dancing, with its focus on leg kicking and a static upper body, is unlikely to set women's hearts racing.
Nick Neave, who led the research, published in Biology Letters, said: "This is the first study to show objectively what differentiates a good dancer from a bad one. Men all over the world will be interested to know what moves they can throw to attract women."
The researchers have posted videos of good and bad dancers on the web, so men keen to put the findings into practice can do so.
Male volunteers were filmed with a 3D camera system as they danced to a basic rhythm, and avatars – humanoid characters – were programmed to reproduce their moves so that 35 female volunteers could rate them for sex appeal without being influenced by their level of physical attractiveness.
Dr Neave said: "We now know which area of the body females are looking at when they are making a judgement about male dance attractiveness. If a man knows what the key moves are, he can get some training and improve his chances of attracting a female through his dance style."
But his own initial response had been more ambivalent, he confessed. "When I saw the good dancer I thought he was a bit of a show off. I thought 'What a pillock'. But he has got that flair and variability and creativity. If you had had a drink you might think 'He's interesting, I'll go and have a chat.'"
The bad dancer, walking around in a circle making the same stereotypical movements, was more obvious – small, tentative movements with little hint of vigour or variability.
The researchers added that movement plays an important role in animal courtship, with males performing elaborate courtship dances to attract females. Dance movements form "honest signals of a man's reproductive quality, in terms of health, vigour or strength".
The secret of male dance floor success is all above the waist!
A study reveals upper body movement, not fancy footwork, is key to attracting women
By Jeremy Laurance, Health Editor
Wednesday, 8 September 2010
The difference between a good and bad dancer - as rated by 35 heterosexual women for the Northumbria University study - lies in the movements of the upper body
We have all witnessed it – a packed dance floor of bodies gyrating perfectly to the beat suddenly being emptied by the unwelcome appearance of a man flailing his arms about wildly.
But for the millions of wannabe lotharios who find it impossible to dance without looking like a malfunctioning windmill, a solution may be at hand: psychologists claim to have discovered the key dance moves that make men attractive to women.
As the single most important arena where humans select their mates, the dancefloor can inspire terror and longing – but more often embarrassment and hilarity. Millions strut their stuff every night in venues across the country, but no scientific study of what makes a successful dancer has been made until now.
Researchers at Northumbria University identified differences between "good" and "bad" male dancers based on the responses they provoke in women. The results, which are surprisingly detailed, suggest that the speed of the right knee is critical, as is the size and variability of movement of the neck, trunk, left shoulder and wrist.
Women were most excited by men who danced vigorously, making large movements of their upper body and head, but who also varied their movements, showing creativity and flair. Head bangers were a definite turn-off. Those who lean towards folk dancing of the Riverdance kind face disappointment – Irish dancing, with its focus on leg kicking and a static upper body, is unlikely to set women's hearts racing.
Nick Neave, who led the research, published in Biology Letters, said: "This is the first study to show objectively what differentiates a good dancer from a bad one. Men all over the world will be interested to know what moves they can throw to attract women."
The researchers have posted videos of good and bad dancers on the web, so men keen to put the findings into practice can do so.
Male volunteers were filmed with a 3D camera system as they danced to a basic rhythm, and avatars – humanoid characters – were programmed to reproduce their moves so that 35 female volunteers could rate them for sex appeal without being influenced by their level of physical attractiveness.
Dr Neave said: "We now know which area of the body females are looking at when they are making a judgement about male dance attractiveness. If a man knows what the key moves are, he can get some training and improve his chances of attracting a female through his dance style."
But his own initial response had been more ambivalent, he confessed. "When I saw the good dancer I thought he was a bit of a show off. I thought 'What a pillock'. But he has got that flair and variability and creativity. If you had had a drink you might think 'He's interesting, I'll go and have a chat.'"
The bad dancer, walking around in a circle making the same stereotypical movements, was more obvious – small, tentative movements with little hint of vigour or variability.
The researchers added that movement plays an important role in animal courtship, with males performing elaborate courtship dances to attract females. Dance movements form "honest signals of a man's reproductive quality, in terms of health, vigour or strength".
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week Two
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
Michael Bolton was eliminated this week although I thought he got better since the week before. His dance was a strange interpretation of the Jive. The choreography wasn't good for him. Bruno was too mean and his comments were too tough. The problems with the dance wasn't Michael's fault. Chelsie created the choreography and it just wasn't a good idea.
"The Situation" danced a Quick Step for a score of 18. Compared to last week, he improved but he needs to work on his balance and musicality next week.
Margaret Cho danced the Jive for a score of 18. This style of dance worked better for her since personality plays a big part in the Jive. She seemed more relaxed and was much improved in general.
Florence Henderson danced the Quick Step for a score of 19. What a beautiful woman! She can really move and dance! She made the Quick Step look easy and elegant.
Three couples got the same score when they did the Jive: Brandy, Kurt Warner, and Eric Fox. Brandy's Jive was not as good as her dance last week. I was expecting more from her. Maybe "Latin" is not a good style for her. Her outfit was also a little strange. There are some technical points that she needs to work on, including pointing her toes. It seemed as if the Smooth style worked better for Brandy than Latin.
