Learn how to master the art of the 60’s twist dance quickly with our step-by-step tutorial. Find out where the Twist came from and how it rose in popularity! Then get ready to twist and shout on the dance floor!

Where did the 60’s Twist Dance Come From?

Did you ever wonder where dance trends come from? I like to question everything. From a one hit wonder to a dance trend that rocked the world, the twist is an awesome dance to pick up quick!

The Twist began with hip kids on the street. In the 50’s Ray Anthony saw some San Francisco High schoolers doing their own conga, so he wrote the bunny hop to go with the moves. In the late 50’s Hank Ballard saw some kids twisting and gyrating, so he wrote the original version of the twist.

Chubby Checker and the Twist

You can’t talk about the twist without mentioning Chubby Checker. Born as, Ernest Evans and he was re-branded Chubby Checker by Dick Clark’s wife as a hat tip to Fats Dominoe.  After re-writing the twist at the request of Dick Clark for his show, the song and dance became a worldwide hit.

The twist hit the top of the billboards twice, once in 1960, then again in 1962. It inspired the Pony, Watusi, Mashed Potato, and Funky Chicken. Although they were not as popular as the twist, they featured a breaking away from traditional partnership dances.

How to Dance the Twist

The basic description is to stand with feet hip width apart with elbows bent and twist like you are grinding a cigarette out with both toes and pulling a towel across your behind.

Step 1 Twist center
twist both heals right and left with hands pulling forward and back in time to the music. For fun add an elevation change and get down low, then come back up.

Step 2 Twist right and left.

Shift weight to the left and twist with right foot tapping the ground or in the ait. Repeat to the right

Step 3 Toe heal swivel
Twist tapping right toe in, right heal out, step across slow. Repeat to the left.

Step 4 Twist turning right and left.
stand on your right foot turning to your right as you twist on one foot. Repeat to the left.

Holly Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips,Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
Chairperson of
Spirit Dancer FBO Project
Adventures in Dance Club
1500 W. Littleton Blvd. #207
Littleton Co 80120
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
https://www.facebook.com/AdventuresInDance

Blog

Left foot special

Wedding special

Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,

History of Ballroom Dance

References

Yeah Yeah by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

Jumpin Boogie Woogie by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

Artist: http://audionautix.com/

The post Master The Art of 60’s Twist Dance Quickly first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Squirrels are a common part of life and a tool I use to teach with every day. For years my students have brought me squirrels and told me about famous squirrels like President Roosevelt squirrel Pete (for Pete’s sake), Marvel comics Squirrel girl, and recently Ratatoskr the Norse squirrel God. For Squirrel appreciation day I simplified Vahala Calling line dance for the Norse Squirrel God, Ratatoskr.

Norse squirrel God Ratatoskr

Norse mythology centers around the tree of life Yggdrasill. At the top is the eagle, and at the root is the serpent Níðhöggr. From treetop to root the squirrel Ratatoskr delivers messages from eagle to serpent and back again. This squirrel had appeared in Squirrel girl episodes, as well as in the game “God of War.” This makes Ratatoskr my top pick for famous squirrels to feature in my dance on Squirrel appreciation day Jan 21.

Valhalla Calling

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the ancient hall where fallen Norse warriors spend their afterlife. The musical group “Miracle sound” was inspired by Vikings and the Norse legends. They spent copious time researching the Norse mythology to create this “composition that pays homage to Viking warriors and their quest for eternal glory.” It is also my inspiration for a Squirrel God line dance. I saw the Claudia Arndt line dance and was inspired to simplify it to fit my line dance class.

Valhalla Calling Ratatoskr Squirrel God Dance How To.

Begin with vocals 4 walls.

Section 1 tap, tap tripple.

Right foot tap forward tap side coaster step 1,2,3&4

Left foot tap forward tap side, hook side close turn ¼ to Left 5,6,7&8.

Section 2 Cha and Walk around turn ¼ to right.

