This is the first one of my dance clips showing you how to do different steps.
This clip shows an Authentic Jazz Step called ‘Half Break’, which is also part of a solo dance ‘Shim Sham’. After the demonstration, you will get detailed instructions on how to do the step.
If you can’t see the embedded video above, click on the link view the video: How do you dance: Half Break
Happy viewing
Taina
Weekend in
Zurich
The Event
Ben Morris & Melina Ramirez were teaching in the West Coast Swing weekend 7.-8. March 2009 in Zurich – great teachers, lovely personalities and of course amazing dancers.
The event is run by Melanie Stocker Bucher, who is a many times World Champion in Boogie-Woogie, an extremely good teacher in various dance styles, a coach to many dance teams, judge and organiser. Melanie teaches West Coast Swing and Boogie-Woogie practically every weekend in different countries around Europe and Russia, therefore it’s no wonder that her own event runs smoothly and there is that extra ingredient to make it something special.
Lessons
The advanced level learned to speed up and slow down moves and ladies had the chance to give the slow versions a lovely stretch from the body. The combination of having to follow the speed changes in freestyle and to add your own technically quite demanding use of body to those slow parts slotted in by your leader, makes the dance more varied and interesting for the follow.
The second day gave more challenges as leaders looked for ways to make the lady duck under in different patterns and ladies practiced travelling spins while ducking under AND doing rapid changes of direction.
You could feel the concentration and motivation in the class – just what a great dance weekend is about!
Evening Dance
The evening dance was great with different DJs taking care of the music and Ben & Melina were there dancing with us. The show consisted of 9 different numbers in numerous styles: West Coast Swing, Charleston, Lindy Hop, Boogie Woogie, Jazz, Balboa and Adagio – Lionel Giannone et Amandine Principe in slow music with superb dancing, almost balletic, with lifts and splits; absolutely amazing, true Dancers!!!
Next Year
All in all the weekend was great and I’m looking forward to next year: the dates are 6.-7. March 2010!
The two of you dancing together for the first time as a married couple – what kind of an image do you have of that moment?
The choices couples make nowadays are more and more varied. Some people have the approach of dancing a Waltz and then asking the parents to join them on the floor. But there are plenty of first dance Cha cha’s, Foxtrots and combinations of different dances being done – even a first tap dance. And not everybody asks the parents to join them, instead they get all the guests on the floor.
Choreography or lead & follow
I would recommend considering what the guests would enjoy as well as what the two of you really want and are comfortable doing. A ‘three and a half minute’ set choreography might be the right option if you are good at remembering routines and have the time to put the practice in. On the other hand a more loosely structured dance is easier and takes the extra pressure away.
Song options
Discuss the different options with your dance teacher and get her/his feedback on songs before making your mind up. The teacher will be able to tell you about the tempos and what dance style or styles will fit the songs on your shortlist and how easy it will be to learn to dance to each song. Consider the lyrics of the songs as well – plenty of beautiful songs are about break-up instead of lifelong commitment.
Band vs recording
If you have a band playing in your wedding, check if they can learn the same arrangement as you will be practicing to. If possible, have a run through with the band on the day to check the tempo, intros and endings, and to give yourself a chance to dance through once more before the actual thing.
When the music is pre-recorded, make sure that the volume levels are high enough so that you can hear the first notes.
The announcement
Making sure that the MC gets the guests up and around the dance floor does create a lovely atmosphere for the wedding dance and you’ll have great pictures where your friends and family are gathered in the background.
And…
Learning to dance for your wedding is something you two will have to work on together, as a team. Some areas are your strong points, others will be your partner’s – respect and patience and a lot of practice go a long way. You will want the first dance and all the preparation to be a happy memory!