Artistry & Motion

January Class Syllabi-Final; February Class Announcement

2012-01-31T22:19:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the step lists for all of January's classes, both at Balboa Park and Infinity Dance Center. Please feel free to download a copy for your use, the links to which can be found in the right column on this page under "Classes at Infinity" and "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents."

I would especially like to thank those of you who attended at Infinity while the floor at Balboa Park Club was being refinished.

Coming In February

I will be teaching Basic to Intermediate Hustle for the month of February at Infinity on Tuesdays at 7:00PM. I will start with some basics, but will also include several Intermediate level variations, all of which are designed with a more experienced dancer in mind. The series will be held February 7, 14, 21, and 28. $10 per class per person or $32 per person for the whole series in paid on or before February 7.

February at Balboa Park is Tango and Cha Cha. Check the schedule at www.balboaparkdancers.org as we are dark several times this month.

January Class Update

2012-01-11T13:02:00.000-08:00

This has been an exciting week for dance classes at Infinity Dance Center, which, thanks to all of you, have been enormously successful. Special thanks also goes to Yolanda Vargas, owner and director of Infinity, for allowing us to use her studio while the the Balboa Park Club is undergoing repair.

Here is a brief list of the material I have covered so far in each of my classes:

Waltz

Open Right Turn w/ Promenade Grapevine

Hover to PP, Open Right Turn, Impetus
Grapevine in PP, Continuity End

Open Left Turn
Underarm Turn

Hover to PP, Open Right Turn
Underarm Pivot (12&3), Hesitation Develope
Hover Corte, Outside Change to PP, Continuity End

West Coast Swing

Sugar Push

Two Hand Tuck-In, end in Lady's Hammerlock hold

Lady's Inside Underarm Spin to Left, Man's Wrap

Lady's Inside Underarm Spin to Left, end in Open Position

In addition I also held the first session of American Style Rumba on Tuesday at Infinity. Here is the list:

Rumba Box

Cross Body Lead

Wrap & Explosion

Cross Body Lead to Wrapped Up Walks, Outside Underarm Turn to Cucaracha (Explosion)
One Hand Wrap to Forward Walks, Outside Underarm Turn to Open position

Box
Spot Turn to Open Cuban Walk

1/2 Box, Open Break
Back Spot Turn, Inside UA Pass
Open Cuban Walk

End Of The Year News And Announcements

2011-12-31T15:38:00.000-08:00

Wow! This has been a whirlwind month in a roller coaster ride of a dance year. So much has gone on during 2011 including workshops, new classes, and performances, not to mention Musical Class Instructors at Balboa Park.

I have posted the December Viennese Waltz and Nite Club Two Step syllabus, which is linked under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents." Please feel free to download for your perusal.

Change of Venue for Balboa Park Dancers

As you may know, the Balboa Park Club will not be available to use during most of January 2012 while the city refinishes the floor and performs other repairs. However, that does NOT mean that your dancing has to come to a screeching halt. The Intermediate and Advanced classes will still take place (in slightly different form; more on that shortly). Scott Dodson and I, teaching Advanced and Intermediate, respectively, will move them over to Infinity Dance Center (linked on this page) during the time that the Park is not available. Here is a rundown of what will go on:

Fridays-January 6, 13, and 20; 7:05-7:55PM: Waltz only
Sundays-January 8 and 15; 7:00-8:30PM: Waltz and West Coast Swing (two 40-minute classes with a 10-minute intermission)

The cost for the classes is $5 per person for each evening. On Friday there is a dance party hosted by Infinity Dance Center which you can attend for an additional $8. We will return to Balboa Park on Sunday January 22 at the normal times.

Tuesday Class At Infinity

Mark your calendars for Tuesdays in January at 7:00PM, for that is when I will be teaching a series at Infinity Dance Center on American Style Rumba. This will be a Basic to Intermediate level class, by which I mean I will start at the beginning with a few recurring basic elements, but I will quickly go to the good stuff, including technique, style, and partnership of this timelessly contemporary dance. Check out the promotional flyer for vital information.

The series runs January 10, 17, 24, and 31. The cost is $10 per person, per class or $32 for the whole series if paid on or before January 10. Cash, checks, and plastic accepted. There will be no class on January 3.

November Syllabus and Tuesday Bolero Class Announcement

2011-11-27T10:41:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the November syllabus for Balboa Park, which can found by following the link at the top of the list under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents."

This Tuesday November 29 I am holding my first class on Bolero at Infinity. This is an Intermediate level class, so some dance experience is necessary. Set your schedule thus:

Tuesdays at 7:00-8:00PM

November 29-December 20 (4 weeks)

$10 per class

$32 for the series ($8 per class) if paid in full on or before November 29

Infinity Dance Center

4428 Convoy Street (just south of Balboa Avenue, next to Office Depot)

San Diego 92111

You can pre register at Infinity or by contacting me at 619.322.4670. For your convenience, I accept VISA and MasterCard (full series purchases only) as well as cash and checks. I look forward to seeing you there.

East Coast Swing Workshop Syllabus Posted

2011-11-11T11:20:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the syllabus for the November 12 East Coast Swing Workshop. You can download and print it by following the link under Workshop Syllabus Documents. I encourage you to add it to your collection.

Workshop Announcement!!

2011-10-30T17:41:00.000-07:00

Mark this date, time, and location:

Saturday November 12, 11:00AM-1:00PM at Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111.

On this day I will be teaching a two-hour workshop on East Coast Swing. This is a workshop for experienced dancers who are familiar with the basics, tuck-ins, wraps, and underarm turns.

I will be teaching some innovative material that has never been seen before at my weekly classes at Balboa Park or elsewhere.

The cost for the Workshop is $12 per person or $10 if paid in advance. You can register at Infinity or anytime you see me for the advance price. I accept cash, checks, and plastic (MasterCard/VISA).

For more information please contact me at 619-322-4670.

