Don’t hesitate to be specific.  Telling your partner you love a specific move or styling that they use is great feedback as well as a positive lift to the dance.  I always try to tell my dance partners that I enjoy dancing with what I enjoyed about the dance.  Whether it is the smoothness of the lead, the lightness of their follow, the energy they demonstrate or the shines they use, compliment, compliment, compliment.  It will brighten up someone’s day.

This is especially great when you see improvements in your partner.  You see the hard work that they have been putting towards developing the dance technique with additional salsa classes or salsa practices.  When you point out their improvements all that hard work will have been worth it for them and you will inspire them to continue to develop.

You never know when someone is feeling down about their salsa progress and these compliments are a great boost.  Whenever a student tells me about a compliment they received they are so affected by it that it makes me realize how important a little positive reinforcement can be on the dance floor.  So go out dancing and let the compliments begin!

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Thanks to over 200 people who came out to enjoy the evening.  Olivier and Elise taught the beginner salsa class and Evan and I taught the intermediate salsa lesson.  Ladies, we needed you!  There were at least 5 men who could have used a partner so ladies, come early to the outings so you can enjoy the workshop and get to meet some great dance partners.

There were tons of new faces and dancers of all levels.  As well, it was great to see some old friends and those who have been out of the salsa scene for a while.   Thanks to all my great dances including Rob, Teddy, Bryan and of course Evan and all the new dance partners I met.

Our next outing is the last one of 2010 and it is our TDS Christmas Party at Acrobat on Dec 18th, 2010 at 8:45pm.  There will be performances by the TDS Pro Team, the TDS Students Team and the TDS Reggaeton Team.  Looking forward to seeing everyone there!

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— SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 3 Auditions take over Toronto Ontario on Saturday November, 14 –

Jazz, tap, ballet, whatever – Just come on out! Could Ontario be the home of Canada’s next Favourite Dancer? Auditions for CTV’s SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 3 will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in the John Bassett Theatre on Saturday, November 14 with registration beginning at 8 a.m. Who will have the talent in Toronto to make Mary Murphy scream? Only those who come out and audition on November 14 will have a chance to break it down and possibly become Canada’s next Favourite Dancer, taking home the $100,000 prize. For up-to-date information and audition FAQ’s visit the series’ official website, dance.ctv.ca.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA – Toronto Auditions
Saturday, November 14
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
John Bassett Theatre
255 Front Street West, Toronto

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA is designed to showcase and judge the talent of Canadian dancers who have roughly the same level of experience and maturity.

Among the rules and regulations that should be noted for the auditions:
* Competitors must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
* All competitors must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
* Competitors must be of the age of majority in the province/territory in which they reside and no older than 30 years of age as of November 14, 2009. The age of majority is as follows: 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan; and 19 years of age in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Yukon.
* All competitors must provide two pieces of identification, including a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport), at the audition.
* Competitors may bring a non-competing dance partner for purposes of the audition.
* All competitors must bring with them, along with the proper ID, the signed personal release, the completed preliminary questionnaire, and the music sheet. All will be available at the audition site and for download at dance.ctv.ca.
* All competitors are asked to bring with them the completed music sheet indicating the music they will use in their audition, along with the CD containing the indicated music.
* All songs must be “original” songs that are commercially available. A song must not be a re-mix of a song, a song downloaded from the Internet, or a competitor-created mix.
* Competitors will not be permitted to audition in any article of clothing with a visible designer, sports or other logo; artwork; name; photo; or other mark which may be subject to protection by copyright or trademark laws.
All additional audition details can be found at http://www.ctv.ca/mini/dance2009/Audition.html

Other audition cities that have been confirmed are:

Montreal Auditions
Saturday, November 28
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Palais des Congres, Viger Hall
201 Avenue Viger Ouest
Metro Station: Place D’Armes

Vancouver Auditions
Saturday, December 5
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
The Centre in Vancouver for Performing Arts
777 Homer Street

The post SYTYCD Canada Auditions! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

Tracie Macko will be teaching a Ladies Intensive Salsa Styling & Conditioning Class on Tuesdays beginning June 9th from 7-9pm for 3 weeks at Empress Studio. This 3 week x 2 hour per class course is a great way to learn a lot of information quickly without the commitment of a full 9 week course at only $90 per person. This class is limited to women who have completed level 2 with us or with permission.

