Many times I’ve encountered the situation when I’m dancing with someone, and then all of a sudden say:

“Oh, I’m just a social dancer. I’m not serious or anything”

And I’m left confused…

What are they meaning when they tell me that? Is it that they’re not serious about bringing home a trophy, or looking like a star on the floor?

That I get, not everyone wants to compete.

But, when they say they are are a social dancer, I scratch my head, because I know the measurement of success for a social dancer is how good you feel to dance with, and if people are enjoying their time dancing with you.

That sounds like something we should be serious about!

So let me start here: Whether you are a social dancer or a competitive dancer, in essence, you are a dancer; and as a dancer, there are general truths across the board.

So in hopes of getting on the same page, and clearing up any confusion, myself included, I want to tackle the statements that have left me the most puzzled and offer some friendly solutions.

Ready?

1) “Technique is for the Pros”

Hold the phone, before thing’s get heated let’s draw on our friends at Merriam Webster to clear things up on what technique actually is.

Technique: The manner in which basic physical movements are used.

Now I understand the definition of technique has morphed from the above to a stuffy, boring, mechanical movement that brings to mind images of writing your name on a chalkboard 1000 times, booooring!  But what it actually is, is freedom!

The technique is the fundamentals of dancing, it is, in essence, the skills of movement. When you have good technique it could also translate to you having balance, coordination, understanding, and confidence.

Who doesn’t want some of that?

Think of technique like this:  If you were playing tennis with a friend, learning technique would be what keeps you from swinging the ball out of the court, and being able to have a good rally.

I’ll be honest, there are usually 2 types of people who tell me technique is for the pros:

1) The “they don’t feel they can be that good” dancer. This person feels self-conscious when they dance, and they think they are undeserving of technique. By saying that they are not focused on the technique they hope it will lower their partner’s expectations.

2) This one is going to be controversial so brace yourselves… they’re selfish dancers.  That’s right I said it! They usually come overconfident and think they can twist, turn and dip their partners with no second thought.  By the same token, the women who say “Oh I just need a good lead then I can follow”, with no regard to how that following feels to their partner. They don’t value that technique is what makes you feel good to your partner, and when you only care about how the dance feels to you, you’re dancing at the expense of your partner’s effort.

So let me wrap this one up, good dancing requires good movement at every level and stage, from a beginner social dancer to a world champion. The movement (technique) is the prerequisite to good dancing.

So, if you fall into scenario 1, look at this as your boost of encouragement. You ARE good enough to learn technique! Trust me, it will only empower you, and fill up your dance card.

If you are in scenario 2 and don’t want to adjust course, then dancing solo would always guarantee you the spotlight!

2) More Patterns are the Key…

There is a study that says people remember only 7% of the content they are exposed to.

Shocking right?

But the more I think about it the more it rings true. When I dance with a lead this is my experience; I notice is he on time, does he move nicely, how aware is he of my comfort.  When I speak with my male students, or Vlad it’s pretty much the same list men use to evaluate their partners.

If you noticed, what didn’t make the list was “how many patterns do they know”.

Now I know that flashy patterns are sexy and exciting (and they have their place, definitely!), but a flashy pattern danced poorly is like an overcooked soufflé. Spend the time on the execution and thing’s like musicality, movement, and awareness, and your partner will thank you for it!

3) I Prefer to Dance with Experienced Dancers

Social dancing… SOCIAL dancing…

What’s so social about eliminating half the dancers on the floor?  

Let’s talk… dancing with all levels of dancers not only grows a healthy and fun dancing community, but it also makes us better dancers ourselves!

As a dancer, can you imagine the growth you would experience if you were so in tune with leading or following ANY level of partner?  You would have greater clarity, and become more sensitive and responsive.

Finally, and what I would argue is the most important part, social dancing should be social, the more social we are, the more fun we have! This is the main point of it all! So enjoy different experiences, and enjoy building one another up.

Food for thought:  Remember every great dancer was once a beginner!

So there you have it! This one may have rocked the boat a little, but I hope it brought a new perspective to some common thinking.

As always, the best conversations happen in the comment section, and I can’t wait to hear from you!

Find out what all the fuss is about! Try our free “Dancing in the Kitchen” Tutorial here!

The post 3 myths “social dancers” are believing, and how you can avoid them appeared first on VS Dance Club.

To toast the end of an incredible formation season, the Woman’s Dance Team comes together to enjoy a celebratory brunch. This took place on November 19 at Yew restaurant. Over giggles and mimosas, we reminisced about the recent Flamenco formation, relived our routines of the past, and discussed the challenges and successes we’ve faced thus far.

During our brunch, I asked the Ladies if I could interview and record them to hear in their own words what being on the team is like. So, today you’re getting a rare glimpse into what goes into being a part of the Woman’s Dance Team, who these fabulous women are, and whether joining the team would be a good fit for you!

