Wed, 01 Sep 2010 17:26:39 -0800WeeblyThu, 15 Jul 2010 22:32:41 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/07/tips-on-how-to-improve-your-hip-hop-dancing.html
These top tips come from http://chopperdanceblog.com/top-5-ways-to-improve-your-hip-hop-dance-skills/ where Hollywood based dancer Chopper who has worked on top films including Stomp the Yard teaches Hip Hop. We agree with his advice! So what are you waiting for!

1) Take Dance Class-there is no magic pill that you can take before you go to sleep to wake up a great dancer. But one of the best ways to ensure your success is to get into class. The more you take class on a regular consistent schedule, the more results you will see. Your muscle memory, coordination, and confidence will all continually improve each time you come to class. A lot of people have trouble picking up and remembering choreography. The more frequently that you take class, and learn new choreography, the easier picking up the moves becomes. And remember, class is a time to learn. Don’t come to class thinking you have to be good already. This is the time to mess up, ask questions, and develop your skills. As you learn from different teachers you will start to pick up on their style of hip hop. Soon you will be able to execute the movements very similar to them. And it’s not what you are doing, but how you do it that counts.

2)Watch Other Dancers- This is so important when you are wanting to improve your skills. No matter what you are doing in life, if you want to reach the top, look to the ones at the top as your inspiration and learn from them. Buy DVD’s of great dance performances and dance movies and watch them over and over. When I wanted to learn how to pop I used to watch DVD’s of Poppin’ Pete all the time over and over. Ask yourself, what are they doing that makes them look so good? What elements are they adding that make them stand out? Watch music videos and live performances. You will start to pick up on the vibe that the dancers are giving off.

3) Practice your Freestyle- Freestyle dance is an art within itself. It is important to frestyle so that you can learn your body and how it moves. The more you freestyle the more you become comfortable in your own skin. Everybody has their own vibe and being able to freestyle defines your style and your individuality as a hip hop dancer. So I strongly recommend freestyling. Stay tuned for my insiders secrets on how to become an amazing freestyler.

4)Ask Questions From Other Experienced Dancers and Choreographers- It is always good to go straight to the source and asking them how and why they do what they do. Ask questions like who inspired you to dance? When you dance what do you think about etc…. asking question lets you get into the minds of the experts and take you into their world. Dancing has a different meaning for everyone so knowing the reason why someone dances or why they dance a certain way can give you motivation to find your meaning and purpose for wanting to become an amazing hip-hop dancer. It also gives you guidance on what direction you want to go with dance.

5)Last and final tip… Listen to music- I bet you’re saying duhh I already do that. But I don’t just mean listen to music while it playing in the back ground. I mean sitting down and closing you eyes and dissecting each element that makes up the track. Here is where musicality comes into play. The most amazing dancers have great musicality. They hear instruments and sounds in a song that you never knew were there. In turn their movements give the track depth and bring the song to life making the dancer more interesting to watch. By developing your musicality your moves will be far more advanced and more people will love to watch you dance.

I hope you enjoy these tips, and feel free to hit me up with any of your questions or comments! Check out my class at my studio Ography Dance Studio in Hollywood www.ographydance.com. See you in class!]]>Sun, 11 Jul 2010 02:34:08 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/07/avoid-a-wedding-dance-disaster.htmlAuthor: Natalie Beck


For almost every wedding, a very important part of the wedding reception is the first dance between the new bride and groom. This dance is used to cement the relationship between man and wife and is generally a very formal affair. For many individuals, this will be the first time that they have ever attempted a classical dance and may be unsure of the steps or timing that will be needed to make their first wedding dance with their new spouse a success.


This is the main reason why dance lessons prior to the wedding ceremony are so important. Scheduling lessons with a professional dance instructor can provide an individual with the instruction and practice that they need before their wedding to ensure that they will not embarrass themselves at their reception by not knowing how to perform the dance. A professional dance instructor will work with individuals at their own pace and teach them the dance that they desire in a way that is comfortable for them.


Many couples choose to take their wedding dance lessons together, not only to prepare for their wedding but to bond and have fun together as well. Some individuals describe their wedding dance lessons with their partner as more fun than they could have imagined and say that they learned many things about their partner during the lessons that they had not known previously.


Couples who choose to take dance lessons together feel more comfortable performing the dance at their wedding reception because they have already ironed out all of the difficult portions of the dance and can accommodate any weaknesses in each others dance technique, allowing the dance to be modified to the strengths of each individual and performed as properly as possible.


