New in June 2012 – Intermediate

• Rhythm II [ more info ]
  - Sundays 11am-1pm at Kanopy (on State Street) for six weeks
  - Excellent for anyone who has completed an intro-level class (Salsa/Rhythm) with either me or Sarah
  - Excellent for anyone who has taken other intermediate-level classes
  - Dances covered: Swing and Bolero
• Smooth II [ more info ]
  - Sundays 1-3pm at Kanopy (on State Street) for six weeks
  - Excellent for anyone who has completed an intro-level class (Smooth/Ballroom) with either me or Sarah
  - Excellent for anyone who has taken other intermediate-level classes
  - Dances covered: Waltz and Viennese Waltz
• - Each class is $110/person | $200/two-people
  - Similarly, $200/one-person-both-classes
  

Related pictures based on the following tags: american-rhythm,american-smooth,bolero,darrell,intermediate,kanopy,swing,viennese-waltz,waltz

Event Dates

Pick up where your previous beginner-level class left off, and continue to develop you own personal style and mastery of American Style Smooth technique. This class emphasizes excellence in form, posture, partnering, and connection.

In addition to covering exciting and socially-leadable moves, you will learn how to own your moves, better read your partners, and produce exciting dancing!

This class will also build on your existing knowledge of Waltz and Viennese Waltz.
We will cover American Style Smooth dances in this class.

Participants from my “Ballroom” beginner-level UW Continuing Studies courses are welcome to enroll in this class.

Description

Experienced dancer? Already know the basics for several dances? Learn greater power, energy exchange, and more refined partnering – as well as new moves requiring these skills – in American Style Waltz and Viennese Waltz. No partner needed. Dress comfortably for a movement class.

Goals

Students will already know basic moves and be able to identify the music for up to four different dances – Waltz, Tango, Fox Trot, and Viennese Waltz. Students will learn or further develop their Waltz and Viennese Waltz. Students will improve their good dance habits, emphasizing the importance of posture, frame, and connection/partnering. Students will recognize how those good habits are absolutely essential in the Leading and Following of moves, and how those good habits are what serve to make each dancer a welcome participant at any social or competitive ballroom dance event.

Requirements

This is not a beginner-level class.
This class is for you if…

1. You already had a beginner-level class with either Darrell or Sarah, and…
   • You are familiar with our warm-up and balance exercises
   • You understand “Touchless Dancing”
   • You can successfully execute several different moves in several different dances
2. You have not had a beginner level class with either Darrell or Sarah, but…
   • You are familiar with bronze-level syllabus moves in several Rhythm dances
   • You are ready for a faster-paced class that focuses on excellence in the use of your body for graceful and powerful Leading and Following

Format

Each class period is two-hours, consisting of 90 minutes of instruction time followed by 30 minutes of guided practice time (where Darrell is available to help and answer questions).

No Partner is required – expect numerous partner changes. Please see the Changing Partners FAQ and the Shoe FAQ.

Tuition

Eight two-hour sessions:
– individuals: $110/person
– couples: $200/two people

Please make payment with cash or check.
Make checks payable to “Darrell Dieringer”.
If needed, Paypal can be arranged.

Reserving Space

Please Email Darrell Dieringer to reserve space in class.

Cancellations

Weather-related cancellations (or cancellations for any other reason) are announced right here by 9:30am on the day of class.

Related pictures based on the following tags: american-smooth,darrell,intermediate,kanopy,viennese-waltz,waltz

Event Dates

Pick up where your previous beginner-level class left off, and continue to develop you own personal style and mastery of American Style Rhythm technique. This class emphasizes excellence in form, posture, partnering, and connection.

In addition to covering exciting and socially-leadable moves, you will learn how to own your moves, better read your partners, and produce exciting dancing!

This class will also build on your existing knowledge of Swing and Bolero
We will cover American Style Rhythm dances in this class.

Though the course title says “Rhythm”, participants from my “Salsa/Latin” beginner-level UW Continuing Studies courses are welcome to enroll. (UW Continuing Studies uses the term “Latin” in the colloquial sense, not the Ballroom-world way.)

