Cheryl Burke, two-time Dancing with the Stars champ, has some advice for any star who wants to take on this dance marathon: "Give up your day job!"
Her point is well taken, given how exhausted the contestants are each week. All the couples seem to be feeling it — making mistakes, forgetting steps, and dancing with frozen smiles that barely cover the panic.
"In dress rehearsals, I just blanked," Spice Girl Mel B. said recently, who continues to impress the judges in spite of a rehearsal schedule that would put anyone else in the hospital. Scary Spice — who has a newborn daughter at home — is running full tilt in preparation for the Spice Girls' world reunion tour, which kicks off Dec. 2, just days after the Dancing finale. She's putting in 12-hour days as a Spice Girl, then trying to learn two ballroom dances on the side.
Her partner, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, shakes his head. "Her schedule is ridiculous," he says. "Don't forget, the baby gets her up at two o'clock in the morning, four o'clock in the morning. She's getting no sleep. Her schedule is an impossibility."
Still, in spite of the pressure, no one is phoning it in. Unlike past seasons, where clear front-runners had emerged by Week 6 (Drew Lachey and Stacy Keibler, Mario Lopez and Emmitt Smith, Joey Fatone and Apolo Anton Ohno), this time all of the remaining contestants believe they have a good shot at that hideous disco-ball trophy.
For the full text of the article, click on http://www.tvguide.com/news/dancing-stars-backstage/071106-03.
Thursday, November 15, 2007
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
'Dancing' waltzes through writers’ strike
'Dancing' waltzes through writers’ strike
By LYNN ELBER
Here's a "Dancing with the Stars" pop quiz: Which of the following performance critiques was delivered by effusive judge Bruno Tonioli before the Hollywood writers strike, and which came after? Quote A: "That's what I like to see! The boy from Brazil is going bananas!" Quote B: "That was a cliffhanger, riding the fine line between love and hate!"
If you picked the alliterative "bananas" line as writer-scripted, well, sorry, you're not moving on to round two. That's a post-strike quote, while the less snappy one predates it — and Tonioli devised both.
It seems his comments, along with those of fellow judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba and the wry quips of host Tom Bergeron, have been largely spontaneous all along.
ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" is one reality show that's real, or as real as any sequin-studded Hollywood production can be. Who knew — until the Writers Guild of America's job action pulled back the curtain and revealed the show had a single union scribe.
That's allowed one of TV's top shows to waltz through the walkout.
"Oh, I wish!" Tonioli responded when asked if his lines were fed to him. "Even if you wanted to (prepare), it's a live performance. Anything can happen."
Sometimes a script doctor would help. But even they might be hard-pressed to craft the true drama that has shadowed this season: Jane Seymour lost her 92-year-old mother, then Seymour's Malibu house was imperiled by a wildfire. Osmond fainted on camera; two weeks later, her father died at age 90.
Tears and heartache abound but the show goes on. In recent weeks, it's been near the top of the TV ratings, with more than 21 million viewers at its peak.
David Boone, the show's WGA member who walked off the job along with thousands of other movie and TV writers in Los Angeles and New York, was scripting material including introductions and descriptions of upcoming episodes, a task Bergeron said now is handled by producers.
Bergeron used to lean heavily on canned patter until realizing, early in season two, that the approach wasn't working.
"You can see I'd walk on after a dance and have a line ready to go," Bergeron told The AP. "Sometimes it was a very good line, but it wasn't organic to what was happening. ... We don't do that anymore. Now, I'm watching the dance and responding to it and what I felt about it."
He enjoys playing ball with the excitable Tonioli.
The judge's "right arm sweeps over his left shoulder and I know he's about to let loose with an extremely clever or pained metaphor," Bergeron said, comparing himself to a batter "waiting for a good pitch."
For the full text of the article, click on http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gQAnfgZWYu4jrEuh-V2x6c3kGbEwD8ST4MGO0.
By LYNN ELBER
Here's a "Dancing with the Stars" pop quiz: Which of the following performance critiques was delivered by effusive judge Bruno Tonioli before the Hollywood writers strike, and which came after? Quote A: "That's what I like to see! The boy from Brazil is going bananas!" Quote B: "That was a cliffhanger, riding the fine line between love and hate!"
If you picked the alliterative "bananas" line as writer-scripted, well, sorry, you're not moving on to round two. That's a post-strike quote, while the less snappy one predates it — and Tonioli devised both.
It seems his comments, along with those of fellow judges Len Goodman and Carrie Ann Inaba and the wry quips of host Tom Bergeron, have been largely spontaneous all along.
ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" is one reality show that's real, or as real as any sequin-studded Hollywood production can be. Who knew — until the Writers Guild of America's job action pulled back the curtain and revealed the show had a single union scribe.
That's allowed one of TV's top shows to waltz through the walkout.
"Oh, I wish!" Tonioli responded when asked if his lines were fed to him. "Even if you wanted to (prepare), it's a live performance. Anything can happen."
Sometimes a script doctor would help. But even they might be hard-pressed to craft the true drama that has shadowed this season: Jane Seymour lost her 92-year-old mother, then Seymour's Malibu house was imperiled by a wildfire. Osmond fainted on camera; two weeks later, her father died at age 90.
Tears and heartache abound but the show goes on. In recent weeks, it's been near the top of the TV ratings, with more than 21 million viewers at its peak.
David Boone, the show's WGA member who walked off the job along with thousands of other movie and TV writers in Los Angeles and New York, was scripting material including introductions and descriptions of upcoming episodes, a task Bergeron said now is handled by producers.
Bergeron used to lean heavily on canned patter until realizing, early in season two, that the approach wasn't working.
"You can see I'd walk on after a dance and have a line ready to go," Bergeron told The AP. "Sometimes it was a very good line, but it wasn't organic to what was happening. ... We don't do that anymore. Now, I'm watching the dance and responding to it and what I felt about it."
He enjoys playing ball with the excitable Tonioli.
The judge's "right arm sweeps over his left shoulder and I know he's about to let loose with an extremely clever or pained metaphor," Bergeron said, comparing himself to a batter "waiting for a good pitch."
For the full text of the article, click on http://ap.google.com/article/ALeqM5gQAnfgZWYu4jrEuh-V2x6c3kGbEwD8ST4MGO0.
Spain frets over future of flamenco
A decade ago, Madrid boasted 20 flamenco taverns featuring this unique kind of entertainment - the furious, rhythmic tapping of a dancer's heels, the thundering chords of a classical guitar, a singer's soulful lament, all that contagious hand-clapping. Now only four or five remain, all packed with tourists and too expensive for the average Spaniard.