Registration is now open and is limited. Here is a description:

Whether you dance with an experienced or inexperienced dance partner, being strong in your centre and being able to use it to play and style more in your dance will make you a much better and happier dancer. Learn the basic rules of thumb for being a good follow, executing spins and turn patterns and incorporating fun and flirty styling to your dancing.

In the first hour of every class Tracie will lead you through core strength and flexibility conditioning exercises designed specifically for dancers. In hour two Tracie will lead you through technique exercises that will cover musicality and styling in both shines and partnerwork, following, spins and turn patterns. Please dress comfortably, bring a yoga mat and your dance shoes.

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“Ontario: Let’s Dance!

— SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 2 Auditions land in Ontario with a stop in Toronto on the Victoria Day holiday Monday, May 18 –

Time to bust a move! Is Ontario home to Canada’s next Favourite Dancer? CTV announced today that auditions for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA Season 2 will be held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre on Victoria Day holiday Monday, May 18 beginning at 8 a.m. Who will be the next dancer to make Jean Marc Genereux’s VID (Very Important Dancer) list during the Top 20? Only those who come out and audition during the holiday on May 18 will have a chance to break it down and possibly become Canada’s next Favourite Dancer, taking home the $100,000 prize. For up-to-date information and audition FAQ’s visit the series’ official website, dance.ctv.ca.

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA – Toronto Auditions
Monday, May 18
Registration begins at 8 a.m.
Metro Toronto Convention Centre
John Bassett Theatre
255 Front Street West, Toronto

SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA is designed to showcase and judge the talent of Canadian dancers who have roughly the same level of experience and maturity.

Among the rules and regulations that should be noted for the auditions:
* Competitors must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
* All competitors must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
* Competitors must be of the age of majority in the province/territory in which they reside and no older than 30 years of age as of April 1, 2009. The age of majority is as follows: 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan; and 19 years of age in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Yukon.
* All competitors must provide two pieces of identification, including a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport), at the audition.
* Competitors may bring a non-competing dance partner for purposes of the audition.
* All competitors must bring with them, along with the proper ID, the signed personal release, the completed preliminary questionnaire, and the music sheet. All will be available at the audition site and for download soon at dance.ctv.ca.
* All competitors are asked to bring with them the completed music sheet indicating the music they will use in their audition, along with the CD containing the indicated music.
* All songs must be “original” songs that are commercially available. A song must not be a re-mix of a song, a song downloaded from the Internet, or a competitor-created mix.
* Competitors will not be permitted to audition in any article of clothing with a visible designer, sports or other logo; artwork; name; photo; or other mark which may be subject to protection by copyright or trademark laws.”

The post Toronto Auditions for SYTYCD Canada! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

So you think you’re the next Nico Archambault? Come out to this year’s auditions for So You Think You Can Dance Canada, starting Saturday, April 4 at the Centre for the Performing Arts in Vancouver, B.C., and prove it!
Auditions for the dance tour are a grueling, intense process, and hopefuls must come prepared for the most important moment of their lives. After all, you wouldn’t expect earning the title of “Canada’s Favourite Dancer” to be easy, would you?

Audition dates and locations
Registration begins at 8 a.m. in each city.
Auditions will be held at the locations and on the dates listed below (subject to change):
Vancouver, B.C.
Saturday, April 4, Centre for Performing Arts, 777 Homer St.
(CALL BACK AUDITIONS APRIL 5TH and 6TH)
Edmonton, Alta.
Tuesday, April 7, Winspear Centre, 4 Sir Winston Churchill Square (Corner of 99th Street & 102nd Ave.)
(CALL BACK AUDITIONS APRIL 8TH AND 9TH)
Saint John, N.B.
Tuesday, April 21, Imperial Theatre, 24 King Square S.
(CALL BACK AUDTION APRIL 22ND)
Toronto, Ont.
Monday, May 18, Metro Toronto Convention Centre, John Bassett Theatre, 255 Front St. W.
(CALL BACK AUDITIONS MAY 19TH AND 20TH)
Montréal, Que.
Tuesday, May 26, Théâtre St-Denis, 1594 St-Denis St.
(CALL BACK AUDITIONS MAY 27TH AND 28TH)

So You Think You Can Dance Canada is designed to showcase and judge the talent of Canadian dancers.

