Meet Me @ the Barre!

[Deebs]

Now that DP has jumped back into the world of dance with both feet (one foot stronger than the other ;) ) and ToriBear is in our midst, I thought it would be nice to have a dedicated thread for all our dance talk. Anyone who enjoys dance might have something to contribute.

To start with, here is one of my very favorite dance videos -- for anyone who has ever been discouraged from pursuing dance.

Shh! There's no talking in ballet! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vr5KaEeQ9Fs&feature=channel_page)

[€uroMeinke]

Having recently had my first "dance lesson" from Lucent Dossier, it's something I'd certainly love to pursue. I've always loved to watch dance and have particular come to love contemporary dance. Pina Bausch is my favorite choreographer, I love to watch Bob Fosse's work - and should probably find a clip of the Frug to post. I also like choreographers who work with people with a wide variety of body types and work to explore the differences rather than conceal them. So, please carry on...

[Morrigoon]

That reminds me, at Disneyana the other day, I noticed they're selling a new book. (http://www.amazon.com/Hippo-Tutu-Dancing-Disney-Animation/dp/1423100794)

[Morrigoon]

That reminds me. At some point we should swank ourselves a Friday evening at Memories. (http://www.memoriesdancing.com/dancing.html) For an extra $2, you can participate in the lesson at 8:30 to kick off the evening.

[Disneyphile]

This is beyond inspirational:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LnLVRQCjh8c

:)

[Not Afraid]

I danced for many, many years and will probably resume with ballet in the near future. I did Bollywood dance for a while and will probably do it again soon when my feet can handle it again. Meanwhile, I just end up seeing a lot of dance performance. I love contemporary dance and choreography and certainly my brush with Lucent has inspired me even more. I miss our season tickets to UCLA Live Dance Season.

[Disneyphile]

I'm taking two mornings of jazz dance over the summer, and on Friday nights, Ken and I are taking ballroom together. :)

I'm excited to be increasing the number of days. Returning to the floor just one night a week has already done wonderful things for my body, and I'm becoming addicted! I wish I had done this a LONG time ago, but I'm thankful that I am now.

For Fall semester, I'll probably be doing one day of jazz, one day of commercial, and one day of ballet. That will give me three 2-hour sessions of cardio and strength movement per week for 16 weeks. By the holiday season, I'll probably be nice and svelte. It's an awesome side effect. :D

I'm not interested in performing, except for fire twirling, of which will be for the spiritual and meditative aspect. Fire deserves to be shared with an audience. However, I find myself sometimes breaking into a few dance moves when the moment inspires me - just the right music at the right time. :)

[Deebs]

At some point we should swank ourselves a Friday evening at Memories. (http://www.memoriesdancing.com/dancing.html)

Ah, partner dancing! I've never really done much (any) of that. I should have remembered lindyhop as one of the LoT dancers!

Tap and jazz have also been included in all my years of dance, but ballet has always been my favorite.

[Strangler Lewis]

Let's see. In fits and starts over the decades, I've taken classes in ballet, jazz dance, ballroom (classic, swing, Latin, etc.) and disco.

No lambada.

My grandest moment was during a ballroom class I took in college through the P.E. department. It was tango time, and the 50+ lady instructor partnered me. "You're very good," she said as the music swelled. "Now, lead with your thighs!"

[ToriBear]

I took Hip=Hop in my first year of dancing, (my dance teacher was awesome and he still remembers me to this day) and took Jazz- Hip-Hop the year after. I thought it was fun to perform in front of people in our dance outfits, (which I still have.)

Then I had to back off, (due to because of my loose legment(sp?) and back.)
So, this year, I'm finally back in dancing, which is Jazz- Hip-Hop, with the same teacher who taught that class. I don't get to perform, sadly. But, I need to get into the rhythm of it anyway, so, I'm good!

And also, I'm doing a dance thing at my school, (yay!) I just need a partner and know when it's happening. I forget the name of the dance we're supposed to do....

[Kevy Baby]

I'm fairly good at dancing around an uncomfortable topic.

[Strangler Lewis]

Let's see. In fits and starts over the decades, I've taken classes in ballet, jazz dance, ballroom (classic, swing, Latin, etc.) and disco.

No lambada.

My grandest moment was during a ballroom class I took in college through the P.E. department. It was tango time, and the 50+ lady instructor partnered me. "You're very good," she said as the music swelled. "Now, lead with your thighs!"

