• Dance Discussions

    Dance is Therapeutic – but it is not Therapy

    April 11, 2021 - By 

    Hello all, It’s been a while. For most of us, we’re still grappling with the effects of COVID-19 on our communities. My own city is still in lockdown; I’ve barely danced for a year. That year has given me a lot of time to reflect on both how dance has been an important and fulfilling part of my life – but also the parts of me that have suffered or been exacerbated by the pressures I put myself under within the context of social dance. This reflection has led me to a conclusion that may strike some as controversial: Dance is not…

  • Dance Discussions

    The Pandemic and Dance: A Physician’s Perspective

    January 4, 2021 - By 

    At the onset of the pandemic, we reached out to an amazing practising physician who provided her insights about COVID-19 and its potential interactions with the dance community. As time has worn on, many of us have done the responsible thing by following local health guidelines. But, for many, there are still many questions. Questions I am in no way qualified to answer – but a physician can. So, here are some of the questions I’ve heard in the last few months, along with Dr. Hsu’s responses (as well as my own commentary, where indicated). “I’m reading a lot of…

  • Dance Discussions

    Una asociación profesional (Spanish Translation)

    July 25, 2020 - By 

    Las comunidades de baile han tenido muchos problemas con la falta de profesionalismo o el mal comportamiento. A pesar de los mejores esfuerzos, estas situaciones siguen sucediendo. A veces, las páginas anónimas publican cuentas anónimas; a veces las cosas se dejan debajo de la mesa. Algunos organizadores y líderes de la comunidad tienen sistemas para abordar este tipo de comportamiento; otros, se sienten abrumados por el conflicto de interés que incluyen desde las amistades, los negocios y la moral. He perdido la cuenta de la cantidad de veces que varias personas han sugerido líneas de teléfonos directas, cuadernos o pizarras…

  • Dance Discussions

    É hora de começar uma associação profissional

    June 20, 2020 - By 

    A comunidade da dança tem tido problemas relacionados ao comportamento problemático ou à falta de profissionalismo por parte de alguns indivíduos. E, apesar de todo o esforço da comunidade, essas questões continuam acontecendo. Às vezes, páginas anônimas publicam postagens relatando esses comportamentos; às vezes, tem gente que tenta varrer a sujeira para debaixo do tapete. Alguns organizadores e líderes de comunidades têm os meios para resolver essas questões de comportamento; já outros, se vêem sobrecarregados por conflitos morais, de amizade ou de negócios. Eu já perdi a conta do número de vezes em que as pessoas me sugeriram a criação…

  • Dance Discussions

    It’s Time for a Professional Association

    June 16, 2020 - By 

    Dance communities have had many issues with problematic or unprofessional behaviour. And, despite best efforts, unprofessional situations keep happening. Sometimes, anonymous pages publish anonymous accounts; sometimes things get swept under the rug. Some organizers and community leaders have systems for addressing problem behaviour; others get so overwhelmed because of their conflicting friendships, business, and morals. I’ve lost track of the number of times various people have suggested hotlines, anonymous tip charts, and more as a way to combat this. They’re all noble ideas, grounded in a good place. Managing professional behaviour in dance is hard. We don’t have any enforcement…

  • Dance Discussions

    5 Scientific Reasons Dance is the Best Hobby

    April 25, 2020 - By 

    Editors Note: This article is designed to be read start to finish the whole. way. through. 😉 We all love dancing! But, sometimes it’s hard to pinpoint why. Luckily, studies can tell us exactly why dance is the best hobby to have for your health, well-being, and community. #1 – Dance Beats Brain Disease Social dancing is the best activity for slowing down dementia – it was scientifically proven! In fact, dance is 76% effective at preventing dementia. That’s how powerful the rapid-fire decision makers in social dance – and especially for followers – is. I come from a family…

  • Dance Discussions

    Community is our Greatest Weapon

    March 17, 2020 - By 

    Right now, most of you are probably reading from a country in quarantine (or, close to it). I am; all of our classes, socials, and parties have been cancelled. I’m staring down the barrel of a potential event cancellation if the virus does not pass quickly. I’m one of the “lucky” dance teachers in this situation. I have a steady job that is not at risk of disappearing, and can easily work from home. I don’t have a studio to pay for (other than a couple per-hour bookings). At maximum, I’m a couple thousand dollars out from cancelled classes (cancelling…

  • Dance Discussions

    Dance in the Time of Corona: An Update

    March 13, 2020 - By 

    Note from TDG: this is the most current information to date from physician Dr. Hsu. The situation is changing rapidly. Do not panic – that helps no one – but please consider this as a serious issue and re-evaluate whether social dancing is really a good idea right now.  Hello everyone This week has vastly changed the nature of the Coronavirus epidemic. I feel compelled to write again now because we now have a lot more information about the virus and its spread. I no longer believe that recommendations made in my previous post are comprehensive enough at this time.…

