Ballroom Dance Transforms CEO’s Life
In a quick visit to our website or one of Ballroom Dance Clubs’ studios, you will know about the benefits of dancing like gaining confidence, meeting new people, and relieving stress. However, you probably won’t fully understand the truth behind these benefits until you experience them for yourself like Patrice Tanaka did. As a New Yorker trying to move forward after the 9/11 tragedies, Tanaka was in a downward spiral enduring a deteriorating business, terminally ill husband, and weight gain. Tanaka found a way to release her tension through ballroom dancing. Little did she know the transformation ballroom dance would have on her professional life, too.
Tanaka’s story is slightly different from some of the other life changing dance stories we’ve previously shared like the man who lost a leg and turned to ballroom dance and the 9/11 survivor who turned to Tango. Tanaka was more or less stuck in a rut. Although she was a successful business woman, she needed to learn to let go. Now, she says she lives each day “full out and fearless.” She’s even released a memoir about her transformation called Becoming Ginger Rogers: How Ballroom Dancing Made Me A Happier Woman, Better Partner and Smarter CEO.
As a public relations executive, Tanaka was an independent woman. Since Tanaka learned to dance with a partner, she also learned to let go in life and at work. She began to understand the importance of not just following, but being an active follower. Translating this metaphor into real life, Tanaka’s business merged with another company, and she stepped down as CEO for the first time in more than 10 years. She explains that in order to find balance, sometimes you just have to let go and lose yourself.
Additionally, ballroom dancing improved Tanaka’s style teaching her how to dress for the occasion—whatever occasion that may be. Prior to ballroom dancing, Tanaka said her appearance displayed her unhappiness, but through dance she learned to express herself and learned to be fully present. As any experienced dancer knows, while you’re dancing you have to be in the present. If you’re thinking about a mistake you previously made, you’re likely to get off step and continue to make mistakes. If you’re too busy thinking about what comes next, you will struggle to execute your moves.
Tanaka sees ballroom dancing as taking time for herself. As our work lives get busier, we often struggle to make time for ourselves because we feel like we are forfeiting something necessary for something that’s not as important. However, Tanaka found herself to become more committed at work once she started dancing. She determined that life is a “journey of continual improvement,” and has traded the need for perfection with taking pleasure in accomplishment. She also learned that mistakes are inevitable, especially during a dance competition. Instead of letting mistakes get her down, she takes a dancer’s approach with a head held high and smile from ear to ear.
If you’re looking for a similar type of transformation or if you’re just interested in a new hobby, visit our website to find out how you can get started learning to dance. Our dance instructors teach students from beginners who haven’t danced a step in their life to those on the competitive level, so there is a place for everyone at the Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta. Be sure to connect with us on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Google+, YouTube, and Pinterest) if you haven’t already.
June 2nd marks the third year Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s professional ballroom dance instructors will participate in Dancing Stars of Atlanta to benefit the Alzheimer’s Association Metro Atlanta Georgia Chapter. These professional instructors will again partner with local celebrities in a Dancing with the Stars style ballroom dance competition.
Sean Emad and Michelle Ringo of the Atlanta Studio and Michelle Grady and Joshua Ingram of Ballroom Dance Club’s Duluth Studio will compete in different styles of ballroom dance for a panel of notable judges including Emmy-award winning journalist Kimberly Kennedy and Channel 2 news anchor John Bachman. In addition to ticket sales for the Saturday event, star (and dancer) supporters can vote for their favorite competitor on the Dancing Stars of Atlanta website. Last year the event raised nearly $100,000 for the organization with hopes to surpass that mark with this year’s talented lineup.
If you’ve read our blog before, you know that there are many benefits of dance. Research has found that for many, regular physical activity such as ballroom dance also helps to delay the affects of age on cognitive function. A regular supporter of Atlanta area charities, Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta holds monthly open houses and beginning dance lessons in addition to private dance lessons to help share dance with the community. If you would like to learn how to dance, be sure to check out our dance events page to find out what is happening next.
