Dancemasters Studio Makeover

Posted on February 8, 2012 by

I recently purchased Dallas’ oldest existing ballroom dance studio, Dancemasters Studio.  One of the reasons I wanted ownership of this particular studio is because this is where I first began my ballroom dance journey, some six years ago.  So I am emotionally attached for sentimental reasons.   In addition, I see great potential in this studio, and our big makeover project is underway to rejuvinate the old gal, and get her back up to speed visually.

 

Just a sample of what you will see when you visit us!  More photos and progress will be posted soon!

Posted in About Dancing, Ballroom Dancing, Competitive Dancing, Social Dancing | Tagged , , , , , , | 2 Comments

Where to Take Ballroom Dance Lessons in Dallas

Posted on December 24, 2011 by

If you are new to the Dallas area, or are just taking up ballroom dancing in Dallas, it can be difficult to know where is the best place to go to learn to dance. Should you take Group lessons or private instruction, how much do classes and lessons cost…..these are some of the questions that most new dancers have. Dancemasters Studio in Dallas makes it easy to get started.   This wonderful studio has been teaching Dallas to dance for 28 years.  They offer group dance classes at very reasonable rates, or you could take advantage of their new student special which gets you one group class and one private dance lesson.  They also offer a cool Unlimited Monthly Group Activity Pass, which allows you to take advantage of all the group classes and parties that are offered for a low flat fee.  Dancemasters Studio specializes in teaching all levels and styles of partner dancing, from newcomer to advanced dancers in ballroom, latin, salsa, and swing dancing.

In addition to Dancemasters Studio, there are loads of activities and events available throughout the Dallas area.  For a plethora of dance related information in Dallas, check out this great website:  DFWdance.info

Dancing in Dallas is plentiful and varied – something for everyone.  There is no better time to get started than right now.

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How to Enhance Your Ballroom Costume With Figure Flattering Undergarments

Posted on November 18, 2011 by

Shapewear UndergarmentBasic shapewear has evolved over the past decade, and has become necessary not only for brides, but for dancesport competitors as well.  It’s important for not only support and comfort, but for a sleek and smooth appearance.  Barenecessities.com offers a very nice hidden wire bustier which is strapless, and does a nice job of lifting and separating and enhancing your upper assets.  When wearing a dazzling ballroom dancing dress, the very last thing you want to be thinking about is whether or not your undergarment straps are peeking out of your costume, or whether your love handles are drawing more attention that your beautiful dancing.

Plunge Bustier UndergarmentSome ballroom dance costumes are designed with a deeper plunge in the center front of the bodice, and therefore, require an undergarment created for that style of gown.  Fredericks.com has just such a garment that allows for low cut or plunging necklines, and is constructed to create a perfectly smooth hourglass shape.

Regardless of the design features of your ballroom costume, every dancer wants to be sure their costumes enhance their particular body shape.  Figure flattering undergarments can create lasting impressions and be your best kept secret.  Be sure to find the one that works well for your particular ballroom dress.

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Ballroom Dancing in Dallas

Posted on November 12, 2011 by

Dallas offers Ballroom and Latin dancers so many opportunities for dancing.  The ballroom community here is very active.   If you are new to the ballroom scene, you may feel somewhat intimidated to try it.  The majority of people who try ballroom and latin dancing for the 1st time try it just for fun.   Everyone has different goals and dreams for dance which develop over time.    Some of the most popular goals for dancing include: preparing for a wedding dance, fitting in and dancing confidently at parties and social events, and dancing to compete in ballroom dance competitions.  As a new hobby or endeavor, fitting it into your schedule and your routine is a process.  To improve your ballroom and latin dance skills, it is helpful to combine several methods into this process. Group lessons, private lessons with a local dance instructor, and social dancing at least once a week are effective in advancing your skills more rapidly.

Finding a great ballroom and latin dance studio can make your dance journey fascinating and fun.  If the studio is located close to your home or work, it will facilitate your attendance for lessons.  From there, you will find a good dance instructor who will help you to develop at a faster pace.  Regular private lessons are essential to learn partnering, steps, patterns, styling, etc. and will assist you in a faster learning cycle.  I always video tape my private lessons, so I can review the material and instruction as many times as needed to enhance my comprehension.

Ballroom dancing in Dallas is an amazing and thrilling activity, provides great exercise, and an enjoyable opportunity to meet new people with similar interests.  If you think you might be interested in trying ballroom and latin dancing, start with a group lesson at a local studio to see what you think.  You might find that it is an entertaining and lively hobby.