Balboa Park Dancers October Syllabus

2011-10-30T17:29:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the October syllabus for Tango & Cha Cha, which you can download and print. You can find it by clicking on the link below right under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents."

Thank you for attending.

New Weekly Class At Infinity

2011-10-11T18:22:00.000-07:00

I will soon be teaching a new class at Infinity Dance Center. Beginning Tuesday October 18 at 7:00 PM I will teach a class on various Ballroom and Latin dances. This first series will be Intermediate to Advanced American Style Tango. If you have been attending my Tango classes at Balboa Park, I will teach entirely different material, other than including some familiar Basics. Because I expect the class to be smaller than at Balboa Park, there will be more opportunity for individual attention that is not possible in a large class.

Please take note of the schedule: October 18 through November 15 (5 weeks). There will be no class during Thanksgiving Week. The next series (dance to be announced later; REQUESTS SERIOUSLY CONSIDERED) will run November 29 through December 20 (4 weeks). Because we are coming up on the holidays, I decided arrange the classes so as to avoid interruption. After the first of the year I will likely follow the normal course-of-month schedule.

The cost per person for the classes are $14 if paid each time or $55 ($11 per class) for the first series if paid in full on or before the first class meeting. The advance rate for the second series is $44.

If you would like further information about the classes, contact me at 619-322-4670 or sshowers@cox.net.

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus

2011-09-21T13:59:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the complete syllabus for the Advanced International Waltz and Swing/Jive classes, which is available for you to download and print. The link can be found under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents," on the right of this page.

Thank you for attending.

Argentine Tango Workshop-Pre Game Warm Up

2011-09-09T19:46:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the syllabus to tomorrow's workshop, which you can download and print for your use. It can be found under Workshop Syllabus Documents. I encourage you to bring a copy

See you tomorrow.

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus

2011-09-02T18:24:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the August syllabus, which you can download and print. The link can be found at rhe right under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents." To print a copy, select the "File" menu on the blue bar just above the document and click on either "Download Original" or "Print (pdf)."

Thank you for attending.

Workshop Announcement!!

2011-08-19T17:19:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars. On Saturday September 10 I will be teaching a workshop on Argentine Tango. If you have never attempted Argentine Tango, do not be deterred as I will be covering some basic movements. If you attended my Argentine Workshop last year, you will not be bored because I will cover new variations. This a class for experienced dancers. If you have been attending the Intermediate or Advanced classes at Balboa Park, this is the Workshop for you.

The Workshop will be held at Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111 from 11AM-1PM. Admission is $10 per person paid in advance, $12 on the day of the Workshop. You can register at Infinity or any time you see me. I accept cash, checks, and now VISA and MasterCard.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Balboa Park Dancers July Syllabus

2011-07-31T22:59:00.000-07:00

I have just put the finishing touches on the July syllabus, which is available for you to download and print. Thank you for attending this month.

See you Friday for Quickstep and Bolero.

How to Print Documents From this Blog

2011-07-31T22:56:00.000-07:00

A few of you have had some difficulty in printing some of the documents that are posted on this blog. If you are among them, try the following:

1. Follow the link to the document you want to print
2. Right above the document is a light blue bar. On the left end of the bar are the menus "File" and "View." These are not to be confused with similar menus on the very top of your screen. These are actually inside the web page.
3. Select "File" and scroll down to "Print (PDF)." Depending on your computer, it will bring up the document as a .pdf file that your system can likely print with no problem.

Follow this link to see what I am talking about. Let me know if this helps.

New Feature for Serious (or Humorous) Dancers

2011-06-25T14:14:00.000-07:00

I have added a new section to this blog that I hope you find useful. It is called Dance Style and Technique. I realize that some of the terminology that Ballroom Dance instructors use can be unclear. Therefore, I am producing a series of Technical Papers that are designed to explain and clarify different areas of dance instruction.

The first one which is now available for you to download is called, "An Explanation of Alignments and the Line of Dance." The paper is linked at right under, "Dance Style & Technique."

Your feedback would be greatly welcomed.

Balboa Park Dancers June Syllabus

2011-06-25T11:33:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the syllabus for the month of June 2011, which is linked on the right under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents."

Six Things Workshop-Pre Game Warm-up

2011-06-17T18:45:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the syllabus for tomorrow's Workshop, "Six Things Every Ballroom Dancer Should Know," which is linked under Workshop Syllabus Documents at right. Please feel free to download and print a copy for your use

As you probably know by now, there is no class tonight. I am rather disappointed about it myself. However, I will be having my workshop. Since I know that many of you were planning to register at tonight's class, I have a deal for everyone who sees this message. Come tomorrow to the workshop, details of which can be found at this link, mention this blog posting, and I will give you the advanced registration price of $10.

WAIT!! It gets better. I am also hosting the "Ballroom Magic" dance party at Infinity. From 8PM to 10:30PM tomorrow you can dance to good music, participate in a mini class lesson, and enjoy some light refreshments. The advertised price is $10. However, if you come to the Workshop, you can come to the party for just $5. Try out the new stuff from the Workshop for half price.

When it comes to your weekend dancing fix, I have got you covered.

Party Announcement!!!

2011-06-12T15:56:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, June 18, I will be hosting the "Ballroom Magic" party at Infinity Dance Center from 8PM-10:30PM. Come on out for a fun evening of dancing to great music. In addition, I will be teaching a short lesson for all to enjoy about mid way through the party, as well as having a mixer or two. Admission is $10 per person. Refreshments are included.

Between the workshop in the morning and the party in the evening, this will be a great way to spend your Saturday.

See you there.

Workshop Announcement!!

2011-05-29T17:10:00.000-07:00

Put the following date on your calendar:

Saturday June 18, 2011
11AM-1PM

I will be teaching a workshop entitled, "Six Things That Every Ballroom Dancer Should Know." In it I will teach six different movements, mostly body lines but also some traveling moves as well, that are common to most Smooth dances. They can be grouped with familiar figures, and will greatly enhance your dancing. I will not only teach the figures themselves, but also show you how to incorporate them into your repertoire.

