|
|
 |
Weekly Newsletter #17
Michele Rasmussen
|
Newsletter
Welcome
to Dance Data !
Dance
Tips and
Resources
|
|
December 1, 2009: Volume 1,
Issue 17
|
Hello, after a
really long hiatus,
Much has been going on since my last newsletter. I have made a move
to Southern Ca. and Cindy is planning a move to Texas. While her input
will be missed, I wish her all the best! I am sure that she will find
happiness and many new dancing friends in Texas!
As for me, being in Southern Ca. has been terrific, I couldn't be
happier, except of course for those doggone freeways! Since I have been
here I have met a great group of dancers and my West Coast Swing may
have improved, just a bit! I am more determined than ever to become
a competent and confidant West Coast Swing dancer.
After much success on our first dance cruise, Joe Tschirhart and I
have decided to host another one. This time we will be going to the
Southern Caribbean for 8 nights!
This is one cruise that if you are even remotely considering, you need
to reserve your cabin NOW! This ship is already, almost entirely sold
out. It is a new itinerary for Carnival and very, very popular!
We still have a few
cabins available and if you sign up before Dec. 4, 2009, $25 will
reserve your cabin.(fully refundable through August 2010)The ship
leaves Ft. Lauderdale on October 18, 2010
and will be visiting 4 Islands. Prices start at only $859.42 per
person, this includes all taxes and fees, plus all the workshops,
dancing and activities. The ship is the Carnival Miracle.
For full details, Click
here: http://tinyurl.com/ycsqg54
Join us for a great time!
Joe and Michele
|
|
|
Eat too Much Turkey?
With the Holidays surrounding us with tempting meals and deserts,
I know that I have packed on a few extra pounds! "They" say that a 150
lb. person burns 330 calories for every hour spent dancing. Dancing is
also a great stress reliever, so grab your dance shoes and hit the
dance floor. Your body, mind and spirit will thank you and maybe you can
even sneak in an extra piece of pie!
|
|
|
Frame: What is it and Where is it?
As dancers' we have all heard the word "Frame". Frame is an
interesting word. It has many meanings. A frame can be a state of mind,
something that encloses something else: such as a picture or mirror, a
rigid structure that supports a building, the reference to ones body or
mass, eye glasses or even a way to keep score while bowling. To
dancers, frame is the way in which you connect to your partner.
Dance frame is the foundation of dance. It is the
connection between two people allowing you to move
effortlessly around the dance floor. Without frame and connection
dancing is nearly impossible and not much fun! Dance frame and
connection occur in both open and closed dance positions.
Many people confuse "frame" as a rigid, stiffening in the arms
when in all actuality, your frame is in your back,
in your lats, not in yours arms. It can be very difficult for a
beginning dancer to understand and establish a good dance frame. It
takes a lot of practice and experience to do so. Most people go through
the spaghetti arm phase, and then arms that are too stiff and too
strong. It can be very confusing when told to have "frame", but yet
relax your arms.
A good exercise to help you achieve frame in your back as
opposed to your arms, is to stand up straight and tall and then roll
your shoulders back and down, reaching for the floor. While a certain
amount of tension is needed in your arms, it is not one of rigidity.
You need enough tone, not tension, in your arms to communicate with
your partner, without them being stiff and rigid.
You are also responsible for the weight of your own arms. This
goes for men and women alike. No one wants to dance while holding up
their partners arms. It is exhausting and will eventually cause injury.
That also goes for the weight of your own arm on your partners
shoulder. Keep it light, but keep it connected.
Achieving a good dance frame should be the goal of all dancers. While
social dancing with different partners, pay attention to what feels
comfortable and be aware of your own frame. You will be amazed at how
your partner reacts to your frame. Dancers often respond to the amount
of tension that they are given, especially at a beginning level.
Lighten your arms and retain your frame in your lats and see how your
partner responds. You may be pleasantly surprised to find your partner
doing the same.
|
|
Keeping Up with the Ras-Girls
|
 Our
Blog: www.Ras-This.com
I am Michele Rasmussen. It is my wish to share my
love of dance with anyone inerested.
I am sure that I share many of the same hopes and
dreams as many of you, and
I hope to share the
joy that I have found by "Learning to
Dance in the Rain".
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
 |
|
|
|
 |
| Here's what our members are saying ...
"I can't believe it. I have wanted to learn to dance and couldn't find a single dance lesson in my town. Yeah whoo! I love you guys."
"It was exactly what I was looking for."
Joeseph H.
Savanah, Ga
"I live in a really small town where there are no dance lessons. Thank you so much, I can almost Cha Cha now!!
Susan A.
Marion, Va
"Your site saved the day for me. The basic steps I learned from your dance instruction videos helped me quickly be able to keep up on the dance floor with some of the better more experienced dancers. I'd been struggling for so long. Thank you!
Caroline T..
Buffalo, NY
"I can't say enough about how valuable your site has been to our dance club. We are brand new with little local instruction, your site is helping us all learn how to dance! Can't wait for the videos!!! Thanks!."
David A..
Seattle, WA |
|
|
|
Argentine Tango
Boot Accessories