Ballroom and Latin American dancing
What's best to wear?
Clothes
There is no dress code as such but you will want to dress for comfort as well as appearance.
Clothes that won’t restrict movement but look presentable at the same time is the general rule of thumb.
Layers are good, because as you warm up it’s useful to be able to remove a sweater/cardigan etc.
Shoes
Shoes are important. Closed toes are best, as you may step on and get stepped on in the beginning!.
You’ll also need shoes with a secure back or strap. Backless shoes, like flip flops will likely come off and could lead to injury.
Avoid rubber soled shoes if possible. They can tend to stick to the floor. Leather soles allow you to slide and move freely across the dance floor.
There are literally hundreds of shoes for every budget and below are a couple of the sites I use that you might find useful. If you're new GREEK SANDALS are a fabulous low heeled shoe to practice in
https://www.katz-dancewear.co.uk/
https://www.movedancewear.com/dance-shoes/womens-ballroom-latin-shoes/
https://www.jjshouse.co.uk/Dance shoes
https://www.towerballroomdance.co.uk/
Differences between Ballroom Dancing and Sequence Dancing
I am asked often "what are the differences between Latin & Ballroom Dancing and Sequence Dancing"? I thought it would be useful to give you some of the main differences below.
In
SEQUENCE DANCING all couples follow a set order of dancing figures laid down in a global script then taught by the teacher. We use the exact same dancing figures, technique and almost the same music in Sequence, so everything you learn in a Ballroom or Latin class is applied to Sequence Dancing.
In SEQUENCE DANCING emphasis is placed on remembering the various sequences and the correct foot movements — technique takes second place to some extent particularly in the early stages. In many ways it is a much more social form of dancing.
A big benefit of SEQUENCE DANCING is learning a complete dance that will never change, so is easier to remember. it enables more people to dance on the same floor without being hindered and is fabulous on social occasions because everyone dances the exact same routine, progressing around the dance floor and if you do go a little wrong, it's easier to correct and keep going because there is always someone at the front or behind you all dancing the exact same dance. It also teaches an additional variety of dances not normally included in the traditional Ballroom & Latin programme, eg Saunters, Mambo, Swing and even Argentine Tango.
In BALLROOM AND LATIN
dancing the teacher choreographs and teaches routines for the particular class level and dancers can then choose their own variety and order of steps that they can dance when at a social event, on a cruise, etc. Technique is taught which results in vast improvements in how you dance.
Everyone needs to know some ballroom & Latin.!
I adore BALLROOM AND LATIN, because it allows for individual routines to be choreographed, and technique mastered, but the freedom in Ballroom & Latin dancing can have consequences once routines become more advanced. For example finding space on a busy dance floor to perform an advanced quickstep and navigate through other dancers performing their own routines can often be tricky!. Latin is easier because it can be contained, but the same can apply to very advanced routines.
Notices
GENERAL DATA PROTECTION REGULATIONS (“GDPR”).GUIDELINES - 25 MAY 2018
Many of you will be tired already of receiving lots of GDPR emails. I know I am!
However, by law and in accordance with the new GDPR guidelines, I have to check with you if you wish to continue to receive emails from me, typically which might concern changes to classes, new events planned and any holiday notices.
As part of my privacy policy, please be assured that your information is secure and is never released to anyone else – either to see it or use it. The information you gave when registering for classes is kept in a secure database and includes some or all of the following data: Name, Address, Telephone, email.
So, I will be checking with all classes that you wish to continue receiving my email notices (which as you know are relatively few),
Remember that you can withdraw your permission to receive emails at any time by emailing me at dancingwithlinda@gmail.com or texting the word UNSUBSCRIBE.
CANCELLATIONS
Private lessons are very popular and in short supply, so a minimum of 24 hours notice is required please for any cancellation. Often, but not always the hour slot can be re-allocated, but if short notice is given a levy of 50% of the cost will be payable.
Parties and social events. These should be booked and paid for in advance. In the event of a cancellation 48 hours notice is required in order to obtain a full refund. 24 hours notice to obtain a 50% refund.