Silvia Calado, a critic for the Web site http://www.flamenco-world.com/ said flamenco is not quite in a state of crisis. But while it has built up great prestige abroad, here in Spain it is low on creativity and has failed to reach out to new audiences.
"Flamenco is distancing itself from young people and they are the ones who can keep it alive," Calado said.
For the full text of the article, click on http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20071027/ten-flamenco-for-foreigners-5e343d7.html.
Silvia Calado, a critic for the Web site http://www.flamenco-world.com/ said flamenco is not quite in a state of crisis. But while it has built up great prestige abroad, here in Spain it is low on creativity and has failed to reach out to new audiences.
"Flamenco is distancing itself from young people and they are the ones who can keep it alive," Calado said.
For the full text of the article, click on http://malaysia.news.yahoo.com/ap/20071027/ten-flamenco-for-foreigners-5e343d7.html.
Friday, November 09, 2007
Minds in Motion Stay Sharp
At 87, Katie Johnson is convinced she has a surefire way to ward off Alzheimer's: The foxtrot.
The retired schoolteacher spends every other Friday fox-trotting the night away.
She also swims five days a week. She teaches piano at a local senior center. She attends Bible study classes. She plays Scrabble and bridge.
And she tools around Indianapolis in a red Corvette.
Research suggests those nights spent whirling around the dance floor and days motoring around town in her snappy car are probably increasing Johnson's chances of avoiding the dreaded disease of debilitating memory loss.
The best Alzheimer's prevention might be this simple: Go have fun.
Researchers are now finding the best activities are those that challenge the brain, are done with other people and might even involve a good workout, such as a fast spin around the dance floor.
"Retirement is no excuse for an idle brain," says Murali Doraiswamy, an Alzheimer's expert at Duke University. "If you're not active, then you're more susceptible to the onslaught of Alzheimer's."
No book club or dance step has the power of vanquishing Alzheimer's, a disease caused partly by genetic factors, doctors say. Still, research suggests that complex leisure activities could offer seniors, even those at high risk for the disease, a better shot at delaying its onset.
For the full text of this article, written by Kathleen Fackelmann, USA TODAY, log onto http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-01-24-alzheimers-cover_x.htm.
The retired schoolteacher spends every other Friday fox-trotting the night away.
She also swims five days a week. She teaches piano at a local senior center. She attends Bible study classes. She plays Scrabble and bridge.
And she tools around Indianapolis in a red Corvette.
Research suggests those nights spent whirling around the dance floor and days motoring around town in her snappy car are probably increasing Johnson's chances of avoiding the dreaded disease of debilitating memory loss.
The best Alzheimer's prevention might be this simple: Go have fun.
Researchers are now finding the best activities are those that challenge the brain, are done with other people and might even involve a good workout, such as a fast spin around the dance floor.
"Retirement is no excuse for an idle brain," says Murali Doraiswamy, an Alzheimer's expert at Duke University. "If you're not active, then you're more susceptible to the onslaught of Alzheimer's."
No book club or dance step has the power of vanquishing Alzheimer's, a disease caused partly by genetic factors, doctors say. Still, research suggests that complex leisure activities could offer seniors, even those at high risk for the disease, a better shot at delaying its onset.
For the full text of this article, written by Kathleen Fackelmann, USA TODAY, log onto http://www.usatoday.com/news/health/2005-01-24-alzheimers-cover_x.htm.
Thursday, November 08, 2007
Last dance for Jane Seymour
Jane Seymour, 56, was eliminated from “Dancing with the Stars” on Tuesday, putting an end to a run on the show that included two absences (one due to the death of her mother) and an in-house battle over what constitutes a lift.
Seymour said her success on the show was due to her partner and teacher, Tony Dovolani.
"He's a terrific teacher and it meant a great deal. He really worked me hard. I think a lot of people saw that. But I had a wonderful time," she said on Good Morning America after the elimination.
"I mean this was just an extraordinary gift," said Seymour. "First of all, no woman my age - or remotely my age - has ever done it. Secondly, I don't think anyone, including myself, expected to get through more than the first dance, and I did nine dances."
She told Good Morning America that her stint on the show also re-ignited a love she had forgotten.
"I now know that I have a passion for dance - that dance is in my soul. And that I cannot live without dance for the rest of my life," Seymour said. "I wanted to be a dancer when I was a little girl and I have not danced at all since I was 16 years old. And now I realize that I need to dance."
Seymour said her success on the show was due to her partner and teacher, Tony Dovolani.
"He's a terrific teacher and it meant a great deal. He really worked me hard. I think a lot of people saw that. But I had a wonderful time," she said on Good Morning America after the elimination.
"I mean this was just an extraordinary gift," said Seymour. "First of all, no woman my age - or remotely my age - has ever done it. Secondly, I don't think anyone, including myself, expected to get through more than the first dance, and I did nine dances."
She told Good Morning America that her stint on the show also re-ignited a love she had forgotten.
"I now know that I have a passion for dance - that dance is in my soul. And that I cannot live without dance for the rest of my life," Seymour said. "I wanted to be a dancer when I was a little girl and I have not danced at all since I was 16 years old. And now I realize that I need to dance."
Tuesday, November 06, 2007
‘Dancing With the Stars’ kicks off tour Dec. 18
Sabrina Bryan, Cheryl Burke, Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Joey Lawrence and Marie Osmond are just a few of the performers that will be featured on the nationwide “Dancing With the Stars” tour, which begins Dec. 18 in Seattle.
And don’t forget about the “Dancing With the Stars” Soft Scrub® Dance Challenge. The dance challenge features several lucky couples that live in your city - normal everyday people of all ages, not professional dancers.The action begins immediately before the show starts - the local dancers will begin the evening by competing in groups to the same song. Alec Mazo, the winner from the first season and official judge, will review their performances and execute the first round of the elimination.
After each couple dances, they will receive scores via Audience Applause Meters, which will determine the ultimate Dancing With The Stars Soft Scrub® Challenge Champion. The winner will receive a trophy and will be escorted back to their victory seats to enjoy the remainder of the show.
For more information on the dance challenge, or to view tour dates, log on to http://dancingwiththestars.aeglive.com/.
Monday, November 05, 2007
Dancing with the Champions
By Babette Brown
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Jupiter
Scottish Professional Champion
As you all know, “Dancing with the Stars” is back in full force, and I am enjoying what has turned into a very exciting season. Here in Jupiter (Fla.) we all cheer for Tony Dovolani and Jane Seymour, as he is member of our Fred Astaire family and we are all extremely proud to see him out there doing his very best.
