what is your goal in dancing?

[muyv]

I wonder what are other people's goal in dancing.

Might be a quesion that have been asked before too, but I couldn't find related posts by searching. I am asking because I couldn't define my goal.

Basically, I feel like standing in the market place, don't know where I am going, so I stop others and ask them where they are going. After all, it looks like everybody else knows where they are hurrying for.

I have been dancing for about 3 years, and I guess initially, I only wanted to dance comfortably in a social scene, then I was exposed to college competitions. Then 2 years ago, I started to take private lessons. Basically one step after another, I am hooked. And feeling comfortable in social dancing is not enough for me any more.

I am happy when I feel improvement on my dancing, I am touched on rare occations when I feel I was able to have a fluent suble body language communication. I am thrilled when I can express my feelings through movement. But I don't know what my goal is in dancing. And that seems like a problem.

I know I want to get good at it. But realisticly, I know that I can not get as good as the stars that I love to watch, and it would remain a hobby for me, a passionate one, but still a hobby, not a profession. Sometimes I feel (or peopel make me feel) guilty that I am dancing, instead of doing other things, such as putting more time into work, or pursuing other passions.

I wonder how does other people set up their goals, and align it with other maybe more improtant aspects in life.

[latingal]

muyv, I have run into a few people who think I should be doing other things than spend so much time on dancing. But, I know that dancing keeps me in great shape, it challenges my mind, provides a social environment to interact in, and an arena to improve myself as a person. So as long as I stay somewhat balanced, I ignore those who would have me reapportion my time to fit their beliefs about my dancing.

As for goals, I wish to see my dancing reach a certain level and I use competitions to spur me on in pursuit of that goal.

[waltzguy]

Take it a small step at a time, no pun intended.

You mentioned dancing to be comfortable in socials. But ...

Do you like to perform show dances?
-- If so, which dance(s)?

Do you like to compete?
-- If so, which dances and styles?

What styles do you like more? (Standard, Smooth, Latin, Rhythm, etc.)

Perhaps you're into learning syllabus. Set a level to wish to obtain.

[WaltzElf]

I started around three years ago, and dance quickly became an all-consuming passion of mine. Now I train every day, have lessons most days, and compete every week.

My goal is simple - I want to travel the world dancing, compete - perhaps even as a professional - and really make the most of my dancing. How far I get... that remains to be seen. But I know I've got the right attitude and passion for it, so I'm looking forward to seeing if I can't compensate for the fact I started competition quite late compared to the other top tier dancers (I'm 25 now)

[latingal]

I'm looking forward to seeing if I can't compensate for the fact I started competition quite late compared to the other top tier dancers (I'm 25 now)

yegads...25? come talk to me in another 20 years.

[Chris Stratton]

Competition is probably the most focused way to push your advancement. But social dancing in a community of ex-competitions can be fairly rewarding too. Even having a friend to go to socials with and practice some may make a big difference from going alone in terms of the depth of the dancing you can do there.

[WaltzElf]

yegads...25? come talk to me in another 20 years.



Well if I calculate this right, 15 years from now, at my current rate of improvement, I might be competitive at Blackpool ;-)


Dream, goal, whatever, that's what I've got in my sights.




Oh, and to promote New Vogue to the world. I'm going to open studios/ classes overseas to teach it.

[fascination]

for now I would like to place at big comps consistently...b/c I think that that is only a measure if it is fairly consistent...specifically though, right now I am about knowing exactly what I am trying to do on each step in as explicit and complex of a way as possible, and owning the ability to produce it, eventually with seeming ease and real enjoyment

[danceronice]

To become as good as I possibly can be given all existing limitations (age at start, money, physical limitations, limits of natural talent, etc.) No idea when I'll get there.

[muyv]

muyv, I have run into a few people who think I should be doing other things than spend so much time on dancing.

That is exactly what my parents think of me. And I sometimes wonder on that too.

Being still relatively new in my scientific career, I should probably put more time into my work than anything else. But instead, i am going dacning 4 days out of 7 a week, because that makes me feel happy. but it also makes me feel terribly guilty.

There are so many things we can perfect ourselves on. And there is only so little time...

[muyv]

Do you like to perform show dances?
-- If so, which dance(s)?

Do you like to compete?
-- If so, which dances and styles?

What styles do you like more? (Standard, Smooth, Latin, Rhythm, etc.)