Thinking further, it was a waltz, not a tango.

[Morrigoon]

Well, as long as we're summarizing our dance achievements, I took:

11 years of tap
7 years of jazz
3 years of ballet (not counting the pre-ballet I took as a wee one)

You'd never know it to see me dance though :rolleyes:

And of course I can do basic east coast swing (jitterbug)

I'd love to go back to tap and maybe jazz, but ballet is probably permanently out due to a weird foot injury (to this day I don't know how it happened) that prevents me from fully pointing my left foot. So no more pointe shoes for me (oh...darn.) Odd thing is, I didn't do it dancing, I'd stopped dancing years before the injury.

[Prudence]

14 years of tap, and I forget how many of ballet. Ballet I was never very good at due to some mishap in the way my hips were formed (except for jumps - I was an AWESOME jumper). But I was a pretty darn good tapper. The only photos of me on Facebook are old dance class photos. (I'm tagged in one, and fortunately not tagged in the other)

[Morrigoon]

This is the only picture I currently have digitized that shows me as a dancer, taken just after a recital one year. (Some of you may recognize my friend Sari in the pic, and Cherny might remember my niece Jenny.)

I have some of the dance "portraits" around somewhere, but those are always pretty silly poses, not sure I wanna digitize those, LOL.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b321/morrigoon/LoT%20images/ScannedPhotos03_1.jpg

(scary thing is, I have approximately the same haircut now. Why does it seem to look better now than it did then?)

[lindyhop]

Did someone say dance?

Another option for a dance swanking could be at Paseo Colorado in the summer. The past two years they've had free swing dances with live bands on Friday nights. They always got huge crowds so I'd expect them to do it again this summer but I haven't heard yet. PBDA gave a quick lesson before the band played. And there are lots of restaurants right there.

Except for a disastrous attempt at tap (thanks to my mother) when I was five or six all my dance experience has been in the past nine years: East Coast swing (jitterbug), Lindy Hop, West Coast Swing, a touch of Polka, a failed attempt at Viennese waltz, Hustle, and a little bit of Shag. Right now I'm concentrating on Balboa. I found a video of my instructors somewhere. I'll have to find it and post a link. They're so good.

[Prudence]

All right - Morrigoon was brave, so here are the only photos I have in digital form:

[Not Afraid]

I did Ballet for 13 years, tap for 4, jazz for 2 and baton for 1. As an adult, I took ballet again for another year and started immediately back on toe. That wasn't fun.

[Disneyphile]

I did jazz for 15, tap for 12, gymnastics for four, and ballet for six years.

The last four of those tap years were private lessons by the late Maceo Anderson (http://articles.latimes.com/2001/jul/17/local/me-23233), and under his choreography, I also used to dance on rare occasion with another student of his at the time - Van "The Man" Porter (http://www.vantheman.ca/html/index2.htm). Maceo was an awesome inspiration and incredible man. During my student years, and a few after he stopped teaching for awhile, he became a very close family friend, and even spent a couple Thanksgivings with us. I fondly remember his dog Tippy, that he'd let me walk as a way to "warm up" before lessons. I hated mundane exercise, so I think that was a bit of a trick to make me walk quickly, since Tippy was a rather large and strong dog with an even larger state of energy. I also remember when my dad helped rebuild the front-end of his studio when a racist vandal threw a brick through the large window right before I showed up for a lesson. I remember Maceo sitting there, saddened, with the cinderblock pieces and the glass strewn everywhere upon our arrival. That was my first firsthand experience at racial bigotry, and it angered me something fierce.

And now, after a 16 year hiatus, I have re-entered the world of jazz, and will soon resume ballet and dabble in ballroom. When Maceo died, my desire to ever pick up tap again kinda went with him, because I don't think any instructor could surpass him.

I'll have to rummage through our old family photo albums and see what I can find that is worth scanning and sharing.

[lindyhop]

Here's Laura and Jeremy dancing Balboa. I've been taking their classes. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tHO7qTlfiyI&NR=1)

This one's just for fun. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHPmM9n_J3I&feature=related)

[Not Afraid]

My Mom put me in ballet because I was a klutzy kid and she thought it would help me to be more graceful.

Aren't you glad she was right?

[lindyhop]

My mom put me in tap to satisfy her own ambitions to perform. I sulked my way out of it but my sister went for it all. Now I dance and my sister doesn't.