Rt rock forward cha cha side ¼ to rt 1,2 3&4.

Lf Walk around turn ¼ turn scallop walk side close 5,6,7&8.

Section 3 toe heal coaster.

Rf 1,2 toe heal coaster step 3&4.

Lf 5,6 toe heal coaster step 7&8.

Section 4 Side rock and Cuban break

RF side rock 1,2 Cuban break Rf fwd. 3&4.

LF side rock 5, replace to Rf 6 LF Wat ½ turn (7&8).

Repeat from the beginning.

Video

Inspired by the line dance Claudia Arndt Choreograpy.

Background – Redwoods from my trip to Henny Cowell Redwoods State Park in Ca.

Ratatoskr Norse Squirrel God 1,2,3: Holly Tomazin.

Filmed on location at Adventures in Dance Club.

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.norsemythology.org/other/ratatoskr

https://mythology.net/norse/norse-creatures/ratatoskr/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yggdrasil

https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-valhalla-calling-feat-peyton-parrish-by-miracle-of-sound/

The post Valhalla Calling Ratatoskr Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Do you celebrate summer fun? The change from winter to summer was celebrated with dancing around the Maypole. This tradition of Maypole dancing is a great way to celebrate the new season. is a joyous way to celebrate the start of spring with the Oak King and Ivy Queen.

History of Maypole dance:

Dancing around a Maypole is a jubilant celebration of new life and spring. Scholar Carl Wilhelm Von Sydow stated that Maypoles were built “simply” as “signs that the happy season of warmth and comfort had returned.” The Maypole has been traced back to Greek and Roman times. The month of May is named after the Greek goddess Maia and the oldest recorded Maypole is accredited to the Roman Goddess Bona Dea, or Fauna. Flora the goddess of flowers was honored with the festival of Floralia, which is also accredited with celebrating with a Maypole.

Roman Maypole Mythology:

Separately, in Roman mythology there is a “story of Cybele, whose lover, Attis (Phrygian god of vegetation), was gored by a wild boar and bled to death under a pine tree. The distraught Cybele believed that the spirit of Attis had been transferred to the tree, so she had it cut down and brought back to Rome, where it was decorated with flowers and garlands. A period of mourning was then observed after which Attis’s spirit was resurrected and restored to Cybele, symbolizing the rebirth of all living things in the spring. “As a result of this tale, “a ‘sacred pine of Attis’ was taken in procession, or on a chariot, to the temple of Cybele (the Anatolian Mother Goddess of flowers and fruitfulness) and set up for veneration.”(1) 

Historic Celebration:

The first of May has been celebrated as the Crowning of the May Queen (or Ivy Queen), and her marriage to the Oak King. They would unite with a hand fasting, a tying to signify their union, & untying to signify their willingness to remain together, of a ribbon in a figure 8 about their wrists. This is where the term “Tying the knot” came from. They would then celebrate by dancing around the Maypole. Many May celebrations include the crowning of the May queen followed by dancing around a Maypole.

Spiritual Roots:

The Maypole has spiritual roots. It is associated with a celebration of the tree of life. The pole is said to represent the earth joining the air or sky in the ring. It has also been related to the tree as masculine energy, and the ribbons and the ring as feminine energy. In different cultures the ribbons have various colors and numbers of ribbons. The 7 colors of the rainbow can be used to coordinate to represent the Chakra system, crowned by the wreath representing the crown chakra. In numerology it is said to represent the number 10, the pole is 1 and the wreath and the dance ringing it is 0. Climbing the pole is also ascribed with ascending the spiritual path. The Maypole also is related to cones of energy; Pyramids, Tepees and Christmas trees also represent a cone of energy. Although there is no direct connection here it was mentioned often in the reading I did. These cones are also said to point our way to the next life, or heaven. 