  • Congresses & Travel - Dance Discussions - Health & Safety

    Dance in the time of Corona: A primer and suggestions on the novel Coronavirus and social dancing

    March 6, 2020 - By 

    A FOLLOW-UP TO THIS ARTICLE IS NOW PUBLISHED WITH REVISED INFORMATION BASED ON THE SITUATION AS OF MARCH 12, 2020 Note from The Dancing Grapevine: The Author, Dr. Hsu, is a physician actively practicing in both community and acute care hospital settings. She has spoken extensively with a Public Health specialist physician about this matter, particularly how the Novel Coronavirus will interact with our dance communities.  Novel Coronavirus: An Unexpected Reality Is this real life? Yes, it is. But, social media posts from your friends are not the best source of information. Instead, you should look for information from the…

  • Dance Discussions

    A Case Against “Good, Clean Basics”

    February 11, 2020 - By 

    You have probably heard (or said) some variation of the phrase “I love beginners! All I care about is that my partner has good, clean basics.” We think that it takes the pressure off of novice dancers who are still getting their feet, and that it discourages pattern junky or rough behaviour. But, I think we may want to reconsider this phrase. The “Clean Beginner” Myth Beginners cannot have clean basics. Some may have cleaner or stronger basics, and some may be weaker. But, they’re not going to be ‘clean.’ Why? Put simply, they haven’t developed them yet. Very few people…

  • Dance Discussions

    Appropriation, Shaming, and Online Discourse

    November 14, 2019 - By 

    Today, I saw a video shared on Facebook. It was a girl dancing to a Bachata song with a guy. She and her partner were clearly having fun. She was also using a fair amount of twerking within the context of the dance. The person who had shared the video did so with the intent to illustrate how “inappropriate” the girl’s dancing was. The insinuation was that how she was dancing was disrespectful to what Bachata really is, and that people shouldn’t be allowed to dance like that. This particular video brings up more than one very difficult issue that we…

  • Beginner-Friendly - Community Building - Dance Discussions - Etiquette - Health & Safety - Inspirational - Inspirational Stories - Social Dancing - Workshops & Classes

    10 Things I Learned in 10 Years of Dance

    September 26, 2019 - By 

    I turn 30 today. I started dancing when I was almost 20 (except for the ballet class I got kicked out of at age 5). That means that I’ve been dancing just over 10 years. From my infancy in Salsa to my current status as a Brazilian Zouk organizer and teacher, it’s been a long journey. In those 10 years, my dancing, my role, and my outlook has changed and evolved. Things I used to think were clear are shades of grey. This blog (started in 2013? 14?) is a living testament to that; my first few posts are very,…

  • Dance Discussions - For Teachers - Workshops & Classes

    5 ways to teach to follows

    September 23, 2019 - By 

    It is very easy for teachers to fall into the leader trap. Very often, it makes the most sense for many movements to teach the leads the structure, and then have the followers just “follow along”. But, this has unintended consequences. For example, the lack of follow-centric teaching in many classes causes followers to feel disillusioned with the learning process because they feel like a prop. It can also reinforce the idea that following is “easy”, and always the result of the leader’s quality. And, it stunts the ability for follows to have a conscious understanding of why, when, and…

  • Congresses & Travel - Dance Discussions

    The Hidden Side Effects of Poor Organization

    August 29, 2019 - By 

    Almost everyone has been to at least one event that could be accurately described as not very organized. On the surface, that lack of organization seems like a minor inconvenience. Maybe the shows start an hour late each night, which cuts into social dance time. Maybe workshops aren’t where they’re supposed to be. But, you deal with it. After all, it’s still totally possible to have a good time at a less organized event. But, there are hidden side effects and impacts that poor organization can have – for the individuals, the event, and the wider community. Poor Organization vs…

  • Performance & Competition

    10 Jack and Jill Questions Answered

    August 23, 2019 - By 

    You’ve seen Jack and Jill competitions. Maybe you’ve competed, maybe you think you may do one, and maybe you swear you’ll never do it. Regardless of which camp you fall into, it can be helpful to understand the nature and structure of a Jack and Jill. Here, I’ve compiled ten of the most asked questions I’ve heard about Jack and Jills. Should I compete? That’s a personal decision. Your attitude, expectations, and outlook on competitions should be your primary factors in determining whether or not to compete. The guideline I give my students looking at competing for the first time is…