Glue Review

E6000
Medium Viscosity Clear

This is my favorite glue to use when applying rhinestones to any of my costumes, accessories, etc. It dries strong and clear.

What you need:

• E6000 Glue
• A small wooden stick of sorts
• Hot wax
• Rhinestones - Spend the extra $$ to get real crystal rhinestones as they reflect a tremendous amount of light. You will need less rhinestones in the end.
• Something that you want to apply Bling to.
  

How to apply:

The trick is to use a thin chopstick or something wood (a toothpick is too small). Dip one end in a bit of wax and mold a Q-tip like look on the end. This end will be used to pick up the rhinestones (face up).

Dab a tiny (a little goes a long way) amount of glue on the end with no wax and place on garment or accessory. Use the end with wax to pick up the rhinestone and apply!

Have fun and remember to do this in a WELL ventilated area.

Dance Shoe Review

Discount Dance Supply - "Latina"

Pretty Latin shoe designed for a slightly wider foot. The well placed toe straps are positioned to avoid the toes from slipping out of the sides. The T-Strap is a flattering look which gives the illusion of a longer leg line. The sole is rather thin however, easy to point the toes in. Not the best shoe for a professional dancer or instructor. I had to order 1 full size smaller than my street shoe to fit as they run rather large. My toes are scrunched because I was leaning forward to take the pic. ;)

Click here to purchase this shoe

Our Eyes To Your Body

For some instructors, teaching dance is just a job. For others, it's a career. However, for many like me, it is far more. It is a passion.

Teaching is not just about dancing or how good we instructors are. It's also about sharing our countless hours of study with someone who is putting their trust in us to teach them well. It's about someone becoming vulnerable enough to try out all of the things that most likely make them feel very uncomfortable right in front of us and trusting us to mold them from there. As an instructor, it is from our eyes to your body which (simply put) is so cool.

We have a vision of what your body can and will do eventually. Trust that your instructor has a vision for you. When they ask you to do something that may feel silly or awkward, there is definitely a reason. As an instructor it is our job to find out how you process information best, how you move and what your goals are. From there we can make it happen.

Remember - from our eyes to your body...it can happen!

Just a note

Thank You to all of the wonderful people who spoke or wrote so many healing words to me during such a hard time. Each and every word meant the world to me and my family.

I'm taking the following lessons from this unfortunate loss.

Life falls short for some, so make every moment count because in the end we never really know for certain. If you love, love BIG. If you enjoy ice-cream, eat ice-cream. There is tremendous HONOR in parenthood. If you are a parent, I commend and respect you. If you've always wanted to do something, do it, enjoy it and devour it. Lastly, cherish those that surround you simply because they like you.

- Allyson

I will now get back to blogging!

Tis The Season To Dance

Take a moment this month to explore your dancing dreams.  What would you like to do by the end of the year?  Who would you like to dance with?  Where would you like to be?  See it?  Now, do it!

After all...Tis The Season To Dance (and decorate).

Dancing in VEGAS

Las Vegas, Nv.

DJ Larry Taylor's Ballroom Dancing
Gold Coast Hotel and Casino:
4000 W. Flamingo Rd. 702-367-7111
Sunday 1 - 4 PM Friday 7 - 10 PM $7.50 Cover - Includes 2 Drinks
Free Dance Lessons Sunday Noon - 1 PM Friday 6 - 7 PM

Bellagio Hotel – Fontana Lounge:
3600 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 702-693-7111
Dancing to a variety of music/Tuesdays-Saturdays – 9:30pm til ?

Boulder Station:
4111 Boulder Highway 702-432-7777

Latin dancing – Sundays - 7-11pm

Dance Charisma:
3650 S. Jones Suite 16 702-364-8700
Ballroom dance party starting at 8pm Fridays.
Big Band Swing - Sundays - 7 to 9pm

Dance Fitness & Sport:
633 N. Decatur Blvd 702-258-8745
Ballroom Dancing - Friday - 8-11pm

Dylan’s Dance Hall:
4660 Boulder Highway 451-4006
Country Dancing – Friday & Saturday – 7pm to Dawn

Frontier Hotel – Gilley’s Saloon:
3120 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 636-7111
Country Dancing – Call for information

Gold Coast Hotel and Casino:
4000 W. Flamingo Rd. 702-367-7111
Salsa with Latin Breeze - Friday & Saturday – 11pm to 2am - Admission is $10

MGM – Studio 54:
3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd. 891-1111
Hustle, West Coast Swing & Freestyle – Tuesdays-Saturdays – 10pm til ?

