If you're in the LA area, please SAVE THIS DATE:
Sunday, May 17th @ 2 pm.
I'm very proud and humbled to be teaching a master class at The Granada (Alhambra CA).
My passion is helping dancers get more from the music. You'll hear music differently after this workshop.
"Music for Dancers" gives you a deeper connection and a new perspective on the music. Enhance your dancing by mastering the structure, timing and feeling of the music.
Feel the music, and know it too!
Hear things you've never heard in the music, and learn structured approaches to enhancing your existing musicality.
Includes: Finding "one" and predicting musical hits, breaks and endings.
This 90 minute class provides the foundation for taking your dancing to another level.
All levels: Beginner to professional dancers and instructors.
Excellent for partner dancers AND dancers who freestyle.
Music is music, and the principles in this workshop apply to salsa, hip-hop, R&B, swing, jazz and almost any other dance music.
The example music covers a wide range of styles, from hip-hop, R&B, salsa, latin-jazz and even a heavy metal tune. Once you hear the principles, you can apply them to YOUR music, no matter which style.
I have over 70 tunes in my class play list (we never get to all of them), each included because they clearly illustrate a principle or two.
Questions: E-mail me at: DonBaarns AT Hotmail .com (Change the "At" to @ and remove the space before ".com")
Please feel free to invite other dancers, including salsa, swing, hip-hop and jazz/modern dancers. Anybody who wants to dance to the music is welcomed.
Master classes are usually $25 at the Granada, but I've worked with them and got it down to a special for $20 this time.
Address:
The Granada
17 S. First St.
Alhambra CA 91801
MAP: Click Here For Google Map
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Thursday, April 23, 2009
Slow Learner? Not Really
“Why doesn't that work for me?”
“Why do all the other kids look great and I’m struggling?”
“If I was 19 again, this would all be easy.”
“I guess I’m a slow learner, or I’m having a bad hair day.”
Ever feel silly or self-conscious in a class?
Does it seem like others are getting it faster, and you're the only one confused?
I used to think I was just slow, or maybe just slower than most of the other guys in class. Maybe you've felt the same way at points.
The instructor would show a pattern, move, or series of steps and I was confused. Sometimes I wouldn't get it during class. Other guys around me would get the moves, but I'd be missing something and feeling a little foolish. There was a glitch in my matrix, and I'd be shaking my head wondering what's wrong with me. Of course, the more I noticed the others getting it, the worse I felt.
As I’ve matured, I worry less about getting it the first time. Even if the moment isn’t fun for me, I know I'll get it at some point. Talent is wonderful, but persistence and repetition are often the difference between no-go and making it happen.
After a nap, or the next day, or seeing it the second time, and/or working the move slowly, I often have that "ah-ha" moment. Then it works for me and often wonder why it was so difficult the first time. Even with my teaching background, it's not always easy when it seems like everyone around me is getting it faster. In the heat of learning mode, some movements simply don't work for me initially.
The funny thing is that after a few months, I’m often farther along than the other guys who had it from day one. Many "got it" in class or sooner than me, but they missed the details and the finesse.
We’re all in the same boat. Some patterns or moves "feel right" in the beginning, and some go against your grain, requiring more time and effort to learn. For most, it's about relaxing and getting what you can the first time, then doing it again later, and later again if required. Competing with yourself is the best course of action, rather than worrying about how others are progressing.
Some moves take minutes, some weeks or much longer. A few may require reviewing or strengthening your fundamentals and take months or years to master. However, once you have them, they are yours forever.
Over time, "harder" moves become much easier as long as you continue to grow.
Persistence, a decent attitude, more repetition and constant learning means you'll dance better tomorrow than today. Slow or fast learner, as long as you don't quit, it works out over time.
Let me know what you do to keep the right learning perspective.
“Why do all the other kids look great and I’m struggling?”
“If I was 19 again, this would all be easy.”
“I guess I’m a slow learner, or I’m having a bad hair day.”
Ever feel silly or self-conscious in a class?
Does it seem like others are getting it faster, and you're the only one confused?
I used to think I was just slow, or maybe just slower than most of the other guys in class. Maybe you've felt the same way at points.
