Posts Tagged ‘dance lesson’

Last night, my husband and I had dinner with my parents and handful of other local ballroom dancers.  My mother was telling the story of how she grew-up ballroom dancing and taught my sister and myself how to ballroom dance in the kitchen and living room while we were growing up.  I piped up that I had written a blog about learning to dance from Mom.  Others at the table chimed in that they enjoyed reading my blogs.  Then my dad looked at me and asked, “Have you blogged about me yet?”  Okay Dad, this one is about you.

Dads and Dancing - Do they mix?

Growing up, I only saw my father exhibit two styles of dancing, slow dancing and the Twist.  Both were usually done in the kitchen, while cooking with music on.  Mom was always there for the slow dance, but the Twist could happen at any time with anyone.  Up until 2007, that was the only dancing I ever saw come out of him. 

In 2007 some big changes happened.  My parents, my husband and I all moved to Asheville, NC.  For the first time since I moved away for college, I was living within a handful of miles from my parents.  Jason and I were also planning our wedding back in Minnesota.  A wedding full of dancing, thrown by swing and ballroom dancers and attended by lots and lots of swing and ballroom dancing friends and family.  Did I mention that there was going to be Swing and Ballroom dancing at the wedding?

The entire wedding reception was focused on dancing.  We rented Cinema Ballroom in Saint Paul to host the big reception swing dance party.  We served finger foods and mini desserts rather than a sit down dinner because we wanted more time for dancing.  But there was one little detail about the reception that was making me nervous… The Father/Daughter Dance.

As a rule, my dad did not dance outside of that kitchen.  I was even told by my mom that they almost didn’t go to Prom because my father disliked dancing that much.  What was I going to do?  I started pleading with my dad, “Just learn 3 little Waltz patterns.  That’s all I ask.  I just want to dance a simple Waltz with you at the wedding.”

Dance Lessons with Dad

Dad ordered an instructional ballroom dance DVD off the Internet and started working through it with Mom.  Mom was happy to be dancing again.  But the big test was learning how to dance with me.  After a few private dance lessons, I was very impressed with Dad and his new found dancing ability.  And the funny thing was, he was starting to enjoy dancing.  He enjoyed it so much, he learned more than just the 3 little Waltz patterns that I wanted him to learn.  That night, at the wedding reception dance, he and I waltzed all the way around the big floor.  It was just as I had dreamed.  He smiled his proud smile at me.  He turned me every time the song lyrics said “turn around”.  My mom cried a little.  It was perfect.  He was dancing with me and we were loving it.

Dancing for life

After the wedding, my parents started taking beginner group ballroom dance lessons.  And Dad loved it.  He took my mom out dancing.  They went to weekend ballroom dances.  Dad was officially wearing Mom out on the dance floor. 

“You have created a monster,” my mother told me one day.  “And the monster’s favorite dance is Cha Cha!”

Though things have slowed down for them, I think they are still dancing and enjoying each other.  Most of their dancing is in the kitchen and living room now… but it has evolved to higher level than the Twist.  By learning to dance, Dad made two women, who love him, very happy.  And he did not know he was going to like dancing so much!!!

Can your dad learn to dance?

You bet he can!!!  He can learn to dance with you, at home by dancing along with an instructional dance DVD.  ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing can be your first dance lesson with Dad, right in the comfort of your own home. 

Do you live in the Asheville, NC area?  You, Dad and the entire wedding party can take dance lessons together at our Wedding Inspired Dance Lessons.  Come join us and other brides and grooms as we prepare you to dance beautifully on your wedding night, your honeymoon and the rest of your lives.

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

There are numerous reasons why people learn to ballroom dance… 

Some are looking for low impact and fun exercise.  Others are looking for a creative outlet to express themselves.  And we can’t forget those who are at the dance lesson to hopefully meet someone, friendship or otherwise.  With whatever goal we have, as we walk into the ballroom dance lesson, we tend to fulfill it and get so much more.  Something happens to us during the dance lesson.  We do learn dance steps… We do learn dance rhythms… We do get to dance with lots of partners (if you rotate partners – and I think you should!)… But is something also changing inside of us?  Does learning to ballroom dance make you a better person? 