Rio Hotel and Casino
3700 W. Flamingo Rd. 702-252-7777
Latin La-Beat-Oh-Nights Club Rio
Wednesday Evening 10:30PM

Texas Station
2101 Texas Star Lane 702-631-1000
Sunday Swing - Featuring Jerry Tiffe - 4pm-8pm

Get Sweet On Your Lead

If your lovey is taking dance lessons, it's most likely to enjoy quality time with you. Devour it! Become sweet on your lead and realize that it's no piece of cake. He's thinking of many things all at once as well as how great and comfortable you look. There are so many times I see a sour face on the follow as if she just ate a lemon. I know, you're thinking, "If he does another box I'm going to scream." Instead, practice your technique while he does that one extra box (which gives him time to think of the next pattern that he wants to lead correctly to impress you). So, turn that lemon into lemonade and quench the thirst that many women have. If you already slipped up and gave him that sour pout, offer a yummy apology. Give him some sugar and it'll eventually turn into a spicy dance that could spark your appetite for years to come.

East Coast Swing

Class Patterns

1. Open Basic
2. Outside UA Turn
3. Man's UA Turn
4. Closed Basic - rotating 4 x to the right
5. Underarm Release (place hand up to the cheek, tuck and then turn)

West Coast Swing Music

Click on this link to purchase an I-Mix I created for those of you who are I-tunes users:

West Coast Swing Dance Lounge CD

Otherwise, here are the songs I'm using most often in class.

1. Respect - Aretha Franklin
2. Chain of Fools - Aretha Franklin
3. Give Me One Reason - Eric Clapton & Tracy Chapman
4. On A Saturday Night - Buddy Guy
5. Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa-Fa - Otis Redding
6. Secret - Maroon 5
7. Come When I Call - John Mayer
8. Summertime - Josh Rouse
9. Message In A Bottle - John Mayer

Thank you to everyone who showed up for this series. We are going to have a great time! See you on the dance floor - Allyson

Beginners - Bolero

All patterns taught in group class will be posted here each week.

Week 1

1. Basic
2. Right Side Pass
3. Basic
4. New Yorker's w/ pivot turn
   
5. Basic
6. Lady's Curl
7. Traveling Combination
   

Foxtrot

1. Zig Zag - forward
2. Zig Zag - back
3. Twinkle to Promenade Chasse
4. Promenade Check
5. Basic Promenade
6. Left Rock Turn
7. Promenade UA turn
8. Promenade Pivot
9. Promenade
10. Swing Step
11. Forward & Back Twinkles
    

Don't be a bully

Some people take dance lessons to just enjoy the art of dance and learn how to move their body a particular way. For some, it comes rather naturally. For others, it is often a tool to improve on certain factors in their life and the movements take a great deal of work to process.

Dancing is a sport that requires many things. However, body awareness and confidence definitely rank at the top. It is important to keep this in mind while dancing with someone because any type of criticism could be devastating; especially if they are trying their best. Learn how to be of assistance without making them feel like they've done something wrong. Dancing is a very vulnerable position to be in so one must realize that dancing with a partner is requiring a certain amount of trust. The trust goes beyond lead and follow and extends through how one feels dancing with that partner.

It is not nice to poke fun at a fellow dancer who's goal (obviously) is to do their best.

For The Leaders Of The World

I can not explain a more wonderful feeling than that of a man who knows how to lead. Am I right ladies? It is truly a feeling like no other. When a man knows just how to embrace a woman with confidence, a secure hold and a toned frame, it is not uncommon for the follow to drift into a sea of happiness. Lets face it. As a woman, we secretly desire to be swept off our feet (not literally).

Have you ever heard a dance partner say "you don't know the power of your own strength" while dancing? That is not usually a compliment. It implies that the lead you've provided is a little to firm or rigid for the lady's comfort. The better your follow is, the less strength she needs. A good follow will want a simple guide, follow through and most importantly a toned (not rigid) frame. You will know it when you see it because suddenly, the lady will dance. You don't have to be the most stylish dancer however, you should strive to become a great lead.

What do I mean by that? Imagine you're holding an egg. What amount of care would you take to secure the egg's safety? What amount of pressure would it take for the egg to crack? It is the same type of connection while dancing.

Fantasy Dancing!

Are you a Dancing With The Stars fanatic? Do you say what the judges say before they even say it? If so, check out this link.

Dancing With The Stars

"Play along each week by picking the couple you think will have the judges raving and which couples will leave the judges cold. You'll score points for every correct pick until the final championship couple is crowned, and get the chance to win fun prizes. A new round of game play starts every week, the morning after the results show."

Beginners - Quickstep

Hello Dancers,

Take a peek here each week to review the patterns learned in group class. Practice makes perfect and remember, by the end of the month you will feel more confident dancing everything due to the repetition.