To learn more about our professional dancers participating in this year’s Dancing Stars of Atlanta event, be sure to visit Ballroom Dance Clubs’ You Tube channel to view their practice videos. For the latest dance news and happenings from our studios, continue to read our blog and connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Google +, and Pinterest. We look forward to seeing you June 2nd!
Ballroom Dance Lesson Frequently Asked Questions
We know there’s a little apprehension when it comes to signing up for ballroom dance lessons. Many times a friend or significant other is more gung-ho than you are and you feel like you’re just getting dragged along. Or you get a great deal on lessons and then realize that means you’ll be dancing in front of other people. Yikes! We know there seems to be quite a bit of unknown when you come to one of our dance studios for your first dance lesson, so we’ve answered some frequently asked questions we get from first-timers, patrons, and even professional dancers who visit our Atlanta and Duluth locations.
What should I wear to my first ballroom dance lesson? Do I need to dress up and wear heels or a tuxedo?
While we perform in costume, there’s no need to attend your ballroom dance lessons in full garb. Even the professionals practice in regular clothes. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes that allow you to move and are breathable for when you really get moving. The same goes for shoes. Wear a comfortable pair that you’ve already broken in and you know won’t hurt your feet.
Will I have to dance in front of other people if I take a group lesson?
Group lessons are just that—a group effort. During these types of lessons, our dance instructors teach basic steps and technique. Whether or not you came with a partner, we rotate partners so you can get used to all the different moves each dance entails. This obviously means that you will be dancing WITH other people, not necessarily in front of them. Your lesson will not be like a performance. There’s no pressure to execute each style perfectly on your first day. We’d rather you had fun and made new friends!
What options do you offer for more advanced or professional dancers?
From those who’ve mastered the basic steps all the way up to professional dancers, many of our students choose to take advantage of the private dance lessons we offer. Our expertly trained and highly experienced dance professionals can help students perfect technique, add style, and work on competition dances. Events like our annual Ballroom Boot Camp offer intense workshops for those looking to dazzle judges in upcoming competitions and even a fun in-house Match Competition for dancers looking to strut their stuff.
Do you ever host guest or celebrity choreographers, dancers, or judges?
We know the only way to perfect your practice is to continually learn. We have celebrity guest dancers and coaches visit our studio regularly for two main reasons. Our instructors love to learn what’s new in the business, and we know our students and patrons love to watch, learn from, and meet these special guests, too! Whether they’re here to help us prepare for an upcoming competition, taking part in our Ballroom Boot Camp, or just working on general style with us, we’re always grateful to welcome guest dance coaches.
If you’re coming for your first dance lesson or your thousandth, we understand there are always questions about a new studio. Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta has two great locations with a fun and diverse staff from all different dance backgrounds. We’re certain you’ll love dance lessons with us! We invite you to check our studio calendars and join us for a guest party!
Stay up to date on the latest studio news by following us on Facebook and Twitter. You can find our Duluth and Atlanta studios on Google+, too!
Thanks to everyone who came to our 2012 Ballroom Boot Camp the weekend of April 14th – 16th. With everything from a Match Competition to coaching sessions and private lessons with our celebrity guest coaches, the weekend was packed full of dancing, learning, and fun!
During our Match Competition, coaches Tamsyn Devilliers and Eddie Simon served as judges, giving our dancers great constructive advice and preparing them for the upcoming competition season.
In our Smooth A and Rhythm A Championship Divisions from left to right: Sean Emad & Michelle Wu – 4th place; Jay Varnedoe & Rebecca Scott – 3rd place; Edgar Walker & Lauren Kosiba – 2nd place; and Chris Wallace & Michelle Rigo – 1st place. Tamsyn Devilliers & Edward Simon – celebrity/expert judges.
In our Smooth B Championship Division from left to right: Sean Emad & Ida Spandle – 4th place; Phil Koch & Michelle Rigo – 3rd place; Jay Varnedoe & Pat Martin – 2nd place; Pierre Bush & Jennifer Crosson – 1st place; and Tamsyn Devilliers & Edward Simon – celebrity/expert judges.
