Archive | Dance Articles

by Peter Waterson Fellow ISTD We have some rather strange names for figures in our Ballroom and Latin dance syllabi.  How did these names originate?    Here are two examples, the origin of which are, I think, fairly well known. THE TELEMARK:    British dancers, skiing in Norway in the 1920’s, saw the “Telemark Turn”,used in skiing […]

by Frank Regan The QQS timing was originally the timing of the “fast rumba” aka the Guaracha,resulting on the emphasis being on “3”. The SQQ timing was used in the son rumba and also in the Beguine “RHUMBA” ( note the different spelling) causing the break to be on “3” . When Son Patterns were […]

Contributed by Lori Woods Gay Although the Student Teacher Exam may at first seem like an “easy” way to get certified, a closer look says much more. Here’s my personal observation, from experience. Studying for this exam allowed me to pay close attention to alignments, footwork and other technical details  and also to grasp the […]

By Frank Regan A question which has again reared its controversial head for about the ten millionth time is plaguing all who either dance or avoid dancing the Whisk, i.e. does the lady release the toe at the end of the first step of the Whisk? Our esteemed examiners who have addressed this question have, […]

By Frank Regan Independence Day Ball 2008 Early 1900s: The Waltz This dance was, needless to say, imported into America by European immigrants.  It was, however, popularized in Boston and New York by the legendary Vernon Castle who introduced a particular version that was palatable to American society and appropriate to high level social gatherings […]

by Miriam Ellis Rhythm Dancing is and has been a requirement for Amateur and Professional International Ballroom Examinations (including all Medal Tests) for some years.  In conducting various examinations I cannot help but observe that most candidates do not understand the correct way of dancing Slow and Quick Rhythm, yet the sad feature is that […]

by Frank Regan The M.C. plays a vital role in the creation of an environment appropriate to the level and volume of the event. As an M.C. you are involved in a piece of theater which needless to say is empowered by the higher principles of drama. The M.C. should be more than an announcer […]

by Frank Regan Information on this subject may be found in the Rules and Regulations booklet published by the NDCA.  Some additional suggestions to take note of are as follows: Dress in a manner that indicates your respect for the profession that you represent. Judges should refrain from conversing with competitors on the floor.  They […]

By Peter Waterson Dual Fellow I.S.T.D.   Why do so many medalists and lower echelon competitive dancers have difficulty with the timing in Slow Foxtrot?   In basic Waltz or Quickstep, we generally have a closing of the feet every three or four steps, which can act as a recovery break should the timing start to […]

By Frank Regan   1st measure 2nd measure 3/2 CLAVE  1   &   2   &   3   &   4   & ^        ^       ^   1   &   2   &   3   &   4   & ^    ^   1st measure 2nd measure 2/3 CLAVE   1   &   2   &   3   &   4   & ^    ^ 1   &   2   &   3   […]