4 Great Reasons to Take Dance Classes this Summer
If you really need a reason to take dance classes (let's be honest, we never need a reason), here's not only 1, but 4! Check out why you might consider picking up dance classes during these Summer months.
The Best Places to Swing Dance in Chicago this Summer
Where to go Swing dancing this Summer? We've made a handy list so you can keep all your moves fresh throughout the summer months.
Learning to Dance as a Practice
Many people that come to us expect us to tell them the exact number of lessons they’ll need to “feel good” or “wow their guests at their wedding” or “know how to dance together,” but truthfully, there is no magic number of dance lessons. Dance is a practice, much like yoga or faith. Now what do we mean when we say “a practice”? In this context, the dictionary defines practice as “to do (something) regularly or constantly as an ordinary part of your life.”
Lighten Up! Don't Take Yourself So Seriously
During the learning process, mistakes and missteps are bound to happen. If we were perfect at everything, there would be no reason to learn. And, some would argue that experiencing the mistakes and overcoming the hurdles along the way not only help you to better understand the task at hand but also builds your personal character and ability to persevere. Often, we at the studio experience students who have created unrealistically high expectations for themselves in the learning process. Rather than being patient with themselves, they expect to get every step and correction perfectly on their first or second try. It’s hardly ever the case that this happens, and even if a student does successfully achieve what we asked of them, there are still likely ten other things that they still need to work on...
You Won't Believe this Wedding Planning Task Actually Reduces Stress!
As dance instructors, it goes without saying that dancing brings us joy. We all know that if we’re having a hard day, we can just get up and dance, and even if nothing is resolved, we at least feel better about it! And we have the pleasure of sharing our understanding of the benefits of dance with our many wedding dancers preparing for their first dance! But, do we just enjoy dancing because it’s a lighthearted, fun activity or does dance actually have the power to make us happier, healthier individuals?
The Drake Hotel - Chicago, IL - Our Favorite Music/Dance Venue
Ballroom Dance Chicago loves this Chicago landmark and the amazing variety of bands they host on Friday and Saturday nights. Find a table in the expansive Palm Court, grab a cocktail and enjoy the music. Or if you’re a dancer, grab your special someone and hit the dance floor (not too small, like many other venues in Chicago). This is our favorite place to dance in Chicago, mainly because of the old school charm and beauty of Palm Court.
Everyone is a Leader, Both On and Off the Dance Floor
In corporate America, the cubical worker will forgive his visionary CEO - who seems to have a far greater vision than his own - all sorts of transgressions in order to facilitate the delivery of the CEO’s all important vision for the company, much like the way a family/community in the past gathered around and supported the needs of a woman giving birth. Yet, in corporate America, as can be assumed in many other walks of life, a CEO who feels superior to other human beings, like Belfort’s character, will suppress the voices of workers whom he relies upon in order to deliver his vision of the company.
This idea of a leader being the all important muse and dictator, has connections with the ballroom dance world in a couples of ways...
Out to Dance: Ballroom & Latin Dance in the LGBT Community
Building a community of dance, based on the traditions of formal ballroom and Latin dance, in the LGBT is vitally important, especially at this time, when the Supreme Court of the United States of America legalized same sex marriage in all 50 states. We see dance as important right now because this pastime, of dancing with your partner in public - in non-lgbt venues - has been reserved for male and female couples. Our dream at Ballroom Dance Chicago is to see same sex couples take the dance floor, right along with the rest of society, without hesitation.
Being a Contribution in the Dance Learning Process
From our very earliest age, we are taught that life is something to be conquered and that we have landmarks ahead of us and many tasks to achieve and that there are obstacles that must be overcome along the way. How does that affect the dance learning process? Read more to find out.
Everyone is an Ideal Dance Student
At ballroom and Latin dance competitions around the world, the most outstanding dance couples gather to show off the skills they’ve been painstakingly developing, often from the time they’re old enough to walk. The judges are instructed that only one couple can win, and that the second and third place dance couples will also receive notable mention. In other words, one couple will receive an “A,” and two others a “B” and “C” and everyone else a failing mark, even though the dance skill of every couple is outstanding compared to anyone’s standards. Imagine the blow to your morale if you are the couple in the requisite fourth or fifth place.