The Publishers take on the Fred Astaire Dance Challenge
0Ah one, ah two, ah three…let’s dance!
Warning: Embarrassing video footage below
For most people this quick step phrase sets the pace for what is about to be a rhythmic dance experience. You grab your partner and twist and turn about the floor with style, with grace, and with a general sense of enjoyment. However, for us, the publishers of TruLife, this statement has a little more fear attached to it. Why you ask? Let us explain…
When the Director at Fred Astaire Dance Studios, Heather Anderson presented a challenge to us, the TruLife publishers, she said the following. “I want you to take the dance lessons and let the readers watch your performance before and after. I want them to see the visible improvement I am confident you will experience over ten lessons.” As you can imagine, us knowing we both have two left feet, figured she was in big trouble. That being said, we are always up for a challenge…and this was unlike any other we had experienced to date.
We received 10 one-on-one sessions, and a dance/party at the end. The final dance/party finale was where we were to perform a final dance in front of all attendees.
Now, as for dancing in general, we had both danced socially, but never with training. By no means going into this challenge did we have any previous knowledge of proper dance. During the initial interview we both thought “Wow, are we ever in trouble”. At this time, we were taken through the steps of 5 dances: Cha-cha-cha, Rumba, Foxtrot, Waltz, and Swing. By the end of it, we felt like our heads were doing more twirling than us! It is a lot to take in on the first day, but the second day was a little easier and the third even more so; that is until you incorporate additional steps. We have never backed down from a challenge before, and we weren’t about to this time. After all, we were starting to feel some of the dance fever as the moves you pull off start getting pretty fancy.
Instructors
The instructor’s Angie Ripley and Sarah McKeon we’re absolutely fantastic. They worked through the blue toes and bruises from our clumsy ways. Their happy positive attitudes took all the stress away. When you are at Fred Astaire’s the worries of the world are left at the front door. The instructors kept us focused on dancing and always on having fun. By the end of the one-on-one communication, you and your partner truly become friends. We can see how it would be a great experience for couples. We would like to offer a special thank you to Sarah, Angie, and Fred Astaire’s for a great time…and for making us look good on the dance floor.
Atmosphere
The atmosphere when you walk into Fred Astaire’s is fun, open and friendly without losing the standard of excellence and professionalism of art and dance. You are greeted at least four times before making it on to the dance floor. Then, on the dance floor everyone has respect for one another. Dodging while dancing is one of the first lessons; which was a bonus for anyone on the floor at the same time as us.
Final Dance
The theme for the dance was different cultures/countries. There are different themes every month for example – Halloween in July, Beach party, etc. The party starts off as many parties often do with punch and brief socializing. Next, you move to the dancing. However, it is stated that there is only one rule: you cannot refuse a dance from anyone. So, we go onto the floor wondering who the lucky partner will be. I don’t think we danced with anyone more than twice, and we hardly ever sat down; everyone is so friendly and we were all there for the same thing: to dance and enjoy the night. Even though we had not mastered any one dance, we had enough skill to perform to some degree in a number of dances. Everyone can make mistakes, but we were there to learn, so no one looks sideways at you.
After the partners dance there was the group dance. Indeed, this was the most fun experience of the night. It was called the Ceili. You were partnered up with someone and then the group lined up and did a foot combination in toward your partner and then back out. After a series of that, we went into the over–under aspect of the dance. It was a continuous weaving of people going up and over, then down and under. Just remembering which action you were going to do next was half the fun. A truly exceptional time.
Showtime
For the challenge, after we received 10 one-on-one lessons we were to perform the final dance. The dances that were assigned to us were Adam – The Rumba and Matt – The Salsa (with a touch of swing). We basically had 3 or 4 choreographed lessons prior to going in front of everyone and dancing. We had a great time doing it… Now, check it out. See how we did…
If you would like a free dance lesson your first is on us. Just call up Fred Astaire and tell them that the TruLife publishers told you to call and your first lesson is our treat. Here’s a word from Heather Anderson, Director of Fred Astaire Dance Studio…
Kick Up Your Heels and Start Changing your Life
Learning to dance can change your life!
What a terrific way to make new friends, lose weight, perhaps gain more self-confidence or maybe even add a little pizzazz to your relationship!!
Throughout history, dancing has been a fantastic way for people to interact, without words, to satisfy their recreational and social needs. Dancing is about the communication that takes place between family members, friends, as well as, of course, lovers. Most dances are about the communication that takes place between lovers. However, dancing is now not only an important social activity, but also a highly competitive sport. With the popularity of Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance competitive dancing has reached new heights.
While dancing is great fun, there are many health benefits derived from participating in this activity, including improvement in your overall health, a reduction in stress, enhanced energy, easier digestion, weight loss, conditioning of the heart as well as lungs, improved cardiopulmonary functions and enhanced muscle tone and bone density.
It has also been revealed that dancing can reduce the chances for developing such ailments as Alzheimer’s disease as well as other types of dementia that are commonly found in elderly people.
Besides these health benefits, dancing allows you to remain slim and youthful. It is also a great oasis away from the worries of a hectic work schedule and other personal tensions.
Ballroom dancing, sometimes known as social dancing, renders such advantages as body conditioning, increased stamina, improvement to the circulatory system, and enhanced flexibility. Not to mention that you get to wear those beautiful gowns! Ballroom dancing is considered to be the most elegant form of dance. It requires precision and grace, as well as perfect timing.
Salsa, or the “forbidden dance” also offers many benefits including endurance building, weight loss, the release of toxins through sweating, enhanced cholesterol levels, maintenance of high blood pressure, and a reduced heart rate. Salsa, with its closer than close dance steps is the basis for “dirty dancing” and we all know how sensual that is.
Swing Dancing, popular in the 20s, 30s and 40s as a response to big band swing music, is a high paced dance form with lots of energy. The popularity of this type of dance has not dwindled over the years. Swing dancing is probably one of the most popular forms of dance.
Above all, dancing is considered a great way to burn calories. Apart from these health benefits, dancing is also considered an excellent way to add that extra cheer to your life, thereby making each day more fulfilling. Life is full of emotions, and an exercise plan coupled with rhythmic movements such as dance is a great way to lift your emotions, and bring more joy and fulfillment into your life. Dance might just be the perfect hobby that can help you move according to your life’s changing emotions and rhythms. Dance is a wonderful way to express yourself and a true celebration of life.
Nowadays, a number of options are available to practice different types of dance. One can learn how to dance by taking a class locally at their gym or at a dance studio. Obviously the most effective mode of instruction is private lessons through a reputable studio. The most important thing though, is to get out there and dance.
Celebrate life and begin to dance today!