Description

Experienced dancer? Already know the basics for several dances? Learn greater power, energy exchange, and more refined partnering – as well as new moves requiring these skills – in American Style Swing and Bolero. No partner needed. Dress comfortably for a movement class.

Goals

Students will already know basic moves and be able to identify the music for up to six different dances – Merengue, Salsa/Mambo, Rumba, Cha Cha, Swing, and Bolero. Students will learn or further develop their Swing and Bolero. Students will improve their good dance habits, emphasizing the importance of posture, frame, and connection/partnering, as well as proper footwook, activating Cuban motion, and American Style Rhythm technique. Students will recognize how those good habits are absolutely essential in the Leading and Following of moves, and how those good habits are what serve to make each dancer a welcome participant at any social or competitive ballroom dance event.

Requirements

This is not a beginner-level class.
This class is for you if…

1. You already had a beginner-level class with either Darrell or Sarah, and…
   • You are familiar with our warm-up and balance exercises
   • You understand “Touchless Dancing”
   • You can successfully execute several different moves in several different dances
2. You have not had a beginner level class with either Darrell or Sarah, but…
   • You are familiar with bronze-level syllabus moves in several Rhythm dances
   • You are ready for a faster-paced class that focuses on excellence in the use of your body for graceful and powerful Leading and Following

Format

Each class period is two-hours, consisting of 90 minutes of instruction time followed by 30 minutes of guided practice time (where Darrell is available to help and answer questions).

No Partner is required – expect numerous partner changes. Please see the Changing Partners FAQ and the Shoe FAQ.

Tuition

Eight two-hour sessions:
– individuals: $110/person
– couples: $200/two people

Please make payment with cash or check.
Make checks payable to “Darrell Dieringer”.
If needed, Paypal can be arranged.

Reserving Space

Please Email Darrell Dieringer to reserve space in class.

Cancellations

Weather-related cancellations (or cancellations for any other reason) are announced right here by 9:30am on the day of class.

Related pictures based on the following tags: american-rhythm,bolero,darrell,intermediate,kanopy,swing

Event Dates

Every summer, Brigham Young University in Provo, UT (50 miles south of Salt Lake City) hosts a Ballroom Dance Camp for Adults and a Ballroom Dance Camp for Youths.

Youth Camp

I have never attended the youth camp – intended for HS students – so I do not know first-person details about them. I suspect they are quite similar to the Adult Camp in quality. HS students may attend the adult camps, and each year I was there several HS students were participants.

I have no relationship with the camp or with the organizers. I am posting it here so that you may consider adding a dance camp to your summer plans.

Event Dates

This event occurred
in the past.

The UW is on Spring Break, but dancing never rests! Enroll in one of these Great Workshops in April.

Please fill out all pertinent Registration Material, and bring it with you on the first day of class.

American Swing – all-levels

• Wednesday, 04 April 2012 @6:30-8pm
• Held at Kanopy Dance (341 State Street – 2nd floor)
• $10/person, Limit 20 – please pre-register by Emailing Darrell
• Partner not required, but encouraged
• Description: Learn single-time and triple-time American Style Swing. New dancers will learn simple and socially-leadable moves. Experienced dancers focus on faster moves, hip/knee/foot/core action, proper footwork and positions, and of course frame and posture.

Rhythm Technique – all-leves

• Sunday, 08 April 2012 @11am-noon
• Held at Kanopy Dance (341 State Street – 2nd floor)
• $10/person, Limit 20 – please pre-register by Emailing Darrell
• Partner not required
• Description: Develop full-body Cuban motion fundamental to American-style Rhythm dancing (cha cha / rumba / swing / mambo / salsa / merengue). Good technique sets your dancing apart and allows you to effortlessly stand out on the floor. Material includes hip and core motion, posture, isolations, foot placement and turnout, arm styling, upper-body rotation, and energy exchange.

