Exerienced Dancer?

Saurday 28th September 2024

I don't know if this is going to work or if I will keep at it and most likely will anyone actually read it. But let's give it a go. What do I want to say? Lots of things pass through my head each day in my role as director of a dance studio. It has been 11 years since GingerFred was born from a mere idea and just recently I have been thinking a lot about how the studio got on its feet from scratch.

I am almost shocked that I did it, because to me now, it feels like such a big and brave thing to do.

I think there are a few reasons it now seeems so bold to me and the main one is turning 50 this year. Now before you all cry 'that's is not old!" I KNOW that but there is something (for me) as a mover of my body person that now realises things do change and we do grow older. But I must say, I am absolutely someone who beleives we can do anything at any age if we put our minds to it - for example, I can't do the splits because I no longer practice doing the splits...it is not because I am 50.

BUT to my dissapointment I fear my desire to dream things up, build things, invent offerings of events is no longer as urgent as it once was. Almost as if my youthful ambition has left me? Could this be true? Eek and sad emoji.

SO, with this thought a constant one at the moment, I am pushing myself to put some exciting new projects in place.

The Choreography Club will begin in November. A monthly 2 hour workshop where dancers with experience come to the studio to work on shapes I wil make - can I still create work? I haven't made any professional work in a few years. This will be a challnege and one I am a bit scared about. I am always dreaming up choreography when my radio is on so I'm hoping I can translate these thoughts in to shapes - for good dancers to embody.

The other challenging project is to develop my own 'Dance Hall' evenings at the Town Hall in Langport. I have a vision that with the right furnishings and lighting etc I may be able to create a little 'night club' where couples whisk each other around a room that is full of romance and nostalgia. I have bought all the bits, once they arrive I will try out how it could look. Will people come? Can I still create things people turn up for? Let's see.

Sunday 29th September

“What seems so hard now will someday be your warm up.” –Unknown

I love this quote. I see this all time at the studio. When we had the first lock down I decided when I returned to the studio that I was going to focus purely on the adult learners and end my role as a teacher of children. It has always been the lovliest of surprises to find just how much I value teaching adults who have a real thirst for improving their dancing and many over lots of years.

I have witnessed both men and women getting so good at moving - inhabiting and mastering techniques that enable your dancing to be polished and confident - many who began as beginners.

To be honest the standard at the studio is high - this can also mean that newcomers fiind class a little inimidating if they haven't danced before. Which is why I reccomend a private lesson to begin with, to ease you in and give you a much clearer insight in to what we are all trying to achieve.

I firmly believe that anyone at any age, if they commit and stick at what they are trying to learn, can most certainly become better at something and perhaps even very good at it.

We expect children to try and stick at things, to not miss lessons and practice - so why should adults be any different?

Wednesday 9th October 2024

If you read my 'about Lou' page you will note that may professional training and career was within the contemprorary dance genre yet over the last 11 years I have been lucky enough to add to my skill set and am now a teacher of 'social' ballroom dancing and Argentine tango.

Social dancing. What is it?

Social dancing is a non-competitive version of ballroom and latin dancing. It is comprised of all the same dances such as waltz and foxtrot etc but whilst very similar it is easier, less formal and the most important thing I think - it is to be 'felt' rather than 'watched'. It was such a surprise to me that the genre of ballroom and latin dancing has two very different approaches to it. I only had the glitzy, competitive, sequinned version in my head. But social dancing exists in a much different way and most importantly its benefits are so fantastic.

An important discovery for me was the benefit of learning social dancing as a couple. We all know romantic relationships are wonderful but it is absolutely no secret that over time the challenge is to 'still see each other'. I remember once complaining about a new relationships travel requirements and my mother piped up 'enjoy the adventure for as long as you can; before you know it you will be sat side by side watching Antiques Roadshow!' I know exactly what she means.

With coouples coming for social dance lessons I witness that they 'see' each other and yet more than that it is as if they are working out a positive physical puzzle together - with different roles but on the same team.

I encourage home practice - how utterly lovely, that you can push back the furniture, pop on some music and move around working the body and the mind in the comfort of your lounge or kitchen!

Of course there is also the physical and mental benefits - holding steps in your head, thinking about posture and alignment and also musicality...lovely positive challenges that are nothing to do with perfection but simply about the fun and joy dancing can bring us.

It may be the first time that day that the couple have spent proper time together - with busy lives with children and grandchildren this becomes a precious hour spent together learning to be a team on the dance floor. And in relation to the physical benefits it is gentle on the body but quietly effective. Done correctly it is challenging flexibility and stamina.

Another boost is its ability to increase your social scene...I run social nights and tea dances where couples learning their craft in the studio can take it and put it into action with other like minded couples. The atmosphere is light, the support for each other is evident and it is a celebration of couples learning to dance together rather than any competitive edge....it is a safe space to try your moves out and make new friends.