|
|
|
|
Ballroom Class Description and Info
|
|
|
|
|
|
| Ballroom Dancing is not one dance but rather a group of dances for a type or genre of music. Big Bands or DJs will play a variety of songs that can be danced to with a partner. The most common or popular ones are the Foxtrot, Waltz, Jitterbug (see also Swing) and Tango. There are others you may want to learn and we offer them in the other styles like Latin, Swing or Nightclub. |
|
|
Introduction to Ballroom Dancing
|
This class is for the students that want to learn how to Ballroom Dance and don't know where to start. You get a sample of the most popular Ballroom Dances done in our area. These dances are the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango and the Jitterbug (Swing). This class is meant to be a minimum of 12-weeks split into (2) 6-week series called Intro to Ballroom (1a) and Intro to Ballroom (1b).
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.
|
Syllabus (1a)
Foxtrot:
- Basic
- Promenade
- Rock Turn Left or Right
- Sway Step
- Sway Step w/Underarm Turn
- Zig Zag
Jitterbug:
- Basic
- Throw-out & Return
(Lady’s Outside & Inside Turns)
- Lady’s Inside Left Turn
• w/Hand-Change
• Fix the Hand
• w/Lady’s Left, Man’s Right
• Double Left Turn
|
Syllabus (1b)
Waltz:
- Basic Box Step
- Progressive Forward & Back
- Balance Steps
• Forward
• Back
• Side
- Underarm Turn
- Balance Promenade
- Simple Twinkle
- Face to Face - Back to Back
- Triple Twinkle
Tango:
- Basic
- Promenade
• Regular
• Turning Left
• Turning Right
- Single Corté
- Double Corté
|
|
| |
Fox Trot is a basic dance from which you can acquire a good foundation. Learning to combine steps easily and smoothly teaches variety and maneuverability. The Fox Trot posture is attractive in appearance and helpful to all other dances. Being able to dance to slow, medium and fast tempos will add confidence to your dancing and will assure fun and relaxation for your partner.
History: In 1913, Harry Fox, a vaudeville comedian, introduced a trot to a ragtime song in the 1913 Ziegfeld Follies that pushed other trots into the background. It became America’s most popular dance and remains so to this day as the standard of social dances.
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.
|
Syllabus (1a)
- Basic
- Rock Turn to Left
- Promenade
- Promenade Underarm Turn
- Zig Zag in Line
- Twinkle
- Promenade Twinkles
- Grapevine
- Promenade Twist
- Running Steps in Basic Rhythm
|
Syllabus (1b)
- Basic
- Rock Turn to Right
- Sway Step
- Sway Underarm Turn
- Zig Zag Outside Partner
- Twinkle
- Fallaway Twinkles
- Turning Twinkles to O. P.
- Promenade
- Promenade Pivot
- Box Step
- Running Steps in Box Rhythm
|
|
|
Foxtrot
Music Suggestions
|
|
BPM
|
Song Title
|
Artist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
|
Join this class for a fun introduction into this energetic style of Swing. Become confident dancing to fast tempo music like "In The Mood". Gain a solid foundation in single-step 6-count Swing, by learning practical basics of partnering and footwork along with smooth moves. Music includes: Rock & Roll, Big Band & NEW Swing music.
History: (See Swing Class Descriptions for more) There are many types of Swing in the world and they depend on the music, culture, style and tempo of the music as to which one you want to learn. Jitterbug is one and it has evolved from Lindy Hop which is still very popular today with young and old.
*See also Swing Descriptions
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.
|
Syllabus (1a)
- Basic (Closed Position)
- Lady's Right Underarm Turn (Outside)
- Lady's Left Underarm Turn (Inside)
- Man's Left Pass
- Overhead Slide
- Basic (Open Position)
- Lady's Wrap Up to Cuddle
- Sweetheart (Left & Right)
- Lady's Turn Turn Out (Right Turn)
- Man's Walk Through Catch w/Right Hand
- 540 or She/He w/Right to Right
- Reverse Spin or Lady's Free Spin
Catch with Man's Left Hand
|
Syllabus (1b)
- Basic (Closed Position)
- Lady's Turn Turn Out (Right)
- Lady's Left Underarm Turn (Inside)
- Man's Left Underarm Turn
- Basic (Open Position)
- Man's Comb
- Lady's Comb
- Lady's Wrap Up into Wheel Clockwise
- Continuous Wheel
- Lady's Outside Right Turn
- Man's Walk Through Catch w/Right Hand
- Finesse (1 or 2)
- Lady's Left Turn w/Man's
Hand Change Behind The Back
- She/He with Left Hand (1 or 2)
- Reverse Spin w/Left Hand
|
|
| |
Waltz develops balance and control. The basic Waltz steps are the foundation patterns used in most ballroom dances. Correct posture, rise and fall, and flowing movements should be stressed to achieve good styling.
History: Considered the mother of present day dances, the Waltz began in southern Germany in the seventeenth century. The popularity of the Waltz grew with the music of Johann Strauss and eventually blossomed in the 20th century. It is the basis for many dances and is popular today all over the world.
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.
Syllabus (1a)
- Basic Box Step
- Progressive Forward
- Left Turning Box
- Two-Way Underarm Turn
- Simple Twinkle
- Triple Twinkle
- Turning Twinkles
- Reverse Turn (Left)
- Grapevine
- Promenade Chasse
|
Syllabus (1b)
- Basic Box Step
- Progressive Forward
- Right Turning Box
- Box with Underarm Turn
- Face-to-face, Back-to-back
- Balance Steps
(Forward, Back, Side to side)
- Balance and Box
- Balance Promenade
- Natural Turn (Right)
- Progressive Twinkles
|
|
|
Waltz
Music Suggestions
|
|
BPM
|
Song Title
|
Artist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| |
In order to achieve the distinctive style of the Tango it is important to develop controlled staccato footwork, along with fluid graceful movements. The unique rhythm of the music is great training for timing and phrasing which develops as the dancer becomes more proficient. Tango practice is essential towards becoming a good dancer.
History: The Tango began in the West Indies and found its way to Argentina where it was stylized by the Gauchos. It became the rage in 1921 after the silent screen star Rudolph Valentino brought this romantic dance to millions in “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse”. More recently, it has been danced in movies such as True Lies and Scent of a Woman. Today, the Tango is considered the “dancer’s dance” and becomes a favorite to all who learn it.
*See also Latin Descriptions
*You can start with either (1a) or (1b) and a partner is not required.
|
Syllabus (1a)
- Straight Basic
- Curving Basic
- Promenade Turning Left
- Single Corte
- Progressive Rocks
- Right Side Fans
- Reverse Turn
- Reverse Turn w/Outside Swivel
- Contra Rocks
- Continuous Promenade
|
Syllabus (1b)
- Straight Basic
- Curving Basic
- Promenade Turning Right
- Single Corte
- Double Corte
- Running Steps
- Open Fan
- Open Fan w/Underarm Turn
- Checked Promenade
|
|
|
Tango
Music Suggestions
|
|
BPM
|
Song Title
|
Artist
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
STUDENT
PDF versions of our
Class Schedule
|
|
|
|
|