Starting your life without pain, finally!

Our guest from Japan, Marina’s 2 weeks stay at our studio has ended and she is ready to go back to Japan for her big audition! During her 2 weeks stay, she was training to increase her body awareness and establish symmetry between body and mind, so she can live a pain free life.

Marina’s 2nd week training was even more difficult than her 1st week. After learning how to correct her posture (align her spine) and proper weight transfer to her foot during her walk, she was assigned a new task: alignment of her hip and pelvic bone in relation to her spine and legs. There are many people who sit in a funny position or try to use their hips that might not be complimentary to their joints. Marina used to walk with her right hip tilted upwards. As a result, her left side and her lower back compensated the additional pressure. Through Pilates mat exercise, she learned how to keep her spine and hip joints stable on the mat while her legs moved. Now she has to do this in standing position and when she walks. She practiced and exercised every day, all day, plus reviewed all material at night when she went home. During the last few days of her stay, I noticed that her walk looks more natural, her posture is straight, and she is pain free!

Everyone at the studio was very happy for her and touched by her hard work. For me personally, it’s always special to find someone who I can share the excitement of working on something you’re passionate about. It might not be the same activity, but there’s something inspirational about people giving their all to reach their goals, despite of the difficulties and struggles they go through during their journey. Marina wanted to stay in the US longer, but at the same time she was motivated to maintain what she learned here and prepare for her big audition in Japan. I must say, Marina was truly a pleasant character with positive energy that brightened up the studio. With limited ability to speak English, Marina was always smiling and trying her best to communicate with anybody who walked into the studio. We wish her all the success in Japan and with her dreams. We hope she can come visit our studio again in the future. Thank you so much for your positive energy!

P.S. I will upload some videos, so you can see the difference 🙂

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.