Tracie, our Zumba Guru, showed Leah some fun Reggaeton steps alongside some students and helpers. Leah caught on extremely fast and very quickly the group was shaking it to some exciting Zumba beats.

More photos are available on our website under “events”. The segment airs January 6th on CTV.

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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

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It is always hard to judge who will win because it is about the most popular dancer, not the best dancer. That is why Sabre won out Danny, Benji won out Travis and, most recently, Brendon lost to Jeanine.

So when judging who will win we really need to keep in mind who was the most popular dancer in the group. I haven’t had a chance to watch the entire season but I do know that Tara Jean comes to mind as the most well rounded popular dancer. She has never been in the bottom 3 as far as I know, she is spunky, fun and bubbly and she does a great job adapting to all the different dance genres. So I am betting my money on Tara Jean. I do think Jayme Rae is also a strong contender, she is a real fighter. I hope to see her place second.

Good luck to all the participants. Looking forward to focusing on the American version which is starting the Top 20 of its 6th Season. I have missed so many episodes so far. Has anyone PVRd it???

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“Don’t miss the exciting second season premiere of the jaw-dropping, hip shaking SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA!

Tune in to CTV as SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA kicks off its second season Tuesday, August 11 at 8 p.m. ET on CTV.

Let’s dance!

For more information:
Andrea Allen, Communications, CTV
Tel: 416.384.5375
Email: andrea.allen@ctv.ca”

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http://www.metronews.ca/halifax/learn/article/273564–local-schools-make-it-easy-to-put-on-your-dancing-shoes

Local schools make it easy to put on your dancing shoes
LEYLA EMORY
FOR METRO CANADA
August 05, 2009 2:13 a.m.

Thanks to the onslaught of reality TV dance shows, the answer to So You Think You Can Dance? is ‘Yes.’

“A lot of people have always wanted to learn how to dance but didn’t feel it was right for them,” says Sharon Galor, owner of Toronto Dance Salsa Inc. “Then they see it on TV and think, why not?”

Specializing in beginners, Toronto Dance Salsa has grown from 300 to 1,500 students a semester within the past five years. Galor is particularly thankful to Dancing with the Stars. “You’re taking someone who’s never danced before and within a few weeks you’re seeing them progress. It’s really inspiring to watch.”

It’s a progression she tries to emulate in the nine-week course. “You start off as an absolute beginner, meaning you don’t even know the basic steps. We go through teaching basic steps into basic turns into combinations and by the end of the month, you can feel comfortable going out to a salsa club or a social event and being able to actually dance to the songs.”

Classes are made up of 40 people and can be taken in a couple or as an individual.
Ilona Kamecki, owner and teacher of Dance District, agrees that group dances are a lot of fun but offers a more individual approach. “I prefer people to have at least three or four private lessons before they go to any clubs,” says Kamecki. “First, they need to learn about themselves and who they are on the dance floor, (and) what kind of mistakes they’re making and how to correct them.”

But the bottom line is having fun. Like most dance schools in the city, both Toronto Dance Salsa and Dance District have dance parties anywhere from once a week to once a month, where their students can put their moves into play.

“People don’t realize how much dancing can give them,” says Kamecki. “The opportunity to dance with someone and be close and talk is a very important part of our lives.”

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I am always surprised at how quickly they fly through the Vegas Week which is such an interesting part of the competition. This season I believe they covered the entire week of eliminations in 3 hours. I would have loved to see more of each stage of the week and really get to know the dancers, their styles and the reason why they eliminated who they did. Most of the top 20 participants were not focused on at all so it was a surprise to see them in the top 20.

However, the first round of performances by the top 20 last week was great. Most of them are really strong dancers and I am sure we will get to know their styles as the weeks go by. I was happy to see Tony go. Apart from personality, there wasn’t much to his dancing and I really think he took the spot of someone a lot more deserving.

