Spring Showcase

This year's Spring Showcase celebrated our students' achievements with great support from over 100 family members and friends in attendance, and fantastic performances by students and staff.  Fabio and Rie kicked off the show with an energetic Jive to Queen's "Don't Stop Me Now," which set the stage for the other Rhythm routines that followed.  We must have all been feeling the Latin vibe, because there was not one single Smooth routine in the program!  I think that made for a more upbeat and fun atmosphere that really got the spectators' toes tapping.  My Salsa Formation Team also made their debut with a performance to "Los Campeones De La Salsa" by Willy Chirino.  They liked it so much, the team has nearly doubled in size since then!!  Some of our Aerialists performed their unique silks routines, which, if you have never seen it before, is a show of masterful technique in itself.  Robin has done a wonderful job training her students in the art of dancing with fabric.  We also welcomed some student-teacher pairs from neighboring studios, which almost made the evening feel like a family reunion (minus your crazy Aunt Aida).  All in all, I think everyone had a super time at Forever Dancing and we are excited about the next Showcase!
With numerous competitions and events coming up, there are lots more opportunities to show off, so talk to us next time you are in the studio about how you can get in on the action!

LAST CALL!!! Dancing Trip to Brazil

Ah, dancing in the paradise!! Dancing Trips©'s 2012 visit to Brazil sets the scene in the "Magic Island" of Florianopolis (also lovingly known as Floripa). From your arrival on April 25th to your departure on April 30th, there is no worry on the enchanted island. All your needs for a perfect vacation are carefully planned and arranged, from fine accommodation in the heart of Downtown Floripa to exciting sightseeing tours in modern cities and a rustic fishing village to exquisite cuisines Brazil is renowned for to unique shopping opportunities.

Of course this is a dancing trip, and a plenty of dancing is in order. The most popular dances in Brazil include Samba, Bolero/Rumba, Swing, Salsa/Mambo, Forro, Cha-cha, Argentine Tango, Zouk (Slow Lambada), and Merengue. Take workshops to learn very typical Brazilian social dances or polish your Argentine Tango or West Coast Swing from some of the best dance masters. Attend nightly parties and meet local dancers and visitors from all over the world. Numbers of shows will amaze and inspire you to deepen your dance skills-- and maybe to perform on your next visit!

Your Dancing Trips©’s host and guide is a native of Brazil, bi-lingual in Portuguese and English, and a master dancer himself. The group is small, and service is personal.

There are only 5 spaces left to close the group. If you don’t want to miss this experience of the lifetime, contact: Fabio@ForeverDancing.com. The deadline is April 10.

For more information visit: www.DancingTrips.com

Why Basics Aren't Boring!

I had an epiphany earlier today that compares dancing to learning other life skills. Students don't always realize that seeing movement does not equal understanding movement. They participate in advanced classes without having a strong understanding of the figures thinking, "I've seen that before," without consideration for the nuances that are intrinsically built into dancing at a high level.

Just because you have had someone show you the proper way to lift weights, that doesn't mean you are suddenly an expert at lifting weights, or, for that matter, you no longer need to lift weights. Instead, you should begin adding more weight to your lifting regimen, or using your learned technique to tap into other muscle groups for a better workout. Consider beginner level dance classes like muscle toning exercises. You are developing muscle memory with less focus on shedding pounds, and more emphasis on maintaining your current level of fitness. In dancing, muscle memory is important for recalling choreography and making adjustments during floorcrafting.

So next time your teacher asks you to execute a basic movement, put on your dancer's hat, channel your inner Blackpool competitor spirit, and do it like you mean it!

Baila Floripa!