[Disneyphile]

I loved gymnastics, but my mother pulled me out of it once she saw me doing flips on the bars during a meet, under instructor supervision! She feared that I would "break my bones and die". :rolleyes:

[CoasterMatt]

Breaking bones and dying is one of the best ways to go.

[Disneyphile]

Breaking bones and dying is one of the best ways to go.Nah. I'd rather go out in a literal blaze of glory while twirling fire. ;)

[CoasterMatt]

Nah. I'd rather go out in a literal blaze of glory while twirling fire. ;)

I didn't catch it on video, but I did see a near immolation of a firespinner - she flubbed while doing a BTB combo with a staff - she left the festival with shorter hair, but she was still smiling.

[ToriBear]

My picture from my first year of dancing:
http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a397/wendybeth/tori%20pics/img046.jpg

(This was back when I had very long hair. Now...Well, it's just a lot shorter.....)

[Cadaverous Pallor]

Three years of ballet and tap, 6-9 years old. At 6 I was fixated on being a ballerina - I have no idea why. After 3 years I realized I was still in the back row at recitals and that I wasn't loving it.

My pics are just as intriguing as those above...oh, the outfits!...one day I'll scan them. :)

[Tref]

My favorite dancer ... (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wTtM2FazTOA&feature=related)

[€uroMeinke]

I'm kind of surprised by the number of you that had Ballet growing up. I suppose it's a common enough activity for girls growing up, but being relatively new to it, I'm amazed that many of you already posses it's language and concepts - I guess perhaps I'm also a little jealous.

[Morrigoon]

Yeah, it's kind of a girl thing. Boys get sports, girls get dance, you know how it goes.

[€uroMeinke]

Yeah, it's kind of a girl thing. Boys get sports, girls get dance, you know how it goes.

But why don't women speak in dance analogies?

[Prudence]

I never wanted to take ballet. I loved tap. But, once you got to a certain age ballet was required for either tap or jazz.

[Deebs]

I'm fairly good at dancing around an uncomfortable topic.

Really? I thought you took more of a head-on approach to those topics.


My grandest moment was during a ballroom class I took in college through the P.E. department. It was tango time, and the 50+ lady instructor partnered me. "You're very good," she said as the music swelled. "Now, lead with your thighs!"

That truly is a grand moment.

14 years of tap, and I forget how many of ballet. Ballet I was never very good at due to some mishap in the way my hips were formed (except for jumps - I was an AWESOME jumper).

I have the opposite freak hips. My turnout from the hip is ridiculous, especially on my right, though I am not a strong jumper. My turnout makes the parallel stance in jazz very tricky.

I loved tap.
Tap really is so much fun.



I started dancing in pre-ballet classes when I was 3 at the Bevelle Studio in Danville. My first teacher's name was Miss Joy and she wore her hair in a very big, very bright, reddish-orange beehive. We did a lot of dancing in circles, holding hands, clapping on beat to learn rhythm, and running around using babooshkas to represent everything from babies to flowers. I also remember tambourines in use, just thought ot that. Hmm.

Since then I have danced in many different studios (depending on where I was living or traveling) and studied and taught different forms of dance, but always return to ballet. For 16 years I took ballet, tap, jazz and tumbling (gymnastics minus the equipment and competition) at San Ramon Valley Dance Academy. (http://www.srvda.com/) Then I dropped the tumbling and jazz to concentrate on ballet, but liked tap and still played with that as well for 10 years after that. I stopped dancing for 10 years when I got married and had my two children. I thought I was too old to dance and figured that it was fun while it lasted, but that part of my life was over. When my daughter was 4 and started taking ballet classes, I was shocked at the intense feelings of nostalgia I had, being in a studio. I took her for her weekly ballet class and did not want to leave. So I went back to ballet then. Very soon after I added a lyrical and tap classes. I was invited to substitute teach when needed, which is not often, but really fun. I'm not good at math, but even taking out the 10 stagnant years, the number of years spent dancing is high.

