Chaines Turns are a universal dance turn with roots in Ballet

The term "Chaines," pronounced "Shennay" as in Chaines turns, comes from the French word for "Chain." It is a term used in ballet to describe a series of small, fast, linked turns usually performed in a series. (See Classical Ballet Technique by Gretchen Ward Warren, 1989, p.190).

A bit more on how to dance the Chaines turns:

In ballet, if the dancer is turning to the right down LOD, she (or he) starts with weight on the left foot, foot facing center and with her right shoulder leading down LOD.

1. She steps down LOD onto the right leg, and draws the left leg forward through 1st position (feet together and turned out).

2. She makes a quarter turn from the right leg, ending with her body facing wall.

3. She then transfers weight onto the left leg which is now the leading leg down LOD, still in 1st position.

4. She completes the turn on the left leg, and draws the other leg around in 5th position (feet crossed and turned out). Crossing the feet into 5th position at this point in the turn helps the dancer to rotate around.

5. She ends with left foot again facing center, shoulder leading down LOD, and she has done one full turn.

6. She can then step forward again onto the right leg for another turn or to end this figure.

So, technically, this is a step, turn, step. In a sense, you are spiraling to the right on the left leg with the feet very close together. When the turns are very fast, you can't really see the crossing of the feet into 5th position and the wrapping isn't so obvious, as it is in a slow spiral.

I suppose this could be called a Three-step Chaine turn. If more turns are made, those are Chaines turns.

Or you could say that a Chaine turn is a fast type of a Spiral turn.

Well, you asked for it! More than you ever wanted to know about Chaines turns!

- Janice Boles of the Paragon Ballroom

This was copied from http://www.dancesport.uk.com/tid-bits/issue147.htm

Special Event - Athletic Tape Demo

Hi Dancers,

As some of you know, I've been raving about Phiten products and the amazing results I've been feeling along with some of the other dancers of The Dance Lounge. A while ago, a student of mine told me about Phiten and it wasn't until I was desperate to alleviate the pain on the top of my foot (I'm sure you remember) that I was willing to try it out. After a few short hours, I noticed the pain had decreased significantly and I became hooked. Since then, I've been using their products and have felt a world of difference. I'm not trying to sell you anything so please don't get me wrong. I'm just letting you in on what has made my dancing days more enjoyable again.

Therefore, as a special to you dancers a representative from Phiten will be at the studio on Wednesday night at 7:00pm. She will be offering free taping demonstrations for all of the dancers who wish to try it out. She will not be selling anything; however, I believe you'll receive coupons and a starter kit. If you've been having any aches and pains - foot, shoulder, knee, etc., feel free to have her tape it up at your discretion and see if it works for you.

Click on the link below to read about the products. I can't relay the exact benefit...only that it's working for me. I wish all of you a happy and healthy dancing experience at all times.

Phiten Athletic Tape Demo

Representative: Young Sun

Wednesday @ 7:00pm

The Dance Lounge @ South End

No Charge

http://www.phitenusa.com/

-- See you on the dance floor!

June - Cha Cha Group Class Patterns

Cha Cha

1. Side Basic
2. Progressive Basic to Man's Pivot Turn Right
3. Shadow Progressive
4. Sweetheart to Outside Underarm Turn (left over right hand ending)
5. Cross Body Lead with Inside Underarm Turn (ends in a cross hand hold)
6. New Yorker w/ Back Flick
7. 2nd Position Breaks & Repeat side to side
8. Chaine Turn on the Cha Cha & 1 ending

Burn The Floor - Dance Lounge Event

Just some of The Dance Lounge dancers who attended this event. Unfortunately we couldn't round up everyone as some eager beavers already went inside.

BURN THE FLOOR EVENT

TDL members enjoyed an evening to remember of non-stop toe-taping, heart pounding, booty shaking dancing at Burn The Floor. The show sizzled as it opened with a pitch-black room and then directed spot-lights on individual dancers placed throughout the audience. The stage lit up with excitement as the first couple went to town with a Latin routine that was hotter than a jalapeno. The show was very different from the first Burn The Floor; much smaller in cast and not as flashy with the costumes (greatly missed). However, the dancers didn't disappoint with their passion for dance and non-stop energy. We were all enthused and inspired by the show and left feeling hot, hot, hot.