Professional dance instructors for wedding dance lessons have experience in teaching couples techniques that will make the dance that they have chosen easy for the couple to perform. Dance moves can be modified to allow for physical limitations, such as a height discrepancies or reduced flexibility, making it possible for any couple to have a beautiful wedding dance. In the vast majority of cases, no one other than the couple performing the wedding dance will ever realize that the moves have been modified.


There are several different types of dances that are commonly chosen for wedding dance lessons from a professional dance instructor. The most commonly chosen type of dance is the waltz, due to its classical look, easily learned steps, and slow pace. Other commonly chosen dances include the Salsa, the Rumba, and traditional ballroom dances.


Many couples first choose the song that they will perform their first dance to prior to deciding to take wedding dance lessons. In these cases, the professional dance instructor will choreograph a wedding dance for the couple that matches the music that they have chosen for their first dance. This way, the couple can have a beautiful wedding dance to a song that has great meaning for them.


There are many reasons why wedding dance lessons with a professional dance instructor are an important part of wedding planning. The first dance as a married couple is an important part of the wedding reception and will provide the couple with a memory that will last a lifetime. Professional dance lessons will make the experience even more memorable and special for the individuals involved.


Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/art-and-entertainment-articles/avoid-a-wedding-dance-disaster-334076.html


About the AuthorNatalie Beck has been dancing for 15 years, many of those years competitively and teaching dance for 5 years. Whether you are a beginner or a pro, Natalie has the experience to help you with private dance lessons, Sydney wide. Please visit her site for more information.]]>Tue, 01 Jun 2010 17:08:55 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/06/danceasia-magazine-launch-party-coming.htmlCDS is excited. DanceAsia Magazine will be kicking off with a bang at Solas on 29th June and all our clients are invited... plus it's only round the corner. 
You can win prizes including free dance classes and clothing from Lululemon Athletica.... brilliant! Invite is below, you can RSVP to info@danceasia.com.hk or check out the Facebook event on their page.

]]>Fri, 28 May 2010 23:51:37 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/05/beginners-guide-to-dance.htmlCentral Dance Studios believes that everyone should be able to enjoy dance, whatever your age or ability, but we also understand that as new dancer, especially if you’re a bit older than the average teenager (!) can be daunting, so here’s our easy guide to getting started:

1.       Don’t be afraid to visit the studio and take a look around, meet the staff and check out the facilities.  One thing to remember, dance studios are rarely glamorous.  It’s an arts thing… whilst we love to dance, most of the money a studio makes goes on getting the best teachers in, so changing rooms are often small, few studios in HK have showers and you might need to be willing to travel to find one you like.

2.       Not sure how Hip Hop is different from Jazz Funk? Doesn’t matter.  I recommend you just try the classes and see how you like them. The name is just the name. Each dance teacher has a different style, which means one person’s Hip Hop class is completely different to another person’s hip hop class. Just dive in and keep going until you find a teacher you like.

3.       Ok, so you really want to know the difference between Hip Hop and Jazz Funk?  Mainly, it’s technique. Jazz Funk is more girly, and uses some kicks and turns that are based on ballet, so it’s sexier, but also sharper. Pussycat Dolls style dancing is a good example of Jazz Funk. It’s also called Commercial Jazz, Jazz or Street Jazz depending on where you’re from.


Hip Hop  traditionally uses moves including breaking, locking and popping, but at Central Dance Studios we don’t really teach beginners these moves because they’re quite technical and we want you to learn to love dance before we throw the harder stuff at you! So think Urban music and high energy sounds that are great for working up a sweat. All our teachers have their  own style, so why not try a few classes and see who you like best.

4.       Afraid that everyone in the class will be too young, or a great dancer? At our studio, the average age of our dancers is 28 – 32, because we specialise in adult beginners classes. Most people have never danced before, or just started when we opened, so you won’t be alone.  It is important you feel comfortable, and dancing with other like minded people helps. But remember, everyone in the room feels just like you do, and they are all too busy worrying about what they are doing to be looking at you in the mirror – if you still need moral support, enlist a friend to come with you.  
 
5.       Not sure what to wear?  For most classes gym or yoga clothes and trainers are fine, for ballet class you can do it in socks or ballet slippers, just call us and ask and we’ll tell you what to bring.