At least two of the studios where I danced are gone now. Footsteps in San Francisco, last I heard, was doing strictly salsa. Some of my favorite teachers have been Alexei Badrak (http://www.santamariasun.com/art/1516/on-their-toes/), Margret Lloyds-Smallie, Joan Winton, Karla & Klaudia Kobelt and Mo Ruslender. (http://www.srvda.com/faculty.htm#JOAN_WINTON_)

Growing up my ballet training (http://www.the-ballet.com/techniques.php) was SAB (http://www.sab.org/school/overview.php), but later took classes in the Cecchetti method. (http://www.cecchetti.org/main.php?smPID=HTML::about.ihtml)As an adult I have favored Vaganova (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Agrippina_Vaganova), thanks to Alexei Badrak, who has been the most inspirational teacher I've ever known. Since dancing with Alexei, I just love a good mazurka. When I am fortunate enough to have my own students, I don't stick to a strict syllabus, but instead strive to stoke a passion for dance and impart my love for music and movement.

I love all the dance pics! I wish I had a scanner, I could add some of mine, though I don't think I've ever worn a costume as sequined and fabulous as Morri's. I have worn my share of fishnets though. The most memorable costume was a lime green and orange monstrosity worn for a recital in the 70's -- bell bottomed lime green jazz pants, with orange sequins sewn down the outside seam of each leg. The music? Shaft, of course. Can you dig it?

[Deebs]

How cute is her accent? (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8IC_sbh4MWo)

I love listening to her talk, it reminds me of Alexei. He was the first male instructor I'd ever had and turned out to be my favorite. He was the first teacher I really, really wanted to please. Not because I was afraid of his criticism as I had been with other teachers I'd had in the past, but because it seemed to make him so happy when we danced well. I also probably liked him because he wasn't much taller than me. :)

Some things he said I still don't really know the English for what he was trying to say. At the barre when we were doing tendus and degages he would say he wanted it "sharp"! and "juicy!" I have no idea. But sometimes it made me giggle, and it always made me smile.

[Disneyphile]

Fun video, Deebs! :snap:

I love the way our instructor does tendu warm-ups. We have a set "routine" to this really neat rock song that starts off slow, with someone singing in French, right before the guitar wails in. :D

Totally works for a jazz class, but would probably leave the ballet instructor cringing. ;)

[Deebs]

The tendu music sounds great -- really fun, T! At the studio closest to my house things are very non-traditional. They call it ballet, but it is really more lyrical there, and when I sub those ballet classes I always use a variety of music. The students don't even wear leos and tights, I'm usually the only one at that studio dressed more traditionally.

[Disneyphile]

I'll find out what song it is for you. You might want to give it a try sometime then! :)

[Deebs]

That would be great, I'd love it. Thanks!

There is one non-traditional foot warm-up we do that I will post because it might be good for your feet. I wish I had a video camera! I lost mine to marital breakup about 2 years ago, I miss it so much. The song is Danity Kane One Shot. But I have to stand up and do it out before I even attempt to type it. :p

[Deebs]

Danity Kane, One Shot (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ybEJwM4SRBEhttp://)
I truly apologize for the lameness of the video, but I wanted you to hear the song. I tried to find just the song on Jango and it was listed, but not playable, hmm.

The combination should be fun, as opposed to a slow, methodical warm-up. Lots of transfer of weight and changing legs -- fun for a change in warm-up. I find that the weight transfers can cause sloppy hips (lots of movement) and poor turn-out in less advanced students, but they have fun and they do warm-up, so I pick my battles.

Left hand on the barre, fifth position, right foot front. Right arm in second (or side), don't drop your elbow.

Begin with straight tendus, pointed toes, but later it will be slightly off the floor degages with flexed foot.

Arms can be added, but doing so makes it counter-productive to warming up, IMO. If all the concentration is on the combination, there is not enough focus on the real purpose here, which is preparing for class and the tricky combinations later.

Be quick and sharp, but "feel" the floor and keep it clean. Don't pop. Or, pretend you can hear a small Russian man yelling "Sharp and juicy!" while clapping your counts. He's really cute.

Begin from fifth with your right leg - three tendus front
Next, one tendu back with your standing (left) leg, close:
So 1-2-3 is front with working (right) leg, 4 is back with standing (left) leg.

Next, tendu side 3 times with your right leg, closing to fifth each time -- the first time closing back, so your left foot ends front.
Then one tendu front with your left leg, which is now front and is your inside leg to the barre:
1-2-3 are side with working leg, 4 is front with inside (left) leg.

Now tendu back three times with your right leg.
Then one tendu front with your left leg, which is still front and still your inside leg to the barre:
1-2-3 are back, 4 is front with inside (left) leg.

