tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1801436262842680862024-03-05T05:07:38.856-08:00Kizomba SeattleWelcome to Kizomba Seattle! This is where you will find information about events, classes and other things Kizomba in the Seattle dance community. We also have a facebook page where you will be able to connect locally to other kizomba dancers and to other pockets of Kizomba dance enthusiasts in the US and around the world.
Explore the site and don't forget to join our Kizomba Seattle group on facebook.Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.comBlogger82125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-85745594904412207982019-07-22T17:28:00.000-07:002019-07-22T17:28:13.062-07:00Amabo Seattle Kizomba Festival Aug. 2-4, 2019Exciting times once more - the 2nd edition of Amabo Seattle Kizomba Festival is on August 2 to 4, 2019.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguencJWENCuigioEUie_pyUEfV61dVUZ64m2qWhHULugLkkDmhP-kwnfJz59VE5BQ-HBeaHL8wYK5R2eCMq2N3qmhPaIPtPRaTiXZmIacFgSD6euzk5Y59BmpbtnHUuRWS8c1DSGHNkfyV/s1600/Amaboallartists.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1443" data-original-width="1115" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguencJWENCuigioEUie_pyUEfV61dVUZ64m2qWhHULugLkkDmhP-kwnfJz59VE5BQ-HBeaHL8wYK5R2eCMq2N3qmhPaIPtPRaTiXZmIacFgSD6euzk5Y59BmpbtnHUuRWS8c1DSGHNkfyV/s320/Amaboallartists.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />The festivities begin on Friday Aug 2, 2019 with a Kizomba Fundamentals workshop taught by Frances Tee and JR Desire followed by the 1st Fly Friday Amabo Edition social from 10pm to 5am at the Century Ballroom.<br />
<br />
Find out more about the <a href="http://www.amabofestival.com/" target="_blank">Amabo Seattle Kizomba Festival</a> and purchase your pass NOW!<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Full Weekend Passes are available: Entry to all workshops and socials</li>
<li>Dinner Ticket for Saturday Feast</li>
<li>Party Pass: Entry to socials only</li>
<li>Night Pass: Entry to one social (available the day of the social)</li>
</ul>
<div>
Check out these <a href="https://www.facebook.com/pg/askfprod/photos/?tab=album&album_id=535951193510661" target="_blank">pictures from last year</a>'s festival and don't miss out. </div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-89743354642520149772019-07-08T14:44:00.002-07:002019-07-22T15:37:39.176-07:00DANCE and LEARN for JULY 2019<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white; font-family: inherit;">July happenings</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: black; display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="color: white;"><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
July 5 - 1st First Fly Friday at the Century Ballroom with the drop-in beginner lesson ($16 includes dance) at 9:00 by Frances and Dance ($10) from 10:00p-1:30a with DJ Rolenn</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
July 7 - Kizomba Cafe at the Century Ballroom: Int/Advanced Workshop with Frances 12nn - 1pm and afternoon social with DJ Farenji from 1 - 3:30pm with DJ Farenji</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
July 21 - Urban Kiz Underground at Dance Underground with lesson 7-8pm and dance 8pm to 11pm ($12 includes lesson, $8 dance only)</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
July 27 - 4th Saturday Late Night Kizomba at the Century Ballroom 11pm - 1:30am with DJ Isaias (Cover $7)</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Monday Night Practica is back!!! from 7:30pm to 10:00pm - check out Kizomba Seattle on facebook for the event at Gas Works Park or 308 E. Republican St.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Kizomba with Frances - please contact her for privates. Kizomba classes will be back in the Century Ballroom in the fall.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Tuesdays with JR and Emily at Suenos de Salsa 8:30pm followed by a Practica at 9:30pm</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Wednesday classes with Carmen and Dennis at Salsa con Todo at 7pm (check <a data-ft="{"tn":"-U"}" data-lynx-mode="asynclazy" href="https://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.salsacontodo.com%2F%3Ffbclid%3DIwAR3W7IVvFCfn7VqKee1_2w0HhU_KphsF8zARSa4KDQQGbsQgHCcjWl-fiO4&h=AT3eA1lX-gIRV63njLtmdLbXzlmZ6v2YELNp8deCqB13NT2PEiNJVLwDRBbgrF2UdY7zon5hnuxZ1QznZRIZSfRN8lzrTkx_jy3jVrcyGCj8fyApOy7NI_eu8Rd99b0SKUOEu56lvXVZwW0l7G-OBjbFPvCzEOAbwVs" rel="noopener nofollow" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: inherit;" target="_blank">www.salsacontodo.com</a>)</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
* Friday Dropin Kizomba at Salsa Con Todo 9pm followed by their weekly dance with DJ Wet ending at 2:00am</div>
</span></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-72764783412156406372019-07-08T14:43:00.004-07:002019-07-22T15:38:35.080-07:00Kizomba Seattle Tshirt - 10 year anniversary!!<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: white;">KIZOMBA SEATTLE 10 year Anniversary TSHIRT</span></b></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Its that time folks. Our Kizomba Seattle group is turning 10 !!!</span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;">Please email <a href="mailto:kizombaseattle@gmail.com">kizombaseattle@gmail.com</a> with your name and the Tshirt Size you want to order ($25). I'll reply back with your payment options once I reach 30+ orders. Thanks in advance!!</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="background-color: black; color: white;"><div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Mens sizes: S - 4XL Black V Neck</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Women's Sizes: S - XL Black V Neck</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Women's XS, 2XL Black Crew Neck</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If you have your own shirt/pullover/jacket that you'd like to get screened, that's also possible. You just have to pay for the screen - let me know and I can give you pricing.</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Please reach out is you have questions. THANKS!</div>
<div style="font-family: inherit; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
email: kizombaseattle@gmail.com</div>
</span></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-26106595864245175062019-04-04T18:38:00.001-07:002019-04-04T18:38:23.546-07:00APRIL 2019 - Where to Dance and Learn<b>WHERE TO DANCE AND LEARN</b><br />
<br />
April means spring has sprung. Time for cherry blossoms, warmer temperatures and longer days.<br />
<br />
Here are more ways to celebrate and learn <3<br />
<br />
April happenings<br />
<br />
April 5 - 1st First Fly Friday with the drop-in beginner lesson ($16 includes dance) at 9:00 by Dennis and Dance ($10) from 10:00p-1:30a with DJ Farenji<br />
<br />
April 6 - Suenos de Salsa with Dj Casanova 10pm - 3am (Cover $15) by K-THUGS<br />
<br />
April 7 - Kizomba Cafe at the Century Ballroom: Int/Advanced Workshop with JR and Rina 12nn - 1pm and afternoon social with DJ Farenji from 1 - 3:30pm with DJ Farenji<br />
<br />
April 13 - DANCE DAY at the Century Ballroom 9 dances for $10 from 11:30 to 4:30 and Kizomba from 1:45 to 2:15<br />
<br />
April 20 - 3rd Saturday Late Night Kizomba 11pm - 1:30am with DJ Farenji (Cover $7)<br />
<br />
April 21 - 3rd Sunday Urban Kiz from 7 - 11pm at Dance Underground<br />
<br />
WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS<br />
<br />
* [on HIATUS, check facebook page for updates] Monday Night Practica from 7:30pm to 10:00pm<br />
<br />
* Kizomba privates Frances - contact her directly for privates.<br />
<br />
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.<br />
<br />
* Tuesdays with JR and Emily at Suenos de Salsa 8:30pm followed by a Practica at 9:30pm<br />
<br />
* Wednesday classes with Carmen and Dennis at Salsa con Todo at 7pm (check www.salsacontodo.com)<br />
<br />
* Friday Dropin Kizomba at Salsa Con Todo 9pm followed by their weekly dance with DJ Wet ending at 1:30am [except for 1st Fridays]Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-40975029619619518102019-03-03T10:31:00.001-08:002019-03-03T10:31:52.589-08:00MARCH 2019: Dances, Workshops, ClassesMarch is here and we're just that much closer to spring. There's pi day and St. Patrick's day; not to mention the days are getting longer so that means more sunshine!<br />
Here are more ways to celebrate and learn <3<br />
<br />
MARCH happenings<br />
<br />
March 1 - 1st First Fly Friday with the drop-in beginner lesson ($16 includes dance) at 9:00 by Frances and Dance ($10) from 10:00p-1:30a with DJ Farenji and DJ Mojo<br />
Its Century Ballroom's birthday weekend! 22 years strong. Come out and celebrate <3<br />
March 2 - Workshops with Rina and Derrick from 2-5:30 pm at the Century Ballroom - Urban Kiz Connection and Musicality<br />
March 2 - Urban Kiz social at Suenos de Salsa with DJ Mojo 10pm to 3am (ish ;) )<br />
March 3 - Kizomba Cafe at the Century Ballroom: Int/Advanced Workshop with Rina and Derrick 12nn - 1pm and afternoon social with DJ Farenji from 1 - 3:30pm<br />
March 16 - 3rd Saturday Late Night Kizomba 11pm - 1:30am with DJ Jim Renn (Cover $7)<br />
March 16 - Urban Kiz Intensive and workshop with The Beard (Jeremiah Bears)<br />
March 17 - 3rd Sunday Urban Kiz from 7 - 11pm at Dance Underground (https://www.facebook.com/events/2202004106713954/)<br />
<br />
WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS<br />
<br />
* Monday Night Practica from 7:30pm to 10:00pm [on HIATUS, check facebook page for updates]<br />
* Kizomba privates Frances - contact her directly for privates.<br />
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.<br />
* Tuesdays with JR and Emily at Suenos de Salsa 8:30pm followed by a Practica at 9:30pm<br />
* Wednesday classes with Carmen and Dennis at Salsa con Todo at 7pm (check www.salsacontodo.com)<br />
* Friday Dropin Kizomba at Salsa Con Todo 9pm followed by their weekly dance with DJ Wet ending at 1:30am [except for 1st Fridays]Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-35303954350526795402019-01-04T13:49:00.005-08:002019-01-04T13:49:35.523-08:00January 20192019 - a new year begins! Based on what some astrologists say, its a year for us to be more open, socialize more and extend our circle of friends. Well, that's what Kizomba Seattle is about: dancing, learning, socializing and becoming part of our community. Now that you're all rested from New Year's celebrations, here's what's in store for January:<br />
<br />
Don't forget to add your events/classes to the www.hurryout.com calendar to reach others not on facebook.<br />
<br />
<b>January 4</b> - 1st First Fly Friday with the drop-in beginner lesson ($16 includes dance) at 9:00 by Frances and Dance ($10) from 10:00p-1:30a with DJ Isaias<br />
<b>January 6</b> - Kizomba Cafe begins in the main ballroom at the Century Ballroom: A monthly afternoon social with DJ Farenji which starts with an int/adv lesson by Frances from 12nn to 1pm and dance ($8) from 1 - 3:30pm<br />
<b>January 13</b> - Urban Kiz Social at Dance Underground with Lesson and Guided Practice ($12 includes Dance): 7:00pm - 8:00pm and Dance ($8) from 8:15pm - 11:00pm<br />
<b>January 16</b> - 3rd Saturday Late Night Kizomba 11pm - 1:30am with DJ Farenji (Cover $7)<br />
<br />
<b><i><u>WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS</u></i></b><br />
<br />
* Monday Night Practica from 7:30pm to 10:00pm [Check Kizomba Seattle on facebook for the location ]<br />
* Kizomba privates Frances - contact her directly for privates.<br />
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.<br />
* Tuesdays with JR and Emily at Suenos de Salsa 8:30pm followed by a Practica at 9:30pm<br />
* Wednesday classes with Carmen and Dennis at Salsa con Todo at 7pm (check www.salsacontodo.com)<br />
* Friday Dropin Kizomba at Salsa Con Todo 9pm followed by their weekly dance with DJ Wet ending at 1:30am [except for 1st Fridays]Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-76337126752577418522018-01-25T21:50:00.000-08:002018-01-25T21:50:40.055-08:00Afro Class with Samir Saturday 2/3 1:00 - 3:00pm<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Guess who's back in town? </span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRok8iy4zMgbzNNtetARXKxUeihAmoosKztD4_82OvLPtxShPKsei_HGGV9fMOsojhaILpujbaBuPyeNCxAabkzgB8EZvSyqF5BohS5tloPO_Kd7P5xxDU9uPY07QthrAnTDarced4uUHL/s1600/26991711_10155819170526041_7856656148819349254_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><img border="0" data-original-height="706" data-original-width="960" height="146" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRok8iy4zMgbzNNtetARXKxUeihAmoosKztD4_82OvLPtxShPKsei_HGGV9fMOsojhaILpujbaBuPyeNCxAabkzgB8EZvSyqF5BohS5tloPO_Kd7P5xxDU9uPY07QthrAnTDarced4uUHL/s200/26991711_10155819170526041_7856656148819349254_n.jpg" width="200" /></span></a></div>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><br style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/samir.bandaogo" target="_blank">Samir Bandoago</a> will be offering an Afrobeats class on Saturday, Feb 3, 2018 to raise money for <a href="http://www.botiminto.org/" target="_blank">Botiminto</a></span><span style="font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">. </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><br style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1:00 Register</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">1:15 Class Begins</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">2:45 Class Ends</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">3:00 chat/clear out/clean up</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><br style="font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;" /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Cost: $20 before hand / $25 on the day of the workshops</span><br />
<b><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">REGISTER - <span style="font-size: 14px;"></span></span></b><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="MHR9AJDNWRLGA" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Please Type Your Full Name" /><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;">Please Type Your Full Name</span></td></tr>
<tr><td><span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><input maxlength="200" name="os0" type="text" /></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_buynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;">Don't forget to join us out dancing the night before for <a href="http://www.centuryballroom.com/home/events/kizomba-34" target="_blank">1st Fly Friday</a> Kizomba in the Century Ballroom! Beginner Dropin class starts at 9:00pm and the dance with DJ Farenj is from 10pm to 1:30am. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee;"><br /></span></form>
<span style="background-color: black; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><b><u><span style="color: #eeeeee;">WHAT IS AFRO?</span></u></b></span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">We just dance to Afrobeats! Its a solo dance, no partner require. Just be willing to let loose and have fun and move to Afrobeats.<br /><br /><u><b>ABOUT BOTIMINTO</b></u><a href="http://www.botiminto.org/" target="_blank">Botiminto</a> means for the sake of tomorrow in Bissa, the language spoken in Zigla-Koulpélé, a small village in Burkina-Faso. Botiminto aims to motivate and incentivize students, especially those in primary, elementary and high school, to see education as the most viable way out of poverty. Many students face obstacles in their daily lives that hinder their academic success, thus creating an environment for them to prosper and motivating them to succeed would be invaluable.</span><br />