Perhaps you're into learning syllabus. Set a level to wish to obtain.


Yes, i do like to perform show dances. I have done waltz, quick step, Bolero and rumba for showcases, so you see, it is all over the place.

I can't really think of a dance that I don't like. The more I work and improve on a style, I like it better. I feel it is easier for me find elegance, though I long for the sensual feelings in latin/ryhthm dances.

I did compete too, but I have finally come to terms with myself that Pro/Am is not for me because of financial reasons.

But whether showcases/competitions, they are steps for me to get to my goal. The problem is I don't know what my goals are. well, I guesss, I kind of know, maybe dance to gold level or sth, but why is that important, I don't know.

[quixotedlm]

fame and sex - that's pretty much why everyone dances ;)

[elisedance]

muyv, I have run into a few people who think I should be doing other things than spend so much time on dancing. But, I know that dancing keeps me in great shape, it challenges my mind, provides a social environment to interact in, and an arena to improve myself as a person. So as long as I stay somewhat balanced, I ignore those who would have me reapportion my time to fit their beliefs about my dancing.

As for goals, I wish to see my dancing reach a certain level and I use competitions to spur me on in pursuit of that goal.

I think you put that very well LG.

[elisedance]

fame and sex - that's pretty much why everyone dances ;)

you forgot money






a way to spend it, that is :rolleyes:

[elisedance]

Being still relatively new in my scientific career, I should probably put more time into my work than anything else. But instead, i am going dacning 4 days out of 7 a week, because that makes me feel happy. but it also makes me feel terribly guilty.


I'm not sure if you are looking for advice on goals muyv or ways to rationalize your passion for dance :cool:?

I've done it both ways. I was 'lucky' in a sense that I did not happen on dancing until rather late and I was also very passionate about my career, so the latter got started first. Once dance hit I have had the same dichotomy - once I was doing it so much I joked here that I was a full time dancer who did work as a hobby :) .

Unless you are going to go the 'pro' route in dance (from what I have seen not an easy way to make a living, particularly without established performance such as national championships) it can't exist in a vacuum - you have to have a way to support it. If dance is your passion - and it is more so than your career you might make the mental choice of the purpose of the latter is to sustain the former. That means, of course, that your career goals will be tempered for now. Its your life, make your choices...

[elisedance]

Oh, by the way, I am also a scientist. By all means PM* me.

*since you're new here thats 'private message' - click on my elisedance name...

[Purr]

I wonder what are other people's goal in dancing.

Dancing gets me out of the house.

[fascination]

good to "see " you purr was beginning to worry

[syncopationator]

i am going dacning 4 days out of 7 a week

when you say that you are "going dancing" do you mean you have lessons/practice 4 days a week or do you mean you go social dancing 4 days a week?

If I didn't dance but I went out to social functions 4 days a week then I probably am not being very productive, but if I'm having lessons with my coach/teacher and practicing, then I think I am being very productive.

My goal? I have only one goal right now and that is to beat all you ladies at Ohio ;)

After Ohio I'll focus on the next goal... One competition at a time. :)

[LucyDiamond]

I cannot sing, play a musical instrument or draw/paint worth a hill of beans but I can dance. For me, it's a major outlet for the artistic side of me.

[Purr]

good to "see " you purr was beginning to worry

:friend: I'm still here. There's a lot going on, with learning new, more difficult, routines, coaching, and overall preparing for competition in a few weeks (not OSB); however, I don't talk about it very much.

[nucat78]

I still want to crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentation of their women. I doubt I'll get good enough to compete but I want to become an excellent dancer and do something with it career-wise, either teach or buy into a studio or something.

[Stagekat]

I still want to crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentation of their women. I doubt I'll get good enough to compete but I want to become an excellent dancer and do something with it career-wise, either teach or buy into a studio or something.

Still cracking me up nucat!!! LOL!

Personal goal is to become the best I can be, and try not to let the limitations of finances and all that stop me. Practicing in the kitchen is free after all.

Although some weeks are better then others.

[barrefly]

My 14 yr. old has her first comp. (local studios event). She has only been training a few months so it's a big deal to her. She will be doing 5 dances and her instructor placed her in bronze 2 catagory. The intructor said that if she does well, as expected, she will place her in silver (studio level). Wow....and this is a top studio in L.A.
Anyway, I just want to add how great ballroom/latin is for kids....even talented kids. One of the super kids (was on dancing with the stars recently) was at the studio with his mom. I talked with the mom and they were so nice. We really feel at home at the studio. Everyone is so nice.
Then...I take my daughter to her salsa practice (then team practice) and I felt like I tuned into another soap opera episode.

