Where can I learn Street Dance?
Learning to dance can be a lifelong ambition, but often we're shy to try new things and worry that we'll make ourselves look foolish, or won't like the reality of learning a new skill and the effort we have to put in.
A negative experience can put you off learning a new skill like dance for life, so that's why when choosing a particular studio or method of learning to dance you must first evaluate the studio and classes, and decide whether it is a fit for you.
Why dance?
If your answer is to learn to dance for fun stay with the inexpensive ways of learning to dance and steer clear of the larger dance specialist dance schools, which offer great range of choice, but are often geared towards professional dancers. You may also find that classes which teach you a lot of technique don't give you casual approach you are looking for.
However, if your answer to this question involves elements of learning to be the best, learning the proper technique, or even competing -- your best decision would be to choose a studio in which you are pushed to train and learn more in depth aspects of dance. Perhaps going to a specialist 'popping' class, or taking private lessons in a Latin style may be more appropriate, and you'll probably want to invest some money into your new hobby as well.
How much will it cost?
Before making any decisions as to which class, you must decide for yourself what your yearly or monthly budget can afford. All classes have different price plans, and it's not always clear which is the cheapest. Joining a gym to take classes can cost you a whopping £500 per year, based on only 1 class per week, because you're paying for other services you won't use. Dance companies like Creation charge on a term basis, and offer large discounts for signing up for 12 weeks. This should encourage you to commit, but make sure that any course you sign up for can be flexible about attendance so that you don't miss out. Creation, for example, allows you to make up missed classes for free throughout the term and offers a money back guarantee, something you don't get at the regular dance schools. Then there are drop-in classes, which often appear cheaper, but if you add the cost of 'daily membership' often charged by these schools you can end up paying more in the long run, and getting less. So make sure you investigate carefully before you decide.
What about the age of the class?
If you wanting to learn something like street dance you need to think about what kind of atmosphere you want and the other people likely to be in the class. If you a bit older, you won't want to be surrounded by teenagers, and if you're only 15, you don't want to be in the kids section. Make sure that the class caters for people like you by asking the school about who comes along. You can always ask to watch a class if possible, or take a look at the video to see if it's full of super-cool street kids, or mums busting a move.
Your motivation
Ensure that you understand why you enjoy dancing or at least why you want to dance.
For example, some people dance because it gives them a "workout", some dance because they love music, some dance because they gain self-confidence, others dance to meet people, etc. These are just a few reasons -- determine yours, and enjoy it!
Creation Dance runs adult beginners street dance classes in London and the Southwest. For more information check out http://www.creationdance.co.uk or call 0870 140 3234
Elle Kealy is the founder of Creation Dance, a specialist beginners dance school in London and the South West. You can contact Elle on elle.kealy@creationdance.co.uk
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
Street Dance class in Oxford
An old class we did back in Oxford last year - sadly, I am no longer teaching here, but check out www.creationdance.co.uk for all our classes we are now running. More video of Ainhoa to come!
Guys guide to the dancefloor
(By Justin Becker @ www.askmen.com)
You go to your corporate party, and the DJ breaks into the latest dance tunes. Your date is pulling you onto the dance floor, but you're still traumatized from the incident at your school disco after the spotlight was on you because you had just won "The Biggest Spaz on the Dance Floor" Award. Well, not this time. You refuse to be mocked for your dancing again, but on the other hand, you don't want to be the bore of the party and be reduced to talking to the hors d'oeuvres waiters all night long, while your colleague moves in on your hot date.You don't have to be the life of the party but you at least want to join in on the festivities. So learn how to at least pretend that you can dance, and look normal on the dance floor -- without having to depend on alcohol to let loose.
Move with the musicLet the music be your guide, and just move your body along with the rhythm and beats. You don't have to do impressive steps -- just let the music take you away.
Snap your fingers or clap your hands - If you're really at a loss on how to move, then just look like you're having fun by snapping your fingers while swaying your body from side to side. Just don't clap too much -- you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself.
Go to the YMCA -In order to start small on the dance floor, join in during a dance that has traditional steps and gestures, such as "YMCA" by the Village People, "Staying Alive", by the Bee Gees, "The Time Warp", or a line dance such as Kool & the Gang's "Celebrate" or even "Macarena" (that is, if that song is still played). This way, not only will you know the moves required, but these are also songs that allow you to go crazy and look foolish -- that's part of the fun.