Week 1

1. Basic - In Line
2. Forward Check - S, S, S, S, Q, Q, S (dance check portion Outside Partner)
3. Natural Turn - Outside Partner/In Line

Kick Ball Change

Take 30 seconds each day to practice your Kick-Ball-Change action. Remember to switch up the starting foot. Try ending with the feet together and then try practicing a Kick-Ball-Step action. If you do this just a little bit every day, you'll have it down in no time.

SAMPLE

Kick-Ball-Change (R-L-R) 1 ah 2- kick out right foot (gently and keep it close to the floor) bring it back - place weight onto the ball of right foot on the floor next to the left foot - then quickly change weight to your left foot. *This action almost feels like a limp.

Kick-Ball-Step (R-L-R) 1 ah 2- kick out right foot (gently and keep it close to the floor) bring it back - place weight onto the ball of right foot on the floor next to the left foot - then quickly step forward with left foot and change weight. Use the "ball" action as a catapult to achieve desired amount of power to step forward by pushing down while stepping onto the ball. This action will assist in your advance forward. *Remember the power is always in the supporting leg.

Ballroom Dance Position

Start - stand facing each other aka square (even though you'll be positioned off center)

Lead

Stand with feet together, straight posture, head & chin up with the arms to the sides. Offer the follow to set into dance position by extending the left arm to offer the left hand. Raise the right arm up and open. As the follow steps into dance position, continue to raise the left hand up to the eye level of the follow and close the right arm just below the follow's left shoulder blade. Keep the elbows back at an even, elevated position.

Note: The follow is to be positioned on the lead's right side. The lead's left foot should be slightly on the outside of the follow's right foot/leg to provide individual tracks to dance on.

Follow

Stand with feet together in front of the lead. As the lead offers the follow to step into dance position, the follow will accept the offer by placing the right hand into the lead's left, step forward (as many as necessary to get close, usually up to about three steps) ending with the weight on the left foot, raise the left arm so the lead can close up the position and drag in the right foot keeping the weight off of it (keeping it free to enable it to move quickly). Remember to remain off center to the lead favoring the side with the hand on the back (the follow's left). The follow should be able to look over the lead's right actual shoulder (not nose to nose). This means the follow's left foot will be on the outside of the lead's right foot.

Practice Time vs Learning Curve

Be patient with yourself and the time you're putting in. Also, be realistic about this time. I hear over and over, "I've been dancing for 6 months and still don't get certain things." Well, at 1 hour per week at an estimated 26 weeks in the 6 month time, that's really only 26 hours of training; just a little over one whole day (not even a full work week yet).

So, when you start to think of it in terms of..."the sun was shining when I started and now there is snow on the ground." Think again. How many hours of time have you put in and how much time was left in between sessions for the retention value to decrease? Remember the more time in between sessions, the more you'll have to review.

This should shed new light on your dance perspective. Keep it healthy and keep it realistic! Mostly, just try and enjoy the process of learning with the idea in mind that you can only ALWAYS get better which is so very cool.

Sept - Beginners Class

Rumba Routine

1. Box
2. Underarm Turn
3. Rumba Walks
4. 5th Position Breaks
5. Cross Box Lead
6. Open Break
7. Alternating Underarm Turns
8. Box
9. Promenade Swivels
10. Cuddle Wrap & Sweetheart
    

• Use the balls of the feet (1st thing on the floor w/ toes & last thing off)
  

Waltz Routine

1. Box
2. Underarm Turn
3. 4 Progressive Basics
4. 4 Point Hesitations
5. Turning Box
6. Face to Face & Back to Back

Getting Into The Groove

Dancing is not only a sport, it's a way to express or even release emotion. While taking a class or dancing on the floor, stop for a second and really listen to the music. What's it saying? What does the rhythm feel like? I don't just mean fast or slow. I mean, find the adjective. Is it happy, sad, sensual, funky, frisky, silly, groovy, flirty, distinguished, aggressive, commanding, elegant or graceful? How does the music speak to you? When you hear the feeling or mood, set the same tone in your dancing. If it's smooth and sultry, dance smooth and sultry. If it's elegant and drawn, dance with grace and elongate your movements to match the draw of the timing. If it's aggressive and commanding of attention, dance as though your a lion, matador, king or any intimidating thing you admire and yet are a little afraid of.

The point is, if you listen for the emotion, nine times out ten you will start to hear the music, the beat and the syncopations being offered to dance to. Your body will suddenly start to pace itself to rhyme with the music as if it were a reflection. The emotion creates the energy your body needs to get into the groove.

Stretch Your Body

I found this site where there is a great amount of detail in the "how to's" of every dance related stretch. Check it out.

120 Dance Stretches
click here

Learning the basics

I believe that learning the basics of many dances at once, is really the most mentally challenging time as a dancer. It takes a lot of effort to comprehend just one dance let alone ten. However, once you've grasped the basics and timing of each dance, everything becomes much easier to learn. Suddenly it's not always left foot forward, right foot side, left foot close, then step side to the right foot and back with the left foot, next replace weight to the right, etc. etc. It then becomes a half a basic box to an open break! Done and might I say, "Way easier!!!"