March Group Classes

Tuesdays:

Samba

1. Basic
2. Box
3. Balancete

East Coast Swing

1. Closed Basic
2. Apache Turn
3. Inside Underarm Check
4. American Spin (lead & follow spin)
5. Inside Underarm Pass
6. Basic / Hand Toss
7. Inside Turn w/ Double Overhead Wrap
8. Traveling Promenade

Wednesdays:

West Coast Swing

1. Starter Step
2. Send Out
3. 2 Sugar Push Basics
4. Inside Underarm Pass
5. Inside Underarm Pass / Lead Turns (hook turn right)
6. Overhead & Hip Push
7. Whip

Jitterbug

1. Tap Basic
2. Jig Kicks & Freeze
3. Underarm Release
4. Inside Underarm Turn
5. Circling Switches
6. Inside Underarm Turn
7. Open Basic to Inside Shadow Turn (follow turns left)
8. Shadow Charleston

Thursdays:

Rumba

1. Box
2. Underarm Turn
3. 2nd Position Breaks
4. 5th Position Breaks
5. Box
6. Promenade Swivels

Valentine's Day Tips

Blog: 6 Love-Centered Reminders for Valentine’s Day (and Every Day

In honor of Valentine’s Day, here are 6 tips drawn from the wisdom of the masses. Do you agree? Disagree?

1. Think of love as an action, not a feeling. A feeling is something weget from someone, and when we stop getting it, we often change our behavior somehow. If we have to do something, or be a certain way, in order to receive love, that love is conditional. Instead, if you start thinking of love as the behavior itself, the reward becomes the feeling you get whenyou act a certain way, not when someone else acts a certain way. From How to Love Unconditionally.
2. Cherish any kind of lightheartedness in your life. Things like laughter, affection, and playfulness are fleeting. Once a relationship has degraded so that those things don’t spontaneously occur anymore, it’s very hard to get them back. You might know that from experience. So treat those moments with care. Don’t be the person who takes life too seriously, who doesn’t have time to have fun, or who has no sense of humor. From How to Be Thankful.
3. Decide whether you want to be right, or stay in this relationship. Stubbornly holding onto anger and defending a position which has resulted in a stalemate will only poison your relationship in the end. When neither of you will budge, both believing you’re in the right, one of you will have to make a move. From How to Fix a Huge Argument With Your Girlfriend.
4. Court the one you love. Pretend that you and the person just met, and you want the person to fall for you. What would you do to impress them? To win them over? The opposite of being romanced is being taken for granted. No one wants to feel like they’ve already been “caught” and it’s over and done with. Put on a show! Stay on your toes! From How to Be Romantic.
5. Make your loved one laugh. When you love someone, you love seeing them happy, and nothing exhibits happiness like genuine laughter. So, be laid back, lighthearted, and playful. See how many times in one day you can make the person smile or laugh. From How to Say I Love You Without Words.
6. When you apologize, take full responsibility for the offense. Admit that you were wrong emphatically, unreservedly, and immediately. An incomplete apology often feels more like an insult. Make it a point to avoid using the word “but”. (“I am sorry, but…” means “I am not sorry.”) From How to Apologize.

from http://blog.wikihow.com/2011/02/14/blog-6-love-centered-reminders-for-valentines-day-and-every-day/

I'm going to throw in my own #7.

7) Dance with your partner even if you feel silly doing it. Dancing increases the heart rate, creates blood flow and releases endorphins; so, it is a mood elevator. Doing this with someone you love will only increase the relationship bond and your experience on the floor. By the time the dance is over, you'll be surprised how much fun it actually can be.

Dancing at The Cicada Club

We had a blast going out dancing at The Cicada Club in downtown Los Angeles. All of the students got out on the floor and danced into the wee small hours of the morning. The entire vibe of the place feels as though you've been time warped back to the 1940's. The dinner was fabulous, the band was incredible and deco was decolicious! Five Stars *****

Proper Traditional Dance Foot Positions

There are five ballet positions that you will learn in your beginning ballet class. You will notice that all of the positions start from first position, and are then modified for each of the other positions. Here are the five positions and what they mean:

First Position (Premiere)

This is the first position you will learn in your ballet course. You will put your heels and knees together and your legs are turned out away from your hips. Your feet will be positioned to make a V shape. When you look down your feel should be in a 180 degree angle from your body. You must keep your stomach in, stand up straight with your spine straight.

Second Position (Second)

This position is similar to your first position, but your arms are straight out from both your sides and they are rounded slightly.

Third Position (Troisième)

This position means that you will keep your legs turned away from your hips and you cross one leg in front of the other; they will touch each other in the middle. You will also move the corresponding arm out. As an example, if you start with your right foot out in front, you will raise your right arm above your head in a semicircle. You will then take your left arm and take it out to the side.

Forth Position (Quatrième)

In this position, you will keep the same first position and then place one foot in front of the other one with one foot forward and the other foot directly behind it; you will have about 12 inches or so between your feet. Again, you're going to raise the corresponding arm above your head in a semicircle.

Fifth Position (Cinquième)

Keep the fourth position and then place one foot in front of the other with the heel of your front foot against the first joint of your other foot (at the big toe). Lift your arms overhead and move them in a soft circle shape.

New Studio Location

Hi Dancers,

To ring in the New Year I have the most wonderful news! The Dance Lounge will now be open at South End Racquet & Health Club in Torrance, CA. It's such a beautiful, new location that I'm certain everyone will enjoy dancing there. Please check out www.TheDanceLounge.com and click onto the "calendar" section to view a schedule of group classes. Private classes are also available by appointment only.