[liz]

I have realized that my goals have changed over the past year or so. I did only have one goal- to win at competitions. I was asked by several friends what my goals in dance were? I had to stop and really give it some thought. What I really want out of dance is enjoy the journey, to develop my understandings of each dance, to feel confident in my knowledge, to learn to express the feeling of each dance, I want to feel like I am progressing.... I was starting to feel very down because I was not winning.... first place was the only place that mattered to me. I would be so let down when I came home, that I would just want to give up.. Well, I am glad that I have regrouped and refocused. It is a heavy burden to carry if your only goal is to win. I had to remember why I dance.

[nucat78]

Well, there you have it. Liz just had to go and be all rational and mature in her post. <sigh>

[tangoking]

My goals are:

1. Learn the fundamentals of movement. The body movement in dance has incredible health benefits. It improves posture, is great exercise, keeps the body strong, and keeps the spirits up.
2. Master the ten-dance syllabus. There's some great moves in the syllabus, and many can be used socially with the style toned down. The syllabus is a great resource for any student of dance.
3. Learn the basics of every dance. I hate sitting! Nothing worse than leaning against the wall and saying, "Oh, sorry, I don't do <dance>." I want to be able to dance no matter what song comes on!

At this time I have little interest in teaching, routines, or performing, but people still ask me to quite a bit. I want it to stay a hobby. When one starts practicing routines for serious competition, or teaching, it basically becomes a part-time or full-time job.

I never want dancing to become work.

[jennyisdancing]

I still want to crush my enemies, see them driven before me, and hear the lamentation of their women. I doubt I'll get good enough to compete but I want to become an excellent dancer and do something with it career-wise, either teach or buy into a studio or something.

LOL Okay, Ah-nold....;)

My goals:
-become one of the better dancers at my local socials so I'm "in-demand" and feel totally comfortable - I'm about 50-75% there, depending on which dance it is
-start performing - have joined a WCS performance team so I'm looking forward to that :rocker:

[mamboqueen]

I have realized that my goals have changed over the past year or so. I did only have one goal- to win at competitions. I was asked by several friends what my goals in dance were? I had to stop and really give it some thought. What I really want out of dance is enjoy the journey, to develop my understandings of each dance, to feel confident in my knowledge, to learn to express the feeling of each dance, I want to feel like I am progressing.... I was starting to feel very down because I was not winning.... first place was the only place that mattered to me. I would be so let down when I came home, that I would just want to give up.. Well, I am glad that I have regrouped and refocused. It is a heavy burden to carry if your only goal is to win. I had to remember why I dance.

Perfect, Liz. So much of placement is out of your control; you can only control your dance performance on a given date and time....if you feel you have danced better (and "better" is subjective to each person), then I think that is better (objective!) to any placement you can get. I just want to see improvement from comp to comp...in all aspects of the performance.

[nucat78]

LOL Okay, Ah-nold....;)

Whoa, JD! New hair! Tres chic!

[samina]

yah, i did a double-take as well...a bit eery, cuz the photo is so similar to the previous one. :)

nice do, JiD!

[Stagekat]

I definitely second, (or third) the new do JiD! It's very flattering on you!

Also ..love the idea that you're getting into performing.. looking very much forward to hearing about that!

[tanya_the_dancer]

I thought about this a lot and I could never figure out what could be a reasonable long-term goal for me.

I usually have some short-term goals, mostly technique-related. I enjoy the learning process and I enjoy competing. But when I think about what I could try to accomplish in dancing in 10 years, I am not even sure what are the possibilities for pro-amer in her mid-30s. Getting into top 6 at a large prestigious comp like OSB or USDSC? Trying to find an am partner to accomplish something on am-am circuit? I don't know.

The whole long-term goal thing is a bit like that infamous job interview question "where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

[waltzguy]

Sometimes there is no long-term goal, other than that dancing is something you like and will keep doing as long as you can. See my Luca Baricchi quote below.

I agree with tangoking that I do not want dance to become my profession.

[mamboqueen]

Whoa, JD! New hair! Tres chic!

ditto! sophisticado!