Kurt Warner performed better than he did last week. This dance was better suited for his style. It looked like he was having fun!
Eric Fox's Jive was good, an especially hard dance for a big guy. His dance was full of energy.
Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin both danced the Quick Step and both got a score of 22. I still don't see Bristol as a performer. She needs more confidence but she's working hard. Kyle is a great guy! He made this week's dance look awesome, just like last week. He has excelled in both styles of dance. Although his was not a classical Quick Step, it was still fun to watch.
Audrina Patridge's Quick Step (score 23) was lovely. She looks like a dancer.
Jennifer Grey is still in first place with a score of 24. Her Jive, which had difficult choreography, was incredible to watch. She looked amazing.
Looking forward to next week. Feel free to post comments and I will answer back!
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
Michael Bolton was eliminated this week although I thought he got better since the week before. His dance was a strange interpretation of the Jive. The choreography wasn't good for him. Bruno was too mean and his comments were too tough. The problems with the dance wasn't Michael's fault. Chelsie created the choreography and it just wasn't a good idea.
"The Situation" danced a Quick Step for a score of 18. Compared to last week, he improved but he needs to work on his balance and musicality next week.
Margaret Cho danced the Jive for a score of 18. This style of dance worked better for her since personality plays a big part in the Jive. She seemed more relaxed and was much improved in general.
Florence Henderson danced the Quick Step for a score of 19. What a beautiful woman! She can really move and dance! She made the Quick Step look easy and elegant.
Three couples got the same score when they did the Jive: Brandy, Kurt Warner, and Eric Fox. Brandy's Jive was not as good as her dance last week. I was expecting more from her. Maybe "Latin" is not a good style for her. Her outfit was also a little strange. There are some technical points that she needs to work on, including pointing her toes. It seemed as if the Smooth style worked better for Brandy than Latin.
Kurt Warner performed better than he did last week. This dance was better suited for his style. It looked like he was having fun!
Eric Fox's Jive was good, an especially hard dance for a big guy. His dance was full of energy.
Kyle Massey and Bristol Palin both danced the Quick Step and both got a score of 22. I still don't see Bristol as a performer. She needs more confidence but she's working hard. Kyle is a great guy! He made this week's dance look awesome, just like last week. He has excelled in both styles of dance. Although his was not a classical Quick Step, it was still fun to watch.
Audrina Patridge's Quick Step (score 23) was lovely. She looks like a dancer.
Jennifer Grey is still in first place with a score of 24. Her Jive, which had difficult choreography, was incredible to watch. She looked amazing.
Looking forward to next week. Feel free to post comments and I will answer back!
What To Expect...
What to expect at your first ballroom dance lesson
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little nervous about your first lesson at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Many questions will run through your mind. What will happen? How difficult will it be? What should you wear? Here's some information to help you prepare.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like as well as what your short-term dance goals are. 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. Under the direction and guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and boring. The instructor will go at your pace.
If you partake as a couple, your instructor will give each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be amazed just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothes to allow easy movement. Dress in layers 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. Sandal, slingbacks and flipflops are not good choices. If you usually wear high heels when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little nervous about your first lesson at a Fred Astaire Dance Studio. Many questions will run through your mind. What will happen? How difficult will it be? What should you wear? Here's some information to help you prepare.
What to expect when you arrive
When you arrive at the Fred Astaire Dance Studios your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like as well as what your short-term dance goals are. 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. Under the direction and guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and boring. The instructor will go at your pace.
If you partake as a couple, your instructor will give each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be amazed just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
Clothing
Wear comfortable clothes to allow easy movement. Dress in layers 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. Sandal, slingbacks and flipflops are not good choices. If you usually wear high heels when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
Monday, September 27, 2010
Burn The Floor
from the Sacramento Bee (CA):
'Burn the Floor,' in Sacramento through Oct. 10, turns ballroom dance on its head
qwong@sacbee.com
Published Monday, Sep. 27, 2010
It's been more than a decade since producer Harley Medcalf created "Burn the Floor," a Broadway dance production that makes its next stop Wednesday night in Sacramento. He remembers ballroom dance as a dusty art form the public rarely talked about back then.
"In 1999, when you mentioned the word 'ballroom,' people would look at you like you were crazy," said Medcalf.
Then professional dancers started stepping into the limelight, starring in reality TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With the Stars." Almost overnight, the buzz surrounding the dance genre had been reignited.
"It's the new rock 'n' roll," he said.
Premiering in Bournemouth, England, "Burn the Floor" has sold millions of tickets in more than 30 countries and 160 cities. The two-hour production takes audiences on a journey through the evolution of ballroom, from the Viennese waltz and fox trot to the cha-cha and samba. Two vocalists and two percussionists also perform throughout the show.
