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.

Dancing is a Feeling

I know that there is a lot of technical knowledge that goes into dancing. There are so many small nuances that come into play to make a dance look effortless. There is so much to learn, that I know that I will never know it all. But I feel it.

What I love about dancing is when the music sweeps me away. I love to feel the music in my bones and just go where it takes me. Of course, I love the fact that I've learned a little throughout my dance years at Dance Dynamics. But when it comes right down to it, I must feel it to enjoy it.

I got bogged down with details several years ago. There was so much clutter in my mind, that I didn't hear the music any more. I went to a wedding dance in the midst of this chaotic time in my mind and for the first time in a very long time, I felt the music speaking to my soul. And I danced.

After a short hiatus from dancing, I returned. I am swept up in the music, the excitement, the people and learning process once again. I was thoroughly enjoying my private lessons but it wasn't until I took the frightening step back into the group classes that the excitement levels returned.

The group classes are out of my comfort zone. I'm learning new things in a group setting. I'm more responsible for knowing my own part. I'm dancing with different partners throughout the lesson. Some things are harder to learn than others and there isn't the opportunity for the one on one instruction. But ... I am in a room full of people who are there for the same reason that I am. They love to dance and they want to learn.

The mixture of learning, dancing and being around people is the perfect mix for me. Stepping out of my comfort zone is important.No matter what is being taught in a group class, there is always one thing that every person can usually take way from it. No matter how overwhelming the class may feel at the time, if you have learned a new dance, a new pattern or a new technique ... you have succeeded.

Group Class is a Happening Event!

It is great to be back in the habit of attending Thursday night group classes. I'm starting to feel like a 'regular' again and I'm enjoying seeing more new students coming to check it out.

This past Thursday, I met a couple that had danced at U of S. Then they took some of Herb's Friday night group classes and now they take private lessons at Dance Dynamics.

They usually have a Thursday night commitment so haven't come to the Thursday group class before. But last Thursday, their meeting was cancelled and they decided to come. As I talked to them as they were leaving, they had a wonderful time and were considering coming to the upcoming dance at the studio. They said they just may skip their meeting so they can attend.

I met another new student that hadn't started her private lessons yet, but has come to the past few Thursday group classes. She has a dance background and is an eager learner and dancer. I always enjoy being around new students and absorbing some of that 'energy' that they exude.

It's always a comfort to see the familiar faces. It's nice to see that Thursday group classes are worth going back to each week.

Dynamics of Dance

In the world of dance there is grace, poise, elegance, and beauty. This, however, is only half the picture. To achieve these lofty goals one sometimes goes through sore feet and back, pulled muscles, injured knees and shoulders, not to overlook a general feeling of awkwardness or exasperation.With this column I hope to lighten the trauma and help pave (or parquet) the way to tripping the light fantastic, rather than simply tripping.

Let’s begin from the ground up and talk about footwear. Dance shoes for ladies (as in the real world) vary greatly in style, colour, fabric, length, width, and heel height. The first three are decided based on personal taste. The correct length for you should be left up to someone in the know if you’re still new to this sport. With court shoes (pumps) make sure there is enough room for the toes. The arch of your shoe must also be long enough for your foot. With the latin sandal the dancer’s toes should cover the end of the shoe or even overhang by an eighth of an inch. Please confirm when ordering shoes that you state your English, German, or Canadian Size - this will save return postage and reordering time. For the men who like to wear a very loose, comfortable shoe remember this: the court jester look is out of date. Your foot should reach the end of the shoe with a thin sock without having the toes pushed back.

Width is very important. The shoes for men and women are available in many widths. By making sure that your shoes are snug you will increase the life of the shoe and the support it will give you. Wearing your shoes too tight can damage your feet and worse yet, ruin your evening.

Heel height in a man’s shoe is decided by personal taste and what you intend to demand of it. One inch for smooth and an optional one and a half inches for latin. For the ladies, however, the all perplexing choice is not so simple. The truth is that high heels are not as bad for your back (if it’s healthy) as bad posture. If you have bad posture, heels will intensify the problem and should be avoided. The truth is that heels can be bad for your feet by increasing the pressure on the ball of the foot as the heel gets taller. Fashion trends and vanity have a way of making fools of us all at times.

This brings me to my pet peeve. When I go skiing I don’t get all suited up so that after an hour or so I can kick off my skis and take to the rest of the runs. The same goes for ball players and their gloves, golfers and their clubs, and even includes my brother at a banquet with his dentures. Why then do we see people tossing their shoes past innocent dancers (with audible sighs of relief) into corners of the room? These same people then spend the balance of the evening dancing on their toes, complaining about how slippery the floor is and commenting on how “classy” the whole event has been.

Dance shoes are the tools of our trade, offering good support and years of wear. A little research will pay off in style, comfort, and safety.