That brings me right to my point - dancing with champions. What is it like? What do these celebrities have to go through in order to perform on such a high level in such a short amount of time? If you are someone who sits in front of the TV thinking, “I would love to be able to do that” or even, “I would love to be able to social dance just for fun,” this is how it works.
Learning to dance is a little bit like learning to play an instrument or learning a new language - it takes some time and you have to learn in stages of layering. First you learn the notes or the words, then you put simple melodies or sentences together and after a little while you can play a whole variety of songs or can talk to people in your new language. After you’ve mastered the basics you go to more complex songs and sentences – you read books and make conversation to improve and fine-tune your new skill. You will be able to use your new skills for many different reasons and will be able to apply them to different life situations.
This is also what it takes to learn to dance. There is a big difference between learning choreography and learning how to dance. The performances you see on TV are absolutely breathtaking and I personally admire the celebrities for all they achieve. But will they come out of it knowing HOW to dance? Most likely not, since they spend all their time mastering a certain choreography, which is, of course, the purpose of the show.
So what is the solution for those people who would love to perform like the stars and master a choreography dancing with a champion? Join the showcase at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. A showcase is a performance where every participant has prepared a special choreography to a special song. You can dance with a champion dancer or simply with your own partner, if you prefer. The process is exactly like “Dancing with the Stars.” You pick the music, learn the choreography and dance your heart out.
Now who can do this? Anyone? Or do you need a special dance background and to be fit and in top shape? Absolutely not. We hold showcases in our studio twice a year and we have participants of all ages, from 15 to 80 years old and from all backgrounds. So what are you waiting for? Check out your local Fred Astaire dance studio and enter the next Showcase to dance like the stars… or just for fun.
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Jupiter
Scottish Professional Champion
As you all know, “Dancing with the Stars” is back in full force, and I am enjoying what has turned into a very exciting season. Here in Jupiter (Fla.) we all cheer for Tony Dovolani and Jane Seymour, as he is member of our Fred Astaire family and we are all extremely proud to see him out there doing his very best.
That brings me right to my point - dancing with champions. What is it like? What do these celebrities have to go through in order to perform on such a high level in such a short amount of time? If you are someone who sits in front of the TV thinking, “I would love to be able to do that” or even, “I would love to be able to social dance just for fun,” this is how it works.
Learning to dance is a little bit like learning to play an instrument or learning a new language - it takes some time and you have to learn in stages of layering. First you learn the notes or the words, then you put simple melodies or sentences together and after a little while you can play a whole variety of songs or can talk to people in your new language. After you’ve mastered the basics you go to more complex songs and sentences – you read books and make conversation to improve and fine-tune your new skill. You will be able to use your new skills for many different reasons and will be able to apply them to different life situations.
This is also what it takes to learn to dance. There is a big difference between learning choreography and learning how to dance. The performances you see on TV are absolutely breathtaking and I personally admire the celebrities for all they achieve. But will they come out of it knowing HOW to dance? Most likely not, since they spend all their time mastering a certain choreography, which is, of course, the purpose of the show.
So what is the solution for those people who would love to perform like the stars and master a choreography dancing with a champion? Join the showcase at your local Fred Astaire Dance Studio. A showcase is a performance where every participant has prepared a special choreography to a special song. You can dance with a champion dancer or simply with your own partner, if you prefer. The process is exactly like “Dancing with the Stars.” You pick the music, learn the choreography and dance your heart out.
Now who can do this? Anyone? Or do you need a special dance background and to be fit and in top shape? Absolutely not. We hold showcases in our studio twice a year and we have participants of all ages, from 15 to 80 years old and from all backgrounds. So what are you waiting for? Check out your local Fred Astaire dance studio and enter the next Showcase to dance like the stars… or just for fun.
Thursday, November 01, 2007
Instructors Take First Place in Viva La Salsa
Two instructors from the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Willoughby, Ohio took first place in the fifth annual Viva La Salsa competition at the IX Center on Saturday, Oct. 6. It was the second time in two weeks that the studio had won dance awards.
Raymond Cedeño, 20, and Katie Bronshteyn, 23, danced their way through three rounds of competition to take home the trophy. Cedeño was the reigning Viva La Salsa champion from last year.
Viva La Salsa is an evening devoted to Latin music and culture. Esperanza, a non-profit organization that promotes educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans, organized the celebration.
On Sept. 30, the Willoughby studio also won Top Studio in the Fred Astaire Ohio Regional Team Match. Team Match pits the five northern Ohio Fred Astaire schools – Willoughby, Northfield Center, Warren, Canton and Youngstown – against the seven southern Ohio schools located in the greater Columbus and Cincinnati areas.
More than 100 students competed in dances including Tango, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot and Swing. The 22 Willoughby students accumulated the most high scores, winning Top Studio.
Raymond Cedeño, 20, and Katie Bronshteyn, 23, danced their way through three rounds of competition to take home the trophy. Cedeño was the reigning Viva La Salsa champion from last year.
Viva La Salsa is an evening devoted to Latin music and culture. Esperanza, a non-profit organization that promotes educational and economic opportunities for Hispanic Americans, organized the celebration.
On Sept. 30, the Willoughby studio also won Top Studio in the Fred Astaire Ohio Regional Team Match. Team Match pits the five northern Ohio Fred Astaire schools – Willoughby, Northfield Center, Warren, Canton and Youngstown – against the seven southern Ohio schools located in the greater Columbus and Cincinnati areas.
More than 100 students competed in dances including Tango, Cha-Cha, Salsa, Rumba, Foxtrot and Swing. The 22 Willoughby students accumulated the most high scores, winning Top Studio.
Florida High School Students Can Major in Dance
They spin. They shake. They're high school students, and they're ready to do the Hustle.Building upon the success of dance courses offered last year, New Dimensions High School in Poinciana, Fla. now allows students to pick a major where they can learn ballet, ethnic dances, and music from the disco era.The state Legislature passed a bill last year that requires students to pick a major, making this the first time students have to choose a track of study. The state has approved more than 400 majors, including biotechnology, marketing and carpentry.
Under the direction of professional dancer Nicole Acquilano, students can enroll in ethnic dance and technique classes this semester.The classes meet four times a week for 90 minutes and for an hour on Wednesdays."Confidence in high school, it changes from day to day," said Acquilano, who has been dancing for nearly 30 years. "Sometimes, they feel they're going to be on Broadway. Sometimes, they feel like they can't do it." Jessica Remarais, 17, now uses words such as rond de jambe, plie and pique turns - all movements she has learned while practicing ballet in her Technique I class."You can never sit down in that class because you are always moving," said Jessica, a senior who may major in dance in college. "You'll never be bored."
For the full text of this article, log on to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-odance1307sep13,0,1903947.story.
