Reasons Why You Should Dance

{Pinterest/Dancing}

 

There is a bit of insanity in dancing that does everybody a great deal of good.  ~Edwin Denby

Do I Need Ballroom Dance Shoes?

The answer for many, is “Yes!” If you are just starting to learn how to ballroom dance, the right shoe can make a world of a difference, especially if you are interested in learning how to ballroom dance competitively! And women, this is a perfect excuse to buy a new pair of shoes!

When purchasing ballroom dance shoes, form is almost important as function. Dance shoes should be snug, but comfortable and functional. The best way to ensure that you purchase the right pair of dance shoes, make sure you talk to your instructor.
In terms of design and construction:
Design:

• Styles are varied upon dance categories (Cuban, Latin, Smooth)
• Available for both Men and Women. Men’s shoes are typically black lace up oxfords with a heel that ranges anywhere between 1″ to 3″ depending on style. (Latin style shoes have a higher heel)
• Dance shoes can either have an open or closed toe
• Heels are typically slim or flared, and range from a 1″ to a 3″ heel.
• They come in a variety of colors, black being a popular color. Most women however, opt for a flesh color, to help extend the leg line for competitions. (And the flesh tone of the shoe, matches a variety of clothing.)

Construction:

• Ballroom dance shoes have a non-slip sole, which is essential!
• You want to look for suede soles because they provide the right combination of grip and slide.
• Shoe material is flexible and lightweight!

Maintenance of your ballroom dance shoes:

• Do not wear your ballroom dance shoes on the street! The rough surface will wear them out quickly and damage the suede sole of the shoe.
• Most dance shoes, when purchased come with a bag in which you can properly store your shoes until you arrive for your dance lessons or dance parties.

Again, to ensure that you are purchasing the “Right” pair of dance shoes, make sure that you talk to your instructor! Here at National Dance Clubs, we sell Very Fine Dance Shoes!

{Very Fine Dance Shoes}

 Written by: K. Caron

Silver Screen Showcase

We are pleased to announce that you are cordially invited to our first annual “Silver Screen Showcase” on October 23rd in Oak Ridge, Tennessee.  We request your attendance on this very special evening of elegance as we celebrate the magical moments of the Silver Screen. Together, we will dance to the music that made Hollywood glisten with endless possibility and undying inspiration.  The very talented, 9 Dance Champion, Sam Gordon will be the choreographer for this memorable event!

 

So often we are merely gazing at the stars, stagnant as we ponder the outcome of a dream. But why? Why not reach for the stars? Why can’t your moment be NOW? If you have ever dreampt about being in the spotlight, your time is indeed now. Do not hesitate to ask your instructor for more details and becoming apart of this showcase!

Your Reception

Now that you and your sweetheart have learned how to dance, don't forget about your Bridal Party! Dancing at your reception is a wonderful way to bring an air of elegance and togetherness to such a joyous occasion! 

Traditionally, although not all individually, the following people will dance together:

• Bride and Groom
• Father of the Bride & the Bride
• Groom's father & the bride
• Groom & Groom's mother
• Bride's Parents
• Groom's Parents
• Best Man and Bride
• Maid/Matron of Honor & Groom

Finally the entire wedding party, ushers, and bridesmaids will join in on the festivities! 

Special offer at National Dance Clubs!

The National Dance Clubs can arrange a Special Wedding Party Group Class, or we can individually work with the wedding party or guests before the wedding!

Our Guest Special is only $15 per person and it entitles participants to one private lesson, one Guest Group Class, and one Guest Party! For all guest 21 years or older who live in and work in the Chattanooga area and take a private lesson with one of our instructors, you will receive a *BONUS* private lesson!

{photo retrieved from: weddingbee.com}

Getting Married?

Love is a journey paved with moments that will leave you breathless…

Such as the first date; the hours of nervous anticipation that leave you spellbound by endless possibility….

The first kiss that exceeds any sort of reasonable expectation…

The moment the first “I love You’s” are whispered through nervous smiles…

When he kneels down on one knee and asks you the question you have only dreamed about…”Will you marry me?”

And on your wedding day…when he takes your hand and asks “May I have this dance?”

As a couple you will share magical moments that will forever be imprinted in your mind. Your first dance as a newlywed couple should be no different! Forget the dreaded “prom hang” and let National Dance Clubs make your dream a reality! Our trained professionals can easily choreograph some moves for your favorite song, or simply teach you how to dance for the array of songs that will be played at your reception!

How?

Call to set up a complimentary lesson today! The sooner you start, the better! Don’t wait until a week before the wedding!

{http://ruffledblog.com/}

Written by: K.Caron

American vs. International

What are the differences between the two?

American:
American style ballroom is danced primarily in the USA and is not as standardized as International. There are two categories of American:
Smooth: includes dances such as the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, and Viennese Waltz
Rhythm:  includes dances such as the Cha Cha, Rumba, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Samba

International:
International style ballroom dancing is seen in competitions and is danced all over the world! Like American, there are two categories of International:
Standard: Includes the Waltz, Tango, Viennese Waltz, Slow Foxtrot, and Quick Step
Latin: Includes the Cha Cha, Samba, Rumba, Paso Doble, and Jive

Differences between American Smooth & International Standard:

International Standard focuses more on the technical aspect of dancing in a closed position. This allows couples who are dancing together to develop technical movements and the characteristics of each dance.
American Smooth is more interpretive and dancers can dance in either a closed or open position.

Differences between American Rhythm & International Latin:

International Latin is a very structured and technical. This style is very popular and is danced in competitions throughout the world!
American Rhythm is predominately danced in competitions throughout the US. Again this is a very interpretive dance that allows dancers to creatively express themselves throughout the dance.

Images retrieved from AtomicBallroom.com

Conditioning Exercises for Ballroom Dancers

Did you know that you can exercise your way into becoming a better dancer? Although, ballroom in itself, is a wonderful way to burn calories, there are certain exercises you can do at the gym or at home that will help you build stamina, endurance, and strength ON and OFF the dance floor!
For those of you who didn't know, conditioning exercises are body movements that increase athletic skill, physical fitness, and prevent injury. By performing these simple, effective exercises, you can actually strengthen the core muscles you use when you ballroom dance!

Yoga:
Yoga is a wonderful way to tighten those core muscles in your abdomen and back (the same muscles you use when you ballroom dance). Looking for specific poses? Follow this link:

http://www.ehow.com/videos-on_1537_yoga-back-pain-build-strength.html

Jump Rope:
 Dances such as the cha cha require quick feet and endurance. Not there yet? Pick up a jump rope! Did you know that jumping rope burns about 350 calories in 30 minutes? That kind of heart-pumping activity will help build stamina which is required on the dance floor.

Arm Exercises:
Whether you are male or female, arm flexibility and strength helps you lift, twirl, extend or hold your arm positions when you are ballroom dancing. Keep them toned and strong by lifting weights! Try dumbbell presses, or bicep curls on a stability ball to increase resistance and improve your balance! Need some more ideas or a how-to guide? Check out Shape Magazine's "Best Exercises for Arms" workout below:

http://www.shape.com/fitness/how-to-get-toned-arms-the-best-exercises-for-arms

{Source: pinterest/exercise}