Over the years, I have met lots of people though ballroom and swing dancing.  I have watched them grow and change as they learn to dance.  Someone who was mild and meek can learn to embrace themselves and find self confidence that they did not know they had until they stepped out on the dance floor.  That self confidence grows from the dance and spills out into their daily life.  On the other hand, I have seen great egos tumble and fall in ballroom dance lessons to be replaced with a kinder, gentler, and more compassionate partners who have learned the lesson of cooperation and have given up the need to be “RIGHT” all the time.

Can Rhythm, Music and Dancing heal us?

This May, the 21st Annual International Trauma Conference, is featuring workshops on psychological trauma.  One of the workshops offered is titled “Rhythms and their role in Brain Development, Attachment, Companionship and Trauma.”  Here is the quick information on the workshop. 

“Rhythms and music inspire human beings to move and experience their world, their bodies, and one another. Both originate in brain structures and connections involved in moving and feeling, and they guide behavior with a goal-defining sense of purpose and creativity. Intelligent perception, learning, and a sense of sympathy and cooperation in meaning between humans depend on this spontaneous, self-regulating brain activity. Physical imitation, resonance, and mirroring form the foundations of human relatedness. Shared feelings of companionship determine how we acquire knowledge, skills, and the self-confidence to share them.

Disturbances of early communication interfere with the development of interpersonal intelligence, disturb the development of secure and affectionate relationships, and impair learning of cultural meaning, bringing shame. This workshop will explore the nature of these rhythmical and musical interactions, and how the re-establishment of one’s capacity for rhythmicity and musicality offers ways to re-establish a secure sense of self, recognition of others, and joyful appreciation.”

Ballroom and Swing Dancing must be therapeutic

Wow, rhythms and music can do all that!!!  I thought we were just learning dance steps in ballroom dance lessons.  Dance classes can teach us far more than just how to ballroom dance.

I do believe that learning to dance makes us better people.  We learn so much about ourselves and our partners out on the dance floor.  And it seems that we don’t even need to become great dancers to learn these lessons.  Just being in the space, taking the time to listen to the music, to feel the rhythms and then connect with someone else has a very therapeutic quality to it.  Ballroom dancing helps to heal us, balance us and gives us more benefits than we could ever hope for.

What do you say?  Want to take a turn around the dance floor with me?  We both will be better for it.

See you on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method 

The Wedding Dance  – the next big question.

After popping “THE” question, you get a simple answer. “YES!”  Once wedding planning starts, there are lots of questions.  Many of them answered by the bride and her tribe of helpful workers.  But the big question I see come between couples is the question of the First Wedding Dance.

What song?  What dance? I don’t like that one. Pick another one. Really? Try again.

Truth be told, my husband and I were still working out what song and dance were going to be “our dance” at the wedding reception.  Our DJ told us we had a few minutes to figure it out, or he was going to pick the song we would dance to.   Trust me, you don’t want the DJ to pick “your song” for you.  We settled on (I talked Jason into it),  “I Wanna Be With You” by Mandy Moore and danced a lovely lead and follow Nightclub Two-Step.

Women dream about the wedding dance…
Men dream about getting out of the wedding dance and heading to the bar…

 Okay men.  I know that many of you are intimidated by the thought of dancing with your new bride with everyone watching you.  But the best defense is a good offense.  So let’s get out there and get prepared so this 3 minute dance doesn’t scare the pants off you and drive you to drink.  Believe me, she does not want her wedding dance memory to be of her holding your drunk body upright for the entire song.

What dance do we do to “Our Song”?

Once you have picked your song – narrowing down the dance becomes easy.  Most music only gives you a few choices of dances that match it.  Here is quick guide to help you.

Nightclub Merengue/4 Count Hustle

This covers a wide range of pop and rock songs.  In a pinch, it can stand in for contemporary Cha cha.  With it’s easy footwork and timing, it is quick to learn and very handy when dancing places other than the wedding reception.  Examples of popular songs are:
“Love is in the Air” – H. Vanda & G. Young
“First Kiss” – International Five
“I Can’t Get Enough of Your Love, Baby” – Barry White

East Coast Swing/Single Time Swing

This also covers a wide range of pop and rock songs not to mention more traditional swing and blues music.  Swing dancing is very popular and you may find yourself enjoying these dances late into the night and for the rest of your lives together.  Examples of popular songs are:
“The Way You Make Me Feel” – Michael Jackson
“Accidentally in Love” – Counting Crows
“Your Body is a Wonderland” – John Mayer

Foxtrot

This old standard will have you floating across the dance floor.  Young and old enjoy a good Foxtrot.  This style of music is making a comeback  and has become very popular again.  Examples of great old and new Foxtrots are:
“The Best is Yet to Come” – Michael Buble’
“Fly Me to the Moon” – Frank Sinatra
“It Had to be You” – Harry Connick, Jr.