<span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; display: inline; font-family: "helvetica" , "arial" , sans-serif; font-size: 14px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #eeeeee; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: black; font-size: 14px;"><b>ABOUT CENTURY BALLROOM</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: black; color: #eeeeee; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">The <a href="http://www.centuryballroom.com/" target="_blank">Century Ballroom</a> </span><span style="font-size: 14px;">was founded in 1997 to promote social dancing of all kinds. Their community of instructors, staff and clients welcome and encourage any and everyone to come out dancing. </span></span>Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-17850558107934295782017-08-07T18:54:00.001-07:002017-08-09T11:34:06.600-07:00Criticism, Courtesy and Common SensePartner Social dancing for me is magical: I fell in love with it and even now, as I make a living through teaching dance and dancing (among other things) I am surprised at how many new things I learn about people, about teaching and about myself and I suspect this learning never really ends. <br />
<br />
In the recent years, with the accessibility of services like youtube, the rise of social media as a channel for expression and the ease at which videos can be taken and shared in a public platform, criticism on these platforms has also grown. It has become more visible, more sharp and astringent, often times promoting conflict. This phenomenon has been quite an eye opening experience.<br />
<br />
There are a variety of reasons for why people post something onto digital virtual space. Some of it is out of a need to defend or proclaim a passion. Some of it is to share something beautiful. Some of it is to present the author as an expert. Some of it is to satisfy and urge about declaring who you are and what you stand for. Some of it is for marketing purposes, to attract people to an event or dancers who teach. Some of it is just to express.<br />
<br />
I personally try to celebrate because I don't think people spend enough time doing that. Its so easy to lament and complain and find sympathy in my "plight" but I realize all that is doing is building up negativity and finding company in the negative space I walk into. So, some time ago, I decided that I would rather be celebrating, be grateful and be graceful in my virtual interactions because that is the kind of space I would like to be in. I'm not talking "kumbaya and we all agree": I'm talking we all treat each other with courtesy and respect our differences while we celebrate out similarities.<br />
<br />
This blog is my take on criticism and how to flip some of the negativity around.<br />
<br />
Let me first share two things:<br />
1) I personally believe criticism IS productive when done appropriately (timing wise) with courtesy and respect.<br />
2) A conversation or any discourse to gain empathy and understanding is practically impossible on social media: its best done face to face when you get to know people.<br />
<br />
I am writing this article as a response to some things I have seen and heard about the impact of strong and sometimes hateful/negative criticism has on the online community. I also write as a teacher and community leader who has a voice that other people do listen to and take to heart. If you follow me on facebook or read my blogs, you know that I do not offer criticism online. I think that it is difficult to do in such a public forum because I have't figured out a way to ensure that everyone will receive it the way I intended.<br />
<br />
Yet here I am writing about criticism to offer a different view: hopefully one that encourages one to take pause before writing down remarks that can be considered unkind, inflammatory and negative. Also, for the ones that are reading a thread, to also process what you read and hear and make decisions based on your own views and conclusions.<br />
<br />
Why is it so hard to receive criticism and more importantly provide criticism with grace and respect?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>Definition of Criticism:</i></b></div>
<div>
<ol class="lr_dct_sf_sens" style="background-color: white; border: 0px; color: #222222; font-family: Roboto, arial, sans-serif; font-size: small; margin: 0px; padding: 0px 0px 0px 20px;">
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>1.</i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>the expression of disapproval of someone or something based on perceived faults or mistakes.</i></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
<li style="border: 0px; list-style: none; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;"><div class="vmod">
<div class="lr_dct_sf_sen vk_txt" style="padding-top: 10px;">
<div style="float: left;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>2.</i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-left: 20px;">
<div class="_Jig">
<div data-dobid="dfn" style="display: inline;">
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<b><i>the analysis and judgment of the merits and faults of a literary or artistic work.</i></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</li>
</ol>
<div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
Take a look at the definition of criticism and what jumps out? Disapproval, faults, mistakes, judgement of merits and faults. Now look at the other words that you might have missed: expression, perceived, analysis. These words are not that negative and in fact, should give you pause (they did for me). It is with these words where the key to the definition becomes clear to me: criticism is NOT about the object of the criticism (the receiver of the criticism) but rather, it comes from the source of the criticism: the critic. <b><i>It is the critic's expression, the critic's analysis and judge based on what they perceive.</i></b><br />
<br />
One of the things that I admire and respect in people is the ability to consistently give criticism with generosity and empathy to the people or group that is being criticized. These individuals model what I aspire to every time I hear them give criticism. They are comfortable in their experiences and always courteous and kind in their delivery of critique. This to me is a thing of beauty as this space (criticism) is so biased toward negativity.<br />
<br />
I think this is a skill that takes practice along with an examination of your own values and beliefs as a critic and as someone that receives criticism. Taking time to be courteous and respectful lends itself to better interactions no matter what the conversation or feedback. Disagreement or having a very different view or challenging someone does not have to be about being angry or hateful.<br />
<br />
And so here are things to ponder and perhaps practice:<br />
<br />
ITS ALL ABOUT CONTEXT<br />
How you receive feedback is implicitly affected by the context that you receive it in. There are so many factors here that it almost impossible to account for them all. If you are already in that negative space tho, then that is your context.<br />
<br />
Also - do you know the context of the person giving the critique? Most of us never consider this, especially online when you interactions with others are limited by those virtual airways. Its even harder to truly understand context in the virtual world.<br />
<br />
Meeting face to face and getting to know someone offline is the best way to get to know someone's context.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
ASSUME GOOD INTENTIONS<br />
Assume good intentions unless you have data otherwise.<br />
<br />
I know this one is hard because some people, well, they just don't have good intentions right? If that's how you feel, then take a pause and breather before you write or say anything,<br />
<br />
SPEAK FROM "I"<br />
Blanket, sweeping statements tend to offend: especially if your views don't represent all. I personally don't want to represent all, that's a LOT of weight to carry. I have a hard enough time managing myself.<br />
<br />
I know part of my journey has been to learn about my own biases and how much they color and shape my views on things and people. I am a teacher and that for me holds some responsibility for always sharing from an "I" perspective instead of "we". I speak for me and not for others.<br />
<br />
THE LOUDEST VOICE DOESN'T REPRESENT EVERYONE<br />
When you're in a group page, please remember: that one person doesn't represent everyone. You can choose to agree with this voice and say it represents you but don't even think for a second that it means the everyone else feels the same way. To test it out in a group, just check the number of members in a group and the number of people that interact with the message, usually they numbers are not aligned: there's always more members.<br />
<br />
MAKE UP YOUR OWN MIND<br />
Don't just take someone else's word on the matter. People speak their truths and if you're lucky, they have the wherewithal to acknowledge what they don't know but usually, who wants to publicly talk about what they don't know?<br />
<br />
DISAGREEMENT is NOT EQUAL TO "YOU'RE A BAD PERSON"<br />
Social dancing, at the end of the day, is about enjoying the expression of a movement you shared with another to song. That's a personal and subjective feeling that only you and your partner can talk about with certainty. Criticism that's more about right and wrong becomes less of a critique and more like fact checking. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and everyone is entitles to agree or disagree. <br /><br />
I have met many people that treat disagreement as "you're wrong" and in doing so, diminish and mistake what I have to share which is simply a different point of view.<br />
<br />
EVERY STORY HAS AT LEAST 2 SIDES<br />
When we're talking about people, EVERY story has at least 2 sides. In my experience, this has always been true. Even when I and also part of the experience, different people retell the same story, through their own lens. Personal biases do come out even when you watch a video or read a transcript. I do attempt every so often to represent all sides but that is a very tough thing to do.<br />
<br />
COURTESY AND COMMON SENSE<br />
In the end this is my guiding principle and one that has served me well so far. There are a few other common pieces of advice that I think call into this category:<br />
<ul>
<li>If you have nothing good to say, just don't say anything (this is ofcourse assuming your goal is to get along). </li>
<li>Put yourself in the other person's shoes. </li>
<li>Ask yourself how you would feel if you received the words you are about to deliver?</li>
<li>Never assume that you know what the other side is thinking</li>
<li>Kindness is like money in the bank</li>
<li>Be open to possibilities</li>
</ul>
<div>
That's it. Feel free to share, comment and tell me what you think. </div>
</div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-82911199664448731012017-08-04T13:03:00.002-07:002017-08-04T13:22:57.624-07:00August is here - and here's what's up!!!August my friends... can you believe it? <br />
<br />
One more month where there's warmth and light past 9:00pm and arguably the best time to be in Seattle. SO, with that in mind, here's what we have lined up in Seattle for August. Feel free to post comments to correct and update or send a message.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to add your events/classes to the www.hurryout.com calendar to reach others not on facebook.<br />
<br />
August 4 - <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1724399081195200/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_event%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A2%2C%22source%22%3A2%7D">First Fly Friday at West Hall </a>Dance Beginner Lesson at 9:00 and dance from 10:00p-1:30a Intro Dance Lesson is $16 (dance included) and Dance only $10 with DJ Farenji in the booth<br />
August 10 - 2nd Thursday at West Hall 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9) with DJ Jay Senior<br />
August 19 - 3rd Saturday Late Night at West Hall with DJ Isaias<br />
August 24 - 4th Thursday at West Hall 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9) with DJ Jay Senior<br />
<br />
OTHER EVENTS<br />
August 5 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1781431318815800/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_invitation%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A2%2C%22source%22%3A2%7D">Kizomba v. Urban: Setting the Record Straight with Eddy & Enah</a> at Dance Underground 11 am to 6pm ($90/$110)<br />
August 5 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/1609192922445171/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_invitation%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A2%2C%22source%22%3A2%7D">Ewe!</a> at Salsa N Seattle 10:00pm to 3:00am Cover $15 with DJ Javi and DJ Mojo<br />
August 6 <a href="https://www.facebook.com/events/500925816909696/?acontext=%7B%22action_history%22%3A[%7B%22surface%22%3A%22dashboard%22%2C%22mechanism%22%3A%22calendar_tab_invitation%22%2C%22extra_data%22%3A%22%7B%5C%22dashboard_filter%5C%22%3A%5C%22upcoming%5C%22%7D%22%7D]%2C%22ref%22%3A2%2C%22source%22%3A2%7D">Señor OneSong's Summer Soirée</a> from 3:00 pm - 11:00 pm at Chez Ashok (see the facebook event link the comments)<br />
<br />
WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS<br />
* Weekly Practica on Mondays Please check the facebook group page for location and time. Currently (August) will be at Gasworks Park.<br />
* Weekly Practica on Tuesdays FoKiz at the Belltown Ballet Studio starting at 8:00pm (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL)<br />
* Kizomba 2 with Frances & Jay on Thursdays August 8:00 - 9:00pm [4 weeks starting Aug 10]<br />
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario and Genia with a weekly practica following.Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-77342521202853798272017-04-04T00:11:00.002-07:002017-04-07T17:40:03.555-07:00Spring is here and I didn't want to post something on April Fool's just in case. The days are getting longer and there's more to see in Seattle along with the usual Kizomba goodness. Here's what we have lined up in Seattle for April - feel free to post comments to correct and update or send a message.<br />
<br />
Don't forget to add your events/classes to the www.hurryout.com calendar to reach others not on facebook.<br />
<br />
<b>SOCIALS</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>April 1 - Suburban Kiz (1st Saturday) in Green Lake Om Culture 8pm to 12Midnight Beginner Lesson at 8pm with Neph and DJ's Vary (Cover $7)</li>
<li>April 7 - First Fly Friday (Late Night for April) at West Hall Dance 11p-2a (Cover $7) with DJ Emanuel [NOTE: This is a different format from the normal 1st Friday because of other events at the Century Ballroom.]</li>
<li>April 8 - Ewe! at Salsan N Seattle Class at 10:15pm Dance from 11:00pm to 3:30am $15 Dance Only, Prepay $20 Class and Dance, $25 Class and Party *day off party* Dj Galo and DJ Farenju</li>
<li>April 13 - 2nd Thursday at West Hall 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9) with DJ Jay</li>
<li>April 14 - Jajao: A Kizomba Soiree at Wonder Care & Sports Bar (Cover $7) Lesson at 9, Dance until 1 am (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL)</li>
<li>April 15 - 3rd Saturday Late Night at West Hall 11p - 1:30a (Cover $7, $13 joint cover with All Vinyl Salsa in Main Ballroom) with DJ Nicholas Bass </li>
<li>April 22 - LoveKiz: The Kizomba Night at Salsa Con Todo (SCT) (Social Cover $7) Lesson at 9, Dance until 1 am (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL)</li>
<li>April 27 - 4th Thursday at West Hall 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9) with DJ Jay</li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<b>WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMP</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weekly Practica on Mondays Please check the facebook group page for location and time. For the location for April please contact Vicente Spencer - message him on facebook. </li>