Under the direction of professional dancer Nicole Acquilano, students can enroll in ethnic dance and technique classes this semester.The classes meet four times a week for 90 minutes and for an hour on Wednesdays."Confidence in high school, it changes from day to day," said Acquilano, who has been dancing for nearly 30 years. "Sometimes, they feel they're going to be on Broadway. Sometimes, they feel like they can't do it." Jessica Remarais, 17, now uses words such as rond de jambe, plie and pique turns - all movements she has learned while practicing ballet in her Technique I class."You can never sit down in that class because you are always moving," said Jessica, a senior who may major in dance in college. "You'll never be bored."
For the full text of this article, log on to http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/orl-odance1307sep13,0,1903947.story.
Wednesday, October 31, 2007
DANCING WITH THE STARS WEEK 6
DANCING WITH THE STARS WEEK #6
By Armando Martin
Former US Champion and National Dance Director
As Week Six begins it is very apparent that the competition is getting tighter. There are no throwaways given the seven stars left. Marie and Helio are the weakest, but they have a lot of fans out there, especially Marie. So from here on, anything goes when it comes to which stars are going home. I made the right call last week when I said that Mark Cuban would go home. Let’s see how I do this week.
Sabrina started out the night with a fabulous Foxtrot. Her use of body shapes and musical interpretation was very good. She throws herself into every dance with absolute commitment and no inhibitions at all. Her feet can be a little heavy at times and she is very aggressive, but you can tell that she takes whatever Mark tells her to do and she does it 200 percent. She’ll be in the final three for sure.
Score - a low 25.
Jennie and Derek danced a hot, fast Mambo this week. Jennie seemed to have come out ready to dance and have a good time. She received great comments from Bruno and Len, which were well deserved, but I can’t understand how they were so nice to her and negative with Sabrina. Regardless, Jennie did her best dance so far this season. Her dancing is steppe and a bit heavy but she is definitely improving.
Score 27
Coming back from the bottom two last week were Jane and Tony. They danced the jive, which Tony choreographed to perfection for Jane. Unfortunately Jane did not step up to the plate with this dance. She was too high in her body and her legs, her posture was too upright and her knees too erect to allow her to get the right bounce and foot speed that is required in the jive.
Score 22
Cameron’s Samba was technically very good. He showed a lot of determination and passion in this dance. His footwork was correct but a little heavy. His arms and elbows were left behind him most of the time, which prevented his weight from getting forward enough to give him the right look and make him light enough on his feet to make his Samba the best dance of the evening.
Score 25
Mel B. danced a Rumba tonight that was so good it would have won a Rising Star competition in many U.S. cities. Mel’s sexuality came through from the very first basic open brake that she danced all the way through the passionate embraces she and Maks had throughout the dance. She is my favorite dancer in this competition because she has more depth than anyone else. She is technically very sound but she is also a real woman with a great face and curves and all that it takes to make dancing look good.
Score 30
Walking the Paso Doble tonight were Marie and Jonathan. Notice that I wrote walking and not dancing, because that’s exactly what she did. Marie needs to smile and bring her charm to every performance because her dancing alone will not keep her around much longer. Jonathan needs to find a way to bring the best out of Marie in every dance by creating fun and comedic moments that she can relate to.
Score - a very, very high 23.
Helio and Julieanne danced a funky Cha-Cha that impressed the judges and the audience. Helio was fun to watch and as always Julieanne did a great job of choreographing the perfect material for him, which is so important sometimes. If you are smart about how you show off your star, you can hang around the competition longer as a dancer. And Julianne does just that.
Score 28
The evening closed with a group number that was so much fun - half West Side Story, half Hairspray. The dancers did a great job as did the choreographer. The number showed how much fun it can be to dance as a group and not have to compete against anyone else. I am afraid that this week’s elimination show will send home one of my two favorite personalities - Marie or Jane - although Helio is close behind.
By Armando Martin
Former US Champion and National Dance Director
As Week Six begins it is very apparent that the competition is getting tighter. There are no throwaways given the seven stars left. Marie and Helio are the weakest, but they have a lot of fans out there, especially Marie. So from here on, anything goes when it comes to which stars are going home. I made the right call last week when I said that Mark Cuban would go home. Let’s see how I do this week.
Sabrina started out the night with a fabulous Foxtrot. Her use of body shapes and musical interpretation was very good. She throws herself into every dance with absolute commitment and no inhibitions at all. Her feet can be a little heavy at times and she is very aggressive, but you can tell that she takes whatever Mark tells her to do and she does it 200 percent. She’ll be in the final three for sure.
Score - a low 25.
Jennie and Derek danced a hot, fast Mambo this week. Jennie seemed to have come out ready to dance and have a good time. She received great comments from Bruno and Len, which were well deserved, but I can’t understand how they were so nice to her and negative with Sabrina. Regardless, Jennie did her best dance so far this season. Her dancing is steppe and a bit heavy but she is definitely improving.
Score 27
Coming back from the bottom two last week were Jane and Tony. They danced the jive, which Tony choreographed to perfection for Jane. Unfortunately Jane did not step up to the plate with this dance. She was too high in her body and her legs, her posture was too upright and her knees too erect to allow her to get the right bounce and foot speed that is required in the jive.
Score 22
Cameron’s Samba was technically very good. He showed a lot of determination and passion in this dance. His footwork was correct but a little heavy. His arms and elbows were left behind him most of the time, which prevented his weight from getting forward enough to give him the right look and make him light enough on his feet to make his Samba the best dance of the evening.
Score 25
Mel B. danced a Rumba tonight that was so good it would have won a Rising Star competition in many U.S. cities. Mel’s sexuality came through from the very first basic open brake that she danced all the way through the passionate embraces she and Maks had throughout the dance. She is my favorite dancer in this competition because she has more depth than anyone else. She is technically very sound but she is also a real woman with a great face and curves and all that it takes to make dancing look good.
Score 30
Walking the Paso Doble tonight were Marie and Jonathan. Notice that I wrote walking and not dancing, because that’s exactly what she did. Marie needs to smile and bring her charm to every performance because her dancing alone will not keep her around much longer. Jonathan needs to find a way to bring the best out of Marie in every dance by creating fun and comedic moments that she can relate to.
Score - a very, very high 23.
Helio and Julieanne danced a funky Cha-Cha that impressed the judges and the audience. Helio was fun to watch and as always Julieanne did a great job of choreographing the perfect material for him, which is so important sometimes. If you are smart about how you show off your star, you can hang around the competition longer as a dancer. And Julianne does just that.