This is a workshop for EXPERIENCED dancers who are familiar and comfortable with Waltz, Tango, and Foxtrot. Most who have attended the Intermediate or Advanced Classes at Balboa Park or have a similar level of experience will enjoy the Workshop.

The Workshop will take place at:

Infinity Dance Center
4428 Convoy Street
San Diego 92111, just south of Balboa Avenue next door to Office Depot.

Admission is $12 per person or $10 if paid in advance. You can get the discount rate by registering at Infinity or any time you see me on or before Friday June 17, 2011.

Balboa Park Dancers May Syllabus

2011-05-29T15:38:00.000-07:00

I have posted the May syllabus for your perusal. Please download and print for your use. If you have any questions, please contact me at your convenience. Just scroll down and look for "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents" on the right.

Balboa Park Dancers April Syllabus

2011-05-04T17:19:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the April syllabus, which you can download and print. Follow the link under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents," on the right of this page.

Thank you for attending this past month.

BLDC @ SDSU Semester Final

2011-04-28T21:20:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the the last syllabus from the Beginning Class, Session 3, which you can download and print by following the link at right under "BLDC @ SDSU Syllabus Documents."

Thank you for your support, attendance, and enthusiasm this semester, as I have enjoyed myself very much.

Have a good summer, and I look forward to seeing you in the Fall.

Cha Cha Workshop Syllabus

2011-04-16T06:57:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the syllabus for the Cha Cha Workshop, which you can download and print by following this link. It is in a somewhat different format from previous workshops, and I would be very interested in your feedback.

I hope you enjoy the material taught.

Workshop Announcement!!

2011-03-28T10:22:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars! On Saturday April 16 at 11 AM I will be teaching a fast-paced two-hour workshop on Intermediate to Advanced Cha Cha. This is your chance to try out some challenging new material that is not normally taught in a weekly class as well as learn some steps that may be included in the near future.

The Workshop will be held at Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111. The cost is $12 per person at the door or $10 per person if registered and prepaid in advance. You can register at Infinity or any time you see me. You can also get the prepaid rate if you follow this link. Follow the directions in RED.

If you have any questions about the Workshop, contact me at 619-322-4670. I look forward to seeing you there.

Balboa Park Dancers March Syllabus

2011-03-28T09:37:00.000-07:00

Last night was our final class for the month of March, and I have posted the syllabus for the month, which is posted for your downloading convenience under the Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents list at right. Thank you for attending this month.

This Friday we begin Quickstep and Rumba. See you there.

BLDC @ SDSU Beginning Class Syllabus Posted

2011-03-25T11:26:00.000-07:00

Follow this link to access the syllabus for the Beginning class of Session 2, Tango and Salsa.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 2 Syllabus

2011-03-22T18:22:00.000-07:00

I have just posted the Session 2 syllabus for the Intermediate class, which is linked at right under BLDC @ SDSU. Feel free to download and print it for your use.

Balboa Park Dancers February Syllabus

2011-03-01T08:34:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the syllabus for the month of February, linked in the Documents list at right. Considering how abbreviated this month was, we actually covered quite a bit of material. I hope you enjoyed yourselves.

Some of you have been having trouble making printed copies of the syllabi. Try this:

Click on the link to download the document. It will take you to a Google Docs page.
On the upper left portion of the page, underneath "Google Docs," select "File."
There are two options for printing. One is "Print (PDF)" which seems like the obvious choice, and will likely work. Try that. If it works, you are done. If it does not work, read on
The other option is "File >Download Original," which will open it as a .pdf file. Depending on your system, one of several things will take place:

It will kick start Adobe Acrobat and open the document in your browser, which you can then print.
A dialog box asking permission to download a file may appear, Select "Yes" or "OK" or whatever is the affirmative choice. This will likely open it once it is downloaded.
If you use a Mac, it may give you the option of opening it in Acrobat or Preview (Apple's default .pdf program). Either one works fine.

I hope that this was helpful, but if you are still having difficulty, contact me. This weekend we begin a new series of dances, Foxtrot and Salsa.
See you there.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 1 Syllabus

2011-02-16T07:50:00.000-08:00

I have posted the syllabi for the Beginning and Intermediate classes, linked under BLDC @ SDSU Syllabus Documents at right. Feel free to download and print it for your use.

Bolero Workshop Syllabus

2011-02-11T23:23:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the syllabus for tomorrow's Bolero Workshop, which you can download from the "Workshop Syllabus Documents" list at right. If you wish to print it, follow these instructions:

After following the link, select "File" just above the document.
Select either "Download Original" or "Print (PDF)." Either way, it will ask to save or open it as a .pdf file.
Once it is downloaded to your computer, you will be able to print it.

I look forward to seeing you there.

February Syllabus-Week 1

2011-02-08T15:17:00.000-08:00

For those of you who attended class instead of watching the Super Bowl, here is a list of the steps we covered:

Tango

Twist Turn from Promenade (SQQ SQQ) [DW/DC]

Open Right Turn from PP

Man: RF Twist Turn; Lady: Walk around Man in RSd, end PP

Rondé & Swivels (SQQS QQ SS QQS) [DC/DC]

Closed Promenade to Rondé

Fallaway Walk

Lady’s Outside Swivels

Tango Close

Cha Cha

Knee Lift

1/2 Basic to ROp Cross Over, end Facing

Fwd Lock Step in LOp (2&3)

Passé in 2H, Man: LF, Lady: RF ([4] 1)

Cross Over in LOp, end Facing

Fwd Lock Step in ROp (2&3)

Passé in 2H, Man: RF, Lady: LF ([4] 1)

Cross Over in ROp, end Facing

Natural UA Turn, 5th Position Break

Paseo

Walk through from PP to ROp moving backwards (Aida)

Side Break in 2H

Cha Cha Fwd to Apart Inside Spiral Turn; Man turns L, Lady turns R

Chassé to Cross Over in ROp

See you next Sunday

Balboa Park Dancers January Syllabus

2011-01-29T08:44:00.000-08:00

I have posted the January syllabus in the Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents list at right which you may download and print for your convenience. One more class tomorrow, and then we start a new month.