<li>NOTE Special Practica on Monday April 10 Culture and History presentation from 7:30pm - 10pm at Prescott Aparments</li>
<li>Weekly Practica on Tuesdays FoKiz at the Belltown Ballet Studio starting at 9:15pm - 11:30, $5 cover (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL)</li>
<li>Kizomba Foundations with Frances & Jay on Thursdays Apr 6 thru April 27 from 8:00 - 9:30pm (3 sessions, skipping 4/20) Learn about Semba, Afro house, Tarraxa and Urban Kiz</li>
<li>Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario and Genia with a weekly practica following. </li>
<li>Kizomba Semi-Privates with Dennis (contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dennis.richards.5832">Dennis Richards</a> directly)</li>
<li>Kizomba Soul Classes Tuesday and Sunday evenings (More info, msg <a href="https://www.facebook.com/nephtalin">Nephew</a> or FB @KizombaSOUL)</li>
</ul>
<br />
<b>OTHER EVENTS</b><br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>April 8 Semba Workshops with Eddy Vents 2-6pm contact <a href="mailto:dance@eddyvents.com">dance@eddyvents.com</a></li>
<li>April 22 (part of Mist Connections from April 21 - 23) Frances will be teaching Kizomba at 4pm as part of this festival. For more info, contact <a href="https://www.facebook.com/erin.vance2">Erin Vance</a></li>
</ul>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-39339275478938796662017-02-06T18:28:00.001-08:002017-08-13T13:36:54.890-07:00Starting a Dance Community: Stage 3 - ContinuityTo read the previous stages, use the links below:<br />
<a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-stage-1.html" target="_blank">Stage 1</a><br />
<a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/10/starting-dance-community-stage-2.html" target="_blank">Stage 2</a><br />
<br />
Now that things got started and some momentum is building up, its time to think about continuity. If one thing is constant, its that changes always happen. Of course there's the other side of change and I'll use a qoute from Jean -Baptiste Alphonse Karr: "<b><i>plus ça change, plus c'est la même chose</i></b>": which is basically that "the more things change, the more they stay the same".<br />
<br />
And so, this is the stage where you also decide how much more you want to do and be involved in because if you've succeeded in stage two, then there are many others who will get involved in the community you started and help it continue. Staying active is an option, stepping out is an option, its really up to you and how you see your role in the community over time.<br />
<br />
<b><i>STAGE 3: Continuity</i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>How to Sustain the Dance</li>
<li>What is Your Role</li>
</ul>
First, I wanted to share something inevitable: as things start to grow, the following will always happen:<br />
<ul>
<li>There will be more teachers.</li>
<li>There will be more parties.</li>
<li>Other people will come in thinking they have something better to offer.</li>
<li>Other people will ride off the successes that have been built.</li>
<li>You, as the person that started things, are no longer needed to start things.</li>
<li>Someone will think that they had the original idea for something that you might have already done.</li>
<li>Someone will think that they can "build" over what is already there.</li>
<li>Lead/Follow balance will be changing</li>
<li>Recruiting dancers is a never ending activity. </li>
</ul>
One thing is for sure, try not to get too attached to your own importance. I'm not saying this to diminish the efforts you have put in, rather to caution that group memory is short. As a community grows and different people join, what you know and what the newer members know can be quite different. There are generations of dancers that become the face of the community and each group will have characteristic of its own as they add to the community and that force of change is basically something you cannot control.<br />
<br />
<b>HOW TO SUSTAIN THE DANCE</b><br />
Just makes sure that STAGE TWO keeps going: classes, places to dance and hear the music are readily available.<br />
<br />
One thing that is helpful is to develop a way to keep new people coming in. Word of mouth is most effective and partnering with other organizations helps as well. The people that fall in love with the dance are really the best ambassadors.<br />
<br />
Continuing to showcase the dance and music in different venues will help to reach other people that you may not normally reach. If you can be creative about where to showcase the dance, then you'll be able to reach more people and that is always a good thing.<br />
<br />
Highlighting your local DJs and instructors is also a must because these are the people that form the framework for how people fall in love with the dance.<br />
<br />
I think dancers tend to want to bring other dancers into a new dance they fall in love with. This is certainly one way to build numbers but its not the only way. Make sure to recruit non-dancers too because cannibalizing other dance groups means that you are limited by their size. I think Kizomba on its own has a lot to offer people but its the community itself that becomes the best add for growth; when people are having fun and making strong connections, other people wnat in on that too.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>WHAT'S YOUR ROLE? VISION?</b><br />
When I started down this road, I was student, teacher, advertiser, writer and event promoter all at once. The last thing I thought about was being a community leader. That came later and perhaps because of my own nature, it was not something I was always comfortable with at first.<br />
<br />
Everyone is different so you may be able to think about who and what you represent from the start. Its important to think about it so that there is some purpose in what you do. I think doing thinks with a lack of purpose doesn't help.<br />
<br />
I had more of a vision: I wanted to create an environment that would be welcoming and cooperative from the start. One that encourages learning and sharing and allows for many people to share and contribute their passions for the dance and culture. I was already a member of other dance communities and these were the two more important characteristics that kept me involved in them. I also had a goal for Seattle to be known as one of the best places to come to for Kizomba.<br />
<br />
I do not think that what is currently here is all because of me - its not. There are all the people and personalities that have contributed in ebbs and flows. I do think that who you are and what you wish for the community does leave a mark whether you want it to or not. So your intentions, whether they are planned or just happenstance do make a difference.<br />
<br />
As the community grows, you get to decide how to grow with it and how involved you want to be. For myself, I'm still trying to figure this part out while I continue to teach, go out dancing, and socialize. One thing I am enjoying is the fruit of everyone's labor: more Kizomba dancing in Seattle.<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>FINAL THANKS</i></b><br />
I have been lucky to have met some really great souls along the way who have become friends and mentors. I am really excited to see others progress and grow as DJs, event promoters, dancers and teachers. The very first monthly social that I started is still running and the energy of that night continues to be the warmest, more genuine dance energies I continue to enjoy. Don't forget to stop and appreciate what you have as your community grows.<br />
<br />
<br />Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-9812129312741497002017-02-06T11:21:00.001-08:002017-02-06T11:21:31.863-08:00February 2017 Kizomba Dancing in Seattle<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Here are the events for February: </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: "Helvetica Neue", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px;">Feb 3 - First Fly Friday at West Hall with Drop in lesson at 9 Dance 10p-1:30a (Cover $16, Dance Only $10) with DJ Emanuel Sakaita Nasser and DJ Farenji</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 4 - Ewe at Salsa N Seattle Dance Studio with drop in lesson with Eddy Vents 9-10pm and then 10pm - 3am with Dj Pingusso, DJ Farenji and DJ Guelas (Cover $25, $15 Dance Only)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 9 - 2nd Thursday at West Hall 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9) with DJ Jay</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 11 - Kizomba room at the Hugs and Kizzes MicroFusion Practica and Social at ExitSpace 8pm to 12am (Cover $7) DJs Nicholas Bass and Farenji</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 11 - 2nd Saturday at 9pm, Lake Chad Cafe (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL) </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 18 - 3rd Saturday Late Night at West Hall 11p - 1:30a (Cover $7, $13 joint cover with All Vinyl Salsa in Main Ballroom) with DJ Isaias Chamorro </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">**Feb 23 - NO 4th Thursday this month.</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">Feb 25 - 4th Saturday at 9pm, Lake Chad Cafe (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;"><br /><b>WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS</b></span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">* Weekly Practica on Mondays Please check <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/kizombaseattle/" target="_blank">the facebook group page</a> for location and time. The location for Feb. and Mar. is in Renton (<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=138900377" target="_blank">contact Vicente Spencer</a>)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">* Kizomba 1 with Frances & Jay on Thursdays Feb 12 thru Feb Feb 9 from 8:00 - 9:00pm; Kizomba 2 will be the next session starting Feb 23</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario and Genia with a weekly practica following. </span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">* Kizomba Semi-Privates with Dennis (contact Dennis Richards directly)</span></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; margin-bottom: 6px;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica Neue, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 14px;">* Weekly Kizomba class, Tuesday evenings (msg Nephew or FB @KizombaSOUL) </span></span></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-15581304752281933742016-10-29T19:23:00.000-07:002017-08-13T13:30:39.146-07:00Starting a Dance Community: Stage 2 - Spreading the LoveThis stage is where the action happens and is my favorite stage because here is where the rubber meets the road and lots of things happen. This is the stage where you meet lots of people, coordinate events, and spread the word about something you love. <i>[Just in case, here's the <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-overview.html" target="_blank">Overview</a> and <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-stage-1.html" target="_blank">Stage One</a>.]</i><br />
<br />
<i><b>STAGE 2: Spreading the Love </b></i><br />
<ul>
<li>Education: Workshops or Series Classes or Small Group Practise for learning</li>
<li>Dance opportunities outside of class </li>
<li>Demonstrations: showing off the dance and music</li>
<li>A Blog, a Facebook Page, a Video Channel, a Podcast</li>
</ul>
<div>
In order to create and sustain community, people need a way to learn, to practise, to dance and socialize. In addition, there's still continuing outreach to demonstrate the dance and show off the music.<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>EDUCATION</b><br />
Not only for yourself but also for the people you're going to hook or have hooked for the dance. There are many ways to do this:<br />
<ul>
<li>Find a local expert</li>
<li>Find a small group of people to learn with</li>
<li>Find resource online</li>
<li>Find other experts to talk to and learn from [fly them in OR fly to see them]</li>
</ul>
I did all of the above when I started Kizomba. In this day and age, I believe you can also work with people over Skype or a similar type of application that allows you to see and hear each other in real time.<br />
<div>
<br />
After you educate yourself, there are 2 things to start shooting for:<br />
1) Demonstrations the dance<br />
2) Teaching the dance<br />
<br />
They both go hand in hand because in order for the scene to grow, people have to know about the dance and someone has to offer to teach it.<br />
<br />
Finding an expert and mentor is also highly recommended. Its hard to start something new and having that guidance and sounding board is important so you don't loose your drive, or get discouraged or get thrown off course.<br />
<br />
<b>CLASSES</b></div>
<div>
It helps to know what your own scene supports as far as class: drop-ins before a dance? regular classes weekly? Progressive classes? All of the above?<br />
<br />
In Seattle for example, its the norm for dance studios to have a series of weekly classes anywhere from 4-6 weeks. Weekend workshops and congresses are other ways to teach. Drop-in lessons are also offered before dances. For Kizomba, we started with weekend workshops and then once demand picked up, offered weekly classes and then developed a series progression (ex: Level 1, 2, 3) to keep students moving through the content. I also brought in more experienced instructors from out of town to teach and designed different kinds of classes (musicality, role switching (leads learn to follow and follows learn to lead), <a href="http://seattlekizombasembacamp.weebly.com/" target="_blank">dance camps</a>, <a href="http://www.kizombaseattleexchange.com/" target="_blank">dance exchanges</a>, etc) to keep people interested.<br />
<br />
Here are options for classes:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Weekly, right before a dance/social/practica</li>
<li>Weekly in groups of 4 or 5 for series</li>
<li>Bootcamp over one day (2-3 hours)</li>
<li>Bootcamp over several days (weekend or more)</li>
<li>Monthly workshops</li>
</ul>
<div>
Whatever it is you do, it has to be done with some level of consistency and regularity.</div>
<br />
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>DEMONSTRATIONS</b></div>
<br />
To get people excited about something, you have to show it off: both the dance and the music. Think of it as running a campaign to educate people AND invite them to learn the dance. Use existing dance channels to start demonstrations and then get creative with other ways to increase awareness of the dance.<br />
<br />
Here in Seattle, we demonstrated at salsa dances, fusion dances, bachata dances and clubs that hosted salsa dances. We did this in conjunction with a class that was about to happen so that if there were people interested, we could follow-up and let them know how they could learn the dance.<br />
<br />
I was also lucky enough to get cooperation from other DJ's to play occasional kizomba music.<br />
<br />
I also organized a flash mob to get people excited about it and have something out in the general public.<br />
<br />
<b>REGULAR CHANCES TO DANCE</b><br />
Once you built up the excitement and have students, they need a place to dance outside of class. The frequency of the social/dance party will depend on how many people will come. All I gotta say is <i>PATIENCE</i>. It takes time for a dance to grow and become something that people go to regularly so don't expect immediate success and celebrate every time you have a chance to dance. Also, be consistent about time and location: regularity and consistency will be key to having the event become more established and more popular.<br />
<br />
You can start dances anywhere:<br />
<ul>
<li>At someone's home</li>