Now tendu side 3 times with your right leg, this time closing fifth in front with the first of the three.
Then one tendu back with your left leg, which is your inside leg to the barre:
1-2-3 are side with working leg, 4 is back with inside leg.

Repeat about 4 times, then change from tendu to a slightly off the floor degage with a very flexed foot. Toes straight up to the ceiling, or as flexed as you can get. 4-8 sets with degage.

Turn around and put your right hand on the barre -- and ya know -- reverse all.

[Disneyphile]

VPDM!! :snap: :D

Thanks! That gives me something to do at home to keep up during the week. :D

[wendybeth]

Heh heh... Tori's teacher stretched the merde out of the class tonight, and then told us parents to be sure that the kids were doing the exercises at home so they wouldn't lock up on us.:evil:

[ToriBear]

Heh heh... Tori's teacher stretched the merde out of the class tonight, and then told us parents to be sure that the kids were doing the exercises at home so they wouldn't lock up on us.:evil:

And that's why I'll be suffering during this trip. Just giving ya guys heads up!

But yeah. My teacher said we'll be very sore on Thursday, and if we're not sore then, well, then she didn't stretch us good enough. But if we are, then our parents have to make us suffer even more with the stretches.

The things we do for our love of dancing.

[Not Afraid]

And that's why I'll be suffering during this trip. Just giving ya guys heads up!

But yeah. My teacher said we'll be very sore on Thursday, and if we're not sore then, well, then she didn't stretch us good enough. But if we are, then our parents have to make us suffer even more with the stretches.

The things we do for our love of dancing.

Well, the Mist Trail is great for stretching out those legs. :evil:

[ToriBear]

Well, the Mist Trail is great for stretching out those legs. :evil:

:eek:..............Evil!

[Deebs]

The things we do for our love of dancing.

Amen, sister.

Danity Kane? Not a favorite.

Tori, very hot shower (bath is even better) followed by even more stretching. It might hurt a little, but it will help in the end, and it really will help your extension and make you even more flexible.

[ToriBear]

Tori, very hot shower (bath is even better) followed by even more stretching. It might hurt a little, but it will help in the end, and it really will help your extension and make you even more flexible.

I'm planing to, trust me. My muscles are sorta sore today. Tomorrow is going to be fun. :rolleyes:

God, I hope so! It'll be cool for once that I can be flexible.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

All right - Morrigoon was brave, so here are the only photos I have in digital form:

Holy shiite, Leanne. That polka-dotted red and white costume? We totally used that one year. I'll have to find the picture.

I did 7 years of ballet and jazz before breaking out into primarily theatrical dance and choreography (plus a little pom-pon.)

[Prudence]

Holy shiite, Leanne. That polka-dotted red and white costume? We totally used that one year. I'll have to find the picture.


Sadly. I had the dorky green costume with the sequin suspenders. Bleah. I always got the dorky options.

[LSPoorEeyorick]

If you look at me in the red-and-white, you'll rethink that. It is supremely dorky.

[lindyhop]

Tuesday night I wanted to go to an Intermediate/Advanced Balboa class but I managed to leave my shoes at home. Even leaving them on the doorknob so I can't miss them didn't work. I'll try again next week or maybe just wait for the next series in May.

I went to Atomic Ballroom in Irvine last night to dance. They get a good crowd of dancers every Friday night. I'm still working on being a regular there so I spend a little too much time watching but there were a couple of highlights. I always want to dance with the "pros" and last night I got to dance with Ben who (I think) teaches in the Pasadena area. (I also think he's behind the website Geek Swing where I got my <lindyhop> t-shirt.) The great thing about dancing with someone like Ben is that he pays attention to the level you're dancing at but also pushes a little to see what you can do. The bottom line is he makes you look good. Later I danced with just the opposite type of dancer. This guy kept leading sudden changes in direction (that I followed damn well, thank you) and made me feel like I was just keeping up, not dancing.

And I got to dance some Balboa with Ray (one of the best at Bal). And I followed him a few times like I was dancing in another dimension. He clearly led in one direction and I took off in the other, I don't know why.

Back to reminiscing about early dance experience, I'd nearly forgotten a modern dance class I took as part of P.E. in high school. I sucked at everything in P.E. but I loved this class. We split into teams of about four people and choreographed a dance that we performed for the rest of the class. Our team danced to the theme from Peter Gunn and we really got into it and outshone everyone else. I should have paid more attention to how good that felt and not waited so many years to get back to dancing.