Spotting Turns

It is essential to spot while dancing through any type of turn. "Spotting" is the use of the eyes focusing on a definite point (usually at eye level) while turning. To do this, the head is the last to move as the body turns away from the spotting point and the first to arrive back to the spotting point as the body quickly catches up. You may also use your partner's eyes to spot. This will help secure a landing position as well.

Practice spotting while brushing your teeth. Take itsy-bitsy steps rotating in a small cirlce. Look at your eyes in the mirror and keep looking at them while your feet & body are turning. Keep looking at yourself as long as your neck can physically able you to do so. As soon as you feel like you can't look any more, bring the head around to other side (as if looking over your shoulder), find yourself in the mirror again and then catch the body up to finish the rest of the turn. Turns should go as follows - spot, body, spot, body

This will eliminate the dizziness felt while turning.

There's no need to be a wallflower any longer!

Let's face it, dancing is intimidating for many people. Does this internal dialogue sound familiar?

It seems like everyone knows what they're doing except for me. Look at them; they're having so much fun. I feel like I have no rhythm. I wouldn't even know what to do if I did get on the floor. It's so much easier being a wallflower even though I'm not having any fun. I wish I could just get out there and dance.

The next time you start this mind bending chatter, think about the following. Studies have proved that the eye naturally tends to seek out aesthetically pleasing colors and shapes. Therefore, when you think everyone is a great dancer except for you, it's because your eyes are naturally finding the ones who truly are. And yet, if you take a moment to really look around the room, usually there are only a couple of highly trained dancers and everyone else is just having fun shaking what they're mama gave them. ;)

So get off that wall and dance, shake, groove, tap, whatever it takes to enjoy yourself. It's the most fun to dance with someone having fun.

Tango - Beginners Routine

Tango Basic

• Lead

• Walk Forwards, Walk, Walk, Side, Close (keep weight on right foot)
• L R L R L
• Slow Slow Quick Quick Slow

• Follow

• Walk Backwards, Walk, Walk, Side, Close (keep weight on left foot)
• R L R L R
  
• Slow Slow Quick Quick Slow

Double Cortes (Rotating)
Promenade
Flare Promenade
Tango Rocks
La Puerta Fans

Cha Cha Beginners Routine

Side Basic

Lead

• Steps - side, back rock, side-together-side, forward rock, side-together-side, back rock
  
• Feet - L , R L , R - L - R , L R , L - R - L , R L
• Counts - 1, 2 3, 4 and 1, 2 3, 4 and 1, 2 3

Follow

• Steps - side, forward rock, side-together-side, back rock, side-together-side, forward rock
  
• Feet - R , L R , L - R - L , R L , R - L - R , L R
  
• Counts - 1, 2 3, 4 and 1, 2 3, 4 and 1, 2 3
  

Outside Partner Breaks
Basic
Cross Over Breaks with a Pivot Turn
Basic
Progressive Basic

The counts "4 and" is your Cha Cha. Therefore, it needs to be danced smaller and faster considering it really is two 1/2 beats that you're working with. The rock steps need to remain straight back and straight forward to remain to avoid stepping on each other's toes.

Triple Progressives w/ hand switch for styling
Progressive w/ Ladies Underarm Turn
Cross Body Lead
Open Break to Alternating Underarm Turns

Dance Routine T-Shirts

Hi Dancers!

Do you have a difficult time remembering what your routine is once the music comes on?


My line of DANCE ROUTINE T-shirts is now available! These are great cheat sheets to have your dance partner wear while drilling in a new routine.

Check them out!!!

There are several styles to choose from for men and women.

Also Available:
sweatshirts, outerwear, infant clothes, hats, dance bags, maternity, home accessories and what's it's for DANCERS.

Click Here or any one of the pictures

Dance Confidence

At times we can be our own worst enemy.  We all have that nagging little voice inside that criticizes, compares and questions our every move.  This voice is especially paralyzing when it comes to dancing.  However, there will come a point when you have to just let go to see and feel what your body is capable of.  This is most often how styling is acheived.  It's what makes everyone else in the room look over and say, "Wow he/she is a great dancer."  When you can silence the voice inside sputtering out nothing but negativity, you'll soon be having fun dancing.

Anyone can compete. Are you ready?

Ballroom dance competitions offer a structured competitive environment that motivates dancers to challenge themselves.

Not only are they self gratifying, they are a lot of fun! The professional shows and competitions are something everyone should get to witness at least once in their life.

Check out www.thedancelounge.com

for more detailed information on dance competitions and what you should know.

