Dance 4u Vancouver

Partner Rotation in Group Dance Classes

admin — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 22:42:51 +0000

At Dance 4U our goal is to make you the best dancer we can during the time you spend in our classes. Over the years we have developed innovative teaching techniques, and exercises to ensure an accelerated learning process. One key component applied in Dance 4U group classes is the rotation of partners. This ensures:

1) Development of lead and follow (most important aspect of partner dancing)

2) More experienced dancers dancing with beginner dancers. Often students repeat a series or come with a dance background from other disciplines.

3) Instructors dancing in rotation. Like a good virus effects spread to all not only students that have danced directly with instructor.

If you have come with someone we realize you would like to dance with that person as much as possible so frequently we say “return to your original partner”.

Dance 4U classes are fun, non-intimatding, and social. Partner rotation adds to this. Not only will you leave with new dance skills, but may also leave with some new friends.

Dance 4U Studio Locations

Coreydance4u — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:07:53 +0000

Dance 4U teaches salsa, latin, and swing dance in the following downtown Vancouver and metro Vancouver locations:

DOWNTOWN VANCOUVER

Georgia Athletic Club Studio (access through gym)
180 W Georgia St

The Dance Centre (Marcuse Studio 7th floor)
677 Davie St (Granville and Davie)

EAST VANCOUVER

Alpen Club (German Club and Restaurant)
4875 Victoria Drive (33rd @ Victoria)

VANCOUVER

7TH Ave Studio
Room 227C – 1555 West 7th Ave

Advice to new dance students.

Coreydance4u — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 05:15:01 +0000

Go out social dancing as often as possible and dance! Really go and have a good time, put all the things you’ve learned together with your own dancing style and do what feels good. Once you’ve ingrained the basic step into your mind and have learned to partner dance (lead/follow) efficiently, you can do whatever you want. Use the different instruments of each song, not only the clave, to express yourself. And do not forget to smile! This should be easy since you will be enjoying the energetic latin music, being fully present, and connecting with your partner.

Lonsdale Quay Market Summer Dance Series

Coreydance4u — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 00:23:11 +0000

2010 Lonsdale Quay Dancing Schedule

2PM – Lesson
2:30PM – General Dancing
3PM – Lesson
3:30PM – General Dancing

Saturday, June 26 | Merengue & Salsa

Saturday, July 3 | Swing & Merengue

Saturday, July 10 | Salsa & Bachata

Saturday, July 17 | Cha-Cha & Merengue

**Saturday, July 24 | Bachata & Salsa (event from 1 – 3PM due Caribbean Festival)

Saturday, July 31 | Hustle & Swing

Saturday, August 7 | Merengue & Salsa

Saturday, August 14 | Swing & Salsa

Saturday, August 21 | Salsa & Bachata

Saturday, August 28 | Cha-Cha & Merengue

Saturday, September 4 | Merengue & Salsa

Why Dance Matters!

Coreydance4u — Wed, 19 May 2010 18:44:30 +0000

Check out this wonderful 3 minute clip Samia and I were fortunate to have a part of.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMY-k-u1zPs

A NIGHT OF SALSA AND CAPOEIRA: MY WORLDS COLLIDE

Henniedance4u — Mon, 17 May 2010 23:14:06 +0000

The Vancouver Capoeira Malês thanks all those Dance 4U students who came out Friday night to the Polish to make our fundraiser a huge success. We had a great time in, what was for most of us, our very first salsa lesson. We loved learning new moves and showing off some of our own. It was a beautiful night of cultural sharing where a room full of strangers with a common passion for music and movement met. We thank you for sharing your culture so openly and welcoming ours so enthusiastically.

The Capoeira Roda (that’s the circle that we perform – or play – in) feeds off of the energy of those in the circle. The energy last night was overwhelming, making our Capoeiraists sing a little louder, kick a little faster and flip a little higher.

As communities, we tread a great deal of common ground, both endeavoring to perpetuate admirable traditions and a fulfilling way of life. This togetherness is an experience that we hope to share again in the near future.
***

On a personal note, I would like to offer a heartfelt thank you to the Dance 4U students who reminded me of my undying affection for sharing that which is most dear to my heart. Salsa changed my world with song and dance; as Capoeira is again doing. I am grateful for the opportunity I’ve been afforded to share in not just one but two such devoted communites, both of which have been invaluable forums to meet so many amazing people. There’s nothing like a night of sharing good food and conversation, heading out to a night of dance, and then topping it all off with a Capoeira roda.

