Saturday, February 11, 2012

Contra Dancing

My sweet husband took me out recently to something that was somewhat new to both of us: Contra Dancing. Ever heard of it? It's like square dancing in that each dance is called, and many of the steps are taken from square dancing, but there are a few simple basics that are good to learn in the beginning. There was a live band which was very fun and we paid $9 for the evening which included a short lesson at the beginning.

I noticed some of the men were wearing skirts so I asked someone what that meant. Did they want to dance the lady's part? The response: "It's just more fun to dance in a skirt!" That made me laugh. This is a fun and varied crowd of people. We had a great time and everyone was very helpful and forgiving of our not knowing what we were doing. I even had a blast just watching.

If you're looking for a fun evening and some good exercise, try contra dancing. Wear comfortable shoes and clothes. Bring some water, and if you're a man and would like to wear a skirt go for it!

Click here for more about Contra Dancing in the Triangle Area.

Keep on Dancin'!

Dancing Update

I have been teaching a lot recently and having a great time doing it!

In December I taught the waltz to a student at UNC who was preparing for a formal dance. He learned quickly and was successful in dancing well and enjoying his event.

Also in December I taught a church group on campus as a break from their studies. What a great idea! They learned the Virginia Reel and Night Club 2 step. We had a great time! I love teaching group events, it is always a blast!

I've begun teaching a new student who is interested in learning the waltz as well.

Thank you to all my students past and present, I love what I do and have met so many amazing people along the way! Thank you for letting me share my love of dance with you!

Tuesday, November 15, 2011

This is Perfect!!

If you're looking for....

The Perfect gift
The Perfect way to prepare for a holiday party
The Perfect way to spend quality time with your special someone
The Perfect opportunity to have fun and get some exercise
The Perfect New Year's Resolution
OR
The Perfect touch to add to your Wedding Celebration

Look no further, contact me about dance lessons today!!

gottadance.nicole@gmail.com

Tuesday, July 20, 2010

What's this... is she posting something??

Yes, it has been almost a year since my last post, and I have LOTS of great excuses - the number one being my daughter who is now 13 months. She is very easy to get wrapped up in and I wouldn't have it any other way. I have however still been teaching and having a blast with getting to know and working with my students who have also become my friends. Seriously awesome people here in the Chapel Hill area.

Most recently I taught Adam and Tami who had a destination wedding in Hawaii. It was so much fun to work with them. I taught and choreographed a night club 2 step for them and also taught Tami secretly to dance a hula which she surprised her groom with at their reception! How cool is that? They said it was the highlight of the wedding (outside of the actual vows of course! :)

I'm currently teaching Alex and Catherine who are learning a beautiful waltz for their wedding. They are learning quickly and having a great time too.

If you or someone you know is getting married or if you just want to learn to dance socially shoot me an email, I'd love to help you achieve your dance goals!

Saturday, August 29, 2009

West Coast Swing Workshop Weekend September 25-27

If you enjoy West Coast Swing dancing you won't want to miss these workshops in September with Jordan and Tatiana. To sign up, look for registration information here. If you're not familiar with west coast swing check out some samples on Youtube here, here and here.

Monday, April 6, 2009

Half a Hula

Don't get me wrong, I don't usually teach hula dancing... but the activities committee at church was putting on a talent show so I decided to offer to teach any interested women at church to dance a hula for it. We only have half of the video of it since I forgot to free up some memory on my camera - oops. The women did a great job preparing. And yes, I'm about 7 months pregnant here. Special thanks to my friend Bella who taught this dance to me. She grew up in Hawaii and danced at the Polynesian Cultural Center on O'ahu for several years. Enjoy :)


Wednesday, February 25, 2009

Dance for a cure THIS FRIDAY NIGHT!

Dance for a cure - third annual benefit dance

Elks Lodge #735 at 5538 Leadmine Rd, Raleigh

February 27, 2009, 7:00pm to 11:30pm

Benefit for The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Mix of swing, Latin, and ballroom, dancing. Proceeds go towards cancer research and patient care. ($10 admission includes a free swing dance lesson, but get there on time as they typically do these at the beginning of the evening).

