We often refer to people, even people who don’t know how to dance, as “having rhythm.” But in ballroom dancing teachers are always talking about “musicality.” What’s the difference, or are they the same thing?
More than just a famous dance partnership, the story of Vernon and Irene Castle is the greatest love story the dance world has ever known.
Researchers at Johns Hopkins University recently discovered that how you practice can double the speed of your learning process compared to traditional approaches for practicing motor skills.
This post explores six ways that music can influence your choreography. When you understand these aspects of musicality, you should be able to create more musical dancing.
All of dancing is about one primary quality. Without that aspect, all the technique in the world is empty, having no practical value. Here’s what you need to know.
Understanding the four power sources in dance can make your dancing more dynamic, with more speed and volume while at the same time requiring less effort to achieve.
The Viennese Waltz is the origin of all ballroom dancing. In its pure form it is a pure, flowing presentation of the beauty of partner dancing. But in the past couple of years the WDSF has changed this dance in a disturbing way. Here’s how I see it.
Ballroom dancing is about two people moving together to music. That involves technique. Here’s how to keep technical thinking from paralyzing your dancing.
During storm season, dancers can find themselves with no electricity when there’s a power outage. Here are five things you can do when there’s little space, no video, no music and less than ideal lighting.
I recently came across a series of notes I had made while attending the Professional Congress Workshops at the Embassy Ball a few years ago. I especially appreciated the clarity and power of message from Barbara Ambroz, a top adjudicator and one of the presenters.
This week, as the IOC voted on 26 sports vying to be considered as new Olympic medal sports, ballroom dancing was the first one eliminated from consideration. It’s time we put an end to this nonsense and get back to the art of dance.
Delta Cup DanceSport Gala is coming to South Delta on October 17, 2015. This one day event features a full slate of Pro/Am and Amateur competition in all skill levels and a variety of age groups.
Tonight is the final for the tenth anniversary of Dancing with the Stars, and it’s anyone’s guess who will win the coveted mirror ball trophy. Here’s our view.
Most competitors wonder what it is that judges see or don’t see. This is especially an issue when they see themselves marked lower than couples who might have worse technique or less experience. Here is some insight to what a few top judges look for.
There are three types of rotation that affect dance movements. This article looks at all three of these in more detail, to help experienced dancers create more connected rotational movement.
With the Delta dance community growing steadily, George and Wendy are adding two unexpected new dance styles to the excellent dance program covered at Delta’s two locations.
Ballroom dancers are always striving to improve their dancing, but in my observations as a teacher there is one mistake commonly made that’s more severe than all the others, and it seems to affect dancers at every level. This post explores that particular challenge.
Multi-time professional Latin World Champions Michael Malinowski and Joanna Leunis demonstrate just how effective the element of surprise can be in this performance from Britain’s version of Dancing With the Stars, “Strictly Come Dancing.”
Instructor George Pytlik examines why ballrooms have not seen huge surges in dance students despite the popularity of television shows like Dancing With the Stars.
Wendy and I just completed an exhausting 3-day workshop upgrading our knowledge of the technique of the ballroom dances. These 18 hours of instruction were designed to make us better and more accurate teachers.
Dance For Me is a wonderful documentary film about two young and deeply passionate dancers where the ambition of success overshadows everything else. Well worth watching.
I love the Slow Foxtrot. It’s considered the most challenging of the Standard dances because of the control required to dance well, but everything about it, from the music to the quality of the movement, is beautiful. Here’s some more insight into this dance.
Paso Doble is a dramatic dance with sharp footwork and beautiful body shapes. It’s based on the bull fight where the man represents the matador, and his lady the flowing cape.
Many people make resolutions when the year ticks over a new number, but that’s not really necessary. However, some kind of planning is a great idea. It keeps you focused, positive and energized as you look forward. So what are some of the things you can plan as a dancer?
The best part of the past year has been getting to know so many wonderful people. Thanks for being part of the programs, and especially for being part of our lives. Merry Christmas, and may the new year bring you lightness and joy in your dancing. Enjoy our little video!
Liminal space, or liminality, is a three-part process we all go through as we transition from one phase of life or knowledge to another. This article explains how dancers can make the most of it as they grow in their skills.
The Lumo Lift is a small piece of stylish technology that attaches to your clothing and tracks your posture and activity. It’s a great way to track and improve your posture while sitting and moving around, including dancing.
Did you ever wonder how ballroom dancing got to where it is today? Ballroom Icons is a stunning book that explores the history of the most influential figures who shaped the development of the ballroom dance world.
Mirko Gozzoli and Edita Daniute, 3-time professional world champions under the WDSF umbrella, demonstrate how beautiful Bronze-level steps can look in this honor dance.
Floor craft is the skill of creating space on the dance floor. This is as much a technical skill as the footwork, frame and dynamics of dance movements, but it’s often forgotten by dancers too focused on technique to think about dancing.
Delta Dance exists to motivate, encourage and support ballroom dancing in North and South Delta near Vancouver, Canada. Ballroom dance group classes are provided at two convenient Delta locations. Private lessons and Wedding First Dance lessons are taught at multiple locations in Surrey, Delta, Richmond and Vancouver. Classes are taught by professional dance instructors George and Wendy Pytlik, 7-time undefeated BC Senior Latin champions and ranked among Canada's top competitive 10-Dance ballroom dance couples.
For more info call 604.657.1351
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