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WHY DANCE !

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  WHY DANCE ! You are important. If you look after yourself, you are better able to look after others. If your stay healthy and strong, others can rely on you. Dancing is one of the ways you can stay more healthy. You are born with the ability to move rhythmically. The basic steps of social Ballroom & Latin dancing and Line dancing are simple. I have heard from so many that they have two left feet. My reply is that it doesn't matter if you have two left feet, you just need to know where to put them.  There are many different kinds of sport you can do to increase your health, be it football, bowls or running etc. While sports oftan focus on competitive performance, dancing offers a 'sustainable' form of exercise because it is oftan enjoyed rather than tolorated.  What good does it do : A sign that was posted in my mother's, Pat Dougall, dance studio for 30 years. I regularly receive messages asking after my classes,saying I am 55 or 75, as if that were a hindrance. T...
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How I Choreograph A Wedding Dance

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  How I Choreograph A Wedding Dance                                                                                                             Author : Peta-Jane Dougall Before I start to choreo a wedding dance routine, I ask the Bride-To-Be for the exact song that they are going to play on their wedding day - preferably a direct link to YouTube. I then download it and put it on a stick to play on my speaker. The reason I am so particular is that there can be be quite a few versions of the same song ...
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Why I Became A Dancer

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  Why I Became A Dancer                                                                                                                                                                Author : Peta-Jane Dougall My mother was a stay at home mom which made my life very secure. When my parents divorced in 1970, I was 10, my mother had to go and work. She was a trained Ballroom & Latin American dance teacher, in England, before she came to South Africa. I don't know if it was perhaps a need to be near her or because ...
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Your Wedding First Dance

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  Your Wedding First Dance A beautiful wedding is a costly affair. Considering that this is the most special day of your life, it is well worth it. I like to see a professionally executed First Dance when the couple opens the dance floor. It continues the professional feel of the day.   I oftan hear from the person, who is booking dance lessons, say that the man can't (or won't) dance. Over the years,  I have been pleasantly suprised at the number of men who turn out to have a lot of talent in leading their lady on the dance floor. It may feel like you have two left feet, but that is only because you don't know where to put them. I will show you where to put your feet and how to move your body so that you will flow in an elegant and pleasing manner.  That said, nothing comes easy. It takes work to learn something and dancing is no different. The rewards can last you for a lifetime.  I have been teaching couples how to dance for many years. I understand how ...
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What Shoes Should I Wear To My Dance Class

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  What Shoes Should I Wear To My Dance Class I have been asked this question at almost every Ballroom and Latin social dance class I take. The best shoe to wear is what is comfortable for you. You know if you need a wide or narrow shoe, open or closed toe, high or flat heel etc. If you only wear flat shoes, don't try to dance in heels. Yes, you can wear takkies as long as it is flexable.  What is important, is that the shoe can spin on the floor with ease so you can turn comfortably. So test out the shoes you have in the cupboard on a wooden or tiled floor.  The other important point is that your foot should be secure. A soft material, a snug fit and a closed heel is best.  If you wish to buy shoes, here are some ideas -  Ladies Dance Shoes Good dance shoes apply to the man too. soft & pliable with a slight heel . Soles that you can turn easily with. Test for noise too. Its awkward to have a loud screech every time you turn,  Mans Dance Shoe To enjoy yo...
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Line Dance Class

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  Line Dance Class Join me in my Line Dance class on Wednesday  at St Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave. The class is open to all people of all ages. It is for relaxation and gentle exercise.  What is Line Dancing -  Dancers form lines or rows, typically facing the same direction.  Specific routines are choreographed for particular songs, such as Macarena or Footloose. No partner is required - it is a solo activity done in a group setting. It is popular because it is easy to learn and offers physical, social and mental health benefits.  I have three different levels to choose from - The  Starter Class  from 16h30 to 17h15. This for people that have no idea how to Line Dance. This class faces the instuctor at all times and does not do any steps with turns. The  Beginner Class  is from 17h00 to 18h00. This is when you have learnt to dance many of the basic steps and can recognize movements without being shown them. This class learns ho...
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Ballroom and Latin Solo (no partner) Class

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  Ballroom & Latin Solo (no partner) Class Join me in my Ballroom & Latin solo class on Friday from 19h30 to 20h30 at St Thomas Anglican church hall. A lovely safe place to park. You are welcome to bring your family to come and watch. 190 Stephen Dlamini Road, Musgrave (driveway opposite DHS rugby grounds)  PICTURE OF HALL                                         You will learn how to dance these Ballroom dances -  English Waltz   - Quickstep   You will learn how to dance these Latin dances -  Salsa  - Bachata  - Jive  - Cha Cha  - International Rumba  - Samba It costs R375 per person for 3 one hour lessons paid at the start.   Classes start - 10 April       - Cha Cha & Rumba 8 May         - Jive & Samba 5 June         - Waltz & Quickstep
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