Team Dance: Ballroom Dance!

Team Dance No: 13: Foxtrot!

This week we are working on Foxtrot and the new pattern we learned is walkaway with ladies underarm turn. The count for this step is: slow,slow,quick,quick. On the second pass she does goes under the man left arm. Keep in mind this is a walking turn for the woman and the man should continue to lead her out of the turn on the third pass with continuation of slow,slow,quick,quick. Some of the technique points are best learned in a group lesson. Come join us on Wednesday 2:30-3:30p.m. where we will teach you the Partnership require in this and other patterns. Hope to see you there, Dale Archer

Team Dance No 12: Rhumba!

To all dancers,here is the information I promised you about executing the patterns we are teaching in Rhumba. There are a total of 7. The routine will consist of rhumba box, gate break, turning basic, ladies underarm turn, parallel breaks, cucarracchi's and rocking steps. Last week we worked on gate break which starts on the man's left foot _____ side-together-forward and side-together-side then finishes with a 1/4 turn to mans left as he does a back step-turn. The lady stays on man's right side as he turns the pattern to the left. Remember ladies to stay on the man's right side----follow the turn of his shoulders and hips. Don't forget to Practice of better yet come to our open dances in the the auditorium_____they will start in March and continue every other month thereafter. See you at the dances, Dale Archer

Team Dance No, 11: Bronze Foxtrot!

Bronze Foxtrot with magic timing S,S,Q,Q, can easily be performed around the perimeter of the dance floor_____always to the mans left(counter clockwise). some of the steps we have performed in dance position with the man leading include Basic: forward left,back right and side left together, Sway Step: side left, side right and side left together and Walk Away: (done in promenade position) forward left on thru with right foot to side left together_____all done with down, down, up, up or stated as heel-ball, heel-ball, ball, ball. Next week we will discuss the technique points of Rhumba, meanwhile Keep Dancing. Dale Archer

Team Dance No. 9: Foxtrot & Rumba!

Here at St. Leonards we will start two new dances for a period of 20 weeks. We will learn patterns in Foxtrot & Rhumba. The patterns range from beginner to advanced beginner (Beginner I & II). It will consist of 6 patterns in each dance plus a routine of all 6 patterns. The completion of this Program can lead to an Artistry Award after a 20 week span of time. The rhythm for Foxtrot is slow,slow,quick,quick & for Rhumba it is quick,quick,slow. The motto of our studio is EZ 2 LEARN. We teach a progression of steps that compliment each other. ~Dale Archer Instructor~

Team Dance No. 8: Tango and Swing!

Here at St. Leonards we are presently working on dance patterns in Tango and Swing. I will start with Swing which is considered a spot dance with 6 beats of music. Many times the music for swing lends itself to Foxtrot a smooth dance rhythm also with 6 beats of music that is only done line of dance. Which we know from previous instruction travels counter clockwise(CCW) around the dance floor. On the other hand, we have another smooth dance known as American style Tango which has 8 beats of music but has no line of dance. It is a dance where the man always starts left foot while the lady always starts with her right foot. In the next follow-up I will cover the progression of steps we currently working on. See on the dance floor. DaleArcher, the traveling man Ballroom Dance Class Wednesdays 2:30-3:30 The Franciscan Center Free to the public

Team Dance No. 7: Dance Shoes

Shoe attire is a very important issues when it concerns proper execution of patterns, which may involve turns, tracing, or unexpected syncopation movement. Just think about it! You would not attend an exercise class or go bowling without the proper shoes. For ballroom dancing leave your flip-flops, boots, and tennis shoes in the trunk of you car. Smooth soled shoes for both the man and woman are the most desirable.

We would like to invite you to join our free ballroom dance class on Wednesdays at 2:30 in The Franciscan Center.

~Walking the Line~

Dale Archer

Ballroom Dance Instructor

Team Dance #6: Smooth Dancing

When leaving or entering the dance floor be aware of other dance couples traveling on the dance floor or their line of dance. Upon leaving the dance floor avoid stopping to have conversation. This should be done at your table or in the concession area.

If you are coming onto the dance floor after the music has started you should have in mind a pattern that will flow with those already on the on the floor. Perhaps, choose a pattern that you and your partner have perfected in practice and not new material that you are uncertain of. Please feel free to come and practice with us on Wednesdays at 2:30 in The Franciscan Center aerobic room. This class is a Sinclair College for Lifelong Learning program and is free to the public.

Directionally Challenged, Dale Archer

Ballroom Dance Instructor

Team Dance Tip No. 3: Inner Perimeter

All of the swing & hustle dance steps and patterns should be performed in the inner perimeter of the dance floor.

~Your truly, Directionally Challenged Dale Archer

Ballroom and Sock Hop Jive Instructor. ~

Research has found a coorlation between dance and the reduction of Alzheimer, depression, and Parkinson's-like symptoms

Team Dance Tip No. 2: The Man's Lead

Submitted by Ballroom Dance Instructor Dale Archer

The Sock Hop Jive Class is currently working on single swing and tango! My advice to the lady doing these dances and all others is to wait for the man's lead. The man has to place the lady to step because of his connection to the dance floor is through her weight shifts, which he causes through his lead. As partners you must remain connected and sensitive to each other's movement.

Team Dance No. 1: Dance Tips and Floor Etiquette

Put your best foot forward. Ask the lady to the dance floor and escort her back her to seat after the dance pull out her chair as she rejoins her friends. Hope to see you on the dance floor soon, Dale

Dale is our ballroom dance instructor and a member of Dance Teachers of America and Contact person for Danzsport. Coach for (FDA). In addition, he is a member of Federation of Dance Amateurs and Co-owner and Director of Gemini Dance. Dale Archer has been a dance Instructor of 26 years and he volunteers his time at St. Leonard to teach and help refresh favorite dance steps for residents, community, and staff.