I was so excited to see them bring back Wade and I loved the Crash Test Dummies Choreography just like I love all his choreographies. He is truly a genius at what he does and I was glad to see the judges recognize this. One of the last times he was on the judges dug into his routine, saying they couldn’t comment on the dancers because the routine was too out there. So it is great to see him get the recognition he deserves.

I am looking forward to tonight’s episode. If you haven’t seen it yet make sure you check it out and let me know who your favourite dancers and choreographers are this season!

The post SYTYCD appeared first on Toronto Dance Salsa.

“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.”

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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.

“Toronto, ON (February 13, 2009) – Get ready to dance again Canada! As the cross-country tour pulls into Toronto’s Air Canada Centre today, CTV announces that smash-hit series SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA has been green lit for a second heart-racing season. Last season, approximately 2,500 hopefuls busted a move for the judges during the first-ever audition tour, ultimately crowning Montreal’s Nico Archambault as Canada’s first-ever, favourite dancer. This year, CTV and Danse TV Productions are warming up for another cross-country search for the next Canada’s Favourite Dancer (audition details to be announced soon). SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA is based on 19 Entertainment and dick clark productions’ popular international format SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE from a uniquely Canadian perspective.

“The success of the first season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA has inspired a whole new group of dancers across the country,” said Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc. “With the talent Canada has to offer, the second season is sure to be even more show-stopping than the first.”
This past fall, the first season of SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA broke ratings records with an average of 1.4 million viewers tuning in each week on CTV, quickly making it Canada’s #1 new fall program with total viewers and the key demos A18-34, and A18-49. The home-grown hit consistently won its timeslot nationally and in Canada’s major urban centers, placing the series in the Top 20 list of the most-watched programs in Canada*. The series boasted a highly-coveted female audience (66% of total audience) and nearly a third of its viewers were from the key A18-34 age group. SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA was also the #1 program on MuchMusic for total viewers and P12-34 during its broadcast season.

When Quebec dancer Nico Archambault was named Canada’s first ever Favourite Dancer at the end of the first season, the audience peaked at 1.9 million viewers. “The opportunity to work with such talented dancers and choreographers was a great privilege,” said Archambault. “I’m definitely a better dancer for it.”
Today’s announcement comes at the half way point of the successful first-ever SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA 15-city tour. Playing at Canada’s premiere concert venues across the country, the tour has already strutted its stuff across stages in; Vancouver, Kelowna, Edmonton, Calgary, Saskatoon, Regina, Winnipeg and Sudbury. Cities still waiting to get their SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANDA tour groove on are; Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Hamilton, London and the final tour stop will be Kingston on February 21. The tour features Canada’s Top 10 dancers from the competition and some of the hottest performances from throughout the show’s first broadcast season. For more information on the must-see tour, visit dance.ctv.ca.
SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE CANADA was created by Simon Fuller and Nigel Lythgoe, and is produced in association with CTV by Danse TV Productions in association with CTV. Sandra Faire and Trisa Dayot are Executive Producers. Ed Robinson is Executive Vice-President, Programming, CTV Inc. Susanne Boyce is President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc.

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The judges have been way too nice. There has been very little critiquing to push the dancers to really become better. The choreography is somewhat fluffy – not edgy and memorable like Mia or Wade or some other amazing choreographers from the U.S. Show. The host is a little fluffy too and needs to develop a little edge herself.

The worst part of the show by far is the costume selection. Many people won’t notice how bad the costumes are but they are terrible. They look tacky and overdone and take away from the dancers and what they are expressing through their movements. If Nico is supposed to be a dark angel, having black wings really is not necessary. He can convey this with his dance, body movement and facials. Between the toy soldiers, clowns, fake afroed disco dancers and other ridiculous costumes, the dancing is lost and that is too bad because the dancers are quite good.

However, I will make an effort to comment on the final shows as we are getting down to the top few dancers and I do want the Canadian show to do well and improve. Hopefully they are reading viewers’ comments and can make some adjustments for next season.

In the next blog I will cover my favourite dancers…

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