Catholic Maypole Celebrations:

Mary mother of Jesus is crowned on the first of May, same as the May Queen. This practice dates to the Middle Ages and was officially established in the 17^th century. Various churches incorporated the Maypole in their May festivities. Villagers gathered around a “Summer Rod” at Holy Trinity Church in Exeter, United Kingdom in 1588. Geoffrey Chaucer, the English poet, even mentions an annual Maypole at St Andrew Undershaft. In 1955 Pope Pius XII dedicated May 1st to St Joseph the worker. Other sources suggest the tree represents St. Joseph, and the wreath the crowning of St. Mary, mother of Jesus.

Jessica in her blog A Shower of Roses talks about the “Maypole and our Beautiful Catholic Faith.” She describes how she used it for a Pentecost celebration. Her version includes ascribing the aspects of faith to the colors of the ribbons, and the weaving of the ribbons as tying our faith together into something beautiful.

A 1660 quote from Robert Herrick, The Maypole:

“The May-pole is up,

Now give me the cup;

I’ll drink to the garlands around it;

But first unto those

Whose hands did compose

The glory of flowers that crown’d it”

Maypole Comes to America

When settlers came to America in 1627 Thomas Morton set up a Maypole and danced with the village maidens, creating a stir. Today, many American groups dance the Maypole dance to acknowledge the renewal of nature in Spring. It is traditionally danced on or around the first of May, the summer solstice, or even the end of summer.

The Maypole influences the Liberty Pole:

The Liberty pole is very similar to the Maypole. It is a tree or lance topped with a Phrygian cap, or Liberty cap. The symbol began after Caeser was killed by “Liberators” in 44 BCE, who paraded through town with a Pileaus cap, (known as a freed slave cap) on the tip of their weapons, representing freedom from oppression. And, in Europe in 1750, a monument on Sir George Bowes set up a bronze female figure wearing a cap of liberty on a pole. During the stamp act of 1756 until its repeal in 1766, the Sons of Liberty to erected liberty poles as a signal to meet and discuss defiance to oppression in America. These morphed into Liberty Trees, and the first was in Boston 1765. Liberty trees then spread to France in 1790, where they planted young trees as a symbol of the French revolution. In 1792 the Liberty Tree was officially adopted as the symbol of national freedom, revolution, and an everlasting Republic in America.

Workers Maypole becomes Labor Day:

The Maypole even influenced Labor Day worldwide. In 1894 Walter Crane declared the Worker’s Maypole to represent the cause of the employer’s liability, eight-hour workdays, and the feeding of children. It represented the demands of the international labor movement. In 1886, May 1^st in the US and Canada declared that workers hours should be shortened to 9 hr. day. This was ignored by employers, so workers went on strike May 1^st.  The Haymaker riot in Chicago, Il. This lead to the declaration that May 1, 1890, would be Labor Day, or international workers day, to bring attention to beneficial working conditions. Because of the association with the Haymaker riot, U.S. President Grover Cleaveland picked the first weekend of September to celebrate Labor Day. Now, Canada and the United States of America celebrate Labor Day at the end of summer. That is how the Maypole came to be danced at the end of summer for Labor Day. Over time the Maypole has become a fun activity to celebrate. Enjoy this Maypole how to with the Oak King and Ivy Queen.

How to dance around a Maypole with the Oak King & Ivy Queen:

Easy Maypole Weave.

Gather around the maypole and alternate gentlemen and women or count off 1,2 around the pole. 1’s travel to the right passing outside then inside the 2’s. 2’s travel to the left passing inside then outside of the 1’s. Continue until the ribbon is completely woven around the pole and tied off with a bow.

All the way to Galaway Level 1 maypole dance.

Gather around the maypole and alternate gentlemen and women or count off 1,2 around the pole.

First Section 16 counts: 1’s proceed forward to pole 8 counts, then 8 counts retreat backward to starting position.

Second 16 counts: 2’s proceed forward to the pole 8 counts, then 8 counts retreat backward to starting position.