Allyson Lockhart & George K. (student) competed in the Pro-Am division at the California Open. George did very well placing 1st in almost every dance category.

Stand By Your Man

Ladies, it's hard to lead! There are so many things that need to trigger at once just to keep a dance going. These are just to name a few: starting the dance, timing, frame, body positioning, thinking of the next pattern before the current one is over, people on the floor, floor-craft, leading you (while you're right in front of him), not to mention technique or styling. As a follow, we get the luxury of not having to really know all of our patterns inside and out. We get to work on technique & styling pretty early on so, it's understandable that a box, after a box, after a box might get boring. However, it's so important to be patient while your man is learning to lead. Imagine us getting thrown in front of a stalled out car (unless you're the exception) and told to figure out what is wrong with it. It would take a while before we'd be comfortable enough to know right away how to fix it. That's usually how the lead feels while learning to dance. He's processing everything he's learned in a 5-6-7-8 countdown that sometimes may stall out a bit. It's okay, it's normal. Have fun and enjoy his company. Dance with him and all of your patience will eventually pay off. It's better than him getting frustrated and quitting before realizing that he's quite capable of dancing.

West Coast Swing - week 1

Thank you to everyone who showed up for West Coast Swing Class tonight. Here is a list of the patterns learned in class.
A complete breakdown like the one below will be offered on-line to participating students.

Basic Starter Step:

Lead

• Rock-step, triple-step, triple-step, lunge-replace, triple step (moving slightly forward on count 4), anchor-step
• (L, R, L-R-L, R-L-R, L (leading lunge), R (replace), L-R-L (moving slightly forward towards lady), R-L-R)
• 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6

Follow

• Rock-step, triple-step, triple-step, rock-step, run-run-run, anchor-step
  
• (R, L, R-L-R, L-R-L, R, L, R-L-R, L-R-L)
• 1, 2, 3 & 4, 5 & 6

Send Out
Sugar Push (3x)
Inside Underarm Pass

Practice Makes Perfect but, remember to have fun! See you on the dance floor!

Dance Shoes

Swing shoes made by Very Fine

I have some favorite places to buy dance shoes. Check them out and then blog about your favorites.

Discount Dance Supply
I love the dance sneakers found here and the shipping is incredibly fast! They are a local company and the owners are awesome. They take pride in their business and customer care.
*Sansha & Bloch brands are my favorite



Showtime Dance Shoes - Latin*
I love the shoes offered here (shipping takes a bit longer and you really need to note the fit on the shoes however the selection is fabulous.
The Dance Lounge Studio Reward number is: 0363
*"NADIA" (pictured) is my all time favorite Latin Shoe. I buy them in nude tone satin. The straps are supportive of every aspect of my foot and ankle without being too restrictive or bothersome. Some straps can dig into the achilles tendon which I can't handle (these don't).



Elegance Dance Shoes
14006 Ventura Blvd. (between Woodman & Hazeltine)
Sherman Oaks, Ca.
(818) 788-3216
Ask for Yupa!
*Ask for the professional version of the "Shazdeh (flexi)" practice shoe. It has a double padded sole for additional comfort (worth the extra $).
WorldTone
I just found out about this place so please post a blog about your experience.
2138 Westwood Blvd.
Los Angeles, Ca. 90025

Online Ballroom & Latin Mega Store

Very Fine Dancesport Shoes

The Importance of Learning Your Dance Vocabulary

It's very important to take a minute to learn the names of certain actions. It will help you to see that the same action is danced in many different dances (with slight variations to the timing or step to achieve the desired fit).

For example, there are "Open Breaks" in almost every dance across the board (whether in Ballroom or Rhythm). Open, means to release your partner to enable her to move away from your body. Break, is another term for a rock step. So, the action "Open Break" means to dance a rock step away from your partner and release the hand on the back to create an open space between the bodies. Once you understand your dance vocabulary, it's easier to realize that you might be learning the same action in several different dances.

Listen to the name of the pattern you are learning as well. More often than not, the name will reflect the actions that are needed to create the pattern.

For example: "Open Break and Underarm Turn" means you will dance an open break followed by an underarm turn.

Many times I hear students say, "the little spinny thing with the twist at the end"...huh? This won't help your dancing because you'll soon have a thousand little pet names for everything and your patterns won't cross reference to other dances. Trust me, it's worth the extra effort to learn and understand dance vocabulary.

Get to studying and I'll see you on the dance floor!

East Coast Swing - Beginners Class

1. Basic
2. Ladies Outside Underarm Turn
3. Inside Underarm Pass
4. 4 Rotating Closed Basics
5. Promenade Swivels
6. Send Out (aka Throw Out)
7. Back Hand Change
8. Inside Underarm Pass
   

FoxTrot Routine - Beginners Class

1. Zig Zag - 3x
2. Promenade with a Quick Underarm Turn
3. Promenade
4. Left Rock Turn
5. Twinkle
6. Turning Twinkles
7. Promenade Chasses
   

Practice, Practice, Practice

You hear it all the time...