<li>At a club/restaurant</li>
<li>At a dance studio</li>
<li>Any rental space that has open space and allows amplified music to be played.</li>
</ul>
<div>
We do all of the above in Seattle. The weekly dances are at a dance studio because these are the venues that dancers go to dance. In other cities, opportunities to dance are in clubs/bars/restaurants. You need to know where dancers go to dance and decide what works best where you are.<br />
<br />
It might also be easier to partner with an established dance in the beginning, just to get the word out and then establish an independent dance venue as soon as you can.<br />
<br />
Some community members are generous enough to host dances at their homes impromptu and / or organize pop-up events at parks and other places that are fun to dance in. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Recommended frequency for the dance always depends on the number of people that are coming out to dance. Here is the progression I recommend:<br />
<ul>
<li>Once a month to start</li>
<li>Once a week once your numbers can support it</li>
<li>Multiple times a week once the numbers can support it</li>
</ul>
<div>
Remember to make it easy for people to remember when the dance is by picking a regular time every month / week.<br />
<br />
Here's specifically how I got things started in Seattle:<br />
<ol>
<li>Monthly Dance at Century Ballroom: thanks to some people who took a chance and others who believed, there's a dance every 1st Friday of the month which is the oldest running Kizomba social in Seattle. We call is First Fly Friday and its a ton of fun and still one of the best parties I have the pleasure to attend. I am a little biased, but ask anyone here, I'm pretty proud of how this one has turned out.</li>
<li>Weekly Practise: this one has morphed quite a bit since it started. I intended to provide another night to help students practise so it started with a very small group at a dance studio. It has since moved several times and changed hands with hosting and purpose. What started out as just practise became a place to welcome new people into the dance and community and its now a full blow social of its own where people bring food and beverage and enjoy the dance. This event started out with a small fee and is now a free event.</li>
</ol>
After these two things, other socials and parties got started. You can see a full list on the right side of the Kizomba Seattle blog page or on the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/kizombaseattle/" target="_blank">pinned post</a> on the facebook group page. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>FEE OR NO FEE</b><br />
I firmly believe that people place more value on things that they have to pay for. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I also believe that dance should be accessible to everyone and understand that money can be a scarce resource for some people.<br />
<br />
There's no good answer to everything so you have to gauge what will work where you are: for your audience and for you as the person who is likely the source for the capital for these events in the beginning.<br />
<br />
Seattle has a mix healthy mix of events that you have to pay a cover to enter and events that are free. Other communities just have paid events. Its really what the market can bear and you don't have to have a hand in everything. In fact, you DON'T want that level of control or responsibility anyway.<br />
<br />
<b>DON'T FORGET THE DJ</b></div>
</div>
<div>
Parties need music so don't forget this one. Luckily, when people get excited about music, there no shortage of playlists out there for you to use and share. <br />
<br />
When we started here in Seattle, volunteers would just pull a playlist together to get things started. Then, as things started to grow, different people stepped up to become DJs and are not getting paid to play their music at dances and festivals (how cool is that?!)<br />
<br />
Seattle now boasts about three or four homegrown DJs that continue to perfect their craft and even get hired outside Seattle.<br />
<br />
Parties need GOOD music.<br />
<br />
<b>OTHER CHANNELS TO KEEP PEOPLE INFORMED</b></div>
As your audience grows, information needs to be provided as well as a place for the community to communicate and share information. Luckily, this day and age is perfect for all kinds of sharing:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Blog</li>
<li>Facebook Page</li>
<li>Website</li>
<li>Meetup</li>
<li>Mailing List</li>
<li>Video Channel</li>
<li>Podcast</li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Kizomba Seattle has a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/kizombaseattle/" target="_blank">facebook presence</a>, this blog and a <a href="https://www.meetup.com/Kizomba-Seattle-Meetup/" target="_blank">Meetup</a>. Use your channel wisely depending on your audience. Facebook by far has the furthest reach here in Seattle along with the blog. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>CONCLUSION</b></div>
<div>
While there's a lot of excitement and wonderful energy at this stage, a word of caution that there can also be not-so-fun things to deal. Make sure you remember to trust yourself: keep your purpose clear and have a good support group close by. Always be your genuine self. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The FUN parts are soooo much fun because when you experience first times, the shared energy that this brings is so unique. I've been part of first times in other context and its definitely I'm grateful for.<br />
<br />
I didn't set out to build a community by saying I was going to be a leader or a money maker or a famous artist. I simply wanted more people to dance with, teach people about the dance and make myself a better dancer. I also wanted to find a way to make a living out of doing all these things and found that this part of my "wish list" I still have to work on. I do caution that if you DO want to make this financially viable, you do need to think BIG and scale up to accommodate that goal.<br />
<br />
NEXT UP: <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2017/02/starting-dance-community-stage-3.html">STAGE THREE - Continuity</a><br />
BACK: <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-stage-1.html">STAGE 1</a></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-74773156987087551222016-08-10T16:25:00.000-07:002017-08-13T13:32:30.152-07:00Starting a Dance Community: Stage 1 - Passion and GoalsThis is where it starts: falling in love with a dance and wanting to do something about it.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<div>
<b><i><u>STAGE 1: Passion and Goals</u></i></b></div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Love the dance </li>
<li>Learn the dance</li>
<li>Talk as many people as you can: People who have started communities, teachers, promoters, other dancers, local businesses.</li>
<li>Envision what you would like to see in your community and your place in it.</li>
<li>Don't forget to create your own support</li>
<li>What's your Goal?</li>
</ul>
<div>
Often times these bullet points happen in conjunction with each other but I'm highlighting them because its important for you to really understand the extent to which you're willing to build something. Some people start small, some people go big, everyone's different. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Me - I was somewhere in between. I started with a small group and then starting thinking bigger and bigger as I experienced more and more success. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>LOVE THE DANCE</b><br />
This one is obvious but really important because its about falling in love: which isn't dipping your toe in the waters or waiting to see what happens. Its "Truly, Madly, Deeply" falling in love.</div>
<div>
<br />
Sure, you can start something even if you're not TOTALLY in love with the dance but you'll find that if you want to do anything sustainable, then you gotta just fall into it (or at least find someone who is who can work with you).<br />
<br />
For myself, I dance a lot of different partner dances and when I encountered Kizomba, the music and the connection in the dance just took me. Every dance that I love has a connection that I enjoy but this dance just felt so natural and comforting. The quote that I posted on the top of this blog really does express how I feel about the dance. </div>
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: right;">
<i>"An embrace means I don't feel threatened by you, I'm not afraid to be this close, I can relax, feel at home, feel protected and in the presence of someone who understands me. It is said that each time we embrace someone warmly, we gain an extra day of life."</i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
-Paul Coelho</div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: right;">
<br /></div>
Love doesn't mean you're an expert. Love just means that this is something that you want to invest in and have it be a part of your life. If you just want to enjoy it, then perhaps building a community isn't something you want to start doing just yet.<br />
<br />
Love also implies commitment, patience and a leap of faith because things do take some time to unfold.<br />
<br />
<b>LEARN THE DANCE</b><br />
I have to stress this one because I've seen people try to start something before they really know about what it is they are trying to share. In some cases this is easy, in some cases this can be a challenge. What I know about starting something and getting other people to follow you is that these two factors are really key to getting other people to join you:<br />
<br />
1) Love it SOOOO much that its contagious, and </div>
<div>
2) Know enough about it to be able to grab people's attention</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Learning the dance isn't just about the movement but also the music and the culture. You also don't have to be the expert unless you plan to teach it. <br />
<br />
<b><i>DO find the right teacher and find people that you can share the learning with if possible.</i></b> I was very lucky to have access to someone locally who grew up with the dance and wanted to share her knowledge and had very similar dreams of spreading kizomba. I was also tied in to other dance communities and had good friends in those communities who I knew would also fall in love with the dance. In my case, I found a group of 8 people and for about a year, we met every week for 2+ hours to dance and share what we knew about the dance from youtube and other instructors we met on our travels. It was my Kizomba incubator and while all of these people are not as active as they used to be, they all became staunch supporters and advocates for the dance when I started to create a community around it.</div>
<div>
<br />
<b>TALK TO PEOPLE</b></div>
<div>
Starting dance communities isn't an original idea because there are dance communities everywhere so why reinvent the wheel? <br />
<br />
Dance is not something to keep to yourself because its something that you find joy in with someone else or by sharing it. It will come as no surprise that people who are active or have stature in their communities will be happy to share their stories with you. If not, no big deal, move on and talk to someone else. Don't limit yourself to the dance you specifically want to spread, talk to members of other dance communities and get their perspective on how their dance has grown.<br />
<br />
Why talk to people? Well, unless you already have experience starting a dance community, then you need to build that experience somehow, or at least get more data on experiences of others and get fuel for your own ideas.<br />
<br />
In this mode you are like an investigative reporter or a researcher. Start anywhere: talk to the dancers, talk to the teachers, talk to the DJ's, talk to the promoters, talk to the club and studio owners. As you start to talk to people, you'll hear their side of how things unfolded and you'll find out who the reliable sources are and who the ego-driven sources are and you'll be able to get what you need which is a sense for how other folks got things started and what to expect.<br />
<br />
What's the goal for talking to people? </div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>To get information and help you figure out what it is you want to do. </li>
<li>Understand the scene you're in because each scene is different.</li>
<li>Understand some of the challenges you might face in getting your dance adopted by others</li>
</ul>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<b>VISION: GOALS and ROLES</b></div>
<div>
Don't shortcut the step and keep your goals reasonable. I didn't start out by saying "I want to create a Kizomba Community here in Seattle." There are lots of tools to help you with setting goals and having a vision. They don't have to be grand, just something to start and keep asking: "What do I want?" and "Wouldn't it be awesome if.... " and "who do I want to be?"</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I think its sometimes easier to give examples rather than to explain how so I'll share how I got started.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Within a few months of discovering Kizomba my goals were:<br />
<ul>
<li>I want to have more people to dance with.</li>
<li>I want to get better at the dance.</li>
<li>I want to teach other people about the dance as a way to hook the into dancing.</li>
</ul>
<div>
Wanting to get better drove me to bring instructors to Seattle that I wanted to learn from and opening that up to the other people in the community that were hungry to learn. This also unexpectedly made me a promoter or event organizer as well as teacher. It also created opportunities for people to learn and come together to dance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
I didn't really understand the part about being a leader in the community yet since things were so new. In fact, the larger vision become short team event related goals that I felt would be fun and help educate people and build a strong community. So in the interim my goals/ wishes evolved to:<br />
<ul>
<li>Bring world class instructors in Seattle</li>
<li>Run a Seattle Kizomba Semba Camp</li>
<li>Start a Kizomba Seattle Exchange</li>
<li>Monthly Kizomba Dance to eventually have a Weekly Dance</li>
<li>Practica for students to practice, socialize and for new students to get to know each other and run by members of the community</li>
<li>Teacher Conference </li>
</ul>
<div>
I didn't want to be the one responsible for doing all of these things and some of what I wished for was to have other members of the community get involved with these events. I looked for people who would also want to help and keep that spirit alive so that the community could sustain and feed itself.<br />
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div>
In all the roles that I have, I have not been most vocal about being a community leader because I am very sensitive about acknowledging everyone's contributions and grew up with a culture that one does not announce one's own accomplishments. So, its important for me to recognize contributions and for others to do the same. I am very happy to have a community I can be a part of that shares the love of the dance, has a thirst for knowledge, embodies a sense of family and mutual respect and welcomes new people. I am very happy to have been instrumental in helping others get their start in their own journey to share Kizomba. </div>
<div>
<br />
If you are starting a community, then your way of operating and your personal values will inevitably bleed into the community that you create and how you operate. Don't try to set too many rules and let you actions set an example instead. A friend and mentor once told me to <b><i>remember to remain true to who I am and what I want to represent</i></b> and not get dragged into other people's realities and baggage. Another mentor also said to make sure to <b><i>understand the value that I bring and the role that I play</i></b> in the interactions I have with the different people I come in contact with. This is helps you to focus on your role and goals as you move forward and it will also attract to you, people who have similar values. </div>