Grab a partner - If you're at a party with someone you feel close to or comfortable with, then let them guide you on the dance floor, by imitating their steps to a degree. It'll also be easier for you to let loose and get accustomed to the moves if you hold your partner's hands while dancing.You don't need to be doing fancy dances like salsa or swing, just take your partner's hands and move with her. Remember, there's a reason why it takes two to tango.
Talk to your partner -You don't need to actually hold your partner's hands, but talking to her while you're moving your body will at least distract you from the task at hand, so you'll be able to move minimally while randomly talking to your partner. Obviously, this is not the time for deep conversation, just random chitchat.
Sing along -By the same token, if the music is too loud or you find it difficult to actually talk to your partner while dancing, at least sing along to the music, which will help you move to the rhythm, and distract you from trying to dance perfectly.
Do less than more-If you feel very awkward or uncomfortable on the dance floor, try to do less rather than trying to show off. Just avoid drawing attention to yourself, and stick to basic moves such as swaying, moving from side to side, and moving your body more than your feet.
Flailing your arms - Again, if you don't feel comfortable on the dance floor, then don't make motions that practically beg the crowd to look in your direction -- unless you have moves that would make Michael Jackson turn white (okay, wrong choice of words).
Jumping up and down - This is something you would do if you were at a frat party or rock concert; leave it for those occasions.
Staring down at the floor - Avoid keeping your eyes glued to the floor, or you'll look too intense and as if you're concentrating too much on your moves. Instead, try to focus on the band, DJ, or the people around you -- but don't stare at the woman in the skimpy dress or your boss' wife for too long, for obvious reasons.
Getting drunk - It's perfectly okay to drink a little bit to loosen up on the dance floor, in fact, it's recommended if you feel that alcohol will help you open up, but you may want to refrain from getting on the dance floor if you feel the urge to get up on the speaker, do the funky chicken while doing the limbo, or worse yet -- dance like Seinfeld 's Elaine Benes.Screaming "Woooo!" while moving. This is probably what will happen if you dance when you're extremely drunk.
Dancing with clenched fists - If your body's stiff and your fists are in the punching position while you dance, you'll look stressed and extremely tense, which will make you look insecure.
Remember, the whole point of dancing is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Nobody expects you to break into the moonwalk, start leading the conga line, or pull a Fred Astaire. Don't think about it too much, and just let your body move to the rhythm. After a while, you'll be more accustomed to letting yourself open up, and you'll see that you can move your body in more ways than you thought possible. And if this isn't reason enough to at least try to dance, it is believed that a person's dance moves are similar to his bedroom moves. So if this means anything, then practice your moves wherever you like.
If you really want to learn how to pick up the beat and master basic steps, come along to one of our beginners dance classes. It'll take some time to get started, but after about 4 sessions you'll have improved so much - check out http://www.creationdance.co.uk/ for info on all our latest dance classes. Urban Groove and Disco Heaven are both perfect for bloke beginners, depending on how cheesy you like your music!
You go to your corporate party, and the DJ breaks into the latest dance tunes. Your date is pulling you onto the dance floor, but you're still traumatized from the incident at your school disco after the spotlight was on you because you had just won "The Biggest Spaz on the Dance Floor" Award. Well, not this time. You refuse to be mocked for your dancing again, but on the other hand, you don't want to be the bore of the party and be reduced to talking to the hors d'oeuvres waiters all night long, while your colleague moves in on your hot date.You don't have to be the life of the party but you at least want to join in on the festivities. So learn how to at least pretend that you can dance, and look normal on the dance floor -- without having to depend on alcohol to let loose.
Move with the musicLet the music be your guide, and just move your body along with the rhythm and beats. You don't have to do impressive steps -- just let the music take you away.
Snap your fingers or clap your hands - If you're really at a loss on how to move, then just look like you're having fun by snapping your fingers while swaying your body from side to side. Just don't clap too much -- you don't want to draw too much attention to yourself.
Go to the YMCA -In order to start small on the dance floor, join in during a dance that has traditional steps and gestures, such as "YMCA" by the Village People, "Staying Alive", by the Bee Gees, "The Time Warp", or a line dance such as Kool & the Gang's "Celebrate" or even "Macarena" (that is, if that song is still played). This way, not only will you know the moves required, but these are also songs that allow you to go crazy and look foolish -- that's part of the fun.
Grab a partner - If you're at a party with someone you feel close to or comfortable with, then let them guide you on the dance floor, by imitating their steps to a degree. It'll also be easier for you to let loose and get accustomed to the moves if you hold your partner's hands while dancing.You don't need to be doing fancy dances like salsa or swing, just take your partner's hands and move with her. Remember, there's a reason why it takes two to tango.