"Practice Makes Perfect!"

While daily lives limit the ability to devote several hours of practice to your dancing, just 10 minutes a day will work wonders. Take 10 minutes to practice the following Top 10 and you'll soon feel the difference.

Most Common Top 10

1. Spotting Turns - Stand in one place looking in the mirror at yourself. This is a good one to do while brushing your teeth. Keep eye contact as long as possible while turning the feet to the left (itsy-bitsy steps). Once your neck can't possibly stretch any further, snap the head around to the left to regain eye contact while the body finishes the turn.
2. Foot Turn Out - Stand like a duck and take a small step to the left side, then close and repeat (chasses). You should only touch your heels, keeping the toes in a turned out position.
3. Hip Motion - Stand like a duck. Place weight on the right leg and bend the right knee. Your right hip will lower (keep the left leg straight). Now switch. Bend the left knee, place the weight on the left leg (allow your left hip to lower) and straighten the right leg. Switch again. Repeat this action again and again.
4. Rib Cage Isolations - Place your arms out to the side (like an airplane). Stretch to the right without moving the legs or hips. Your goal is only move the rib cage. Then stretch to the left. Imagine there is someone standing on each side of you and they're gently tugging your arms.
5. Rhythm Walks - Stand feet together in turn-out, take one step forward (using the ball of the foot) and then softly rest the heel to the floor. Repeat with the other foot. The key is to keep the turn out, step with the ball of the foot and then ease the heel the the floor while walking forward.
6. Back Walks Keeping Body Forward- Whether you're dancing rhythm or ballroom the back walks can be tricky. With either dance the body needs to remain slightly forward towards your partner. Practice walking backwards while keeping the core muscles flexed so the shoulder weight remains forward. Ease the heels to the floor so the shoulder weight doesn't fall back.
7. Back Walks Rhythm - Stand in turn-out, pull one leg back, touch the toe to the floor, then the ball and ease the heel to the floor. While releasing the front foot, lift the heel and keep the toe connected to the floor so it's the last thing to leave. Then step back and ease that heel to the floor. Repeat several times.
8. Back Walks Ballroom - Stand with the feet and legs together. Pull one leg back, touch the toe to the floor, then the ball. While the toe & ball are on the floor, the front foot should begin to release. Lift the front toe up so now you're balancing on the heel of the front foot and the ball of the back foot. The body should be somewhat in the middle of the two legs. Now pull the center of the body back to get the momentum to release the front foot, pull in the leg and ease down onto the back heel. Wheww! Practice again and again.
   
9. Find the Beat - Listen to music and find the heaviest, full bodied beat you can hear. It's usually a strong bass sound. You may need to stress to ignore other instruments. Once you find it, try tapping to it each time. Now you've found the down beat or the 1. Once you've got that, listen to what happens next. Does it escalate? Does it only happen 3 times, 4 times or to a full 8 before it drops back down? Do you hear the 1 and then it's rather light after? Is is stronger on the 2? Take notes and then bring in your music and compare with your instructor. Find the beat, find the rhythm and then you'll find what dance matches the rhythm.
   
10. Pick One - Pick just one item from your last lesson that you found really difficult. It's usually the least fun but needs the most work. If you just give it a few minutes of practice each day before you know it, you'll be dancing it with ease.

Have fun practicing and I'll see you on the dance floor!

Get To The Core Of Your Dancing

The single most important technique I learned that enhanced my skills as a dancer, was to maintain a strong core. - Allyson Lockhart

Get to the core of your dancing!

Developing a strong core will instantly improve your posture which in turn, will positively affect your dancing ability. It will also decrease your chances of injury because you will be dancing the movements properly.

The majority of your core muscles lie deep within your torso. I've had students ask me how to find them. It's easy! Simply imagine a cable connected to your navel. Take a deep breath (fill up your tummy with air). While you exhale, pull the cable back towards your lower back. Now you've engaged your transverse abdominus (TA) muscle (the main muscles supporting your torso). Your transverse abdominus muscle is located beneath your rectus abdominus (the '6-pack' muscle you see on many dancers). It is also the "pouch area" that most women speak of.

The next question I often hear is, "When do I breathe?" Excellent question! Many people tend to lift the shoulders and inflate the lungs. Remember, take a deep breath all the way down to your tummy. You should see your stomach inflate with air. Now, exhale and pull the cable back at the same time. Keep contracted and keep breathing in and out calmly. Try and hold this for 10 seconds at a time. Practice this often, doing rep's of 10. Through practice, you will begin to feel like your core is engaged and you're still able to breathe. Soon enough, you'll be dancing an entire hour with your core actively engaged.