</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>SUPPORT SYSTEM</b></div>
</div>
<div>
On your path to building community, you will no doubt encounter people of all kinds. Some who think just like you and some who don't. I've encountered some pretty crazy behavior when I least expected it and some hurt that has taken time to heal.<br />
<br />
My point here is not to forget to take care of yourself. In any endeavor, you will need to have some help and a way to energize yourself that is not so tightly entwined with what you are trying to accomplish. So, don't forget to invest time to find keep close to you:</div>
<div>
<ul>
<li>Like minded people</li>
<li>Mentors who are willing to work with you</li>
<li>Something that will help you to reset and balance yourself </li>
</ul>
</div>
<div>
Back to the <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-overview.html" target="_blank">Overview</a><br />
Next Stage: <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/10/starting-dance-community-stage-2.html" target="_blank">STAGE 2 - Spreading The Love </a><br />
Final Stage: <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2017/02/starting-dance-community-stage-3.html">STAGE 3 - Continuty</a></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-1601593885240968032016-08-10T14:24:00.004-07:002016-10-29T19:32:41.565-07:00Starting a Dance Community: OverviewI've had this conversation many times over with different people who have wanted to introduce Kizomba into their communities. I figured, why not share my story and step by step plan. I'm starting with and overview and will elaborate on each stage separately.<br />
<br />
In this step by step plan, there is room for interpretation and adaptation. I do not say this to "hedge my bets" or sound wish-washy. Often when I read a step by step plan, I realize that there are things that might be missing or different for me because of my circumstances. My experience as a project manager has taught me this truth: changes in the plan are ALWAYS inevitable. Think about it, in a venture like this one as you are also learning and growing, how could there not be changes? What's important is having a plan that allows for the changes and adaptations. The plan should also point out unknowns and risks so that you can tackle them as you see fit. Part of the change that the goals you set will also change as results and events unfold. Make sure to check-in with yourself from time to time because its easy to forget who you are and what you want out of your venture into starting a dance community.<br />
<br />
<b style="font-style: italic; text-decoration: underline;"><a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-stage-1.html" target="_blank">STAGE 1: Passion and Goals </a></b><br />
<ul>
<li>Love the dance </li>
<li>Learn the dance</li>
<li>Talk as many people as you can: People who have started communities, teachers, promoters, other dancers, local businesses.</li>
<li>Envision what you would like to see in your community and your place in it.</li>
<li>Don't forget to create your own support</li>
<li>What's your Goal?</li>
</ul>
<b><i><u><a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/10/starting-dance-community-stage-2.html" target="_blank">STAGE 2: Spreading the Love</a></u></i></b><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Classes for learning</li>
<li>A Place to Dance regularly </li>
<li>Getting the dance and music out there: showing off what the dance is like and getting more people interested.</li>
<li>A Blog, a Facebook Page, a Video Channel, a Podcast ...</li>
</ul>
</div>
<b><i><u>STAGE 3: Continuity</u></i></b><br />
<ul>
<li>How to Sustain the Dance</li>
<li>What is Your Role</li>
<li>Stay in Touch and Check-in</li>
</ul>
<b><i>SUPPORTS:</i></b> Finances and Other Things<br />
<br />
<b>NEXT UP: <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2016/08/starting-dance-community-stage-1.html" target="_blank">STAGE ONE - Passion and Goals</a></b>Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-87667825992421355262016-08-06T14:48:00.004-07:002016-08-06T17:10:12.021-07:00A Retrospective and Many Thanks.... Just BecauseI remember the very 1st Kizomba dance I ran at the Century Ballroom in the winter of 2011. It was an experiment to see how many people would actually come to a Kizomba party. Jay and I were just starting to teach classes (back when Halo was still open) and in order to give our students time to dance, we had a with a short practice hour after class. There was no regular social for Kizomba though there were attempts at a monthly gathering in local club/restaurants where possible.<br />
<br />
Hallie and Alison suggested that I try hosting a dance just to see who would come. It was a little nerve wracking, hosting my first social. Luckily, things fell into place: Maurycy very kindly volunteer to DJ for the night and I knew at the very least, my group of fellow Kizomba crazies were ready to come and dance and help me at the door. They all helped with details I couldn't even think of: change box with change, stamp, etc. I can't remember what I charged for the door (maybe $5?) but at the end of the night, I officially made $1 after paying back the rental for the room.<br />
<br />
Phew!<br />
<br />
So exciting and nerve wracking and somehow, it was decided that the Century Ballroom would host a Kizomba Dance on the 1st Friday of every month starting February 2012. I was a little nervous that night but I should have known that things would work themselves out. That first night was a total success: all our students came out, lots of friends and supporters and fellow other dance dancers came as well. All in all a successful kickoff.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZVU8nOqvf0ADiOZSOpsnlV8GfNeOQOC8EOxsTEz8_vfNkNI717v9upBGhLDUu3B_GO8riG62fuXQC4s95Ft8ieJpS3i5tQITyVCn9oHeUDdtge6erq5XFHsgWXcPRMLlTivSanr45Mg9/s1600/1sFriday2012.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRZVU8nOqvf0ADiOZSOpsnlV8GfNeOQOC8EOxsTEz8_vfNkNI717v9upBGhLDUu3B_GO8riG62fuXQC4s95Ft8ieJpS3i5tQITyVCn9oHeUDdtge6erq5XFHsgWXcPRMLlTivSanr45Mg9/s320/1sFriday2012.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The very first 1st Friday Kizomba in East Hall at the Century Ballroom (Feb 2012)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGaDiYy1kn7LrQczaM3ZUUSxWXuTL8g5kfxmSYdhujN_Kx0vBsW4PtKpnOZ1ELRJzUdpVRT9HOoCwBEk3SF0-lZGGuplXU67CRzsW9-TvIXCo3vsd5qt3rfNqt-W1jhdQyFFXyyOwaaqd/s1600/339690_10150649229221041_1756104613_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="230" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtGaDiYy1kn7LrQczaM3ZUUSxWXuTL8g5kfxmSYdhujN_Kx0vBsW4PtKpnOZ1ELRJzUdpVRT9HOoCwBEk3SF0-lZGGuplXU67CRzsW9-TvIXCo3vsd5qt3rfNqt-W1jhdQyFFXyyOwaaqd/s320/339690_10150649229221041_1756104613_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">End of the night 1st Friday Kizomba at Century Ballroom</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
The picture above shows the dancers that remained through the last dance that night. While most people in the picture have moved out of Seattle or just moved on to other things in their life, I think you'll recognize a few faces that are out there still dancing what they love.<br />
<br />
There's a great energy that comes with being there first, to set the trail and start something new. I am lucky enough to have experienced that with a great set of friends. Back then 20 people in the dance was a great turnout and it didn't matter that you just danced with the same people over and over all night long.<br />
<br />
I also relied a lot on this small group of people that fell in the love with the dance along with me. I believed that if I could just show people the dance, they too would fall in love and keep coming back. Our DJ's gave their time freely once a month on a Friday night to make sure there was music to dance to. The dancers were just excited to be there and when I started teaching the drop-in lessons, it was never an empty class.<br />
<br />
Fast forward to 2016 and we now have an average of 60 at the 1st Friday dance (with the highest number of attendees at 102). There is a Kizomba dance at least once a week. There are 3 studios regularly offering Kizomba classes and 2 others hosting regular Kizomba nights. Monday Night Practica started in 2012 with less than 10 people and is now regularly attended by well over 20 people. This community-run weekly gathering has changed hands and locations many times over the years and has drawn in many new members. DJ's are now paid for their time and even though the number of students for the weekly classes aren't always high, I am still able to teach this dance that I love to help others fall in love with it too.<br />
<br />
Many of you who know me know that Kizomba is not the only dance that I love: I also dance bachata and salsa and when I can, dabble in tango, swing and blues/fusion. All these dance communities have great people that have enriched my life. I love to dance. I am proud to say that this Kizomba First Friday night, holds a special place for me because of the wonderful energy that is generates. I suppose its like watching your baby grow up but more than that, unlike any other night (and I could be a little biased), the energy in the room when you walk in the door to dance is always rich with warmth and still remains friendly and inviting with that tinge of that excitement to just make you want to dance.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdEc6yZFpt17r9Ala-e2Frr6UjTKZ7TulldSeMn7GxkOqradlux_yohFl79TDHuocrqVjb8b8c7EY7af2E12oXLBUJYtIULQAXGFwBHDbJVRlal0ELzIC2ClgKppshRRLP_mTDXS8nMy/s1600/13912798_10154213889756041_7228160822841662809_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWQdEc6yZFpt17r9Ala-e2Frr6UjTKZ7TulldSeMn7GxkOqradlux_yohFl79TDHuocrqVjb8b8c7EY7af2E12oXLBUJYtIULQAXGFwBHDbJVRlal0ELzIC2ClgKppshRRLP_mTDXS8nMy/s320/13912798_10154213889756041_7228160822841662809_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some time around 11:30 ish</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QwpSRTIaHjQ0OYdrXe1aNl1b80cK9vZHQuDUL6c5O6qE9p94PhhyphenhyphendVYAf5PUojBE0X6G1OkyijpgFQfFT2lkWOaq8Ez9kf2Q1gFjaAlO1iFNF4O2F9keJYGWGx8pO9OgpFTkgSJPxKXZ/s1600/13895129_10154213889721041_258200754978319555_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6QwpSRTIaHjQ0OYdrXe1aNl1b80cK9vZHQuDUL6c5O6qE9p94PhhyphenhyphendVYAf5PUojBE0X6G1OkyijpgFQfFT2lkWOaq8Ez9kf2Q1gFjaAlO1iFNF4O2F9keJYGWGx8pO9OgpFTkgSJPxKXZ/s320/13895129_10154213889721041_258200754978319555_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last Song of the night (1:30 am end)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I love taking breaks from dancing up in the DJ booth: it gives me the chance to watch the room, talk to the DJ, take some pictures and just soak in the energy on the floor. Last night was no exception. I took pictures during the middle of the night and at the end and as you can see, the number of people did not dwindle at all. <br />
<br />
While I miss that first generation of dancers and the excitement of meeting them at this social once a month, the dance itself has never failed to life my spirits and make me smile. The Kizomba Seattle community has grown and somehow, it feels like everyone gives their best energy to keep things alive and well. Not only have we all grown as dancers, there are so many other activities and outings that have been spawned from the friendships created within. The DJ's that have also grown over the years and many of them now play their own gigs and continue to hone their craft. I think its great that the community has always understood that and let the love of the dance override the occasional bumps on the road. Every single one of the instructors and artists that have stopped by Seattle to teach and share Kizomba have said that this family we have is one of a kind and embodies the true spirit of the dance.<br />
<br />
It is a blessing that I hope will never go away. The 1st Friday Kizomba nights at the Century Ballroom have always had a great energy to them that I never tire off and am always grateful for. <br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kAHnN9ztsV5vI-fmxpZONw_u4z8WKV0XixZySIKv-Aq4HsIJtVCRPx1K9X8rBK2wtnVDvqoIGJv0OCL8jUJ3KoLW596B3G3YKuBz7UjLQ-jUQihzZJFxKvQfDEM1VK5Kr_aOv0_I0dd1/s1600/13872871_10154213914801041_3216783201464630250_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5kAHnN9ztsV5vI-fmxpZONw_u4z8WKV0XixZySIKv-Aq4HsIJtVCRPx1K9X8rBK2wtnVDvqoIGJv0OCL8jUJ3KoLW596B3G3YKuBz7UjLQ-jUQihzZJFxKvQfDEM1VK5Kr_aOv0_I0dd1/s320/13872871_10154213914801041_3216783201464630250_n.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Kizomba Seattle Love - August 6, 2016</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
Much thanks and here's to many many more lovely dance nights <3Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-68957285994873943102016-08-02T13:44:00.004-07:002016-08-10T18:26:55.200-07:00August yo! Here's what's up!!Its been a pretty mild summer so far and now we're officially in the best time of year to be in Seattle. Make sure you spend a few minutes everyday enjoying the sunshine and don't forget come out and dance.<br />
<br />
Here's what we have for August....<br />
<br />
Aug 5 - First Fly Friday at West Hall; Drop in lesson at 9pm Dance 10p-1:30a (Cover $16, Dance Only $10) with DJ Emanuel<br />
Aug 11 - 2nd Thursday at West Hall with DJ Jay 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9)<br />
Aug 12 - 2nd Friday KiZouk at Salsa Con Todo 9pm - 10pm dropin; dance 10pm - 1:00am (mix of zouk and kizomba)<br />
Aug 20 - 3rd Saturday Late Night at West Hall with DJ Isaias 11p - 1:30a (Cover $7, $13 joint cover with All Vinyl Salsa in Main Ballroom)<br />
Aug 25 - 4th Thursday at West Hall with DJ Jay 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9)<br />
Aug 26 - 4th Friday KiZouk at Salsa Con Todo 9pm - 10pm dropin; dance 10pm - 1:00am (mix of zouk and kizomba)<br />
Aug 27 - Saturday Late Night Kizomba at SCT 11pm - 4am<br />
<br />
<b>WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS</b><br />
* Weekly Practica on Mondays at Metropolitan (please check group page for the latest) 8p - 11p<br />
* Kizomba Lab Aug 11 - Sep 1 with Frances, Jay register at <a href="http://www.centuryballroom.com/">www.centuryballroom.com</a> - CANCELLED September session will be Kizomba 1.<br />
* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 7pm and 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.<br />
* Kizomba Semi-Privates with Dennis (contact Dennis Richards directly)<br />
* Kizomba at Salsa Con Todo with Galina (check <a href="http://www.salsacontodo.com/">www.salsacontodo.com</a>)<br />
<br />
If anything comes up at the last minute - this group page feed will have the latest.<br />
Please post Kizomba events to Hurry Out (www.hurryout.com) and check out www.kizombaseattle.comKizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-15420215479979999612016-07-12T23:44:00.003-07:002016-07-27T13:05:46.943-07:00 CANCELLED Kizomba/Urban Kiz/Semba Tricks with Freezy Bruce and Laura July 30th, 2016<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="CFTJ7NY7MVFZE" />
<br />
<div class="" data-block="true" data-editor="ddt7o" data-offset-key="fq0ap-0-0" style="background-color: white;">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fq0ap-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;">UPDATE 7/27/16; Workshop is CANCELLED
We apologize for the inconvenience and hope this gives you enough time to make other plans. Due low registration the workshops with Freezy and Laura scheduled for Sat July 30th are being cancelled.