Third Section 8 counts: Everyone takes 8 steps on the beat to the left.

Fourth Section 8 counts: Everyone takes 8 steps on the beat to the left.

Video

Song:

Galway royalty free music. Normally danced to the song “All the way to Galway.”

Our Location

We returned to the historic Arapahoe Spring now in summer. It was completed in 1936 as a picnic area and water resource for car radiators on the way to Bergen peak west of Evergreen Colorado. It I now on a Colorado jeep road once Squaw Pass Road was moved.

Cast

Ivy Queen – Holly Tomazin

Oak King – Craig tomazin

Captain Mud beard- Key Wyble

Celtic Captain – Troy Brasch

Holly Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://Maypoleofwisdom.com/blog/

https://www.learnreligions.com/history-of-the-Maypole-2561629

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Maypole

https://tradamis.org/Maypolehistory.html

http://www.Maypoledance.com/Maypoledance.html

https://Maypoleofwisdom.com/wisdom-of-life-crossed/

https://www.goddessandgreenman.co.uk/beltane

https://celestialelf.wordpress.com/tag/oak/

https://www.learnreligions.com/the-legend-of-the-may-queen-2561660

https://www.sarahmcaleerjewellerysmith.com/en-us/blogs/jewellery-stories/the-symbolic-origins-of-may-day-the-pole-the-queen-and-jumping-through-fire

https://asthecrowflies-raven.blogspot.com/2011/05/may-day-Maypole-may-queen-what-is-it.html

https://www.circlesanctuary.org/index.php/celebrating-the-seasons/beltane-lore-rites

https://time.com/4305252/controversial-Maypole-history/

http://www.barwickinelmethistoricalsociety.com/0503.html

https://www.learnreligions.com/history-of-the-Maypole-2561629

https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Maypole-and-Maypole-Dances-through-History

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Symbolism_in_the_French_Revolution

https://www.history.com/news/liberty-trees-symbol-revolutionary-war

https://www.wikiwand.com/en/Liberty_pole

https://www.voanews.com/a/usa_why-american-labor-day-september/6174955.html Historic maypole video https://youtu.be/nU62gpI7WgQ?si=52dnwPlKdjIjzTZn

The post Oak King & Ivy Queen Maypole Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Dance offs are so exciting. Puss & Boots and Kitty Soft paws do a highly entertaining dance off in both of their movies. Latin inspired music and fancy footwork make this fabulous. This inspired me produce this Puss in Boots Paso Doble Line Dance.

History of Puss in Boots

Stories of animal helpers are an ancient idea that cross all cultures. The first published version of Puss in Boots was an Italian tale called Cagliuso written in 1550. This animal helper is a female fairy cat who helped her master gain fame and fortune. By 1679 Charles Perrault published Puss in Boots as a tomcat committed to helping his master, the miller’s son, get the gold and the girl.  Ironically, I adopted the Miller’s cat, she got the boy, and lived happily ever after. Enchanting.

Don Quixote influences in Shrek Puss in Boots

The Shrek Puss in Boots is heavily influenced by Don Quixote. He is a cavalier fella who fights for chivalrous love. He is in love with adventure and helping others. The DreamWorks Adventures of Puss in Boots is spaghetti western style. In this series of short adventures Puss has feelings for Dulcinea. Dulcinea, meaning sweetness, is the made-up name of the woman that Don Quixote is infatuated with. The same name is used for the sweet kitty protecting San Lorenzo that Puss tries to protect from thieves. After many adventures, Puss must leave San Lorenzo to protect it. He leaves Dulcinea behind with her village to ride off into the sunset remembering her only as a dream, or unrequited love.

