Offer Archive

Ballroom Summer Series 2018

Five workshops for better dancing in a social setting—attendable individually or as a series!

Mo, 16.07.18 • 18.15–19.45 • Basics of Centreing

The possibilities in and the joy of the standard dances reach a new level when one succeeds in dancing with a common centre—right-sided body contact from rib to hip. However, certain prerequisites and knowledge are necessary for this.

This workshop is about learning and/or consolidating this knowledge. We will deal with the topics of individual posture, individual balance, foot/leg work and rotation as the basics of centreing and devote ourselves to building up and stabilising the centre by means of posture in the couple, couple balance and communication via the centre. As an illustration we use a short exercise choreography in English Waltz on which the topics can be applied—without having to think about which figures you could dance now...! 

Knowledge of English Waltz is required, Quickstep and Slow Foxtrot an advantage. Dance experience of half a year recommended, one year or more an advantage.

Mo, 23.07.18 • 18.15–19.45 • Social Technique 1: Feet & Legs

"Dancing is the translation of music into movement. And the basic form of movement is the step." According to this statement by a standard trainer, dancing starts in the legs—somehow logical, because people stand on them. 

We make ourselves aware of what "standing on our legs" actually means (posture), what a step means for feet and legs, and how all this has to do with balance and movement control. In addition, we look at different swing forms that are triggered in the leg; the consequences for posture and balance in the couple are discussed. A sequence of exercises in English Waltz will serve as an illustration.

Knowledge of ballroom dancing (at least course 2 or equivalent) is required; English Waltz is necessary. Knowledge of Quickstep and Slow Foxtrot is advantageous.

Mo, 30.07.18 • 18.15–19.45 • Social Technique 2: The Upper Body

Standard dancing, which is supposed to be really fun, (unfortunately) does not only work with feet and legs—the upper body also has a say. Assuming a functioning base, we look at the importance of the upper body for a functional couple's posture, balances and centreing. In addition, topics such as sway and topline are discussed, the correct application of which can bring about a significant increase in the joy of dancing. 

A sequence of exercises in English Waltz will serve as an illustration, which will be worked on—if not already known from previous workshops. Good knowledge of ballroom dancing (at least course 4 or equivalent) is required; English Waltz necessary, Quickstep desirable. Slow Foxtrot and English Tango advantageous. Workshop Social Technique 1 recommended, its contents are considered known.

Mo, 06.08.18 • 18.15–19.45 • Floorcraft 1: The Power of Oversight

Usually, several couples share the dance floor at an event—a fact that raises the question of how to get past each other, especially in movement dances (like the standard dances). After all, the best dancer is known to be the one who stands out by not standing out. 

In this workshop we will look at the basic possibilities of real-time choreography (standing still, choosing an alternative figure, modifying a figure). Possibilities and limitations of the choices will be illuminated. In addition, specific exercises will train you to estimate the movements of other couples. 

Good knowledge of standard dances, especially English Waltz, is a prerequisite; Quickstep is an advantage. Two or more years of dance experience recommended.

Mo, 13.08.18 • 18.15–19.45 • Floorcraft 2: Take Poses—Not Pauses

If two couples get in each other's way, a collision can be avoided by standing still or selecting another figure, as discussed in Floorcraft 1. In this workshop, more advanced reaction options will be discussed: Checks to Mini-Lines and Poses (Line Figures). Simple and frequently used elements will be worked on and the application will be consolidated in coordinated exercises. 

Good knowledge of standard dances, especially English Waltz, is a prerequisite; Quickstep an advantage. Two or more years of dance experience recommended.

Special Offer: Workshop Series

Booking all five workshops entitles you to a package discount! Payment for all five workshops must be made at the latest at the beginning of the first workshop.