Nightclub Two-Step

This dance was developed by Buddy and Linda Schwimmer (yes, they are Benji’s and Lacey’s parents) to go with all those great ballads and love songs you hear on the radio.  As a beginner, you will dance this as a stationary dance – think of it as fancy version of Prom Dancing.  With a little time and practice, you can make this dance move around the room, gliding the entire time.  Nightclub Two-Steps you may know:
“From This Moment” – Shania Twain
“By Your Side” – Sade
“What a Wonderful World” – Louis Armstrong

Still lost?

You can learn to dance with us in the Asheville NC, area.  A new class is starting soon!!!  The focus of this class it to help people prepare for dancing at spring and summer weddings.  Come join us and learn the 4 dances mentioned above.

Wedding Dance Lessons – at The Farm

Or you can learn to swing dance in the comfort of your own home.  Try our Learn the East Coast Swing DVD and you will be ready to hit the dance floor in a short period of time!

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

Your Wedding Dance – Your First Dance as Husband and Wife

Many brides have been dreaming about their weddings since they were little girls.  In that dream, their wedding dance was the culmination of elegance and grace.  Their grooms sweep them off their feet as they romantically twirl across the dance floor.  Family and friends watch with excitement as the loving couple floats around the room.  This dream is why so many brides are eager to take dance lessons to prepare for the wedding dance. 

However, many grooms have not been dreaming about weddings since childhood.  Plus, learning how to dance can be intimidating for some men.  Most grooms acknowledge the need to dance at a wedding, but are reluctant to take dance lessons. 

Wedding Dance Lessons for you and your bridal party

The Farm – A Gathering Place, in Candler NC, is offering dance lessons just for brides, grooms, the bridal parties and special guests. 

We know the importance of the bride and groom’s first “signature” dance.  Your wedding dance shows your unique style and partnership to family and friends.  Your first dance as husband and wife is your first chance to showcase your love and the union of your marriage with all eyes on you.

Wedding Dance Lessons are available for all brides and grooms, members of the bridal party, family members and special guests who want to make a good impression and be able to dance all evening in the great celebration of the wedding.  Not, only will all the participants be planning their weddings, so lots to share with each other, but this is no ordinary dance class!

Each dance lesson is two hours long which includes a practice session.  Each night, the dance lesson will feature a new dance – Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, East Coast Swing or Foxtrot.

Your First Wedding Dance Instructors

Your Wedding Dance Instructors have created a revolutionary new way to learn dance called ZeDiamond Dance Method.  It is great for those of you who think you can’t dance, have no rhythm, are just plain scared, and those who love to dance! 

Deborah-Marie Diamond and Amy Barnes will be your instructors.  They will teach you the dances you need to know for your wedding night, reception, honeymoon and the rest of your life.  After completing the 4 dance lessons, you will  be able to dance to great old love songs and ballads, up tempo pop and rock music, and R& B with style!  

You can check Deborah-Marie Diamond and Amy Barnes out at ZeDiamond Dance Method’s Website

Brides, please forward this to everyone in your wedding party.  They will want to join you in the fun!

Each dance lesson is two hours long which includes a practice session.  Each night, the dance lesson will feature a new dance – Hustle, Nightclub Two Step, East Coast Swing or Foxtrot. Dance lessons are Monday evenings 6:30 – 8:30 April 5, 12, 19, and 26.  Admittance is $20.00 per person per two hour class.   A life time investment!  Call Bev Gottfried at 828-667-0666 to register now!

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

An hour or so before we need to leave, I cry from the closet, “Honey, what are we going to wear?”

You can almost hear the eyes rolling in my husbands head.  “Whatever you want,” is the response I get on most days, which really doesn’t help me that much.  Without fail, the holy grail of outfits is either wet and still in the washer or dry, but lost somewhere in a pile of dirty clothes.

Now mind you, I am sure I make this a lot harder than it needs to be.  My husband and I are one of those “Matchy Matchy” couples.  We are our own accessories.  You will rarely see one of us in jeans and the other in dress pants.  We dress at the same level of formality and usually in the same color scheme.  We do have matching shirts and for the shirts that don’t match, my husband has ties that match my shirts. 