[ToriBear]

I had a dance class at my school today, and will be 'till the 11 of June, and I had to pair up with someone, (or as my teacher says, girls better pair up with the boys or else.) Luckily, one of my friends (who is a big twilight fan), paired up with me and helped me with most of the dances that I was having trouble with. ( I said I would be Bella Swan at one of the dances, which was the polka. Ugh!) So far we've done the polka, some type of a waltz that I forget, the silly waltz, and the..... well, I forgot that one too. But my toes hurt from standing on it the past hour. Still, it was so much fun!

[JWBear]

So... If two dancers get into an altercation, is it called a "barre fight"?

[wendybeth]

Good one, JW!:cheers:

[Deebs]

Our team danced to the theme from Peter Gunn and we really got into it and outshone everyone else. I should have paid more attention to how good that felt and not waited so many years to get back to dancing.

The Peter Gunn theme is great, I can imagine how much fun that was for you. I also regret that I stopped dancing for a long time. I did not know how much I missed it until I went back to it.


So far we've done the polka, some type of a waltz that I forget, the silly waltz, and the..... well, I forgot that one too. But my toes hurt from standing on it the past hour. Still, it was so much fun!

I'm glad you're having fun. That sounds challenging, especially the waltz. But the polka sounds totally fun!

This is one of my favorite pieces of music and I love this costume. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-651u4uIHw)
Alexei taught this dance to us, but the character steps were very tricky for me. I had never done anything like it before. Flexed feet in pointe shoes were a foreign concept to me.

[ToriBear]

Well, the polka is the most challenging for me. The waltz is a lot easier to me. Oh, and the other waltz was the classic Boxer, and the Virginia Reel. I'm not sure if we're doing more dances. But, I'll just have to find out next Friday!

[Deebs]

This is one of my favorite pieces of music and I love this costume. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-651u4uIHw)


:( I did not realize that Ekaterina Maximova died a couple of weeks ago at age 70.

Ballerina Ekaterina Maximova Dies (http://kdka.com/entertainment/ekaterina.maximova.ballerina.2.996249.html)

Well, the polka is the most challenging for me. The waltz is a lot easier to me.

Anything with a partner is a challenge for me, truthfully. I'm looking forward to hearing what happens in your class on Friday!

[Deebs]

I'm curious to find out how ToriBear did in class today.

Was there more partner dancing? Were you a Bella Swan?

[ToriBear]

I'm curious to find out how ToriBear did in class today.

Was there more partner dancing? Were you a Bella Swan?

I think I did good. Besides trying to kill everyone in Polka with my partner.
And yes, there were more partner dancing. We have to have a partner, or we're out.

And I just spat out my drink reading that last line. I was Bella Swan at only one dance, and I think you can guess which one.:)

But, it was very fun. My friend, the same one I was partner with last week, kept pulling me away when I was taking a break and kept trying to dance. That boy is strange. But, he's a good friend.

Sadly, he won't be there next week, so I'm bummed. I wonder who's going to be cursed with me? :evil:

[Disneyphile]

Last night was the last for this semester.

I must proudly state: THE FAT CHICK PREVAILED!!!

I was one of the only three newbies to not drop the class over the last few weeks. There were 8 of us left, 5 of them being repeats from the last 2-3 semesters.

There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel... learning the limitations and impact that being fat can have on my body, while watching everyone around me not have the same struggles (like being able to stretch their legs high because they don't have large stomachs in the way). There were times that I would stress and cry because I thought I would never make it.

And, I stuck it out, even with my limited range of motion. And, my instructor congratulated me last night, and even noted how I've developed some excellent technique and have come a very long way since the first day. :D

So, yeah.... FAT CHICK PREVAILED!!! :D

Ken will be taking ballroom with me over the summer, which also includes swing and salsa. Should be fun!

For the fall, I'm cutting back to part-time status, because I only have one design class left that is at my level. So, I'm going to take jazz and ballet, yoga, and a women's fitness course. And, I'm excited about all of it too. :)

[€uroMeinke]

Disneyphile - You Rock! Keep on Dancing!
:cheers:

[Deebs]

I was Bella Swan at only one dance, and I think you can guess which one.:)



Polka, mein liebchen!
(http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cgLHOyzmrg&feature=related)

But actually, I dig this one (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gq5Y0_8IOdw&feature=quicklist) more. :D


There were times when I wanted to throw in the towel... learning the limitations and impact that being fat can have on my body, while watching everyone around me not have the same struggles (like being able to stretch their legs high because they don't have large stomachs in the way). There were times that I would stress and cry because I thought I would never make it.