Rules and regulations
The So You Think You Can Dance Canada Season 2 cross-country auditions are open to all Canadians who, as of April 1, 2009, are of the age of majority in the province/territory in which they reside, and are no older than 30 years of age.
* Competitors must be either a Canadian citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
* All competitors must be legally eligible to work in Canada.
* Competitors must be of the age of majority in the province/territory in which they reside and no older than 30 years of age as of April 1, 2009. The age of majority is as follows: 18 years of age in Alberta, Manitoba, Ontario, Prince Edward Island, Quebec and Saskatchewan; and 19 years of age in British Columbia, New Brunswick, Newfoundland and Labrador, Northwest Territories, Nova Scotia, Nunavut and Yukon.
* All competitors must provide two pieces of identification, including a government-issued photo ID (e.g. driver’s license or passport), at the audition.
* Competitors may bring a non-competing dance partner for purposes of the audition.
* All competitors must bring with them, along with the proper ID, the signed personal release, the completed preliminary questionnaire, and the music sheet. All will be available at the audition site and for download soon at dance.ctv.ca.
* All competitors are asked to bring with them the completed music sheet indicating the music they will use in their audition, along with the CD containing the indicated music.
* All songs must be “original” songs that are commercially available. A song must not be a re-mix of a song, a song downloaded from the Internet, or a competitor-created mix.
* Competitors will not be permitted to audition in any article of clothing with a visible designer, sports or other logo; artwork; name; photo; or other mark which may be subject to protection by copyright or trademark laws.

The post SYTYCD Canada Auditions! appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

• Who should you dance with?
It is always best to dance with as many dancers are possible with a variety of levels and skills. If you are a beginner dancing with other beginners may be more comfortable. However, also consider asking those who are more experienced then you to dance which will offer you a good opportunity to follow a more complicated lead if you are a follower or experience a smoother follower if you are a leader. Remember that everyone was a beginner once so don’t be intimidated by others. If you are more experienced please be gracious and dance with beginners if asked as we all had someone help us learn and we need to keep this circle continuous and give back to the salsa community.

• Hygiene
You do not want to be the male or female who others do not want to dance with because of hygiene. Knowing that salsa is a close body contact type of sport where you touch others in a hot, sweaty environment, please be considerate and adhere to the following guidelines. Fresh breath is a must. Bring breath mints or gum to any dancing event. Anti-perspirant and/or deodorant are also a must. For excessive sweating, try Drysol. It can be bought at any Shopper’s Drug Mart and really works in controlling sweat. Some people bring a change of shirts if they know they are going to perspire a lot. Others use talc powder for damp palms. Some bring small towels or handkerchiefs/bandanas Take breaks often and keep yourself hydrated. Avoid heavy cologne, perfumes or oils as they can get musty in that environment and others may be allergic.

Following these tips will allow the salsa experience to remain a positive one for everyone involved. Remember that good manners, respect for others and awareness of the environment you are in will go a long way. Take the time to get to know your dance partners as it is a wonderful networking and social opportunity. But most of all, listen to the music, feel the energy of the crowd and enjoy the dance

The post Salsa Etiquette appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

• Turning down a dance
It cannot be stressed enough that rejecting someone’s offer to dance can be a very negative experience for that dancer and has even led some to give up dancing. Do your best to accept every offer unless you are uncomfortable with the person. Remember that people have very long memories and one rejection (for whatever innocent reason it may be) may be remembered for a long time. The salsa scene is a small one and people do relay stories about others. Be as gracious as possible. If there is a legitimate reason for the refusal, please specify it (e.g., I have just been dancing up a storm and am taking a break, I promised someone else this dance but maybe we can dance later, I am just about to leave, etc). Don’t forget to ask that person to dance later on if it is possible as a show of respect. Try to never reject a person and then go dance with another person immediately after. Dancers, especially beginners, are trying to build, gain and maintain confidence. This can be very hurtful and affect a person’s ability to ask others to dance.

If you are on the other side of this scene where you have been rejected for a dance, keep a practical and positive perspective and remember that it is not a rejection of you as a person but potentially the circumstance. There are many other dancers who would be more than happy to accept a dance.

• Ladies – how to get asked to dance
If you are not comfortable in the asking role, there are many tips to use to be more approachable. Always make yourself visible. Stand at the edge of the dance floor. Make eye contact with potential dance partners around you and those coming off the dance floor. Let your interest and eagerness to dance show and never stop smiling. Remember the rules of body language – gestures such as crossing your arms, looking down, looking bored, uninterested or unapproachable and congregating with groups of friends are just a few things to avoid. Dance with anyone who asks as women who dance throughout the night are seen by male dancers as more likely to accept their invitation to dance. A man is more likely to ask a woman as she is walking off the dance floor after completing a dance then one who is standing around. Also, the more partners you accept, the more dancers you get to know, and this opens up new networks and groups of dancers to you, as dancers often introduce you to their friends and fellow dancers.

