A Dance Pros Dream Come True!

A major milestone was reached this past week.  My competitive and social dance student of two years went out dancing and found himself the 'talk of the night.'  It was a local cafe hosting a hand and line dance party where many women convened. Most of the women were very attractive and close to his age range; it was his perfect opportunity to meet people, practice his dance moves and display his level of confidence.  

After being there a little while, he approached and  invited one of the more athletically fit gals to join him on the dance floor.  With disdain in her voice and attitude in her disposition, she turned him down.  Well, a frustrated man,  he walked himself back to the bar found a seat and sat next to another fine lady who had seen the entire encounter.  After a  little chit chat,  she gladly got up and accompanied him to the dance floor where they engaged in a few dances.  Well, that's all it took because the next  thing you know the line of women asking him to dance was endless. 

After ninety minutes of dancing and socializing, the original lady with disdain and attitude re approached him and profusely apologized for her behavior as she asked HIM to join her in a dance.

Now if that's not a dance teacher's dream come true, I don't know what is !!!!

Why Dance?

Have you ever been on the dance floor letting loose and experiencing great expressive moments and movements when you realize many eyes in the room are watching you? It's one thing to turn heads because you are attractive or have on a cool outfit but it's another story to turn heads because something you are doing is magnetic.  Is it the joy that people want?  Is is happiness they seek?  Is it the ability to let go and share?

 How come some people are not any fun to watch and others are; and it has nothing to do with skill level.  I know plenty of highly trained skillful dancers that are boring to watch.  Or is it that they are not giving? A very interesting question.  I am aware of many dancers who are not highly skilled but a blast to watch and dance with or next to;   my dad, for starters.  His style has always been referred to as 'minestrone' but the ladies love dancing with him.  In fact that's how my mom and dad met.  He was the only American GI that really had fun out there and according to my mother 'knew what he was doing' ......so that's why I am here........So in an indirect way my existence is because  a man and woman connected on that level.  My dad is a very giving, loving expressive human being.......on and off the dance floor.

What is Double Noors?

When I was a rookie dance teacher I had the pleasure of working with the top producer of the company. He and I would teach couples together and that is how I learned a lot of the dynamics of the dance business and how to teach people, especially couples. When couples came in for dance lessons it was usually because 'something was missing'. I used to fight that all the time because in my naive, inexperienced mind I thought that they were in love and wanted to share time together........hmmmmmm. Yes that is a perfect scenario, but unfortunately, unrealistic. Don't get me wrong, at times couples come in to really learn to dance but it was the minority.
If we are successful at being good dance specialists, we can get the couples to the 'double noors' status, which is addressing their 'missing issue' and over coming it! By the way, one of the most rewarding services that we can provide is finding that 'missing thing' and bringing to the forefront of the relationship so the couple can live the positive experience. And who said dancing wasn't powerful!??!!
Double noors, the place we all want to be; harmony and good communication; considerate behavior and loyal dedication, clarity in needs and desires, general and everlasing kindess and humility! It can't be that difficult!!! Dance yourself into good behavior, it works EVERY time if you let it!

What is Double Noors?

When I was a rookie dance teacher I had the pleasure of working with the top producer of the company. He and I would teach couples together and that is how I learned a lot of the dynamics of the dance business and how to teach people, especially couples. When couples came in for dance lessons it was usually because 'something was missing'. I used to fight that all the time because in my naive, inexperienced mind I thought that they were in love and wanted to share time together........hmmmmmm. Yes that is a perfect scenario, but unfortunately, unrealistic. Don't get me wrong, at times couples come in to really learn to dance but it was the minority.
If we are successful at being good dance specialists, we can get the couples to the 'double noors' status, which is addressing their 'missing issue' and over coming it! By the way, one of the most rewarding services that we can provide is finding that 'missing thing' and bringing to the forefront of the relationship so the couple can live the positive experience. And who said dancing wasn't powerful!??!!
Double noors, the place we all want to be; harmony and good communication; considerate behavior and loyal dedication, clarity in needs and desires, general and everlasing kindess and humility! It can't be that difficult!!! Dance yourself into good behavior, it works EVERY time if you let it!

My New Couple Did It!

How exciting it is to be a part of accomplishments, left and right (no pun intended, har har har).  I have a new couple, they are newlyweds and gaze into each other's eyes accordingly.  They want to learn 'social dancing' as they plan to do as many activities together as possible.  So they started taking the dance class  that my brother and I teach at On Top Of The World, a retirement community in Clearwater. As many students they want to 'learn the right way' so they took my private lesson bonus offer and now they see the value of a private lesson. 

Well every good teacher suggests and encourages practice; I suggested they come to a dance fitness Rungo Dance class and they did. WEll again, in front of my eyes I see everything coming together.  The arms and feet are flaring around finding their way and by the end of class they have accomplished great things.  Rungodance is perfect for drilling basics and things happen so fast that the mind can not take over.  I was very pleased with their achievement.  And, they got a heck of a work out!  What more could we ask for? Burn while you learn with Rungo Dance!

Try Turning Your Critic Into Your Coach!

Try Turning Your Critic Into Your Coach!

I often wonder why we are so compelled to immediately focus on the bad,  instead of the good.  Can anyone help me understand?  I think it's a good plan to ask yourself questions that put you in the positive end of the spectrum. ' What is right?  What is going well?  What are you proud of and pleased with?  What is good about the situation?  How can I make things better? 

When you learn a skill it is somewhat imposed upon you to force the focus to be of a seeking nature, as in seeking know how; and that can be positive.  it also keeps your brain moving in the direction of 'toward' instead of 'away' from.   When I teach a person a new dance technique or pattern they go inside and search for the 'how to' and if I time it just right they don't have time to ask 'why not or can't' I get this?

I think teaching and coaching is an extremely honorable thing to master.  Communication and sensitivity are such key elements in delivering information to one who is trying to learn a skill or technique.  I want the focus to be, what I can do and what I am good at, not anything else; the alternative is just very limiting and in some cases very destructive. 

So let's gather together and ask ourselves some questions that force us to answer in positive spin.  What am I good at?  What do I do well?  How am I helpful to others?  I have shared just a few questions that if you truly take the time to ask yourself,  the answers may amaze you. Turn your critic into your coach!

Guys, You're Working Too Hard; Just Dance!

Gentlemen, have you ever really wondered what would make your lady the happiest; a luxurious Mediterranean cruise or a beautifully gleaming tennis bracelet? How about sending her to the day spa for the pampering of a lifetime? Or what about planning a special fancy party for her friends at some swanky restaurant? Hey, a mink coat?  How about redoing the entire kitchen with the latest greatest appliances and marble counter tops?  Those all sound like perfect smile makers, but I have one to top them all; just dance.

I have been around dancing for most of my life. My professional career in the field has lead me to the conclusion  that a man should dance with his lady.  She would MUCH prefer to dance with you than any of those fancy, expensive items mentioned previously. It's so easy to put a smile on her face, and it is one of fortitude!

I can't stress enough how women love to dance with their men.  The most basic little movement of 'walk, walk, walk ' embraced by the arms of the man makes the lady giggle and smile from ear to ear. I really don't think you guys understand what it all means.  She wants to spend quality time WITH YOU and that is where it ends; and where dancing begins.

So do yourself a favor and learn to dance; she will appreciate it forever AND it only gets better with time. It will never get old, lose value or get shoved in a closet!