With a jam-packed schedule, our participants enjoyed specialty workshops taught by our celebrity judges including a Tango lesson with Eddie Simon, a Mambo lesson with Felipe Telona, and Latin 101 with Tamsyn Devilliers. Afterward, students, patrons, and instructors alike enjoyed private lessons Sunday afternoon and Monday to help improve individual areas of technique, style, and more.
We’re so grateful to all the dancers who came out to enjoy this dance-filled weekend, to our celebrity guest coaches for visiting us to share their knowledge and the latest dance trends, and to our wonderful ballroom dance instructors for topping the whole weekend off with pizzazz!
We can’t wait until next year! Until then, stay up to date with the latest Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta news and events by following us on Facebook and Twitter. Make sure to check our studio calendars regularly, too.
Make Your Lunch Break a Dance Break
While American workers are known for their long hours and short lunch breaks, a new trend in Sweden makes us wish we had a little more time for fun during the work day. Once a month, Culture House in Stockholm hosts “Lunch Beat,” an hour-long dance party for students and office workers.
Crowds have reached almost 500 people all looking to get their groove on during their lunch break. There is only one rule: You must dance. Attendees rave about how much fun they have and how they return to work feeling refreshed and happy.
Swedish psychologist Filip Goldman says that dancing during your lunch break is a lot more beneficial than just sitting and chatting with friends. It gives your brain a break which means your afternoon work will be more focused and you’ll be more productive. We’ve discussed the benefits of dancing before, but including better balance, a more positive mental outlook, and new friends!
If you are interested in something similar, Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s Duluth location offers Zumba Latin dance-inspired fitness classes every Friday at 12pm. We invite you to take an extra hour out of your workday for this fun class. It’s available to both members and non-members for a small fee. With steps taken from Salsa, Samba, and Merengue, this fitness craze is sweeping the nation. And we’re bringing it to you!
We invite you to come to our Duluth dance studio to try Zumba. You can stay updated on all our specials and event by following us on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+!
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta students and dance instructors are excited about our April 14 -15 Ballroom Boot Camp. Not only do we get to prepare for the upcoming season of ballroom dance events and competitions, but we have the pleasure of working with three of the best dancers and choreography coaches in the world: Tamsyn Devilliers, Eddie Simon, and Felipe Telona.
Tamsyn Devilliers is a dancer, choreographer, producer, and competition judge who has competed in many Ballroom and International Latin dance competitions around the world. After moving from South Africa to London when she was younger, she achieved many accolades in dancing including South African Latin Champion, Bournemouth Masters Latin Champion, and three-time Triple Crown American Smooth Champion! Tamsyn choreographs variety and dance shows internationally in places like South Africa, the Middle East, and here in the United States. She even worked with us on our 2011 Motown Showcase. Currently, Tamsyn is serving as a judge for Ballroom and Latin competitions across the country.
You may remember Eddie Simon from his appearance as a guest choreographer on the hit reality show “So You Think You Can Dance?” We remember him most for helping our dancers and instructors take their craft to the next level before the 2011 Ohio Star Ball. Competing as a professional dancer, Eddie took home top awards like United States Professional American Ballroom Champion, World Class Showdance Finalist, and US Theatrical Silver Medalist! Since retiring from dancing, he has become a distinguished judge, coach and ambassador for DanceSport. He has also been nominated for “Choreographer of the Year” and “Coach of the Year” for the North American Dance Awards. Eddie Simon co-owns Dance New York in Iowa and is the co-organizer of the New York Dance Festival and the Empire State DanceSport Championships.
