Thursday, June 24, 2010
Tony Dovolani To Judge At FADS Competition!
TONY DOVOLANI will be a judge at our next national competition, the Astaire World Championships in San Juan on July 21-25!
Monday, June 21, 2010
Fred Astaire Dance Studios On So You Think You Can Dance!
FABIAN SANCHEZ, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Birmingham, Alabama and formerly on Dancing With The Stars, will be choreographing for Salsa and Mambo couples on this season's show.
Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D’umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
In addition, LAUREN FRODERMAN, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says studio owner Robert Doyle, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Congratulations to Fabian and Lauren for their outstanding achievements!
Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D’umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
In addition, LAUREN FRODERMAN, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says studio owner Robert Doyle, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Congratulations to Fabian and Lauren for their outstanding achievements!
Dancing Tips
By Stanley McCalla, Fred Astaire Dance Board Member and ExaminerHello there, I hope that you are all about to enjoy a dance lesson, or have had yours some time in the near past.
Last night, I was asked to teach an international Latin group class. The group of students (4 guys and 3 girls) had such a good time learning that I came out of that class with a great feeling of accomplishment.
One of the students approached me after the class and said: “Mr. McCalla, I really learned a lot today and I am very pleased how you communicated the information to us.” He went on to say, “I don’t know about the others but I appreciate how you explained things from the bottom up.”
Since you are probably curious about what the student was talking about, let me explain. The dance I was teaching was the International Latin Cha Cha. The students did not know that style very well at all, so I started with a series of exercises that would hopefully instill a strong foundation in them. These are exercises that you could practice yourself while reading this.
First, I had everyone standing around me in a circle. Second, I had them stand feet together in first position, toes turned out, the body erect, their spines straight, their shoulders down, the back of their necks pulled up, their sit bones hanging between their feet and with their body weight perched over the ball of their feet. They would move then to 2nd position, then to 3rd, then to 4th, then to 5th.
Thereafter, I taught them the lock step or triple cha cha, as you might know it, as a fourth, a fifth and a fourth step. Then I would link the right lock to the left lock followed by the right lock again, ending with a forward break step. I would do the same thing for the back locks and link the two patterns together. All the while doing these exercises, I would talk about foot pressure, strengthening and bending of the knees (when and how), rotation and settlement of the hips (when and how).
The next pattern and exercise I showed them was the basic chasse to a New Yorker or a crossover brake, as you might know it. The students would practice those slowly with my supervision, then they would do it by themselves to slow music, and then they would do it again partnering each other. They would then change partners practicing leading and following. At the end of the hour, the students were having fun, sweating and happy. To make it short, the students had learned some patterns of a new dance, practicing some of their learned foundation and technique in a fun and comprehensive way.
Obviously, I could not go into everything in detail with you today, but some of the technique including the posture, the foot position and the leg techniques mentioned above here could be very beneficial to you by practicing them. I recommend that you try them, but before you do so, please check with your expert teacher who will make sure that you practice correctly.
I hope I gave you some food for thought that should enhance your dancing quest. Until next time, keep your dancing feet moving to the beat!
I hope I gave you some food for thought that should enhance your dancing quest. Until next time, keep your dancing feet moving to the beat!
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
DeSoto Kicks Off Lunch, Rush Hour Classes at Downtown Fred Astaire
from chicagonow.com:
Local celeb and former Dancing with the Stars dancer Jesse DeSoto is kicking the summer off with a new class series at his newest Fred Astaire studio downtown.
The new classes target professionals working downtown who want to utilize their lunch hours or rush hours for something other than eating or commuting through heavy traffic.
DeSoto says the classes are perfect for people looking to "enjoy their time instead of spending it in a cubicle or on the road." With these classes, attendees will be able to learn a new skill during a time which otherwise might be wasted sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The class targets adult beginners looking to improve their skills on the dance floor (it is wedding season people!). But with any skill that takes practice, the sky is the limit. DeSoto himself didn't start until after high school. The former high school jock started out training when he was 19 at the Fred Astaire near his hometown of Greendale, Wisconsin. The rest is history, as he started competing with Jackie Josephs in 2003 and winning countless titles, including 2nd place in the World Mambo.
DeSoto got picked up by Dancing with the Stars in 2006, and danced with Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and Travis Barker's ex-wife. DeSoto retired from competing in 2008. He opened Fred Astaire studios in Buffalo Grove and South Barrington, Illinois, in 2008, and then purchased the downtown Chicago location this past April.
The kickoff event for the Lunch Hour and Rush Hour Beginner Group Dance Lessons is at China Grill this Tuesday, June 15, at 12:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. DeSoto and his staff will lead a free 30-minute group lesson, have dance demos, drawing for prizes, and complimentary tastes from China Grill's revamped menu. The actual lesson series begins June 21. For more information call the studio at (312) 263-6505.
Local celeb and former Dancing with the Stars dancer Jesse DeSoto is kicking the summer off with a new class series at his newest Fred Astaire studio downtown.
The new classes target professionals working downtown who want to utilize their lunch hours or rush hours for something other than eating or commuting through heavy traffic.
DeSoto says the classes are perfect for people looking to "enjoy their time instead of spending it in a cubicle or on the road." With these classes, attendees will be able to learn a new skill during a time which otherwise might be wasted sitting in bumper-to-bumper traffic.
The class targets adult beginners looking to improve their skills on the dance floor (it is wedding season people!). But with any skill that takes practice, the sky is the limit. DeSoto himself didn't start until after high school. The former high school jock started out training when he was 19 at the Fred Astaire near his hometown of Greendale, Wisconsin. The rest is history, as he started competing with Jackie Josephs in 2003 and winning countless titles, including 2nd place in the World Mambo.
DeSoto got picked up by Dancing with the Stars in 2006, and danced with Shanna Moakler, former Miss USA and Travis Barker's ex-wife. DeSoto retired from competing in 2008. He opened Fred Astaire studios in Buffalo Grove and South Barrington, Illinois, in 2008, and then purchased the downtown Chicago location this past April.
The kickoff event for the Lunch Hour and Rush Hour Beginner Group Dance Lessons is at China Grill this Tuesday, June 15, at 12:15 p.m. and 6:15 p.m. DeSoto and his staff will lead a free 30-minute group lesson, have dance demos, drawing for prizes, and complimentary tastes from China Grill's revamped menu. The actual lesson series begins June 21. For more information call the studio at (312) 263-6505.
Monday, June 14, 2010
Fred Astaire Dance Student On So You Think You Can Dance!
Lauren Froderman, a student at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Phoenix, Arizona, is one of the top 11 contestants on the show this season. “We have a little thing we decided she would do to say hello to all of her Fred Astaire family [while she’s on the show],” says Robert Doyle, studio owner, “At the end of her number when she makes the sign for people to call, she will make the “SHAKA” sign, which means ‘hang loose.’”