Talk to your partner -You don't need to actually hold your partner's hands, but talking to her while you're moving your body will at least distract you from the task at hand, so you'll be able to move minimally while randomly talking to your partner. Obviously, this is not the time for deep conversation, just random chitchat.
Sing along -By the same token, if the music is too loud or you find it difficult to actually talk to your partner while dancing, at least sing along to the music, which will help you move to the rhythm, and distract you from trying to dance perfectly.
Do less than more-If you feel very awkward or uncomfortable on the dance floor, try to do less rather than trying to show off. Just avoid drawing attention to yourself, and stick to basic moves such as swaying, moving from side to side, and moving your body more than your feet.
Flailing your arms - Again, if you don't feel comfortable on the dance floor, then don't make motions that practically beg the crowd to look in your direction -- unless you have moves that would make Michael Jackson turn white (okay, wrong choice of words).
Jumping up and down - This is something you would do if you were at a frat party or rock concert; leave it for those occasions.
Staring down at the floor - Avoid keeping your eyes glued to the floor, or you'll look too intense and as if you're concentrating too much on your moves. Instead, try to focus on the band, DJ, or the people around you -- but don't stare at the woman in the skimpy dress or your boss' wife for too long, for obvious reasons.
Getting drunk - It's perfectly okay to drink a little bit to loosen up on the dance floor, in fact, it's recommended if you feel that alcohol will help you open up, but you may want to refrain from getting on the dance floor if you feel the urge to get up on the speaker, do the funky chicken while doing the limbo, or worse yet -- dance like Seinfeld 's Elaine Benes.Screaming "Woooo!" while moving. This is probably what will happen if you dance when you're extremely drunk.
Dancing with clenched fists - If your body's stiff and your fists are in the punching position while you dance, you'll look stressed and extremely tense, which will make you look insecure.
Remember, the whole point of dancing is to have fun and enjoy yourself. Nobody expects you to break into the moonwalk, start leading the conga line, or pull a Fred Astaire. Don't think about it too much, and just let your body move to the rhythm. After a while, you'll be more accustomed to letting yourself open up, and you'll see that you can move your body in more ways than you thought possible. And if this isn't reason enough to at least try to dance, it is believed that a person's dance moves are similar to his bedroom moves. So if this means anything, then practice your moves wherever you like.
If you really want to learn how to pick up the beat and master basic steps, come along to one of our beginners dance classes. It'll take some time to get started, but after about 4 sessions you'll have improved so much - check out http://www.creationdance.co.uk/ for info on all our latest dance classes. Urban Groove and Disco Heaven are both perfect for bloke beginners, depending on how cheesy you like your music!
Healthy Party tips for Hens!
Healthy party tips for Hens
The pre wedding stress can really take a toll on your body, with endless planning, celebrations and preparations making it hard to find time to beat the bulge. But if you're organising a hen do, be creative with the way you plan activities and you can make sure you not only have a good time but leave feeling fabulous.
Here at Creation Dance, a specialist dance school for adult beginners, we've started tailored made dance parties which offer a healthy and active option to add to your event. Expert dance teacher, Ainhoa Rey, has been teaching hundreds of beginners at events with popular themes such as Mamma Mia, Dirty Dancing, Urban Groove, and Disco Heaven over the last 2 years, and she believes the success of the parties is down to the fun and friendly attitude and approach she takes. "These parties are an icebreaker with groups such as hens and stags, who might not know each other that well, and an opportunity for people to try something new in a relaxed environment", she says, "Most of the guests have never danced before and once they get started they find it really easy to pick up the moves, which are especially designed for all ages and abilities."
Activities such as dance not only give you a work out whilst you party, they are a novel way to break the ice, keep you away from the bar and leave you feeling guilt free about another night out on the town as you burn the calories.
Clients can request a private class in a studio, or arrange the party at another venue (such as a bar, club or even in your home). First comes a few gentle warm up exercises followed by a personalised routine to the track of your choice taught at a slow and easy pace by a qualified instructor. Party goers can stop and celebrate their new skill with a glass of bubbly at the end of the 2 hour session, knowing they will definitely have a thing or two to show off on the dance-floor later. For those who really enjoy the session Creation offers free membership and discounts on any of its regular classes and courses.
Creation Dance parties are available in London and Brighton upon request. Visit www.creationdance.co.uk for more information or call 0870 140 3234 and speak to Ainhoa about your party or event. For regular class schedules or to book a dance performance you can email bookings@creationdance.co.uk
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