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The power went out today in the middle of a group class. Like any good dance teacher, I pulled out the portable Bluetooth speaker and continued the class.

But as the day progressed without that wonderful source of energy we’ve come to expect as a given in First World countries, I started to think about what dancers can do to pass the time when stuck at home with no access to videos, music and when even lighting is limited.

Here are five ideas for ballroom dancers:

1. Practice Heel Turns

Heel Turns can always be improved, and they take up very little floor space. Use the power outage to improve your technique.

2. Practice Rumba Walks

Checked Progressive Walks require practice and don’t need a lot of room. So use this time to get in that technical practice time.

3. Practice Samba Basics

Samba is the hardest Latin dance to master. The good news is that the basics of Samba, including Whisks, Stationary Samba Walks, Voltas and Bota Fogos don’t require much space. Do them in your kitchen! While drinking wine!

4. Practice Cha Cha Alternative Chasses

Cha Cha basics don’t take up much space, but the alternative basics, such as Ronde Chasse, Hip Twist Chasse, Cuban Break Chasses and Slip Chasses can even be done on the spot so spend a few minutes getting in that vital practice.

5. Practice Connection and Frame

The best thing about a power outage is that you can be with your dance partner with no distractions, so use that time to connect. It’s even more fun when that partner is also your romantic partner. Feel the body connection. Practice sways to right and left. Feel the difference between closed and Promenade positions. Practice changing your frame to get intimately familiar with the different feelings, both as lead and follow. Drink more wine. And most of all, have fun!

George Pytlik

Author George Pytlik

Before turning pro, George achieved impressive results as an amateur competitor, holding the Senior (30+) Latin championship in BC, Canada for 7 consecutive years with his wife Wendy. The couple twice achieved a top-3 Canadian ranking in Senior Latin as well as a 3rd place Canadian ranking in 30+ Ten Dance. Today, George and Wendy are professional teachers with a vision of growing a strong dance community in Delta near Vancouver, BC.

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