Where Past Meets Present

Take a look at this great video of some classic Charleston dancing once popular in the 1920's (yet still danced today by some), dubbed over with a song the from the electronic music duo Daft Punk. Not only do you see reminders of Lindy Hop, you can also find the beginnings of more modern urban street dance techniques.

The Kids/Teen Halloween Dance Party was Spooktacular!

It was a full house at our recent Kids/Teen Halloween Dance Party...we were so excited to see so many young dancers and some great costumes!

Photos from Jeff Cobb's New York City Competition with Nicole

Latin Workshop Continued

Latin Workshop August 6, 2011

Summer Dance Parties in Derby

Our dance parties in Fairfield are still on hiatus as we (continue to) wait for the Scandinavian Club to fix the air conditioning... In the meantime we invite you to join us for weekly parties in our Derby studio (check our web schedule for exact dates). Our 2,000 square foot oak floor combined with a state of the art sound system and complimentary refreshments, make our parties the perfect place to meet up with friends and practice your moves with dancers of all levels. No partner is necessary. Doors open at 7:30 and $12 includes a free group lesson at 8. See you on the dance floor!

It's all happening Saturday

We like to get out on the town a little ourselves once in a while so we're excited join the festivities at Derby Day this Saturday 6/25, on the green. Stop by our booth for some "sweet" deals or if you have a friend that's interested in dance, come take a FREE lesson with us at the studio (Saturday only).

If the duck race down the housatonic or the shopping hasn't worn you out (or the tour of the haunted opera house!), then come back and party with us at our Kids+Teen dance party from 6-9pm. $10 includes pizza, snacks and plenty of dancing!

Smooth Workshop June 11th

We're really looking forward to this Saturday's Smooth workshop with four-time Ohio Star Ball finalist and ISTD American Smooth Champion Stephen Hevenor. If you'd like to deepen your knowledge of the smooth dances or are thinking of competing, this is a great workshop to attend--no matter what level you are.

The three hour intensive will be broken into sections including:
Posture + Position
Movement + Partnering
Musicality + Presentation

Join us from 1-4pm at the Derby studio, 33 Elizabeth St. Derby, CT. Cost is $75, RSVP to Michael at (203) 454-9200

Here's what Ballroom DanceSport students are saying about Steve:
"Steve's coaching is of the highest level, totally focused and just fantastic- he really was instrumental in preparing me for last week's comp- and certainly deserves credit (with Nicole, of course) for helping me finish first!" - Jeff C.

“Steve was a huge help to me in preparing for last weekend’s competition. He is so encouraging and positive but also so instructive. I feel like he has enabled me to raise the level of my smooth dancing.” - Kim R.

“Lessons I took with Steve were critical in winning a good mark at the competition last week. To the foundation I am trying to build with Nicole, Steve added the refinements which were still the essentials of "dancing". After all dancing is profound. Steve helped me feel the deepness of this art.” - Toshifumi B.

What to Bring to a Dance Competition

We’ve practiced and practiced (and are still practicing!) and now we’re getting ready to head up to Springfield this weekend to the Dancing a la Carte competition. To help make sure you have everything you need, we’ve put together this check list of things we find useful.

Clothing

• Dance clothes or costumes you will wear (more detail below)
• Street clothes to hang out in or drive home in
• Shoes: more than one pair if possible for back up or depending on the condition of the floor (fast or slow)
• A sweater, shawl or even light robe to keep you warm (it’s usually very cold in the ballroom) and to protect your dance clothes from spills or snags

Dance Accessories

• Towel – for perspiration
• Safety pins – you never know when you’ll need one (and we have!)
• Breath Mints
• Water
• High protein snack such as nuts or a protein bar. Sometimes it can be a long while between your heats
• Dance shoe brush
• Small bag to carry it all in

Men

• Dark Socks
• Belt(s)
• Vest/Dance Jacket
• Tie
• Pants
• Shirts (Ballroom and Latin)
• Dance Shoes (Ballroom and Latin)
• Hair Spray
• Dark Underwear (in case you have a rip)
• Vaseline (if you have patent leather shoes)

Women

• Outfit: We recommend a trial run in your lesson ahead of time
• Smooth dress
• Latin dress
  
• Pantyhose/Fishnets (if you wear them)
• Dance Pants (very important if they are not built into your dress)
• A button down shirt for the morning of the comp – you don’t want to ruin your hair after you spent so much time putting it up.
• Dance shoes (closed toe for Ballroom, open toe for Latin)
• Jewelry: Be sure it will stay secure and not catch or injure your partner

Make-up

• Foundation
• Blush
• Face Powder
• Lipstick
• Eyeliner
• Eye Shadow
• Mascara
• Nail Polish
• Fake Eye Lashes (if applicable)
• If you are doing any self-tanning, be sure to do this a day or two before the competition

Hair

• Bobby pins
• Hairspray
• Gel/Glue

Misc

• Hand Cream or body lotion – if you put it on your legs it keeps your dress from sticking to you
• Baby Powder
• Aspirin/Ibuprofen is always a good idea
• Something to wash your face off with at the end of the day especially if you are leaving right after the comp
• Safety pins – you never know what may happen
• Clothing tape to avoid wardrobe malfunctions
• Camera (although you may not be able to photograph or video in the ballroom)
• Nail polish for touch ups or if you have a stocking run
  

Good Luck!!

Tiny Dancers

One of the greatest things we love about ballroom dancing is that it doesn't matter if your 4 or 84... Take a look at students Michelangelo and Isabella (4 year old twins) working on their box step. If you have a budding ballroom dancer on your hands, ask us about our Kids/Teen program - a great summer activity!

JuJu & Michael

Nicole & Alexander

Ruth & Michael

Annie & Josh

Debbie & Michael