Keep clapping, keep singing, keep dancing.

Thank you to all.

Next Dance class series. June 2010 dance series.

Coreydance4u — Mon, 10 May 2010 06:22:30 +0000

**Fridays 3 levels of salsa.
***Wednesdays sexy bachata.
****Tuesdays lady styling and belly dancing

All details at Dance 4U Dance Class Schedule

Where to go salsa dancing in Vancouver.

Coreydance4u — Sun, 02 May 2010 00:17:40 +0000

Visit these sites.

Dance 4U Gift Certificates

Coreydance4u — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:31:36 +0000

GIVE THE GIFT OF DANCE. Gift certificates available in any denomination.

Recommend:
$15 – first time drop in
$75 – private lesson or 5 week dance series for 1 person
$130 – 5 week dance series 2 people.

**All gift certificates have a 6 month expiry.

April Dance Series starts Sunday April 18.

Coreydance4u — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 12:21:42 +0000

Salsa and sexy bachata (partners only) dance series starting Sunday April 18. Sign-up for the Dance 4U newsletter to ensure you receive information on advance sign-up promotions.

See you on the dance floor.

New dance series begin this week!

Coreydance4u — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 05:29:53 +0000

Beginner class series beginning this week.

Friday March 19
Salsa 1 (beginners)

Sunday March 14
Salsa 1, Beginners Bachata,

Further details on time and location at http://dance4uvancouver.com/dance-class-scehdule/

In the House Festival

Coreydance4u — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 02:26:57 +0000

Get your dancing shoes on! March 20th, is the first day of spring, so we thought it only fitting to hold a spring dance. From bellydance to hula hoop, from ballet to salsa, with some flamenco, tap, hip hop and other delicious surprises added in there, we’ll be showcasing dance from all over the world. Then it’s a massive dance party upstairs, and dance workshops downstairs! Learn how to hula hoop, salsa and swing. To add a little more flavor, come dressed as your favorite dance style (not mandatory of course, but sure is a lot of fun!).

The event is a fundraiser for the In the House Festival which brings live performance of all kinds into people’s living rooms and backyards. Along with the fabulous dancing you’ll witness and experience, you’ll also be able to bid on some fabulous silent auction prizes. The list of donors is up on our site, so you can get your mouth watering and decide what you’d like to bid on well before the event.

Date: March 20th, 2010
Time: Doors at 6:15 pm
Show at 7:00 pm

Where: Russian Hall, 600 Campbell St.

Tickets: 20$ pre-sale
25$ at the door

Tickets are available on-line at www.inthehousefestival.com and Highlife Records

Performers:
Karen Flamenco (flamenco)
Ariel Amara (Hula hoop)
Luciterra (belly dance)
Candice R. Curlypaws (tap)
Night + Day Dance (blues)
Tara Travis (puppet ballet)
Mutya Macatumpag (contemporary)
Mas Movement Manifestation (Cuban salsa)
DJ Sweet Anomaly (world music)
DJ Kubanito (Cuban salsa)
Sambata (samba)
More TBA

Information on the performers can be found at www.inthehousefestival.com

Feel free to spread the word far and wide about this show! It’ll be amazing.

Myriam Steinberg
Artistic Director
In the House Festival
www.inthehousefestival.com

Contact us ahead for new dance class series even if planning just on drop in.

Coreydance4u — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:48:51 +0000

A dance class series will not run unless enough students have contacted us prior to class about attending. If you plan or think you will be attending a class email or phone us before class starts. That way we can save you a trip if enough people have not registered for that particular dance series. Dance 4U offers classes with excellent teacher to student ratio due to this sometimes numbers due not allow us to run a class we would like to offer. Thank-you for your co-operation with this ahead of time.

Coca Cola Salsa Wrap Party

Coreydance4u — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 19:10:21 +0000

Wednesday March 3, 2010 9PM

Alpen Club – 4875 Victoria Dr

Beginner Lesson 9 – 9:30PM

Dancing til 1AM. Full bar available come to dance, come to visit, or just watch. Will be reserved seating area.

Dancing at Lonsdale Quay Market Starting Friday Feb. 12, 2010

Coreydance4u — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 00:53:40 +0000

Dance Classes & Demonstrations – Thursdays & Fridays from 6 – 8pm and
Sundays from 2 – 4pm starts Friday Feb. 12, 2010.

