A screenshot has been making the rounds recently that suggests that the NDCA will soon be changing its rules regarding who can dance the roles of lead and follow. Hint: it’s not particularly progressive. As you can probably imagine, I’ve got a few things to say about that. Some Context Before we get into that …
If vulnerability is the path forward (and I think it probably is), then it’s time to put that into practice. I can be very insecure, and it’s time to talk about that in the hopes that it will help others to discuss where they feel uncomfortable as well. As a starting point, I generally see …
In 2017 it is easier than ever to consume dance. Youtube videos abound of professionals doing the latest tricks in amazing venues, while DVD courses promise to revolutionize your arm styling in just 60 minutes. Competitions and showcases put the best of dance on display for everyone and their families to enjoy, and instructors are …
The other day, a wonderful dancer and good friend of mine, Sam Hartzell, shared a few thoughts on Competition in West Coast Swing Dancing via Facebook. I loved it so much, I asked if he would allow me to share it here, and he graciously accepted. Enough from me, Enter, Sam Hartzell: Hi, I’m Sam. …
Over the course of the last 4 years, I’ve taken many group classes and taught many as well. Through these experiences I have noticed positive themes in the way the best students make use of group classes, so this month I’d like to share them with you here. My goal here is not to chastise …
Last month I held the privileged position of Head Photographer at the fourth installment of Dance Fest, a wonderful event I’m sure you’ve heard about (and if not, what rock do you live under?). We took an incredible 15,000 photos, some of them featured in this issue of Sheer Dance. Dance Fest’s position on photography …
Most people don’t think about how each of their joints function day to day. Perhaps no joint is as under-appreciated as the humble ankle, the great mover and shaker of a dancer’s world. The ankle is the physical and biomechanical base of the body, and mobility in this region is important for dancers to cultivate …
Meditation. If your associations with that word amount to incense, crystals, or robed figures in monasteries, allow me to bend your ear. I do not promise enlightenment, only an effective tool to aid your dancing and–hopefully–your life. I’ve been practicing mindfulness meditation for the several months now, and what I’ve learned through experience and research is …
Living in the digital age has done wonders for our sport. With syllabi easily accessible online and a wealth of information available to the new dancer’s fingertips, it feels like the possibilities for accessing dance resources online are endless. Even the music is much easier to find. What could go wrong? Well, any number of …
It’s 4:30 a.m. and the beat is still pounding from the speakers next to the dance floor. I thank my current partner and make a beeline for another, and as the music starts and we begin to dance west coast swing, the wave of tired hits me. We finish the dance and I head for …