Monday, June 07, 2010
Tuesday, June 01, 2010
Fred Astaire Professional On So You Think You Can Dance!
BIG ANNOUNCEMENT! Fred Astaire's own Fabian Sanchez, co-owner of the Birmingham, Alabama studio and former instructor on Dancing With The Stars, will choreograph for Salsa and Mambo couples on the hit show So You Think You Can Dance at the end of June.
So You Think You Can Dance is one of the hottest reality TV shows around with an audience of 8-10 million viewers! Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D'umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
Congratulations to Fabian for this outstanding achievement!
So You Think You Can Dance is one of the hottest reality TV shows around with an audience of 8-10 million viewers! Fabian will join a list of other notable choreographers in the dance world today, including Louis van Amstel, Napoloeon and Tabitha D'umo, Tyce Diorio, Jean-Marc Genereux, Tony Meredith, Mia Michaels, and Ron Montez.
Congratulations to Fabian for this outstanding achievement!
Thursday, May 27, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Finale!
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York
I will talk about the freestyle competition performed on Monday night before getting on to the finale.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin and Maks performed a contemporary style dance along with beautiful music. I didn't understand the idea of the bed on the floor. Their movements were too busy. I couldn't see the dance in their performance.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan and Anna performed a rock and roll dance. It was dynamic and looked good on the floor. However, they didn't dance together and lost their connection.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their dance was the best. They connected different dance styles and the mix was very interesting.
On Tuesday night's finale, Nicole looked like a champion. She had confidence. Evan, while performing his Quickstep, did not look so great. His feet were flat and he lost the lightness of the dance. The Quickstep should be light and you shouldn't drop your heel down. He needed to show the rhythm of the dance in his feet and he didn't.
Winner: Nicole Scherzinger! I was glad to be right about Nicole!
I will talk about the freestyle competition performed on Monday night before getting on to the finale.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Erin and Maks performed a contemporary style dance along with beautiful music. I didn't understand the idea of the bed on the floor. Their movements were too busy. I couldn't see the dance in their performance.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Evan and Anna performed a rock and roll dance. It was dynamic and looked good on the floor. However, they didn't dance together and lost their connection.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their dance was the best. They connected different dance styles and the mix was very interesting.
On Tuesday night's finale, Nicole looked like a champion. She had confidence. Evan, while performing his Quickstep, did not look so great. His feet were flat and he lost the lightness of the dance. The Quickstep should be light and you shouldn't drop your heel down. He needed to show the rhythm of the dance in his feet and he didn't.
Winner: Nicole Scherzinger! I was glad to be right about Nicole!
Ballroom Dancing Etiquette
from articlesnatch.com:
by: Meg Sommers
Ballroom dancing is an art and it is also a form of socialization that has its own etiquette. Here are some really helpful basic tips that every novice ballroom dancer should take to heart. Even when they are not followed rigorously, awareness of these rules really helps improve everyone's dance experience:
Like other types of exercises or sports, selecting the right clothes is essential. If you're new to a dance studio, try to take note of the dancers' fashion sense and find clothes that are comfortable yet appropriate with the studio's culture. You don't want to look out of place with your fellow dancers. Keep in mind that your clothes shouldn't get in the way of you and your partner when dancing. Wearing clothes in layers can help you avoid wardrobe malfunction and embarrassment.
For everyone's safety and especially yours, wear dance shoes that allow you to move comfortably on the dance floor. Shoes with rubber soles such as sneakers can stick to the floor during turns and spins and this can lead to injuries. Shoes with leather soles are most suited for dancing. If you dance regularly, really consider investing in quality shoes designed for ballroom dancing.
Do pay attention to your personal hygiene as ballroom dancing is a partnership sport! In addition, there's a high chance of dancing with several partners. So take time to refresh yourself during breaks and wash your hands after using the rest room. Avoid eating pungent foods a few hours prior to the dance session, bring breath mints, and brush your teeth. Do not use too much fragrance as this can be irritating for some people, and if you tend to sweat a lot, consider bringing extra clothes.
The dance floor also needs proper care and maintenance. Do not bring food and drinks onto the dance floor as these can spill and cause potential injuries. Be careful of the accessories that you wear and choose items that don't fall off.
Whether you are having a lesson, participating in a dance practice party, competition or social event, you're going to share the dance floor with different people of different age groups, backgrounds, and ethnicity. This makes it very likely that you will encounter dancers who have cultural behaviors that are entirely different from yours. For example, it's possible that a shy person can be mistaken as being cold or unfriendly. So be sensitive to the attitudes and cultures of others.
While traditionally, men are supposed to ask the women out to dance, nowadays it is OK if done otherwise. Be polite when asking people to dance even when you're very familiar with them. Nodding towards them, snapping fingers, and waving towards the dance floor are inappropriate gestures when asking people to dance. Instead, you should walk up to them, make direct eye contact, reach out your hand, and ask them politely.
It is usually polite to simply accept an offer to dance. In some cases, it is OK to decline a request politely for some valid reason (e.g. that person has hurt you in the past). In this case, it is better not to dance that particular dance with anyone else.
The line of dance is the direction that dancers should follow and this is counter-clockwise. Dancers should have have at least a basic knowledge of where they should be on the dance floor. The dance for is divided roughly into three lanes:
Outer/Fast Lane:
Progressive dances such as the Fox Trot, Polka, Tango and Waltz should be done outside the floor.
Inner/Slower Lane:
This is for the slower dancers. They should let the faster dancers pass on the outside.
Center:
Stationary dances such as Cha-Cha, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, and Swing should be done on the middle of the dance floor. The dancers should endeavor to stay aware and out of the path of those in the outer lanes.
Couples just coming onto the dance floor should give way to those who are already dancing, and men should take extra care of their partners and be prepared for urgent moves to evade a collision. The ladies should also look past their partners' shoulders to prevent up coming collisions.
Dancing should be more compact when you're on a crowded dance floor. When this is the case, keep your steps small and your elbows to yourself. You need to reduce the size of your turns and of course, as much as possible, try not to bump into other dancers. If you do collide with another person or couple, do not swear or blame them. Smile and apologize sincerely. Be considerate all the time and if you find dancers who aren't, do not pick fights with them. Just move to another section of the dance floor.
Novice dancers should never be ashamed that they are new. Everyone starts out as a novice, even today's experts. And it is definitely more embarrassing if you pretend to be a pro when you are not. Ballroom dancing is a learned activity and even long-time dancers need to brush up on their skills often. Do so with a smile!
by: Meg Sommers
Ballroom dancing is an art and it is also a form of socialization that has its own etiquette. Here are some really helpful basic tips that every novice ballroom dancer should take to heart. Even when they are not followed rigorously, awareness of these rules really helps improve everyone's dance experience:
Like other types of exercises or sports, selecting the right clothes is essential. If you're new to a dance studio, try to take note of the dancers' fashion sense and find clothes that are comfortable yet appropriate with the studio's culture. You don't want to look out of place with your fellow dancers. Keep in mind that your clothes shouldn't get in the way of you and your partner when dancing. Wearing clothes in layers can help you avoid wardrobe malfunction and embarrassment.