Great Partnering, Great Partners

• Sunday, 08 April 2012 @12:30pm-1:30pm
• Held at Kanopy Dance (341 State Street – 2nd floor)
• $10/person, Limit 20 – please pre-register by Emailing Darrell
• Partner not required, but encouraged
• Description: A strong connection takes your dancing from good to fantastic! In this workshop you will work specifically on American Rumba, though these same principles apply to all other dances. Mastering how you hold your own body and how your arms, legs, and body weight interact with a partner will change the way you dance forever!

Dips and Tricks

• Sunday, 08 April 2012 @2-3pm
• Held at Kanopy Dance (341 State Street – 2nd floor)
• $10/person, Limit 20 – please pre-register by Emailing Darrell
• Partner not required, but encouraged
• Description: Learn flashy, socially-leadable, and eye-catching moves that are safe and simple. Have new skills for the next time you go dancing! Along with partnering, you will work on musical interpretation, in-class performances (for the other class participants – optional, but encouraged), developing greater strength/balance/flexibility, and unlocking your individual and combined creativity.

All workshops are held at Kanopy Dance Studio on State Street in Madison, WI. Please note the dates and time carefully.

Undergraduate and Grad Student UWMBDA members click here for special pricing.

Check out the Flier

New in March – Intermediate

• Rhythm II [ more info ]
  - Sundays 11am-1pm at Kanopy (on State Street) for eight weeks
  - Excellent for anyone who has completed an intro-level class (Salsa/Rhythm) with either me or Sarah
  - Excellent for anyone who has taken other intermediate-level classes
  - Dances covered: Cha Cha, Salsa/Mambo, and Swing
• Smooth II [ more info ]
  - Sundays 1-3pm at Kanopy (on State Street) for eight weeks
  - Excellent for anyone who has completed an intro-level class (Smooth/Ballroom) with either me or Sarah
  - Excellent for anyone who has taken other intermediate-level classes
  - Dances covered: Tango, Fox Trot, and Viennese Waltz
• - Each class is $135/person | $220/two-people
  - Similarly, $220/one-person-both-classes
  - Undergraduate and Grad Student UWMBDA members click here for special pricing

Related pictures based on the following tags: american-rhythm,american-smooth,darrell,intermediate,rhythm-ii,smooth-ii,spring-2012

Event Dates

This event occurred
in the past.

Road Trip

Indiana Challenge is a large amateur, pro/am, and professional competition. Darrell and Sarah began competing together at Indiana Challenge just a few years ago! Competitors come from across the country to compete here. Shop numerous vendors for dance shoes, all manner of accessories, clothes, and dance costumes.

Bring your camera for still photography – shooting video is strictly prohibited.

Carpool

Drivers will be provided an allowance for tolls and fuel.
Our carpool departs from the Dutch Mill Park and Ride lot in Madison, WI (located at Stoughton Road and the Beltine) – map below – leaving Madison promptly at 3pm.

Friday Evening Events

• American Rhythm Freestyle and Scholarship Events at Silver, Gold, and Open Levels for Amateur and Pro/Am couples
• Professional Showdance Competition
• Professional Rising Star Competition (Smooth, Rhythm, Standard, and Latin)

Saturday Daytime Events

• Solo Exhibitions (choreographed partner performances)
• International Standard (all levels Amateur and Pro/Am)
• International Latin (all levels Amateur and Pro/Am)
• Amateur Open Scholarship (Smooth, Rhythm, Standard, and Latin)

Saturday Evening Events

The ballroom is always filled to capacity for Saturday Evening. This is where you will see some of the best dancing:

• Open Professional Events (Smooth, Rhythm, Standard, and Latin)
• Amateur Salsa Competition
• Top Three Showdance Exhibition
• Professional Show (World Champions Gherman & Iveta)

Competition Details

Competition Location

Carpool Location

Related pictures based on the following tags: competition,hotel,indiana-challenge,overnight,road-trip

You have already read Dance Cruise Checklist – Part 1 and Part 2. Proper planning ahead of time will help to guarantee a relaxing vacation.

General Checklist (continuted)

• One Week Out
• • Communication Plans: Let your friends, relative, or neighbors know how to reach you. Your cruise documents will specify how to contact you by phone or fax. Be advised the charges may be very high for both you and the caller!