Directed by ballroom dance champion Jason Gilkison, the dance numbers are split into two acts and four segments. It starts with a comparison between traditional ballroom and what the company does, moves into the swing clubs and the Latin Quarter, and ends with current ballroom expression.
Medcalf said the show tries to step away from the predictability of a ballroom competition, making the dances more about each dancer's personality and unique form of expression.
"What we're looking for are the rebels of the ballroom dance floor," he said. "They're doing things outside the expected norms of a ballroom competition."
Seven of this production's dance "rebels" are from the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance." (The show forces dancers to perform outside of their genre.)
"It's a dance company, but no one is forced to be like the person next to you,' said Anya Garnis, a finalist on Season 3 of "So You Think You Can Dance." Garnis joined the Broadway production last year with dance partner Pasha Kovalev.
Also included in this year's touring production is Robbie Kmetoni, a contemporary dancer and winner of this year's "So You Think You Can Dance Australia."
The piece Kmetoni performs in the opening act of "History Repeating" with salsa dancer Janette Manrara is a fusion of cha-cha and contemporary dance.
"Some of the lifts and throws they do in that number are death-defying," Medcalf said.
"Burn for You," a rumba performed by Garnis and Kovalev, also puts a contemporary spin on the traditional ballroom dance style.
Garnis said there is no overall story line to the production; each number acts as a short story that's left up to the audience to interpret.
She said both the reality television show and "Burn the Floor" have opened up her mind about ballroom dance.
"It's ballroom reinvented," said Garnis. "We try to push boundaries."
'Burn the Floor,' in Sacramento through Oct. 10, turns ballroom dance on its head
qwong@sacbee.com
Published Monday, Sep. 27, 2010
It's been more than a decade since producer Harley Medcalf created "Burn the Floor," a Broadway dance production that makes its next stop Wednesday night in Sacramento. He remembers ballroom dance as a dusty art form the public rarely talked about back then.
"In 1999, when you mentioned the word 'ballroom,' people would look at you like you were crazy," said Medcalf.
Then professional dancers started stepping into the limelight, starring in reality TV shows like "So You Think You Can Dance" and "Dancing With the Stars." Almost overnight, the buzz surrounding the dance genre had been reignited.
"It's the new rock 'n' roll," he said.
Premiering in Bournemouth, England, "Burn the Floor" has sold millions of tickets in more than 30 countries and 160 cities. The two-hour production takes audiences on a journey through the evolution of ballroom, from the Viennese waltz and fox trot to the cha-cha and samba. Two vocalists and two percussionists also perform throughout the show.
Directed by ballroom dance champion Jason Gilkison, the dance numbers are split into two acts and four segments. It starts with a comparison between traditional ballroom and what the company does, moves into the swing clubs and the Latin Quarter, and ends with current ballroom expression.
Medcalf said the show tries to step away from the predictability of a ballroom competition, making the dances more about each dancer's personality and unique form of expression.
"What we're looking for are the rebels of the ballroom dance floor," he said. "They're doing things outside the expected norms of a ballroom competition."
Seven of this production's dance "rebels" are from the hit show "So You Think You Can Dance." (The show forces dancers to perform outside of their genre.)
"It's a dance company, but no one is forced to be like the person next to you,' said Anya Garnis, a finalist on Season 3 of "So You Think You Can Dance." Garnis joined the Broadway production last year with dance partner Pasha Kovalev.
Also included in this year's touring production is Robbie Kmetoni, a contemporary dancer and winner of this year's "So You Think You Can Dance Australia."
The piece Kmetoni performs in the opening act of "History Repeating" with salsa dancer Janette Manrara is a fusion of cha-cha and contemporary dance.
"Some of the lifts and throws they do in that number are death-defying," Medcalf said.
"Burn for You," a rumba performed by Garnis and Kovalev, also puts a contemporary spin on the traditional ballroom dance style.
Garnis said there is no overall story line to the production; each number acts as a short story that's left up to the audience to interpret.
She said both the reality television show and "Burn the Floor" have opened up her mind about ballroom dance.
"It's ballroom reinvented," said Garnis. "We try to push boundaries."
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 11 Commentary
Week One
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
Opening night for the new season was a great kick off with 12 celebrities, ranging from actors and actresses, athletes, singers, and reality TV stars, performing, and this season looks like it will be much stronger than the last season!
After the show, I quickly divided up all the couples into three different categories based on their performances.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I placed three couples in the "Needs Improvement" category: Margaret Cho, "The Situation," and David Hasselhoff.
Margaret Cho (along with partner Louis van Amstel) danced the Viennese Waltz to a very strong piece of music but she made it into a comedy and this wasn't good for the V. Waltz. Her dance wasn't smooth or elegant and I wouldn't be surprised if she was eliminated early.
"The Situation" (with partner Karina Smirnoff) did not have enough time to practice his dance. Although Karina, because she is such a strong professional dancer, can make anyone look good, "The Situation" needs to concentrate on his posture and focus on being a strong leader.