[mamboqueen]

I thought about this a lot and I could never figure out what could be a reasonable long-term goal for me.

I usually have some short-term goals, mostly technique-related. I enjoy the learning process and I enjoy competing. But when I think about what I could try to accomplish in dancing in 10 years, I am not even sure what are the possibilities for pro-amer in her mid-30s. Getting into top 6 at a large prestigious comp like OSB or USDSC? Trying to find an am partner to accomplish something on am-am circuit? I don't know.

The whole long-term goal thing is a bit like that infamous job interview question "where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

I think the possibilities are whatever you want them to be. If you put a limit on your dreams and goals, you'll never know if you can surpass them! Shoot for the moon! (p.s. --> read my signature!)

[jennyisdancing]

I definitely second, (or third) the new do JiD! It's very flattering on you!

Also ..love the idea that you're getting into performing.. looking very much forward to hearing about that!

thx, glad the new do is a hit! :)

I love performing and think it's fun. Of course I'll get nervous but I'll still like it. Our new routine rocks and hopefully we'll get to take our team on the road to some out-of-town events and comps. :bouncy:

[nucat78]

I love performing and think it's fun. Of course I'll get nervous but I'll still like it. Our new routine rocks and hopefully we'll get to take our team on the road to some out-of-town events and comps.

Lemme know if you hit Chicago.

[jennyisdancing]

Lemme know if you hit Chicago.

right now, we're just looking at east coast dates potentially....have to wait and see :)

[muyv]

I thought about this a lot and I could never figure out what could be a reasonable long-term goal for me.

I usually have some short-term goals, mostly technique-related. I enjoy the learning process and I enjoy competing. But when I think about what I could try to accomplish in dancing in 10 years, I am not even sure what are the possibilities for pro-amer in her mid-30s. Getting into top 6 at a large prestigious comp like OSB or USDSC? Trying to find an am partner to accomplish something on am-am circuit? I don't know.

The whole long-term goal thing is a bit like that infamous job interview question "where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

Agree completely. This is what I mean when I say I don't know my goal. I can have short term plan and aim, for a competition, for a showcase, but where am I going with that eventually? I don't know.

Sometimes, I think maybe "dancing here and now" is my goal. It makes me happy to know that I am working on this and improving. And that is the most important thing I will ever get out of dancing. Not fame or sex or money :) And all those temporary milestones, like a competion or a showcase, are just milestones.

Maybe for me, it is like taking a hike, reaching the top of the mountain is not the reason that I went for the hike, but rather to be walking on the trail is my motivation/goal.

[elisedance]

Sometimes, I think maybe "dancing here and now" is my goal. It makes me happy to know that I am working on this and improving. And that is the most important thing I will ever get out of dancing. Not fame or sex or money :) And all those temporary milestones, like a competion or a showcase, are just milestones.


You got it girl. And you know, thats exactly how real art is made and what they mean by 'honest'....

[muyv]

I'm not sure if you are looking for advice on goals muyv or ways to rationalize your passion for dance :cool:?

I've done it both ways. I was 'lucky' in a sense that I did not happen on dancing until rather late and I was also very passionate about my career, so the latter got started first. Once dance hit I have had the same dichotomy - once I was doing it so much I joked here that I was a full time dancer who did work as a hobby :) .

Unless you are going to go the 'pro' route in dance (from what I have seen not an easy way to make a living, particularly without established performance such as national championships) it can't exist in a vacuum - you have to have a way to support it. If dance is your passion - and it is more so than your career you might make the mental choice of the purpose of the latter is to sustain the former. That means, of course, that your career goals will be tempered for now. Its your life, make your choices...


Yeh... I think you are pointing out the right question here. Maybe it is not about a goal, but rather I am looking for ways to rationalize my passion for dance.

For some reason, it is hard for me to admit that I will hold a day job just to sustain the dancing. It is hard to accept that I will have more passion in my hobby than my work. Somehow that doesn't sound right for me. But I just can not get myself hooked on my work as I am on dancing. Well, not yet at least.

[samina]

I think the possibilities are whatever you want them to be. If you put a limit on your dreams and goals, you'll never know if you can surpass them! Shoot for the moon! (p.s. --> read my signature!)

<Insert lengthy row of clapping hand icons here...(Can't select from my blackberry)>

Beautifully put, MQ!!