6.       Worried you won’t be any good?  If dancing was that easy, we’d all be out of a job because it takes more than 1 class to pick up the basics. Here’s some handy tips to get  you started though:


-          You need to train your brain to talk to your body – through motor fitness exercises

Even gym bunnies rarely do this, so coordination is often a bit slow, and it takes time to get the grey cells working at speed. The good news is that if you stick with it, you’ll see improvement within 4 – 8 weeks  and once it clicks, it stays.  However, it’s like a muscle, so use it or lose it!!!


-          Getting great muscle tone through dance means doing technical dance like ballet or jazz. It’s the effort of standing in the correct posture that tones you up and gives you buns of steel.  So Hip Hop to burn calories, and ballet to tighten and tone….great!

-          Don’t think that missing a class is the end of the world.  We all have commitments ,so book onto classes, but if you miss one, don’t drop out, book the following week and keep coming. Set yourself a goal and you can reach it!

-          Don’t hide at the back of the room. The brain uses your reflection in the mirror to help you learn, so watch yourself not the teacher as soon as you can, and you’ll find you remember routine quicker, and improve your dancing too!


So want to try a class? Why not come and see us.  START WITH A BEGINNERS CLASS – it’s always best to start easy then move upwards , than the other way around . See our timetable here and book yourself in – we hope you love dancing just as much as we love teaching you.]]>Thu, 20 May 2010 18:20:09 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/05/free-tickets-for-the-hk-international-art-fair-2010.htmlCalling all CDS dancers, if you want to grab yourself some free tickets to the HK International Art Fair next weekend, get yourselves down to Central Dance Studios, where you pick yours up, for simply being one of our fabulous clients!Brilliant!
]]>Mon, 10 May 2010 23:57:48 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/05/so-you-think-your-kids-can-dance.htmlNot long now and school’s out for summer!  There is a vast variety of summer activities for all ages and many parents and children carefully consider their choices hoping to discover their child’s talent or develop a lasting interest.   Activities are also an opportunity to get a head start outside of the classroom developing interpersonal and communication skills through the means of games and physical exercises.

Even better than learning a new skill, is getting to show it off! And that’s exactly what experienced kids dance teacher, Twinkle Lam is hoping to get everyone excited about this summer as she launches Central’s first kids summer dance program, that culminates in an exclusive show for friends and family.

With three ages groups to choose from, each child can explore dance in a fun yet developmental program that will keep them entertained through the summer months.  Programs run in July and August and each month Twinkle’s dancers will put on a dance extravaganza at Central Dance Studios, designed to show off their new skills.

Speaking about the themed programs incorporating ballet and jazz such as ‘Under the Sea’ for infants to ‘King of Pop’ for older dancers, Twinkle Lam, Principal of Twinkle Dance Co says, "Whilst playing games, the children are learning to give directions to their body and command its movements. The games are designed so children can develop a greater sense of their physicality at an early age."

“It’s the first time that Central Dance Studios is hosting shows of this kind and I hope that this will enable parents and friends to really engage with their children’s summer activities.” Says Elle Kealy, Director of CDS.For more details please see HERE]]>Tue, 04 May 2010 03:11:21 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/05/top-10-reasons-to-come-back-to-dance.html1.      What if we told you that you can have an energy pick me up and improve your skin, circulation and sense of wellbeing in less than 1 hour? You can ! You’ll instantly boost your activity leveland feel good endorphin levels and it will only take 60 minutes to feel the benefit!

2.      Does class slip you by each week with drinks or dinners? - Book yourself onto a course instead and set yourself a goal of learning 3 routines well – you’ll feel fab when you achieve it and with a start date and end date in sight, you can clear your diary and it will prevent you from procrastinating.

3.      Summer.. …..Beaches….Bikini’s…say no more. Plus, going back to class gives you a great excuse to grab some new dancewear to match the new you. 

4.      You can get FREE dance classes this summer when you attend regularly – ask Kerry for a card and details

5.      You haven’t missed out and you haven’t fallen behind – you can pick up anytime. There are beginners and beginners+ sessions that are NEW starting each month, so if you worry about being left in dark if you’ve been away. Our levels haven’t changed, so you can step right back in without being out of your depth.

6.      Regular classes don’t fit in with your schedule? Why not get a group of friends involved and book a package of privates so that you can dance when it suits you, or just come along by yourself for 1-on-1’s.  10 classes start from $4900 – which is great value! Check out the website for more details.

7.      Don’t feel guilty, feel great! We all go through stages of commitment and not so much commitment! I know I’m a keen gym goer for 3 months of the year, but then one small lapse and it’s ‘bye-bye gym’ for another 9 months, until I get back into it. Take the first step, even if it feels like a challenge and you’ve won half the battle


.8.      Make time for yourself – if the kids or work has been sapping your energy, dance class gives you 1 hour a week to concentrate on your wellbeing. Without this time you’ll feel drained. Turn off the TV and get into some real life action in class.