David Hasselhoff (with partner Kym Johnson) danced the Cha-Cha. He is a great actor but he needs to work more on his posture and concentrate on timing. Dancing is not just entertainment; there has to be some technique there as well.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Six couples fall under the "Has Potential" category: Michael Bolton, Florence Henderson, Kurt Warner, Bristol Palin, Audrina Patridge, and Brandy. All of these dancers did a great job for the first week!
Michael Bolton (with Chelsie Hightower) has musicality but I was expecting more from him. We use a lot of his songs to dance to! His dance wasn't smooth and he did not have good posture. He also wasn't leading his partner.
Florence Henderson (with Corky Ballas) was very focused and is definitely a hard worker. It will be interesting to see what Corky, who is a very strong choreographer, will do with her since she is so willing to work hard.
Kurt Warner (with Anna Trebunskya) danced the Viennese Waltz. I didn't like his performance. He was too stiff. I didn't see any flow or elegance to his movement.
Bristol Palin (with Mark Ballas) had good hip movement in her Cha-Cha. She looked nice on the floor and not particularly stiff. She has a very strong professional partner so it'll be interesting to see how she progresses.
Audrina Patridge (with Tony Dovolani) was the first to dance last night. She performed well under a lot of pressure. I was happy to see that Tony has a much better partner than last season.
Brandy (with Maks Chmerkovskiy) danced the Viennesse Waltz. She seemed to be very focused. She looked fine and her lines were good but she wasn't as good as other couples performing the same dance.
STRONGEST
I put three couples in the "Strongest" category: Kyle Massey, Eric Fox, and Jennifer Grey.
Kyle Massey (with Lacey Schwimmer) is the youngest celebrity on the show this season. He had the best Cha-Cha. It was a fun performance and he had good musicality. I was also happy to see that he had good technique. It'll be interesting to see how he does in ballroom. I suspect that his Latin dances will be stronger for him.
Eric Fox (with Cheryl Burke) had great posture! He holds his himself very nicely and his lines and movement were very smooth. I thought it would be hard for him because of the difference in Eric's and Cheryl's height) but his dancing was elegant and nice. There was a huge difference between Kurt and Eric - the two athletes on the show! Eric and Cheryl are one of the strongest couples in the competition.
Jennifer Grey (with Derek Hough) performed an emotional dance to music from the famous movie, Dirty Dancing. Her dance was very lyrical. Jennifer and Derek are another strong couple in this competition. I predict that she'll do well in Latin also.
By Natasha Oreshkina, award winning ballroom dancer
Opening night for the new season was a great kick off with 12 celebrities, ranging from actors and actresses, athletes, singers, and reality TV stars, performing, and this season looks like it will be much stronger than the last season!
After the show, I quickly divided up all the couples into three different categories based on their performances.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
I placed three couples in the "Needs Improvement" category: Margaret Cho, "The Situation," and David Hasselhoff.
Margaret Cho (along with partner Louis van Amstel) danced the Viennese Waltz to a very strong piece of music but she made it into a comedy and this wasn't good for the V. Waltz. Her dance wasn't smooth or elegant and I wouldn't be surprised if she was eliminated early.
"The Situation" (with partner Karina Smirnoff) did not have enough time to practice his dance. Although Karina, because she is such a strong professional dancer, can make anyone look good, "The Situation" needs to concentrate on his posture and focus on being a strong leader.
David Hasselhoff (with partner Kym Johnson) danced the Cha-Cha. He is a great actor but he needs to work more on his posture and concentrate on timing. Dancing is not just entertainment; there has to be some technique there as well.
NEEDS IMPROVEMENT
Six couples fall under the "Has Potential" category: Michael Bolton, Florence Henderson, Kurt Warner, Bristol Palin, Audrina Patridge, and Brandy. All of these dancers did a great job for the first week!
Michael Bolton (with Chelsie Hightower) has musicality but I was expecting more from him. We use a lot of his songs to dance to! His dance wasn't smooth and he did not have good posture. He also wasn't leading his partner.
Florence Henderson (with Corky Ballas) was very focused and is definitely a hard worker. It will be interesting to see what Corky, who is a very strong choreographer, will do with her since she is so willing to work hard.
Kurt Warner (with Anna Trebunskya) danced the Viennese Waltz. I didn't like his performance. He was too stiff. I didn't see any flow or elegance to his movement.
Bristol Palin (with Mark Ballas) had good hip movement in her Cha-Cha. She looked nice on the floor and not particularly stiff. She has a very strong professional partner so it'll be interesting to see how she progresses.
Audrina Patridge (with Tony Dovolani) was the first to dance last night. She performed well under a lot of pressure. I was happy to see that Tony has a much better partner than last season.
Brandy (with Maks Chmerkovskiy) danced the Viennesse Waltz. She seemed to be very focused. She looked fine and her lines were good but she wasn't as good as other couples performing the same dance.
STRONGEST
I put three couples in the "Strongest" category: Kyle Massey, Eric Fox, and Jennifer Grey.