If you're off balance, activate the TA muscle. It will be the most important thing you can do to better your dancing. It truly is a quick fix miracle.

If your turns are off balance, again activate the TA muscle. Next, lift your head up and try the turn again. You should find that all of your weight is now on one axis which will balance your weight while you turn. Still off balance? Make sure that you're turning on one foot only. For the most part, you can't be split weight while turning.

So go on, get to the CORE of your dancing!

Dancer - Ingredients

Dancer

Vision

Spirit

Passion

Courage

Dedication

Determination

Confidence

Training

Poise

Positivity

Energy

Dough

First take a minute to soak the Vision. You need to be able to foresee what it is you want to look like. After the Vision becomes clear, mix in the Spirit and Passion (aka "the desire within"). Mix well until Vision, Spirit & Passion become solid. Knead in the Courage until firm. Make some dough to obtain proper training. Brush on Dedication & Determination to achieve the next steps toward progress. Mix all ingredients together and bake. It takes a while to rise up however, it is important to remain Confident and Positive. Otherwise, you may find a deflated dancer in your oven. "Oh no!" :0 Keep your poise on hand and remember the more energy you put into this, the more you'll get out of it.

Caution: Hot Dancer!!!

Dance Class Etiquette

Hygine (breath, body & clothes)
Meet & Greet
Smile
Have Fun
Refrain from pointing out other's mistakes
Help others if you're certain of what needs to be done
The lead should walk the follow back to the starting place to assist in the rotation
If unclear of something, politely ask
If you're ill, skip class and take a make-up session to catch up
If you're late, stand to the side until you've caught up on the steps
If you're coughing, take a moment to wash up
Most of all simply enjoy the dance...

Quickstep Combo - Advanced Level

1. Natural Turn
   
2. Hesitation Change
   
3. Reverse Change
   
4. Reverse Pivot
   
5. Cross Chasse
   
6. Lock
   

Samba Class

You have one more chance to be a part of an exhilerating experience.  Join the Samba class this Wednesday to participate!  

Those who have enrolled have special access to an online, detailed view of each class from week to week.

Viennese Waltz Class

1. Bow & Curtsey
2. Fifth position breaks
   
3. Left cross turn
4. Left cross turn
   
5. Change step
6. Natural turn
7. Natural turn
   
8. Change step
   

Bolero Class

1. Basic
2. New Yorkers
3. Pivot Turn
4. Basic
5. Right Side Pass
6. Open Break to Bolero Walks & Left Turn Release

Beginners Class - Rumba Routine

1. Box
2. Underarm Turn
   
3. 5th Position Breaks
4. Rumba Walks
5. Cross Body Lead
6. Promenade Swivels
7. Alternating Underarm Turns

Samba Class

Samba Class

The Samba is like a party on the dance floor! It’s Fast, Fun, Stylish and… Hot-Hot-Hot!

In this series, you’ll learn a Samba routine sure to make heads turn. It is recommended that you have some Samba experience prior to attending the class.

No new enrollments after the 2nd class. You do not need a partner to attend.

Invite your friends and I'll see you on the dance floor!!!

Instructor: Allyson Lockhart

6 week series - $50
June 4- July 9
Wednesday's at 7pm
(classes are 50 minute sessions)

Dancer Avenue Studio - 24705 Narbonne Ave. Lomita, Ca. 90717

Tips for the Men

It takes a while to really hone the skill of leading. Practice, instruction and patience are what I'd say to be the magic ingredients. One can step in any direction (always remember that) but, to be able to manipulate the direction of another is what lead and follow is really about.

Take the time to gain more knowledge in the skill of leading early on in your dancing. As your patterns become more complicated you'll have to worry less about whether or not someone can follow your lead. A great lead with either basic or advanced patterns, will make you more popular on the dance floor. Most ladies simply care that they're having fun, are comfortable and that they're arms are still attached by the end of the song. ;)

HUSTLE CLASS ROUTINE

So far we have made it this far. Everyone is doing a terrific job! Hang in there! :)

1) Cross Body Lead (4x) to send out
3) The Wheel (4x) to open position
4) Grapevine (3x)
5) Inside Underarm Turn - to initiate - Bridge Turns (He Goes (left), She Goes)
6) Close Up with Cross Body Leads (4x)
7) Karate Chop turn to tuck (Lady left) exit

Where to go?

The Mayflower offers dancing from 7:00 to 11:00 on Wednesdays. Live band with taped music between sets. 9000 sq ft wooden floor. I've heard this place is pretty fun. Check it out and add your comments below.

Located at 234 Hindry Ave. Inglewood CA.