In the meantime, Freezy will be still be visiting Seattle so come and dance with him at the SCT Social on Sat July 30th.
People who have registered will be receiving refunds through paypal.
Thanks for your understanding - Happy Dancing!</span></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="fq0ap-0-0" style="direction: ltr; position: relative;">
<span style="color: #1d2129; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 12px; line-height: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
ABOUT THE TEACHERS:<br />
<br />
Originally from Italy <b>Laura Iannettone "Kizombella"</b> began her ballet dance training with the Academy of Margherita Veneruso at the age of 6. She continued her studies with the modern dance Rome Academy of Steve La Chance and Andre' De La Roche. At the age of 16 she was invited to join Alma Porrazzo Academy, performing for locals theaters in Naples, where she achieved her choreographer and modern dance diploma. In her twenties she started to following in love with Latin dances"salsa" performing for the Mambo Salsa Band in Ireland. In 2003 she decided to move to California for more opportunities, that's when she met kizomba. In 2011 Laura was trained from a very good friend William walker "Oakland " who traveled many years to get his best knowledge of kizomba. In 2013 she was inspired by and trained with Rico kizomba Suave from London who is one of the most prestigious figure of traditional kizomba. <br />
<br />
<b>Freezy Bruce</b> is a brilliant dancer and international Kizomba teacher with strong roots from heart of the African and Caribbean culture. He began as a member of a street dancing crew, and soon after became passionate about Dance Hall. He studied Kizomba and Semba with the French kizomba champion of 2010, and began developing his own unique style. In 2012 , he performed along with other instructors at the Zenith in Paris as part of the singer Elizio's dance team. Freezy is also a host for events in Bordeaux, and Metz in France as well as an organizer for the Lovkiz Brussels Festival in Belgium,and Paris. He has taught all over Europe and North America. His teaching and dance are driven by the belief that one has to open their mind and free their abilities to understand the music and master musicality and fluidity.</form>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-92122038014300812392016-05-23T18:15:00.001-07:002016-06-17T16:05:56.197-07:00Kizomba Weekend with Freezy Laura: Show Me What U Got June 18, 2016 Let's Welcome back to Seattle: Freezy Bruce and Laura Lannetone on June 18th, 2016.<br />
<br />
Show Me What " U" Got U'rban Kiz Workshop is a three hour intensive for Urban Kiz meant for the experienced dancer. There are three hours of workshop are specific for intermediate / advanced students. This is one single intensive workshop broken into three 1 hour chunks. You still have the choice of taking one or two hours workshop. but its best to take the three hours to get the most out of it: to understand the spirit and the meaning of the workshop.<br />
<b><u>SCHEDULE</u></b><br />
SAT Jun 18 at the Century Ballroom in West Hall<br />
12:30 - 1:00 registration<br />
1:00 - 2:00 1st hour<br />
2:00 - 2:30 break<br />
2:30 - 3:30 2nd hour<br />
3:30 - 4:00 break<br />
4:00 - 5:00 3rd hour<br />
5:00 - 5:30 practice/wrap-up<br />
<br />
Don't forget 3rd Saturday Late Night with DJ Jim Renn follows from 11pm - 1:30am in West Hall.<br />
<br />
<b>REGISTER NOW:</b>
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input type="hidden" name="cmd" value="_s-xclick">
<input type="hidden" name="hosted_button_id" value="GW3EPXAAAXDXC">
<table>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on0" value="Workshop Payment (Service Fee Included)">Workshop Payment (Service Fee Included)</td></tr><tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="Full Intensive (3 hours)">Full Intensive (3 hours) $55.00 USD</option>
<option value="1st Workshop">1st Workshop $25.00 USD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on1" value="Please type your full name:">Please type your full name:</td></tr><tr><td><input type="text" name="os1" maxlength="200"></td></tr>
<tr><td><input type="hidden" name="on2" value="Lead or Follow?">Lead or Follow?</td></tr><tr><td><input type="text" name="os2" maxlength="200"></td></tr>
</table>
<input type="hidden" name="currency_code" value="USD">
<input type="image" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynowCC_LG.gif" border="0" name="submit" alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!">
<img alt="" border="0" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" height="1">
</form>
<br />
<b>What is Urbankiz? </b><i>[Freezy's words]</i><br />
A new interpretation of the kizomba steps, the music of our generation ( creativity , musicality, body movement , fluidity , playing with the music and steps). If you want to know more then come and see by yourself!<br />
<br />
<b>Why Show me what ' U ' got?</b><br />
This workshop will take ' U ' to build your confidence, your style, your skills, your Lead/Follow and ATTITUDE. This is a good opportunity to strengthen your basics to be creative and finally to start to build a real kizomba dancer who ie nont afraid to express themselves.<br />
<br />
Show me what ' U ' got will be the first step of your dancing Freedom. Students not just be learning to be better dancers, they are also going to know what to stop learning!<br />
<br />
STOP: BEING SYSTEMATIC ,<br />
STOP:USING THE SAME ROUTINE FOR EACH EVERY SONG<br />
STOP:DOING SAIDA TO SAIDA TO SAIDA TO SAIDA<br />
STOP: THINKING ABOUT THE NEXT STEP<br />
STOP: ANTICIPATING AND BACKLEADING<br />
STOP... STOP....STOP....STOP...STOP...!<br />
<br />
Freezy has designed the workshop to help dancers be free and create. Learn how to manage the weight, stay in balance and listen to the Master (music) to open your mind's hidden drawers on the dance floor!<br />
<br />
Teachers: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Sweet.freezy?fref=ts" target="_blank">Freezy Bruce</a> and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/laura.iannettone1?fref=ts" target="_blank">Laura</a>Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-40485139640500940052016-05-01T15:34:00.001-07:002016-05-01T15:34:13.595-07:00MAY Happenings for Kizomba Seattle<div class="_1dwg" style="padding: 12px 12px 0px;">
<div class="_5pbx userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}" id="js_vh" style="font-size: 14px; line-height: 1.38; overflow: hidden;">
<div class="text_exposed_root text_exposed" id="id_57268442ae3aa1462260735" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
Welcome to May with Spring officially here which means summer is not far behind! Here's what's up in Seattle for Kizomba.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
May 6 - First Fly Friday at West Hall; Drop in lesson at 9 Dance 10p-1:30a (Cover $16, Dance Only $10) with DJ Mary<br />May 12 - 2nd Thursday at West Hall with DJ Jay 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9)<br />May 13 - 2nd Friday KiZouk at Salsa Con Todo 9pm - 10pm dropin; dance 10pm - 1:00am (mix of zouk and kizomba)<span class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;"><br />** May 13 - 15 Seattle Bachata Kizomba Festival at Salsa n Seattle (<a href="http://www.seattlebachatakizombafestival.com/" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.seattlebachataKizombafestival.com</a>) **<br />May 21 - 3rd Saturday Late Night at West Hall with DJ Kevin Boyle 11p - 1:30a (Cover $7, $13 joint cover with All Vinyl Salsa in Main Ballroom)<br />May 26 - 4th Thursday at West Hall with DJ Jay 9:30 - 1:00a (Cover $9)<br />May 27 - 4th Friday KiZouk at Salsa Con Todo 9pm - 10pm dropin; dance 10pm - 1:00am (mix of zouk and kizomba)<br />May 28 - 4th Saturday Late Night Kizomba at SCT 11pm - 4am</span></div>
<div class="text_exposed_show" style="display: inline;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px;">
WEEKLY CLASSES, PRACTICAS, BOOTCAMPS:<br />* Kizomba Bootcamp (part of the Seattle Bachata Kizomba Festival but can be paid for separately) on Fri May 13<br />* Weekly Practica on Mondays at Dimension Apartments or Metropolitan (please check group page for the latest) 8p - 11p<br />* Kizomba 1 and Kizomba Lab (NEW COURSE!) with Frances and Jay: May 19 to Jun 9<br />* Kizomba on Wednesdays at 8pm in Salsa N Seattle with Mario with a weekly practica following.<br />* Kizomba Semi-Privates with Dennis (contact Dennis Richards directly)<br />* Kizomba Immersion with Galina Mar 8 to May 12 Tuesdays 6-8 pm<br />* Kizomba Workshops every 4th Saturday kizomba workshops 6-9pm</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
If anything comes up at the last minute - this group page feed will have the latest.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
Please post Kizomba events to Hurry Out (<a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.hurryout.com%2F&h=KAQE5OB4_AQHvFzKxykziZKg_ZRJPHem2xOPdKPckM5G0BQ&enc=AZN2nG0yzXheruNyGwnKiAPs8bPr7IBQ3DBcE_RgMkgzY69eT4e73epj1OisxEfDoOI_ApG7zcijWtrhGaY8U8nCCuag52x1NfpjbK_QMgmz99yGMPulVCTlp9hkU5v4Odx7LHjYGUTL0uArNiyGx4ua_sQqYw_qO6NP2wdri1mG4IId6-q4EtVag2KJjuCguBY&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.hurryout.com</a>) and check out <a href="http://l.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kizombaseattle.com%2F&h=HAQFo9__CAQG7tcvIXw_4iDgJFKwHGlFO6MdZW-X3qLd7Cw&enc=AZMG9kcQBulCw7oCDwAYlB2z5-QGfV8B1N30DzBaigiCackC-MjTwcSkEfebC3b6uX7WSO2zmcIoJxOlcwdUUPxxDIZSpzC6q6Q700DUr7rwn444EvoxYfQuDOj_qa5qfzfUIYPpBNMfYrhF-rbyJz4TWrLiRoySwDxAbIY0cWoA13MVb8UCZKp3-lTq1ux2gFA&s=1" rel="nofollow" style="color: #3b5998; cursor: pointer; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank">www.kizombaseattle.com</a></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="_5wpt" style="border-left-color: rgb(220, 222, 227); border-left-style: solid; border-left-width: 2px; padding-left: 12px;">
</div>
</div>
<div class="_3x-2">
<div data-ft="{"tn":"H"}">
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<form action="https://www.facebook.com/ajax/ufi/modify.php" class="commentable_item collapsed_comments" data-ft="{"tn":"]"}" data-testid="feedback_form" id="u_jsonp_52_1e" method="post" rel="async" style="margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<div class="_sa_ _5vsi _ca7" style="color: #9197a3; margin-top: 12px; padding-bottom: 4px; position: relative;">
<div class="_37uu">
<div data-reactroot="">
<div class="_3399 _1f6t _4_dr" style="clear: both; line-height: 20px; padding: 0px 12px 8px;">
<div class="_524d">
<div class="_ipn" style="color: #898f9c; overflow: hidden;">
<div class="_ipo" style="background: rgb(255, 255, 255); float: right; max-width: 300px; text-align: right;">
<a aria-live="polite" class="_ipm" data-comment-prelude-ref="action_link_bling" data-ft="{"tn":"O"}" data-hover="tooltip" data-tooltip-uri="/ufi/comment/tooltip/?ft_ent_identifier=10154199515774529&av=652581040" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/kizombaseattle/permalink/10154199515774529/?comment_tracking=%7B%22tn%22%3A%22O%22%7D" id="js_ww" role="button" style="cursor: pointer; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; margin: 0px 0px 0px 5px; text-decoration: none;">1 Comment</a></div>
<div class="_ipp" style="max-height: 20px; overflow: hidden;">
<div class="_3t53 _4ar- _ipn" style="overflow: hidden; white-space: nowrap;">
<span aria-label="See who reacted to this" class="_3t54" role="toolbar" style="background-color: white; float: left; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; margin-right: 2px;" tabindex="0"><a aria-label="4 Like" class="_27jf _3emk" href="https://www.facebook.com/ufi/reaction/profile/browser/?ft_ent_identifier=10154199515774529&av=652581040" rel="ignore" role="button" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 10px; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -2px; padding: 2px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom; z-index: 3;" tabindex="-1"><span class="_9zc _2p7a _4-op" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><i class="_3j7l _2p78 _9--" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v2/yA/r/1TttTi0yCmK.png"); background-position: 0px -243px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: block; height: 16px; left: 7.99716px; margin-left: -7.99716px; margin-top: -7.99716px; position: absolute; top: 7.99716px; transform: none; width: 16px;"></i></span></a><a aria-label="1 Love" class="_27jf _3emk" href="https://www.facebook.com/ufi/reaction/profile/browser/?ft_ent_identifier=10154199515774529&av=652581040" rel="ignore" role="button" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border-radius: 10px; cursor: pointer; display: inline-block; font-size: 11px; line-height: 16px; margin: 0px 0px 0px -4px; padding: 2px; position: relative; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: bottom; z-index: 2;" tabindex="-1"><span class="_9zc _2p7a _4-op" style="display: inline-block; height: 16px; position: relative; vertical-align: middle; width: 16px;"><i class="_3j7m _2p78 _9--" style="background-image: url("/rsrc.php/v2/yA/r/1TttTi0yCmK.png"); background-position: -17px -243px; background-repeat: no-repeat; background-size: auto; display: block; height: 16px; left: 7.99716px; margin-left: -7.99716px; margin-top: -7.99716px; position: absolute; top: 7.99716px; transform: none; width: 16px;"></i></span></a></span><a class="_2x4v" href="https://www.facebook.com/ufi/reaction/profile/browser/?ft_ent_identifier=10154199515774529&av=652581040" rel="ignore" style="background-color: white; cursor: pointer; display: block; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12px; text-decoration: none;"></a></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</form>
</div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-57619856268707316242016-02-19T10:21:00.001-08:002016-02-19T10:21:40.583-08:00This Thing Called GINGAIf you type ginga on google (at least as of today), you get this on the top:<br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><b>GINGA IS RHYTHM....in soccer. It's swinging your body from one side to the other to deceive. Ginga is creativity. It's the pedalada and trivela. Ginga is the opposite of boring. It's the opposite of mechanical soccer. It is having fun with the ball. It is grace. It is being fluid and coordinated. IT IS SOUL. IT IS DANCE</b></i><br />
<h3>
<i>damn...that Brazilian has got Ginga!</i></h3>
<div>
<br />
I love this definition. Sure, its context is mostly in soccer (Brazilian) but for dance, these parts resonate loudly with me:<br />