For everyone's safety and especially yours, wear dance shoes that allow you to move comfortably on the dance floor. Shoes with rubber soles such as sneakers can stick to the floor during turns and spins and this can lead to injuries. Shoes with leather soles are most suited for dancing. If you dance regularly, really consider investing in quality shoes designed for ballroom dancing.
Do pay attention to your personal hygiene as ballroom dancing is a partnership sport! In addition, there's a high chance of dancing with several partners. So take time to refresh yourself during breaks and wash your hands after using the rest room. Avoid eating pungent foods a few hours prior to the dance session, bring breath mints, and brush your teeth. Do not use too much fragrance as this can be irritating for some people, and if you tend to sweat a lot, consider bringing extra clothes.
The dance floor also needs proper care and maintenance. Do not bring food and drinks onto the dance floor as these can spill and cause potential injuries. Be careful of the accessories that you wear and choose items that don't fall off.
Whether you are having a lesson, participating in a dance practice party, competition or social event, you're going to share the dance floor with different people of different age groups, backgrounds, and ethnicity. This makes it very likely that you will encounter dancers who have cultural behaviors that are entirely different from yours. For example, it's possible that a shy person can be mistaken as being cold or unfriendly. So be sensitive to the attitudes and cultures of others.
While traditionally, men are supposed to ask the women out to dance, nowadays it is OK if done otherwise. Be polite when asking people to dance even when you're very familiar with them. Nodding towards them, snapping fingers, and waving towards the dance floor are inappropriate gestures when asking people to dance. Instead, you should walk up to them, make direct eye contact, reach out your hand, and ask them politely.
It is usually polite to simply accept an offer to dance. In some cases, it is OK to decline a request politely for some valid reason (e.g. that person has hurt you in the past). In this case, it is better not to dance that particular dance with anyone else.
The line of dance is the direction that dancers should follow and this is counter-clockwise. Dancers should have have at least a basic knowledge of where they should be on the dance floor. The dance for is divided roughly into three lanes:
Outer/Fast Lane:
Progressive dances such as the Fox Trot, Polka, Tango and Waltz should be done outside the floor.
Inner/Slower Lane:
This is for the slower dancers. They should let the faster dancers pass on the outside.
Center:
Stationary dances such as Cha-Cha, Mambo, Rumba, Salsa, and Swing should be done on the middle of the dance floor. The dancers should endeavor to stay aware and out of the path of those in the outer lanes.
Couples just coming onto the dance floor should give way to those who are already dancing, and men should take extra care of their partners and be prepared for urgent moves to evade a collision. The ladies should also look past their partners' shoulders to prevent up coming collisions.
Dancing should be more compact when you're on a crowded dance floor. When this is the case, keep your steps small and your elbows to yourself. You need to reduce the size of your turns and of course, as much as possible, try not to bump into other dancers. If you do collide with another person or couple, do not swear or blame them. Smile and apologize sincerely. Be considerate all the time and if you find dancers who aren't, do not pick fights with them. Just move to another section of the dance floor.
Novice dancers should never be ashamed that they are new. Everyone starts out as a novice, even today's experts. And it is definitely more embarrassing if you pretend to be a pro when you are not. Ballroom dancing is a learned activity and even long-time dancers need to brush up on their skills often. Do so with a smile!
Life's A Dance In Florida!
from www.gulfbreezenews.com:
Get your ticket to ‘Life’s a Dance’ before they’re gone
Fred Astaire Dance Studio owners Victor Luna and Dawn Westberry present a star-studded evening of dance featuring local celebrities and cast members of ABC’s hit television series Dancing with the Stars.
The second annual Life’s a Dance benefiting Covenant Hospice will take center stage at the Pensacola Saenger Theater on Friday, June 4, 2010, from 7 to 9 p.m. Dance legend Corky Ballas and WEAR TV-3 news anchor Sue Straughn will emcee the event.
Don’t miss this stellar showcase by award-winning professional dancers Edyta Sliwinska and Alec Mazo, two-time champion Mark Ballas, Tony Dovolani and Chelsie Hightower. Due to a dance-related injury, Season 7 winner Derek Hough will not perform as scheduled. Maksim Chmerkovskiy, who is vying for this year’s title with partner Erin Andrews, will take Hough’s place in the all-star cast.
Performing a variety of dances from the tango to the two-step, studio instructors will partner with local celebrities including former state legislator DeeDee Ritchie; community philanthropist Donna Clark; WEAR TV-3 newcomer Bree Sison; Medical Center Clinic gastroenterologist Dr. Lakshmi Gopal; Levin Papantonio star attorney Fred Levin; Gulf Power senior engineer Antonio Terry; Great Southern Restaurant Group general manager Jean Pierre N’Dione; and founding president of Santa Rosa Young Professionals Jayer Williamson. Last year’s stars Roy Jones, Jr., Teri Levin, Malcolm Ballinger, Greg Litton and Dan Brask will reprise their roles for special dance numbers.
Following the show, VIP ticket holders will be invited to an exclusive casting party catered by Jackson’s at downtown hot spot 5eleven Palafox, 511 S. Palafox St., where they will eat, drink and mingle with the stars.
Tickets are still available in all price levels for $35, $50 and $75. A limited number of $150 VIP seats remain. Tickets may be purchased at the Pensacola Saenger Box Office at (850) 595-3880 or online at ticketmaster.com.
Enter a special “You Be The Star!” prize drawing for your chance to win dinner for two at Global Grill before the show begins. Feel like a celebrity when you step out of a limousine by Afleet Limo Services, who will be waiting to take you home at the end of the night. Tickets are one for $5, five for $10 or ten for $40. Purchase tickets online at http://support.covenanthospice.or g/lad/drawing.html, or call Ashley Kahn, development specialist, at (850) 208-7123.
Dancing is a true celebration of life. Proceeds from this event support Covenant Hospice’s mission to add life to days when days no longer can be added to life.
For more information, contact Leah Harrison, development manager, at (850) 208-7122 or by e-mail at leah.harrison@covenanthospice. org.
Purdue Ballroom Team Competes On DWTS!
from blogsuntimes.com:
Purdue ballroom team competes in collegiate finals on 'Dancing with the Stars'
One of the best reasons to watch tonight's final episode of season 10 of "Dancing with the Stars" is that eight members of Purdue's Latin & Ballroom Dance Team will be competing for the collegiate championship. They'll be facing off against Utah Valley University for the trophy.
