Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta Discusses How to Dance the Waltz
As a studio offering ballroom dance lessons to Metro Atlanta and Duluth residents, we understand that new students are often hesitant to get out on the dance floor. Many people are afraid of messing up in front of others or looking less macho. We figured it might be helpful to our beginner and future students to learn the basics about one of the first dances we teach new students: the waltz.
The waltz is originated in Austria and Southern Germany and is danced to a ¾ tempo. This type of dance has been made popular most recently by television shows like “Dancing with the Stars” and “So You Think You Can Dance.” Waltz is considered one of the easiest types of ballroom dance to learn and is often where students begin in their first lessons.
To begin, face your partner. The leader (usually the male), puts his right hand on his partner’s back and holds out his left hand. The follower (usually the female partner) will then place her left hand on the leader’s shoulder and hold the leader’s extended hand with her right hand. Both partners’ elbows should remain bent and body movements should mirror the other person’s.
On the first beat, the leader steps forward with his left foot while the follower steps backward with her right. On the second beat, the male partner traces an upside-down L with his right foot, stepping forward and to the right. Then the weight is shifted to the right foot. Meanwhile the female partner mirrors this on the opposite side. The leader slides his left foot toward his right and stands with both feet together on the third beat, while the female slides her right foot in until her feet meet.
For the next three beats, the same moves are performed on the opposite side. For the fourth beat, the leader steps back with his right foot, and the fifth beat involves a backwards L traced with the left foot (step back and to the left), ending with the weight shifted on the left foot. From there, the final beat calls for the right foot slide up next to the left until the feet are together again. This series of L’s creates a box-like pattern on the floor. Now just repeat while rotating slightly to the left. During these moves, the following partner mirrors the leader’s steps.
Of course there’s much more to waltzing than mastering basic steps, which is why we recommend taking advantage of our beginner dance lesson specials to come try out the waltz at one of our conveniently located ballroom dance studios in Atlanta and Duluth/Suwanee. We have plenty of studio events including Saturday Soirees, practice parties, and open house parties. Our studio calendars have all our monthly events in one place, so you have no excuse not to pay us a visit!
You can also stay up to date with the latest Ballroom Dance Clubs news and studio pictures by liking us on Facebook and following us on Twitter. Our wonderful staff of instructors can’t wait to show you how fun dancing can be!
Find Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta on Facebook and Twitter
You know that Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s patrons, students, and instructors love to have fun! We know the important role that laughing and having a good time plays in having a good dance lesson, so we carry that attitude around with us at all times.
In order to help you stay in the loop of all the fun things going on at our Atlanta and Duluth studios we suggest you find us on Facebook and Twitter. Not only do we like to keep our students in the know about upcoming studio events and competitions, but we also post pictures from our events, videos from showcases and competitions, and (true to our style) quotes, sayings, and information that is just plain fun!
Make sure to “Like” us on Facebook and “Follow” us on Twitter so you’re not left out of all the great things going on at Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta. If you’re already our friend, don’t forget to find our newest location, Ballroom Dance Clubs of East Tennessee, on Facebook here.
Seniors Shimmy Their Way to Better Balance
A recent preliminary study completed by researchers at the University of Sydney shows that ballroom dance has the potential to help seniors gain better motor function and prevent falls by as much as 37%. This pre-study is one element that researcher Dr. Dafna Merom is using to help begin a larger study to research the role that dancing can play in preventing falls in the elderly.
Not only do the benefits of ballroom dance include stronger muscles and a healthier self-image, but the fun activity also helps increase balance and reflex responses which could help seniors prevent the falls that often cause life-changing broken bones. In an article in Asian Science Magazine, Dr. Merom from the University of Sydney says that any activity that helps to train balance can help seniors, “Dance is a complex sensory motor rhythmic activity. It also has cognitive and social dimensions. This package as a whole can simultaneously address a wide range of physiological and cognitive risk factors that contribute to falls.”
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta prides itself on ballroom dance lessons for students of all ages and skill levels. Many times older adults think that younger students are more adept at learning the new and different steps and techniques associated with ballroom dance. However, our talented and patient Atlanta ballroom dance instructors take pride in their ability to teach everyone, regardless of age, the joys of dancing. Don’t let age be an excuse to miss out on all the fun and excitement of learning ballroom dance at one of our two conveniently located studios.
Whether you’re interested in learning to dance as a source of exercise, to meet new friends, or just to try something new in the new year, let us help you discover (or rediscover) the joys of ballroom dance. We make ballroom dancing simpler than ever and fun! Make sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in ballroom dance news and events. Our studio schedules have all our open house events listed if you’re interested in checking out either of our locations! You can also check out our YouTube channel to see students, instructors, and patrons of all ages getting their groove on.
