Teenagers and Ballroom

[MissBallroomBear]

Hey guys,

I'm not really sure which thing to post this in so I'll just put it here.:)

My mother's a teacher and for the last week of term, the school has an activity week. My mother has arranged for my instructors to do ballroom dancing with some of the kids there (GO MUM!!). She wants me to design some posters to put up around the school that would make the teenagers want to do it. Does anyone have any suggestions? It's not exactly a posh school so I honestly think it might be a bit of a challenge to get them to try it..

Anyway, would be very appreciative if anyone has any ideas.

Cheers, MBB.

(I also think I might change schools for the week.:p)

[Twilight_Elena]

Find a really, really cool picture of teenager dancers (something out of the Champ category in under 17s or something), Photoshop it like crazy to make it look all blurry and fantabulous, then write with big letters "If X and Y can do it, so can YOU! Ballroom dancing lessons, etc."
I think that might motivate them... Though I think what would reeeeally motivate them would be a demo. ;)

T_E

[elisedance]

I would go with movie stars - is DWTS popular there? If so the download some pictures from the web. If you can make it look like its fashionable most teens will at least not ignore it! The other thing is to show pictures of a really cool dance club - most teens want to be part of anything that is a bit riske - best not to show it as a wholesome thing to do - they run a mile. But you should know all this!!!!

[DMD]

Depending on the time frame and resources available (and I'm not sure about copyright issues, etc.) - you may consider either a pre-dance week showing of a popular ballroom film to generate interest. (Or at the very least, flyers saying - check out this film with Vanessa Willams or Antonio Banderas, etc.)

For example:
- mad hot ballroom (PG)
- dance with me (vanessa williams, PG)
- take the lead (antonio banderas, PG-13)

- shall we dance - probably would cater to an older crowd and I'm sure there are a lot of other dance movies out there that might be good.

[Indiana_Jay]

Why not use a photo like this:

http://photos.dancesportinfo.net/Gallery/BallroomRhythms/17_20057_2719_15053__0018832.jpg

From what I understand, this couple were Australia's national youth Latin champions in 2006. Or pick any similar photo of top Australian youth doing their thing.

[elisedance]

Why not use a photo like this:

http://photos.dancesportinfo.net/Gallery/BallroomRhythms/17_20057_2719_15053__0018832.jpg

From what I understand, this couple were Australia's national youth Latin champions in 2006. Or pick any similar photo of top Australian youth doing their thing.

Wow IJ!! I wanna dance like that....

MBB: you might try Meow: methinks she will have just the ticket...

[Twilight_Elena]

I want that dress!

[elisedance]

I would say that you're too late, I got it first. But, in my dreams....:rolleyes:

[meow]

Do you have a dance partner? If not, is there a good junior or youth latin couple at the studio you attend?

Have a demonstration on the first day and advertise this with a huge photo of the couple in costume. If it is yourself and DP, then all the better. Convey on the posters that the dancing is exciting and the music is loud.

As for the demo itself, do all 5 latin dances. Then have a Q & A with the audience. I bet you get a few to turn up the next day for the lessons.

[MissBallroomBear]

Thanks for your ideas guys!

IJ: That photo's fantastic! I'll definitely use it!

We're going to do a demonstration and mum's going to show a popular ballroom movie to some of her classes. I've also printed of some awesomely cool photos of teenagers dancing and posters and the like and I think we should be in with a chance.

I'll let you guys know how it goes soon!

Thanks again, MBB.