Author: Pittsburgh Dance Friends
-
Why you need to learn Waltz
When you think of Waltz, chances are it calls to mind an image that seems faraway from your everyday life. Elegant ballgowns, posh tuxedos, dancers swirling around an opulent ballroom dripping with crystal chandeliers… doesn’t sound like a useful skill to have in 2020’s Pittsburgh, right? Why, then, is Waltz one of the most popular…
-
Sat DEC 13: TOGETHER FOR HOPE
DANCE FRIENDS is pleased to help support LET’S DANCE: TOGETHER FOR HOPE, a fundraiser for Melissa Avery, a vibrant young dancer, well-known in the Latin dance community, who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. A group of her dance friends are organizing a spectacular evening of music and dance to help raise money for her…
-
Sat NOV 29: AMORE BALLROOM DANCE
We are EXCITED to announce that DANCE FRIENDS teacher Sarah will be teaching the CHA CHA Lesson for AMORE BALLROOM at the end of this month on Saturday NOV 29. Her Cha Cha lesson will be at 7:00pm, followed by a social ballroom dance. The DJ for the evening will be Norrie Vladuchick, a DANCE…
-
Let’s put the “FUN” in functional
I know, I know… it’s not glamorous, it’s not sexy, it sounds like a big snore when you say it out loud. But if I had to name one thing missing from the philosophy of a lot of dance organizations, teachers and schools, it’s a focus on functionality, especially (but not exclusively!) on the beginner…
-
Do I need dance shoes?
One of the most frequent questions people ask right before they start dance lessons is: “What shoes should I wear?” But that question holds an important distinction from the title of this article. Both are relevant and important questions. Let’s start with the answer to the first question: “Do I need dance shoes?” If you’re…
-
Sat NOV 8: WESTIES IN THE BURGH
Our second DANCE FRIENDS meet-up event in November will be WESTIES IN THE BURGH. This event is run by a team of dedicated West Coast Swing enthusiasts and professionals, including DANCE FRIENDS members Chris Drum, Ward Roberts and Heidi Dziak. This is primarily a West Coast Swing event, however the DJ plays some songs for…
-
Embrace the fear of being a beginner!
Dancing is a muscle memory skill like any other, just like learning a musical instrument, playing a sport or driving a car. The secret to learning social dancing is just consistency. Practice and repetition will lead to comfort and enjoyment… but before you reach those goals, you have to get over the obstacle of putting yourself…
-
Sat NOV 1: AMORE BALLROOM DANCE
First up in November, I am inviting everyone to the AMORE BALLROOM DANCE on Saturday, November 1. This event is hosted by DANCE FRIENDS member Joe Aiken, who runs the Amore Ballroom Dance Club. This month is a Halloween theme—costumes are encouraged but optional; there is a costume contest for all who wish to participate.…
-
Sat NOV 22: FROSTED BALLROOM DANCE
I’m inviting everyone to meet up at FROSTED, the “CRANBERRY” BALLROOM ROAD TRIP DANCE on Saturday NOV 22. This event is hosted by DANCE FRIENDS members Norrie & Paul Vladuchick! It will take place at the Wightman Ballroom in Pittsburgh’s East End. This event is extra special because it is a hybrid ballroom and West…
-
Traveling dances vs. everything else
In social partner dancing, every dance style falls into one of these two categories: dances that travel the floor and dances that don’t. In all the traveling dances, dance partners seek to make a circuit around the perimeter of the dance floor. In the non-traveling dances (sometimes called “spot” dances), you stay in one general…
You must be logged in to post a comment.