Check Out Videos of Our Performances
If you need a reason to get your toes tapping today, check out our studios’ videos on YouTube. Taken during our many showcases and competitions, these videos highlight the amazing dancing skills of our instructors, students, and patrons.
If productions like the one in the video below spark your interest, check out our dance lessons. We coach students of all levels from first-timers to seasoned competitive dancers. Stay connected with the latest in Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s news and events by connecting with us on Facebook and Twitter.
New Year’s Ballroom Dance Resolutions
It’s traditional to make New Year’s Resolutions at the beginning of a new year in hopes to reform a bad habit or meet a personal goal. Unfortunately, it’s also very traditional to forget about those lofty New Year’s Resolutions shortly after making them. This could be a consequence of laziness, but at Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta, we think people just aren’t making the right resolutions. Instead of making them fun and obtainable, we tend to make goals that set us up for failure. This year, we suggest doing things a little differently. Instead of buying a gym membership you’ll only use twice, why not spend your money on something you’ll actually use, like ballroom dance packages and gift certificates from Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta?
Why resolve to dance?
There are endless benefits of ballroom dancing, both physical and emotional. You may have a weight loss goal for the New Year—ballroom dancing is a great way to boost confidence and get active the fun way. Maybe you work too hard. Ballroom dancing helps relieve stress. Plus, attending our practice parties and group classes are great ways to build confidence and get to know new people. Plus, dance lessons from Ballroom Dance Clubs won’t go to waste since we offer two convenient Atlanta-area locations (Atlanta and Duluth) and plenty of monthly events for students to attend.
What are my options for ballroom dance classes?
Whether you’ve never danced a step in their life or you’re one of our patrons, Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta offers a variety of packages. Our beginner’s package includes two private lessons, two group lessons, and one practice party. However, if you’re getting married, you might want to check out our wedding dance lesson packages.
Do I decide what type of dance to take?
We teach fourteen different styles of ballroom dance at our studios, and we usually like to teach our students (beginners especially) basic steps of each type first so that they will be comfortable to dance in any social situation and determine which dances are their favorites.
I have a friend that would love to learn to dance; how do I give the gift of dance?
You can buy ballroom dance packages for yourself or for someone else conveniently on our website, over the phone, or at one of our locations.
To learn more about Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta, visit our website. Be sure to connect with us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest ballroom news and dance event updates.
*Photo contributed by Emmy Dudley
Don’t Miss Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s Upcoming January Events!
After a break for the holidays, the staff of Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta is returning to full event calendars for both Atlanta studios. Whether you are a beginner, patron, or competitive dancer, our studio events will provide you with a variety of ballroom dancing options from practice parties to monthly soirees. If you are interested in learning more about purchasing ballroom dance lessons, visit our specials and packages page or contact one of our studios to learn more.
You can also come join us for one of our bi-monthly open house parties if you’d like to come see what Ballroom Dance Clubs has to offer you. Be sure to check out our January studio event calendars because there might be something new, like Zumba Friday mornings at our Duluth location or our Atlanta location’s Freaky Friday Party, that will have you grabbing your dancing shoes!
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta Dancers Impress at the Ohio Star Ball
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s professional and amateur teams recently made the trip up to Ohio to compete in the Ohio Star Ball. What began as a dance showcase in Ohio 34 years ago has become one of the largest professional/amateur DanceSport competitions in the world!
Instructor Christjohn Batters and amateur Mona Maerz danced in the “Best of the Best” division after sweeping the category in the Atlanta Open earlier this year. The two danced a Viennese Waltz exhibition and took 4th place! Mona and Christjohn also took 4th place in the World Pro/Am Rhythm Championships and 2nd in the World Pro/Am Smooth Championships.
Amateur Jessie Wallace danced with instructor Joshua Ingram in the competition. These two placed 6th in the World Pro/Am Rhythm Championships and 4th in the World Pro/Am Smooth Championships in the A division!
Jessie’s husband Chris Wallace and instructor Collin Klaene won two 2nd and two 3rd place trophies in the Intermediate Bronze Smooth division, a 1st and three 2nd place trophies in the Preliminary Smooth division, and two 2nd place trophies in Samba!
Congratulations to all our ballroom dance instructors and amateurs for their excellent performances at the Ohio Star Ball. We’re so proud of you!
For more information on Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta or ballroom dance lessons, contact our office. You can also keep up with the latest in ballroom dance news and updates by following us on Facebook and Twitter.
Real Men Dance: Machismo in the Ballroom
Let’s play a word association game. When we say, “waltz” what’s the first word that pops into your head? Graceful, elegant, or flowing may be some of the adjectives that may pop into your head, but chances are “macho” isn’t one of them. Although manly competitors like Dallas Cowboys football player Emmitt Smith on shows like “Dancing with the Stars” bring to light the athleticism of ballroom dance, most men still don’t see dancing as a masculine activity.