[muyv]

when you say that you are "going dancing" do you mean you have lessons/practice 4 days a week or do you mean you go social dancing 4 days a week?

If I didn't dance but I went out to social functions 4 days a week then I probably am not being very productive, but if I'm having lessons with my coach/teacher and practicing, then I think I am being very productive.

My goal? I have only one goal right now and that is to beat all you ladies at Ohio ;)

After Ohio I'll focus on the next goal... One competition at a time. :)

I mean lesson/practice. Once I caught a glimpse of the feeling of a perfect lead and follow, the subtle communication, I can not enjoy social dancing as much I did. It happens too rarely in social dancing for me. I mean, I still enjoy it, just not as much, so I know that is not my goal any more.

[waltzgirl]

Yeh... I think you are pointing out the right question here. Maybe it is not about a goal, but rather I am looking for ways to rationalize my passion for dance.

For some reason, it is hard for me to admit that I will hold a day job just to sustain the dancing. It is hard to accept that I will have more passion in my hobby than my work. Somehow that doesn't sound right for me. But I just can not get myself hooked on my work as I am on dancing. Well, not yet at least.


It is a lucky person who can find his/her passion in work. My dance teacher is the only person I know who does! (Hmmm.) It is an ideal many people have, and it's hard to accept that it may not be possible. I've had an especially hard time with this because, at one point, I did have work that was my passion and circumstances forced me to give it up. When that happened, finding my passion in dance saved my sanity. One advantage to having a passion for something that is not your work is that the vagaries of specific employers and of the marketplace in general doesn't limit what you can do with your passion.

I forget how long you've been dancing, but I think, for most of us, the obsessiveness of the first few years of dancing does level off and a better balance comes into play, without diminishing the passion.

It does sound like your questioning your dancing is coming at least in part from other people. It's tough to explain dancing to "muggles." Do you think they would object the same way if you were going to the gym or going running the same number of times a week? Probably not. I think it's the fact that dance is so pleasurable that makes other people uneasy. If you were just sweating it out on the track or the weight machines, they might just be impressed at your determination and your dedication to being healthy.

[waltzguy]

I think it's the fact that dance is so pleasurable that makes other people uneasy. If you were just sweating it out on the track or the weight machines, they might just be impressed at your determination and your dedication to being healthy.

Hmmmm. Interesting. I didn't think of this perspective, but it seems to make sense.

Like who would be uneasy? Perhaps SO/spouse, unless DP is also SO. So, I guess this thread circles around to the relationship threads unintentionally.

[Rugby]

My goal, world domination. :uplaugh:

[jennyisdancing]

Hmmmm. Interesting. I didn't think of this perspective, but it seems to make sense.

Like who would be uneasy? Perhaps SO/spouse, unless DP is also SO. So, I guess this thread circles around to the relationship threads unintentionally.

I don't know if the uneasiness has to do with relationships, necessarily. For some people, maybe.
But I just find in that many social circles it's uncommon to know people who do any artistic/creative type of pursuit on a serious level. Most people at my work, for example, do a lot of sports, or watch tv, or do cooking or gardening. Hardly any of them play an instrument, paint, sing, act or dance, and they see the arts as a somewhat odd sort of fringe interest.

[Laura]

My goal is to find an actual dance partner and compete at Blackpool in the Over-35 Standard some day.

But I've had little luck on making any progress at all toward this, so for now I'm just concentrating on learning and developing as much as I can, and enjoying the process. Had a great lesson today :)

[BasicsFirst]

For some reason, it is hard for me to admit that I will hold a day job just to sustain the dancing. It is hard to accept that I will have more passion in my hobby than my work. Somehow that doesn't sound right for me. But I just can not get myself hooked on my work as I am on dancing. Well, not yet at least.

I have TWO hobbies. ONE I do primarily Mon-Fri and this big company PAYS me to stay interested in continue on in (which I am, and was even before it generated income). The OTHER one, I PAY Professional Dance Teachers/Coaches to ensure (hopefully) that I get better at. And I enjoy BOTH!

Fortunately for me the first one generates more income than what is required of the second one.

[Mostly Ballroom]

Darn good question. Though not quite what the OP was asking for nevertheless: I'm currently getting bored. I've explored the emotional side quite sometime now and have pretty much reached the limit of that avenue. I have to go back to taking group lessons from some who teaches technique or... I don't know. It doesn't help that the dances around here are merging. There are now two that I prefer. and that doesn't help the boring factor. If I want to keep going I'd have to start improving. There are plenty of followers around here better than me so I have somewhere to grow into still.