I really understand what you mean about struggling against your own body. When I think of all the time I wasted not dancing because of self consciousness about not having the perfect dancing body! There are very few people naturally gifted with all the assets for dance. I remember when I first talked to NA about dance and complained that I was too short for ballet. But she shared that she had always felt too tall! I could hardly fathom it; I thought all dancers were tall. You mention your stomach being in the way -- my chest was my obstacle. Boobs and ballet do not a great mix make. If we let it, something will always stop us.


And, I stuck it out, even with my limited range of motion. And, my instructor congratulated me last night, and even noted how I've developed some excellent technique and have come a very long way since the first day. :D

So, yeah.... FAT CHICK PREVAILED!!! :D



Go you! Congrats for not letting anything stop you.

Disneyphile - You Rock! Keep on Dancing!
:cheers:

Indeed! And thank you for participating in the thread. I know you are an admirer of the art form. I'm always so glad to read you in here.

[ToriBear]

Polka, mein liebchen! (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0cgLHOyzmrg&feature=related)


Well, picture it 100 times faster then that, and a partner that keeps pulling you into the dance, even if you weren't even near him. :rolleyes:

Btw, that happened to me three times on the same day at class.

[alphabassettgrrl]

DP- you're awesome!

Tori- hope you're having fun with the class!

[Disneyphile]

Hellooooooooo dancers! Time to wake up and revive this thread into a new routine once again. :)

I've started two dance classes for this semester that fit in best with my schedule. So, I'm taking Modern Dance and Jazz Dance, alternating on Mondays through Thursdays for 90 minutes a day in the late mornings. I am SO going to be svelte by the holidays! :D

Anyway, I finally updated my dance blog (http://fatdancer73.blogspot.com/), if you'd like to read it. Enjoy! :)

[Deebs]

Excellent, DP! Thanks for the update of dance classes for the new semester. You're fabulous.

I wish I had something to share in here, but I have not been dancing. I haven't been sedentary, just haven't been dancing. I've been hard at work in an extremely overgrown backyard. Yard work, ew. I have not enjoyed it a bit. I'd much rather have been at the barre!

Please-please keep up posting here, DP -- my internet access is still iffy and I doubt I will get a chance to make it to your blog.

[Deebs]

Referencing T's experience in jazz class, I am emotional thinking about it and might rant a little here. Let's talk about dance class etiquette.

Dancing across the floor in groups is one of the most fun parts of class, to me. Generally the combinations are just polishing your basic skills and are so familiar it's like second nature. And dancing with fun people in class is pure joy. The synchronization feels great and it's just so much fun feeling that camaraderie with other dancers.

No matter who is teaching there is a certain ritual and familiarity in class that I find so comforting. Dancing across the floor with a fun group of dancers is like reading a good book. It's like cozying up under my favorite blanket with a cup of tea. There is such joy in the group moving as one unit. I'd find it very upsetting to dance in a class in which people were not open to dancing with any person in the whole group.

Class etiquette dictates ... what? What are some of the things you think are important and what are some of the requirements in studios where you have danced?

A couple I can think of -- dancers should be courteous to one another. No talking when the instructor is speaking. Crossing the floor, when your group is finished it is a matter of safety to move outta the way so the next group can complete the combination.

Does anyone have a preferred spot in regular class? I once danced with a girl who could be a bit of a diva but I liked her so much anyway. She always had to have the first spot at the barre and dance in the right corner, front row, during center work. I didn't mind, but there were others who got pissed about it. She was a beautiful dancer, I didn't mind having her in that spot.

[Disneyphile]

There's not much etiquette in my class, but the instructor tries.

As for favorite spots, mine is usually front row, off to the far right. I can see the instruction, yet not get in anyone's way if I move slower (and sometimes I do). I figure if any of the girls crashed into me, it'd be comparable to a Smart Car hitting a moose. It could be catastrophic. ;)

But, seriously, I love my front corner because I can see what's going on, and if I need to sit something out, I can do so without getting in anyone's way. :)

[Deebs]

There's not much etiquette in my class, but the instructor tries.

What varying degrees of differences have you found between studios/classes and instructors? What kind of vibe do you prefer in the class?

