We are approaching that time of year where people start to stay inside more and become less active. This is never good for your health – physical or mental. A good solution is to lock in a habit or routine that is both physical and social.
And as I am sure you guessed, dance is indeed both physical and social. So make sure you make your dance lessons part of your weekly routine now. You can also make the social dances on Monday and Wednesday part of the routine (they are part of the group lesson anyway). Also, if you are having troubles with your private lesson, then we do have some new options. Check out this page - https://www.destinedance.com.au/lesson-options.html - and look at the special options at the bottom of the page. The group lesson this week are:
See you on the dance floor Clint
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An interesting week this week - we have changed the group classes around and we have a new 4 week program starting.
The new class schedule is as follows: Monday 7:30pm* Advanced: Argentine tango and salsa Beginner: Argentine tango and salsa Tuesday 6:30pm Advanced: Jive and Cha cha Beginner: Jive and Cha cha Wednesday 7:30pm* Advanced: rock and roll and Lindy Hop Beginner: rock and roll and Lindy Hop Thursday 6:30pm Advanced: Quickstep and waltz Beginner: Quickstep and waltz *Monday and Wednesday nights are also followed by an hour for social dancing. Thus, you can now get even more value from the classes and more opportunity to use the dance skills you have learned. As I mentioned, we also have a new 4 week program starting. It's only a small group - COVID seems to still be keeping some people away - so please be welcoming. We have a student who has recently decided to take on a showcase. This is where the student works with their teacher to create a custom routine to a chosen song. The created routine is then recorded so the student has a reminder of what they did: something that can be shown to family and such. Destine Dance has not done one of these for a while - you can see the videos on our YouTube channel. If you would like to do one, then please talk to your teacher. We can even record at other locations if you wish - it is quite the chance to be creative. It can also be done as a couple. Finally, I would like to remind people that if you need to cancel a private lesson, then please give us 48 hours notice so no teacher is left with an empty hour they are not paid for. Fist off, I am emailing today to let you know that we will have lessons on Monday. Not a bad way to see the long weekend out. Second, I was contacted by the Inclusion Foundation - https://inclusionfoundation.org.au - they are looking for dance teachers to "be responsible for teaching and training a dynamic group of participants with down syndrome in a range of techniques and dance styles, ensuring that all students are engaged, motivated, and inspired to achieve their goals in their chosen area of dance." If this sounds like something that might be of interest to you, then let me know. I will send you more details. You can also see the image below from their Instagram page. Third, a reminder of the group lessons on this week:
Clint In this update • a new rule for dance • awards and no class on Wednesday • classes this week • changes coming • cancelling old slots • half hour lesson options A new rule for dance This is also a rule for life. If someone offers you a breath mint, then just say yes. We now have breath mints in the studio. You will be offered one at the start of each lesson – just take it. Awards on Wednesday
The awards are this Wednesday. That also means there will be no other classes (group or private) on that night. Come by at 5:30pm if you would like to see the awards – either to support fellow students or see what they are like. Classes this week We will still have other classes on this week • Monday at 7:30pm (street Latin) • Tuesday at 6:30pm (Latin American) • Thursday at 6:30pm (swing and R’n’R) Changes coming Just to let you know that after Easter we will be shuffling group classes around and introducing more social dancing. This might mean some readjusting of your weekly schedule. By all means ask about this if you want to know more now to get ready. Cancelling old slots If you have had a slot for lessons in place for some time now, but not used it, then it will be cancelled this week. That just means when you do come back to lessons you might need to find another time. We will do our best to find something the fits well with your other activities. Half hour lesson options We know that private lessons can be expensive or that you can be busy and lack time. Thus, if you would like, then talk to your instructor about half hour private lessons. These are available for anyone who has finished their intro pack and is on the full price lesson option (not the student or retiree prices). See you on the dance floor Clint In this update:
DEAR IDA – GET YOUR TICKETS I have mentioned this play a couple times now. So you should know that it is about the role of dance in WWII. Also, you should know that Gigi taught the actors to dance. Further, you should know that Anita interviewed the writer/director of the play – you can see it here (https://www.facebook.com/1905843373068305/videos/5118626928204056) – so you should know all about it and be keen to see it. So finally, you should be getting your tickets. You can get them here (https://lamama.com.au/whats-on/la-mama-courthouse-summer-2022/dear-ida/). Use the phrase “FRIENDSOFIDA” to get a discount. KIDS PERFORMANCE I will be teaching and recording a couple of children who will be learning a jive routine for a promo video. Please try not to mind the camera in the studio if you happen to be there at the same time. This will be on Monday evenings. AWARDS We are locked in for the 13th of April. We will not have group classes or privates that night. You are however more than welcome to come along to watch the awards if you wish. NEW VIDEO IN THE MEMBER’S AREA The proficiency Rock and Roll routine is now in the members’ area. Take a look there for the video and the description of figures. Talk to your private instructor if you do not have the password. ANOTHER 4 WEEK PROGRAM We are running another 4 week program to recruit more students. If you know someone who has been thinking of learning dance, then please let them know (www.facebook.com/events/510727077122131). See you on the dance floor Clint This Another update earlier than usual because there is a bit on that I want to tell you about. First off – remember it is disco tonight (https://www.facebook.com/events/560675171764075). This does not happen often so make sure you are there. Many of the dance moves you have been taught are applicable to disco (Salsa, cha cha, jive, blues, R’n’R and Lindy Hop). So you will be able to use and enjoy your talents as intended. I will also be there so you will know at least one person. See you there at around 6pm! Second – you have been spoilt this weekend. There is also Wired on Sunday (https://www.facebook.com/events/7633986299960716). This is more a rock vibe, but the dances are the same – you just change the character. I will also be there so you will know someone. This is an excellent way to see the weekend out. See you there at 3pm! Third – Anita will be interviewing the director of a play about dance. Remember when I told you that Gigi was training some actors? Well that play will soon be showing – Dear Ida. It is about the role of dance halls in WWII. In the lead up to the showing, Anita will be interviewing the director on Facebook Live. You can watch it on Sunday afternoon or later. Read more about it here - https://www.facebook.com/DestineDance/posts/3196522767333686. Fourth – remember that the awards are coming up. So get ready. Fifth – have you ever wanted to use your dance (or other talents) in a showcase to entertain others? Maybe even on a cruise ship as an entertainer? Will check these links out:
Sixth – we do, as always, have group classes this week.
