My teacher said my toes are too relaxed and my toes stick out a little bit out the front of my shoe when it's relaxed My latin teacher told me I need to scrunch/ retract? my toes a little bit into my shoe but not curl them.. I'm not quite sure what she means by that.. idk if I'm understanding her correctly n I've been pressing my toes into the floor (not too much), forming smtg similar to a hammer toe shape.. I'm not curling my toes, it's just more pressure on the balls of my feet Am I supposed to scrunch my toes for latin dance?? I did ballet n my ballet teacher advised against it.. so I'm kinda confused

Me and my partner have been working the last few practices on making our pivots actually travel down LoD, usually we just get stuck and end up pivoting in place… I watched a lot of different technique videos and we were able to go in a small circle today so it helped. But the goal is to be able to travel down LoD not do a circle of only a few feet diameter. Any idea what the issue might be, or recommendations for more technique videos to watch? I would ask our teacher but he’s on vacation for a month, and I would like to fix the issue much sooner.

I am from Germany and reading other people's stories in the posts around here, which mostly focus on the ballroom scene in the USA, got me interested in how the ballroom scene might work in other countries and how other people found their way into the scene there.

So here is a quick rundown of how the system in Germany works from my experience and how I see the differences to the system in the USA:

In Germany, you have, on one hand, the dance schools, which offer a wider variety of programs along with ballroom dancing and are commercial enterprises. They usually only offer classes of social dancing levels and almost no competitive events. These are basically all associated with the "ADTV," which in turn is an associate of the "WDC." Of course, there are other dance schools that focus on different dance styles, like ballet or kizomba. My best guess is that most people who start with ballroom dancing have their first point of contact in one of these dance schools. They also have their classes usually organized by this bronze, silver, gold medal type thing, where you learn new figures on each medal level.

Then there are dance clubs, which are usually a division of a larger club that has multiple divisions for different sports. Those are registered non-profit associations. They have a more narrow focus and offer classes specifically catered for competitions. Depending on the club, there often are pre-tournament classes or actual beginner classes. Often they also have a social group. They are basically always associated with the "DTV," which in turn is an associate of the "WDSF." A little bit on the tournament structure: You start at D-class and through competitions, you can work your way through C, B, and A all the way to S-class. D- & C-class have a restricted syllabus, and the classes beyond that are (mostly) open choreography. As far as I understood, at A- & S-class, you are eligible for the international WDSF Open events.

Lastly, there are usually dance classes offered as part of university sport, but they usually only offer beginner classes. Though exceptions can apply, and some universities offer classes at higher proficiencies or collaborate with local dance clubs for the higher classes.

In contrast, the ballroom scene in the USA seems to be dominated by chain studios. I read the names "Arthur Murray" and "Fred Astaire" a lot. There are also independent studios, but from what I read, most of them are from former chain studio teachers that went independent at some point. But all of these are commercial enterprises and apparently even more so than the ones in Germany, considering the prices people quoted around here for competitions, etc. Not sure about the independent one, but the chain studios are part of the "NDCA", which is part of the "WDC." Though Arthur Murray seems to be big enough to be basically its own thing, as I have noticed the WDC amateur league is more or less run by Arthur Murray, or at least in partnership with them.

There also seems to be collegiate dancing at universities, but I am not sure what role they play in social and competitive dancing. I am not all too familiar with the universities in the US, but from what I know, university sports play a bigger role than in Germany. So these might replace the role of the dance clubs in Germany.

So all in all, the dance sport seems to be more commercialized in the US than in Germany, but at the same time, social and competitive dancing is more closely linked, since the dance studios cover both sides, while in Germany they are more strictly separated. In Germany, the competitive (amateur) scene is oriented towards the WDSF side, while in the US it's geared towards the WDC.
Oh yeah, also I guess american style ballroom is also a thing and most competitions cater to that, rather than the international style.