Dancing for all skill levels. Salsa, Swing, Cha-Cha, Bachata and Merengue. Exciting and vibrant dance classes put on by Dance 4U.

Classes cater to dancers of all skill levels and are fun for the whole family. Come out to learn a new move or come down for some enjoyable social dancing led by Samia, Daudi, and Ivan. Further details at Dance 4U at Lonsdale Quay Market.

Dance Class Schedule:

Friday, February 12, 2010 | 6PM – MERENGUE | 7PM – SALSA

Sunday, February 14, 2010 | 2PM – SALSA | 3PM – MERENGUE

Thursday, February 18, 2010 | 6PM – MERENGUE | 7PM – SALSA

Friday, February 19, 2010 Sunday | 6PM – SALSA | 7PM- BACHATA

Sunday February 21, 2010 | 2PM – SWING | 3PM – SALSA

Thursday, February 25, 2010 | 6PM – MERENGUE | 7PM – SALSA

Friday, February 26, 2010 | 6PM – BACHATA | 7PM – SALSA

Sunday, February 28, 2010 | 2PM – CHA-CHA | 3PM – SALSA

North Vancouver Dance Classes Start Tomorrow

Coreydance4u — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:42:31 +0000

Performance Art Studio (260 Esplanade W)

3PM – Beginner Salsa

4PM- Intermediate Salsa

5PM – Advance Salsa

$15/drop in or $65 for series

Photos from past events.

Coreydance4u — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 07:18:43 +0000

Socials, lessons, and more.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/dance4u/

Signed up for series but missed a class/es. What to do?

Coreydance4u — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 23:52:07 +0000

As long as you made the first or second class you are ok to come to the 3rd, 4th or 5th class of the series. It will be challenging but you will have an idea of the steps.

We just ask please do not stop coming to class if you miss one class. Let us do our best to groom you into the dancer you can be over the 5 week period that you have committed to.

Dance 4U at Lonsdale Quay in the Media

Coreydance4u — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:31:51 +0000

Lonsdale Quay Market Summer Festival Dance 4U put on dance event the entire summer. Check out cover shot from North Shore news and other pictures of the event on our flickr page.

WELCOME THE WORLD WITH DANCING IN THE STREET

Henniedance4u — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 06:18:22 +0000

The 2010 Winter Games are a mere week away when all the world looks to Vancouver and cheers. Let’s welcome the world to the Olympics with the greatest cheer of all! Let’s dance!

DANCING IN THE STREET
WHEN: Saturday February 13, 2010 4pm
LOCATION: Robson Street between Thurlow and Bute (we’ll all START THE ROUTINE FACING EAST towards Thurlow)

Flashmob is hosting one of their world famous impromptu get-togethers. They have an annual pillow fight down by the Art Gallery on Robson, a zombie walk along Davie Street and a water fight in Stanley Park.

We’ll all gather on Robson around 3:30pm and at 4pm, on the dot, the music starts and we all break out in a rehearsed dance routine. The most important thing is the element of surprise. When gathered on Robson street try not to hang out in a huge group. Look like you’re just wandering and when the music starts just join in. When the music is done disperse like nothing’s happened.

If you’re wondering what this spectacle looks like check out these Youtube videos of The Sound of Music in Belgium at the Antwerp Central Station and this incredible Mashup in London at the Liverpool Street Station.

What’s next? Learn the routine and like all good dancers, we practice, practice, practice!

Here’s the routine. Let’s show the world Vancouver can dance!

here’s the breakdown

SECRET COMMUNITY WARMUPS

Want some practice shaking your groove thang? Join in the spectacle at these super secret community warmups:

Where: at 2108 West 4th Avenue (front or rear)

When: Sunday February 7 6pm-7pm

When: Thursday February 11 7:30pm-8:30pm

Don’t want to go alone? I will be down there early. Drop me a note at hennie@dance4.ca and I’ll let you know where I’ll be at.

See you all out dancing in the street!

Dance 4U Invasion of the North Shore

Coreydance4u — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:33:34 +0000

Join us in celebrating Dance 4U new studio location with an afternoon of Salsa dancing and lessons from 3 – 6PM. Free to attend.

Opportunity to win gift certificate for classes valued at $130 and chance to sign up for future classes beginner to advanced level at a reduced price for this location.

Where?: Perform Art Studios

260 Esplanade West

North Vancouver, BC V7G 0A1

778-322-7783

Dance 4U referral contest.

