Dance committees: How community commitment can make a difference

Posted by: . Posted on: July 26, 2023 Comments: 0

With the recent SAG-AFTRA strike, we checked in with our neighbors north of the border, who are voting on a strike of their own. What do unions look like in Canada? Well, Canadian dancers now have a stronger voice in the British Columbia region, thanks to a recently formed Dance Committee under the established Film and TV union there, UBCP-ACTRA. We sat down with Louise Hradsky in Vancouver, Canada, who is co-chair of the Dance Committee. Hradsky is a choreographer, dancer and advocate for dancers in the BC film…

Back to school: Pointe shoe tune-up 

Posted by: . Posted on: July 22, 2023 Comments: 0

Does it feel too soon to think about your pointe shoes and back-to-school? It’s understandable that it might be daunting to think about the upcoming ballet season, but it’s never too early to reassess your shoes and get ahead of your fall classes. It might help to think of it as a tune-up for your feet, and what better time than in between summer programs and the start of fall…

The Gift of Dance Makes a Great Holiday Present!

Posted by: . Posted on: December 14, 2022 Comments: 0

Ballroom dance lessons make a perfect holiday gift because of the many benefits they can provide. Not only does dance help people to stay fit and healthy, but it also teaches them coordination, creativity and discipline. It’s a creative and out-of-the-box gift idea AND it’s a gift that keeps on giving. Dance can be a great way for someone to express themselves creatively and learn something new in the process.…

10 Tips to Improve Your Ballroom Technique

Posted by: . Posted on: November 13, 2022 Comments: 0

Any ballroom dancer can tell you, there is no easy way to get amazing at any particular ballroom style in a short period of time. However, there are certainly best practices that smart dancers will use to ensure they get the most out of every moment spent practicing, performing, and thinking about ballroom dance! Here are some of the best tips and pieces of advice we’ve heard over the years…

What Heel is Best for You?

Posted by: . Posted on: October 12, 2022 Comments: 0

When it comes to shoes, comfort and performance go hand-in-hand. Possibly the most important component of a dancer’s outfit, the type of shoe and heel you choose is crucial. We’ve compiled a list of heels that suit different needs and dancer preferences. Traditional Heel The traditional dancing heel, known as the “Oxford” or the “Gibson,” is a classic for a reason. With a flat base, suede bottom and a slightly…

A Brief History of Ballroom Dance

Posted by: . Posted on: September 15, 2022 Comments: 0

Ballroom dance is a broad term that encompasses a variety of dance styles that are performed in a ballroom setting. These styles include the Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Quickstep, and Viennese Waltz. The history of ballroom dance can be traced back to the 16th century in Europe, where it was primarily a social activity for the upper class. However, it wasn’t until the 19th century that ballroom dance began to be…

How to Deal With Perfectionism

Posted by: . Posted on: August 17, 2022 Comments: 0

Perfectionism is a common trait among ballroom dancers. It can be helpful in driving you to improve your skills and become the best dancer you can be. However, perfectionism can also be harmful if it leads to excessive self-criticism or perfectionistic standards that are impossible to meet. There are some things you can do to help control perfectionism and keep it from becoming a problem.  First, try to be aware…

What Type of Dress Should You Choose for Your Latin Dance?

Posted by: . Posted on: June 24, 2022 Comments: 0

Ballroom dance outfits, especially for the ladies, can range from flirty and fun to graceful and elegant. Latin dance in particular highlights the dancers’ legs and hips, making it more sexy and provocative. But what kind of dresses go well with each of the 5 Latin dances? Paso Doble This traditional Spanish is passionate and desirous. Your outfit should speak to Spanish aesthetics, like adding red or large ornaments or…

Fuel Your Body For Dance!

Posted by: . Posted on: April 13, 2022 Comments: 0

Eating right can help you make the most of your ballroom dancing lesson at Fred Astaire Dance Studios as you improve your dance moves! Ballroom dancing is a fun way to stay active and trim your waistline. Thirty minutes on the dance floor can burn at least 200 calories. That’s more than 30 minutes on the elliptical or rowing machine. Ballroom dancing is an ideal form of exercise you can…

Fuel Your Body For Dance!

Posted by: . Posted on: April 13, 2022 Comments: 0

Eating right can help you make the most of your ballroom dancing lesson at Fred Astaire Dance Studios as you improve your dance moves! Ballroom dancing is a fun way to stay active and trim your waistline. Thirty minutes on the dance floor can burn at least 200 calories. That’s more than 30 minutes on the elliptical or rowing machine. Ballroom dancing is an ideal form of exercise you can…