So why am I a mess?  With pregnancy and growing bellies comes a whole new outlook on wardrobing.  My wardrobe has also gotten much smaller in the past weeks.  I don’t fit in many of our matching outfits anymore.  Plus, different events call for different levels of formality in dressing.   You thought learning to dance was the hard part?  Finding the right outfit to wear to the dance is the next challenge.

As you enter the world of ballroom and swing dance, you will notice that not all events have the same level of formality or dress code.  Gala Balls have a different dress code than practice parties.  Theme parties and dances (WHICH I LOVE) require a little more thought and preparation than weeknight group classes.  Below is an excerpt from “Elements of Dance Etiquette” by Aria Nosratinia.   Aria has provided a wonderful guide to the various levels of formality that you find in the dance world.  Aria has also provided tips on dressing for comfort and safety… a must for all dancers

What to Wear?

Protocol:

The more formal the dance, the more formal the outfit. For example, if you are invited to a formal charity ball, anything less than a tuxedo for men or ball gown for women would be inappropriate. On the other hand, at a dance lesson at your local studio, there is usually no need to dress formally.

This is not as hard as it may seem; a little common sense goes a long way. Also, if in doubt, follow the crowd! See what others do and follow suit. If all else fails, you can always ask the dance organizers about the dress code.

Below I give a guideline and explanation for dress code, which you may see on invitations and announcements, as well as a general idea of what to wear at different dance venues.

• White tie: White tie is the most formal category of dressing. For the gentleman, it means a black tailcoat with matching trousers trimmed by ribbon of braid or satin on the outside of each trouser leg, a white pique’ tie, white pique’ single or double-breasted vest, and a wing-collar shirt with a stiff pique’ front. White gloves are nice optional accessories for gentlemen. The lady appears in a ball gown, which is an evening dress with a full skirt, possibly with open back and low neck line. Elbow-length gloves are a nice addition for the lady.
•  Black tie: Gentlemen in black tuxedo coat, trousers trimmed with satin ribbon along the outside of the legs, cummerband and bow tie. The phrase “black tie” does not refer to the color of the tie. In fact colorful ties (with matching cummerbands) are very popular. Ladies appear in ball gowns.
•  Black tie optional: Same as above, except gentlemen have the option of wearing a regular suit with a tie (bow tie preferred), and ladies wear a cocktail gown or dinner dress. Long to full-length skirts are preferred; short skirts are not recommended.
•  Formal: Gentlemen in suit and tie (nowadays a sport coat is often an acceptable replacement for a full suit), ladies in cocktail gown or evening dress.
•  Semi-formal: Gentlemen in dress slacks with dress shirt and tie, jacket is optional. Other options include a vest or a sweater that shows the tie. At the lower end of formality, these events can be attended without a tie, e.g. with a turtleneck and jacket. Ladies in evening dress or dinner dress, but other chic outfits are also acceptable (like flowing pants, etc.)
•  Dressy Casual: Applies to most practice dances, workshops, and dance lessons. Gentlemen can wear coton slacks with solid color T-shirt, turtleneck, mock turtleneck, or polo shirt. Ladies have a much wider set of clothing options. Use your imagination and sense of fashion. In general this is a conservative and toned-down appearance that has grown increasingly popular on the dance floors. Don’t forget your dance shoes!
•  Country/Western: Country western attire has variations across the country, but generally it is acceptable to go in blue or black jeans (not stone-washed) and cowboy boots. Make sure that the boots will not mark the dance floor. If you wear a hat, it may be a good idea to take it off when going on the floor. Note that country western folks can be very sensitive about their hats. It is improper to touch or otherwise handle someone’s hat, even if it sits on a table. For a lady to pick up and put on a gentleman’s hat is considered very flirtatious.
•  Milongas: (Argentine Tango) For both ladies and gentlemen, black or dark themes are preferred.
•  Latin: This refers to venues that specialize in Salsa, Merengue, Cumbia, etc. For gentlemen, any button-up shirt, solid T-shirt or mock turtleneck, dress slacks, and dance shoes. Jackets are nice, but a vest can be even more stylish. Unlike most other dance venues, bright and colorful outfits for gentlemen are acceptable, although dark themes are more common. Ladies can (and often do) wear sexy outfits: both short skirts and longer slit skirts are popular. Low necklines and exposed midriffs are not uncommon.
•  Swing: There are no strict rules for swing outfits. Both the Gentleman and the Lady wear outfits that are reasonably neat and chic, although often not very formal. Many types of swing are fast-paced and athletic, so wearing suitable clothing is essential. For example, the Lady would be well advised to stay away from short, tight skirts. See also the next section on Comfort and Safety. A cute trend, especially in Lindy Hop circles, is to wear vintage outfits from the 1930’s and 40’s. But this is not done everywhere and is not at all a requirement.

