Ballroom With A Twist

featuring
DANCE DYNAMICS STUDIO

Where : TCU Place Saskatoon
When: October 14th, 2010
Time: 7:30pm
Why: Because we're in it!!!!!



It's this much fun.....

And just a little work....

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February 4, 2012

Why Dance Dynamics?

With so many different kinds of dance classes that are available … what is it about Dance Dynamics that stands out from the rest?

I am a Dance Dynamics veteran, having first walked through their doors in 1997. I wanted to learn how to dance but I didn’t have a dance partner. At Dance Dynamics that is not a problem. Private dance lessons are available with one of the studio's instructors. One lesson was all it took. I was hooked.

One-on-one instruction is a luxury, but I am almost certain that I would not be where I am today if I had gone any other route. Group settings intimidated me. Private lessons empowered me. They gave me the confidence that I needed to expand my horizons and try out the group classes that were included with the private lessons.

Group classes were a little more daunting. But the studio provided a non-threatening environment to practice dancing with various partners. Everyone I encountered was there for the same reason that I was: to learn how to dance. I never could have stepped into a bar to take advantage of some of the lessons offered out there. But at the dance studio it felt safe, inviting and (almost) easy. Within a very short time, it was like walking into a room full of friends.

I have tried numerous forms of dance lessons through various venues since my initial lessons at Dance Dynamics. Though I haven’t anything negative to say about my experiences elsewhere, I can honestly say that nothing has compared to what Dance Dynamics has to offer.

The instructors are second to none. Herb, Holly and Greg each have their own unique strengths. They have a combined total of over 65 years of teaching experience. They have all competed in national and international dance competitions. They know their technique and the intricacies to polish your dancing skills. They tailor their class to the group that they are teaching. But most importantly, they make dancing fun!

I had one goal in mind when I started my dance lessons at Dance Dynamics. I wanted to become the best dancer that I could afford to be. I have always been encouraged to dance within my means. But when the going gets tough, I am always told “Just don’t stop dancing ... still come to Group Class!

That is why Dance Dynamics is my personal choice. Why don't you come on in and see for yourself?

October 13, 2010

Endless Possibilities

When I first put on my dancing shoes, I had no idea where those shoes would take me.

I not only dared to leave the house ... I dared to dance!
I danced with my instructor. I danced in our group classes. I have performed in our showcases. I have danced solo (with my instructor). I have danced as part of a group formation. I danced in a competition.
I have danced in our studio. I have danced in front of a crowd.
I dance for fun. I dance for the sport. I dance for the exercise. I dance for the challenge.
I have followed and I have lead. I hear music and my heart starts to dance!

Our group formation team will be performing in 'Ballroom With a Twist'. Hope, excitement and anticipation adds an extra sparkle to dancing!

As if dancing wasn't enough, there is more. Always more ...
Signing up for that first dance lesson was the best gift that I ever gave myself!

October 1, 2010

Dance Dynamics Goes "Dancing With the Stars"

It’s official. Our very own Dance Dynamics formation team will be performing in “Ballroom With a Twist” at TCU on October 14th at 7:30 p.m.

Featured performers at "Ballroom with at Twist" are:
  • Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Jonathan Roberts and Damian Whitewood - From Dancing With The Stars
  • Evan Lysacek - Olympic Gold Medalist & Dancing with the Stars Runner up
  • David Hernandez - American Idol Finalist Season 7
  • Vonzell Solomon - American Idol Finalist - Season 4
  • And other featured dancers from - Burn the Floor; So You Think You Can Dance and High School Musical

Our formation team reflects the theme “Dancing For All Ages”, as the ages run the gamut - from our youngest students all the way through the ages to our more ‘seasoned’ dancers.

Nine couples will be performing a fast paced and fun routine as choreographed and directed by Herb Clarke.

There has been a rigorous practice schedule as we ready ourselves for a performance of a lifetime.

In no time at all, we will be brushing shoulders with ‘The Stars’. Reserve your tickets now and share in our anticipation and excitement!

July 14, 2010

Dance Camp - June 25/26, 2010

Now that I’ve had a few weeks to step away from the entire dance camp experience, I can finally sit still and write about it.