[elisedance]

I have TWO hobbies. ONE I do primarily Mon-Fri and this big company PAYS me to stay interested in continue on in (which I am, and was even before it generated income). The OTHER one, I PAY Professional Dance Teachers/Coaches to ensure (hopefully) that I get better at. And I enjoy BOTH!

Fortunately for me the first one generates more income than what is required of the second one.

Is that actually possible?? I find where 'total income' = needs + surplus:

'dance costs' = surplus + needs/2

leaving rather little !

[elisedance]

Darn good question. Though not quite what the OP was asking for nevertheless: I'm currently getting bored. I've explored the emotional side quite sometime now and have pretty much reached the limit of that avenue. I have to go back to taking group lessons from some who teaches technique or... I don't know. It doesn't help that the dances around here are merging. There are now two that I prefer. and that doesn't help the boring factor. If I want to keep going I'd have to start improving. There are plenty of followers around here better than me so I have somewhere to grow into still.


You sound a bit in a rut. Shouldn't learning and becoming better be a bit more exciting? Maybe time for a different dance style ....

[QPO]

Have never given thought to define goals other than wanting to improve on each occasion being on the dance floor. Heel turns are a big thing that I always work on and each lesson I take something away with me and remember for the next time I am on the dance floor. I will think of clear defined goals and post that another time :-)

[Lioness]

I think my goals are just to be able to dance the dances that I want to well enough to be comfortable and not off balance, and still have it look good. I guess at some stage in the future I want to compete seriously, so medals or levels or something, but that's not a big thing right now.
I want to just enjoy what I'm doing, do it well, and keep improving.

[tsb]

I mean lesson/practice. Once I caught a glimpse of the feeling of a perfect lead and follow, the subtle communication, I can not enjoy social dancing as much I did. It happens too rarely in social dancing for me. I mean, I still enjoy it, just not as much, so I know that is not my goal any more.

i'm not sure what you mean by that. are you saying that you've decided that the connection of completely interactive (non choreographed) partnering is so impossible to experience or attain? if you want to experience a level of lead/follow you'll rarely see in ballroom, try argentine tango or west coast swing - there are IMO so many more possibilities in movement that one is forced to master a greater vocabulary which facilitates the communication that allows such figures to be done in a social environment.

and while i get the sense that you are now more trying to justify your passion, i still think it might be useful for you to explore the answer(s) to the following questions to help you better understand your priorities:

1) do you prefer to dance with just a few people?

2) do you derive any value from being able to dance well with a lot of different people?

the point is that partnering well with a lot of people (so that people actually enjoy the experience and have to work as little as possible to overcome any potential deficiencies in your technique) and working on technique that allows you (and a pre-selected partner) to score well based on some arbitrary standard are for the most part mutually exclusive skill sets so you will have to make a choice on prioritizing what skills to develop first.

[tangoking]

This post really has me thinking. I've tried to get my arms around this question by listing some of the more common goals that I've seen/heard and prioritizing them.

What do you think of this list? Did I miss any?

1. Make Friends, meet people, and socialize
2. Compete/Win Ribbons
3. Exercise/Get into shape
4. Meet a SO
5. Perform
6. Teach
7. Make Money
8. Fun

[tanya_the_dancer]

This post really has me thinking. I've tried to get my arms around this question by listing some of the more common goals that I've seen/heard and prioritizing them.

What do you think of this list? Did I miss any?

1. Make Friends, meet people, and socialize
2. Compete/Win Ribbons
3. Exercise/Get into shape
4. Meet a SO
5. Perform
6. Teach
7. Make Money
8. Fun

I don't think most of these are really goals. They are reasons to do something. A goal is something less abstract, not just "Compete" but "Consistently make it into final in larger competitions", for example.

[waltzguy]

To become the next Mirko Gozzoli.

OK, waking up from daydreaming now. :)

[elisedance]

no, thats the wrong way, don't wake up from that one at all.

oh, and can I have the next dance? pretty please?? :roll:

[J.Risa]

Hi All!