 

 

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The Joys of Pro/Am Ballroom Dance Competition

Posted on October 19, 2011 by

Sheraton South Padre Island I recently returned from an exciting ballroom dancing competition in South Padre Island, Texas. This was the first event in the Texas Triple Crown, the South Padre Island Invitational, which will also include an event in Austin, Texas, and a new venue in Puerto Rico.  Hosted by two great event organizers, Brock Geeslin and David Martin, this pro/am ballroom competition in Padre was so special; it was held in the beautiful Pearl Resort, formerly the Sheraton Fiesta.  It is a relatively small boutique hotel, compared to other events I have attended, but this gorgeous hotel is located right on the beach, and most if not all rooms are equipped with ocean views.  So if you take the time to enjoy the tropical surroundings, there is so much to appreciate.  Small pleasures like a walk on the beach, or an outdoor table for an oceanview sunset are there for the taking.  The smell of the salty air, the sounds of the waves and the gulls, and warm sands under your feet are so refreshing after a day on the dance floor.

The best part of being away at a ballroom dance competition is the camaraderie among the ballroom community.  Amateur dancers as well as  professional competitors are such a positive and supportive group, and no matter what your level of dancing is, you feel so uplifted just being a part of this beautiful group of people.  When these pro/am couples are dancing, it is very competitive, but still everyone is so gracious and supportive.  Whether you win or lose, everyone has fun because of the shear love of dancing.  Getting to meet new people, the opportunity to reconnect with old friends, and to see some really beautiful dancers make these events a joyful thing.

There is always a sense of loss when I leave a competition, not because I don’t want to go home, but just because I don’t want to lose that sense of euphoria that being in that exciting environment brings.  The glamourous ballroom dance costumes, the wonderful music, the fellowship, cash prizes, and always the dancing…..so hard to come back to a regular life.  Makes me look forward to the next one even more.

Posted in Ballroom Dancewear, Ballroom Dancing, Competitive Dancing, Dance Apparel, Ladies Ballroom Dance Costumes | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

Custom Ballroom Costumes Made My Day

Posted on September 23, 2011 by

Feedback is fabulous – especially when it’s positive.   I got another great email today and wanted to share the love:

Hi, Nancy!
I received the two costumes today!
Thank you – the colors are perfect for me, and while i like both and they look great, the smooth dress looks particularly flattering!
Thank you!
Cheers

Theresa

It’s so nice when you order something online and receive it in the mail and quickly find out it is perfect for you.  Custom made ballroom costumes are a collaborative effort really, because we make it to your specifications and to fit your measurements.  It’s bound to be the right color and fabric because you get to choose it!  Of course, if you order something ready-made from me and it just doesn’t work for you, you can always return it – you are always protected.  But it’s so nice when you don’t have to mess with that and the item just works!  I do my best to share the sizing info and pictures and colors in a way that makes it easier for you to really figure out if the item will work for you.  Buying online doesn’t have to be a hassle, if you do it with the right company!   I so appreciate the feedback, and love hearing what people think once they get their order.  Always feel free to share your feedback.  It just makes my day!

Posted in Ballroom Dancewear, Ballroom Dancing, Competitive Dancing, Dance Apparel, Ladies Ballroom Dance Costumes, Latin Dancewear | Tagged , , | Leave a comment

How to Get Shiny Ballroom Dancesport Hair

Posted on September 18, 2011 by

Recently a customer asked me if I had any products for helping her get that wet and highly glossed look that is so predominantly seen in ballroom competition hairstyles.  While I don’t sell any particular products for hair, I do have some recommendations and some tips on how to achieve that beautiful look.

Hair and makeup for the lady in ballroom dance competitions are just as important as their ballroom dance dresses.  Updos and slicked back buns in ballroom dancing competitions are not only traditional, but also very practical because the hair is not flying around in their face or in their partner’s face.  The judges also prefer to see a competitor’s hair away from the face, smooth and confined, allowing them a view of a nice neck line (which is in high regard in dancesport).

Professional hair and makeup vendors attend most of the larger competition events, but even so, I know of many competitors who prefer to do their own make up and hair.  An elegant chignon or french twist are examples of simple hairstyles for ballroom competitions, and some that you can do yourself.  The goal is to have your hair neat and slick, with no loose, wispy strands.

Simple Chignon Hairstyle for Ballroom DancesportA secure chignon starts with freshly washed and conditioned damp hair and a ponytail. Work a light layer of gel into the length of your hair before you begin, and spray lightly as you go along. Using a fine brush and old fashioned aerosol-hairspray, brush and spray, brush and spray, smoothing down all the strands as you go.  Add in extra gel as needed to keep hair confined.  With the hair secure in a low ponytail (use several tiny rubber bands from a beauty supply), begin turning the ends either under for the chignon, or wrap to one side for the twist.  Add a rhinestone ponytail holder or barrette for pizzazz.  You can twist in sections to secure the ends if not all your hair is the same length. Use crossed bobbie pins wherever possible and plan to use as many as two dozen pins on one hairstyle.  As the gel sets, give your hair one or two more light coats of spray and lightly blow dry to set the spray (this also had a ton of shine).   I find  Frizz-Ease® 100% Shine® Glossing Mist or a similar product helps to ensure a smooth finish and beautiful shine.  And there you have it – Beautiful and shiny Dancesport hair!

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