Searching for Korean (we think) ballroom dancing videos

[baker_eliz]

Hello, everyone. My husband and I are just now entering our 70s and FINALLY I have convinced him to start dancing with me. I think even he is surprised by how much he is enjoying it.
Twenty years or so ago, we were at a Chinese (I think?) restaurant that had ballroom dance videos playing. We would love to find these, as we very much enjoyed the style of dance in the videos and would like to "cherry pick" them for moves to learn. There was something mesmerizing about the dancers--sexy and erotic but tastefully so. I believe they were Korean and there were a series of them, at least three. The women's costumes were short, mini-dress length, not extravagant. I don't believe it was a competition--the setting was pretty plain, no audience, just the dancers and a rather large ballroom dance space, one couple dancing at a time.
I was successful in finding them on the internet at the time by searching for "Korean ballroom dancing" and kick myself for not ordering them then, but I have been unsuccessful in locating them now. I am hoping someone can point me in the right direction.
Anyone out there remember/know of these or have any idea how we can locate them? Is there a somewhat complete resource somewhere that lists dance videos? Any help is much appreciated.
Thanks, Elizabeth

 

[raindance]

I assume you've tried YouTube searches, right?

You might try asking at the restaurant if you can figure out which one. If it's a family restaurant with people that were working there back then, they might have an idea. Twenty years is a long shot, though.

If you can't find the same videos you're remembering, there are tons of other ballroom and latin videos on YouTube. I'd suggest searching for beginner ballroom stuff, and look for something else you would like to emulate. Short dresses sounds like you might have been watching latin dancing (cha cha, rumba, etc) instead of ballroom (waltz, foxtrot, etc), since ballroom is often done in longer dresses.

Otherwise, talk to your teacher and describe what you saw and what you liked about it. Even if they never see the videos you saw, they should be able to help you with moves that fit your taste and goals.

Have fun,
raindance

 

[baker_eliz]

Thanks, raindance. I have spent hours scouring the internet, including YouTube, and the restaurant is long closed and we no longer even live in that town. I'll widen my search as to dance types. We don't have a teacher. DH doesn't take instruction well--he gets too embarrassed and feels incompetent if he can't get the steps right away with at least competence. I keep telling him it's a life lesson for him. LOL

 

[raindance]

If you don't want to try in person instruction (which I would really recommend, but that's another post) you might try instructional videos from Dance Vision. Look for the "Anyone Can Dance for Absolute Beginners" series. These will have quality instructors giving info from the very basics, but with enough material there to get you two actually dancing together. They will break it all down step by step.

They focus on online (streaming) instruction at Dance Vision these days, so their DVDs are now considered vintage, but are likely only 10-15 years old or so and I think they would be just fine for your purposes. If you have a DVD player and TV near where you might practice at home, I think they'd be a great option for a couple trying to learn some basics at home and try to enjoy dancing together. With the DVD you can watch over and over as many times as needed to learn or relearn steps and whatnot. And maybe after some time with the DVDs, your husband would be willing to try some in person classes. Hopefully your hubby won't feel embarrassed in front of an instructor on a TV screen that can't see him!

This package has 13 DVDs from the series for a low price:

Anyone Can Dance Mystery Box

Each box contains 13 Anyone Can Dance - For Absolute Beginners DVDs. Available for a limited time only. *No exchanges or returns.

shop.dancevision.com

Or if you know what dance(s) you are interested in, you can pick individual dance DVDs from the series for $5 each. But for the price of the set, you might as well grab the box of 13 and then you can sample different dances and see what looks like the most fun to start with.

This one covers 4 dances, and the instructors are awesome (and this DVD might or might not be included in the mystery box above):

Quick Start Guide to Ballroom, Latin & Swing

Learn the basics and hit the dance floor with the most popular ballroom and latin dances: Waltz, Tango, Salsa and Swing! One-on-one instruction in the privacy of your own home from U.S. Professional American Ballroom Champions, Michael Mead and Toni Redpath. Approximately 97 Minutes.

shop.dancevision.com

A few sample single dance DVDs:

Anyone Can Dance | Absolute Beginners | Foxtrot

DVD Track List Beginning Level1) Foxtrot Basic2) Promenade3) Rock Turn to Left & Right4) Sway Step & Underarm TurnDemonstration of Steps 1-4 Intermediate Level1) Zig Zag2) Promenade with Underarm Turn3) Simple Twinkle4) Fallaway TwinklesDemonstration of Steps 1-4 Approximately 45 minutes...

shop.dancevision.com

Anyone Can Dance | Absolute Beginners | Hustle

DVD Track List Introduction to HustleBeginning Level1. Back Break Basic2. Wheel3. Hesitation4. She Goes, He Goes5. Exchange of HandsDemonstration - Figures -1-5 Intermediate Level6. Return to 90°7. Crossbody Lead to Open Break8. Crossbody with Inside TurnDemonstration - Figures - 6-8Dance...

shop.dancevision.com

Anyone Can Dance | Absolute Beginners | Nightclub Slow Dancing

DVD Track List Beginning Level1) Sway2) Syncopated Sway3) Side Touch4) Side Rocks5) Opening OutDemonstration of Steps 1-5 Intermediate Level1) Slide Rock2) Underarm Turn to the Right3) Underarm Turn to the Left4) Traveling Step5) The DipDemonstration of Steps 6-10 Approximately 45 minutes...

shop.dancevision.com

I'm recommending Dance Vision because I know as an experienced dancer that the instruction will be high quality. There is plenty of stuff to try on YouTube as well, but there will be a wide range of teaching ability and material may or may not be good for a couple just getting started.

Hope that helps!
raindance

 

[baker_eliz]

Thanks so much.

 

[baker_eliz]

Raindance, I Just reread your response (I was in a hurry the first time I read it). It was above and beyond what one could reasonably expect. You obviously put a lot of time and thought into it, and my previous response did not acknowledge that. So uncivil of me. Thanks again. (Still on the hunt for those Korean dance videos, though.)

 

[raindance]

You're welcome, baker_eliz. Wish I knew how to help you find those Korean dance videos. Let us know how your dance journey with your husband goes, regardless of the path you take!

 

[cloey]

Hi, there is a Korean ballroom brand that sell mainly dresses. not sure if they offer videos as their website is in Korean, but you could write to them & ask their advice? their name is popconatelier. Good luck!

 

[baker_eliz]

Thank you, cloey. I contacted them to ask. Thanks.