Here is what they had to share:

1. Sarah: To get started – How many routines have you been in?

(This question took a few minutes, and multiple hands to count.  These have been going on for years, so  we first had to calculate how many formations have been created– We agreed on 15)

G: 11

S: 7 or 8

V: 15

H: 15

K: 13

2. Sarah: What appealed to you about the Flamenco  Woman’s character? What drew you to her, or drew you to Flamenco?

H: The strength and confidence

K: It shared the same fierceness as Be Italian (Past routine from the musical Nine). The same type of quality.

V: It’s a very strong woman who only gets better with age!

All the Ladies – Oh I like that!

V: You’ve all seen the flamenco dancers, and as they get older it’s appreciated. It’s appreciated!

G: The flirtatiousness in it.

3.   Sarah:  What were your favorite characters of all the woman you’ve played in the formation routines?

V: I loved Be Italian. It was so out there I tell you!

K: You know what was so much fun? The mop one (A 1950’s routine)! I was watching it the other day because I had a friend over and was showing her all the formations. It was fun you know – something about that one…

H: Oh, I like them all Sarah! It’s hard, it’s hard! Every time you captivate a certain part of you that you already are, or who you want to be. The flamenco is a dance I’m always attracted to, and the character I’m able to connect to the most, but that doesn’t mean it’s the best character for me or the best dance for me. Be Italian was different, and even the Shakira one brought something out of me that I didn’t know was there – and I wanted to work on more. I think even the Pink Panther; the mischievous part of it.

Sarah: You knew that mischievous part was already there, right? (Women laughed)

H:  I knew that that was there. So, I think it’s hard for me to pick one, and say that’s my favorite.  And then the Marilyn Monroe was the last character I thought I’d be able to connect to, but I really enjoyed playing that character.  A blond bimbo –  I thought, “yes I can do that!”  Well, that’s what she was labeled as anyways.

G: All different. But my favorite is Be Italian. I think it involves being synchronized with the tambourine. And then as a group, I think it was a very, very hard routine, but at the end, we pulled it off! (Followed by group giggles) I liked it!

S: I think flamenco. I felt strong and proud.

4.   Sarah:  What is the most challenging thing about Women’s Dance Teams? About being part of the team, or the routines?

V: The challenging part for me – I mean a lot of it is challenging – but the lines. I have to watch my spacing, watch where I am.

G: For me, it’s getting into the character of the dance. Especially when it’s something out of the comfort zone– like being sexy. That’s really challenging.

H: There is a lot of things – precision, consistency… The reason I started dancing was for social dancing, and I’d just do whatever I want, and even dancing with my teacher there is a lot of inconsistency in me that he tolerates, but it’s not tolerable in a formation.

K: Yeah, not tolerable in a formation.

H: So that’s something that is quite unique for me in dancing with a group versus any other dancing. And precision, it’s not up to me to choose what I think feels good for my body. It’s very obvious when I watch the video if my arm is a little off.  It doesn’t matter how good I feel, it ruins the entire formation. So, those are my challenges. And it provides discipline which I  personally want to work on more in all areas of my life.

K: It’s adjusting to the team. So, I naturally take bigger steps and I just can’t. Then I think I get it, then I’m like, “darn I missed it again.” And for the team piece, trying to be the same as much as possible. And that character stuff – the sexy character stuff…

V: Yah, the sexy character is tough.

K: I hate it when you say “get into your sexy“, I’m like ohhhh… (Giggles)

Sarah: The next one is going to be all about that!

G: It helps when you get into the character of the dance. Your body may tell you differently, even if you feel stiff or something, somehow, if you get into the emotion of it, they kind of influence each other.

K: It’s like learning to act!

5. Sarah: What is the best part? 

K: It’s the teamwork. It’s the most difficult and the best.

(All Ladies agreed)

G: Well the best part of this whole formation team for me, is I get my exercise. The best exercise ever. Exercise for the brain, exercise for the body. It really trains you well. Plus you get a good group of people that you get to socialize with as well.

6.  Sarah:  What advice would you give someone who is thinking about joining?

All: Join!

K: Just do it! Don’t think about it – go for it! (Echoed by all the Ladies)

H: Now we have done this so much together, not only do we know how we feel about ourselves, but we know how we feel about each other. I think that’s a big part of it – we know how you work with us now, and you have certain expectations from all of us, in every way. So that makes us a much stronger team. For anyone who joins us, they will right away just take on the culture we already built. Not that we’re going to force it on anyone, but whoever comes in, they will just become a part of it.

K: Yeah, we created that culture. We also have a trust in you, like; we totally trust what you do with your choreography and how you train us, very much so.

Sarah: Thank you! 

V: I think one thing if someone felt intimidated about joining, would be that they understand the process of learning. For me, it’s been stretching my emotional and physical capability, these things are very important. Even if we were to never perform this at the end, I would find it a beautiful exercise in the broadest sense because that makes the difference. The performance is the terrifying and wonderful thing if well executed, but the process is so totally enjoyable, and even though at the time it’s challenging, and some days I really feel like “ARR” but other days I say “Okay, got it!”

