The Dos and Donts of Dancing!

The Do’s and Don’ts of Dancing!

1. Do bring 2 pairs of shoes

- Don’t let your day be spoiled by blistered feet.

2. Do bring formal attire.

- Gentlemen: Suit & tie or Tux
- Ladies: cocktail dress/ sassy Latin Dances
- Formal dress/classic smooth dances. It’s also a great idea to coordinate colors.

3. Do bring toiletries

- Don’t forget deodorant, hairspray, bobby pins, safety pins, make-up, hair brush, etc.

4. Do bring music for routine

- Don’t be caught off guard! It’s always better to be prepared!

5. Do bring a “ready to party hardy” attitude!

- Don’t worry about anything! You’ve practiced & you’re prepared, so now it’s time to reap the benefits of the Showcase!

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For a great pair of dance shoes visit The Dance Shoe Depot.com where we pride ourselves on great customer service and a large selection of comfortable discounted ballroom dance shoes.




Happy Dancing!

via The Dos and Donts of Dancing! – Arthur Murray International Dance Studios – Dance Classes.

Swing Dancer Dancer Dancer Swing!

Swing Dancer Dancer Dancer Swing!

One of the most key elements to developing a great “swing” in dancing is to ensure that your “bounce” in swing is moving downward vs. upwards.

Ideally your knees should start in a slightly flexed position and as you move through your triple step, you will want to imagine yourself dancing down into the floorboards as opposed to above them.

Check out our great selection of swing dance shoes to get you started on the “Right” foot at www.thedanceshoedepot.com!




Happy Dancing!

Remember…Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!

Remember…Perfect Practice Makes Perfect!

Despite what you may think, practicing is not ALWAYS a great idea when dancing.

What one should remember is that dancing involves muscle memory. As such, if you consistently practice something, your body will memorize this; therefore, you’ll want to make sure that what you are “setting in stone” is something you’ll want to be looking at a month from now.

Also, keep in mind that if you have practiced something incorrectly it will take double the time for your instructor to “undo” the damage, so make sure your instructor has vetted what you’re practicing.

Check out our great selection of practice dance shoes to get you started on the “Right” foot at www.thedanceshoedepot.com!

Happy Dancing!

New Years Sale Reminder!

Don’t miss out on our New Years Sale!

You still have 13 days left to take advantage of 10% off everything!…Everything you say?

That’s right;

Ladies Dance Shoes…10% Off

Men’s Dance Shoes…10% Off

Kids Dance Shoes…10% Off

Dance Sneakers…10% Off

Things already on sale…10% Off

No, we haven’t bumped our heads, or are we going out of business. We just really like to pass as much savings onto our customers as possible…your welcome! =-)

So, stop procrastinating and come see us for a huge selection on quality, discounted ballroom dance shoes.

Use promo code 2Dance4Me (case sensitive)




Happy Dancing!

Defensive Dancing

Defensive Dancing

Defensive dancing is the art of anticipating what your partner is likely to happen on the dance floor that is undesirable and preparing for it ahead of time. This tip primarily applies for the gentlemen as you are in control…or at least should be. =-)

When taking lessons, if your instructors do not already do this for you, learn to ask them what problems you can generally anticipate in a particular pattern and how to pre-empt these problems. For example, when leading fast-paced changes in direction you can anticipate that your partner may be likely to end up back weighted and off balance. To help prevent this you can plan to keep your leads tighter and shorter before your partner has an opportunity to dance out of control.

Similarly, when engaging in free spins or blind turns with an inexperienced or new partner, it’s always a good idea to keep a hand on your partner’s person to ensure they have some sense of where you are until you have a better sense of each other.

Other ways to dance more effectively are to always wear mens dancing shoes that will help keep YOU balanced and be more in control. Check out our selection at http://www.thedanceshoedepot.com to find the pair that best suits you!




Happy Dancing!

Weekly Dance Tip from The Dance Shoe Depot

Chacha Rhythm

Here is a simple way to improve your Chacha dramatically. Learn to hold your “1” beat just a little longer. The count in Chacha is 1,2,3,4 & 1,2,3,4 & 1 etc.

Because we typically learn chacha at the beginning with a count of rock step chachacha, rock step chachacha, there is a tendency to shorten the third “cha” – so to speak and rush.

In chacha, when we say 4&1 it means that we have stepped 3 times in the space of two beats. You will want to ensure that the accelerated steps occur on the “4 and the &” while your “1” beat continues to be held for a full beat.

The short version, if this sound a little like a math formula to you, is that you should try to hold your 1 or third cha as long as you possibly can without getting off time.

As always, the proper dance shoes will always ensure that you are more in control of your movements and balanced. Check out http://www.thedanceshoedepot.comfor a great selection of dance shoes to meet your needs.



 Happy Dancing!

A Message From Our Teachers

Dance Cruise 2012


Join us for ten days filled with fun, sun and dancing…what could be more fun? Whether you are a novice, intermediate or seasoned dancer, the material you will be introduced to will serve you for years to come.

Using a unique and proven interrelated system of teaching, you will leave your holiday with new patterns that you can consistently use (and not forget!) in Foxtrot, Waltz, Rumba, Chacha, Swing, Samba, Salsa, Bachata and Merengue.