Some things that seemed odd to me, but very well might just be due to a different perspective on things: The prevalence of solo classes at the social level. These make a lot of sense to me for the competitive level, but I've seen them offered as part of newcomer deals at dance studios, which I found quite baffling. Unless I'd need a special choreography for like, a wedding dance, I wouldn't have considered as much. Also, the existence of pro/am dance. I hadn't even known that this was a thing before I came here and, to be honest, I still don't get the appeal of it. But maybe someone can enlighten me.

While I did the obligatory dance course during school, I personally got into dancing rather late. When I got bored of a previous hobby of mine, I tried some salsa dancing during university. Shortly thereafter, I got into Latin formation dancing by chance. Next to that, I also did some standard and Latin couple dancing, but progress has been slow as it has proven quite difficult to find a consistent partner to train and compete with.

So feel free to share your own knowledge and enlighten me on any things I have gotten wrong.

Hi All! I'm just getting back into dancing after my COVID hiatus and I'm super motivated to up my game and compete at a higher caliber. Right now I dance with just my instructor and at my studio the culture for competing is usually pro/am unless its one's romantic partner. Well my husband doesn't enjoy dancing and even of he did he'd be 5 years experience behind me. I think like having an amateur partner would help with affordability because we could get floor time for practicing without having to pay for the teacher's time and we could split the costs for entries.

I'm wondering where people look to other than their acquaintances to find partners. Are there any apps or sites to connect people? Have any of you had success with a non-romantic amateur partner? If you've tried it what are your recommendations?

For reference I live in the Northeast US and not Boston or NYC.

PS- I will also continuing dancing with my instructor a- I'm sure he's better than another student so we can probably compete better together than with 2 students, and b- of course there's more to learn!

We’re looking for our wedding song and we’re hoping for something like Leon Bridges or Otis Redding. The ones I’m finding seem to be Viennese waltzes though. Any recommendations for slow waltzes with the same vibe? Thank you!

Previously, I asked about a possible routine for a song I love (The Middle by Jimmy Eat World) and asked my instructor, who choreographed an east coast swing. He’s been having me practice to a slower song (California Gurls by Katy Perry) and last Wednesday had a bit of a reaction over how fast my song is - asking whether we could change it.

He ended up having me practice spot turns at tempo and I did ok. I’m bronze 2 and he’s tossed a tiny bit of bronze 3 into our routine.

We still have time to practice/change things up before May 16th but this song randomly came up on Spotify this morning and I think it could work as well: https://youtu.be/BoXu6QmxpJE?si=k0YDm9tM6n0gOuzI

Thoughts?

Just thought I’d share my routine from Nashville Starz with you all

https://youtube.com/watch?v=x-q9wNvtVTs

I feel like my heel is too “free” and I’m not sure what to do about it. I’m new to latin shoes(higher heel) so any other beginner tips are more than welcome!

Click baity title. Lead here, age 40ish. Recently at fox trot lessons with my teenage kids, the crowd was mostly 60+. I noticed a few of the older ladies would... quickly caress/squeeze my deltoid as they place they left hand on my shoulder before we dance. I do work out, but would consider myself athletic but not swole. How much is too much?

Note: Not actually uncomfortable, just amused by their brazenness.

I take lessons at a chain studio. Historically, the studio showcases function effectively like kids dance recitals — they are just an opportunity to invite friends and families to see what you’ve been working on and get a lot of cheers from the audience. You pay a cover charge for dinner and drinks and cheer on your dance friends and newbies — it’s a wonderful and encouraging setting.

For whatever reason, I just learned that my studio now wants to start making them into mini competitions where attendees rank their favorite shows and winners are selected by the dance instructors. This changes the tenor of the showcases entirely. Your friends are now your competitors and your judges.

As someone who deliberately doesn’t do competitions and likes the wholesome, friendly environment of the current showcases, to say this dismays me is a bit of an understatement. It’s a huge turnoff and I’m deciding whether or not I want to participate in this in the future. Leaning towards no but I must ask ….