Cat woman and Kitty Softpaws

Kitty Soft Paws is the romantic interest of the feature film Puss in Boots. She is a clever thief who also sports boots. Very a likely a throwback to the original Italian puss in boots. In the Italian-speaking world, cunning is usually attached to a female cat. As Puss says, “Kitty? You are not as good as they say. You are better.” She is a well-groomed cat who is no damsel in distress. This clever kitty keeps her cool in tense situations as well as her sense of humor.  According to DreamWorks, her mask was inspired by Batman. Kitty’s talents were inspired by batman’s love interest, Cat woman.

History of the Paso doble

The paso doble has roots in the Fandango. This saucy folk dance was done by early gypsies and was banned in 1776. The Fandango and castanets were associated with disorder and rebellion. Once it could no longer be repressed, the Fandango became the influencer of Flamenco, Tango, and Paso Doble. Some historians claim that Paso Doble music dates to Spain in 1780. A French march dance called the Paso Redouble developed around the same time. By the 1800’s the Paso Doble music was used by bullfighters as they entered the ring. It resurfaced in southern France by the border to Spain in the 1920’s featuring the bullfighter and his cape as the theme for the dance.

Puss in Boots Paso Doble Line Dance How To

Puss in Boots and Kitty Softpaws have a Tuesday dance battle at the milk club named the “(G)Litter Box.”  They battle with a flamenco inspired dance off. We used a line dance Paso Doble for this epic dance battle. Additionally, we put it in a line dance format. Dulcinea from the Adventures of Puss in Boots demonstrated the easy version. Kitty Softpaws demonstrated the full version. Have fun learning the Puss in Boots Paso Doble.

Step 1 8 Count Surplase- March in place right, left 8 counts.

Step 2 Apel & three step turn- Drop to right foot, step forward left foot. Close right foot to left foot turning to left, step forward right foot. Count 1,2,3,4.

Step 3 Spanish taps – Forward right foot, side left foot turning right, back right foot tap left foot 5.6.7.8, step forward left foot 1, tap right foot behind 2& set right foot down 3, tap left foot 4, repeat with the left foot. 5,6,7,8, 1, 2& 3,4

Step 4 Close and Drag- Forward right foot 1, close left foot to right foot 2, side right foot 3, close left foot to right foot 4.

Step 5 4 count Surplase- March in place right, left 4 counts.

Step 6 Separation- Apel by setting right foot down 5, back up left 6, right 7, close left to right 8, Step forward right left for 1,2,3,4

Step 7 syncopated taps- Close right to left foot & point Left foot 5 hold 6. Close Left to right foot & point right foot 7 hold 8.

Repeat steps 5,6,7

Step 8 Boto Fogo or step side rock- Step forward right foot 1, side left foot 2, replace weight to right foot 3, position held 4. Step forward left foot 5, side right foot 6, replace weight to left foot 7, position held 8.

Step 9 Check and chasse- Forward right foot 1, replace weight to left foot 2, side right foot 3, close left to right foot &, side right foot 4, forward left foot 5, replace weight to right foot 6, side left foot 7, close right to left foot &, side left foot 8.

Repeat steps 8 & 9

Song Famous Fearless Hero from Puss in Boots the Last Wish.

Location

We were privileged to film at Kate’s Wine Bar in Historic Downtown Littleton. This historic location at 5671 S. Nevada Street was originally a bank, and still has the bank vault door in the corner to the basement. Long time patrons Darren and Amber Hamman seized the opportunity to purchase the bar after COVID. They have been delighting patrons with their warm and friendly ways since. Stop in for a sip and a trip back in time. www.kateswinebar.com

Cast

Puss in Boots, Handy Husband Craig Tomazin

Kitty Softpaws Holly Tomazin

Dulcinea Holly Tomazin

Holly Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murray’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
Chairman of the board
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.masterclass.com/articles/paso-doble-dance-explained