Comfort and safety:

Wear clothing that makes it easy and enjoyable to dance, both for yourself and your partner.

• Regardless of how informal the dance is, always wear dance shoes. Do not wear sneakers or other shoes with rubber or spongy soles. They can stick to the floor during turns and spins and cause ankle and knee injuries.
•  Avoid sleeveless shirts and strapped dresses, especially for active dancing: It is not pleasant to have to touch the damp skin of a partner.
•  Sleeves that are baggy or cut low in the armpit are not a good idea, especially in Latin and swing dancing, because dancers need access to partner’s back, and hands may get caught in baggy sleeves.
•  Accessories like big rings, watches, brooches, loose/long necklaces, and big belt buckles can be dangerous. They can catch in partner’s clothing, scratch and bruise.
•  Gentlemen: if you have no place to leave your keys and loose change, carry them in the *left* pocket of your trousers. This makes it less likely to bruise your partner.
•  Long hair should be put up or tied in a pony tail. It is difficult to get into closed dance position when the lady has long flowing hair (hair gets caught in gentleman’s right hand). It is also not fun to be hit in the face with flying hair during turns and spins. “

Excerpt from ”Elements of Dance Etiquette” byAria Nosratinia
http://www.utdallas.edu/~aria/dance/etiquette.html#Groom 

The Excuse to get Dressed-Up

Many times, people learn to dance so they have an excuse to get dressed-up and get out of the house.  Whether it is “date night” for a couple, a way to meet local single people in your community, or just an excuse to wear fabulous clothes, learning to dance can open all kinds of social doors as well as wardrobe and closet doors for you too. 

I know there are people out there that just don’t want to get dressed up.  They are content to wear sweat pants, dirty jeans, track suits, or yoga wear 24/7.  Many use the lack of clothing in their closets as a reason not to take dance classes or learn how to dance.  Just because everyone is wearing a ballgown in the movies, doesn’t mean everyone wears a ballgown to the Friday night dance.  Expensive costumes are not required to enjoy yourself out on the dance floor.

With ZeDiamond Dance Method, you don’t need to worry about what you are going to wear.  With ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing 2 DVD set, you will be learning to swing dance in the privacy of your own home.  You can wear what ever you feel most comfortable in.  Socks, Pajamas, ratty old chinos, and denim shirts are perfect for learning how to swing dance at home.  Once you gain confidence in you new found dance skills, you may feel more comfortable getting a little spruced up and going out to a swing party or ballroom dance.

Click here to watch a video clip from ZeDiamond Dance Method Learn the East Coast Swing.  The students in the class are college kids and are dressed as such.  Do you think they are going to let a little thing like clothing come between them and good time out swing dancing with friends?  I think not.  You should not either.

So ignore the wet and dirty clothing, like I have.  Find a clean pair of black pants, a bright colored shirt and go out and have a great time.  Even though I learned to ballroom dance just so I had an excuse to wear a ballgown, I am lucky if I wear my ballgown twice a year.  But my black swing pants have taken me everywhere else I have wanted to go dancing in Asheville, NC and all over the country. 

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

“The Sideline – Where folks cluster to eat, drink and be merry”

“The sideline encompasses dance hall territory where folks congregate to eat, drink and visit.  Although this turf includes dancers sitting out between dances, it also has its own special array of wildlife.

Many of these sideliners are evolving through the pre-dance phase of their development.  They are watching the dancers, observing the dress, learning the protocol and acclimating to the environment.  After a few visits and a period of observation, sideliners usually join the dance lessons.

