Summer Showcase 2008

The morning starts out like almost any other morning. But we know in the back of our mind that today is a special day. As we get ready for the event later that evening we walk through important steps and details in our mind. We take a little more care than usual to dress ourselves, prepare our hair and make-up (not me, the women), and then go to the studio.

There is a gentle buzz of activity at the studio when we arrive. People are bringing in their costumes, some are mingling and others are finishing last minute preparations at the studio. The Finale rehearsal is called for all performers and nerves begin to awaken. We go through the steps as we were shown, one last time. We go upstairs for our final make-up and costume preparation, as the spectators are let in and begin to fill the ballroom.

The adrenaline is beginning to flow through our bodies and the hype is filling the air. We now position ourselves behind the curtain as our “run-on” music plays. The curtain flies open and the moment has finally arrived – it’s Showtime!

Another successful show! As usual, the Showcase was very entertaining. We had Latin routines in Cha-Cha and Bolero and Ballroom numbers in Waltz and Fox Trot; we enjoyed the specialty dance like the Argentine Tango and group numbers from Koko’s Flamenco Group and Passport to Dance, a youth ballroom group, coordinated by Veronica Wagner.

One of the greatest things about ballroom dancing is that all ages can dance and perform. We had young kids from the youth ballroom group and mature adults performing at the Summer Showcae. Congratulations on a job well job.

To see the online photo slideshow, click the link below
(OR copy/paste into your browser):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/dancer_avenue/sets/
72157606560311382/show/

Sinerely,
Mark Mendez

P.S. It's my birthday today!

How to Dance if You're Inhibited

Hi Everyone,

Sometimes students say they are a little embarrassed to dance while people are watching or just to dance at all. I came across this article and thought I would share this with you. It sounds mostly like social club dancing, but it can apply to ballroom dancing as well.
Enjoy - Mark
* [comments added by Mark]

So, you are out dancing...and you want to dance, but you are a little too shy, or don't really like the thought of everyone else watching you. If this is your problem, then this article is for you!

Steps

• At home, stand in front of your mirror and turn on some of your favorite songs. Try out a few dance moves of your own, and see how it looks. Become familiar with your dancing style, and come to feel comfortable with yourself. Note what you enjoyed and what you did not enjoy while practicing this, and match them accordingly while you are out dancing.
• Find a friend Find a friend to go out dancing [or practice at the studio]* who isn't inhibited at all about dancing. This may just be the kind of friend who would drag you out there and make you do it whether you like it or not!Tell them beforehand not to listen to you, as you protest loudly or pretend not to hear you over the music - but do tell them to stop if you are about to cry.
• Learn how Have your friend teach you how to dance [or take lessons]* so you know what to do when you are out there on the dance floor.
• Just do it Now go out with your friend and dance [try studio parties]* -make sure to take lots of breaks and don't care if people are looking at you - and if they are, just dance more! Just do it!! This is your time to dance!!
• Try something basic If this is your first attempt to get out there and dance, perhaps you would prefer to try something more basic. Feeling the tune of the music, sway back and forth ["rock step" for ballroom dancers]* in a speed that feels comfortable to you. During faster songs, try a step together and clapping move. This would help you enjoy yourself without feeling uncomfortable standing out in the crowd.

Tips

• Try taking dance lessons [at Stardance Studio]* to start get the feel of the art of dance. This would assist greatly on the dance floor.
• Dance as though there is nobody around. Think of how you would dance if you had the music turned up in your bedroom, and you were the only one in the room. Try to visualize this concept and follow through by dancing in the way that shows your individuality.
• Avoid trying to copy the dance moves of people around you. Remember to be yourself.
• Feel the music. Make the most out of your favorite songs. Grasp the meaning of the words and allow your dancing to speak those words. Pay attention to the beat. Notice how fast or slow it is, and follow it accordingly in your movement.
• Breathe. If you truly feel anxious, try to take a minute to breathe, relax, and get a drink of water [or something stronger!]*. Calm your mind, and free it of any worries.
• Realize, that people are not going to be watching your dancing in particular. Think to yourself: "I came here to have fun! I am going to enjoy myself here no matter what, and I will dance however I wish to do so!" Avoid allowing the thoughts of others to interfere with your enjoyment.
• Feel free. Plant a smile on your face and tell yourself that it is going to be okay.
• Make the most of your moments. Look into people's eyes a little deeper, notice the beat or tune of the music more closely, and dance with all the energy and emotion you have.

Warnings

• Take breaks and drink plenty of water-your body will thank you! Dancing is one way to get dehydrated quick and you won't notice because you are having so much fun!

Courtesy of wikiHow

Theme Parties

Well, I must say that I personally had a good time the past few weeks. Friday parties are always a blast but it’s just a little more special when we have Theme parties. So…if you haven’t been attending the Theme parties, you’re missing out.

We recently had three Friday night Theme parties – Sports Night, Western Party and the Hawaiian Luau Party and an afternoon BBQ on the 4th of July. Below is a recap of the last two events we had.

Hawaiian Luau Party – The room was filled with colorful Hawaiian decorations. The evening began with an exhilarating Swing group class and then followed by a light buffet that included teriyaki chicken, gourmet fried rice, salad, Hawaiian rolls and Mark’s tropical Mai Tai punch. Everyone celebrated the evening by wearing Hawaiian attire and dancing the night away. The ladies were invited to participate in a sexy Luau contest and the men performed a hip-shaking Tahitian dance. Prizes were awarded to the best dancers and everyone had a great time.

4th of July BBQ & Party – Since it was a holiday, there seemed to be a relaxed atmosphere in the studio. Everyone was introduced to the Sally Ann Cha-Cha (a sequence dance) and had a great time. We took a break to barbecue hamburgers and hot dogs, and others brought salads, desserts, chicken, chili, drinks and more to share with the group. We had a feast! Everyone danced the afternoon away and was still left with enough time to go out and watch the evening fireworks.

Theme parties usually pack more energy and excitement, and we get more people attending these events. They truly are a lot of fun. My suggestion is if you have a choice to go a regular Friday party somewhere or one of our Theme parties, go for the Theme party. See you soon.

Sincerely,
Mark Mendez