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.
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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.
A recent interview with a student preparing an essay on whether ballroom dancing is an art or a sport allowed George and Wendy to better define their own views on this issue.
It’s a shame that a sport which is so much about harmony and togetherness can be so divided by politics. This post is intended to give a better understanding of what’s currently going on between the NDCA and USA Dance.
The 2011 Canadian Championships were the best in years. It was a near-perfect competition, marred by only one significant problem: music that faded in on every song. Let’s make sure this never happens again.
Olympic gold medal skater Evan Lysacek recently reflected on his experiences as a Dancing With the Stars contestant, including some interesting thoughts on why dancing has become so popular.
As Canadian DanceSport competitors prepare to compete in the Canadian Closed Championships in the higher altitude of Calgary, Alberta, they should think about how to increase VO2max, their body’s ability to consume oxygen.
Sports nutritionists tell us that hydration is a key part of athletic performance. Here’s more insight on why it matters so much.
It’s doubtful that many competitors understand just how significant the difference is between European and North American ballroom dance competitors.
Repeatedly, competitors comment on how supportive the audience was in Vancouver. SnowBall’s audience has a reputation for for being supportive, and it makes an impact felt around the world.
DJ’s at dance competitions play an enormously important role in the what the audience experiences. But often they aren’t aware of the responsibility they have. Here are some thoughts on this issue from a competitor’s point of view.
Everybody is talking about the Stephane Auger and Alex Burrows saga. There’s a lesson in this story for everyone involved in competitive sports.
Goals? Resolutions? What’s the big deal? There’s a difference between the two. Here’s some clarification to think about as the New Year kicks in.
Practice is at the heart of every person successful in their field. But how much is enough? Neuroscientist and musician Daniel Levitin believes that the magic number is 10,000.
Whatever activity people are involved in, they turn it into a form of competition. And with competition comes an audience. Some insights for dancers and organizers on building audiences.
In its ongoing effort to appeal to the Olympics committee as a sport, the IDSF decided a few years ago to abide by the Olympic Games anti-doping policy. Now it seems that this policy has turned around to bite the IDSF on its own backside.
Is ballroom dancing an art or a sport? A look at the reasons why there is so much talk about dance as a sport.
