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.
Season 19 of Dancing With the Stars is underway, and it’s a show we can connect with because the experiences of the stars are so real. Especially this season.
This clip of the Tango scene from Rudolph Valentino’s 1921 film “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” shows how little has changed in the Tango in nearly 90 years of dance progression. We still see all the characteristics of Argentine Tango.
The Samba, Brazil’s sexy Latin dance, dates back to 1914, when it was known as the Maxixe. It has a unique character and several different rhythms. Here’s more info on the Samba.
Self confidence is a powerful tool for athletes and dancers alike. Here’s some powerful empirical research proving the value of confidence in achieving goals in any activity, whether a sport or learning new ballroom dance steps.
Even with two decades of Latin development since their sensational run as world champions, the dancing of Donnie Burns and Gaynor Fairweather still stands tall as an excellent example of what Latin dancing should look like: two people moving together as one to tell a story to music.
One of the most challenging things for most people when they start to get serious about dancing is finding the beat. Since moving in harmony with the music is the whole reason for dance, this is important. Here’s some helpful advice.
In dance music you’ll often hear references to “Strict Tempo.” What does that mean, exactly? We take a look at how this works in ballroom dancing.
If you’re like most people, you’ve at least started thinking about your exercise and eating program for the new year. But what about your brain? What are you doing to make your mind more fit? Did you know that dancing is one of the best ways to get smarter?
Dance music DJs have a responsibility. Not just to get dancers on the floor but to make them feel great about their dancing. Competition DJs in particular have to help dancers bring out their strongest performances. Here’s a guide for social and competition DJs for ballroom dancing.
Hollywood is at its best when it makes fun of itself, and this movie is no exception. It’s a satire on show business in general and of Hollywood; an exposé of the ruthless ambition of idolized stars, showing the comic possibilities of the problems faced by actors and studios making the challenging transition from silent films to talkies. It’s a great premise for a musical, and Singin’ in the Rain makes the most of the possibilities.
As I mentioned in my last Art vs. Sport posting, Wendy and I were interviewed by a student, Renata, who was preparing a thesis on the complex issue of art vs. sport in ballroom dancing. You might be interested in reading the full interview, so it is provided here with Renata’s permission.
Dancing With the Richmond Stars didn’t turn out exactly as planned, but it was a great experience and one worth doing again.
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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