The instructor would show a pattern, move, or series of steps and I was confused. Sometimes I wouldn't get it during class. Other guys around me would get the moves, but I'd be missing something and feeling a little foolish. There was a glitch in my matrix, and I'd be shaking my head wondering what's wrong with me. Of course, the more I noticed the others getting it, the worse I felt.
As I’ve matured, I worry less about getting it the first time. Even if the moment isn’t fun for me, I know I'll get it at some point. Talent is wonderful, but persistence and repetition are often the difference between no-go and making it happen.
After a nap, or the next day, or seeing it the second time, and/or working the move slowly, I often have that "ah-ha" moment. Then it works for me and often wonder why it was so difficult the first time. Even with my teaching background, it's not always easy when it seems like everyone around me is getting it faster. In the heat of learning mode, some movements simply don't work for me initially.
The funny thing is that after a few months, I’m often farther along than the other guys who had it from day one. Many "got it" in class or sooner than me, but they missed the details and the finesse.
We’re all in the same boat. Some patterns or moves "feel right" in the beginning, and some go against your grain, requiring more time and effort to learn. For most, it's about relaxing and getting what you can the first time, then doing it again later, and later again if required. Competing with yourself is the best course of action, rather than worrying about how others are progressing.
Some moves take minutes, some weeks or much longer. A few may require reviewing or strengthening your fundamentals and take months or years to master. However, once you have them, they are yours forever.
Over time, "harder" moves become much easier as long as you continue to grow.
Persistence, a decent attitude, more repetition and constant learning means you'll dance better tomorrow than today. Slow or fast learner, as long as you don't quit, it works out over time.
Let me know what you do to keep the right learning perspective.
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Guys: Don't Miss the Grooming Boat
I see one of my favorite dancers and grab her between tunes while the band isn't playing (I'll call her "Julia") Before the song started, Julia blurted out, "Why do some guys have long sharp nails, and then dig them into your hands?" She was rubbing her hands trying to take away the sting from the last dance and she continued, "I was so bothered with this last guy, I finally had to tell him how much it hurt!"
"Some guys just don't get it" she complained, "trim your nails before dancing, and don't dig your fingers into our hands..." I could tell she was a little upset, and it was out of character for her. (I immediately looked down at my fingers, hoping I remembered to trim this evening.)
As guys we can have great moves, but if we miss the grooming basics, we blow the whole dance. Don't make the same mistake this guy made. It's clear to me that Julia wasn't thrilled by his grip, but if his nails weren't excessively long and scratching her, I doubt she would have said anything.
Julia is a friend, long-time salsa instructor, and someone I love dancing with anytime she is available. She's a strong, experienced dancer with a wonderful attitude. I don't remember her complaining before, and I'm sure if I was a stranger she would have kept to herself. It was like she had to tell someone or she would explode, and she knew I was the right person due to our history.
As an instructor, Julia is used to dealing with leads at all levels and I've seen her be an angel with guys who were off-time, rough, or just figuring out how basic worked. Lots of guys don't realize she can lead much better than they do. She usually goes with flow and making guys feel good about their growth, even if they're total beginners.
If she's bothered, we should take notice.
I think you get the idea that it makes sense to keep your finger nails short if you social dance. (Verifying that your grip is comfortable and not digging into your partners hands wouldn't hurt either...)
At a minimum, you should put a pair of nail clippers in your car, probably a nail file, breath mints, extra deodorant, and maybe some light cologne. Checking your nails before dancing should be part of getting dressed and grabbing your car keys before going to the club. If you miss that, check them on the drive, and fix them if appropriate.
Get over the "nail files are for girls stuff." The files take off the rough edges and some clippers leave your nails sharp, even though they are shorter after clipping. File off the rough edges; it takes all of 30 seconds and your partners will indirectly appreciate it.
The fact is they won't notice if it's right, but like bad breath, when it's wrong it's a major negative and you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Since we are on the subject, don't offend women with things we can easily fix. Being prepared is half the battle.