    Designate one person as the prime point of contact. That person should know your ship, room number, booking number, ship phone, ship fax number and the best times to reach you (take time zone changes into account). Tell the rest of your friends and family to use this person as the point of contact in any emergency.

    For non-emergencies, use e-mail. Internet cafes are readily available on today’s ships. You can use your own email address, or the lines will assign you a free email if you don’t have one. You will still pay for usage charges. Often the Internet is a better and less expensive communications tool than a telephone.

    Many ships have added cell phone service at sea. Ask your travel agent or cruise line. Roaming charges apply, but it can be less pricey than calling from your room.

    In port, many cell phones will work just fine; call your carrier a week before departure to see if your phone is international in nature and whether you can send and receive calls from specific ports.

  •  
  • Keys, Alarms, and Other Tasks: Give a key to your home or business to a trusted friend/neighbor. Make certain they keep your keys in a secure place – not just out in plain sight. Arrange for that person to check on your house, water your plants, verify that your pet service is performing as expected, shovel the sidewalk (if it is winter time), and other similar tasks.

    Let your neighbors know that someone will be watching your home while you are away. Make arrangements with your alarm/security company and designate a temporary contact person in case your alarm should go off. Your trusted friend/neighbor should also know your alarm code (provide him/her with a temporary code, or change your code when you return).

  •  
  • Finalize Your Luggage: You have been looking at your intended items for several weeks now. Consider all of your clothes, shoes, and accessories. Eliminate one-time use items. Match colors. Imagine yourself carrying your luggage though the airport and from the baggage claim to the taxi stand. Then edit some more.

    Do not pack cruise documents, airline tickets, film, cameras, jewelry, medication or valuables in checked luggage. (Ever try to get a bag back from an airline after it’s checked? The same problems occur with cruise lines.) If you accidentally check the bag and then remember your camera or medication is in it, you likely will not see it for several hours after embarkation. Worse yet, your luggage could be lost.

  •  
  • Stock Up on Film, Video Tape, or Digital Media: These items are usually available on board or in ports of call, but at a considerable premium over your local prices. Pack plenty of batteries and remember the charger for your digital items.
• The Day Before Departure
• • Finalize Your Luggage: Attach cruise line luggage tags to your bags. Have proper identification inside and out,and include a copy of your itinerary inside all bags.

    The night before departure, close up your suitcases and finalize your carry-on bag. Place passports, cruise documents, air tickets or e-ticket confirmations, medication, camera and film supplies, and any other important information like medical records in your carry-on.

  •  
  • Take Enough Cash: Always take cash, especially small bills for tips to porters, taxi drivers, and tour guides. Do not rely on traveler’s checks and credit cards, alone. Vendors in ports of call may not take credit cards or travelers checks. If you arrive during a bank holiday, you may not be able to cash your travelers checks anywhere. On board ATM may run out of money (or have high surcharges).
  •  
  • Get Your House In Order: Run the dishwasher. Discard leftovers and other food items that will not last until your return. Pay bills that will be due while you are away. Set your thermostat to an energy efficient “hold” temperature. Water your plants. Make sure pets have food and water (even if a pet sitter is planned.)
  •  
  • Reconfirm Arrangements: Reconfirm child and pet care, limo service, house sitters, and airline departure times.
• Day of Departure
• • Lock your home. Set your alarm. Draw the shades. Pack your keys in your carry-on. Make certain your passport, cruise documents, and airline tickets/confirmations are in your carry-on – NOT on your kitchen counter! Give yourself enough time to get to the airport.

    You have planned carefully. Now enjoy your vacation!

Return to Dance Cruise Checklist – Part 1.

You have already read Dance Cruise Checklist – Part 1. Proper planning ahead of time will help to guarantee a relaxing vacation.

General Checklist (continuted)

• Short Term
• • Pack Only What You Need! Most cruise cabins are smaller than hotel rooms. Travel agents say most cruisers over-pack and regret it later. Waiting to pack until the night before your departure means you will likely bring extra items “just in case”.