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pasodoble

https://www.wikidancesport.com/wiki/42/paso-doble

https://www.instepdance.co.nz/paso%20doble.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don_Quixote

https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/where-examples-theme-love-don-quixote-3760

https://theadventuresofpussinboots.fandom.com/wiki/History_of_Puss_and_Dulcinea%E2%80%99s_Relationship

https://shrek.fandom.com/wiki/Dulcinea

https://shrek.fandom.com/wiki/Kitty_Softpaws

https://dreamworks.fandom.com/wiki/Kitty_Softpaws

https://second.wiki/wiki/cagliuso

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Puss_in_Boots

https://filmschoolrejects.com/aural-fixation-puss-in-boots-not-your-ordinary-dance-movie-56050dc7a84b/

The post Puss in Boots Paso Doble Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Christmas is a happy holiday with many German inspired traditions. Traditions like gingerbread houses and polka dancing. So, we have put together a how to for the Christmas Polka line dance.

Gingerbread and Christmas

Gingerbread at Christmas dates to the middle ages. From there gingerbread men were made popular by Queen Elizabeth. German bakers then began to build whimsical houses out of gingerbread. In the Victorian era gingerbread houses took a leap in popularity due to the Grim Brothers story Hansel and Gretel. From there gingerbread houses have remained a popular Christmas tradition.

German Polka

Polka (link) is another popular German Christmas dance. Originating in Bohemia (link), it rose in popularity during the Victorian era. It was so popular that the polka dot was named after it. Turning the polka from a partnership dance into a line dance is a delightful way to experience this Christmas dance. We chose the prince and princess of gingerbread Hansel & Gretel to demonstrate how to dance the Christmas polka in front of their gingerbread house.

Christmas Polka Line Dance How To

Step 1

Side Polka step with back rock right and left.

Triple step to right (right side, left close to right, right side) count 1&2.

Back rock (right foot back, replace weight to left foot) count 3,4.

Triple to the left (left side, right close, left side) count 5&6.

Back rock (left back, replace right) count 7,8.

Step 2

Polka steps forward.

Triple forward (right foot forward, close left to right, right foot forward) count 1&2

Triple forward (left foot forward, close right to left, left foot forward.) count 3&4,

Step 3

About face and stomp.

Walk around turn (forward right foot turn 180 to right, replace weight to left foot) count 5,6.

Stomp right foot 7, stomp left foot 8.

*Repeat from the top until the end of the song.

Song:

Christmas polka
On a side note, this line dance can also be used for Oktoberfest when change the song to the Beer Barrel Polka, or any other good German polka song of your choosing.

Location:

Adventures in Dance in Littleton Colorado on the super-secret second floor of what was once the historic Fox movie theatre.

Cast:

Hansel- Craig Tomazin

Gretel- Holly Tomazin

Holly Collins-Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
For dance tips,
join my email

Resources

https://ourpastimes.com/history-of-german-folk-dance-12343546.html

https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/un-christmassy-origin-gingerbread-houses-180967461/ https://www.pookpress.co.uk/project/hansel-and-gretel-history/

The post Christmas Polka Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Do you love Halloween? I love giving treats to random strangers. So treat yourself to some fun Monster Line Dances for your holiday festivities.

Hocus Pocus One Way Or Another Line Dance –Learn More

La Muerte – Day of the Dead – Live Life Line Dance Learn more

Thriller Zombie Line Dance–Learn More

Addams Family Theme Line Dance- Learn More

When You’re An Addams– Learn More

The Lurch Line dance- Learn More 

The Werewolf Watusi Featuring Ruby Red Riding Hood- Learn More

Munster’s Monster Mash– Learn More

Addams Family Dance Page- Learn More

Hocus Pocus I put a spell on you Halloween Line Dance How To– Learn More

The post Halloween Monster Line Dance first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

The Fabulous fifties are a great period. From race cars to poodle skirts, this is a fun era. Films like “American Graffiti” and “Grease” paid tribute to the stroll dance mixer. After doing an “American Graffiti” photo shoot for the Historic Elitch Theatre, I thought I would share how to dance the stroll.