See you there.

Workshop Announcement!!

2011-01-24T10:08:00.000-08:00

February is the most romantic month of the year, and in keeping with times, I will be teaching a Workshop on arguably the most romantic of all dances, Bolero, at Infinity Dancesport Center on Saturday February 12, 2011, 11AM to 1PM. This will be an Intermediate to Advanced level, so attendees must be experienced dancers. Admission to the class is $10 per person if paid in advance, or $12 at the door on the day of the Workshop. You can register with me whenever you see me or at Infinity. You can also register with Infinity using a credit card. If you have any questions, please leave me a message below, send me an email message at sshowers@cox.net, or call me at 619-322-4670.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Tango Workshop-Post Game Wrap-Up

2011-01-15T16:22:00.000-08:00

Today we had an excellent turnout for the Tango Workshop. To those of you who attended, thank you for your support. We covered most of the material that I planned for today except for Section 1, step 4, the Roll Lunge & Contra Walks, which I will cover another time.

As I am sure you would agree, most of the material was challenging, to say the least, but I can say with some certainty that most of you managed to get through everything. However, if you are having some trouble and would like some coaching, schedule a private lesson with me either alone or with a partner.

Thank you for attending today.

Tango Workshop Syllabus

2011-01-13T15:24:00.000-08:00

I have just posted the syllabus for my upcoming Tango Workshop, which you can download from the "Workshop Syllabus Documents" list at right. If you wish to print it, follow these instructions:

After following the link, select "File" just above the document.
Select either "Download Original" or "Print (PDF)." Either way, it will ask to save or open it as a .pdf file.
Once it is downloaded to your computer, you will be able to print it.

I look forward to seeing you there.

Workshop Announcement

2010-12-27T11:28:00.000-08:00

As we come upon 2011 (can you believe ten percent of the century is already behind us?), it will soon be time to kick start your New Year's resolutions, and I have just the thing: a Tango Workshop. Mark this on your calendar:

Saturday January 15, 2011
11AM-1PM
Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111

This will be American Style Intermediate to Advanced level, so attendees must be experienced dancers. The Workshop is $10 if paid in advance, $12 at the door. You can register at Infinity, or anytime you see me.

Balboa Park Dancers December Syllabus

2010-12-27T10:11:00.000-08:00

I have posted the December syllabus in the Documents list at right, which you free to download and print at your convenience.

There is no class this Friday, as it is New Year's Eve. However, there will be a class on Sunday, which will be Waltz and West Coast Swing.

Thank you for attending this month.

Hustle Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

2010-12-11T14:20:00.000-08:00

Today I taught my long-awaited Hustle Workshop at Infinity Dance Center. For those of you who attended, thank you very much. Your support is greatly appreciated.

I have posted the syllabus of the material covered in the Workshop Syllabus Documents list on the right, which you can download and print. If you have one of the printed copies that I gave out at the studio, you will notice some differences (besides the faded ink). I always plan more material than I expect to cover, and this was no exception. Therefore, I only covered two of the three sections. I also made some clarifications and added more footnotes. I will teach the material that was missed sometime in the near future.

Balboa Park Dancers November Syllabus-Final; Coming in December

2010-11-29T10:39:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

I hope you had a good Thanksgiving. I have completed and posted the November syllabus, which can be found by surfing over to the Documents list on the right. Please feel free to download and print it for your use.

Coming in December

Viennese Waltz and Niteclub Two-Step. Two really beautiful dances. We are dark most Fridays this month, but we will still cover a fair amount of material. See you this Sunday.

Saturday December 11, 2010. Hustle Workshop. Intermediate to Advanced level. 11AM-1PM. Infinity Dance Center. Go ahead. Click on it. You know you want to.

How Is My Blog?

I would like to get an idea as to how effective my blog is. If you could leave a comment in the box below, I would greatly appreciate it. I read all comments, so if you want give feedback, I will consider it. If you cannot think of anything to say, just say "hello."

Thank you for your help.

Second Saturday at Synergy Dance Zone. I will be teaching the pre-party lesson to 7:30-8:00PM on Foxtrot. Yes, I will be there this time.

Workshop Announcement!!

2010-11-22T18:59:00.000-08:00

Mark this on your calendar:

Saturday December 11, 2010
11AM-1PM
Infinity Dance Center

On this date I will be teaching a fun and fast-paced workshop on Hustle. The dance that began as a disco favorite from the 1970s, the Hustle has evolved to become a part of the canon of social dancing. Hustle borrows heavily from Mambo, Salsa, and Swing dancing, and can be danced to just about any popular music that has a reasonably fast beat such as Nightclub, Hip-Hop, R & B, Latin Fusion, Funk, and the list goes on.

The structure of the dance is fairly simple, but the possibilities for variations are endless. I will be teaching some new variations based on steps that will be familiar to anyone who has taken my classes at Balboa Park or SDSU, with particular emphasis placed on smooth execution.

Although I will cover some of the basics, this is an Intermediate to Advanced level workshop intended for experienced dancers.

Admission is $10 per person if registered and paid in advance, or $12 at the door. You can sign up at Infinity, 4428 Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa (San Diego 92111), or with me directly.

See you there.

Balboa Park Dancers November Syllabus-Update

2010-11-22T15:00:00.000-08:00

Here is the material we have covered so far this month. I will post a complete and detailed syllabus in the documents list after the final class of the month.