Contact: Vickie Barrett 782-7947 can't make the dance? Donations can be made at: http://pages.teamintraining.org/nce/cmc/09/vbarrett

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Music Suggestions: NC2 & WCS

Here are some music suggestions for two of the dances I teach...more dances to come in future posts... until then, happy dancing!

Night Club Two Step

Home - Michael Buble
Thinking About You - Norah Jones
I Turn to You - Christina Aguilera
I Believe in You and Me - Whitney Houston
Just Like Heaven - Katie Melua's version
Back at One - Brian McKnight
From this Moment On -Shania Twain
Run to Me - Clay Aiken
A Moment Like This - Kelly Clarkson

West Coast Swing
Cause I Love You - Mike Morgan & The Crawl
Alone - Susan Tedeschi
Give it Back - Gaelle
Heartattack & Vine - Tom Waits (slow)
Multiply - Jamie Lidell
Put Your Records On - Corinne Bailey Rae
Secret or She Will Be Loved - both by Maroon 5
Shoes of Another Man - Brother Yusef
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow - Inger Marie Gundersen
You're All I Need to Get By - Kenny Lattimore





Monday, January 26, 2009

June '08 Hustle Routine




Joe & Gina had never danced Hustle when they came to me asking for choreography to this song. After only 12 lessons accompanied by their own outside practices they were able to pull off this performance quite nicely at Dance for 2 Studio in San Diego - great job guys!

Monday, December 29, 2008

Group Classes in Durham on Wednesday Nights

Dearest Dancers and Soon-to-be Dancers:

Many are asking me where they can take group classes. I personally am only teaching private lessons at this time, but will let you know when I start teaching groups. Until then I will post group class opportunities that I recommend. Below is my number 1 recommendation:

Classes:
West Coast Swing Level 1 at 7:00pm
Carolina Shag Level 1 at 8:00pm
West Coast Swing Level 2 at 9:00pm

When: January 7 - Feb. 11 (6 week series)

Location:
Eno River Universalist Unitarian Fellowship
4907 Garrett Road, Durham

Instructor: Wesley Boz

For more information contact Music and Dance Productions (they also teach group classes in Raliegh on nights other than Wednesdays)

http://www.musicanddance.com/mad/index.html

Good Luck!



Wednesday, November 12, 2008

Dancing for Beginners


Lots of people ask what style of dance to start with...

I like starting students with a slow couples' dance called Night Club 2 step. It's simple, casual and can be done to so many different styles of popular music. A lot of people start with salsa because it's really hot right now, but many beginning dancers have difficulty with the rhythm. As you build your skills and get used to having a partner attached to your movement you'll find it easier to add more dances little by little.

But what if you have a specific kind of dance you want to learn?

If you already know what you want to learn, or there is a specific kind of music you enjoy and want to learn to dance to, give it a try! Also keep in mind that everyone's background is different. If you and your partner are musically inclined and/or feel you both have a good sense of rhythm, you may have little or no difficulty starting with one of many different styles. Pick an instructor you feel comfortable with and ask his or her advice before getting started.

Keeping it Fun!


It's easy to get stressed out when we're learning something new. Remember, this is for fun, be patient with yourself and your partner. Breathe. Don't take yourself too seriously, and if your partner is feeling frustrated, be sure to smile and try to find ways to let him or her know you appreciate them dancing with you!



Tuesday, July 22, 2008

So Long San Diego Dancers!

Dear Dancers,

I am moving to North Carolina at the end of July 2008 (Go Tarheels!). Thank you to all who have supported my business and my passion for teaching dance the past 4 years! I have met such wonderful people! Thank you for letting me be a part of your journey as you learn to dance. It has been a pleasure to watch your improvement and see the joy dancing brings to you!

For anyone who would like to know who else to take dance from feel free to contact me and I'd be happy to help. In general I would refer you to my friends at Dance for 2 off of Claremont Mesa Blvd, Dance Motion Studios in Rancho Bernardo, Starlight near SDSU, Synergy Dance Zone on Miramar or Patty Wells' Dancetime Center off of Sea World Drive.

