Posts

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...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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...

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...

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

Ballroom and Latin Couple Class

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  Ballroom & Latin Couple Class Join me in my Ballroom & Latin couple class on Friday from 18h30 to 19h30 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 (Essenwood) Road, Musgrave (driveway opposite DHS rugby grounds)  PICTURE OF HALL You will learn how to dance these Ballroom dances -    English Waltz  - Quickstep  - Argentine Tango - Viennese Waltz - Rhythm Foxtrot - Sokkie You will learn how to dance these Latin dances -  Salsa - Bachata - Hustle (Boogie) - Jive - Cha Cha - International Rumba - Jazz The classes run throughout the year and costs R850 per couple per month paid at the start. If there is full attendance in a 5 week month, the 5th lesson is for free. if a couple pays R850 at the beginning of the month, but does not attend every week, their payment will be converted to the walk-in rate. Walk-in rate is R240 per couple per lesson....

DDC Classes

DURBAN DANCE CENTRE CLASSES Ballroom & Latin Couple Class Friday 18h30 to 19h30 St Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave Ballroom & Latin solo Class Friday 19h30 to 20h30 St. Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave Private Lessons By appointment St. Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave/34 Laurel Road, Glenwood Line Dance Starter Class Monday 10h00 to 10h45 34 Laurel Road Glenwood Wednesday. 06h30 to 17h15 St Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave Line Dance Beginner Class Wednesday 17h00 to 18h00 St Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave Line Dance Improver Class Wednesday 17h30 to 18h30 St Thomas Anglican church hall, Musgrave

DDC Price List 2026

Durban Dance Centre Price List for 2026 Wedding First Dances - R495 per one hour lesson Packages x4 hours R1920 (495x4-60-R1920) x6 hours R2860 (1920+470+470) x8 hours R3780 (2860+460+460) Privates Social R470/hour per couple Regulars R450/hour per couple (committed for 6 months) Classes Couple Class R850 paid at the beginning of the month. When R850 is paid at the beginning of the month and there is full attendance in a 5 week month, the 5th lesson is free. If a couple pays R850 at the beginning of the month, but does not attend every week, their payment will be converted to the walk-in rate. R240.00 per couple per lesson walk-in Beginner Ballroom & Latin Solo Course R125 per person per lesson. The full amount is paid before the course starts. In other words R750 for a 6 week course or R1000 for an 8 week course etc. The exact same class may be attended at no charge for one year thereafter.

Benefits of dance

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What are the benefits of dance? Dance offers numerous benefits, including improved physical fitness, enhanced cognitive function, and better mental health. Here are some specific advantages: 1. Physical Benefits: Dance can improve cardiovascular health, increase flexibility, balance, and strength, and boost overall physical fitness. 2. Cognitive Benefits: Learning dance routines can enhance memory, concentration, and problem-solving skills. 3. Mental Health Benefits: Dancing can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression by releasing endorphins, also known as "feel-good" hormones. 4. Social Benefits: Dance classes or events provide opportunities to meet new people, build relationships, and develop communication skills. 5. Creative Expression: Dance allows individuals to express themselves creatively, explore their emotions, and develop self-confidence. 6. Therapeutic Benefits: Dance movement therapy can be used to help people with physical disabilities, chronic pain, or neurologi...

Line dance

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  Line dance is   a choreographed dance form where individuals perform the same sequence of steps in unison while arranged in one or more lines or rows . Dancers face the same direction and do not physically touch each other, performing moves simultaneously to the music, often a specific song. Rooted in   country music   traditions, it is a social activity known for being fun, easy to learn, and a good way to exercise, though modern line dances can be set to various musical genres.   This video demonstrates a beginner line dance step-by-step: YouTube • WGN News 56s Key characteristics of line dance Lines or Rows: Dancers stand in lines or rows, typically facing the same direction.   Choreographed Steps: Each dance follows a set pattern of steps that is repeated throughout the song.   Unison: All dancers perform the same steps at the same time.   Social and Inclusive: It is a social activity where people of all ages and skill levels can participate...