Take 405 N. to Manchester Blvd. W. to Hindry, about 3 or 4 blocks W. on Manchester. Turn right on Hindry, and it's about 100 yards on the right hand side.

$10.00 cover charge.

Hustle Class

************************************************************************************
Beginning WED - April 16th @ 6:30pm

Although Hustle came out in the Disco era, it's still a very popular dance today with updated movements. Hustle is a GREAT dance to learn for those who want to look and feel like they're dancing quickly. It offers fun turns, stylish movements and comfortable spacing for a crowded floor. It won't take long for you to be moving and grooving!

This class will start with the Hustle basics and then progress to a mini routine by the end of the series. No new enrollments after the 2nd class. You do not need a partner to attend.

Check back here for tips, tricks and routine information. Invite your friends and I'll see you on the dance floor!!!

6 week series - $50 per person or $10 per class.
(classes are 50 minute sessions)

Instructor: Allyson Lockhart

Dance Styles

American Style Dances

American Rhythm
Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, Bolero and Mambo

American Smooth or Ballroom
Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz

International Style Dances

International Latin
Cha Cha, Rumba, Samba, Paso Doble and Jive

International Standard
Slow Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, Quickstep

Other Dance Styles

Nightclub
Nightclub Two-Step, Hustle

West Coast Swing
West Coast (regular or smooth style)
Lindy

East Coast Swing
Jitterbug (single time swing)
Double Time
Triple Time

Other Varieties in the Swing Family
Lindy Hop
Charleston
Carolina Shag
Collegiate Shag
Balboa

Latin Nightclub
Salsa
Merengue
Cumbia
Bachata
Cha-Cha-Cha
Samba

Dance Notes

DANCE Notes

Favorite Quote: "Live life with love and bravery and we shall lead a life un-common." - Jewel

You can dip me, you can flip me, but please don't trip me!

GUY'S... It is your responsibility to get proper training on how to lead a lady on the floor. You will only be confronted with a small handful of issues...a heavy follow, too light on her feet or possibly even a back lead. She however, is in the dark at the beginning of every dance. It is up to you to lead on time to the music, dance within her ability, keep your head back, eyes up, arms firm but not too strong & even make sure you are not out-stepping her physical capability to keep up. YOU are the lead! Yes, it is alot of work...but the payoff is awesome. Once you are a fabulous lead, you will see your partners beam with joy because you made them feel like they too can dance. If you have not taken time to learn to lead properly, be sure to share this with your partner. Otherwise, you may return her to her seat feeling totally incapable & completely embarassed when it wasn't even her fault to begin with.

DON'T...be a step hog. It is more important to lead properly than to have a bunch of messy steps in your repitoiré. Don't believe me? Ask any lady out there!

DON'T... purchase more lessons than you can reasonably use before the expiration date on your contract. Remember to read all of the fine print on your contract and don't sign it unless you are totally 100% okay with the terms. Personally, I feel that a purchase as you go method is the best. A good instructor will meet your goals without the obligation of a contract.

DO... ask someone to dance by offering your hand & saying something simple, such as "Hi, would you like to dance?" or "I really like this song; would you like to dance a Cha Cha?" This will let the person know that you're not a dance partner hog.

DON'T... throw the lady around and try to get her doing death drops after you've just met. Leave those tricks for when you have an official dance partner and when you've both had proper training. This is a BIG, BIG, NO-NO!!! Think of how humiliating it could be if you pulled her arm out of her socket or even dropped her. Ouch.. not a great way to score points!

DON'T... be one of those meanies who feels the need to tell their partner how awful he/she is doing on the dance floor. Besides being just plain rude, this will only make him/her really nervous. How on earth can they ever let loose and get the courage to try something new, if they are afraid of getting criticized? Think about it. ;)

DO... bring minty gum if you are a smoker or extravagant eater and brushing your teeth is impossible. Remember that you will breathe heavier than normal when dancing. Therefore, exhaling a nice minty fresh odor will at least camouflage nasty breath...sorry to be blunt. Totally necessary!!!

DON'T... drink TOO much alcohol!

DO... get proper training on how to warm up to avoid injuries.

DO... think happy thoughts and smile on the inside while dancing. It will automatically make you look more attractive to everyone who's watching.

DON'T... wear a tube top if your dancing style could include doing dips and tricks. You'll seriously impair your dancing finesse if you have to keep adjusting your top.

Ballroom Dancing: Technique

Ballroom Dancing: Technique

All of the dances are danced line of dance (LOD = counter-clockwise around the dance floor).

American Smooth allows couples to break apart and do side-by-side or open choreography. While dancing International Standard, the couples must remain in contact or closed dance position at all times with very strict rules on the execution of the patterns.

In both styles the frame is fairly wide and close body contact should be used while dancing closed patterns. The feet should be placed in a parallel position. Ex: II