Is this common at studios??

Hello, I'm a very new student. I am in my 60s and was a school teacher. I decided to try learning to dance strictly for the social interactions it offers. And what a fun way to stay active!

I found a local, independent studio. The instructors are young & involved in a lot of competitions. They aren't trained to teach, I would guess. We have an instrution plan that breaks down the dance into components. He tracks what he's shown me and what we covered in each lesson. I suppose it helps him remember where we left off.

For me, this is troubling. We may do several new steps in a session. I fumble through and follow him around the dance floor. He congratulates me when I do it correctly. But I don’t feel that I'm mastering one step before another is added. I don't feel successful. I'm just easy to lead (as he's told me). I remember virtually nothing from one week to the next.

Is this how dance is taught? Is it unnecessary to really feel confident before moving on? Should I trust his process? Or are there different approaches?

Thank you.

Looking to find some fellow wheelchair dancers to share experiences. I used to dance standing but kept missing classes because I'd become dizzy and exhausted, eventually got diagnosed and started using mobility aids. Decided to use a wheelchair for when we went back to dancing. Our teacher never had a wheelchair student before so it was a learning curve but every dance gets a little easier.

It might be my crappy loaner closet chair bur I do have an issue with dances that travel because I have trouble staying in line if anyone has any advice.

What music makes you want to get up and dance at a social? I am not looking for "this song is technically appropriate structurally for waltz competitions and the 75 second blah blah blah" suggestions but rather "Oh hell yeah I love dancing rumba to this" type of suggestions.

Please note the song title, artist, version (if it is a remix or whatnot), and what you like to dance to it.

Thanks y'all!

Hello, I’m f(28) going to Concordia ball that is end of May in Vienna, I was supposed to go with my 2 friends originally but they bailed and now I’m just going alone, i hope I can make some friends there cause I don’t really wanna feel alone considering there are pairs of people coming in :/

Can you guys help me on how to give a clear lead on hesitation change in slow-waltz? Lately I’ve been dancing with different followers (pros) mostly without any discussed routines so only for social fun but I am scared or not clear when it comes to hesitation change. How do I make it clear that for instance after 1 bar of natural turn I am about to change feet? Simply by not rising on count 2? I have a social coming up and plan to lead stuff including hesitation changes and I don’t want any accicents. Thanks in advance.

Does anyone have recommendations for adding hair for competition? I’d like to do a long braid. My hair is a few inches past my shoulders so I would need to add hair. I tried two different options. One was a ponytail holder that has hair and the other put your hair in a bun and clipped over it. In both cases, the top of the braid was really bulky and it looked bad. Any ideas? What are people doing?

Hey guys! Got another question for you guys. Outside of the obvious follow/lead dynamic is anybody able to provide list of techniques exclusive to the lead’s role in international ballroom and Latin? Kinda like pressure lines for follows in rumba.

Recently I have been struggling to get attention or help in my group lessons. Often times I am the only lead in a class of 10-15 follows. Naturally my teachers focus on the majority and will often skip the lead’s side of steps. Sometimes we will spend the entire lesson on follow exclusive techniques like how to orient your head during a chassis in a waltz. I have to be very vocal to get attention or even taught at times. Problem is sometimes I don’t know what to ask for. For context I am at a Silver Level.

It sucks but if I at least know what to ask for I can ask for it and be a pain in the teachers ass until they teach it to me.

Thank you guys in advance for any help.

Why would one choose to do a closed impetus instead of a natural spin turn in international foxtrot, quickstep or slow waltz? Does it have a special function?

I would assume a statement like that could only come from a racist colonialist, but all the dances I know about from India, China, Indonesia and Africa are solo / group dances [edit: or if they are danced in couples, they are danced with minimal or no physical contact, no physical influence, usually side-by-side, as if they are dancing solo / group].