In my case, I have a gym bag that I throw in the car every time I go dancing. It's my shaving kit on steroids. It's evolved over a few years and sometimes you'd think I was preparing for an earthquake or camping trip. It has all my grooming essentials including breath mints, gum, electric razor, an extra shirt, socks, hair spray, brush, undies, alternate shoes (jazz sneakers), along with a couple energy bars, ear plugs, pens and anything else I think I might ever need before or after dancing. For a while it had a hammer (long story).
I don't have to think about it most of time; I just grab it as I head out the door. I restock it regularly, but as a rule it's ready to go without much thought. If I notice my nails are extra long on the way to the club, I grab the clippers or nail file and hack away as needed. If I don't have enough breath mints in my pocket, my bag is stocked with extras.
You should create your own kit. At least be sure you have nail clippers, breath mints and other grooming essentials. Grow as you see fit, and throw it in the car as you're going out the door. Then you don't have to remember the details each time, and over time it becomes your "dance bag".
Let me know what you're doing to be prepared for dancing. And ladies, please tell us guys what grooming essentials you find critical. We may not want to hear it, but we need to know your point of view on this subject.
"Some guys just don't get it" she complained, "trim your nails before dancing, and don't dig your fingers into our hands..." I could tell she was a little upset, and it was out of character for her. (I immediately looked down at my fingers, hoping I remembered to trim this evening.)
As guys we can have great moves, but if we miss the grooming basics, we blow the whole dance. Don't make the same mistake this guy made. It's clear to me that Julia wasn't thrilled by his grip, but if his nails weren't excessively long and scratching her, I doubt she would have said anything.
Julia is a friend, long-time salsa instructor, and someone I love dancing with anytime she is available. She's a strong, experienced dancer with a wonderful attitude. I don't remember her complaining before, and I'm sure if I was a stranger she would have kept to herself. It was like she had to tell someone or she would explode, and she knew I was the right person due to our history.
As an instructor, Julia is used to dealing with leads at all levels and I've seen her be an angel with guys who were off-time, rough, or just figuring out how basic worked. Lots of guys don't realize she can lead much better than they do. She usually goes with flow and making guys feel good about their growth, even if they're total beginners.
If she's bothered, we should take notice.
I think you get the idea that it makes sense to keep your finger nails short if you social dance. (Verifying that your grip is comfortable and not digging into your partners hands wouldn't hurt either...)
At a minimum, you should put a pair of nail clippers in your car, probably a nail file, breath mints, extra deodorant, and maybe some light cologne. Checking your nails before dancing should be part of getting dressed and grabbing your car keys before going to the club. If you miss that, check them on the drive, and fix them if appropriate.
Get over the "nail files are for girls stuff." The files take off the rough edges and some clippers leave your nails sharp, even though they are shorter after clipping. File off the rough edges; it takes all of 30 seconds and your partners will indirectly appreciate it.
The fact is they won't notice if it's right, but like bad breath, when it's wrong it's a major negative and you will be remembered for all the wrong reasons.
Since we are on the subject, don't offend women with things we can easily fix. Being prepared is half the battle.
In my case, I have a gym bag that I throw in the car every time I go dancing. It's my shaving kit on steroids. It's evolved over a few years and sometimes you'd think I was preparing for an earthquake or camping trip. It has all my grooming essentials including breath mints, gum, electric razor, an extra shirt, socks, hair spray, brush, undies, alternate shoes (jazz sneakers), along with a couple energy bars, ear plugs, pens and anything else I think I might ever need before or after dancing. For a while it had a hammer (long story).
I don't have to think about it most of time; I just grab it as I head out the door. I restock it regularly, but as a rule it's ready to go without much thought. If I notice my nails are extra long on the way to the club, I grab the clippers or nail file and hack away as needed. If I don't have enough breath mints in my pocket, my bag is stocked with extras.
You should create your own kit. At least be sure you have nail clippers, breath mints and other grooming essentials. Grow as you see fit, and throw it in the car as you're going out the door. Then you don't have to remember the details each time, and over time it becomes your "dance bag".
Let me know what you're doing to be prepared for dancing. And ladies, please tell us guys what grooming essentials you find critical. We may not want to hear it, but we need to know your point of view on this subject.
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