Feb08
There are many different kinds of dance music from Viennese waltzes to country two step, and everything in-between - fox trots, jive, swing, Latin, rock ‘n roll, polkas, line dancing - even different kinds of “dirty dancing”!
Different strokes for different folks! Most people enjoy dancing to different kinds of music during an evening, not just one type of music.
When choosing music for a dance evening, two things must be taken into consideration:
Age: Older dancers generally enjoy waltzes, fox trots, swing - with a few polkas, Latin, and rock ‘n roll thrown in. Young people generally enjoy rock ‘n roll and the newest dance crazes, with a few “slow tunes” so they can cuddle! The late 20’s, 30’s, and 40’s have variable likes and the “type of crowd” would have to be assessed.
Type of Crowd: A “country crowd” will enjoy two step, line dancing, country rock and a few polkas and waltzes/fox trots. Some groups would prefer jive, swing and Latin with a few changes thrown in. Some, like wedding crowds, require a little bit of everything so that all types and ages can enjoy some dancing. If you don’t know the type of group you are choosing music for, it is wise to have a good variety of all kinds of music so that by trial and error you can find the kind of music most suited for the evening.
Continue reading »
\\ tags: Dance, Dance Music
Feb08
Warm Up
Leave a few minutes early for your dance lessons and give yourself some time to warm up your body before class if its cold outside. Dance injuries happen usually due to the muscles not being warm before using them. It happens more easily then you think! Wear a sweater or light jacket to start the class off and take it off after you have warmed up.
Should you buy dance shoes?
If you are thinking about buying dance shoes, there are a couple of things you might want to consider first. Are you sure you are going to be taking lessons on a regular basis? If you are just starting lessons you might want to wait and make sure you like dancing first and then go out and buy a pair.
If you are already dancing regularly at lessons and socials, you may want purchase some. Depending on what dances you are taking, will determine what type of shoes you should buy. For instance, if you are thinking of competing in Country and Western or you mostly go to social country dances, you may want to get “dance boots”. One brand is called “Evening Star”. If you want dance shoes that are good for any kind of couples dancing, you may want to consider “ballroom practice shoes”. Be careful though, there is a good $20 dollar price difference between shops for the exact same shoes. You can’t return or exchange any shoes after you have worn them. Some shops have no returns at all!
Continue reading »
\\ tags: Dance, Dance Tips