While viewer votes helped propel Purdue to the championship round, tonight it's all up to judges Len Goodman, Carrie Ann Inaba and Bruno Tonioli, who will determine the winners.
"We've been training anywhere from 4 to 12 hours a day to prepare for this [cha cha]," said Purdue team member Sean Lyons, a freshman who hails from suburban Naperville.
Lyons, a freshman at the West Lafayette campus, who is majoring in management and finance, said he has had a great time meeting several of the pros and the celebrities, especially fellow Naperville native Evan Lysacek. "He is so nice."
Another Chicago-area team member is Tracy Matz, who hails from Des Plaines.
"I've been ballroom dancing for three years, but have studied other dance since I was 5" Matz said. "It's so exciting to be on national TV in front of millions of people. It's crazy!"
Like Lyons, Matz, a junior who is majoring in visual communication and design, has met her share of the show's celebs and pros, including Lysacek, Anna Trebunskya, Niecy Nash and all the judges.
Prior to their initial turn on "Dancing with the Stars," the Purdue team had never competed in "formation" dancing, which is what they are judged on for this particular competition.
"Formation dancing is really more of a West Coast thing," Lyons said. "We're all about partners and pairs, and letting each couple's personalities come through. So it has been a great learning process for us."
As for that formidable dance floor, looks can be very deceiving.
"The ballroom is way smaller than it looks on TV," Lyons said. "Just look when there are 8 people out on that floor at the same time. They take up the entire space."
The rest of the Purdue team members that will appear on "Dancing with the Stars" include:
--Josef Conner, a senior majoring in biological sciences from Galveston, Ind.
--Tiffany Lam, a senior majoring in dietetics from Hong Kong and West Lafayette,
Ind.
--Kris Ezra, a senior majoring in aeronautics and astronautics from Winamac,
Ind.
--Yitian Chen, a senior majoring in pharmaceutical sciences from Xi'an, China,
and Moon Township, Pa.
--Lincoln Slentz, a senior majoring in chemistry from Auburn, Ind.
--Dessi Moneva, a sophomore majoring in biochemistry from Greenwood, Ind.
The team competes in intercollegiate competitions throughout the year and
conducts classes, shows and social dances on or near campus.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
New CBS Dance Show!
from tvbroadwayworld.com:
Paula Abdul to Star in CBS Dance Show
Back to the Article
by BWW News Desk
Paula Abdul has announced her return to the judges table and to television as she stars in a new TV series 'Got to Dance' on CBS. The show, which is based on a UK hit is, according to the Hollywood Reporter "The show is billed as broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series -- "from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango." Acts will compete for a panel of judges, with viewers getting to vote for their favorites during the semifinals and finals."
Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango. The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves. The very best will perform LIVE in the Semi-Finals and Finals where they will battle it out for viewers who will vote to choose the GOT TO DANCE champion.
GOT TO DANCE has been a ratings sensation for Britain’s Sky 1, making it one of the UK’s top-rated pay television series this season.
The panel of judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date. Details about the audition process will also be available on CBS.com.
GOT TO DANCE is a Shine Group format, created by Princess Productions and Shine TV and is produced by Reveille. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Mark Koops and Robin Ashbrook are executive producers. Distribution is handled by Shine International.
Paula Abdul to Star in CBS Dance Show
Back to the Article
by BWW News Desk
Paula Abdul has announced her return to the judges table and to television as she stars in a new TV series 'Got to Dance' on CBS. The show, which is based on a UK hit is, according to the Hollywood Reporter "The show is billed as broadcast's first all-ages, all-genres dance series -- "from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango." Acts will compete for a panel of judges, with viewers getting to vote for their favorites during the semifinals and finals."
Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango. The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves. The very best will perform LIVE in the Semi-Finals and Finals where they will battle it out for viewers who will vote to choose the GOT TO DANCE champion.
GOT TO DANCE has been a ratings sensation for Britain’s Sky 1, making it one of the UK’s top-rated pay television series this season.
The panel of judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date. Details about the audition process will also be available on CBS.com.
GOT TO DANCE is a Shine Group format, created by Princess Productions and Shine TV and is produced by Reveille. Elisabeth Murdoch, Howard T. Owens, Mark Koops and Robin Ashbrook are executive producers. Distribution is handled by Shine International.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - SemiFinal
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York
Four couples performed both a Ballroom and a Latin dance this week. Nicole and Evan are currently tied for first place, with Erin next and Chad coming in last.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
For me, this is the best couple. Their Argentine Tango was dynamic and their Cha-Cha looked natural.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 59/60)
Their Foxtrot and Paso Doble was artistic and strong.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 56/60)
Erin is a strong competitor! Her Viennese Waltz was continuous, fluid, and well done. Her Paso was powerful and showed the character of the dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 52/60)
Chad and Cheryl were eliminated this week. I saw improvement in Chad's dancing since he started this competition but he wasn't on the same level as the rest of the contestants.
Next week: The finals, including the fun freestyle competition!
My Prediction: Nicole! She is the contestant that looks the most stable. She is stylish and dynamic in all her dances.
Four couples performed both a Ballroom and a Latin dance this week. Nicole and Evan are currently tied for first place, with Erin next and Chad coming in last.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
For me, this is the best couple. Their Argentine Tango was dynamic and their Cha-Cha looked natural.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 59/60)
Their Foxtrot and Paso Doble was artistic and strong.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 56/60)
Erin is a strong competitor! Her Viennese Waltz was continuous, fluid, and well done. Her Paso was powerful and showed the character of the dance.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 52/60)
Chad and Cheryl were eliminated this week. I saw improvement in Chad's dancing since he started this competition but he wasn't on the same level as the rest of the contestants.
Next week: The finals, including the fun freestyle competition!
My Prediction: Nicole! She is the contestant that looks the most stable. She is stylish and dynamic in all her dances.
News From Portland!
News From Portland!
Fred Astaire’s Portland dance studio is located in the Ventuno Strata building in downtown Portland’s historic and vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood. The Dance Studio is a bright, open, 3,500-square-foot space with professional lighting, city views and elegant hickory hardwood dance floors that transport guests to a time of top hats, tails, spats and elbow-length silk gloves. Owners Jan Lampe and Alex Aillon are pleased to be a part of the Fred Astaire family and are overwhelmed by Portland’s immediate response to the opening of Oregon’s only Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
On April 29, Fred Astaire hosted Portland Uncorked, a social club for wine enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine. It was an unusual twist on the usual Thursday night guest party. The evening was filled with gourmet Mexican fare, wine pairings and hot dance lessons at the studio. Over 200 guests enjoyed a night of delicious wine, salsa and even hotter salsa on the dance floor!