Happy New Year and Cheers to 2011!

- See you on the dance floor,

Allyson Lockhart

December Class Routines

Hi Dancers,

Thank you for joining us for class this month. I know the holiday season is hectic and I appreciate all of you coming to class. To help you remember the routine for the month, here are the patterns in order.

Jitterbug Class

1. Closed Basic
2. Outside Underarm Turn Release
3. Inside Underarm Pass
4. Waist Roll to Handshake Hold
5. Inside Underarm Turn to Overhead Wrap & Slide
6. Closed Basic
7. Jig Kicks to Freeze for 5-6-7-8
8. Outside Underarm Turn Release
9. Inside Underarm Pass
10. Closed Basic
11. Maxwell Swivels

Rumba Class

1. Box
2. Underarm Turn
3. 2nd Position Breaks
4. 5th Position Breaks
5. Inside Underarm Turn
6. Open Break & Back Spot Turn
7. Sliding Doors

July's Group Class Schedule

June's Group Classes

Salsa
Basic
Underarm Turn
Open Break & Shoulder Check
Hammerlock to Back To Back Position
Cross Body Lead w/ Wrap & Spin
Basic
Open Break to Clothesline Dip w/ Free Spin

Jitterbug
Rotating Closed Basic
Tuck Release
Hand Change / Kick Basic
Shuttle Turns
Tuck Release
Tandem Swivels
Tuck Release
Closed Basic
Jig Kicks & Freeze
Tuck Release
Kick Ball Change Back Jacks
Boogie Walks
Rotating Basics
Charleston
Kick Through Charleston
Send Out
Right Side Shadow Position
Suzie Q's
Reverse Suzie Q's
Shadow Charleston

West Coast Swing
Send Out
Sugar Push
Inside Underarm Pass
Whip
Whip w/ Double Outside Underarm Turn
Lasso
Basket Whip

Samba
Basic
Box
Cuidado
Balancetes
Copas
Paulista
Voltas
Traveling Botofogos

George's Dance Shoes

1604 West Magnolia Blvd.
Burbank, CA 91506
(818) 955-7704

I LOVE my new double soled Tango Shoes. They have a very thin heel which is super sexy. I've been using them for Salsa dancing.

Hot - Hot - Hot!!!

They even custom make shoes in a 2 week turn around time. You can pick from a variety of fabrics, heels and styles to create your own combination.

Lastly, they were super friendly, very welcoming and eager to help!

Thanks Georges Shoes!

George's Dance Shoes

Hi Dancers,

This Saturday I'm going to check out George's Dance Shoes in Burbank. I'm excited to see what they have to offer and hoping to find some cool new styles. I'm in search of some new shoes for Latin, Jitterbug, Teaching (a practice shoe) and something with a little bit of slick for dancing on the Marley flooring. I'll be sure to take some pictures to post of any new found treasures.

Guys, I'll let you know if they have men's shoes as well.

See you on the dance floor!

You Tube Channel

click here to view

Hi Dancers,

Just a reminder that I post many of the patterns I teach in class on You Tube to aid in your practice sessions at home. Check it out.

Live to dance, dance to live!

Allyson Lockhart
www.TheDanceLounge.com

Dance Etiquette 101

May Group Classes

Salsa - Click here to view

Basic
Underarm Turn
Back Hand Change
Underarm Turn
Cross Body Lead & Free Spin
Basic
Open Break & Arm Check
Hammerlock
Back To Back
Free Spin

Jitterbug - Click here to view

Closed Basic
Rotating Basics 4x
Tuck Release
Hand Shake Hold Kick Basic
Shuttle Turns
Tuck Release
8 Count Rotating Swivels
Tuck Release
Closed Basic
Jig Kicks and Freeze
Tuck Release

October - Beginners Classes

Tuesday Night Samba

1. Basic (2x)
2. Box (2x)
3. Balancetes aka Wisk
   
4. Copas
5. Voltas
6. Reverse Turn (2x)
   

Thursday Night Hustle

1. Cross Body Lead (4x)
2. Send Out
3. Whip (2x)
4. Ladies Inside Underarm Turn
5. Man's Underarm Turn (under his right arm)
6. Ladies Inside Underarm Turn
7. Karate Chop (right hand to right wrist/up and over to shadow position)
8. Tuck Release (lady swivels left, then turns right/man lifts both arms)
9. Right Side Pass (man raises both arms up to give the lady an UA Turn passing his right side/ lady turns left)
10. ___________________(however you want to end it)

Group Class Videos

Hi Dancers,

If you are a member of the 6-week series classes and you want to review your patterns learned in between sessions now it's easier than ever! Go to "Group Class Videos" (click link) and you can view video clips of patterns learned in class to make practicing easier.

Enjoy!

The Dance Lounge Newsletter - Sept 09

You can view this directly on the website under "Group Class Videos" since this issue pertains to the West Coast Swing 6 week series.