Dancing is such an addiction… :)

Yes, there are ups and downs when trying to learn something. Everyday I struggle to learn certain technique in dancing and a lot of times I feel frustrated coz I just can’t get it or get the feel of it… But, when you experience the moment when your mind is totally free and you’re enjoying each moment of the move, suddenly all the technique that you have been working for starts to make sense. It clicks! It’s such an incredible feeling that makes me wanting for more. And that makes the struggles and down times totally worth it!
I must say, dancing is an addiction for me 🙂

To improve sense of rhythm for any Latin dances

Astoria Ballroom Dance Studio of Costa Mesa, CA is known for its unique method of teaching that focuses on improvement of body movement and coordination. Yes, we can all learn steps and technique, but establishing an understanding of how to use our body will take your dancing to a whole new level by adding richness and quality. Since 2013, Astoria Ballroom Dance Studio started a new type of class where students can improve their sense of rhythm and coordination of body in any Latin dances. The class is called Latin Rhythm exercise class and it is held at Astoria Ballroom Dance Studio (369 E. 17^th St. #10 Costa Mesa, CA 92627), on every Monday nights at 7:00PM.

In our Latin Rhythm exercise class, an instructor will lead participants through simple dance steps of Salsa, Mambo, Samba, Rumba, and Chacha. Moving to Latin music will get you comfortable moving to any Latin dances in no time. This class was put together because we see so many people take lessons to learn steps, but the common problem with that is, the quality of movement and the character of the dance is being forgotten. Yes, there are many people who have great rhythm in their body, but not everyone is born that way. Especially the popularity of the hit TV show “Dancing with the Stars” has introduced many different dances and Latin dances always look very flashy and fun J But if you don’t learn how to use your body, then you won’t look as good, lol! Repetition and practice does help, but from our experience, we suggest students to take a short-cut by learning these movements, so they don’t waste time practicing incorrect movement, and at the end of the day, they can actually look like dancers!

Latin Rhythm exercise class doesn’t require any dance experience or partner. Just bring water, a towel, wear workout clothes and comfortable shoes. If you’re interested in more exercise classes based on dance, Astoria Ballroom Dance Studio offers Zumba® Fitness, Pilates mat exercise, and Dance Fitness classes. More information on these additional classes can be found on Astoria Ballroom Dance Studio’s website: Dance Exercise Programs.

Relationship Series (Part 1): Developing Partnership Through Dancing

Are you trying to find someone who you can connect with, communicate with, share similar passion, and enjoy being with that person as a life long partner? I’ve been there and I believe many people (unless they like to be alone… :)) has thought about it, too. Well, dancing is THE activity that requires a partner. With another person, you need to learn how to move, make your dance look beautiful, practice together, and spend a loooooot of time with that person to develop the quality of dancing you are trying to achieve. Yes, it is very very difficult, lol! So how can we develop partnership in dancing as well as regular life? What do Dancers go through to improve their relationship with their partner to make their dancing look so beautiful? Here is my first introductory story for the relationship series called “Developing Partnership through Dancing”.

Topic #1: Get to know yourself and be responsible for your own part

Typically in dancing, teachers tends to teach the men more steps, how to lead, and most of the time, women are taught to just follow the men. It could work if all men are so quick at learning the steps, timing, how to lead, what type of lead to give the lady, how to avoid traffic on the dance floor, stay on beat with the music etc. all at once. And, if the women doesn’t complain a thing and be patient with whatever the men does. But, seriously, where does that kind of perfect situation exist? How can a women just follow along everything what a men does in the world of dancing, when women are encouraged to be more independent at work or in real life? It could work for some couples and there’s nothing wrong with it, but I believe in a relationship where both people contributes their share to the relationship.

So, in dancing, I believe the man needs to learn his steps, timing, how to lead. And the lady needs to learn her own steps, timing, what lead to expect from the man, and what the lady can do to support the man when they dance together. After both people know their own part and is comfortable with their own part, then we can join 2 people together to create 1 unit. Yes, it might sound like more work to do for you ladies, but won’t you feel happier if you can contribute something to the relationship and the unity of dancing with someone important to you? The result will be much more rewarding and your relationship with your partner will dramatically improve for sure. Trust me, your man will feel so much easier to dance with you and feel more support and encouragement from you if you know what you’re doing!!

In summary, all relationships has their own dynamic between 2 people, and it’s the same in dancing. So whether you are looking to dance with your significant other, or just starting to learn to dance, or you might be an advanced dancer already, keep an open mind when learning how to dance. There is no one way to learn how to dance and the traditional approach of men learning everything and ladies following does not necessarily work for everyone. At the end of the day, Dancing is art. It’s created by 2 people dancing together in harmony. So why not both men and women contribute our own share to the partnership?

Stay tuned for the next topic!

Wedding Dance Story

It’s summer time and it’s the most popular season for weddings now! Many couples come to our studio to take lessons to prepare for their First Dance. It’s a pleasure to see couples who are so much in love, happy to be engaged and in the process of planning their wedding. Let me share a story about a beautiful couple I met recently.

The couple walked into the studio with a smile and ready to learn to dance. They chose Foxtrot for their First Dance, their music a romantic French song, and so the lesson begins. During the lesson, it’s normal for mistakes to happen. In this couple’s case, when one person made a mistake (ex. forgot a step), the other person never blamed him/her, but was always supportive. When certain steps didn’t work out, or one person stumbled, they didn’t criticize each other for not doing it right, but they discussed and tried to figure out what went wrong during that step.

During all those moments, this couple kept their smile and laughter, and was always positive to each other. I was amazed to see a couple with such great communication skills and simply enjoying their time to learn how to dance together. And when their dancing started to improve and started to look like they are dancing as one unit, there are no other words to explain such great moment as an instructor. It’s very rewarding to have an opportunity to teach a couple like them. I wish them and anyone who is about to get married all the best in their future lives together as a married couple 🙂

For those of you that are planning a wedding and thinking of taking lessons for your First Dance, here are some tips:

1. Make sure you plan early. We’ve seen couples start to panic after learning their first step when their wedding is only 2 days from their first lesson day!

2. Don’t try to teach your fiance’. You’ll both have a lot more fun dancing if you let your instructor do the teaching. Also, be patient when learning. You don’t want to put pressure on yourself or on your fiance’.

3. Smile and Enjoy! Your First Dance is the very first thing you will be doing together as husband and wife in front of your family and friends. Why not make this into something special? This is your day and your moment, make it a special experience that you will remember for the rest of your life.

Share your wedding dance stories with us!