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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
It’s doubtful that many competitors understand just how significant the difference is between European and North American ballroom dance competitors.
Delta Dance exists to motivate, encourage and support ballroom dancing, primarily serving the communities of Delta, Surrey, Langley, New Westminster, Richmond and Burnaby. Ballroom dance group classes, private lessons and Wedding First Dance choreography and lessons. Classes are taught by professional dance instructors George and Wendy Pytlik, 7-time undefeated BC Senior Latin champions and ranked among Canada's top three competitive 10-Dance ballroom dance couples.
For more info call 604.657.1351
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