• How to read your partner’s skill level
Every partner you dance with will be at a different level. If you are a male the best process to use is to start slowly and gain momentum according to your partners’ skill level. Begin by executing basic footwork, turns and basic cross body variations. If your partner is following with ease then slowly introduce more difficult moves. If you are a beginner female, specify this when you are asked to dance so the male is aware of your position and can work with your skill level.

Part 3 coming up in the next blog post!

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We started the evening with a beginner and intermediate workshop. Kimberly and Nina taught the beginner class and along with the salsa basics covered Cuban inside turns and sexy styling. Evan and I did the intermediate class and really challenged the group. Just remember when you are doing a club class that the quality of the class will not be at the level of a group class. It is harder to hear, there are more students of all types of skill levels and the combination is longer. So just keep in mind that it is not necessary to get the whole combination. Whatever you can remember and feel comfortable executing is fine. And don’t leave the club without reviewing the combo at least ten if not twenty times so you commit it to memory.

After the lesson the lights went down and the social dancing began. The DJ played non stop salsa for 1.5hrs which was a great opportunity to really practice and get into the swing of things. I loved seeing beginners dancing with intermediate students and vice versa. It was also great seeing old students I haven’t seen in a while and I encourage everyone to get back into the salsa groove even if you have taken the summer off as this fall and winter will have plenty of dancing opportunities and a chance to meet great new friends.

Our next outing is this Saturday Sept 27th at 9pm at Peridot…see you all there!

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“Toronto Dance Salsa is taking you to Havana! We have teamed up with the global leaders in salsa holidays, Club Dance Holidays, to bring you a unique holiday this Spring. 7 nights of Salsa in Havana from 21 March 2009 to 28 March 2009. Salsa in Havana – what more could you ask for? This holiday is designed to completely immerse you in Cuban culture and the Cuban dance scene, both of which are energetic, very real and totally spontaneous. It’s all about forgetting who you are, where you come from and living in the moment. Enjoy 15 hours of Salsa classes with some of the most exciting Cuban Salsa teachers and dancers in Havana. We have a whole team in Havana dedicated to assist you in the classes in the mornings, take you to the best Salsa matinee afternoon dance sessions in the afternoons and accompany you at night dancing with you until late in intimate clubs, where the dancing is often energized by live bands.

The dancing …

You will love our team of professional Cuban dancers. What makes this Cuban Salsa trip special is the team of Cuban dancers who come out with you at night to the dance venues in Havana. This means that there are more dance partners to go round and enables you to dance with not just Cubans but Cuban trained dancers!

Cuban Salsa is about truly “inhabiting” your body, really dancing WITH your partner and feeling the music in your soul. You will find that there is more fluidity and body movement compared to LA or New York Salsa due to Cuban Salsa being at one with Salsa’s ancestors – Son, Rumba, Afro-Cuban dance, Cha Cha Cha and Mambo. Our team of Cuban instructors truly want to see you dance like a Cuban, and will work with you on the “feel” of the fluid Cuban body movement, as well as on the moves and the footwork.

What’s included?

*Thorough and entertaining syllabus in salsa (Minimum 15 hrs of classes)
*Beautifully organised programme of nights out with our team of Cuban dancers who really spice it up.
*Charmingly hosted by our team on the ground who are experts in salsa and in Cuba.
*Return direct flights with Air Canada from Toronto Pearson
*Meet and Greet upon arrival and return hotel transfers
*7 nights accommodation and breakfast in the luxurious Hotel Nacional – the best hotel in Havana.
*A well thought out programme including parties, soirees, restaurants, nights out dancing as well sightseeing suggestions.
*A full Orientation Pack containing information on where to eat, where to party, tourist spots, things to do etc so you can do your own thing
*A Welcome party and drink
*A choice of optional extras related to the holiday

How much is it?

The price is $ 2349 CAD. Book now and get the best possible price at $2149 CAD (for reservations booked prior to end of November). Be among the first 8 people to book and pay only $1999 CAD. This holiday has limited places and will sell out. This price includes all taxes.

How do I book?

Call Club Dance Holidays direct on 416 848 0501and refer to the “Toronto Dance Salsa Trip to Cuba for March 2009” and they will sort everything out for you. “

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