dancingleaf | (no subject)

had my dance class last night.

If I didn't know better I would swear that my instructor was reading my mind about the choreography grumbles. I disagree that "combinations" are the basic grounding of the dance, (I think it is essential that the moves be right first) I do agree that if you can actually get a troupe that is all doing the same thing at the same time... it is really beautiful.

Last night it was pretty bad. She is in such a hurry to teach the combinations that half the class isn't doing the individual moves correctly. This one girls shimmy is so attrocious that it totally distracts me from what I'm supposed to be doing. I just want to go over to her and say... this is how to do it.... And speed. Sorry bdance can be fast, or it can be slow and sensual... and this is just faster than I care for, personally.

It's very frustrating. But... I'm not teaching the class SHE IS. No word on my own teaching gig... but I'm into exams and papers now. Got to get cracking on that research and whatnot.

I think I may not be so eager to sign up for another session of this. Or maybe I will. Or maybe I'll just ask Vicki if I can pop into her class without choreography? see how I like that. Or just order a bunch of DVD's online.

I got a notice about Cassandra/ Isis and Tamara presenting a Workshop and Gala in Sarnia (about an hour away) in April. Day one is a choreography with Zills and Veil, Day 2 layered movements. I've been really wanting to learn Zills. ...

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That would annoy me too! My band director used to have a saying. If you can't play something slow, you cant play it fast. I think that relates to your issue. If you can't do the individual moves, you aren't going to be able to do the combination.

I dunno what to to tell you though. I suppose there are a couple ways you could go. You could just not worry about other people and try to make sure YOU get your moves down right.

You could talk to the instructor about it. That is probably a bad idea though.

You could find another class to join.

Or you could just try to grab the people who are having problems and maybe try to offer to help them out after class or something.

I dunno. Just a few thoughts. I envy you. I really want to take classes, but I lack the transportation and funds to do that right now.

PS. I don't like DVDs. I have such a hard time learning from them.

I do like DVD's but I think it is because I already have the basics behind it, so it is more of a reminder or cue than an instruction tool. I like the Neena and Veena ones - I know you don't, but I have a few of theirs. I hate the Rania ones that I have- ugh they are awful. And I also have a Kathy Smith one- I rather like it for all that Kathy herself is not a very good dancer and the reviews of it are a little ambivalent - I love the costumes and the background dancers are excellent. Kathy's instructions are pretty good even if she does come across as more aerobic instructor than dancer.

I'm not going to correct the other students, if someone asks me for help - I'd be happy to but ... they all know I get there early and practice for 20 minutes before class starts and if they want to waste that time chatting that's their business. I'm going to take advantage of the time to stretch my old bones and practice in front of those big beautiful mirrors.

This class that I'm taking is run by campus recreation - at the university - therefore subsidized by them. Maybe you could find something similar? Universities, colleges and community centres often offer low cost alternatives. I'm taking this one because it is basically 1/3 the cost of two other teachers I know of. Cost is definitely something I'm concerned with too.

That's coo. I'm usually that way too. I don't really care what the others are doing, I'm usually in it for myself. Don't get me wrong, I can be a team player, but as far as classes go (I'm a college student) I'm in it for myself. It's not that I'm cold or don't have any compassion, but people are going to do what they're going to do.

I know what you mean about Rania. Personally, I like her as a dancer, but I've seen her "instructional" dvds, I didn't like them much either.

I think the Neena & Veena one's are neat looking, I just have a hard time following them, probably because I don't have the basics down. I actually have their Slim Down workout on video, and their Basic's work out on DVD. I like their costume, they're perty....

Thanks for the tip about trying schools. I've looked at the community centers near me, but none of them offer bd. I'll try looking at some of my local colleges though. The JC im at doesn't offer it, but they do have a great Pilates class, it did wonders for my ankles! =)

Thanks. For the advice. Sorry if I came across kind of hateful in that previous comment, I might have been having a less than great day. I'm generally not *that* hateful.

I wanted to wait to reply as I had just bought the Slim down video but hadn't had a chance to try it yet. I tried it yesterday. OMG! I would so not recommend that video for a beginner. They hardly do any explanation AT ALL!

and to top it off the flexibility 'bonus workout' on my Slim down video is done by my least favorite - Rania. I haven't tried it yet... maybe it will be okay.

Their basics video is good. I also have their Hips & Thighs, Arms and Abs. I do those on a regular basis. I also have the Mystic Dances one. Which I like - but I have to work through it slowly. I do that one in sections. I do the arms, hips and am trying to learn the turns/veil work (the turns make me dizzy so I can't do them long) It has a choreography piece to it also but I have to work up to that, once I master the turns.

I didn't think you came across as hateful at all. and I trust me I understand your frustration. It is really hard to learn from a DVD - but it can be done. (I hope so anyway because teaching locally is either... really expensive or not what I'm looking for)

good luck.

(no subject)

MEH!

no subject

Cooo

the slim down DVD.