    Set up your travel luggage in an area of your home and begin to place your intended items in piles next to your luggage, remembering to consider shoes and toiletries. Over the next few weeks, evaluate what you really need to bring and start eliminating the excess.

    If you do not really need formal wear (or you are planning to skip formal events anyway), you do not need to bring those items. You may want to have five or six interchangeable outfits. If you have not worn something in years, you probably will not wear it on board.

    By avoiding over-packing, you also avoid the hassle of having airport security disrupt you overstuffed luggage if they choose to inspect it. You also reduce the chance of excess baggage fees.

    Some cruise lines have a fee-based baggage service that will pick up your bags from your home, and the next time you see your luggage it will be in your stateroom.

  •  
  • Medicines and Toiletries: Make sure your prescriptions are up to date and you have refills. Bring an extra week’s worth of medication in case there are flight delays or winter storms that delay your return home.

    Follow TSA guidelines for your over-the-counter items (liquids less than three ounces, everything packed together in clear zipper bags). Place your non-essential items in checked luggage. You may want to bring Alka Selzer, Pepto Bismol, or other remedies with you instead of purchasing them while on board (where the prices are likely to be higher than at your local drug store).

  •  
  • Medical Records: If you have significant medical issues, bring a copy of your medical records and test results. These can be extremely helpful if you require a doctor while on board. It may take a few weeks for your doctor to assemble these records for you.
  •  
  • Pets: Arrange for boarding or in-home pet care, and put any instructions in writing, including the phone number for your vet and any pet insurance documents and vaccination certificates. Let your vet know that your pet care provider has your permission to make decisions on your behalf.
  •  
  • Transport to the Airport: If you are planning to travel by limo from your home to the airport, book this early – particularly if you are traveling during busy times for limo services (like prom, home coming, or weddings).

Dance Cruise Checklist – Part 3 (one week out)

Go to sea with other ballroom dancers! A dance cruise, as the name implies, is a vacation on a cruise ship that brings ballroom dancers together. Most dance cruises are booked through companies or travel agents who market cruises specifically to ballroom dancers.

From the US, many Alaskan, coastal, and Caribbean cruises are possible throughout the year.

General Checklist

• As Early as Possible
• • Make certain your passport is valid! Apply for expedited service if necessary.
• Three Months to Six Weeks Out
• • Shore Excursions: Your cruise documents will include a “shore excursions” booklet. When you book your excursions well in advance, your excursion tickets will be waiting for you in your stateroom or they will be delivered to you at dinner on your first night on board. You will not have to wait in potentially long lines on the ship for excursion tickets, and you are more likely to get the excursions you want when you book in advance!
  •  
  • Spa and Salon Appointments: If you can book these early, make your appointments on sea days. This allows you to potentially have more time in ports of call.
  •  
  • Embarkation Gifts: If you are celebrating a special occasion during the cruise (like a birthday or anniversary, etc), you cruise documents will inform you how to book gifts, special packages, champagne and hors d’ouevres for your stateroom, spa packages, or onboard gift cards.
  •  
  • Airline Tickets: Make sure your name is correct and that your flight dates and times correspond to your cruise departure and return. Try to get a seat assignment from the airline in advance to help avoid being bumped from your flight.
  •  
  • Credit Card Planning: The cruise line will ask for a credit card upon embarkation to cover on-board expenses. Upon check-in, the cruise line will perform a “credit card authorization”, which is not a charge to your card, but a hold on your available credit line.

    The amount may be from $50-$200 per day of the cruise, or even more. Of course, you will not be charged unless you actually buy additional on-board services, but the hold on your credit line reduces the purchasing power of your card. If you have a low credit limit or if you already carry a balance, your card may be declined when you use it during shore excursions.

    If you rented a car prior to your cruise, there may be other “credit card authorizations” that further affect your purchasing power

    It is wise to have multiple credit cards – use one for cruise line check-in and on-board purchase, and use another for shore excursions.

  •  
  • Arrange a House Sitter:
  • Arrange for Child Care: Do you have someone locally who can care for your children, or will they need to fly somewhere to stay with your extended family? Book their travel early.

Dance Cruise Checklist – Part 2 (two-to-four-weeks out)