Foxtrot

Open Right Turn
Open Left Turn
Weave
Progressive Spirals, Hesitation Developé, Continuity End
Open Left Turn

Samba

Basic
Reverse Turn
Travelling Bota Fogos
Basic (4 counts)
Whisks (4 cts)
Samba Walks (6 cts) Side Samba Walks (2cts)
Criss Cross Voltas
Shadow Bota Fogos
Whisks (4 cts)
Basic (4cts)
REPEAT FROM step 2

I will be out of town on Friday November 26, but will be back on Sunday November 28. My colleague Christian Wasinger will substitute for me on Friday.

Have a safe and happy Thanksgiving.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 2-Final

2010-11-05T13:05:00.000-07:00

I have posted the final syllabus for Session 2 (both classes) of this semester in the "BLDC @ SDSU Documents" list at right. I had posted it a few days ago, but I discovered some errors, which I have since corrected.

Next week we start Session 3. The Tuesday Intermediate Class will be Quickstep & International Cha Cha. The Beginning Class will be Waltz & Hustle. Please note that there will not be a class Thursday November 11 in observance of Veteran's Day. The first Beginner's class will be on November 18.

Balboa Park Dancers October Syllabus-Final

2010-11-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

October was quite a month for exciting new material at Balboa Park. I have posted the final version of this month's syllabus in "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents" list at the right. When you download it, you will notice that the layout is slightly different. That is because we covered so much material that I could not fit it all onto one two-column page. So you now have two pages to print. Hopefully, you will still find it to be well-organized and informative.

* * * CRASS COMMERCIAL MESSAGE* * *

If you are having any difficulty with any of the material or would like to further refine your dancing, please contact me to schedule a private lesson. You can call me at (619) 322-4670 or email me at sshowers@cox.net.

For the month of November, we are doing Foxtrot and Samba. Please note that we are dark this Friday, so our first meeting will be Sunday November 7.

Viennese Waltz Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

2010-10-23T14:06:00.000-07:00

I want to thank all of you who came out to my workshop today and made it such a success. I hope you enjoyed it and learned some new material to add to your repertoire. I have posted the syllabus in the Workshop Syllabus Documents list below.

Mark This Date: Saturday, December 11, 2010, 11AM-1PM

On this date I will be teaching (you guessed it) another workshop. The dance will be Intermediate to Advanced Hustle. Come on out and learn some new moves for the holiday season (or, for that matter, any other season). As usual, I will hold the workshop at Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, 92111. Admission is $10 per person if paid in advance or $12 at the door.

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus-Update

2010-10-11T01:46:00.000-07:00

So far this month we have done quite a lot of new steps at the Intermediate Class. Here is a list of what we have done so far:

Argentine Tango

8 Count Basic
Ochos (from step 5 of Basic)
Back Ochos (from step 3)
Molinete

Cha Cha

Basic
Cross Body Spin, end in open position
Sliding Doors
Basic open to closed
Offset Breaks w/ Lady's Underarm Spin
Overhead Walkaround Turn
3 Cha Chas

I will post the complete syllabus in the documents list at the end of the month. Thanks for attending my class and for visiting my site.

BLDC @ SDSU Update

2010-10-01T10:08:00.000-07:00

I have posted the syllabi for Session 1, linked at right, for both the Beginning and Intermediate classes. Post a comment if you have any questions about the step list.

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus-Final; Argentine Tango in October

2010-09-26T13:54:00.000-07:00

I have posted the complete September syllabus in a form that you can download and print.The link to it is found under "Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus Documents," on the right side of this page.

For the month of October, as you know, the dances are Tango and Cha Cha. However, in the Intermediate class only, I will be teaching Argentine Tango. If you attended my recent two-hour workshop on it, you will certainly enjoy this class, as I will include some of the same elements along with new material. If you have been attending either the Intermediate or Advanced classes recently, or are otherwise an experienced dancer, I encourage you to attend.

See you in class.

Workshop Announcement!!

2010-09-15T13:42:00.000-07:00

Mark this on your calendar:

Saturday October 23, 2010
11AM-1PM
Infinity Dance Center

On this auspicious date I will be teaching a two-hour workshop on the oldest and most romantic Ballroom dance, the Viennese Waltz. Although I will be covering some basic steps, this is an Intermediate to Advanced level workshop intended for experienced dancers. I will conduct the workshop in two sections: in Part 1, I will concentrate on Closed Position material that maneuvers easily on a crowded floor, such as one might encounter at "A Night in Vienna." Part 2 will be devoted to Open Position and picture lines, material that requires more space.

Admission is $10 per person if registered and paid in advance or $12 at the door. You can sign up at Infinity, 4428 Convoy Street in Kearny Mesa (San Diego 92111), or with me directly. Also note that I am holding the workshop at 11AM.

See you there.

Mid Month Update at Balboa Park

2010-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of what we have done so far this month. A detailed and printable syllabus will be published at the close of this month's session. See you Firday.

Waltz

Open Right Turn (ORT)

Hover to Promenade Position
Open Right Turn
Open Impetus Turn
Continuity Ending

Open Left Turn (OLT)
ORT w/ UA Pivots

1-6 ORT
Outside UA Pivots (12&3)
Hover LSd to PP
Continuity Ending

OLT w/ UA Pivots

1-3 OLT
Inside UA Pivot (not syncopated)
1-6 OLT

East Coast Swing

Basic (1&2 3&4 56)
The Walks (1&2 3&4 5678)
UA Turns R & L w/optional Hitch Kicks (1&2 3&4 [5] &6)
Lindy Turn Op-Cl-Op w/ Hitch Kick (1&2 34 5&6 [7] &8)
Basic Op-Cl
Throwout (1&2 3&4)
Sugar Foot (5678)
Basic

New Session at SDSU

2010-09-14T08:44:00.000-07:00

Tonight the Ballroom and Latin Dance Club (BLDC) open the first class of the Fall 2010 semester. We have decided to try something a little different and your feedback would be greatly appreciated. The Intermediate classes will three four-week sessions instead of two six-week sessions so as to include more dances per semester. The Beginning classes will not change, as they have always run in this fashion.