Kyle Massey (with Lacey Schwimmer) is the youngest celebrity on the show this season. He had the best Cha-Cha. It was a fun performance and he had good musicality. I was also happy to see that he had good technique. It'll be interesting to see how he does in ballroom. I suspect that his Latin dances will be stronger for him.
Eric Fox (with Cheryl Burke) had great posture! He holds his himself very nicely and his lines and movement were very smooth. I thought it would be hard for him because of the difference in Eric's and Cheryl's height) but his dancing was elegant and nice. There was a huge difference between Kurt and Eric - the two athletes on the show! Eric and Cheryl are one of the strongest couples in the competition.
Jennifer Grey (with Derek Hough) performed an emotional dance to music from the famous movie, Dirty Dancing. Her dance was very lyrical. Jennifer and Derek are another strong couple in this competition. I predict that she'll do well in Latin also.
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Congratulations!!!
Congratulations to these Fred Astaire couples for their outstanding results at this year’s United States Dance Championships!
Open To The World Professional Cabaret Championships
1st place – Eric Luna & Georgia Ambarian, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
2nd place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
5th place – Vicente Martinez & Megan Murphy, Chicago Downtown, IL studio
US National Professional Cabaret Championships
1st place – Eric Luna & Georgia Ambarian, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
2nd place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
4th place – Vicente Martinez & Megan Murphy, Chicago Downtown studio
Open Professional American Rhythm Championships
6th place - Ken Hansen & Christina Penatello, Westwood, NJ studio
Open Professional American Smooth Championships
3rd place – Mikhail Zharinov & Galina Detkina, NY East, NY studio
US Mambo Championships
2nd place – Brittney Bartler & Aleks Nashev, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
US National Professional Theatrical Dance Championships
1st place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
3rd place – Justin Guilmette & Katie Guillen, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
Rising Star Professional American Rhythm Championships
1st place – Brittney Bartler & Aleks Nashev, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
5th place – Aaron DeSoto & Jaana Lillemagi, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
6th place – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
Rising Star Professional American Smooth Championships
5th place – Chris Germain & Simona Polmova, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
6th place – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibadeaux, Norwalk, CT studio
Open To The World Professional Cabaret Championships
1st place – Eric Luna & Georgia Ambarian, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
2nd place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
5th place – Vicente Martinez & Megan Murphy, Chicago Downtown, IL studio
US National Professional Cabaret Championships
1st place – Eric Luna & Georgia Ambarian, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
2nd place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
4th place – Vicente Martinez & Megan Murphy, Chicago Downtown studio
Open Professional American Rhythm Championships
6th place - Ken Hansen & Christina Penatello, Westwood, NJ studio
Open Professional American Smooth Championships
3rd place – Mikhail Zharinov & Galina Detkina, NY East, NY studio
US Mambo Championships
2nd place – Brittney Bartler & Aleks Nashev, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
US National Professional Theatrical Dance Championships
1st place – Jesse Benedetti & Kimalee Piedad, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
3rd place – Justin Guilmette & Katie Guillen, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
Rising Star Professional American Rhythm Championships
1st place – Brittney Bartler & Aleks Nashev, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
5th place – Aaron DeSoto & Jaana Lillemagi, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
6th place – Ronald Guillen & Katie Guillen, Ft. Walton Beach, FL studio
Rising Star Professional American Smooth Championships
5th place – Chris Germain & Simona Polmova, Buffalo Grove, IL studio
6th place – Peter Hahn & Juliet Thibadeaux, Norwalk, CT studio
Friday, September 10, 2010
Odds To Win New Season Of Dancing With The Stars!
from docsports.com:
Top Three
Jennifer Grey & David Hough (7/2)
Rick Fox & Cheryl Burke (11/2)
Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino & Karina Smirnoff (7/1)
Pick to Win DWTS11
Jennifer Grey & David Hough (7/2)
Dancing With the Stars - Odds to win Season 11*
Audrina Patridge - 8/1
Brandy - 3/1
Bristol Palin - 20/1
"The Hoff" David Hasselhoff - 10/1
Florence Henderson - 25/1
Jennifer Grey - 7/2
Kyle Massey - 18/1
Kurt Warner - 20/1
Margaret Cho - 12/1
Michael Bolton - 10/1
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino - 7/1
Rick Fox - 11/2
*odds courtesy of Bodog.
Top Three
Jennifer Grey & David Hough (7/2)
Rick Fox & Cheryl Burke (11/2)
Mike "the Situation" Sorrentino & Karina Smirnoff (7/1)
Pick to Win DWTS11
Jennifer Grey & David Hough (7/2)
Dancing With the Stars - Odds to win Season 11*
Audrina Patridge - 8/1
Brandy - 3/1
Bristol Palin - 20/1
"The Hoff" David Hasselhoff - 10/1
Florence Henderson - 25/1
Jennifer Grey - 7/2
Kyle Massey - 18/1
Kurt Warner - 20/1
Margaret Cho - 12/1
Michael Bolton - 10/1
Mike "The Situation" Sorrentino - 7/1
Rick Fox - 11/2
*odds courtesy of Bodog.