Plenty of men make excuses for not joining their partners in ballroom dance lessons: “I’ll look ridiculous,” “I’ve got two left feet,” or “It won’t be fun.” All of these reasons relate to confidence and a fear of looking silly. However, modern men should know that ballroom dance originated as a partner dance—meaning men have danced this way for centuries.
In fact, rumors surrounding the history of ballroom dance say that cowboys would often come in to dance after spending the days rounding up cattle. The distinctive women’s head tilt in certain dances is said to come from their partners trying to avoid the stench of a day’s work. Other folktales claim that women dancers stuck to one side in the dances because their soldier partners wore their swords on their opposite hips.
We’ve got tips for those guys (and even the gals) out there who may be uncomfortable at the thought of learning ballroom dance:
1. Find a reputable studio with a diverse group of instructors. Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta instructors have been teaching Atlanta to dance since 1985! With a staff from all walks of life, some studied to be chemists and accountants before turning to ballroom dance, and others have been dancing their whole lives! No matter your age, skill level, or ability, we’ve got an instructor that you can connect with!
2. Choose a lesson type at your comfort level. If you’d feel more comfortable in a group full of beginners who are just starting out like you, try a group lesson. For individuals who like to master the basics before feeling comfortable displaying their skills around others, we have private, one-on-one lessons available, too.
3. Practice really does make perfect. It may sound cliché but practice actually makes you more comfortable in your dancing shoes! No matter the activity, the key to confidence for most people is feeling like they’re doing well, progressing, and enjoying themselves. We offer plenty of opportunities to practice like our Open House Parties, Weekly Practice Parties, and Monthly Soirées.
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta prides itself on offering all levels of instruction for everyone from novices to professional dancers. In fact, lessons are a great way to meet new people! Don’t worry if you come without a partner, either! In a group lesson, partners are often rotated to improve the skill and lead/follow ability of each partner. For those single guys out there, ballroom dancing is great way to impress the ladies, too!
For more information on ballroom dance lessons, contact our office. You can also stay up to date on the latest news by following us on Twitter and Facebook! We hope to see you soon!
Ballroom Dance Clubs Now Has New Locations in East Tennessee
Ballroom Dance Clubs has added several new locations in East Tennessee! Now serving the Johnson City, Jonesborough, Greeneville, and Morristown areas, East Tennessee will continue the same top-notch dance instruction that has been in Atlanta for years. Bring your partner or come by yourself, either way, you will enjoy the benefits of ballroom dancing right away while you get comfortable on the dance floor. East Tennessee has many cultural activities as well as social events that now, more than ever, give you plenty of reason to learn the joys of dancing.
Currently, Ballroom Dance Clubs of East Tennessee is offering classes and private dance lessons at several studio locations along the Highway 11E corridor including the following: the Johnson City Senior Center , the Gay Whitt School of Dance in Jonesborough, Lesa’s School of Dance, Roby Fitzgerald Adult Center, Winter & Co. Dance Studio, the Greene County YMCA in Greeneville, and the Senior Center in Morristown.
The directors of BDC of East Tennessee, Chris and Lisa Marie Woodin, recently relocated from Atlanta, Georgia where they operated ballroom dance studios for nearly 20 years. Now raising a young family, they decided to relocate to one of their favorite places in the country—East Tennessee. “We can’t wait to help the folks of East Tennessee make their dancing dreams come true! We have seen lives and relationships transformed by the benefits of ballroom dancing in so many people. We believe in the benefits of our product so strongly and what it can do for people.”
Stay tuned for more information on Ballroom Dance Clubs of East Tennessee on the Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta website. You can also keep up with our East Tennessee division through their fan page on Facebook.
Award-Winning Dancer and Choreographer Edward Simon Coaches Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s Ohio Star Ball Team
World champion dancer and choreographer Edward Simon joined Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta as a Guest Coach this past week. Seen as a guest choreographer on the popular television show “So You Think You Can Dance,” Simon spent some time helping our professional and amateur dancers prepare for the upcoming Ohio Star Ball DanceSport Competition.
After winning the their division in the Atlanta Open held last May, ballroom dance instructor Christjohn Batters and patron Mona Maerz have been entered in the “Best of the Best” competition which has been featured on PBS’s “American Ballroom Challenge” television program. Jessie and Chris Wallace will also be competing with instructors Joshua Ingram and Collin Klaene. Edward Simon has helped them perfect their technique and add some pizzazz to their routine to impress the judges at the challenge.
Edward Simon is a favorite of both the staff and students at Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta, and we are always thrilled to have him here for training and mentoring. Thanks, Eddie! For more information on ballroom dance lessons or studio events, contact us. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter with news and updates!