Even though he was offered football and baseball scholarships in college, Felipe Telona was more set on inspiring people through dance. After only three months of dancing, Felipe placed fifth in the U.S. American Rhythm division. Going professional after only three years of amateur dancing, he won the 1999 Blackpool Latin Formation team title. Felipe has been an assistant choreographer for “So You Think You Can Dance” and was a featured dance artist on the PBS series “America’s Ballroom Challenge.” He has also won the following titles: World Mambo Champion, two-time World Salsa Champion, eight-time American Rhythm Grand Finalists, U.S. Silver Medalist, Theatrical Arts Champion, and Argentine Tango Champion! Felipe and his dance partner Carolina (also his wife) have been devoting their lives to inspiring both audiences and students of all ages through the art of dance.
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta students and instructors are thrilled to welcome these celebrity guest coaches, choreographers, dancers, and all-around great people to prepare us for upcoming competitions! To stay up to date on the latest news from our studios, follow us on Facebook and Twitter, and contact our office to learn how you can begin dancing!
As with most ballroom dances, the history of the Foxtrot is murky at best. With so many people believed to be the originator, it’s hard to trace the dance style to a particular person at a specific time and place. However, one of the most reported origins of the Foxtrot involve Vaudeville actor Harry Fox. After moving from San Francisco to New York, he teamed up with Yansci Dolly in a Hammerstein act at the New York Theatre.
There he danced in between acts while the New York Theatre was being converted to a movie theatre. The roof was transformed to a dance garden, which is where it is reported the “Fox-trot” originated. Danced to ragtime music, the dance quickly caught the eyes of Vernon and Irene Castle who gave the Foxtrot we know now its signature style.
While some people believe Harry Fox was the first person to dance the Foxtrot, some believe he was just a figurehead, lending his name to the dance. Other sources credit Vernon Castle and Betty Lee directly for scouting out the dance from African American clubs during the time. During breaks in their performances, their music director would play “The Memphis Blues,” which encouraged them to come up with a dance that could go with the slower music. They called it the “Bunny-Hug” in their first interview, but quickly changed the name to the Foxtrot before it was published.
The Foxtrot remained one of the most popular dances throughout the early 1900s to the 1940s. Rock and Roll even tried to conform itself to the Foxtrot in its inception, and record producers labeled the song “Rock Around the Clock” as a “Foxtrot” making it the most popular and biggest-selling Foxtrot ever.
Nowadays, the Foxtrot can be danced to more big-band-style music and has been split into slow and fast styles (quickstep). It’s considered the “Rolls Royce” of ballroom dance styles due to its romantic nature and long history in the ballroom.
If you’re interested in seeing a video of the Foxtrot, check out this performance of a quickstep routine below from one of our showcases. For more information on ballroom dance lessons or to take advantage of our first-timer specials, contact our office! We can’t wait to see you!
Many people hear the title Ballroom Boot Camp and automatically think, “Whoa! That must be for the pros!” We’re here to clear the air that our annual Ballroom Boot Camp has a place for dancers of all levels! We’ve gathered an expert panel to help everyone prepare for upcoming competitions, showcases, and ballroom dance events. For those not preparing for any specific occasion, our Ballroom Boot Camp offers a chance to work with some of the best ballroom dancers and choreographers in the world to hone their skills and improve their technique.
For those looking to take advantage of our access to these dance greats, our boot camp schedule is explained below:
Saturday, April 14th: Match Competition
Ballroom Boot Camp begins with one of our most popular events of the year, the Match Competition. With guest coaches Eddie Simon and Tamsyn Devilliers adjudicating our in-house dance competition at our Duluth dance studio, dance students of all levels can get all gussied up and strut their stuff with their instructors! Great for those looking to improve, the instructors will provide scores and feedback. It’d be a perfect time to try a routine you’re considering for competitions! The entry deadline for the Match Competition is March 31st, 2012!
Sunday, April 15th: Workshops
We have a whole day of great learning opportunities planned.
11am – “The Magic Triangle” with Eddie Simon – A lesson on partnership and the dance connection.
12pm – “Tango–The Different Animal” with Eddie Simon – Learn why the Tango is different and how to make yours stand out!
1pm – “Latin 101” with Tamsyn Devilliers – The basics and differences between the Latin Cha Cha and Rumba.