History of the Stroll

The stroll was reported in 1957 by Billboard as a new dance craze. That same year the Diamonds had a hit song named the “Stroll.” By 1958 the stroll was featured on a local TV show in Idaho as one of the biggest dance crazes from American Bandstand. From there It became the feature dance on the TV show “Soul Train.”

The Stroll Dance Mixer How To

The stroll begins with two lines of dancers, gentlemen on one side and ladies facing them. While in line they keep time with the basic stroll movement described below. When they get to the top of the line, facing partners will “stroll” to the bottom of the line improvising their favorite dance moves.

Stroll basic movement

Gentlemen

1. Side left foot tap right foot 3 times, (Step left foot side, tap right foot in front, side, front. Count 1,2,3,4,)
2. Side, cross behind right (Step side right foot, cross left foot behind right foot count 5,6)
3. Side right foot tap left foot 3 times. (Step right foot side, tap left foot in front, side, in front Count 1,2,3,4,)
4. Side cross behind left (side left foot, cross right foot behind left foot count 5,6)
5. Repeat from the top until you are at the top of the line
6. At the top of the line improvise your favorite moves down the line
7. At the bottom get back in line and repeat the basic movement.

Ladies

1. Side right foot tap left foot 3 times. (Step right foot side, tap left foot in front, side, in front Count 1,2,3,4,)
2. Side cross behind left (side left foot, cross right foot behind left foot count 5,6)
3. Side left foot tap right foot 3 times, (Step left foot side, tap right foot in front, side, front. Count 1,2,3,4,)
4. Side, cross behind right (Step side right foot, cross left foot behind right foot count 5,6)
5. Repeat from the top until you are at the top of the line
6. At the top of the line improvise your favorite moves down the line
7. At the bottom get back in line and repeat the basic movement.

Song:

“The Stroll” by the Diamonds.

Film Locations

We filmed in two locations. The dance demonstration was filmed in front of Local 46 on Tennyson street in Denver with the friends of Historic Elitch Theatre. Dancers included Tim Nikkel, Tawyna Studdard Sarah Mares Angelic O’Halloren, Collette Susman, Jessica Virgo, Craig & Holly Tomazin.

The dance tutorial was filmed in front of the historic Olinger Moore Howard Chapel on Tennyson street Denver. The narrator is Holly Tomazin, sporting her great aunt Nelle’s blue dress she wore as miss Trinidad in 1950. Holly is assisted by her handy husband, Craig.

Last of all is a photo from the American Graffiti shoot taken on the lawn of the Historic Elitch Theatre by Aaron Virgo. Featured in that photo were Michael Bliss, Tim Nikkel, Tawyna Studdard Jesse Lockwood, Amanda Blackwood, Sarah Mares, Ruiari Sussman, Jimmy & Angelic O’Halloren, Collette Susman, Jessica Virgo, George the poodle, Craig & Holly Tomazin.

Thank you to everyone for all you do.

Holly Collins
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
For dance tips,
join my email

References

http://www.vintageinn.ca/tag/the-stroll/

http://socialdance.stanford.edu/syllabi/teen_dances.htm

https://dance.lovetoknow.com/The_Stroll_50s_Dance

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Stroll

1958 stroll mixer https://youtu.be/UrGLNtZ0rEg

Stroll 2 https://youtu.be/aEGMm0Dgsbs

The post The Stroll Dance Mixer How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

The holidays bring out the best in everyone. So, the students at Adventures in dance brought out their best dance moves for the Nutcracker Ball showcase. From Waltz to swing, students had fun strutting their stuff.

Nutcracker Ball Waltz Set

After dancers warmed up their moves, guests took their seats for the opening set.  In a very Victorian manner, the first dance performed was a slow waltz. Couples included Larry & Sheryl Gray, Kevin Rudolph & Valerie Wassill, and Melvin Marcusson with Holly Tomazin. Melvin got to take his seat as the remaining couples then took a turn dancing a Viennese Waltz.