Thanks for reading all that Clint In this update:
Dear Ida (see the photo below) I mentioned some time back that our vey own Gigi was teaching some actors to dance for a play called Dear Ida. The play is about the role of dance halls during WWII and the healing that dance offered. Sessions start on April 5. You can secure your tickets here - https://lamama.com.au/whats-on/la-mama-courthouse-summer-2022/dear-ida/. Check it out. Classes this week:
Awards Just a reminder that they are coming. Alexander technique for better dance I hope you saw Anita’s interview with the Alexander teacher Jenny Thirtle. If not, then take a look here - https://fb.watch/bS52-LFr3P/. The Alexander technique is something I have used myself to improve the way I move and feel. It is, in my experience, an amazing system for better wellness. When you watch the video, you will see how enlightening it was for Anita. Also, the opportunity of a group session for us all was raised. Please get back to me if you would be interested in that, and we can organize something. Or you can try it out for yourself one-on-one. Look up Jenny here - https://alexandertechmelb.com. Disco Time There are two socials this week. The first is the disco party this Saturday (www.facebook.com/events/560675171764075). To prepare for that, we will have a disco theme for the Latin Ameircan and Lindy Hop and R’n’R lessons. Make sure you are free on Saturday night for this. And then on Sunday it’s Wired (www.facebook.com/events/7633986299960716). A great way to see the weekend out (with some social dancing) – so make yourself free for that too. That was a full update – see you on the dance floor Clint In this email:
Awards, Monday, New Vogue, Who likes boats? AWARDS The next awards night will be 13 April. A few students have already signed up and your teacher will be talking to you this week about it if you have not. They, as I always say, are a great way to really focus your attention on dance and speed up your progress. MONDAY I am sending this update a day earlier to let you know that the group class will be running, although possibly smaller given it is a long weekend. NEW VOGUE This is something we have not done much of at Destine Dance, but it is a classic in Australia so make sure your drop in for the class on Wednesday at 7:30pm to experience it. WHO LIKES BOATS? Now that COVID is abating, dance cruises are coming back. There will be one on April 16 - https://www.facebook.com/events/638342550596487. If you would like to go, then get back to me so we can organise a group of us to go together. See you on the dance floor Clint With the opening up of dance as COVID is better managed, there are more social events coming up.
Make sure you keep your calendar free for these upcoming events:
Dance is always best when danced socially so make sure you’re there. Also, we are going to have another awards night soon. Probably a smaller one as we return to full operations. Talk to your teacher this week to see if you are likely to be ready. See you on the dance floor Clint In this update:
Masks! It has been announced, as you might know, that we no longer need masks at places like the studio. Thus, you can keep wearing a mask if you wish, but you do not need to. One More Week of Free Group Lessons We are kind of still in February so we will run the free beginner lessons for one more week. Also, because I was still waiting to find out when COVID restrictions would be lifted, I have not had time to make solid alternative plans. Your Shoes Last week there were some marks made on the floor. I am unable to work out exactly how they got there, but I have asked the teachers to ensure that people do not wear shoes that could mark the floor. For example, black rubber soled shoes. Please be mindful of the shoes you wear to class. Of course, dance shoes are always a wise move. Future Plans As mentioned above, I have not had the chance to organise plans since restrictions were recently lifted. Also, it is a time when it is hard to find staff. Thus, for now, the studio will run as it has, but we might have some new promo events and different classes coming up soon. Our Man Palle You have likely met or seen Palle – the venue and functions manager – about the studio. Palle has recently announced that he will be resigning for this role. He was always a great person to work with and much of your positive experience at Destine Dance can be attributed to him. I, and I am sure you, would like to wish him all the best with his future endeavours. This does also mean that the club will be looking for a new functions manager. If you know someone who might be interested, then let me know and I can get more details for you. Looking for a boy In an effort to boost our public recognition and brand, we are going to create a mini documentary of two kids learning dance. We thus need two kids who are interested in acting and performance who would want to be involved. We have the girl organised, but still need to find a boy. If you know a boy around 11-13 who is interested performance and would like a paid gig, then ask them to drop me a line. It would be 1 hour a week at the venue (likely a Monday night) for 5 to 6 weeks. See you on the dance floor Clint |
AuthorThis blog is written by the staff at Destine Dance and is inspired by the questions and challenges faced by our students Archives
May 2022
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