Score 28
The evening closed with a group number that was so much fun - half West Side Story, half Hairspray. The dancers did a great job as did the choreographer. The number showed how much fun it can be to dance as a group and not have to compete against anyone else. I am afraid that this week’s elimination show will send home one of my two favorite personalities - Marie or Jane - although Helio is close behind.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Jane Seymour - In her own words
“It’s week 5 and Tony has diligently been trying to teach me the Rumba and I've devotedly been trying to learn it! The Rumba is all about passion and heat, it's a very sexy dance, but let me tell you, it's not as easy as it looks. I thought the Rumba would be simpler to learn as it's slower and the movements are more dramatic. I was mistaken. Although I have to admit, the Kitty Cat in me is really liking this dance.”
Jane Seymour keeps her fans updated about her progress on “Dancing With the Stars,” as well as on other topics related to her life and career, through her blog at http://community.eons.com/blogs/blog/janeseymour.
On her blog, Jane provides photos, answers to fans’ questions and comments about her dance experience.
Jane Seymour keeps her fans updated about her progress on “Dancing With the Stars,” as well as on other topics related to her life and career, through her blog at http://community.eons.com/blogs/blog/janeseymour.
On her blog, Jane provides photos, answers to fans’ questions and comments about her dance experience.
Thursday, October 25, 2007
Through the years: A look back at the art of dance
Dancing as a leisure activity was forced underground by the dominant Protestant culture that declared dancing socially unacceptable and linked it with drinking and lewdness. Even when European immigrants brought traditional dances to America during the nineteenth century, they were limited to celebrations at ethnic social halls.
Dancing became more mainstream after the turn of the century, when music and more organized bands earned enthusiastic followings. The advent of prohibition in 1920 separated dancing and drinking to a certain extent, and made dancing more socially respectable. Many commercial dance palaces were set up during this period, and in New York City alone, dance halls had revenues of $8 million in 1920.
A combination of social, economic, and demographic factors contributed to the decline of ballroom dancing and the dance school industry in the 1950s and 1960s. Fewer extravagant, romantic movie musicals were filmed. The advent of counter-culture rock-and-roll music was accompanied by alcohol use, transferring much social dancing into another industrial category. Moreover, the mass exodus to suburbia during this period resulted in a decreasing number of couples visiting urban dance halls. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvised singles dancing grew increasingly popular, and organized couples dancing became reserved for weddings and other special occasions.
Ballroom dancing regained popularity in the 1980s, spurred by a modest revival of music from the first half of the century. As the decade of conspicuous consumption progressed, ballroom dancing provided an outlet for prosperous men and women to dress up and spend money. Dance studios and halls also benefited from the fitness craze, as people danced for exercise and to relieve tension. The return of traditional formal weddings also contributed to this industry's growth in the 1980s. Dance teachers also credited the Public Broadcasting Service, which carried major ballroom dance competitions beginning in 1981, for promoting the activity. Dance studios began to coordinate more competitions, which encouraged students to take more lessons in preparation for competition.
The International DanceSport Federation (IDSF, formerly the International Council of Amateur Dancers) spent the latter half of the twentieth century working toward the acceptance of ballroom dancing as an Olympic event. In 1987, IDSF designated the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association as the sole governing body for amateur ballroom dancing in the United States. Ten years later, the International Olympic Committee gave full recognition to the IDSF and its affiliates.
Source: http://www.answers.com/
Dancing became more mainstream after the turn of the century, when music and more organized bands earned enthusiastic followings. The advent of prohibition in 1920 separated dancing and drinking to a certain extent, and made dancing more socially respectable. Many commercial dance palaces were set up during this period, and in New York City alone, dance halls had revenues of $8 million in 1920.
A combination of social, economic, and demographic factors contributed to the decline of ballroom dancing and the dance school industry in the 1950s and 1960s. Fewer extravagant, romantic movie musicals were filmed. The advent of counter-culture rock-and-roll music was accompanied by alcohol use, transferring much social dancing into another industrial category. Moreover, the mass exodus to suburbia during this period resulted in a decreasing number of couples visiting urban dance halls. During the 1960s and 1970s, improvised singles dancing grew increasingly popular, and organized couples dancing became reserved for weddings and other special occasions.
Ballroom dancing regained popularity in the 1980s, spurred by a modest revival of music from the first half of the century. As the decade of conspicuous consumption progressed, ballroom dancing provided an outlet for prosperous men and women to dress up and spend money. Dance studios and halls also benefited from the fitness craze, as people danced for exercise and to relieve tension. The return of traditional formal weddings also contributed to this industry's growth in the 1980s. Dance teachers also credited the Public Broadcasting Service, which carried major ballroom dance competitions beginning in 1981, for promoting the activity. Dance studios began to coordinate more competitions, which encouraged students to take more lessons in preparation for competition.
The International DanceSport Federation (IDSF, formerly the International Council of Amateur Dancers) spent the latter half of the twentieth century working toward the acceptance of ballroom dancing as an Olympic event. In 1987, IDSF designated the United States Amateur Ballroom Dancers Association as the sole governing body for amateur ballroom dancing in the United States. Ten years later, the International Olympic Committee gave full recognition to the IDSF and its affiliates.
Source: http://www.answers.com/
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Cruising: Cruise ship hosts spend their days on the dance floor
For older men who know the difference between a Waltz and a Foxtrot, being a cruise ship host offers evenings in the dance floor spotlight and days in the ocean sunlight traveling to places they would have never seen otherwise.
"I've done well over 100 (cruises), including two 100-day world cruises, and I've visited 116 countries," says host David Larsen, a 64-year-old retired engineer from Florida.
It's not just singles (older and younger) that are looking for a whirl around the dance floor. Some married women with non-dancing husbands are as eager for a dance as anyone. Hosts have to be willing to dance with all interested ladies, regardless of skill level, age or marital status.
Thanks to the popularity of television shows like "Dancing With the Stars" and the number of older single or widowed women who find cruise ships an enjoyable getaway, the need for male dance hosts doesn't appear likely to wane any time soon. Some sailings have as many as eight hosts on board to take care of 20 or more single ladies.
"On a Europe cruise I had asked a lady to dance. She hesitated, then agreed and hobbled onto the dance floor holding on to my arm," remembers Ed Champy, a 71-year-old from New Hampshire who's been on more than 75 cruises. "We danced gently in place. She told me she was a stroke victim and said that I had given her a new outlook on life and that she wouldn't let her problem stand in her way ever again."
For the full text of this article, click on http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/worklife/10/22/cruise.hosts/index.html.
"I've done well over 100 (cruises), including two 100-day world cruises, and I've visited 116 countries," says host David Larsen, a 64-year-old retired engineer from Florida.