Local Duo Takes First in Dance Championship
from thepilot.com:
Friday, September 3, 2010
Missy Keller and Joe Hasson are instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Pinehurst.
The pair recently won the Astaire World Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Hasson was exposed to ballroom dancing at an early age.
"Both of my parents are professional ballroom dancers and own Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Pinehurst," he says. "Whenever my parents taught, I was usually there, so it became a part of my life."
Keller, whom Joe Hasson taught, started her dance career at the age of 5 with ballet, tap and jazz.
"I continued dancing until I was 13," she says. "After three years, I missed dancing and wanted to learn ballroom dancing. I got addicted and at the age of 18, made the decision to become a professional."
Keller says that she competed as often as possible when she was a student.
"My first competition as a junior, I competed in the Word Pro-Am Dance Championships in the Bahamas, where I won my first amateur title," she says.
"Hard work and practice are important," says Hasson, who adds that he enjoys studying on his own and devotes most of his free time to practicing.
He also feels that eating right and extra workouts prior to a competition are helpful.
"I always visualize my routines and techniques," he says. "I have a third person watch and make suggestions."
Keller says she is still figuring out what works best for her.
"Performing is something I have always loved," she says. "The excitement of what lies ahead just before hitting the floor is an amazing feeling I can't describe."
Hasson says he had a good feeling about their chances of doing well going into the Astaire World Championships.
"We had the support of friends and family," he says.
Keller agrees that she expected to do well, but not necessarily to win.
"Keeping a positive attitude going into an event and throughout a performance is always a great attribute to have," she says, although she adds that she was a "nervous wreck" during the week leading into the competition.
Hasson and Keller competed against 14 other couples.
"I knew that we had to make the top six to be in the finals," Hasson says.
Keller says her favorite dance is the rumba.
"The character of the dance is one that I feel I can lose myself in," she says.
Hasson likes the mambo.
"I like the fun and excitement of the music, and the guy gets to be the cool one, showing off the lady," he says.
Keller says she was shocked when she learned they had won the championship.
"I feel it's definitely a good way to start my career, and it's a step in the right direction," she says.
Hasson adds, "It was fantastic, and I'm ready for the next one."
And at the next one - the International Grand Ball, in San Francisco, Calif. - he won first place in the Rising Star American Rhythm Division.
"Being a competitive dancer takes a specific desire and mindset," says Keller.
Hasson advises dancers to "just start."
"If you don't start you won't ever get there," he says. "There is a plan and a formula; you have to have guidance and practice, practice, practice. Being around competitive dancers from around the world, starting with my parents to today's world champs, has inspired me to compete at as high a level as it will take me."
And Keller and Hasson say that it's never too late to compete.
"Competitive ballroom dancing is something anyone of any age can accomplish with the right preparation," she says.
"If you want to compete there are competitions for every level," Hasson adds. "With the right dedication and desire, you can accomplish any of your dancing goals, as a social or competitive dancer."
Friday, September 3, 2010
Missy Keller and Joe Hasson are instructors at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Pinehurst.
The pair recently won the Astaire World Championships in San Juan, Puerto Rico.
Hasson was exposed to ballroom dancing at an early age.
"Both of my parents are professional ballroom dancers and own Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Pinehurst," he says. "Whenever my parents taught, I was usually there, so it became a part of my life."
Keller, whom Joe Hasson taught, started her dance career at the age of 5 with ballet, tap and jazz.
"I continued dancing until I was 13," she says. "After three years, I missed dancing and wanted to learn ballroom dancing. I got addicted and at the age of 18, made the decision to become a professional."
Keller says that she competed as often as possible when she was a student.
"My first competition as a junior, I competed in the Word Pro-Am Dance Championships in the Bahamas, where I won my first amateur title," she says.
"Hard work and practice are important," says Hasson, who adds that he enjoys studying on his own and devotes most of his free time to practicing.
He also feels that eating right and extra workouts prior to a competition are helpful.
"I always visualize my routines and techniques," he says. "I have a third person watch and make suggestions."
Keller says she is still figuring out what works best for her.
"Performing is something I have always loved," she says. "The excitement of what lies ahead just before hitting the floor is an amazing feeling I can't describe."
Hasson says he had a good feeling about their chances of doing well going into the Astaire World Championships.
"We had the support of friends and family," he says.
Keller agrees that she expected to do well, but not necessarily to win.
"Keeping a positive attitude going into an event and throughout a performance is always a great attribute to have," she says, although she adds that she was a "nervous wreck" during the week leading into the competition.
Hasson and Keller competed against 14 other couples.
"I knew that we had to make the top six to be in the finals," Hasson says.
Keller says her favorite dance is the rumba.
"The character of the dance is one that I feel I can lose myself in," she says.
Hasson likes the mambo.
"I like the fun and excitement of the music, and the guy gets to be the cool one, showing off the lady," he says.
Keller says she was shocked when she learned they had won the championship.
"I feel it's definitely a good way to start my career, and it's a step in the right direction," she says.
