Comments on: Dance Jewels

By: Evangeline Jones

Evangeline Jones — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 19:00:29 +0000

Can I begin March 29th to attend the certification program?

By: admin

admin — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 02:40:07 +0000

Thank you for your comments and your praise of the footwork of some of our certified instructors. I too agree that their dance displays some wonderful footwork.

Your point is well taken. I believe that I teach more basic foot patterns than most. The reason for this is so that ladies will have the ability to express their creativity during times in the dance when their partner is not indicating a spin or turn.

There are times during a dance when a leader will purposely give a follower an “Invitation” – a travel lead that allows the follower the opportunity to execute whatever footwork she wishes. However, most leaders execute several basics between patterns and amalgamations — this is a perfect time for your footwork.

Insertion of footwork into a dance can and should be done in conjunction with following and not instead of following. The ability to do this involves several factors: 1) Practice will give ladies confidence in their ability to execute footwork patterns while remaining in step, 2) A good connection will help ladies to know when they have the opportunity to execute footwork and 3) Both partners being attentive to one another.

I usually teach a number of footwork patterns during the course of the intermediate class that ladies can insert when they have the opportunity. During this class session I will teach a minimum of six patterns incorporate them along with other techniques executed in the intermediate and advance classes. This should get you and the other ladies started.

By: Pamela Johnson

Pamela Johnson — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 16:52:37 +0000

Hello, Brad
I was reading your article on your thoughts and your article on the history of hand dance. I am a recent learner of hand dance, and though I was born in ‘46, I never had a chance to thoroughly learn “old school” before moving on to free style. Three years ago I started taking classes in hand dance and have never stopped. Currently, I’ m taking hand dance, line dance, social ballroom, steppin’ and recently but only for four week, it was too much–west coast swing.
I constantly watch so called female “old school” / old school dancers who have become certified instructors, and yes they do, when dancing as an individual at clubs, etc. do marvelous foot work. In many of my classes women constantly are told to follow and for a while that’s great, but I believe that women want a more participatory role other than just responding to a male lead. When women are allowed to do their “old school” foot work it adds a different diminsion and adds a greater depth to our dance. Unfortunaltey, with this emphasis on intricate turns and making women spin, we are simply reponding with a chance every once in a while with being able to do a little sweep.
I propose this– that women have a chance through some kind of signal, such as being in front of her partner and giving his hand a squeeze that she wants time to do foot work. And/or that men allow at least once during a dance with a signal that she has time for foot work. Also, I propose that more intricate foot work, beyond just keeping the six count, be included in formal instruction for men and women beyond the warm up and that it be included in some of the actual routines. It will help keep alive the foot work of old that younger or “old folk” such as myself who are taking instruction are currently not learning; it will perserve some history of hand dance; give younger dancer something new to learn and for instructors to teach; it will add greater depth of expression to our dancing, etc. . What are your thoughts on this? Please forgive any typos.
Pam Johnson

By: Cookie

Cookie — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:53:03 +0000

There is a fundamental aspect of teaching dance that would contribute to a more rewarding experiene for students, beginners, semi-pro’s professsional dancers, and Instructors: “Dance Etiquette” Appropriate dance movement is only a portion of the total experience. Favorable communication and appropriate social grace and behavior(s) demonstrated by all dancers contributes to a positive dance experience.

By: Kelly

Kelly — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 17:49:11 +0000

I called a “meeting” at work. we covered the windows of the conference room and commenced to go over “gideup shuffle” and “cupid shuffle”. My co-worker, Mary Howard- Tiara’s mom then brought in Brad and Tiara for a demo to possibly have on-going classes at my job. Ended up graduating with Brad’s Class 59. I’m so glad I had that meeting! I enjoy being a student and a teacher! Both are very humbling and rewarding. Big UP to Brad & Lisa my hand dance instructors and Sharon & Deonne my line dance instructors. Can’t wait to learn Odessey…

By: admin

admin — Sun, 02 Aug 2009 18:57:55 +0000

We look forward to you joining us! Just come to the Eclipse at 2820 Bladensburg Road, NE Washington DC at 6:30 on September 14 to begin. We have created a Frequently Asked Questions page for your convenience. Click here for a map to the Eclipse.

By: SHARON PORTER

SHARON PORTER — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 05:48:12 +0000

When do you sign up? What doyou bring on the frist day. What do you wear.

By: Michelle Carroll

Michelle Carroll — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 15:24:20 +0000

hello,

Well I just wanted to share that I had great teachers that taught me this dance. I graduated through the teachings of Kermit Banks and Novella Campbell at the Tradewinds. Kermit is an awsome instructor and I appreciated the patience that they have with the students. I have continued to hand dance since completing the class 2 years ago. As Kermit would always tell us.” Hand dance is something that you will get better at through out the years, don’t stop dancing!” So you are right when you have the right folks to teach then the people will be there to follow and learn!!!!