It's not just singles (older and younger) that are looking for a whirl around the dance floor. Some married women with non-dancing husbands are as eager for a dance as anyone. Hosts have to be willing to dance with all interested ladies, regardless of skill level, age or marital status.
Thanks to the popularity of television shows like "Dancing With the Stars" and the number of older single or widowed women who find cruise ships an enjoyable getaway, the need for male dance hosts doesn't appear likely to wane any time soon. Some sailings have as many as eight hosts on board to take care of 20 or more single ladies.
"On a Europe cruise I had asked a lady to dance. She hesitated, then agreed and hobbled onto the dance floor holding on to my arm," remembers Ed Champy, a 71-year-old from New Hampshire who's been on more than 75 cruises. "We danced gently in place. She told me she was a stroke victim and said that I had given her a new outlook on life and that she wouldn't let her problem stand in her way ever again."
For the full text of this article, click on http://www.cnn.com/2007/LIVING/worklife/10/22/cruise.hosts/index.html.
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
Dancing With the Stars Week 5
By Armando Martin
Former U.S. Champion
FADS National Dance Director
Marie and Jonathan danced the Samba tonight to a great piece of music. Marie has unbelievable charisma and a fantastic smile. Her dancing is very easy to watch, but her feet and use of legs are definitely not the best in the competition. However, considering her great fan base, she could go a long way. Marie fainted right after her performance, which shows you how winded you can get when you dance. Thankfully she was OK. Score 21
Tony and Jane danced the Rumba tonight, Jane looked fantastic in her red Latin dress. Her performance was a little careful but her use of arms and legs was so classy and elegant that it looked like she has been doing it for a long time. I think that as Jane gets further in this competition, with her talent and Tony’s teaching experience, she will be there at the end.
Score 26
Dancing the Samba tonight was Mark and Kim, which was not a good dance for them. Mark got a lot of criticism from the judges, and rightly so. His dancing this week was geeky and unnatural with a lack of rhythm and feeling. Maybe next week he’ll get a dance that suits him better.
Score 21
Sabrina and Mark danced the Rumba. Mark received a surprise when during practice his mom, the one and only Shirley Ballas, the best woman to ever grace the Latin dance floor, showed up to help. Unfortunately, I don’t think it helped. This was Sabrina’s worst dance so far. The rumba is not a dance that you can fake and make look good with tricks and speed. Rumba needs true understanding and technique, and Sabrina did not have it.
Score 28
The Samba is not an easy dance because it needs bounce, Cuban motion, shaking and lots traveling around the floor. Jennie did a fine job with Derek this week. She is a very solid and balanced dancer. She never loses her balance and her feet look like they are glued to the ground, which is good. I agree with Bruno that Jennie needs to look up off the floor and have more fun; she shouldn’t look like she’s thinking while she dances.
Score 25
Helio and Julianne danced a very nice Rumba this week. His lines were good and the routine was well put together. But Helio really struggled with the music. He was too fast and did not pull off this dance. Rumba may be the slowest dance, but it is the hardest one to do because it requires true command of technique. Better luck next week.
Score 23
Mel and Maks showed us why she is a force to be reckoned with. I just realized this week that she has very long legs and that they are set into her hips perfectly for a Latin dancer. That’s why she looks so natural when she dances. Her Samba was by far the best technical dance and the best performance of the night.
Score 29
Cameron and Edyta danced the Rumba this week, and they certainly set the right mood on the floor - two great looking people dancing a very sexy Rumba. Cameron did a great job; his posture and emotion were truly exceptional. He is getting better every week and you can see that his natural talent is coming through.
Score 26
The competition is getting stronger and tougher every week. The talented dancers are getting better a little faster than the others, and now is when you see the gaps getting bigger even if you don’t see it in the judges’ scores, I will not be available to comments on the results show, but I think is easy to see that Mark Cuban will go home this week. I’ll be in touch again next week.
Former U.S. Champion
FADS National Dance Director
Marie and Jonathan danced the Samba tonight to a great piece of music. Marie has unbelievable charisma and a fantastic smile. Her dancing is very easy to watch, but her feet and use of legs are definitely not the best in the competition. However, considering her great fan base, she could go a long way. Marie fainted right after her performance, which shows you how winded you can get when you dance. Thankfully she was OK. Score 21
Tony and Jane danced the Rumba tonight, Jane looked fantastic in her red Latin dress. Her performance was a little careful but her use of arms and legs was so classy and elegant that it looked like she has been doing it for a long time. I think that as Jane gets further in this competition, with her talent and Tony’s teaching experience, she will be there at the end.
Score 26
Dancing the Samba tonight was Mark and Kim, which was not a good dance for them. Mark got a lot of criticism from the judges, and rightly so. His dancing this week was geeky and unnatural with a lack of rhythm and feeling. Maybe next week he’ll get a dance that suits him better.
Score 21
Sabrina and Mark danced the Rumba. Mark received a surprise when during practice his mom, the one and only Shirley Ballas, the best woman to ever grace the Latin dance floor, showed up to help. Unfortunately, I don’t think it helped. This was Sabrina’s worst dance so far. The rumba is not a dance that you can fake and make look good with tricks and speed. Rumba needs true understanding and technique, and Sabrina did not have it.
Score 28
The Samba is not an easy dance because it needs bounce, Cuban motion, shaking and lots traveling around the floor. Jennie did a fine job with Derek this week. She is a very solid and balanced dancer. She never loses her balance and her feet look like they are glued to the ground, which is good. I agree with Bruno that Jennie needs to look up off the floor and have more fun; she shouldn’t look like she’s thinking while she dances.
Score 25
Helio and Julianne danced a very nice Rumba this week. His lines were good and the routine was well put together. But Helio really struggled with the music. He was too fast and did not pull off this dance. Rumba may be the slowest dance, but it is the hardest one to do because it requires true command of technique. Better luck next week.
Score 23
Mel and Maks showed us why she is a force to be reckoned with. I just realized this week that she has very long legs and that they are set into her hips perfectly for a Latin dancer. That’s why she looks so natural when she dances. Her Samba was by far the best technical dance and the best performance of the night.
Score 29
Cameron and Edyta danced the Rumba this week, and they certainly set the right mood on the floor - two great looking people dancing a very sexy Rumba. Cameron did a great job; his posture and emotion were truly exceptional. He is getting better every week and you can see that his natural talent is coming through.
Score 26
The competition is getting stronger and tougher every week. The talented dancers are getting better a little faster than the others, and now is when you see the gaps getting bigger even if you don’t see it in the judges’ scores, I will not be available to comments on the results show, but I think is easy to see that Mark Cuban will go home this week. I’ll be in touch again next week.