G: And that is it right?  If somebody was thinking to join, I remember the first time, I had been dancing already for so long. But the first time I joined the formation I was sore the night that I came home. I was so sore, I was like “darn it, Sarah, darn it, Sarah!”. Then I was like “wow this is really good exercise”. But it’s really not to be intimidated – don’t give up. I mean you will obviously feel the pain – but you’ll train your body.

V: It’s like a muscle right.

G: Yeah, muscle memory!

I hope you enjoyed this peek into the world of our Woman’s Dance Team. We are always looking for new wonderful woman to join our team.  If you are interested or have some questions, please feel free to contact us for more details.

Till next time,

The post An Insider Look at the Woman’s Dance Team appeared first on VS Dance Club.

This is the season for mingling and celebration!

The holidays are usually bursting with an assortment of social interactions and events. These gatherings can range from time spent with your close friends, to seeing relatives you may only see once a year; even to meeting new faces you’ll be sharing a conversation with at a fun holiday party.

If the thought of a full social calendar excites or maybe overwhelms you, having a list of conversation topics in your back pocket can come in handy!

From opening a conversation to connecting deeper with friends, I hope you walk away knowing some tips to create more enjoyable interactions that leave your talking companion excited for your next chat!

Let’s do this…

5 Skillful Conversation Openers

1) How do you know the host?

2) What a beautiful venue! Have you been here before?

3) How does your family celebrate the holidays?

4) (To a couple) How did you two meet?

5) What is the best part of your day?

5 Compelling Questions to Dig Deeper

1) Has anything happened to you this year that you’re so grateful for?

2) What’s on your bucket list for 2018?

3) What’s the most exciting that has happened to you this year?

4) What’s the best travel experience you’ve ever had?

5) What’s been a gigantic lesson for you this year?

The Conversation Playbook:

• Take a genuine interest in whom you are talking to, and engage in topics they are enthusiastic to converse about. If they love reading, a great question could be, “What book has been a game-changer for you this year?”

• Try to implement the 50/50 rule. The conversation should be similar to a dance. Lots of interactions with a back and forth dynamic. If you recognize you’ve been dominating the conversation, ask a question to engage the other person to contribute.

• Keep positive! Focusing your topics on areas that build-up rather than tear down, will keep people excited to continue speaking with you. Replace complaints with solutions, and try to find the silver lining in those touchy moments.

• Be respectful of different opinions. Having great conversation doesn’t mean you need to agree on every topic. Keep the conversation as an enjoyable exchange, and if you find it becoming a battleground of one opinion vs another shift to lighter topics.

• Keep body language open and facial expressions warm and inviting.

Developing sparkling conversations takes practice, it is a skill that can constantly be built upon and spiced up. During the Holiday Season, they’ll be plenty of opportunities to up your conversation game and create deeper connections.

Well, you’re waiting for coffee in the morning, why not strike up a chat with the barista, and start practicing conversation as part of your routine? Or, while doing some holiday shopping, try to find common ground with someone while waiting in line.

So there you have it! I’d love to hear from you on what topped your list for a favorite tip, or your best conversation go-to’s. Please leave a comment below, and cheers to a season full of joyful socializing.

Until next time,

The post The Ultimate Guide to Holiday Conversation appeared first on VS Dance Club.

It’s officially time to begin the celebration of the Holidays! So, we are taking a brief pause from our usual topics, to share with you our way of giving back this Holiday Season. A few years ago Vlad and I had the opportunity to hear a speaker from “International Justice Mission” (IJM), and after hearing the work they were doing, and the impact they were making, we knew we wanted to partner with them this year.

The Problem:

4 billion people live without the protection of the law. That means that the Public Justice Systems – the Police, Courts, and Laws – are so broken, corrupt and dysfunctional, that there is nothing to shield them from the violence.

So Who are They?

International Justice Mission is a global team comprised of Lawyers, Investigators, Social Workers and Community Activists that protect the poor from violence in the developing world. Everyday IJM is pushing back the advance of everyday violence.

Their Solution:

1. Rescue Victims: Get them out of the place they are in danger.
2. Bring Criminals to Justice: Hold slave owners, traffickers, rapists and criminals accountable in court.
3. Restoring Survivors: Give them the support and tools they need to heal and thrive.
4. Strengthening Justice Systems: Stop violence before it starts by helping strengthen the local justice system.

One of the best parts is they are seeing results!

Over 28,000 people have been rescued from the violence and oppression!

This Holiday Season for every gift certificate purchased at VS Dance Club, a portion of the profits will be given in your honor to those trapped by sex trafficking. We are beyond excited to get to work alongside this great organization for the season, and we encourage to check them out at: www.ijm.ca.

If you are interested in hearing how you can support this organization by purchasing gift certificates, please contact us for more details.

Till next time,

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