Welcome to Dance Data ! Dance Tips and Resources

April 20, 2009:  Volume 1, Issue 13

Hello! First, I must apologize for my lack of communication. I am so sorry to have been so neglectful! Lots of reasons, no excuses. Kind of sounds like I could be a brand new dancer that just hasn't stepped onto the dance floor......yet!  Always on my mind, but can't quite get the physical body there. Sound familiar? Do not let the "Keeper of Great Intentions" rob you of learning to dance. Just like this Newsletter, the task seemed monumental, but now that I am here, I could and probably will, go on and on and on! First things first: Our dance cruise is filling up nicely, but we still have about 24 cabins available. We have people from Canada, Fla., North Carolina, New York, California and even Europe signed up so far. You won't want to miss out on the fun. Click here for details: Dance Cruise Prices start at only $659.53 per person. That includes all taxes and fees, plus all the workshops, dancing and activities. The cruise is for 7 nights aboard the Carnival Splendor, cruising to the Mexican Riviera on Sept. 27, 2009. Join us for a great time! Secondly, stay tuned for new videos and new dances on the website. We will be adding Hustle, Night Club Two Step, Country Two Step and additional West Coast Swing. Sorry for the neglect and Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your world! Ras Girls Michele Rasmussen, Ras #1 Cindy Rastutis, Ras #2

Tip Of The Week

Procrastination I am certain that every one of us tends to procrastinate at one time or another. Often the procrastination begins when we are embarking on something new or unfamiliar. Where do I begin? How do I begin? What if I am not "good" at it? What if I decide I don't like it or can't do it?   All of these feelings are normal and can often prevent us from learning or doing something new. How I wish I hadn't allowed procrastination to delay my learning to dance. I can wish that I had started dancing years and years ago, but I cannot change the fact that I did not. Yes, I had reasons: life, family, job, children, time, etc., etc., but it doesn't change the fact that I regret all of the wasted time. So, no more procrastination. Get out there and dance! Learn that new step, or perfect the ones you already know. If you have dance in your life, your step will be lighter your heart fuller and your overall well being will be happier and more satisfied. Dance helps to relieve stress and anxiety which can lead to procrastination. So therefore, taking the time out of your bust schedule will help you to stop the procrastination giving you more time.

Recent Article

Dance Floor Etiquette and Safety Dancing is just like any other sport. It has rules and guidelines to follow to ensure that everyone has a good time, goes home with all toenails intact and no bloody noses. Some of the "Rules" are very simple, just using common sense and courtesy will help to ensure that everyone has a good time in a social dance setting. Common things that are often overlooked can range from talking on the dance floor, to smoking and drinking  on the dance floor. These often apply more at a local club or bar rather than a studio. Often dancers must share the dance floor with others that are oblivious to etiquette of any kind let alone dance etiquette, so be aware of your surroundings at all times. Leader's be mindful of where you are leading your follower and attempt to protect her. Also, do not lead moves that could likely wipe out another person on a crowded floor. Lifts and aerials are very dangerous  on a crowded dance floor, as are flailing arms and legs.  There are also certain areas on a dance floor that you should dance particular dances. Stationary dances, such as Cha Cha, Rhumba, East or West Coast Swing, Hustle or even Night Club 2 Step should be danced in the center of the floor. Line dancers should also be in the center of the floor, making sure not to spread out into the outside line of dance. The outside fast lane should be used for traveling dances such as Country Two Step, Foxtrot, Waltz, Polka and other progressive pattern dances. If you are dancing a stop and go type dance, dance inside the fast lane, between the stationary dancers and the ones that are moving quickly around the outside of the dance floor. Keeping these simple rules in mind will ensure that everyone has a great time and hopefully the only aches and pains that you bring home are from dancing till your feet fall off! Dance Floor Etiquette Dance Chart

Upcoming Events

Swing Diego West Coast Swing Dance Convention - May 7-10, 2009 Frezno Dance Classic - May 21-25, 2009 Quest for the Best, Seattle - May 16, 2009 USA Grand Nationals - May 21-25,2009 Atlanta, Ga. NJ DanceSport Classic Summer Sizzle - June 13-14, 2009 Portland Dance Festival - July 9-12, 009 Portland Oregon Swingtime in the Rockies - July 23-26, 2009 Denver, Co.

Blog Re-Cap

Have you ever competed in a dance competition? I survived my first one! Please  check out:  Ballroom And Swing Dance Competition Stop by and share your dancing stories with us. We love to hear about your trials and triumphs! http://www.ras-this.com/

Resources

Online Dance Instruction: www.learntoballroomdanceonline.com Ballroom Dance Association: www.USAdance.org National Association of Swing Dance Events: http://www.nasde.net/ USA Swing Dance Network: http://www.usaswingnet.com/

Keeping Up with the Ras-Girls Our Blog: www.Ras-This.com Be our friend on MySpace Add Michele as a friend on Facebook Add Cindy as a friend on Facebook Twitter Follow Michele at http://twitter.com/LovetoDance Twitter Follow Cindy at http://twitter.com/threerivers33 Email address: ras.this@gmail.com About Us We are Cindy Rastutis and Michele Rasmussen, aka The Ras Girls, #2 . We share the same hopes and dreams (and often times a brain) as many of you, and hope to share the joy that we have found by learning to Dance in the Rain. Thank-You!