Fred Astaire’s Portland location has also been featured on two popular TV programs. Drew Carney, KGW News Channel 8’s “Out and About” reporter, broadcasted live from the studio for two hours Monday, May 10. Drew learned the Rumba in a short time and in his final segment performed his new found dance skills with Fred Astaire instructor, Jessi Reynolds. On Thursday, May 13, two instructors visited the KOIN TV Studio 6 set and performed the Tango and Swing for viewers. FADS Portland is one of the sponsors of “Weddings Portland Style.” The NW Examiner and The Oregonian have both featured articles about the opening of the new dance studio.
Portland’s Fred Astaire location was featured as a daily deal on the ever-popular Groupon site. The studio received such an outpouring of interest, management had to contact Groupon to end the deal once 1500 Groupons had been purchased! The studio has been extremely busy as these new customers visit for their lessons!
Thursday, May 20 is the official Grand Opening celebration for the studio. An evening of champagne, hors d'œuvres and dance exhibition will entertain local celebrities, press, students and friends of the studio. The studio will be offering a $20.00 grand opening special during the festivities, with all proceeds benefiting Young Audiences of Portland and SW Washington. Young Audiences connects classroom teachers with over 200 skilled residency and performing artists who provide programs in multiple artistic disciplines and cultures. Together they use the arts to make learning come alive for their students. Through Young Audiences' Run For The Arts, schools raise the funds to bring artists into their classrooms, pay for field trips to see performances and exhibitions and purchase art supplies. The studio is expecting over 200 people to this fabulous event and will present the donation at The Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom during Young Audiences annual variety show, Mad Hot Anything Goes on Saturday, May 22.
The Dance Studio has been a flurry of activity since it’s soft opening on April 6. Information and news clips covering Fred Astaire’s Portland location are frequently updated on Facebook at Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Portland.
Fred Astaire’s Portland dance studio is located in the Ventuno Strata building in downtown Portland’s historic and vibrant Nob Hill neighborhood. The Dance Studio is a bright, open, 3,500-square-foot space with professional lighting, city views and elegant hickory hardwood dance floors that transport guests to a time of top hats, tails, spats and elbow-length silk gloves. Owners Jan Lampe and Alex Aillon are pleased to be a part of the Fred Astaire family and are overwhelmed by Portland’s immediate response to the opening of Oregon’s only Fred Astaire Dance Studio.
On April 29, Fred Astaire hosted Portland Uncorked, a social club for wine enthusiasts to meet new friends & network with others who love wine. It was an unusual twist on the usual Thursday night guest party. The evening was filled with gourmet Mexican fare, wine pairings and hot dance lessons at the studio. Over 200 guests enjoyed a night of delicious wine, salsa and even hotter salsa on the dance floor!
Fred Astaire’s Portland location has also been featured on two popular TV programs. Drew Carney, KGW News Channel 8’s “Out and About” reporter, broadcasted live from the studio for two hours Monday, May 10. Drew learned the Rumba in a short time and in his final segment performed his new found dance skills with Fred Astaire instructor, Jessi Reynolds. On Thursday, May 13, two instructors visited the KOIN TV Studio 6 set and performed the Tango and Swing for viewers. FADS Portland is one of the sponsors of “Weddings Portland Style.” The NW Examiner and The Oregonian have both featured articles about the opening of the new dance studio.
Portland’s Fred Astaire location was featured as a daily deal on the ever-popular Groupon site. The studio received such an outpouring of interest, management had to contact Groupon to end the deal once 1500 Groupons had been purchased! The studio has been extremely busy as these new customers visit for their lessons!
Thursday, May 20 is the official Grand Opening celebration for the studio. An evening of champagne, hors d'œuvres and dance exhibition will entertain local celebrities, press, students and friends of the studio. The studio will be offering a $20.00 grand opening special during the festivities, with all proceeds benefiting Young Audiences of Portland and SW Washington. Young Audiences connects classroom teachers with over 200 skilled residency and performing artists who provide programs in multiple artistic disciplines and cultures. Together they use the arts to make learning come alive for their students. Through Young Audiences' Run For The Arts, schools raise the funds to bring artists into their classrooms, pay for field trips to see performances and exhibitions and purchase art supplies. The studio is expecting over 200 people to this fabulous event and will present the donation at The Governor Hotel’s Heritage Ballroom during Young Audiences annual variety show, Mad Hot Anything Goes on Saturday, May 22.
The Dance Studio has been a flurry of activity since it’s soft opening on April 6. Information and news clips covering Fred Astaire’s Portland location are frequently updated on Facebook at Fred Astaire Dance Studio – Portland.
What to Expect at Your First Ballroom Dance Lesson
from articlecity.com:
by: Meg Sommers
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little apprehensive coming to your first lesson at a dance studio. Exactly what happens? How difficult will it be? Who will be your instructor? What should you wear? Many questions will run through your mind. Here's some information to help you prepare.
When you arrive at the studio you'll be greeted by the studio manager and introduced to your instructor. In any of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, teachers are experienced in teaching beginner students through advanced dancers. Your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have any short-term dance goals, such as an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like. If you aren't sure which specific dances you want to try, your teacher will choose a few for you.
Don't worry if you haven't had prior dance experience; each figure will be broken down into very basic, natural movements. Under the guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and dull. It will go at your pace.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be surprised just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
If you come alone, you'll get to dance the entire time with your “easy-to-dance-with†teacher. If you participate as a couple, your instructor will assign each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
You should wear comfortable clothes which allow easy movement. Dressing in layers is a good idea because as the session progresses, you'll get warm just as with any other exercise. You should wear shoes which fit securely on your feet – slingbacks and sandals are not good choices and rubber-soled shoes have a tendency to stick to the floor. So it's preferable to wear either a leather-soled shoe or, ideally, a ballroom dance shoe with suede sole. If you're a woman who normally wears a high heel when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
Dance shoes aren't necessary for your first lesson, but if you'd like to shop ahead of time, we recommend you find and visit a local dance shoe store. They will help you select a pair of shoes appropriate for someone getting started in ballroom dancing.
by: Meg Sommers
If you're new to ballroom dancing, you might be a little apprehensive coming to your first lesson at a dance studio. Exactly what happens? How difficult will it be? Who will be your instructor? What should you wear? Many questions will run through your mind. Here's some information to help you prepare.
When you arrive at the studio you'll be greeted by the studio manager and introduced to your instructor. In any of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios, teachers are experienced in teaching beginner students through advanced dancers. Your instructor will quickly make you feel at home in the studio environment.
You'll be asked if you have any short-term dance goals, such as an upcoming event or vacation, and what kind of music or dance styles you like. If you aren't sure which specific dances you want to try, your teacher will choose a few for you.
Don't worry if you haven't had prior dance experience; each figure will be broken down into very basic, natural movements. Under the guidance of your instructor, the lesson will never feel too fast or too slow and dull. It will go at your pace.