I just started Latin ballroom (Cha Cha & Rumba).
(Quite literally. I had my first Cha Cha lesson last night.) :)

My current goals as for Latin ballroom are to
i) find a partner and
ii) take it to competition level and hopefully place well

I'm not so sure how the ballroom grading system works though. (I'm originally a ballet dancer.) Can someone explain to me how Latin ballroom dancers reach competition?

Also, I'm quite concerned about not being able to find a partner. I'm in an adult's class and the men are generally a lot older (30s-40s), and they're mostly dancing with their wives or for leisure, whereas I'm 16 and very set on taking up competitive ballroom so it frustrates me to be in a class in which people don't take lessons seriously but I can't take private lessons without a partner, which is making me quite miserable. Can anyone offer advice? I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread on this issue.

Thanks! :)

[fascination]

focus on the things over which you DO have control...practice

as to my goals....to get better in a manner that I can notice and articulate as to precisely why (i.e. to own the info and be able to execute it)....this will probably be my goal into infinity

[elisedance]

Hi All!

I just started Latin ballroom (Cha Cha & Rumba).
(Quite literally. I had my first Cha Cha lesson last night.) :)

My current goals as for Latin ballroom are to
i) find a partner and
ii) take it to competition level and hopefully place well

I'm not so sure how the ballroom grading system works though. (I'm originally a ballet dancer.) Can someone explain to me how Latin ballroom dancers reach competition?

Also, I'm quite concerned about not being able to find a partner. I'm in an adult's class and the men are generally a lot older (30s-40s), and they're mostly dancing with their wives or for leisure, whereas I'm 16 and very set on taking up competitive ballroom so it frustrates me to be in a class in which people don't take lessons seriously but I can't take private lessons without a partner, which is making me quite miserable. Can anyone offer advice? I wasn't sure if I should start a new thread on this issue.

Thanks! :)

Finding a partner can be like looking for a gold nugget - and if you want to find a good one you have to do a lot of digging. The more you dig, the more it pays off. I would think that Singapore has LOT Of ballroom dance studios (I think we have someone from Singapore on DF, but am not sure). And it sounds as if you have only checked out the possible tallent in your own. THink of it more like finding a boyfriend (though its usually best if he does NOT become one) - you have to meet and screen a lot of possibilities. It took me 6 years - but don't get discouraged, I am a lot older than you and typically there are many more young boys looking.

People generally seek a partner who is at least as good as themselves. Since there are more followers than leads that means (supply and demand) that the leads get to dance with more advanced followers. So the next key is to get better than the competition! Work hard at your basic technique (way more important than steps) and eventually some lead is going to spot you. So, as Fascination says above, the big thing is to practise - both because its the one thing you can do by yourself and because its the key to achieving your other goals.

By the way, generally you reach competition by entering! There may be other considerations in Singapore - in England I believe you have to be a member of a dance club to register but other than that its your decision. One bit of advice, compete at the lowest level first - don't get tempted to jump up, there's lots of time for that once you have proved yourself and shown that you have truly mastered the basic repetoire.

Good luck!

[emeralddancer]

My goals ... long term ... to eventually be able to teach ballroom to others.

In the next year to actually compete in a min of 4 comps locally (east coast)

In the next 2 years I want to compete at OSB and a few other comps across the country (US)

In the next 10 years, I want to go to lessons and comps in europe.

I know big goals ... but I have always loved dance and always wanted to do that as a career. But long story short ... getting picked for a dance co. (ballet) is nigh on impossible with my build. So instead started a family.

Well last yr. I was laid off, hubby asked what my passion was, what I wanted to do ... I told him and well ... the rest is history, as I am finally working on something that gifts me with so much!

[elisedance]

what a lovely story EMD - and happy ending :) Sorry we did not meet - oh, and everything (good) you've heard about OSB, its true ... Maybe next year?

[emeralddancer]

what a lovely story EMD - and happy ending :) Sorry we did not meet - oh, and everything (good) you've heard about OSB, its true ... Maybe next year?

Oh I def want to meet you and thanks. :D

[barrefly]

My goal is to find a compatible partner for my daughter. Having said that, has anyone been to Genesis Dancesport Academy in L.A.? I just stumbled on them, and they seem to be kid oriented. I emailed them and am hoping for a reply. Alec Mazo & Edyta Sliwinska are some of the instructors.

[hanqiaorui]

Well if I calculate this right, 15 years from now, at my current rate of improvement, I might be competitive at Blackpool ;-)


Dream, goal, whatever, that's what I've got in my sights.