For the first session, the Tuesday Intermediate class will be American Foxtrot and Samba, and the Thursday Beginning class will be American Tango and Salsa.

All classes will be held at Peterson Gym 241 (woohoo!). For further information on the club, follow the link at the right, under "Where to find Stephen Showers."

New Session at Balboa Park

2010-08-31T10:01:00.000-07:00

This Friday I will begin teaching two new dances for the month of September: Waltz and East Coast Swing. Some of the steps that I will teach in Waltz are Open Left and Right Turns (OLT and ORT), Underarm Turns from OLT & ORT, and syncopated grapevines.

For the Swing I will teach Quick Walks in Promenade, Sugar Foot, Lindy turns, and, for the first time ever, the Hitch Kick.

For both dances I will include transitional figures to use among the good stuff.

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Final

2010-08-31T09:58:00.000-07:00

I have posted the final version of the Quickstep and Bolero syllabus, linked at the right, which you can download and print. If you have any difficulty accessing it, please post a comment below. If you do not see a comment box, click on the word "comment" immediately below this post. It will take you to a comment page.

Argentine Tango Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

2010-08-31T09:25:00.000-07:00

(Note to readers: I actually wrote this right after the Workshop last Saturday and I thought I posted it. Apparently, I forgot to hit the "publish" button. For that I apologize.)

For those of you who attended my workshop today, thank you. Since we strayed a little from the originally planned material, here is the new, revised step list.

1. 8 Count Basic w/ Lapiz immediately after step 1
2. Ochos Forward (following step 5)
3. Back Ochos (following step 3
4. Molinete w/ Lady's Grapevine, resolution
5. Ganchos

For more detailed description, see the Syllabus Documents list to the right.

Argentine Tango Workshop Syllabus

2010-08-20T16:33:00.000-07:00

It is the afternoon before the Argentine Tango Workshop of the century, and I have gone ahead and posted the syllabus, which you can download and print. If you get the chance, feel free to print a copy and bring it to class. The link to the syllabus can be found by scrolling down to "Workshop Syllabus Documents" on the right of this page.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update-Final

2010-08-20T13:55:00.000-07:00

Wow! Another semester has come and gone. I have made the final edition of the syllabus for Foxtrot and West Coast Swing, which you can download and print by clicking on the document list to the right. Thank you for attending, and I look forward to seeing you during the Fall semester.

Argentine Tango Workshop This Saturday

2010-08-16T00:19:00.000-07:00

In just a few days I will be teaching the Argentine Tango Workshop of the Century. I refer you to an earlier entry for complete details on the workshop along with some gratuitous rambling. Here is the information you need:

Saturday August 21, 2010, 10:30AM to 12:30 PM
Infinity Dance Center, 4428 Convoy, San Diego, 92111
$10 if paid in advance; $12 at the door. Prices are per person.

Please be sure to read the entry dated Wednesday July 28, 2010 for a complete explanation of what to expect this Saturday. If you have any questions or comments, please post them below.

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update #3

2010-08-15T23:35:00.000-07:00

On Sunday August 15 we added one new piece to the Bolero, the Tummy Catch. This coming Friday we will add another section to the Quickstep and the Bolero, which should give us a plenty of material for the remainder of the month. Refer to Update #2 for the complete step list thus far.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update-Week 3

2010-08-13T17:10:00.000-07:00

I have updated the Foxtrot and West Coast Swing syllabi.

Foxtrot

Basic [LOD]
Promenade Basic [DC/LOD]
Rock Turn# [LOD/C]
Box Step (SQQ SQQ)# [C/W]
Promenade Pivots [DW (moving LOD)/DW]
Turning Basic

Fwd Basic (Lady Bk) turning R [DW/DC]
Bk Basic (Lady Fwd) turning L [DC/DW]

Rock Turn [DW/LOD]

West Coast Swing

Sugar Push (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Underarm Pass (1-2 3&4 5&6)
Sugar Push (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Sugar Tuck (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Underarm Pass (1-2 3&4 5&6)
Sugar Push (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Two-Hand Tuck-In Pass (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Underarm Pass (1-2 3&4 5&6)
Whip (1-2 3&4 5-6 7&8)
Whip w/ Inside UA Pass ending (1-2 3&4 5-6 7&8)

You can also download a printable version, which is linked in Syllabus Documents list.

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update #2

2010-08-11T12:27:00.000-07:00

I made additions to the August Quickstep & Bolero syllabus, including changes, which are highlighted, made on Sunday August 8.

Quickstep

Prep step on 8
Quarter Turn (SQQS)
Progressive Chasse (SQQS)
Forward Lock Step (Lady Back) (SQQS)
Natural Spin Turn (SQQ SSS)
Progressive Chasse (moving DC) w/ linking step (SQQSS)
Quick Open Reverse Turn (SQQ)
Four Quick Run (SQQQQS)
Repeat from step 2

Bolero

Basic
Cross Over Swivels 2x
Walk Around Turn, end w/ Point Break
Inside Underarm Pass (Man's foot change ["fake"])
Fencing Checks 3x
Inside Underarm Pass (Man's foot change ["fake"])
End w/ Point Break
1/2 Basic Op-Cl
Man's RF Fwd Lunge, LF Bk Rock; Lady's LF Bk Lunge, RF Fwd Rock
Turning Basic, Point Break
Tummy Catch, Point Break (S & QQ)

See you this Sunday.

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update

2010-08-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

I have updated the August 2 posting. New steps that have been added are listed in yellow letters. Scroll down, if you are on the main page, or click here.