By the end of your first lesson, you'll probably be surprised just how easy it was to get started and you'll already be dancing a few steps in several different dances.
If you come alone, you'll get to dance the entire time with your “easy-to-dance-with†teacher. If you participate as a couple, your instructor will assign each of you your own responsibilities as the leader and follower so that you can succeed as a team on the dance floor.
You should wear comfortable clothes which allow easy movement. Dressing in layers is a good idea because as the session progresses, you'll get warm just as with any other exercise. You should wear shoes which fit securely on your feet – slingbacks and sandals are not good choices and rubber-soled shoes have a tendency to stick to the floor. So it's preferable to wear either a leather-soled shoe or, ideally, a ballroom dance shoe with suede sole. If you're a woman who normally wears a high heel when going out, we suggest you wear a similar heel height on your lesson.
Dance shoes aren't necessary for your first lesson, but if you'd like to shop ahead of time, we recommend you find and visit a local dance shoe store. They will help you select a pair of shoes appropriate for someone getting started in ballroom dancing.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
So You Think You Can Dance Premiere
from sytycdism.com:
The premiere of season seven (May 27, 2010) is coming up! Here’s the TV schedule!
Confirmed:
Thursday, May 27 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Miami and New York City Auditions
Wednesday, June 2 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Chicago and Los Angeles Auditions
Thursday, June 3 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Nashville and Dallas Auditions, Vegas Callbacks Part I
Wednesday, June 9 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Vegas Callbacks Part II, Top 10 Reveal (Judges going to their houses)
Thursday, June 10 (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Top 10 Intro Show
Notes:
- Auditions actually went chronologically as: New York, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Schedule for the actual competition: performances Wednesdays 8pm (2 hours), results Thursdays 9pm (1 hour)
The premiere of season seven (May 27, 2010) is coming up! Here’s the TV schedule!
Confirmed:
Thursday, May 27 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Miami and New York City Auditions
Wednesday, June 2 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Chicago and Los Angeles Auditions
Thursday, June 3 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Nashville and Dallas Auditions, Vegas Callbacks Part I
Wednesday, June 9 (8:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Vegas Callbacks Part II, Top 10 Reveal (Judges going to their houses)
Thursday, June 10 (9:00 PM – 10:00 PM) – Top 10 Intro Show
Notes:
- Auditions actually went chronologically as: New York, Miami, Dallas, Nashville, Chicago, Los Angeles
- Schedule for the actual competition: performances Wednesdays 8pm (2 hours), results Thursdays 9pm (1 hour)
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Let's Dance
Vida Vongsay’s real office doesn’t have any furniture, computers, calendars or other typical cubicle items. She doesn’t do much sitting, either.
Instead, Vongsay, a retired competitive dancer, teaches students of all ages from across Northeast Florida the art of dancing.
“That’s my office,” Vongsay said, pointing to an open dance studio with a mirrored wall and wood floor. “That’s where I am.”
Vongsay is a franchise owner of Fred Astaire Dance Studios, named after the famed Broadway and film actor and dancer. At her Arlington studio, she instructs dance of all varieties, from ball room and salsa to line dancing and the tango.
Students come to the studio to learn for special events, such as cruises and weddings, or simply to learn. Some are apprehensive.
“I always ask them, ‘Can you walk? Does your heart beat?’,” she said. “When they say ‘yes,’ then I tell them they can dance.”
While business at the studio was down somewhat last year because of the economy, business has picked up.
Vongsay has been dancing for 17 years and teaching for six, and couldn’t be happier.
“I love it,” she said. “Some people are asked what they would be doing if they weren’t doing their regular job, but I can’t see myself doing anything else.”
She’s incorporating that love into playing a key role in two upcoming events that prominently feature dance: the Jacksonville “Dancing with the Stars” competition May 1 to benefit Pine Castle and the “Celebrate Asia! 2010” event May 8 at the Hyatt.
For the local “Dancing with the Stars” competition, Vongsay and her staff have been training local celebrity amateur dancers who have garnered votes online and will be judged in person during the event. Proceeds will benefit Pine Castle, a nonprofit that assists adults with developmental disabilities.
“It’s going to be great,” she said.
She’s equally enthusiastic about the “Celebrate Asia! 2010” event that will commemorate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month in May. Vongsay is chair of the event and has been planning the most minute of details.
The celebration, which she expects will be a full house, will feature dance, music, food and entertainment from a number of countries.
“A lot of Asians love to dance,” she said as she adjusts a dragon costume in a spare room. “We’ve been working hard to make sure everyone will have a fantastic time. We have a lot of big names who will be there.”
Vongsay is enjoying the multiple tasks of event preparation and teaching.
“I just love what I do,” she said.
Monday, May 17, 2010
At 88, she got up off the floor to dance again
from jsonline.com:
Posted: May 14, 2010 (5) Comments
Move over, Betty White.
Octogenarian Sara Shipe of Grafton - she's 88, same as Betty - gets the spotlight now.
White is coming off last week's wildly successful hosting job at "Saturday Night Live." Agreed, she was fabulous and funny.
But Shipe - who may be to ballroom dancing what White is to comedy - is no slouch, either. Topping off months of recovery from multiple pelvis and elbow fractures, she donned a sparkling dress and her dancing shoes and fox-trotted her way out of a Cedarburg rehabilitation center last month.
"It felt pretty good after lying in bed all that time," she said.
Now she's back to weekly dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Mequon and working out again with a personal trainer.
"I'm not quite there yet, but we're getting there," she said of her old dancing form.
Shipe took up ballroom dancing just two years ago and did well enough in a Milwaukee competition last December to win a championship trophy for an age group of dancers up to 25 years younger than she.
Shipe's daughter and fellow dancing student, Susie Rugg of the Town of Grafton, said that during that same period, her mother overcame a stroke, breast cancer surgery and radiation.
"And all this time, she kept dancing," Rugg said.
Shortly after winning a trophy for her "smooth" dances - the waltz, tango and fox trot - last December, Shipe took a spill while hauling a case of soda from her garage into the house where she lives independently. Her daughter was alerted by Shipe's personal trainer, who said Shipe didn't show up for her usual three-times-a-week workout.
The news wasn't good.
Shipe, who said she was on the garage floor for about an hour, doesn't remember much. But her daughter said she was in a lot of pain from elbow fractures and two fractures in her pelvis. She couldn't walk, let alone dance. She was hospitalized for a while and then spent three months at Cedar Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Brooke Engelhart, therapy director at the center, said a therapist caught on to Shipe's interest in dancing and used that for motivation. And wouldn't you know? A new certified nursing assistant at the home, Jacob Schwanz, had been a Fred Astaire dance instructor and knew Shipe from the Mequon center.
