Dancz

Danczing in time - the challenges

2012-02-13T05:24:00.000-08:00

We're now approaching the final sessions of the current Dancz term.

It's been a busy term, and we've also had the added pressure of the Dancz exams - which I must say went really well (if I do say myself!!) I'm a proud teacher.

As we approach the end of term, we always like to test / challenge the Danczers, just to prove how far we come during the term. One of my favourite challenges is to test the Danczers on their ability to count in to the music, and then keep time. It can be tricky, as it's very easy to get caught up with 'the routine' and 'the technique' that we almost forget that the reason for danczing is to express ourselves to the music being played.

The dances that always seem to challenge the danczers most are the Cha Cha and Rumba. The main reason for this is that all our routines commence with a preparation / settling in step, which means that we have to start danczing on the count of ‘4’. The main mistake that is made is that the danczers are great at finding the ‘1’ but they don’t move on count 4, they wait until the 1- which means they are then danczing out of time – eekkk (one of my pet hates!!!)

In the Dancing World it is imperative that you dance ‘in time’ with the music to succeed. Throughout my competition days – whether it be competing or training competitors, I frequently watched those who danced ‘in time’ (with the music) triumph over those who may have been ‘better’ dancers but who weren’t dancing with the music.

So here’s a challenge for you J
This week when you are listening to music (at home/ in the car/ out clubbing) try and pick up the first beat of the bar ‘1’ and then count 2,3 and then follow it with a Cha Cha Cha (4 & 1) or Slow (4,1). This is how we count in to a basic Cha Cha or Rumba.
(WARNING - Be careful that you don't delay your movement and count the 4 as well!!)
If you’re struggling just tap your foot, click your fingers, or simply clap your hands and you’ll find that more often than not you will start on the first beat of the bar!!!

Good Luck J

Happy Danczing.

Zoé x

Dancz - Time flies when you're having fun

2012-01-23T07:24:00.000-08:00

Wow - it's hard to believe that we're on week 3 of the current Dancz term, where is the time going.
This week is an extremely busy (and stressful) week for me, as a number of danczers are taking part in their IDTA medal examinations. I'm sure everyone will do really well - just remember they're here to give you constructive comments, not put you off danczing for ever!!!

I'm really pleased with how all the classes are progressing this term. I know that I work all the danczers hard but I'm eager for as many people as possible to get the enjoyment that I have out of dancing.

As promised please find some songs from last week's Dancz sessions so that you can download / locate them and practice, practice, practice. A great dance teacher once told me "Practice makes Permanent" so don't forget Dancz practice Monday evenings 9:30 - 10:30pm.

Foxtrot
Layla (Foxtrot) - Dancelife's Best: Do you remember this 2
Brown Eyes Blue (Foxtrot) - Bring a Smile to your feet 3

Cha Cha
Hey Daddy (Cha) - Cha Cha Pa'Ti
A Night Like This - Caro Emerald

Tango
Serenta;- Casa Musica Best of Ballroom
Adios Muchachos:- Stanley Black Best of Tango

Samba
Hazmelo:- Latin Unlimited Agua De Coco
Macarena:- Bring a Smile to Your Feet 3

Waltz
Together Hand in Hand:- Ross Mitchell 25 Top Waltzes
Take it to the Limit:- Ballroom Orchestra Waltz

Hopefully that's enough to get your Dancz music collection going!!!

More next week.

Happy Danczing.

Zoé

Another Dancz Year

2011-12-24T07:05:00.000-08:00

I thought it was about time that I started a blog - I've always got so much to say and so many memorable experiences to reflect on!!

It's hard to believe that another Dancz year is over!!!

In January we will celebrate our 7th anniversary - eek. It makes me realise how young I was when I started Dancz.

Over the years I've been lucky to meet and teach so many lovely people, most of whom have continued with their Dancz experience, and I'm proud to call them 'Danczers'.

The Dancz Christmas Ball on Sunday was another memorable occasion and enabled us to finish the year on a high!! We had great food, fabulous company, a superb live Ballroom and Latin dancing band, and young superstars in the making in the form of our demonstration couple Michael Johnson and Sally Rose Beardall and then Saskia who is a singing talent of the future.

I would just like to take this opportunity to wish all the Danczers a fabulous christmas and a happy new year and I'll look forward to seeing you all back on the Dancz floor in 2012.

Zoé xxx