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update

2010-08-05T23:06:00.000-07:00

I have gone ahead and linked the Foxtrot & West Coast Swing syllabus in document form (see "BLDC @ SDSU Syllabus Documents" on the right column), which you can download and print. If you have any questions or comments, please submit them below. I check regularly.

Syllabus Archive

2010-08-03T15:52:00.000-07:00

I have figured out how to post class syallabi in document form complete with familiar formatting. So far , I have the July 2010 Balboa Park Dancers syllabus posted, which anyone can access. See how this works. Go ahead, test it!

THIS IS A TEST THIS IS A TEST THIS IS A TEST

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus

2010-08-02T01:10:00.000-07:00

Here is what we covered on Sunday August 1, 2010. Be sure to check back after each session for updates. I will post a complete version with more detailed descriptions and explanations after the last session of the month.

Quickstep

Prep step on 8
Quarter Turn (SQQS)
Progressive Chasse (SQQS)
Forward Lock Step (Lady Back) (SQQS)
Natural Spin Turn (SQQ SSS)
Progressive Chasse (moving DC) w/ linking step (SQQSS)
Quick Open Reverse Turn (SQQ)
Four Quick Run (SQQQQS)
Repeat from step 2

Bolero

Basic
Cross Over Swivels 2x
Walk Around Turn, end w/ Point Break
Inside Underarm Pass (Man's foot change ["fake"])
Fencing Checks 3x
Inside Underarm Pass (Man's foot change ["fake"])
End w/ Point Break
1/2 Basic Op-Cl
Man's RF Fwd Lunge, LF Bk Rock; Lady's LF Bk Lunge, RF Fwd Rock

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3

2010-07-31T14:25:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of what we have done so far. Keep checking back after each session. I will post a more detailed description of the material taught after the fourth meeting of the session.

Foxtrot
Rhythm: SSQQ except where noted

Basic
Promenade Basic
Box Step (SQQ SQQ) 2x
Basic
Rock Turn
Basic
Promenade Pivots

West Coast Swing
Rhythm noted for each figure

Sugar Push (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Sugar Tuck (1-2 [tap 3] 4 5&6)
Underarm Pass (1-2 3&4 5&6)

New Session at Balboa Park

2010-07-31T12:03:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow I begin teaching a new pair of dances in the Intermediate class: Quickstep and Bolero. Some of the steps I will teach in Q-Step are Natural Spin Turn, Progressive and Tipple Chasses, Forward and Back Lock Steps, and, for the first time ever, the Fishtail and Quick Open Reverse Turn.

For the Bolero I will teach Cross Over Swivels, Tummy Catch, Lunge & Rock, and Spot Turn to Rope Spin. I will also include simpler figures to use as transitional movements among the good stuff.

See you there.

New Session at SDSU

2010-07-29T13:30:00.000-07:00

Tonight I begin teaching Session 3 of the Summer Semester at SDSU, which will feature Foxtrot and West Coast Swing. Class starts a 7PM at Petersen's Gym, across the street from the Aztec Recreation Center. For further info, check out ballroom.sdsu.edu.

SDSU Ballroom & Latin Dance Club (BLDC) Summer Session 2 Syllabus

2010-07-28T18:31:00.000-07:00

This is the syllabus from session 2. Keep checking back as I will be posting previous sessions here soon.

Nightclub Two Step

Step (Rhythm: SQQ throughout)

1) Basic

2) Underarm Turns

a) Outside

b) Inside

3) Traveling Cross Chassé

a) Basic in Cl or 2H

b) Cross Chassé CPP-PP-CPP

c) Inside UA Pivot

d) 2^nd 1/2 Basic

4) Outside UA Roll, Open Break

5) Back Spot Turn, 2^nd 1/2 Basic[1]
REPEAT

[1] Man’s footwork is virtually the same on both 4 & 5, although the amount of turn is slightly different.

Hustle

Step (Rhythm: QQSS )

1) Basic Op-Cl-Op

2) Basic w/ Outside UA Pass

3) Changes of Place

a) Lady’s Inside UA Pass

b) Back Pass

c) Lady’s Inside UA Pass

d) Overhead Pass

e) Lady’s Inside UA Pass, end 2H

f) Man’s UA Pass under RH

g) Lady’s Inside UA Pass

h) Basic Op-Cl

4) Traveler

a) Grapevine to Man’s L 2x

b) Closed Left Turn w/ Lady’s Inside UA Spin

c) Closed Left Turn

d) Basic w/ Outside UA Pass Cl-Op
REPEAT

Argentine Tango Workshop (from my Facebook page)

2010-07-28T17:20:00.000-07:00

I will be teaching a two-hour workshop on Argentine Tango to be held at Infinity Dance 4428 Convoy Street, San Diego, CA 92111, on Saturday August 21, 2010 at 10:30AM. Argentine (not to be confused with American or International style) Tango is arguably the most sensual dance in the world, but one does not approach it like other Ballroom and Latin dances. The hold is compact, not unlike Rumba, but much more intimate. The rules for partnership that are so well established in Ballroom go out the window with this dance. Anyone who has had more than 20 minutes of dance instruction from any moderately experienced professional knows that virtually every dance has elements in common with nearly every other dance. Not so with Argentine Tango. There is really nothing like else like it. Furthermore, I found that there is a whole subculture within the dance world of people who do nothing else but Argentine Tango, and almost none of the standard teaching methods I knew appeared to be in use.

I saw Argentine for the first time in the late 1980s while watching the Tony awards on TV. Some of the cast members from the show "Tango Argentino" performed. I was intrigued, to say the least, but it did not not look like anything I was learning. At the time, I had been teaching for about five or six years, I was competing on the professional circuit, and training with the best coaches in the country. Even they could not help me.

In 1990 or 1991 I saw a live Tango floor show performed at Starlight Dance Studio by Danel and Maria Bastone, who taught it in New York City and were doing Tango shows all over the country. They taught workshops the next day, including one for professionals only. My hard-earned Ballroom technical knowledge was not very useful at this point, especially since the Lady's head was now resting on my shoulder instead of the comparatively upright and locked position that I was used to. Once I accepted that this is a completely different way of dancing, I found that it was not all that difficult.