Schwanz, 21, happily agreed to dance with Shipe on her last day in rehab, even if he wasn't scheduled to work that day. Rugg brought in her mother's outfit - a white gown glittering with crystals and small-heeled dancing shoes - and fixed her hair and makeup. She looked as glamorous as, well, Betty White.
Then, in front of staff, other patients and family, the pair of Schwanz and Shipe stepped out for the 90-second turn on the dance floor.
"It was really inspiring," Rugg said.
But that's her mom.
Shipe, mother of four, was a teacher and elementary school principal in Pennsylvania before retiring. Ten years ago, she moved to Grafton, near her daughter, needing a lift in life.
Rugg, who's been a gym teacher, dance team coach, diver dreaming of the Olympics, mother of two, homemaker and, currently, a psychotherapist, set an example. She turned to dancing first.
Rugg, 62, said she was overweight and a longtime smoker who finally took a look at herself five years ago.
"I said, 'That's it!' I declared food my enemy and threw away my cigarettes. I refused to die a chubby old, frumpy woman."
Rugg began to dance, hired a trainer and lost 55 pounds, so far. She's gone on to national competitions twice, she said - taking third place in rhythm dance routines last year behind two 18-year-olds who took first and second.
Shipe said after watching her daughter - "she looked so good" - she decided to do the same thing. She describes her daughter as "a lot better, more agile." Rugg returns the compliment, saying her mother is "extremely graceful," but someone who can "put on the ham" for applause, too.
"Dancing with the Stars" is must-see TV for these two, and Shipe bragged that she danced with Tony Dovolani - one of the show's professional dancers who this season was paired with Kate Gosselin.
"I was better than she," Shipe said, and who's to argue? Gosselin and Dovolani were booted from the mix last month.
As if to warm up to the challenge of overcoming broken bones, Shipe and Rugg both recalled a near disastrous accident at a dance competition earlier in 2009. Shipe caught her heel in a hallway rug. She tripped and flew up against a wall, cutting her forehead and requiring 33 stitches.
"This woman's crazy!" Rugg said, recalling how her mother danced the next day anyway.
"She said, 'Maybe I'll get some sympathy votes for it,'" Rugg recalled.
So the show - and the dance -goes on.
Posted: May 14, 2010 (5) Comments
Move over, Betty White.
Octogenarian Sara Shipe of Grafton - she's 88, same as Betty - gets the spotlight now.
White is coming off last week's wildly successful hosting job at "Saturday Night Live." Agreed, she was fabulous and funny.
But Shipe - who may be to ballroom dancing what White is to comedy - is no slouch, either. Topping off months of recovery from multiple pelvis and elbow fractures, she donned a sparkling dress and her dancing shoes and fox-trotted her way out of a Cedarburg rehabilitation center last month.
"It felt pretty good after lying in bed all that time," she said.
Now she's back to weekly dance lessons at Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Mequon and working out again with a personal trainer.
"I'm not quite there yet, but we're getting there," she said of her old dancing form.
Shipe took up ballroom dancing just two years ago and did well enough in a Milwaukee competition last December to win a championship trophy for an age group of dancers up to 25 years younger than she.
Shipe's daughter and fellow dancing student, Susie Rugg of the Town of Grafton, said that during that same period, her mother overcame a stroke, breast cancer surgery and radiation.
"And all this time, she kept dancing," Rugg said.
Shortly after winning a trophy for her "smooth" dances - the waltz, tango and fox trot - last December, Shipe took a spill while hauling a case of soda from her garage into the house where she lives independently. Her daughter was alerted by Shipe's personal trainer, who said Shipe didn't show up for her usual three-times-a-week workout.
The news wasn't good.
Shipe, who said she was on the garage floor for about an hour, doesn't remember much. But her daughter said she was in a lot of pain from elbow fractures and two fractures in her pelvis. She couldn't walk, let alone dance. She was hospitalized for a while and then spent three months at Cedar Springs Health and Rehabilitation Center.
Brooke Engelhart, therapy director at the center, said a therapist caught on to Shipe's interest in dancing and used that for motivation. And wouldn't you know? A new certified nursing assistant at the home, Jacob Schwanz, had been a Fred Astaire dance instructor and knew Shipe from the Mequon center.
Schwanz, 21, happily agreed to dance with Shipe on her last day in rehab, even if he wasn't scheduled to work that day. Rugg brought in her mother's outfit - a white gown glittering with crystals and small-heeled dancing shoes - and fixed her hair and makeup. She looked as glamorous as, well, Betty White.
Then, in front of staff, other patients and family, the pair of Schwanz and Shipe stepped out for the 90-second turn on the dance floor.
"It was really inspiring," Rugg said.
But that's her mom.
Shipe, mother of four, was a teacher and elementary school principal in Pennsylvania before retiring. Ten years ago, she moved to Grafton, near her daughter, needing a lift in life.
Rugg, who's been a gym teacher, dance team coach, diver dreaming of the Olympics, mother of two, homemaker and, currently, a psychotherapist, set an example. She turned to dancing first.
Rugg, 62, said she was overweight and a longtime smoker who finally took a look at herself five years ago.
"I said, 'That's it!' I declared food my enemy and threw away my cigarettes. I refused to die a chubby old, frumpy woman."
Rugg began to dance, hired a trainer and lost 55 pounds, so far. She's gone on to national competitions twice, she said - taking third place in rhythm dance routines last year behind two 18-year-olds who took first and second.
Shipe said after watching her daughter - "she looked so good" - she decided to do the same thing. She describes her daughter as "a lot better, more agile." Rugg returns the compliment, saying her mother is "extremely graceful," but someone who can "put on the ham" for applause, too.
"Dancing with the Stars" is must-see TV for these two, and Shipe bragged that she danced with Tony Dovolani - one of the show's professional dancers who this season was paired with Kate Gosselin.
"I was better than she," Shipe said, and who's to argue? Gosselin and Dovolani were booted from the mix last month.
As if to warm up to the challenge of overcoming broken bones, Shipe and Rugg both recalled a near disastrous accident at a dance competition earlier in 2009. Shipe caught her heel in a hallway rug. She tripped and flew up against a wall, cutting her forehead and requiring 33 stitches.
"This woman's crazy!" Rugg said, recalling how her mother danced the next day anyway.
"She said, 'Maybe I'll get some sympathy votes for it,'" Rugg recalled.
So the show - and the dance -goes on.
Three Things Most People Don't Know About Ballroom Dancing
from articlesnatch.com:
By: Blaze Smith
First, it improves your poise and the presence that you take with you. It makes you more comfortable with your appearance and physique. If you get past your fear of dancing in front of many people, you become at ease in situations like meeting new people, speaking in front of a crowd, and sharing your knowledge to others. People around you become intrigued, fascinated, and see you in a different way than the way you perceive yourself. You're no longer afraid of the way you speak, the way you write or the way you craft a software program. A lot of people have gotten away from understanding how their physical presence is being observed by other people.