I plan to make visits to San Diego in the future and will post any workshops and private lesson times that I have available here on my blog. Until then good luck, and may you continue to find joy in dancing!

Friday, March 28, 2008

WEST COAST SWING Workshops April 1st - No Foolin'!

I will be teaching two workshops this coming Tuesday, April 1st at Dance for 2. The first one is "Mastering the Basics" at 6:30pm and the second one is "Intermediate Tricks & Technique" at 7:30pm. See you there!

Monday, February 18, 2008

San Diego Dancers on the TODAY show!

Click here to check out World Country Dance Champions and fellow San Diegans Ronnie DeBenedetta and Brandi Tobias on the TODAY show.

Country Two-Step Performance: Leslie and Greg Mittanck

If you missed the Dance for 2 Party on Saturday night, here is a video of a routine I choreographed for my students Greg and Leslie. You can't tell very well from the video, but they blackened their teeth and their outfits were pretty funny :)

Friday, February 15, 2008

West Coast Swing Event in San Diego May 1-4

If you like West Coast Swing check out SwingDiego in May 2008. There will be workshops, competitions and lots of dancing! This is one of several West Coast Swing events that go on all over the country including Seattle, L.A., Phoenix, Houston, Atlanta, Framingham, MA, Boston, DC, Sacramento, Monterey, Irvine, and Anaheim.


Wednesday, February 13, 2008

What to Wear for Dancing

Comfortable Clothes: Just wear clothes you are comfortable in - ladies, make sure you can raise your arms up comfortably.

Shoes: For both men and women make sure you have either dance shoes or a shoe with a leather sole. (Ladies: choose a shoe with a back to it or a back strap, otherwise your shoe will hit the floor each time you take a step and possibly fall off potentially causing injury to you or other dancers). Don't wear rubber-soled shoes if you can help it; they inhibit turning and could cause knee injury if you try turning in them.

Purchasing Dance Shoes: There are many places to get dance shoes. The two places I recommend the most are Carmen's Dance Shoes for social dancing and Ballroom Boutique for competitive dancing (but call first as their hours vary: 619-291-1601).

How To Get Started Dancing

1. What kind of dance do you want to learn? Fast? Slow? Romantic? What kind of music do you like? Maybe start by learning to dance to your favorite music. Email me at gottadance.nicole@gmail.com and I can help you out!

2. Do you prefer group classes or private lessons?

Group Classes: You will typically rotate partners. Some instructors will allow you to stay with the person you came with, but in general rotating is encouraged. You usually are not required to come with a partner, but always ask to confirm.

Private Lessons: You will have your own dance tutor. You may take a private lesson by yourself or with someone else. Private lessons are often a good place to start for men. I have often heard from male students that they prefer private lessons - especially at first - because it is less pressure. Email me to schedule your first lesson.

If you are serious about learning to dance and you want to speed up the process take both group and private lessons; you will learn different things in each.

Thursday, January 24, 2008

Group Class: Night Club Two-Step Tuesday Nights!

Join me at Dance for 2 on Tuesday nights starting in February for group classes in Night Club Two-Step (click here to see entire group class schedule). Night Club Two-Step is a practical and versatile social dance. It is designed to be used with contemporary soft rock. This type of music is common just about everywhere, nightclubs, radio, etc. The rhythm of the dance is very simple. This romantic dance gives the dancer, whether beginning or advanced, the opportunity to express and create without requiring the use of a rigid technique.

Saturday, January 12, 2008

Getting Married?



If you or someone you know is getting married why not learn to dance? Every wedding couple wants to have a smooth first dance, but what wedding couples don't anticipate is how much FUN it is to spend some time in each other's arms in a dance lesson as the big day approaches - a wonderful break from all of the planning that goes into the wedding!

I have enjoyed working with many wedding couples. The picture above is of my students Meg and Norm as they enjoy dancing a Night Club Two Step together on their wedding day.


Contact me at 919.619-7873 for more information on wedding dance lessons.