You might recall that in the survey there was a lot of feedback about the need to improve partner connections. Therefore, we will have dedicated exercises in each group class to improve this attribute.
 

• Monday 7:30pm Street Latin - Bachata: we will do sensual exercises to explore the different ways we can connect.
• Tuesday 6:30pm Latin American - Samba: we will do some wrist lead exercises to work on arm leading/following ability.
• Wednesday 7:30pm Swing and RnR - West Coast Swing: TBA on the night.
• Thursday 6:30pm Ballroom - Waltz: we will do the napkin exercise to ensure clear frames and connection.

 
The above is ideal for all dance, but if you are going for awards (the proficiency course is running by the way so here's your last chance to enroll - https://www.destinedance.com.au/store/p43/ProficiencyPackage.html), then the classes this week would serve you well. 
 
Regardless, this is a week that is ideal for everyone to attend all lessons for general improvement. 
 
Finally, let me know if you are coming to Groove Dimension this Saturday (https://www.facebook.com/events/1399389814071903):

• It's at the club where we teach
• Tickets $30 Pre Booked via Sid on 0409 699 311 or on trybooking (https://www.trybooking.com/CUJZR)
• Doors 7:00pm - Show starts 8.30pm
• It will be a good chance to dance Latin and swing dances.

 
 
See you on the dance floor
​Clint

Please keep the night of April 7 free. The plan is to go to a tango event in Richmond. It will be a Sunday night so not like the usual events we go to. But it will still be a good chance to dance tango in a social context. And given we are doing it now in group class, it's good timing.
 
Speaking of group class, please note the following:

• Please wear the correct shoes for your safety and that of your partners. Note this blog post from a couple weeks back - https://www.destinedance.com.au/blog/blood-on-the-dance-floor. We might even ask leads to dance in sock if their shoes are not suitable.
• We need to ensure that you self allocate to the correct group when we break up into fundamentals and open. This is to ensure that people who go to open level group do not feel held back by partners who are not up to it. Therefore, if it continues that people choose to join the open level group when they are not ready, then we will introduce selection methods and allocate people. 

In short: your shoes and your capability need your serious attention in group class.

Now as a reminder for group classes this week:

• Monday 7:30pm Street Latin - Argentine tango (a classic dance all should know)
• Tuesday 6:30pm Latin American - Samba (a very fun high energy dance)
• Wednesday 7:30pm Swing and R'n'R - West Coast Swing (the dance of improvisation)
• Thursday 6:30pm Ballroom - Waltz (the classic ballroom dance)

​Finally - we will have class next Monday
 
 
See you on the dance floor
​Clint

For those who were there last Thursday, you know most of the details. For those who were not, here are the ones you need to know:

• The toe nail of a dancer was partially lifted.
• There was, as a result, blood on the dance floor.
• The toe nail was lifted after a collision with the foot of the partner.
• The partner was not wearing dance shoes, but rubber soled runners with a tread pattern.
• The dancer who sustained the injury was wearing open toed dance shoes.
• The dance was quickstep.

These injuries can happen in dance. But we would still like to minimise the frequency and severity.

One way to minimise both is to ensure that you dance as instructed. Ballroom is, despite what many might assume, the most dangerous of partner dances - if lifts and dips are excluded. That is why, in class, we talk so much about the right frame to ensure that people dance with the right alignment and connection. 

Therefore, please, when you are next in dance class, focus on ensuring you always dance with the right embrace. Never, let the figure compromise the embrace. If you can't do the figure without compromising the embrace, then do not dance the figure.

The same goes for your partner. If you feel unsafe dancing with them, then ask (if following) or say (if leading) that only simple figures will be done.

You are entitled to choose not to dance with someone if you feel unsafe with them or if you feel they are not safe for themselves. 

Another way to minimise both the frequency and severity of an injury to the foot is to wear proper footwear.

Closed toe shoes (ballroom ladies shoes are closed toe - while Latin ladies shoes may be open toed) will prevent your toe nail from catching on another shoe.

Suede soles (in the case of leads especially) lack the grip and geometry to catch a toe nail should it be exposed. Also, the soft soles allow less pressure to be placed on a partners foot should you stand on in. And the thinner sole gives a person a better sensation of what is underfoot so your instinct to lift your foot - and prevent injury to another if you apply pressure to their foot - can be better utilised.

Therefore, if you have been dancing for some time, then you should have proper dance shoes and dance with a proper frame. And, regardless of how long you have been dancing for, ensure you are dancing within your and and your partner's ability.

Thank you for reading this and now choosing to take action to ensure your own and other dancers' safety.

We start a new cycle in the group classes this week. 

Yes we do have classes today (Monday).

So if you want to drill into any of the following dances, then now is an excellent time to get the group lessons into your routine:

• Monday 7:30pm Street Latin - Argentine Tango (the soulful classic)
• Tuesday 6:30pm Latin American - Rumba (the most romantic of dances)
• Wednesday 7:30pm Swing and R'n'R - Rock and Roll (the rebel dance)
• Thursday 6:30pm Ballroom - Quickstep (the swingingest of ballroom)

These clearly work given the dominant presence the Destine Dance group had on Sunday. Thanks to everyone who came. You certainly set the standard on the dance floor.

Of course, awards are another contributor to being a good dancer. The next ones are on 6th of September so you have your goal clear in your head.




See you on the dance floor