9.      Recovering from injury? Scared that dance will put you back a step... Actually, with the right reintroduction you’ll strengthen and improve your fitness, as long as you return when you’re really ready. Book an appointment with your physio or doctor and ask to get their OK to dance. Then come back and watch as muscle memory kicks in and gets you moving again.

10.   If you’ve lapsed…we want you back at CDS. Talk to us about our limited offer package reactivation programme this summer. You may be able to claim back unused or expired credits, or even qualify for a returning customer discount or freebies. Contact us for more details.  Now get out and get dancing!!!]]>Wed, 28 Apr 2010 02:02:46 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/04/hilarys-lyrical-hip-hop-workshop.htmlHilary's hotting up this summer by kicking off with a Lyrical Hip Hop workshop on FridayJune 4th 6.45pm - 8.45pm

 For all the details and to book check out our Masterclasses page.

See you all there!]]>Mon, 26 Apr 2010 02:35:16 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2010/04/kaiyotes-and-cds-team-up.htmlKaiyotes Dance (Asia) trains dancers to become professional dancers to perform in many disciplines. Now teaming up with CDS, Kaiyotes Dance Training is an excellent way to brush up your performance in jazz, jazz funk, lyrical, partner-work, contemporary, ballroom, salsa, showmanship, stage awareness, acting, characteristic and styling of each dance.
Kaiyotes will also provide students with performance opportunities.

CDS are pleased to announce that they are the new home of Kaiyotes Dance Asia.

If you are looking for monthly dance training at a professional level, or are looking for DANCE PERFORMERS FOR YOUR EVENT, then get in touch.

Tel: 25370713

]]>Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:12:23 -0800http://www.danceclassesinhongkong.com/1/post/2009/12/wedding-dance-lessons-and-dance-parties-in-hk.htmlWho doesn’t love Strictly Come Dancing, or Dancing with the Stars?

If you want to bring a little glamour, dazzle and beauty to your wedding, introducing dance lessons to your wedding planning brings with it a host of bridal benefits.

Brilliantly, you can amaze your guests with a polished first dance, and as an added bonus: have you seen how much weight those celebs drop during the dance shows?

 

Two classes a week will get you slimmed down and looking fabulous in just a few months. Add to that the personal benefit of learning a new skill you be confident forevermore when hitting the dance floor at other parties, weddings and events.  Now the hard part. Getting your man to come along with enthusiasm! Of course he should do it for love, but if that doesn’t work, promise him unlimited time on the X-Box and that should twist his arm.

 

One of the most convenient places to learn in Hong Kong right now is Central Dance Studios in, yes, Central. There are plenty of packages to choose from including special Wedding Package of 4 classes - visit www.danceclassesinhongkong.com.



For low-cost classes, you can join a group session of a simple dance like Salsa, or perhaps join a course, then use what you’ve learnt to great effect at your wedding! It's a really fun dance style – and easy to pick up even for beginners. There are also a host of clubs in Hong Kong where you can hit the dance floor to practice. Salsa classes at Central Dance Studios are very affordable and attract a variety of people each week, including first timers of all ages. In a typical class, you learn a selection of dance moves but you don't have one fixed partner. Rather than learning a specifically choreographed routine, Salsa teaches you the basics of dancing with a partner and how to respond to their lead, and eventually whatever song plays at your wedding you'll naturally know how to move to it.

If you’re more traditional and want to learn a Waltz or Tango, there are a host of talented instructors including those who have performed on Strictly Come Dancing, in Hollywood (and Bollywood!) films and with top music artists globally, who will help you get there.

Finally, if you really want to stay hidden, have private dance lessons at home. Central Dance Studios will send a professional dance teacher to your house (if you have the space!) so you can learn a specific routine for your first dance song. 

 
Maybe you couldn’t get your other half to come along but you still want to be a Diva for a day? Why not incorporate a fabulous dance party into your hen or bachorlette celebrations? With themes ranging from racy to regal, (you can choose from Moulin Rouge, Disco Heaven, Abba and many more..) you can have fun with this inclusive party event that is suitable for the shy, non dancer as well as the extrovert in the group. Dress up and boogie the night away – and you’ll also learn a great routine that your hens can perform  whenever the fancy takes them.

 
Now whose wedding isn’t complete without a few sequins and all that Jazz?
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