Ballroom Dancesport Blog

News and Information to find out where Connecticut dance enthusiasts gather.

Tuesday, May 15, 2012


Another great workshop with Alex Scott! Several of us at the studio participate in dance competitions. Alex being a coach and judge himself gave us great tips on what the judges are looking for now in competition. As things are always changing it was great to get first hand information so we can adjust our training and routines accordingly. 

Even if competing is not your thing these workshops are great  to help you raise your level of dance and be the envy of everyone else on the dance floor! Michael always brings in the best talent out there for his students and I am anxiously awaiting the next workshop!

video

Tuesday, May 1, 2012

Latin Dance Workshop: Sunday May 6th

Join us Sunday May 6th as we welcome back guest instructor Alex Scott for a Latin Dance Workshop.  The workshop will focus on competition styling. Whether or not you compete, this will be a great opportunity to sharpen your Latin dances. RSVP to Michael at (203) 454-9200, 10am-12pm, $50 per person.

Alex began his professional Ballroom dancing career at age 18 in New York City. His training also includes Jazz, Tap, Ballet, Theater and Voice. While teaching at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, he qualified to a Gold level Instructor. Alex also passed the teaching qualification exams for Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels at Arthur Murray Dance Studios in New York. He later worked and trained at Fred Astaire in Stamford, Connecticut, with owners, Gary and Lori Pierce co-founders of the American Ballroom Theater and cultivators of the Cabaret-style ballroom dance that combined elements of many different styles of dance.
In 1990, Alex co-founded and became coach of the Yale University Ballroom Dance Team. In 1994, he was awarded a national honor for his work with the team. He later co-founded the Yale University Ballroom Theater, a special performance group where he has served as the Artistic Director. While a member of the Imperial Society Teachers of Dance (ISTD), he earned degrees in:
  • AMERICAN SMOOTH AND RHYTHM
  • INTERNATIONAL STANDARD ASSOCIATE
  • THEATER ARTS & PERFORMANCE ASSOCIATE DEGREES
Alex has choreographed for numerous venues including television, theater and film. Other studies and specialties include authentic Swing including West Coast, Lindy Hop and Savoy styles, New York Hustle and Salsa. Currently, Alex teaches at Let’s Dance in Rhythm and is the co-founder, Artistic Director and choreographer of Connecticut Ballroom Theatre.

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Spotlight: Ruth

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Spotlight: Kim; Tara

Spotlight: Tara; Nicole & Michael

Spotlight: Teens; Sarah; Joanna; Annie

Spotlight Juliana; Judy; Toshe

Spotlight Nicole and Alexander

Spotlight Ballroom Kids and Teens; Juliana

Spotlight: Annie; Judy

Spotlight: Ruth; Juliana

Student Spotlight: Theresa; Annie

Thursday, February 9, 2012

Viennese Waltz Workshop with Guest Stephen Hevenor


We are excited that once again Professional Ballroom Dance Coach and National Competition Judge Stephen Hevenor will be joining us to teach a workshop in our Derby studio, Saturday February 18, from 1-3pm. The workshop will focus on Viennese Waltz, including basic natural and reverse turns and incorporating the three rhythms of the dance through groupings.
Cost is $50 per person, RSVP to Micheal at
(203) 454-9200 to reserve your spot now - space is limited.

A Connecticut native, Stephen Hevenor was raised as an accomplished athlete and musician before being introduced to ballroom dancing. Soon after his first competition, he continued on to a successful competitive career, winning many Open titles, including four-time Professional American Smooth US finalist, four-time Professional American Smooth finalist at the Ohio Star Ball, and ISTD North American Smooth Champion. Through his busy training schedule, he also trained high-level amateur competitors, worked and supervised at various studios, and received his black belt in Tae Kwon Do. Stephen still resides in Connecticut, sharing his knowledge and passion for ballroom with amateur and fellow professional competitors everywhere.



Friday, December 9, 2011

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.

Wednesday, October 26, 2011

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!