I've danced in really relaxed classes, where people talked a lot, wore any old thing, and could wear shoes or not. When I last danced I was subbing at that kind of studio. Just suuuuper laid back. Also have danced in very strict environments. I think I like something in between. I like there to be a feeling of respect for the art of dance in the room, but I don't want it to be so serious that it sucks all the individuality out of the dancers and drains the energy in the room because everyone is so intimidated by the instructor.

[Deebs]

Train for years, dance for minutes, live for seconds (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZCtwREg-xFE&feature=sdig&et=1258181184.13)

[Deebs]

Depths to Plumb, Sugarplum
New York Times (http://www.nytimes.com/2009/12/17/arts/dance/17nutcracker.html)

[Disneyphile]

Today was my last class of the semester. My toe finally went higher than my waist when I kicked. I almost cried. :)

Another little success, and a nice closer to the semester for me. :D

[alphabassettgrrl]

Good job, DP!

Nutcracker may be cliche, but I like it anyway. I don't care. I don't mind working two of them a season. Love the music, love the costumes, love the production.

May not like the sets, but that's a different deal.

[Deebs]

My toe finally went higher than my waist when I kicked. I almost cried. :)
So happy for you!


Nutcracker may be cliche, but I like it anyway. I don't care. I don't mind working two of them a season. Love the music, love the costumes, love the production.

May not like the sets, but that's a different deal.

I love it for all of the above. I'm sorry the sets are a PITA for you though. It's tradition and I love it. I think it is good that ballet has this cash cow to count on each year. Where would ballet be without it?

[alphabassettgrrl]

We get local ballet schools, and while I don't know how much money they make, we make money, and they seem to make enough for whatever they're looking for, so it seems everybody comes out happy.

I think it's mostly that we know the sets and can anticipate it. Normally we don't know what we're getting, and we won't have to deal with it more than once at a time. Nutcracker, not only do we know what we're getting, but we know it's coming back. :) We joke about it.

[Deebs]

Not my style of dance, but I love this kid (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BNq_lDiSpRE). For his age especially, there is such grace and subtlety to his movements. Plus I want to pinch his cute little cheeks.

[Morrigoon]

If I were a video producer, I'd SO be trying to hire that kid, LOL! I actually think he gives a better performance than the person behind him.

[lindyhop]

Conversation at my last (Balboa) dance class:

Instructor - Do you know your foot is going past your body on seven?
Me - It is? Oh, on seven? I was concentrating on five.

[Deebs]

Conversation at my last (Balboa) dance class:

Instructor - Do you know your foot is going past your body on seven?
Me - It is? Oh, on seven? I was concentrating on five.

I love this! I like your instructor's method of correction (assuming your foot is not supposed to be going past your body on the count of seven) because it is specific but not overbearing. I always hated an instructor to lose temper and belt out "NO!! No, no, no, no, NO!" to an individual or the group. It does nothing but weaken confidence and create more confusion. Like, what exactly is the no about?

Your response is so cute, too. Have felt that way many times -- concentrating so hard on one little section, then maybe being a little too comfortable on the very next. :)

[lindyhop]

I've never had a dance instructor yell but then again I've only been taking social dance classes and people wouldn't come back if the instructors were rude. However the classes I've taken for the last year have been very specific about technique so I get excited if (1) I understand what they're teaching and (2) I'm able to correct the weird little tics I developed from another teacher. In this case I fixed the wrong thing at seven. Whew!

[Deebs]

Yes, it is true that he looks like he's 12. But he's soooo cute!

Meet the Men of ABT (http://www.chicagotribune.com/entertainment/shopping/ct-ae-0411-ballet-men-abt-20100411,0,1134631.story)

[ToriBear]

Hello, my fellow dancers! It's time to get this thread breathing again!

As most (or maybe none, I'm not awake enough to remember) of you know, I'm back in ballroom dancing, and the classes start up again next Wednesday. My teacher, Mr. Lord, is an awesome teacher! I think he's pleased that though I joined late, I'm picking up the dance steps pretty quickly, like the rumba, (that has to be one of my favorite dances so far). Also, a good friend of mine from school is hoping to join our lovely class so I'll have to ask Mr. Lord if he is going to let her in or not, (I'm hoping he will 'cause I'm real curious as to how she's going to dance since I'm just at the boys height and she's at least a head taller then me.). Plus, he said that if we get good enough, we might be able to join in a dance competition!