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| DANCES TAUGHT | SOCIAL DANCE | COMPETITIVE DANCE | PRIVATE LESSONS | SPECIAL EVENTS |
| Health Benefits:
Moderate to high degree of cardiovascular movement sustained
over 1-hour lesson period or more. Full body toning and strengthening,
use of memory for learning and implementing choreography. Lessons
and dance parties are danced on suspended wood floor, limiting
negative impact on joints. Proper spine movement encourages
strong, upright carriage and posture. Greater flexibility through
lengthening of muscles and practice of movement. Lower blood
pressure often results due to stress reduction. Wonderful indoor
exercise during inclement weather! |
| Social Benefits:
Will develop more confidence and presence as skill develops.
No partner is needed, so can learn with a professional instructor
and practice with other amateurs at our open dance parties.
Ballroom dance people are very courteous and friendly, and appreciate
different levels of skill and flexibility. |
| Social Dances:
There are 2 styles of ballroom dancing: American and International.
Both styles have borrowed the best from each other, but other
different dances and sometimes choreography. American style
dancing is more prevalent for social dancing in the U.S. Both
American & International styles are used for U.S. Competitions,
and are all taught by Glenn Clark. He is certified in all 24
dances, from novice to open gold levels. |
| What Are the
Dances? American style: waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese
waltz (all 4 known as "smooth"); cha cha, rumba, samba,
mambo, bolero, hustle, west and east coast swing, merengue,
salsa (all 10 known as "rhythm"). International style:
waltz, tango, foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep (all 5 known
as "standard"); cha cha, rumba, samba, paso doble
and jive (all 5 known as "latin"). Each dance is structured
around the meter of the music (e.g. ¾ or 4/4 time), and
the speed and accent of the music. An experienced dancer will
quickly recognize which dance to do based on the beat and accent
of the music. |
| Which One Should
I Start With? For social dancing and events such
as weddings, today's popular music works best with foxtrot,
waltz, rumba, west and east coast swing and hustle. Of course,
the other dances are all wonderful; so most people quickly learn
the others in order to experience all the fun! |
| Why
Do Women Always Lead? Many times men don't feel comfortable
with leading the choreography to the beat of the music. Often,
it takes them a little longer to hear the music, lay out moves
and not run into other dancers. Once they gain experience through
practice, they become confident and learn very quickly. Glenn
works closely with his male students to encourage them and show
them the technique and moves that they can quickly master. Ballroom
still uses the 19th century tradition of men leading and women
responding to the direction and timing as an active partner.
Harmony with your partner is very important when learning together! |
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Why Aren't I a Natural Dancer? Like
any sport, dance moves are built around natural body movement
and physics, but take practice to build muscle memory and
speed and flexibility. The more fun you have practicing during
parties, etc., the more natural a move becomes!
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| Do
I Have to Be in Good Shape? Our students come in
all sizes and ages! Obviously, dancing helps you work toward
your ideal weight as well as maintain your desired level. My
students often complain that ballroom dancing costs them more
money, since they have to have their clothes taken in after
a number of months! |
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