Wrapping up our series on how to do a dance turn, we’re targeting the reverse and natural turns, those smooth and elegant rotations of the smooth/standard arena. Before we get into how to do these dance turns though, what’s the difference between them? Continue reading “How to do a Dance Turn: Reverse and Natural Turns”
Now that you’re a pivot turn pro (or at least on the way), we can look at the more challenging chaine turn. Used in jazz and ballet, as well as ballroom, chaine turn give speed and snap to your turns, and are often found in faster rhythm/Latin dances like cha cha or salsa.
Continue reading “The Secrets of the Chaine Turn”
We’ve set the stage with an intro to general turning technique, as well as the 5 elements that we can change to give our dance spins a different look and feel. Now, we’re finally ready to upgrade the actual dance spins we use in our dances. Previously, we looked at the spot turn, and how to make it work. Let’s try something a little more advanced: the pivots and pivoting actions.
Continue reading “Ballroom Dance Spins: Pivots VS ‘Pivoting Actions’”
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of how turns work and how they differ between rhythm and smooth dance styles, what are the qualities behind a well-executed dance spin? As you practice, you will gradually increase your mastery over each of these 5 elements, allowing you to make every turn unique, and uniquely yours.
Continue reading “The 5 Elements of a Good Dance Spin”
Whether it’s a slow waltz or a blazingly fast salsa, turns, spins, pivots and other types of rotations are a part of every dance style. Want to improve your balance, make snappier dance turns, or just sound smart talking about them to your buddies? Let’s start by taking a detailed look at a how a dance turn actually works. Continue reading “The Secrets to Making a Perfect Dance Turn”
A good connection with your dancing partners is like food for your dog – keep providing it, and they’ll always come back for more. Last time, we looked at the basics of taking a ballroom dance frame. Now it’s time to get you two moving with a few more all-important commandments: Continue reading “Connecting for Dancing Partners: How to Move”
What’s the first thing you notice as you are walking up to greet someone for the first time? Unless they have a mohawk and dress like a 1990s workout video, odds are it’s how they hold themselves – in short, their posture.
Continue reading “Correct Posture on the Dance Floor”
Yes dancers, we’ve all felt it, we all fear it. Dizziness can instantly turn any ballroom dance from fun to terrifying, as we suddenly clutch our partner, afraid we’ll be carried to the floor at any moment. But there is help – dizziness cures we can use for both the beginner and the experienced dancer to enjoy a dance without fear.
Continue reading “Dizziness Cures for the Dancer”
We have a decent understanding now of what muscles we frequently use to make strong and controlled ballroom movements. But what dancer training exercises can make them stronger – and give our dancing more power, speed and endurance?
As there are countless exercises out there, and this is just an overview, I’m giving the most effective exercises I know, one for each major area of the body.
Continue reading “Ballroom Dancer Training for Stronger Muscles”