Monday, October 22, 2007
Jane and Tony Are Ready To Rumba
Ready to Rumba
Entertainment Tonight spent some time in the rehearsal studio with Jane Seymour and Tony Dovolani this week as they prepare to perform the Rumba on tonight’s “Dancing With the Stars.”
To view a video clip from their rehearsal, available on ET Online, click http://www.etonline.com/news/2007/10/54992/index.html.
Fred Astaire studio participates in Habitat for Humanity benefit
RANDOLPH, Mass. – Instructors from the Hanover (Mass.) Fred Astaire Dance Studio participated in the first ever “Dancing With the Realtors” to benefit Habitat for Humanity on Wednesday, Oct. 17.
The event was produced by the Plymouth and South Shore Association of Realtors.‘‘I have always enjoyed dancing,’’ Claire Shields, a broker for Grand Gables Real Estate in Scituate, said before taking the floor with her professional partner, Kalin Mitov, 32, of Rockland.Shields, a great-grandmother, was among 22 real estate agents who competed in the event.Inspired by the popular TV show ‘‘Dancing with the Stars,’’ the fund-raiser was the brainchild of Linda Covino of the Eastern Middlesex Association of Realtors. Covino came up with the idea after taking ballroom dance lessons in her spare time.Covino’s organization raised more than $21,000 for the Greater Boston Habitat for Humanity earlier this year.
For the full text of the article, click on http://www.patriotledger.com/business/real_estate/x251847603.
Friday, October 19, 2007
Fred Astaire is focus of English conference
According to the Web site http://www.alsodances.net/, a conference on the life and work of Fred Astaire will take place June 21 to 24 at Oriel College, Oxford University, Oxford, England.
Special guests at the conference include Ava Astaire McKenzie and her husband Richard McKenzie. John Mueller, Ken Barnes, Larry Billman and Peter Levinson, among other Astaire experts, will also be on hand to make presentations.
To request a registration form, please e-mail email:astaire@herald.ox.ac.uk.
Special guests at the conference include Ava Astaire McKenzie and her husband Richard McKenzie. John Mueller, Ken Barnes, Larry Billman and Peter Levinson, among other Astaire experts, will also be on hand to make presentations.
To request a registration form, please e-mail email:astaire@herald.ox.ac.uk.
Dance Competition in Connecticut
The first weekend in November there will be a regional competition held at the Mystic Marriott. All the Fred Astaire studios are excited to show off their talents and expect to have a great weekend with friends and family. If you're interested in joining this event please contact the studio for further ticket information.
As everyone knows, when a competition comes around there has to be a dress rehearsal, too! So mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Everyone will perform during that time. Come and support your Fred Astaire community and enjoy a fun night with the studio! Visit the South Windsor (Conn.) Fred Astaire Dance Studio blog at fads-swin.blogspot.com.
As everyone knows, when a competition comes around there has to be a dress rehearsal, too! So mark your calendars for Friday, Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Everyone will perform during that time. Come and support your Fred Astaire community and enjoy a fun night with the studio! Visit the South Windsor (Conn.) Fred Astaire Dance Studio blog at fads-swin.blogspot.com.
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Dancing with the Stars Week 4 Recap
Dancing with the Stars Week 4
By Armando Martin
Former U.S. Champion
FADS National Dance Director
The best show on TV kicked off this week with Mark and Kim – not the best couple – who danced an elegant Viennese Waltz. Although he is not the worse dancer in the competition, Mark is hanging on by a thread. His work ethic and motivation are evident with every little step he takes, but he needs a little luck to stay around long enough to see all that hard work pay off and become a more natural-looking dancer. I like Mark and I would like to see him stay around for a couple of more weeks to see if he can get better. My bet is that he can.
Score 22
Mark and Sabrina danced the Paso Doble this week, and what a dance they pulled off. They were powerful, fast, and totally in sync with each other. When you put all that together you end up with a great performance that brings the audience to the edge of its seat. However, as much as I enjoyed it, I think a perfect 30 was not warranted when you put her dance up against Jane’s. Jane has a better look, especially for a lady, and better feet, legs and posture. I guess it’s whatever you prefer - entertainment value or absolute beauty.
Tony and Jane danced an unbelievably beautiful Viennese Waltz. This week Jane made herself the one to beat in the competition. Her softness and top line were almost at a professional level. When she danced on her own away from Tony, it was like watching a ballerina move across the floor. This lady is class and beauty in motion and, as always, Tony brings the best out of all his partners.
Score 26
Floyd and Karina danced the Paso tonight and they received good reviews from the judges, who I think were very intimidated by Floyd’s comments after last week’s performance. That is the only reason they would be so nice, because his dancing was horrid. He did try very hard but that only made it scarier to watch. His posture was terrible and he looked like he was mad at the floor the way he was stepping on it.
Score 23
Mel. B and Maks danced the Viennese Waltz tonight and I can say without a doubt it was her weakest dance so far. Normally I like her dancing very much, but tonight she was steppy and bumpy. Her top line looked heavy and out of place. Mel has to do better to be a threat to Jane and Sabrina.
Score 26
Superman was the theme for Cameron and Edyta this week, and they pulled it off very well. Their dancing was strong, well choreographed and very effective. It is hard to do Paso Doble to the song from Superman but they did it very nicely. Cameron is the only guy that can actually stick around to see the semifinals.
Score 27
Marie and Jonathan danced a very nice but boring Viennese Waltz. I am afraid that without her charm, she actually has no chance in this competition. She moved very lightly and with good posture, but she lacked anything special or impressive this week. Better luck next week.
Score - A very high 26
Jennie and Derek danced a fabulous Paso Doble. The improvement in this lady is unbelievable. She is getting better and better every week as she loosens up and becomes one with the music and her partner. On Monday she was powerful, strong and passionate. Great job. Her score should have been closer to 10 and not the 8s she received.
Score 27
Dancing the Viennese Waltz tonight was Julianne and Helio. This guy’s dancing is contagious and great to watch. Even though technically this was not his best performance, his smile and energy pulled him through. His top line, which is usually great, was high and tight. He will have to be better next week because Cameron is coming to get him.
Score 27
The results show gave us Mel B. in the bottom two, which is incredible. This girl is truly talented and can win the whole thing if given a chance. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was sent packing tonight, and that was absolutely the right choice.
I’ll be back next week with more comments and insight on the dancers.