Coreydance4u — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:43:40 +0000

Refer your friends to a Dance 4U class and enter to win a $320 VIP pass good for 2 people for the month. For each person you refer a ballot is entered increasing your chances to win. It can be used for at all Vancouver Latin Fever events. Details of their events at Vancouver Latin Fever website.

Advance Sign-up Special for Body Movement, Footwork, and Shines Workshop this Sunday Feb. 7, 2010.

Coreydance4u — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 23:41:14 +0000

Workshop are a great way to start taking your dancing to another level or getting a taste of a new dance style. This workshop will improve your movement for styling as well as timing allowing you to shine on the dance floor. Material is appropriate for all levels.

Sign-up with payment for workshop by this Saturday Feb. 6, 2010 for only $10. Day of workshop price $15.

Workshop is being taught by Jessica and Daudi.

An Obsession in the making

Henniedance4u — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:42:59 +0000

If you talk to someone you think is a really great dancer chances are you will hear about how much that person loves to dance and how dance has changed their lives. We may have all learned differently, at a different pace from different people but the one common thread is this: good dancers love to dance. Every good dancer was a beginner at some point and I promise you every good dancer has doubted their own ability and progression.

It begins with a curiosity and a beginner class somewhere along the line. It develops into a passion. We fall in love with it and dedicate a great deal of time and energy into learning and becoming better. That’s not say that everyone who tries it loves it but you can be certain that if someone has earned your admiration on the dance floor they loved it enough to dedicate a great deal to becoming that good.

Whenever you are feeling awkward or lost in class remember that you are taking the exact same steps that the greatest dancers in the world throughout history have taken to get to where they are.

Changing your life one step at a time

Henniedance4u — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:41:32 +0000

No one’s life ever changed by simply learning steps. Our lives were changed by the amazing people we met, the confidence we built by initiating the conversations that made us friends, the pride and astonishment we felt that first time a move was executed perfectly or a step felt stable and right.

Our lives were changed when we realized we could string all these moves together with those people and dance through our first song, with or without any amount of grace – it didn’t matter, we were still dancing.

Dance changed our lives. You have to get out there to allow it to change yours. This is where it all starts.

What are you waiting for?

What makes a good male lead dancer.

Coreydance4u — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:38:51 +0000

The secret is: make every person you are dancing with feel like they are the best dancer in the world no matter what their level. If they are a beginner do not lead them through complicated patterns they can not follow. Keep it fun and keep it simple. Push them, but recognize that there is a difference when a lady leaves the floor after dancing with you feeling motivated versus feeling like they are never going to get it.

MISTAKE MADE BY MANY BEGINNER LEADS

Beware an over eagerness to correct or teach. This is often meant to be helpful, but often ends up being offensive. When someone cannot follow your leads consider whether or not anyone else has been able to follow the sequence (especially someone who is not from the class where you learned to combo). Before you start blaming or correcting evaluate yourself and ask if they want feedback. Save yourself embarrassment and don’t be “that guy”.

Have fun, enjoy the moment for what it is and don’t be too hard on yourself (we all started somewhere) and don’t forget to always thank your partner for the dance. You can’t go wrong being polite.

Important note when you purchase a dance series?

Coreydance4u — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 23:23:29 +0000

When you purchase a dance series you receive the classes at a reduced price. If you can not make a class/es during the series for your scheduled day decide before hand if better for you to do drop in or sign-up for the series.

If you are going to miss one class still best deal to sign-up for entire series.

Important note you have til the end of that series to use up your classes (i.e 5 wk). Unused classes will not be credited to future dance series.

February Advance Sign-Up Promo. Save $10

Coreydance4u — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:57:24 +0000

Save $10 when you sign-up by Saturday Feb.6, 2010 with payment for any of the upcoming February classes.

Dance 4U Referral Contest

Coreydance4u — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 00:56:16 +0000

Refer your friends and enter to win $320 VIP pass good for 2 people for the month. It can be used at all Vancouver Latin Fever events. Details of events at www.vancouverlatinfever.com.

When am I ready for a higher dance level?

Henniedance4u — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 21:02:24 +0000

Unless you practice and go out dancing regularly classes should be repeated at a minimum of 2 times. This includes the level 1 steps. It usually takes the first time to get an idea of the movement, it is not until the second, third sometimes fourth time that you are able to make the movement flow with the music. A good basic developed in the beginning levels is critical when dancing and will allow you to excel quickly when being introduced to more advanced variations.