As a bonus you’ll have a chance to dabble in the sultry style of Bachata, and the joyous styles of Cumbia and Brazilian Samba. Join us for our surprise ice breaker on the first day and meet all your fellow dance enthusiasts.

We look forward to teaching you … save us a few dances!

 Melody and Rick

…Of course, like last year, all attendees will receive a coupon for major discounts to be used at The Dance Shoe Depot.com



 Happy Dancing!

Dine & Dance Pre Cruise Party!

Catch the excitement of the Dance Cruise and join us for a fun evening!

Why: Meet your new dance friends
        Get more details on cruise
        Questions/Answers

When: Saturday, January 14, 2012

Where: Villa Lucia Super Club
        Private Dining Room
        3430 Carling Ave. Ottawa, ON K2H 5B1



Happy Dancing!

Dance Etiquette 119

Dance Etiquette 119

B) Dancing at Special Events:

Dancing is by its very nature a close contact sport and therefore sometimes requires more explicit instructions than in day to day situations. Here are some helpful hints in this area:

As a ballroom dancer, you will be encouraged to attend many semi-formal or formal events. These events, as would be expected, revolve around a great chance to get outside of the studio and use the social dance skills you have been learning. As dancing is the focus at these events, you should pay attention to the amount of alcohol that is being consumed at dinner. Ballroom dancing on a social floor is a lot like driving, and is a challenging activity after having that one glass of wine too many.

Remember that you are asking fellow dancers to dance, and the experience might not be a pleasant one if too much alcohol has been consumed during dinner.
Courtesy and etiquette is a lost art – help bring it back!




HAPPY DANCING!!

Dance Etiquette 118

Dance Etiquette 118

A)PERSONAL HYGIENE

Dancing is by its very nature a close contact sport and therefore sometimes requires more explicit instructions than in day to day situations. Here are some helpful hints in this area:

1. Brush your teeth, bathe, wear antiperspirant.

2. If you perspire a lot, bring a small towel to dry off between dances and/or wear an extra undershirt. (Do not wipe perspiration from your brow or anywhere else and offer the same to dance with. If this is absolutely necessary, consider using hand sanitizer as a courtesy to your partner.)

3. Do not use other people’s sweat towels.

4. Wear freshly laundered clothes.

5. Use a tissue to dispose of chewing gum.

6. It is generally considered in poor taste and poor hygiene to massage or groom one’s feet in public. If this is absolutely unavoidable consider immediately using hand sanitizer or washing your hands – particularly before asking someone to dance.

7. Walking bare foot in a public place is generally not socially acceptable. Perhaps this would be even more applicable at a dance studio considering the odourous nature of dancer’s feet. If your feet are particularly odourous, use of foot spray and insoles might be a good idea. If you’re not sure ask a trusted friend.

8. Keep the application of hand lotion and scents to a minimum. Many people have allergies or sensitivities to the chemicals found in these products.

9. If you do choose to use hand lotion, be aware of how much you use, and do not wipe extra off on someone else’s hands without ensuring they would like it.

Happy Dancing!

Dance Shoe Bags

At The Dance Shoe Depot we know how important your ballroom dance shoes can be to you and so why not protect them with one of our dance shoe bags for only $10.00.  With our current 10% off everything sale, (use promo code 2Dance4Me) you can pick one up for only $9.00…I think you’ll find that this is the best deal in town!

Hurry as you only have until the end of Jan. 2012 to take advantage of all these savings!



 
Happy Dancing!

New Styles Available for the New Year!

The Dance Shoe Depot is proud to offer you some of the latest styles in the ballroom dance industry to be added to our site.  These new shoes which are available in both men’s and ladies sizes will sure to turn some heads on the dance floor or on this years 2012 Dance Cruise.



* Genuine leather upper.
* Soft leather back lining.
* A fully lined and cushioned insole for comfort.
* A nonslip suede sole with flat heel.
* Ideal for Salsa, Merengue, Bachata Dance.

Happy New Year from all of us at The Dance Shoe Depot!

2012 Dance Party, Come Join Us!

2012 Dance Party hosted by The Dance Shoe Depot



Come join us for our first night night of Ballroom dancing in 2012 at Dance With Alana on the 7th of Jan 2012. Instructor Melody Brown will once again be joining us and offering what is sure to be another interesting and fun filled lesson from 7 to 8 with dancing to follow from 8 to 11. Be sure to mark your calendars and hope to see you all there.
Admission $10 with lesson $7 for dance alone.

Happy Dancing

Happy New Year's Sale!!!

That right, we are having a month long Happy New Year’s Sale!!!

• January 1st to 31st, 2012
• Use the discount code listed below to get 10% off everything: men’s, ladies and kids ballroom dance shoes – even stuff that’s already on SALE! Crazy…we know!

2Dance4Me

Happy Dancing!
See you on the ballroom dance cruise February 7 to 17th, 2012

Happy New Years Sale!!!

That right, we are having a month long Happy New Years Sale!!!

• January 1st to 31st, 2012
• Use the discount code listed below to get 10% off everything, even stuff that’s already on SALE, “crazy…we know!”

Luv2Dance

Happy Dancing!