Next, taking dance lessons can be good for releasing stress. Many people are worried that they're unsure if they can make it. It's actually a simple thing to do. You start to relax and you become absorbed as the music is played. You dance with a nice person that's in front of you, remember the steps, and think about the laws of dance from your teacher. It's like playing a sports activity. It's very absorbing for a lot of people. The rest of the world may not melt away but your problems or issues tend to go away. Unlike meditating wherein you're in a sleep state, dancing makes you very focused and connected especially if you like the music or the song. It's like being in a car, singing out loud while driving fast! It's a "��yes"�� moment yet safer. You're also invigorating your body and building those endorphins out there. Everybody knows that those make you feel better. It's like watching a good movie that makes you laugh. Instead of just sitting and watching, you become part of the movie wherein you are actually moving around yourself. It really takes you into another place.
Lastly, if you follow and listen to your teacher's suggestions, it definitely gets you to use your core muscles and be more aware of working on your posture. Some people find they lose a couple of inches around their waists after toning these areas. They look slimmer & taller and fit into clothes differently. It's an aerobic exercise wherein you will burn off calories and lose weight if you come to the studio regularly. Even if you're not worried about losing weight, you get to tighten and tone your muscles especially the midsection area.
Let's go dancing!
By: Blaze Smith
First, it improves your poise and the presence that you take with you. It makes you more comfortable with your appearance and physique. If you get past your fear of dancing in front of many people, you become at ease in situations like meeting new people, speaking in front of a crowd, and sharing your knowledge to others. People around you become intrigued, fascinated, and see you in a different way than the way you perceive yourself. You're no longer afraid of the way you speak, the way you write or the way you craft a software program. A lot of people have gotten away from understanding how their physical presence is being observed by other people.
Next, taking dance lessons can be good for releasing stress. Many people are worried that they're unsure if they can make it. It's actually a simple thing to do. You start to relax and you become absorbed as the music is played. You dance with a nice person that's in front of you, remember the steps, and think about the laws of dance from your teacher. It's like playing a sports activity. It's very absorbing for a lot of people. The rest of the world may not melt away but your problems or issues tend to go away. Unlike meditating wherein you're in a sleep state, dancing makes you very focused and connected especially if you like the music or the song. It's like being in a car, singing out loud while driving fast! It's a "��yes"�� moment yet safer. You're also invigorating your body and building those endorphins out there. Everybody knows that those make you feel better. It's like watching a good movie that makes you laugh. Instead of just sitting and watching, you become part of the movie wherein you are actually moving around yourself. It really takes you into another place.
Lastly, if you follow and listen to your teacher's suggestions, it definitely gets you to use your core muscles and be more aware of working on your posture. Some people find they lose a couple of inches around their waists after toning these areas. They look slimmer & taller and fit into clothes differently. It's an aerobic exercise wherein you will burn off calories and lose weight if you come to the studio regularly. Even if you're not worried about losing weight, you get to tighten and tone your muscles especially the midsection area.
Let's go dancing!
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Era Night!
By Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York.
This week, the couples did two routines and I was happy to see that Nicole Scherzinger finally earned a 10 from Len Goodman! Nicole and Derek are now in first place with 59 points out of 60. Close behind are Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya and Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
Nicole's first dance was a Foxtrot and it was a joy to watch. Nicole and Derek portrayed a nice love story. She looked great without any stress. For their second routine, they danced a 1950s Paso Doble. I didn't know how they were going to pull that one off but the dance was perfect. I have no critiques!
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 53/60)
Evan's first dance was a Waltz. I didn't care for this dance's choreography. In my opinion, waltzes should be more progressive, flowing across the floor, but Evan's dance didn't have that kind of movement. Then he danced a futuristic Cha-cha. Usually, Evan's Latin dances are weaker than his ballroom dances but in this case, his futuristic movements worked very well.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 53/60)
Erin's first dance, a Tango, was great. She had phenomenal legs and she pulled off a difficult, entertaining jump in the beginning. I really enjoyed the choreography. For her second routine, she danced an 80s Rumba. This was another dance with great choreography. Erin and Maks looked good together. She was very flexible with beautiful top lines. Her dance was smooth and lyrical.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 45/60)
Chad's Tango needed more polish. I loved the presentation but he needed to work more on the character of the dance and the connection with his partner. His 60s Jive was very high energy and a good dance overall.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel (total score: 43/60) ELIMINATED
Niecy's Viennese Waltz was very pretty but she needed more flowing actions and her transitions weren't clear enough. There was too much pull and push in the dance. Her 1990s Paso Doble didn't have enough control and balance. The dance's choreography was difficult with interesting elements but I didn't care for the music and it didn't seem to fit Niecy's personality.
It is important to show the style and technique of each dance and I'm happy to see that ALL the couples have improved each week with that. Next week, it's the semi-final round!
This week, the couples did two routines and I was happy to see that Nicole Scherzinger finally earned a 10 from Len Goodman! Nicole and Derek are now in first place with 59 points out of 60. Close behind are Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya and Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough (total score: 59/60)
Nicole's first dance was a Foxtrot and it was a joy to watch. Nicole and Derek portrayed a nice love story. She looked great without any stress. For their second routine, they danced a 1950s Paso Doble. I didn't know how they were going to pull that one off but the dance was perfect. I have no critiques!
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya (total score: 53/60)
Evan's first dance was a Waltz. I didn't care for this dance's choreography. In my opinion, waltzes should be more progressive, flowing across the floor, but Evan's dance didn't have that kind of movement. Then he danced a futuristic Cha-cha. Usually, Evan's Latin dances are weaker than his ballroom dances but in this case, his futuristic movements worked very well.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy (total score: 53/60)
Erin's first dance, a Tango, was great. She had phenomenal legs and she pulled off a difficult, entertaining jump in the beginning. I really enjoyed the choreography. For her second routine, she danced an 80s Rumba. This was another dance with great choreography. Erin and Maks looked good together. She was very flexible with beautiful top lines. Her dance was smooth and lyrical.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke (total score: 45/60)
Chad's Tango needed more polish. I loved the presentation but he needed to work more on the character of the dance and the connection with his partner. His 60s Jive was very high energy and a good dance overall.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel (total score: 43/60) ELIMINATED
Niecy's Viennese Waltz was very pretty but she needed more flowing actions and her transitions weren't clear enough. There was too much pull and push in the dance. Her 1990s Paso Doble didn't have enough control and balance. The dance's choreography was difficult with interesting elements but I didn't care for the music and it didn't seem to fit Niecy's personality.
It is important to show the style and technique of each dance and I'm happy to see that ALL the couples have improved each week with that. Next week, it's the semi-final round!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)