The countdown to Brazil has begun! This year's dancing trip is to the magical island of Floripa, where travelers will experience the greatest food, sights and culture Brazil has to offer. Celebrate springtime with Forever Dancing in tropical paradise.
Dance the Lambada on one of Floripa's 42 beaches, or enjoy shopping in a quaint nearby village. Either way, you will feel more relaxed and catered to than any other trip you've ever been on!
You will also get to participate in dance workshops and see an amazing dance show that includes performances by students of Forever Dancing! If you aren't sold already, here are some details to further entice you: Click here

What is included?
One of the best accommodation in a strategical centered location in Floripa Downtown with a beatiful view of the sea and easy access to Restaurants, Banks, Night Clubs and all of our tours and activities.
Transportation and tickets to all planned tours, events and attractions.
Two Complete Meals a Day. Mostly Breakfast and dinner (except for drinks)
Group dance classes and parties, including a ballroom formation showcase dance presentation on the theater
Bi-lingual Brazilian native dancer guide to host the attractions and night
events
Your guide will take care of everything from your arrival to your departure,
including transportation, hotels and transfers. Schedulle is optional but night activities are strongly reccommended.

Space is limited. Airfare is not included. Tickets should be arranged for arrival on the morning of April 25 (flying April 24 evening).

Salsa Formation Team Auditions!

Calling all Salseros and Salseras!
Have you ever thought about being part of a team and performing for your family and friends?
If so, this opportunity could be for you! Minimum of basic salsa knowledge is preferred.
Auditions for Forever Dancing's Salsa Formation Team will be held Thursday February 17th and 24th from 8:15 - 9:00 PM so if you or anyone you know is interested in learning some hot choreography, come on over and try out for the team!
We will be performing the routine at the studio's Spring Showcase (Saturday, April 21) so we have 8 weeks to prepare! Classes start March 1st. For more information view the links below:

AUDITIONS

https://www.facebook.com/events/152026191582501/

FORMATION CLASSES

https://www.facebook.com/events/240305112718822/

Hope to see you on the dance floor!

Tribute to the Tango Dancer

Happy New Year All!

This is a friendly reminder for everyone to mark their calendars for Saturday, January 28th

aka the 2012 TRIBUTE TO THE TANGO DANCER!

Get excited for a day of workshops by top notch instructors in the Argentine Tango industry, followed by a formal Milonga with live music by Tango Reo with vocalist Claudia Gargiulo, and special guest musician Emmanuel Trifilio.

You will also enjoy student and professional performances, so come and join us for this Tango-riffic event!

Workshop schedule and Milonga info can be found by clicking here

Reserve your spot today and take advantage of Early bird discounts (before 01/20)!

[I would offer some insight, but I'm afraid it would spoil the surprises!]

Dance Me to the End of Infinity

"You are perfect," my dance instructor told me like a wise parent about to give his child an advice. "...but, Rie, you are not dancing."

It was my last private lesson before a competition. I had 45 minutes to review 5 dances. Each minutes felt heavy and precious. “Right foot forward. Left foot back and slightly to side. Right foot...,” my mind analyzed each step like a computer. I felt my foot positions clean and my expression tense. Then my instructor stopped. He knew exactly what I was doing and so he said it out aloud, “You are thinking too much.” But what else can I do? I looked at him with questioning eyes. “You have to connect with the music,” he answered. “You have to listen to it-- even enjoy it. Forget about you. Forget about me. Forget about the judges. Connect with the music and be one with it.” Waltz played.

“Of course I do,” I grimaced. “Everybody does. How else are we supposed to dance?” But the precious minutes were ticking, and I had no time for discussions. So I tried to concentrate on the music. I listened to the music and took my dance position. I listened to its sweet melody and decided to let go of busy voices in my mind. Without meaning it, a smile blossomed on my face. With a cue from my partner, I stepped into our dance. I listened to the music and let it drive me. In a very freeing way, I felt calm and strong. I could sense my steps and stretch effortlessly bigger. I stumbled a few times but still felt great. Nothing got in my way. I was deeply happy to be in the music and dancing.

It was almost like a meditation in motion. By letting go of the criticizing, outcome-conscious mind, I was able to settle in a peaceful place deep inside. When I dropped my worries, more space opened up for me to expand and radiate. There was no need to search for techniques I should have gained over the years; they were already there offering themselves to me. I was more responsive to my partner. No such thing as a mistake or perfection. There was only a joy. Waltz played.

I connected with the music, and the music extended to the end of infinity.