Species you might find lurking on the sideline include:

• Cowboys – Choose to work on the look before moving to the dance, and got it right… have ready ripostes to avoid dancing should they actually get asked.
• Furballs – Conceal bald spot under an expensive hat; favor beards; wear flimsy, unbuttoned shirts; prefer shirt ripped off so their hair shoulders can be admired; ladies say they feel like warm loofahs.
• Groupies – Adore band members, or occasionally regular dancers, with obsessive intensity; rarely dance themselves; sit perfectly still staring at the band or dancers; nurse drinks.
• Lounge Lizards – Sport white shoes, assisted hair, polyester shirts and enough neck chains to compose a Mr. “T” starter kit; close personal friends with bartenders; surrounded by an alcoholic haze and cigarette smoke.
• Greenhorns- Read about dancing in the newspaper; sit alone looking dazed; suffering from a recent broken relationship… if you give them an advertising flyer about upcoming lessons, they will attend and never forget you.
• Stool Hounds – Get carded (asked for ID to prove they are of drinking age) by doorman; drink beer; wear baseball caps, T-shirts and tennis shoes; sit in groups, but very little conversation; learning the ropes of sociability; served free coffee by the end of the evening.
• Suits – In from out of town; on expense accounts; stay at airport hotels; arrive at the dance hall by taxi; remove coat and tie to look more country; may roll up shirtsleeves so French cuffs aren’t so apparent; hoping to get lucky; won’t.”

Excerpt from “Paul McClure’s Country Dance Etiquette” by Paul McClure

Why are the people on the sideline so important?

Because silly, we all used to be one. 

These are the people on the edge. 

They are the ”dying to dance, but hoping nobody will ask me,” people. 

Perhaps they want to dance, but they don’t know how. 

Maybe they are beginner dancers that just need a little confidence boost.  Sometimes it takes all their courage to get in the door and there is little courage left for the dance floor.

We have all been there.  The difference between the Sideliners and Regular Dancers are the amount of miles collected in trips around the dance floor. 

We all have to get started dancing somewhere… why not here?

Though it is hard for some beginner dancers to believe, nobody has been dancing since birth.  Not a single dancer got their start in the womb.  I’ll let you know if that happens, but for now… my baby has yet to “Boom A Boom” correctly in my belly. 

Many great social swing and ballroom dancers did not start dancing until they are adults.  Not long ago, they were Sideliners too.  But they found a way to learn how to dance, stuck with it and in time became the life of the party.

One way to help you get off the sideline and on to the dance floor is to learn at home with a “Learn how to dance” DVD.  With ZeDiamond Dance Method – Learn the East Coast Swing DVD’s, you could be up and dancing in less than 90 minutes.  Once you master the basics of rhythm, connection and a few simple dance moves in East Coast Swing, you will be out on that dance floor enjoying yourself, the music and your partner.  After that, their is no turning back.  You will have transformed from a Sideliner to a Regular Dancer and soon will be the envy of other Sideliners. 

 See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method

We all have different reasons to learn how to dance…

When I started dancing, I was a single college student.  I was stuck on campus taking summer school classes.   Unlike other students, I wanted to do something other than hang out in a smokey bar and drink away brain cells.  I wanted to make new friends.  I wanted to express myself.  I wanted to be a “regular” somewhere.  I wanted to know that I could just show up (without a date) and see people I knew, have a good time and still get up and go to class in the morning without a headache. 

What I never knew I always wanted, was to learn how to Swing Dance.  I have gotten everything I wanted and so much more from swing dancing.  It all started with a free East Coast Swing  Dance lesson and skyrocketted  from there. 

Some people need a little more reason to try East Coast Swing Dancing for the first time.  Before ordering your ZeDiamond Dance Method DVD, consider the following list of 10 reasons to love dancing. 

Ten Reasons to Love Ballroom Dance

“You’ve probably seen the very popular BBC television program Strictly Come Dancing, in the USA it was called Dancing with the Stars. If you’re wondering what all the fuss is about look no further because here’s a beginners guide to the top ten reasons to love ballroom dancing.

One – The Music

Ballroom and Latin dance music is quite simply fabulous and it makes you want to dance. I defy anyone to listen to ‘Shout It Feel It’ by the Count Basie Orchestra and not want to at least tap their feet! Dancing aside there has been a resurgence in interest in jazz and swing music, Michael Buble and Jamie Cullum being two modern exponents of the genre, and this has only helped dance to once again capture the public imagination.

Two – It’s Up Close and Personal

Before the recent interest in ballroom dancing people used to laugh when I told them I danced. They saw it as a strange thing to do. I never quite understood this as in the words of George Bernard Shaw dancing is the “vertical expression of a horizontal desire legalized by music”? Surely a reason to love ballroom dancing.

Three – Health Benefits

According to researchers social dancing provides the body with many health benefits. It may help reduce stress, increase energy, and improve strength, muscle tone, and co-ordination. Dancing can also burn as many calories as walking or riding a bike. One of the best aspects of ballroom dancing is the fun you can have while you’re doing something great for your body.