<br />
GINGA IS RHYTHM.</div>
<div>
Ginga is creativity</div>
<div>
Its the opposite of boring.</div>
<div>
Its having fun.</div>
<div>
It is grace.</div>
<div>
Its being fluid.</div>
<div>
IT IS SOUL</div>
<div>
IT IS DANCE</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Read that and let it soak ... let it simmer and then read on. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
This thing we call Ginga is something that ultimately has to come from inside of us. Your Ginga comes from YOU: the individual, the dance partner moving with someone to the music through dance. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Since I started dancing Kizomba, I've heard people say that to dance this dance well, "you need to have Ginga". I thought, they are just talking about body movement right? So I studied how to move my bunda, my feet, my chest... and then someone said, that's not it. So I sought more clarification. Along the way I heard many different definitions for ging and someone described it as styling. So, following my experience with learning salsa, I sought out these ladies styling classes. During my very first set of lessons about "styling", my instructor said: "styling should never interfere with the lead and follow dynamic of the dance."<br />
<br />
Since Kizomba is danced in close proximity to your partner, I thought there was a contradiction with learning individual body movement. Why are we learning these movements that we may not be able to use? Unlike salsa where there is so much space to express, there doesn't seem to be any at all in Kizomba where we have to move as one.<br />
<br />
Another aspect of ginga also that came to my attention: what's the "right" ginga? I heard people comment about how one person's ginga was not natural and how another's was perfect. When is the movement natural and expressive versus contrived and interfering with the lead? How do you practice it? These were all things I pondered as I worked to find my ginga. I started to ask my friends who led me to let me know how it felt when I applied different movements to my walk. I also asked them to articulate what it was like to dance with different people so I had a point of comparison.<br />
<br />
As I focused on this aspect of my dance, I had to redo, undo, retry and try many things as I received coaching from other instructors and peers about what the appropriate body movement is. Some said my body movement was just fine, some said I had too much (those salsa hips going out of control), some said it was too sharp, some said whatever I did was fine. It was quite the conundrum for me. How was I to get validation with so much mixed feedback?<br />
<br />
My aha moment arrived when I realized that the reason I was getting so much mixed feedback was because I was trying to hard to dance the way I thought I needed to dance instead of just trusting myself to dance. I was working with another instructor who was trying to explain a nuance in the movement. I was very confused with what he was saying so I just decided to stop thinking and just move with him and he exclaimed - "That's it! You got it."<br />
<br />
Many of us suffer from Ginga - Envy: we see someone else's bountiful bunda and the movements resulting from their expression and grace and we want "to be like that". In that moment of wanting to be like someone else, we can easily forget that to truly have ginga, we each have to find OUR OWN way to move with grace and soul.<br />
<br />
One part is practicing movements to extend your range of motion and get to know the muscles in your own body and how they can move independently and in concert with other body parts. I call this part the mechanics of understanding your walk and how to flow naturally with it, how to extend movements when the music allows and where it can be extended while still staying connected to another person.<br />
<br />
The other part, is learning to love who you are: wobbly bits or skinny bits or whatever you think kind of bits - ALL OF IT. We are each blessed with our own beauty that often times we ignore and to really develop your ginga, you need to embrace all of you. This way, when you move, you move with all the confidence and grace that is uniquely yours.<br />
<br />
As you are learning about how to move and how your body works, spend LESS time in the space of "do I look like that person?" and MORE time in the space of "do I feel and look good about how I move?".</div>
<div>
<br />
I got this suggestion from my belly dancing instructor when we were working on our "freeze" pose. She said "Don't be afraid to look at yourself in the mirror and try different poses to find your best one." No one is looking so try a pose that highlights everything good about you. Its can be difficult to do (and it sounds so narcissistic) but this exercise of looking at yourself can help to make you appreciate who you are. <br />
<br />
I think this might be the hardest part about learning ginga: loving what you can do with your own body. You can take all the movement and styling classes you want and in fact I highly recommend it. But, don't lose sight of the fact that you when you're dancing, you to have love who you are, love how you move, love how it makes you feel and then love how you can connect with your dance partner when you dance.<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-76793967221855476502015-12-15T06:22:00.000-08:002016-01-15T22:13:03.475-08:00CANCELLED: Kizomba Weekend with Ennuel Iverson in Seattle: Feb 13 - 14, 2016<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.76px; text-align: start;">We regret to inform you that Ennuel has been denied entry to the US so he will not be able to come for this weekend. </span></div>
<br style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.76px; text-align: start;" />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #141823; font-family: helvetica, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 18.76px; text-align: start;">Refunds WILL be issues (please give us time). </span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk6zjPqkeT34Nzpw8MkgLDxl2QYZO2gYxH6M5kSTm_LMT7XRo2P7gx7boTRGWe9mQTF_SN2hGKzWT8y2BeSJXVkb-7WCjMObCxBUo0MbmOkP4NGdKAKWPE1Z5t0N3kfI673GbQOIkmlJS/s1600/12265906_10153622191146041_6245016141357233636_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="117" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdk6zjPqkeT34Nzpw8MkgLDxl2QYZO2gYxH6M5kSTm_LMT7XRo2P7gx7boTRGWe9mQTF_SN2hGKzWT8y2BeSJXVkb-7WCjMObCxBUo0MbmOkP4NGdKAKWPE1Z5t0N3kfI673GbQOIkmlJS/s320/12265906_10153622191146041_6245016141357233636_o.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We are happy to welcome Ennuel Iversion for Valentines Weekend 2016! This will be Ennuel's first visit to Seattle so let's give a warm hug and welcome!. An international artist, choreographer and one of the more prominent Urban Kiz dancers, he comes to us from France. General Workshops will be held on Saturday Feb. 13th and small group sessions on Sunday Feb 14th. We'll also be planning Saturday night party somewhere (stay tuned!) See the details below and scroll down to register.<br />
<br />
<b>Saturday February 13, 2016 WORKSHOPS</b><br />
<i><a href="http://www.phinneycenter.org/about/directions.html" target="_blank">Phinney Ridge Community Center</a>, Room 7 in the upper level of the Blue Building</i><br />
1:00 - 1:15 Registration<br />
1:15 - 2:15 Urban Kizomba Foundations<br />
2:15 - 2:30 break<br />
2:30 - 3:30 Urban Kizomba Improvers<br />
3:30 - 3:45 break<br />
3:45 - 4:45 Urban Kizomba Breakthrough<br />
4:45 - 5:00 Wrap-up, Pictures, etc.<br />
<br />
<b>Sunday February 14, 2016 SMALL GROUP INTENSIVES</b><br />
<i>Main Ballroom of the <a href="http://www.centuryballroom.com/" target="_blank">Century Ballroom</a></i><br />
<br />
For the dancer that's looking for more specialized attention at an affordable rate. You MUST register for the Saturday workshops to take part in the small group. If you have scheduling conflicts, please email kizombaseattle@gmail.com to confirm.<br />
<br />
Each of the 1.5 hour sessions will be limited to 10 people (5 couples). These sessions are designed for dancers who want to take their dancing to the next level, working in a small group with other dancers with comparable experience. You will receive individual attention from the instructor AND you will be able to learn with other dancers that share the same goals and similar experience.<br />
<br />
When you register for this option, you will be emailed a set of questions to help confirm and ascertain your level and goals so you can be grouped with the right people.<br />
<br />
Session 1: 12:30 - 2:00<br />
Break 2:00 - 2:15<br />
Session 2: 2:15 - 3:45<br />
Wrap-up 3:45 - 4:00<br />
<br />
<b>PRICING</b><br />
1 class $25 [with cc service fee]<br />
2 classes $50 [with cc service fee]<br />
All day (3 classes) $65 [with cc service fee]<br />
Small Group Intensive is $45 [$47 with cc service fee]<br />
Full Weekend (1 Small Group Intensive and all day Saturday) $95 [$100 with cc service fee]<br />
<br />
<b>REGISTER AND PAY</b><br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<input name="cmd" type="hidden" value="_s-xclick" />
<input name="hosted_button_id" type="hidden" value="ALP4VS5YS9YF8" />
<br />
<table>
<tbody>
<tr><td><input name="on0" type="hidden" value="Workshop Payment (Service Fee Included)" />Workshop Payment (Service Fee Included)</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os0">
<option value="All Day Saturday Workshops (3 Classes)">All Day Saturday Workshops (3 Classes) $65.00 USD</option>
<option value="Any 2 Workshops (Saturday)">Any 2 Workshops (Saturday) $50.00 USD</option>
<option value="1 Workshop (Saturday)">1 Workshop (Saturday) $25.00 USD</option>
<option value="Small Group Intensive Session 1 (Sunday)">Small Group Intensive Session 1 (Sunday) $47.00 USD</option>
<option value="Small Group Intensive Session 2 (Sunday)">Small Group Intensive Session 2 (Sunday) $47.00 USD</option>
<option value="Full Weekend (All Day Sat + 1 Intensive)">Full Weekend (All Day Sat + 1 Intensive) $99.00 USD</option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on1" type="hidden" value="Which Sunday Small Group Session?" />Which Sunday Small Group Session?</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os1">
<option value="None">None </option>
<option value="Session 1 from 12:30p - 2:00p">Session 1 from 12:30p - 2:00p </option>
<option value="Session 2 from 2:15p - 3:45p">Session 2 from 2:15p - 3:45p </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on2" type="hidden" value="Specify which class(es) if you did not get the full Saturday" />Specify which class(es) if you did not get the full Saturday</td></tr>
<tr><td><select name="os2">
<option value="Urban Kiz Foundation">Urban Kiz Foundation </option>
<option value="Urban Kiz Foundation + Improver">Urban Kiz Foundation + Improver </option>
<option value="Urban Kiz Foundation + Breakthrough">Urban Kiz Foundation + Breakthrough </option>
<option value="Urban Kiz Improver + Breakthrough">Urban Kiz Improver + Breakthrough </option>
<option value="Urban Kiz Improver">Urban Kiz Improver </option>
<option value="Urban Kiz Breaktrhough">Urban Kiz Breaktrhough </option>
</select> </td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on3" type="hidden" value="Please type your full name:" />Please type your full name:</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os3" type="text" /></td></tr>
<tr><td><input name="on4" type="hidden" value="Lead or Follow?" />Lead or Follow?</td></tr>
<tr><td><input maxlength="200" name="os4" type="text" /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<input name="currency_code" type="hidden" value="USD" />
<input alt="PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!" border="0" name="submit" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_paynowCC_LG.gif" type="image" />
<img alt="" border="0" height="1" src="https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/scr/pixel.gif" width="1" />
</form>
<br />
<form action="https://www.paypal.com/cgi-bin/webscr" method="post" target="_top">
<b>PRIVATES</b><br />
Ennuel is available for privates. Please contact <a href="mailto:kizombaseattle@gmail.com" target="_blank">kizombaseattle@gmail.com</a> to schedule them. Space is limited so plan ahead. Privates are $125 an hour, not including any studio fees. Please note that payment should be made in cash. </form>
<br />
<b>REFUNDS</b><br />
Classes, Workshops and Mini-Intensives are <b>transferable</b> and<b> non-refundable</b>. Please contact <a href="mailto:kizombaseattle@gmail.com">kizombaseattle@gmail.com</a> for transfers .<br />
<br />
NOTE: For the Small Group Intensives, your substitute should be of the same level of dance and role as you. All transfers MUST be confirmed.</div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-21436149498233926612015-11-22T23:35:00.000-08:002015-11-22T23:41:25.440-08:00Too Many Cliques? According to the my grapevine, some cliques have been forming in our growing Kizomba Seattle Community and its making some people feel unwelcome.<br />
<br />
Back when our community consisted of less than 20 people, I could say confidently that I knew everyone that fell in love with Kizomba. Today, I'm happy to report that I don't and that's because our community has grown so much over the past few years. I can't even attend all the events that we have any more and I believe this is largely a good thing.<br />
<br />
When a community grows, the whole idea of "one big happy family" is hard to sustain without a regular presence of a "mom" or "dad" figure setting the tone so its is only natural that cliques start to form.<br />
<br />
Just in case, I looked up the definition of clique:<br />
<br />
<b><i>a small group of people, with shared interests or other features in common, who spend time together and do not readily allow others to join them.</i></b><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
The key part is "do not readily allow others to join them".<br />
<br />
I've been in and out of so many scenes and I totally get the clique thing. I've been on the side that feels unwelcome and I've been on the "cool kids" side and what I learned is that no matter what you try to do, someone will always feel unwelcome. In other words, there's no pleasing everyone.<br />
<br />
Everytime I start in a new dance or group activity, its easy to spot "that group": the cool kids. When I was learning how to swing dance, I always envied that group that was having so much fun in that corner of the dance floor, all chummy chummy with the instructors and DJs. I wanted to get to know those people and I wanted to be included.<br />