Excluding Russia, are there partner dances [edit: influencing each other (or at least one-way-influence) through physical contact] from Asia and Africa? If not, why not?

Did they exist but just never got 'recorded' / shared / preserved ? Many solo / group dances have been recorded from Asia and Africa, so why not partner dances?

Religious / parental attempts to limit sex / romance? To my knowledge romantic marriage is more associated with the freedom-focused West. Arranged marriage is far more common - perhaps was the norm - in at least some Asian places.

I know some Asian cultures emphasize tradition over originality / individuality. My wife says for many in Bali from Bali, almost every moment is lived as religious ritual, carrying out the community's values.

Is that the answer? For all of Asia and Africa? : Less emphasis on individuality / freedom => less emphasis on romance => less emphasis on partner dancing?

I’m having difficulty finding songs I like to practice to with my current partner, specifically east coast swing, cha cha (rhythm), and quickstep. I know it’s not because I dislike the genres as there’s plenty of songs at socials I like, I just don’t know any of the names off the top of my head, and the ones I find on playlists in Spotify are either boring, or not the right genre. Any songs you like for these dances?

What's your recommended hair gel to use for Latin dancing? Knowing my hair type I will need to use both hair gel and hair spray probably, I already know what I'm going for with the hair spray, which is the Got2B Glued hair spray, but most stuff I found online for the hair gel are for people in the US, and maybe I'm in the wrong part of the search but they are not really something I can find in the UK, or at least as accessible, as far as I'm aware, I should be looking for mirror effect hair gel, so just wondering what people here would usually use and recommend for it. If it helps, I have very coarse 2c to 3b Asian hair, and I have a lot of hair. Thank you.

I found this website by chance and the prices were really good so I ordered two dresses to see which one will work for a showcase I have coming up, based on thier size chart the XXL (Thier largest size)will just barely fit

So I'm wondering if anyone has ordered from them before and can tell me about the quality, do theu run small/large, how easy it to return items etc

What distinguishes swing from foxtrot songs of similar tempo, technically speaking?

Is this song best suited to foxtrot or quickstep?

I'm Asian(mainly south Asian), I'm naturally quite tanned, just like how some people would look like after they have already applied the tan, do I still need to apply tan? Is it a must? If I applied tan that would have an effect on my skin tone, it won't be considered just tanned. If I were still to wear tan, what kind of product could I be wearing that is good(sweat-proof, waterproof) and would work on a darker skin tone?

Most people I see using tan are White so I have no idea how it works for non-white people....

Hello everyone!

The Ballroom & Latin music site that I wrote about in a post a few years ago has just gotten a major upgrade! I have added a music player that allows you to automatically generate practices, set a custom break time, save your favourite tracks and much more.

Sure, you can just create a Spotify playlist, but when I started competing, that quickly became annoying to me.

When practising finals, you usually need a bit of time to reset in between dances. Also, most playlists that already exist feature tracks grouped by dance, which means that you have to go back to your phone or music player and skip around after each dance. No more with my webapp! It is perfectly suited for casual and competitive dancers.

I would love to get some feedback the usability overall. Feel free to suggest missing features as well!

I greatly appreciate it if you simply use it (and perhaps register), because that site was a lot of work! Please share it with your dancing friends! :)

You can check it out here: https://ballroom-music.net/finals/demo

PS: Creating an account allows you to save your favorite tracks and finals, create your own collections and contribute your own music to the site. It also helps me see that people are using and appreciating my work!

They got multiple students with different routines, styles and levels. This happens more than a few times, while I still did very well, it still bothers me when all is over. I spent so much time and money to master my routine then I'm all ready to go out there, feeling confident, all in beautiful dresses, then my teacher/partner forgets my routine. I get deflated, try to recover from it, then I brushed it off when I get the awards, pretending all is good. Should I be bothered by this? I know one student told me that I should anticipate some mishaps during comp but she's a long time student there. I'm not sure if she just lived with it because she has same teacher forever