2pm – “Turn Style” with Tamsyn Devilliers – Create beautiful turns with basics elements and learn to add shape and volume to your twists!
3pm – “Mambo, Mambo, Mambo” with Felipe Telona – Learn how to make this tricky dance, the Mambo, shine with one of the experts in the style.
4pm – “Making Ordinary, EXTRAordinary” with Felipe Telona – Take your simple basic patterns, and learn what gives them the pizzazz that wins competitions.
Sunday, April 15th and Monday, April 16th: Coaching Sessions
Schedule a coaching session with one or more of your favorite coaches to work on an area of your choice or for general coaching. We have packages and a la carte offerings available for singles and couples if you’d like to take part in our weekend. Contact our offices for more details and to reserve your spot in any or all of our events! Make sure to stay tuned for our next blog showcasing our celebrity guest dance coaches!
For more information on our upcoming events, make sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter! We hope to see you at our 2012 Ballroom Boot Camp!
Finding the perfect dance instructor is not easy. Fortunately, between Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s three locations in Atlanta, Duluth, and East Tennessee, we have a plethora of fun, crazy, and approachable ballroom dance instructors. By visiting our staff page, you can learn more about each instructor’s history with dance and Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta. Some of us grew up with dance shoes on, while others learned to love the art later in life. Our diverse backgrounds mean that you can most definitely find an instructor who understands where you’re coming from when you take ballroom dance lessons. Whether you’re joining us for your first class, or you’re a seasoned professional, our instructors meet you at your level for a challenging but fun lesson!
Man Who Loses Leg Learns to Love Ballroom Dance
Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta’s diverse and expertly-trained dance instructors pride themselves on being able to teach any willing student the ins and outs of ballroom dance regardless of their current ability level. We recently read a story from Florida about an amazing dancer who’s an inspiration for all dancers regardless of how long they’ve been dancing.
Steve Mitchell recently took home first prize in the Newcomer division of the Tampa Bay Classic in Florida after a little over a year dancing. He was hesitant to begin ballroom dancing at first, but his daughter and wife encouraged him to step outside his comfort zone to take lessons with them. His hesitation seems normal for a male dancer, but most judges and instructors don’t know that Mitchell has a prosthetic right leg.
He lost his leg in 1990 during a boating trip after the steering went out of control. Mitchell saw a boy falling out of the boat and jumped to grab him, but lost his balance as the boat was spinning and fell out of the boat. The tail end of the craft spun around, and Mitchell tried to swim deeper with the boy to avoid the propeller. However, his feet were still too close when the propeller caught his right leg. In the hospital, he was told there was no way the surgeons could save his foot, and he agreed to have it amputated.
Now Mitchell has a prosthetic that is tailored to his active lifestyle. Whether he’s golfing, working out, or dancing, his high-tech prosthetic leg helps him accomplish the little things that many dancers take for granted.
“In Latin Rumba, you’re taking a step, extending the leg out and then the other leg comes over, but it’s the back step that gives me problems because now I have to move (my prosthetic leg) and push it back and feel the floor before you go onto it, and that’s a little more difficult because there I’m off balance. So I have to still be straight, pull it straight and move across it again,” he told the Tampa Bay Newspapers.
His instructors love to brag about his natural abilities. While Mitchell loves the Tango and Foxtrot, his dance teacher says he knocks the Swing and Hustle out of the park. His family even likes to joke about him sometimes stepping on his partners’ feet without knowing it during his beginner social dances. While he’s mastered basic moves (without unknowingly stepping on the feet of his partners) and is currently at a bronze level, he hopes to be able to improve and move up to silver soon!
Steve Mitchell’s positive attitude has reached his instructors and fellow dancers. Many people comment on how well Mitchell has taken what life has given him and made the absolute best of it. Great job, Steve! It’s people like you who serve as an inspiration to dancers everywhere to keep going even when we’re tired, just like you!
For more information on Ballroom Dance Clubs of Atlanta, check out our blog. You can also follow us on Facebook and Twitter for the latest in ballroom dance news.