By Armando Martin
Former U.S. Champion
FADS National Dance Director
The best show on TV kicked off this week with Mark and Kim – not the best couple – who danced an elegant Viennese Waltz. Although he is not the worse dancer in the competition, Mark is hanging on by a thread. His work ethic and motivation are evident with every little step he takes, but he needs a little luck to stay around long enough to see all that hard work pay off and become a more natural-looking dancer. I like Mark and I would like to see him stay around for a couple of more weeks to see if he can get better. My bet is that he can.
Score 22
Mark and Sabrina danced the Paso Doble this week, and what a dance they pulled off. They were powerful, fast, and totally in sync with each other. When you put all that together you end up with a great performance that brings the audience to the edge of its seat. However, as much as I enjoyed it, I think a perfect 30 was not warranted when you put her dance up against Jane’s. Jane has a better look, especially for a lady, and better feet, legs and posture. I guess it’s whatever you prefer - entertainment value or absolute beauty.
Tony and Jane danced an unbelievably beautiful Viennese Waltz. This week Jane made herself the one to beat in the competition. Her softness and top line were almost at a professional level. When she danced on her own away from Tony, it was like watching a ballerina move across the floor. This lady is class and beauty in motion and, as always, Tony brings the best out of all his partners.
Score 26
Floyd and Karina danced the Paso tonight and they received good reviews from the judges, who I think were very intimidated by Floyd’s comments after last week’s performance. That is the only reason they would be so nice, because his dancing was horrid. He did try very hard but that only made it scarier to watch. His posture was terrible and he looked like he was mad at the floor the way he was stepping on it.
Score 23
Mel. B and Maks danced the Viennese Waltz tonight and I can say without a doubt it was her weakest dance so far. Normally I like her dancing very much, but tonight she was steppy and bumpy. Her top line looked heavy and out of place. Mel has to do better to be a threat to Jane and Sabrina.
Score 26
Superman was the theme for Cameron and Edyta this week, and they pulled it off very well. Their dancing was strong, well choreographed and very effective. It is hard to do Paso Doble to the song from Superman but they did it very nicely. Cameron is the only guy that can actually stick around to see the semifinals.
Score 27
Marie and Jonathan danced a very nice but boring Viennese Waltz. I am afraid that without her charm, she actually has no chance in this competition. She moved very lightly and with good posture, but she lacked anything special or impressive this week. Better luck next week.
Score - A very high 26
Jennie and Derek danced a fabulous Paso Doble. The improvement in this lady is unbelievable. She is getting better and better every week as she loosens up and becomes one with the music and her partner. On Monday she was powerful, strong and passionate. Great job. Her score should have been closer to 10 and not the 8s she received.
Score 27
Dancing the Viennese Waltz tonight was Julianne and Helio. This guy’s dancing is contagious and great to watch. Even though technically this was not his best performance, his smile and energy pulled him through. His top line, which is usually great, was high and tight. He will have to be better next week because Cameron is coming to get him.
Score 27
The results show gave us Mel B. in the bottom two, which is incredible. This girl is truly talented and can win the whole thing if given a chance. Floyd Mayweather Jr. was sent packing tonight, and that was absolutely the right choice.
I’ll be back next week with more comments and insight on the dancers.
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Dance With Your Own Stars
For many, their love of ballroom dancing - and its health benefits - was firmly entrenched before shows like “Dancing With the Stars” became a cultural phenomenon.
According to a study conducted by Dr. Hermes Ilarraza, of the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico, ballroom dancing can give as good an aerobic workout as more conventional forms of exercise.
Ilarazza followed a group of 40 heart disease patients, all of whom committed to 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week, for five weeks. Half of the study’s participants got their exercise from a dance routine choreographed by a professional dancer, while the others exercised on stationary bicycles. Ilarraza found that the dance group’s exercise capacity increased by 28 percent, almost as much as the 31 percent increase for the cycling group.
A 140-pound person can burn an average of 350 calories in an hour of fast dancing such as swing, quickstep and salsa, and can burn about 200 calories with slower styles like the tango or traditional ballroom (cha-cha, foxtrot and waltz). Plus, in addition to toning your leg muscles, dancing contributes to good posture and body alignment, it works your core and upper body, encourages gentle stretching, increases your flexibility and stamina, builds up healthy bones and develops your balance.
Setting the physical benefits aside, dancing can also be life changing. It can lift your spirit in a way most other exercise routines cannot. If you are suffering from depression or experiencing a difficult time in your life, heading to the dance studio is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Not only does your body begin to pump massive amounts of the feel-good hormone serotonin with each movement, the music can ease an aching soul. Dancing also reawakens a nearly forgotten sense of chivalry and graciousness that we all still secretly yearn for from time to time.
Ballroom dancing is not only ideal for the single, lonely or overweight. It can also re-ignite passion within even the longest and mundane of relationships. Just imagine, both you and your mate feeling fit, energized and a whole lot sexier… together. Now that’s worth celebrating.
Excerpt from “Dance with your Own Stars,” an article by Nancy Christie that ran in the Fall 2007 edition of HealthSmart Today
According to a study conducted by Dr. Hermes Ilarraza, of the National Institute of Cardiology in Mexico, ballroom dancing can give as good an aerobic workout as more conventional forms of exercise.
Ilarazza followed a group of 40 heart disease patients, all of whom committed to 30 minutes of exercise a day, five days a week, for five weeks. Half of the study’s participants got their exercise from a dance routine choreographed by a professional dancer, while the others exercised on stationary bicycles. Ilarraza found that the dance group’s exercise capacity increased by 28 percent, almost as much as the 31 percent increase for the cycling group.
A 140-pound person can burn an average of 350 calories in an hour of fast dancing such as swing, quickstep and salsa, and can burn about 200 calories with slower styles like the tango or traditional ballroom (cha-cha, foxtrot and waltz). Plus, in addition to toning your leg muscles, dancing contributes to good posture and body alignment, it works your core and upper body, encourages gentle stretching, increases your flexibility and stamina, builds up healthy bones and develops your balance.
Setting the physical benefits aside, dancing can also be life changing. It can lift your spirit in a way most other exercise routines cannot. If you are suffering from depression or experiencing a difficult time in your life, heading to the dance studio is one of the best things you can do for yourself.
Not only does your body begin to pump massive amounts of the feel-good hormone serotonin with each movement, the music can ease an aching soul. Dancing also reawakens a nearly forgotten sense of chivalry and graciousness that we all still secretly yearn for from time to time.
Ballroom dancing is not only ideal for the single, lonely or overweight. It can also re-ignite passion within even the longest and mundane of relationships. Just imagine, both you and your mate feeling fit, energized and a whole lot sexier… together. Now that’s worth celebrating.
Excerpt from “Dance with your Own Stars,” an article by Nancy Christie that ran in the Fall 2007 edition of HealthSmart Today
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