Oh, and to promote New Vogue to the world. I'm going to open studios/ classes overseas to teach it.Welcome to China to teach dancing.

[hanqiaorui]

That is exactly what my parents think of me. And I sometimes wonder on that too.

Being still relatively new in my scientific career, I should probably put more time into my work than anything else. But instead, i am going dacning 4 days out of 7 a week, because that makes me feel happy. but it also makes me feel terribly guilty.

There are so many things we can perfect ourselves on. And there is only so little time...
I feel exactly the same, I dance 5 days out of 7 a week, 1 hour a day average. Happy and guilty, I feel at the same time.

[WaltzElf]

New goal - to be a quality exhibition/ showdance/ cabaret/ whatever-you-want-to-call-it dancer.

Being good at four styles of dancing would be an impressive achievement.

[SPratt74]

To become as good as I possibly can be given all existing limitations (age at start, money, physical limitations, limits of natural talent, etc.) No idea when I'll get there.

That's exactly how I feel. I am so limited right now mainly because of work, but I'm with you on the other things you mentioned as well. So, I am trying to get the most out of every lesson, which means asking lots and lots of questions. I would like to compete, but it's really hard for me to get away. So, now I'm just doing showcases, but I'm happy with that. (I still get to wear my pretty dresses lol!;)) But in the future I would like to compete just to see where I stand etc. But I don't have to. I'll dance either way and I'll be happy with that lol.

[etp777]

money and time are the two biggest limitations here, but definitely agree to my goal being best possible within the limitations.

[Tenehill]

Dancing gets me out of the house.

A painter or designer among us? Print a flippable door sign for our friend: "Gone dancing" on front and "At home, resting" on back. Make it solid and long-lasting.

[J.Risa]

Finding a partner can be like looking for a gold nugget - and if you want to find a good one you have to do a lot of digging. The more you dig, the more it pays off. I would think that Singapore has LOT Of ballroom dance studios (I think we have someone from Singapore on DF, but am not sure). And it sounds as if you have only checked out the possible tallent in your own. THink of it more like finding a boyfriend (though its usually best if he does NOT become one) - you have to meet and screen a lot of possibilities. It took me 6 years - but don't get discouraged, I am a lot older than you and typically there are many more young boys looking.

People generally seek a partner who is at least as good as themselves. Since there are more followers than leads that means (supply and demand) that the leads get to dance with more advanced followers. So the next key is to get better than the competition! Work hard at your basic technique (way more important than steps) and eventually some lead is going to spot you. So, as Fascination says above, the big thing is to practise - both because its the one thing you can do by yourself and because its the key to achieving your other goals.

By the way, generally you reach competition by entering! There may be other considerations in Singapore - in England I believe you have to be a member of a dance club to register but other than that its your decision. One bit of advice, compete at the lowest level first - don't get tempted to jump up, there's lots of time for that once you have proved yourself and shown that you have truly mastered the basic repetoire.

Good luck!


Thanks for the advice! :)

What I meant when asking about the grading systems in Latin ballroom and how one gets to competition level is for example, in ballet, we have grade 1-8 exams danced in soft leather shoes, thereafter there's interfoundation, intermediate, advanced 1, advanced 2, soloist and the solo seal award exams danced en pointe.

So I guess what I'm asking is: Is there a grading system that reflects ones progress in Latin ballroom? And generally what are the levels of competition for Latin ballroom and how long does it take to reach a standard that allows you to compete effectively? (I mean, I'm sure it's best to compete when you're mored advanced because it gives you the upper hand technique and steps-wise. But for the lowest levels of competition, what standard would usually be required?)

[elisedance]

One can take exams but these are teaching-specific and differ where you live. Thus, in England (and Australia?) I believe attaining certificates is an important part of advancement. They are also used in the chain studios here (e.g. Fred Astaire). It also differs for amateur and pro/am couples. In both the US and here in Canada there is a system to promote amateurs once they reach a certain number of wins (or in the US placings - I don't know a lot about their system but its now based on point accumulation). Here in the syllabus (training) levels (bronze, silver, Gold) you select your starting point yourself (carefully as you can not go down) and then when you win three competitions with 6 or more couples you have to advance to the next level. That puts you in pre-championship and then championship (the top level). By the way, if your partnershp terminates you both keep the same attainment level.

So in ballroom the advancement systmes are present but rather loose.