Four – The People You Meet

Like most walks of life dancing attracts all kinds of people but by far the majority of dancers are really nice people to know and great fun to be with.

Five – You Get to Dress Up

It’s fair to say that ballroom dancing went through a phase where the ladies wore some quite strange outfits. But today layers of petticoats and lace have given way to flowing gowns and glamorous figure hugging designer chic. Of course the men still wear their tail suits but even here heavy fabric has given way to much lighter and cooler alternatives. Socially of course tail suits are not worn but everybody loves the chance to dress up and wear nice clothes and what better occasion than a ballroom dance!

Six – You Can be Competitive

We humans are a competitive lot and dancing is no different. There is a vibrant and active competitive circuit at all levels of ballroom dancing from professional through to beginner. Even if stepping out with a number pinned to your back isn’t appealing you can still join in and shout your support from the wings. Contrary to popular belief competitive ballroom dancing isn’t a genteel pastime, quite the opposite and anyone attending a competition for the first time might be surprised by the experience. Competitions are definitely a reason to love ballroom dancing!

Seven – You Can Do It All Over The World

Ballroom dancing is popular the world over and if you travel you will find kindred spirits in all four corners of the globe. Some countries are more actively involved in dancing than others but you will seldom be far from a dance hall or studio wherever you may roam.

Eight – You Can Make People Envious

Nobody likes a show off but there’s a fine line between showing off and simply doing something you enjoy. There are many social situations where being able to dance is a positive boon and many people have taken up dancing after being at a wedding and watching people who can dance take to the floor wishing it was them. So another way of looking at this is if you dance at a social event you may well be encouraging others to take up dancing too!

Nine – It’s Hard

I play golf. Golf’s hard and week after week I go back to the course and week after week the course beats me. Dancing is hard too. Week after week I go to lessons and come away safe in the knowledge that there is still much to learn. But this isn’t a bad thing. Learning and perhaps mastering things that are hard is part of the human condition and dancing will present you with a lifetime of learning opportunities and the associated feeling you get when you master just one small part of it. Like golf, dancing is rewarding and fun because it’s hard.

Ten – It’s just fun!

What ever the level of dancing you achieve you will have fun. From the beginners taking to the floor for the first time, often with a terrified look on their face, through to seasoned professionals strutting their stuff at a dance demonstration dancing makes you feel alive and it makes you smile.”

Excerpt from Ten Reasons to Love Ballroom Dance by David A Robinson
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=David_A_Robinson  

It has been more than 10 years since I took that East Coast Swing Dance lesson and I am still benefiting from it.

Now, I have hundreds of friends across the country (including new ones in Asheville, NC) that I met on the dance floor.  I have the confidence to walk into a room of strangers and just start talking to people.  Twice, I have moved to areas where I knew few people and didn’t have a job, but I found the dance community and started building a new life.  I have greatly improved my mental and physical health from all the smiles and miles of dancing I have put on my feet.  My brain enjoys the challenge of learning new dance steps and dance moves, styling and technique.  Dancing is a whole body, whole mind, whole soul activity… an activity best shared with others.

Okay, I’m convinced.  How do I get started dancing?

For many people, the first dance they learn is the East Coast Swing.  Click here to learn a little about the history of East Coast Swing Dancing.  The East Coast Swing is a fun and lively dance that can be danced to a variety of music. Click here to watch a performance of East Coast Swing Dancing.

You can start dancing, quickly and easily right in your own home.  Just move the coffee table, grab a partner and pop in this DVD.  Take your first dance lesson with ZeDiamond Dance Method – Learn the East Coast Swing.  You will learn right along with a class of beginner dancers.  They ask questions, they laugh, they learn more than dance steps, they learn to dance with each other… just like you will. 

You need more reasons before you give East Coast Swing Dancing a try?  Click here to see if ballroom and swing dancing are right for you.

Once you learn ZeDiamond Dance Method, you will be able to learn other dances and useother dance systems as well.  Build up you confidence by learning at home with the DVD dance lessons.  Then go out and dance in nightclubs, go to ballroom and swing dances and continue to take local dance lessons.  You can always comeback and review what you have learned with ZeDiamond Dance Methodby popping in the DVD and dancing along at home.

See you out on the dance floor,

Amy Barnes

ZeDiamond Dance Method