I’ve never attended Dance Dynamics’ dance camp before. It’s an old idea that was dusted off and brought out for interested students to try.

Friday night consisted of an evening focused on the smooth dances. We learned some of the basics, some of the intricacies, some history, and a little technique for good measure. From the Foxtrot to Waltz to the Tango, we learned of the similarities and the differences. We learned some basic patterns that could be carried from one dance to the next and onto the third.

The evening started at 6:00 and wound up just a little after 9:00. Three separate dances with breaks in between each. We had time to rest our feet, grab some water and visit with friends we hadn’t seen in a while.

There was time to revive sore and tired feet, get a good night’s sleep and start off with a clean slate the next day. Saturday’s classes didn’t begin until 1:00 and they lasted until 4:00.

Saturday’s focus was on the rhythm dances – Rumba, Cha Cha and Swing. Dancing the rhythm dances is a completely different learning experience. The body moves in different ways, the footwork is unlike the smooth dances and it a whole new adventure. Herb spices up his classes with stories, humor and a vast amount of knowledge that he is most eager to share with his students.

Six types of dances were wrapped up into one value packed parcel called “Dance Camp”. The weekend dance camp experience was wound up with a pot luck supper. Time to bond with those who danced along at our side and build friendships.

Dancing is more than teaching your feet to move to the beat of the music. It’s a body and soul experience that can be enhanced to your own personal preference. Whether you dance for pleasure, the challenge or your goal is to travel and compete … there is something for everyone.

I walked away from the weekend Dance Camp with more knowledge than I had at the onset. It was a fun way to enhance the dancing experience and a most excellent way to kick off the summer holidays!

February 21, 2010

La Classique du Quebec Feb 11 - 13, 2010

The Dance Dynamics studio was well represented at this year’s La Classique du Quebec ballroom dance competition.

Nine students (three gentlemen; six ladies) from our studio went to Montreal to compete at this dance event. Our studio represented every age category, dance levels from Newcomers to Pre-Silver and a team spirit that could have brought the house down.

As a first time competitor I was wide eyed and amazed throughout the entire event.

Imagine a scenario where you are surrounded by hundreds of other people, decked out in full ballroom regalia. It was breath taking to simply sit back and absorb the energy of the room and all of the people in it. Then they danced.

The days started early and ended late. We sat and cheered on our fellow students as they hit the ballroom floor for their all-too-brief moments of glory, to showcase all that they had practiced and worked on so feverishly before this big event.

Personally, I couldn’t take my eyes off of the Dance Dynamics students. As far as I could see, everyone performed beautifully and they were the ‘best of the best’ out there. Yes, we were at an event where we were being ranked against those in our age and dance category. But how can anyone rate such an experience? How can there be winners and losers when each person out on the dance floor is dancing against their own personal challenges?

From nerves to physical abilities and natural talents … we all came with our own set of handicaps and our own set of strengths. We danced despite it all. We arrived as a team, we cheered for each other as a team and we left as a team.

There were bonds forged throughout this voyage. We made memories which will last forever. We each came home with small mementos of our experience. Whether it may be in the form of a program, some photos or perhaps a new ball gown … we stepped out of the norm and into a fairytale world – a world of princes and princesses.

It was a weekend to remember … but when we come back down to earth, we can always return to our real live world at Dance Dynamics.

Dance Dynamics is a place where dreams are made. They may be as inconsequential as learning to dance socially. They may soar to heights that you had never dreamed possible.

I walked in the doors of Dance Dynamics because I love music and I love to dance. I was intrigued with the annual dance showcases and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the preparations for these events. But a dance competition? That was a once in a lifetime dream for me. My goal was to participate. Once.

My goal has been fulfilled. But as it is with goals, one goal leads to another. I don’t know where my dancing shoes will take me next.

As I sat in wonder, it was brought to my attention to think about how many steps were danced on the ballroom floor throughout the three days we attended La Classique du Quebec. It is my guess that if each dancer was strategically placed across Canada and they danced as they danced in Montreal … we could have easily danced across the country. That is my kind of marathon!

There are no limits when it comes to envisioning your future. Anything is possible, if you believe in yourself and pursue your dreams.