Hasson adds, "It was fantastic, and I'm ready for the next one."
And at the next one - the International Grand Ball, in San Francisco, Calif. - he won first place in the Rising Star American Rhythm Division.
"Being a competitive dancer takes a specific desire and mindset," says Keller.
Hasson advises dancers to "just start."
"If you don't start you won't ever get there," he says. "There is a plan and a formula; you have to have guidance and practice, practice, practice. Being around competitive dancers from around the world, starting with my parents to today's world champs, has inspired me to compete at as high a level as it will take me."
And Keller and Hasson say that it's never too late to compete.
"Competitive ballroom dancing is something anyone of any age can accomplish with the right preparation," she says.
"If you want to compete there are competitions for every level," Hasson adds. "With the right dedication and desire, you can accomplish any of your dancing goals, as a social or competitive dancer."
Thursday, September 02, 2010
Applying Makeup For Ballroom Dance Performances
from ehow.com:
By Michelle Aveyard, eHow Contributor
Makeup for ballroom dance competitions must be more dramatic and heavily applied than day-to-day makeup, which can leave dancers looking washed out and pale under the bright stage lighting. The makeup must accentuate the dancers' features for judges and the audience, who will be sitting far away from the stage. Most makeup is applied to the female dancer's face, but her male partner does need to darken his skin for maximum visibility.
1.Apply skin tanner or bronzer to both male and female dancers' faces, to keep them from looking washed out under the lighting. Apply to all visible skin, including face, chest, arms and neck, to keep the complexion consistent.
2.Cover the woman's face with liquid foundation. Set with powder, to keep the makeup from running.
3.Apply a bright-colored blush to the woman's cheeks. Use a great deal more blush and a brighter color than you would typically use, to distinguish the cheeks and cheekbones.
4.Line the woman's eyes with a dark liner to accentuate their shape and make them seem to "pop" from the stage. Coat each lid and its inner crease with a bright-colored shadow. Attach artificial lashes to the upper lid with eyelash glue. Coat lashes with mascara.
5.Outline her lips with a dark lip liner. Fill in with a long-lasting, smudge-proof lipstick in a bright color. Finish with a shiny lip gloss.
Tips & Warnings
• The dancing as well as the lighting can cause the dancer to perspire, so look for foundations and powders that are long-lasting or waterproof.
• Use a stick or cream blush, which will last longer.
• Dancers often use more than one shade of eyeshadow, and will coordinate the colors with their costumes..
Things You'll Need
• Skin tanner or bronzer
• Foundation
• Powder
• Blush
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Eye shadow
• Artificial eyelashes
•Lip gloss
By Michelle Aveyard, eHow Contributor
Makeup for ballroom dance competitions must be more dramatic and heavily applied than day-to-day makeup, which can leave dancers looking washed out and pale under the bright stage lighting. The makeup must accentuate the dancers' features for judges and the audience, who will be sitting far away from the stage. Most makeup is applied to the female dancer's face, but her male partner does need to darken his skin for maximum visibility.
1.Apply skin tanner or bronzer to both male and female dancers' faces, to keep them from looking washed out under the lighting. Apply to all visible skin, including face, chest, arms and neck, to keep the complexion consistent.
2.Cover the woman's face with liquid foundation. Set with powder, to keep the makeup from running.
3.Apply a bright-colored blush to the woman's cheeks. Use a great deal more blush and a brighter color than you would typically use, to distinguish the cheeks and cheekbones.
4.Line the woman's eyes with a dark liner to accentuate their shape and make them seem to "pop" from the stage. Coat each lid and its inner crease with a bright-colored shadow. Attach artificial lashes to the upper lid with eyelash glue. Coat lashes with mascara.
5.Outline her lips with a dark lip liner. Fill in with a long-lasting, smudge-proof lipstick in a bright color. Finish with a shiny lip gloss.
Tips & Warnings
• The dancing as well as the lighting can cause the dancer to perspire, so look for foundations and powders that are long-lasting or waterproof.
• Use a stick or cream blush, which will last longer.
• Dancers often use more than one shade of eyeshadow, and will coordinate the colors with their costumes..
Things You'll Need
• Skin tanner or bronzer
• Foundation
• Powder
• Blush
• Eyeliner
• Mascara
• Eye shadow
• Artificial eyelashes
•Lip gloss
Ballroom Dance Etiquette
from utdallas.edu:
Etiquette and Beyond
Success in a social activity requires awareness of accepted norms of behavior. The importance of dance etiquette to the social dancer can hardly be overstated. Etiquette is important everywhere, but especially in dancing, a delicate activity where unpleasantness has no place.
Dance communities tend to be fairly small, giving a nice self-enforcing characteristic to dance etiquette. Inconsiderate individuals may temporarily enjoy themselves at other dancers' expense. But they quickly develop a reputation, mostly unbeknownst to them, and become outcasts. A good reputation, as a considerate and enjoyable partner, is a social dancer's best asset.
In the following we touch on a few of the more important aspects.
Never blame your partner for anything that may happen on the dance floor. Not if you want him/her to dance with you again.