After a fair amount of trial and error, more training, and simply more practice, I have devised a way of teaching Argentine Tango that makes sense to Ballroom (as compared to Argentine) dancers. In my workshop, as always, I will introduce a series of different steps to be arranged in a repeatable sequence. In addition, I will also show how to add flourishes, alter rhythms, and rearrange steps.

The workshop is Basic to Intermediate level and is open to anyone who is has had little or no exposure to Argentine Tango, although anyone attending should at least be a reasonably experienced social dancer. The cost is $12 per person if registering the day of the workshop, or $10 per person for PAID registrations on or before Friday August 20, 2010.

Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus July 2010

2010-07-28T13:30:00.000-07:00

I have posted below the July syllabus. See how you like it and let me know what you think.

Foxtrot

Step [Starting/Ending alignment]

(Rhythm: SQQ except where noted)

1) Open Right Turn (ORT) [DC/DW]

a) Hover to PP

b) ORT from PP

c) Open Impetus Turn

d) Continuity End

2) Open Left Turn (OLT) [DC/DW]

3) Grapevine in PP & Pivots [DW/DC]

a) Hover to PP

b) Lady’s Grapevine in PP (Man’s Fwd Run) (QQQQ)

c) Pivots from PP

d) Continuity End

4) Back Progressive Spirals [DC/DW]

a) Open Left Turn

b) Bk Progressive Spirals (4 measures)

c) Continiuty End

Salsa

Step (Rhythm: 123 hold 4)

1) Basic, Cross Body Lead, end Op

2) UA Chase Turn

a) Man’s Turn (full turn R), Lady’s Bk Rock

b) Lady’s Turn ( “ ), Man’s Bk Rock, end RH-RH

c) Man’s Turn (1/2 turn)

d) Cross Body Spin[1]

3) Basic, X Body Lead

4) 5^th Position Break, Box Finish

5) Cucarachas w/ Turn

a) Cl-ROp, 1/4 turn away from partner

b) ROp-LOp, 1/2 turn

c) LOp- ROp, 1/2 turn

d) LOp-Cl, 1/4 turn to face partner

6) Hammerlock Swivels

a) Basic

b) XB Spin to HL

c) In-and-Out Swivels in Sh[2]

d) XB Spin L to Op

7) Basic

[1] Lady turns L; lead as either a free turn (release hold between 1 & 2) or RH-RH UA turn.

[2] Man may lead Lady to travel in the same path as 6b or redirect her path to his L up to 180º as conditions permit.

Welcome To My Blog

2010-07-28T12:28:00.000-07:00

For years I have been trying to come up with a way to effectively use the internet for shameless, crass, commercial self-promotion, and now I think I have found it. My purpose in starting this blog is to provide a convenient way for you to keep up on what group classes (Balboa Park, SDSU, etc) I am teaching as well as any events that may be of interest to you. This will also be the place to download the step lists from my classes, and contact me for private dance instruction.

Stay tuned as I will be adding new items for your perusal. For the latest postings, just click on "Artistry & Motion" above.

Artistry & Motion

January Class Syllabi-Final; February Class Announcement

January Class Update

End Of The Year News And Announcements

November Syllabus and Tuesday Bolero Class Announcement

East Coast Swing Workshop Syllabus Posted

Workshop Announcement!!

Balboa Park Dancers October Syllabus

New Weekly Class At Infinity

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus

Argentine Tango Workshop-Pre Game Warm Up

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus

Workshop Announcement!!

Balboa Park Dancers July Syllabus

How to Print Documents From this Blog

New Feature for Serious (or Humorous) Dancers

Balboa Park Dancers June Syllabus

Six Things Workshop-Pre Game Warm-up

Party Announcement!!!

Workshop Announcement!!

Balboa Park Dancers May Syllabus

Balboa Park Dancers April Syllabus

BLDC @ SDSU Semester Final

Cha Cha Workshop Syllabus

Workshop Announcement!!

Balboa Park Dancers March Syllabus

BLDC @ SDSU Beginning Class Syllabus Posted

BLDC @ SDSU Session 2 Syllabus

Balboa Park Dancers February Syllabus

BLDC @ SDSU Session 1 Syllabus

Bolero Workshop Syllabus

February Syllabus-Week 1

Balboa Park Dancers January Syllabus

Workshop Announcement!!

Tango Workshop-Post Game Wrap-Up

Tango Workshop Syllabus

Workshop Announcement

Balboa Park Dancers December Syllabus

Hustle Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

Balboa Park Dancers November Syllabus-Final; Coming in December

Workshop Announcement!!

Balboa Park Dancers November Syllabus-Update

BLDC @ SDSU Session 2-Final

Balboa Park Dancers October Syllabus-Final

Viennese Waltz Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus-Update

BLDC @ SDSU Update

Balboa Park Dancers September Syllabus-Final; Argentine Tango in October

Workshop Announcement!!

Mid Month Update at Balboa Park

New Session at SDSU

New Session at Balboa Park

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Final

Argentine Tango Workshop-Post Game Wrap Up

Argentine Tango Workshop Syllabus

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update-Final

Argentine Tango Workshop This Saturday

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update #3

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update-Week 3

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update #2

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus-Update

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3 Update

More Syllabus Posting

Syllabus Archive

Balboa Park Dancers August Syllabus

BLDC @ SDSU Session 3

New Session at Balboa Park

New Session at SDSU

SDSU Ballroom & Latin Dance Club (BLDC) Summer Session 2 Syllabus

Hustle

Argentine Tango Workshop (from my Facebook page)

Balboa Park Dancers Syllabus July 2010

Foxtrot

Step [Starting/Ending alignment]

Salsa

Welcome To My Blog