<br />
Sure, I felt like they didn't want to get to know me at all and sometimes I got discouraged but mostly, I just wanted to dance like them or dance so well that they had to take notice. So I focused on learning and getting better and getting to know the peer group I was learning with and in a few months time, I was being asked to dance by the "cool kids" and they started to take notice of me. In some cases, I became a cool kid myself.<br />
<br />
Here's the thing - you can't avoid the cliques: people will naturally gravitate to each other to form friendships and smaller groups will form within a larger community. You all know how hard it is to maintain relationships, especially as an adult with so many other things pulling and competing for your time. Most of the time, the folks in a clique just have so much fun with each other, they don't have time for other people.<br />
<br />
SO - what to do? I submit that if you are a newbie, you should try to flip things around and not make it about the clique but make it about you. Yup, YOU getting better, feeling good about your dancing and making new friends.<br />
<br />
It would be nice if there was always a welcome committee for new people [HINT HINT to some of our more established peeps and thanks to the ones that are consistently doing their best to welcome new people]. That being said, if you're new, and you feel a little left out, try something that will make you feel a little uncomfortable and observe the crowd to see who you could say "hi" to and make a new friend.<br />
<br />
I know this is hard. I still succumb to this difficulty despite being able to bring large groups of people together. Here's what I look for and advise:<br />
<ul>
<li>Friendly smile</li>
<li>Someone that everyone says hi to and hugs</li>
<li>Don't go after someone who's too cool for school, you're just setting yourself up</li>
<li>Observe - does this person say yes when asked to dance? Good - odds are, they will say yes to you :)</li>
<li>Be open and smiling yourself: don't be the wall flower and stand in a corner with your hands crossed or head hunched over. Sway to the music and smile like you're having a good time (cuz you are) - it works. Someone will say "hi!"</li>
<li>For you beginning leads, embrace your newness and have fun. Don't be apologizing for every little thing. People understand that beginners need time so take advantage of their understanding to just dance and have a good time. [This is true for follow's too, I just wanted to address the leads specifically because there's bit more pressure on a lead in the beginning. ]</li>
</ul>
<br />
Finally - here's the one thing I would say about you and the whole clique thing:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
ITS REALLY NOT ABOUT YOU.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
The clique and its energy is about the people in that clique. People in cliques are usually really good friends that have a TON of fun with each other and so when they go out, they dance with each other, laugh with each other, talk together. Its not that they don't want to get to know you, its that they want to spend time with each other. So you can choose to feel like the one that's left out OR you can choose to be the next cool kid on the block. Flip the switch and change the perspective to one that favors you.<br />
<br />
One could argue that the cool kids should be putting something back into the community and welcoming new people into the fold. Sure - I get that and as a former cool kid myself, I try my best to do that when I can. The bottom line is that dance is about YOUR OWN personal enjoyment and expression. Part of that is who you choose to be with and dance with but most of it is about what YOU love about the dance and who you are. If you're enjoyment of dancing is limited to what other people think of you, then its not the best reason to dance. You have to dance for your own enjoyment and expression.<br />
<br />
<br />Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-12671945211918693452015-11-21T22:40:00.000-08:002015-11-22T23:36:15.691-08:00What's that you say? *Insert name here* is teaching now?!Visiting instructors to Seattle have always commented about the unity they feel in the community here that they do not feel in other places that they have visited. They view our community as being more unified than most and lacking the in-fighting that they see and sometimes experience when they visit other communities.<br />
<br />
It's not like drama doesn't happen. There are disagreements, strong opinions that clash, all the normal things you would expect in a community filled with different kinds of people. These interactions are normal but they do not define or set the tone for what our community is.<br />
<br />
So why is the Kizomba Seattle community different? <br />
<br />
There is little or no back fighting or one-up'ing going on within our teaching community: we all know each other and get along. Sure, we have different opinions on things and different teaching styles and methods, but for the most part, there is very little dissension and unfriendly competition amongst us. I think this is important because it has an impact on the community itself: the community is then not divided into "camps" based on who their teacher is.<br />
<br />
I think this is state of cooperative competition is a result of the fact that all of us who are teaching "grew up" together as we learned to dance Kizomba/Semba. We learned together: with and from each other when it was just a budding scene. We also each took our own path to learning and continue to talk to each other and collaborate. l love it. I think its awesome.<br />
<br />
Lately tho, I've been hearing other people talk about so-and-so starting to teach and of course, the reaction and tone that I hear make it sound like their opinion is that this person isn't ready to teach. My own first reactions might be the same as I react with my judgement and personal opinion. Whatever the case, after my initial feelings are expressed, I always try to end with this: the more people there are to spread the love of the dance, the more the community will grow and that's a good thing. Sure, some will argue that so and so is not ready to teach or doesn't know enough to teach. Bottom line is there is nothing anyone can do to prevent someone else from teaching. What right do I (or anyone else) have to say "You should not teach." If people feel like they have something to offer as an instructor and would like to be paid for that time, why not?<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Sure, I have my opinions and thoughts based on my experiences and knowledge. So if you ask for my opinion and advice I'm happy to share it. You can argue that people who aren't qualified to teach are stealing from their student if they charge money for it.<br />
<br />
Here's what I believe: students will find who their best teacher is. There are so many factors to finding the right teacher and when you are spending your own money to pay for an activity that you are doing as your hobby or for fun, I'm pretty sure you'll invest in it wisely in the long run. A truly good teacher will stand out and the ones that aren't qualified will eventually have to step up or lose their student base. <br />
<br />
Rather than list reasons why someone shouldn't be teaching and/or pass judgement, I'll share my thoughts on what I think makes a good dance teacher.<br />
<ul>
<li><b>Gotta love what you do </b>and it has to show. This is something all the teachers I respect and would always learn from have in common - they love what they do and I can feel it when they teach dance.</li>
<li><b>They are students too</b>. In order to teach someone how to do something, one must also be actively doing or practicing that which they are teaching. Great teachers also evolve with their students and learn from how their students learn. If you spend all your time telling someone what to do, something gets lost in your own development. </li>
<li><b>They actively dance (or are involved in dance other than just teaching).</b> I do think for dancing this is important. A teacher should be actively engaged in dancing whatever dance they teach not just as a teacher. Do you seem them out dancing? Performing? Engaged in the community? DJing?</li>
<li><b>Its not just about the dance. </b>I think great teachers take the time to learn about teaching itself, the music, the dance origins and context for the dance. I'm not saying that someone who doesn't know the history of Kizomba will be a bad teacher. I just think that its only natural to know more about what you love. </li>
<li><b>Geek out on dance</b> I could spend hours talking about dancing - the music, how to move, what makes a good dancer, what makes a good move, what makes a move work. What's the progression of how to teach things, what will make things easier to understand. </li>
<li><b>Coach, Mentor, Cheerleader all in one. </b>A truly great teacher is many things to different people. They know when to encourage, when to push, when to engage and when to let things simmer. </li>
<li><b>Knows that its not about them</b>. Great teachers will not make it about themselves or the other teachers. It's about the students and helping them grow and love themselves in the dance. </li>
<li><b>Know their strengths and limitations. </b>I think to teach you have to also know yourself pretty well. You shouldn't make things up about what you don't know and shouldn't be afraid to say when something is not your area of expertise. </li>
<li><b>Its not Wrong</b> I hear this a lot, "well, my teacher said it was wrong do to this". I think that this one is tricky because students can hear things out of context. A good instructor recognizes that there are different methods of executing a movement and will at least talk about what works for them and what they teach and recognize that there are other ways to teach the same material. </li>
</ul>
There are other qualities that I think are important that are more about my personal preference based on teachers that I respect and love to learn from who have influenced how I learn and teach and want to be like:<br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>Down to earth</li>
<li>Respectful and Kind</li>
<li>Can laugh at themselves</li>
<li>Patient</li>
<li>Great at pacing material and recognizing how much information to give (talking time) and how much time to practice</li>
<li>Doesn't malign other peers or dancers in their profession</li>
<li>Celebrates students' success</li>
</ul>
<div>
So who does teach kizomba in Seattle? Here's a <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/p/teachers-in-seattle-area.html" target="_blank">list</a> and if you teach and are not on it let me know and I'd be happy to add you to the list. </div>
</div>
Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-180143626284268086.post-91087850217738012132015-09-02T02:02:00.001-07:002017-07-28T17:20:00.612-07:00How Body Aware are You? Balance [You and Your Partner]My <a href="http://kizombaseattle.blogspot.com/2014/10/how-body-aware-are-you-balance-your-own.html" target="_blank">previous post</a> about balance focused on stillness and your own balance. This one focuses about balance in the partnership while you are dancing with your partner.<br />
<br />
While dancing, leads and follows are each responsible for their own balance in the dance. To truly connect with your partner while dancing, one must also start to develop an awareness of your partner's balance as well. This second level of balance awareness can take dancing to the new heights. The added awareness allows you the space to express yourself as you dance in unison with another person whether you are a lead or a follow.<br />
<br />
Balance in motion is tied to awareness of your partner as well as the forces at work when you move together.<br />
<br />
For example, a follow, no matter what size, can easily throw a lead off balance if either party is not aware of their balance while moving. Follows have the last action in any movement since they are finishing what the lead has suggested. This means they carry with them some force from acceleration and momentum that if they do not control by maintaining their own balance OR if the lead does not prepare for, can easily cause the lead to go off balance. The need to be aware and in control are particularly important with movements that involve rotation and speed (quicker movement than usual). The reason we don't see more spills in kizomba is that the speed and distances traveled by the dancers are slower and smaller and so are easier to control. In the event there's a balance challenge, leads and follows can still compensate for momentary lapses of balance. The result of the compensation is usually some sacrifice of grace, smoothness and connection if things don't go quite as planned.<br />
<br />
SELF-AWARENESS and PARTNER AWARENESS<br />
Building awareness of your own balance and your partners' comes with practice and experience. When I start to teach kizomba, I stress that despite the close connection, the lead and the follow each are responsible for their own balance.<br />
<br />
When you start to be comfortable in that, you can start to pay attention to your partner's balance as well. When does the weight shift occur? When is the balance distributed between both legs? What causes my partner to step? <br />
<br />
Building this awareness allows the lead to then play with their connection in a different way: to slide or life or pivot their follow as an interruption to the base walk. <br />
<br />
Exercises:<br />
1) Slow Motion Walking: can be done along then in partnership. Alone to work on your own balance and control while in partnership to learn to listed to when the weight shift occurs.<br />
2) Leading a Step Without taking the Step: Can you move your follow to take a step while you don't? Are you aware of what foot your follow is on and when you can sync up with opposite feet or same feet? Start with walking together and pay attention to when your partner has committed to step. See if you can lead in such a way that you make your follow step without you (the lead) actually taking a step. Do this while the follow is walking forward and backward.<br />
<br />
<br />Kizomba Seattlehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03273746292487393168noreply@blogger.com0