A request for a dance must be accepted under almost all circumstances. If you decline a dance, you yourself cannot dance until the end of that song.
No unsolicited teaching on the dance floor! There is a good chance this will make your partner feel small and humiliated. Not exactly a great way of encouraging him/her, or others, to dance with you.
Do not monopolize a partner on the dance floor. Dancers are polite and rarely say no to a dance, but this is no carte blanche to impose on their kindness. Dance with everyone, and let everyone dance.
On the floor, be considerate of the other couples. Exercise good floorcraft; do not cut other couples off; no aerials or choreographed steps on the dance floor.
What we discussed so far is usually considered the domain of dance etiquette. Anyone who consistently violates the rules of dance etiquette will eventually be shunned in the local dance community, so the first step towards success in dancing is to follow the rules of dance etiquette. Once we have mastered the etiquette, it is time to move beyond it and learn what else can we do to become popular in the dancing circles. The remainder of this article is dedicated to that topic.
Audrina Partridge & Tony Dovolani Practice For DWTS
from mtv.com:
Audrina Patridge's 'Dancing With The Stars' Partner 'Pumps' Her Up
Former 'Hills' star says Tony Dovolani is 'such a great teacher.'
By Kara Warner (@karawarner)
Now that we know the season 11 "Dancing with the Stars" cast and the celeb/pro-dancer pairings, we're left wondering about partner chemistry and what dances the pairs will roll out when the show premieres September 20.
When MTV News caught up with Audrina Patridge between a flurry of photo shoots, wardrobe fittings and rehearsals recently, she said she's having a great time so far, particularly working with her dance pro, Tony Dovolani.
"He is amazing," she said. "He's such a great teacher. He's very professional, and we have a lot of fun together. It's really fun. I look forward to going to rehearsal every day."
Patridge added that dancing with a partner might spoil her for all other forms of dance. "I almost like dancing with a partner better, because they're leading you and you have someone next to you, so it pumps you up to dance and move to their movements," she explained. "I love it."
The former "Hills" star said she hasn't yet mastered a particular step — since they've only had a few days of rehearsals — but she's having fun learning so many new things. "[During our first rehearsal] I learned so many different things," she said. "It was really just getting to know my way of learning; I'm a visual learner."
One movement she said she's going to have to practice is spotting, a technique dancers use to focus their turns and keep from getting dizzy.
"I practiced doing all the pique turns, [but] I need to practice spotting, because I get a little dizzy," Patridge admitted. "Those are probably the most challenging for me right now: spotting and spinning without getting dizzy."
Audrina Patridge's 'Dancing With The Stars' Partner 'Pumps' Her Up
Former 'Hills' star says Tony Dovolani is 'such a great teacher.'
By Kara Warner (@karawarner)
Now that we know the season 11 "Dancing with the Stars" cast and the celeb/pro-dancer pairings, we're left wondering about partner chemistry and what dances the pairs will roll out when the show premieres September 20.
When MTV News caught up with Audrina Patridge between a flurry of photo shoots, wardrobe fittings and rehearsals recently, she said she's having a great time so far, particularly working with her dance pro, Tony Dovolani.
"He is amazing," she said. "He's such a great teacher. He's very professional, and we have a lot of fun together. It's really fun. I look forward to going to rehearsal every day."
Patridge added that dancing with a partner might spoil her for all other forms of dance. "I almost like dancing with a partner better, because they're leading you and you have someone next to you, so it pumps you up to dance and move to their movements," she explained. "I love it."
The former "Hills" star said she hasn't yet mastered a particular step — since they've only had a few days of rehearsals — but she's having fun learning so many new things. "[During our first rehearsal] I learned so many different things," she said. "It was really just getting to know my way of learning; I'm a visual learner."
One movement she said she's going to have to practice is spotting, a technique dancers use to focus their turns and keep from getting dizzy.
"I practiced doing all the pique turns, [but] I need to practice spotting, because I get a little dizzy," Patridge admitted. "Those are probably the most challenging for me right now: spotting and spinning without getting dizzy."
Wednesday, September 01, 2010
DWTS Pairings!
Jennifer Grey & Derek Hough
Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas
Brandy & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Margaret Cho & Louis Van Amstel
Audrina Patridge & Tony Dovolani
Florence Henderson & Corky Ballas
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Karina Smirnoff
Kurt Warner & Anna Trebunskaya
Rick Fox & Cheryl Burke
David Hasselhoff & Kym Johnson
Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer
Michael Bolton & Chelsie Hightower
Bristol Palin & Mark Ballas
Brandy & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Margaret Cho & Louis Van Amstel
Audrina Patridge & Tony Dovolani
Florence Henderson & Corky Ballas
Mike “The Situation” Sorrentino & Karina Smirnoff
Kurt Warner & Anna Trebunskaya
Rick Fox & Cheryl Burke
David Hasselhoff & Kym Johnson
Kyle Massey & Lacey Schwimmer
Michael Bolton & Chelsie Hightower
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