Nutcracker Ball Spanish set

The second set delved into Latin dance. The dance of the Spanish bullfighter, Paso Doble started the second set. Strutting their stuff were Shayao & Sabrina McFarland dancing with Craig Tomazin & William Hooker, and Melvin with Holly. Shayao & Sabrina remained on the floor for a Jumping Jive routine.

Swing Solo

Solo’s are a great way to work on your dance to your favorite songs. Craig Tomazin’ s new student Rhiannon Tran delighted the audience with her swing solo.  She rocked a red fringe dress with a lovely rose in her hair.

Nutcracker Ball Latin Set

The third set went south of the border. Sporting a cheeky Cha-cha Shayao & Craig performed opposite Sabrina & William. Melvin & Holly then joined them for a romantic Rumba to finish this set. 

Nutcracker Ball Samba Set

Everyone was enchanted with the Samba this year. All our couples took to the floor to demonstrate their hot Brazilian moves. Levels varied from bouncing Bronze to grand Gold moves. Everyone had a great time dancing together.

History of Samba Show

When the last award was given to gracious dancers, the staff took the floor. This year the show was the history of Samba. Starting with the Victorian era Maxie to the Samba as we know it today Adventures in Dance put on an entertaining show.

Dinner

The afternoon was full of nutcracker themed appetizers. Clara’s ciders and teas, Nutcracker’s nuts & seeds, Mouse King’s cheese and crackers, and Sugar Plum Fairy’s fruits and sugar plums. With the last dance completed it was time to dine on delicacies. Dinner included Peppered beef with rice, a hearty minestrone soup with sausage, spinach salad with warm bacon dressing. For dessert we had a white chocolate and strawberry Christmas tree. No one left hungry.

Holly Collins
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
The Knot best wedding dance Winner,
Winner of top 50 Dance Blogs
Top dance blog names Winner
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
For dance tips,
join my email

The post Nutcracker Ball Showcase Dinner & Dance first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Do you love swing dance? I do. I have created a page all about swing dance. I have the histories and stories about where swing has come from and what it looks like today. Check out the swing dance timeline as well.

Swing Dance Timeline

1910 Texas Tommy–
The first recorded swing dance was the Texas tommy, which appeared in 1910 in a San Francisco publication. This was a short-lived dance, and quickly disappeared

1923 Charleston
In 1923 the song “Charleston” became a hit.  James Johnson would travel up to Harlem to dance at the Jungle Casino and was inspired by these dancers to write this famous tune.

1927 Lindy hop / Jitterbug
This swing’s first official day was in 1927 at the Savoy ballroom, when a dancer nicknamed “Shorty George” looked at the news stand, and declared that they were dancing the Lindy Hop (named for Lindbergh’s flight ‘hop’ to Paris). Lindy Hop came out of the black bottom, shag, and the Charleston, and was later re-named the Jitterbug.

1937 Jive
The international Jive is the European version of the jitterbug. It was brought to Europe in 1937 in advance of the war.

1940 Triple Time Swing
The American swing we do today was a simplification of the Lindy Hop and the foxtrot. It was developed by Arthur Murray in 1940’s to help the average student enjoy swing dancing

1947 West coast swing
The West Coast Swing is descended from the lindy hop. It was first noted as the, “Sophisticated Swing.” By 1947 Arthur Murray was sending his staff out to document all the varieties of swing. One of his staff on the west coast, Lauré Haile, documented the western swing. Her work was published in 1951 for the Arthur Murray studios

1950 Rock & Roll swing
Swing saw a revival in the late 1950’s-1960’s with the rise of rock and roll. American bandstand featured swing dancers dancing to tunes like Rock Around the Clock for raving fans.

1972 Hustle
The Hustle dance began in the Latin Harlem of New York around 1972 and quickly took over the Discotheques.

Links to more Swing dance History

Swing Dance History

Lindy Hop – Read More

Jive, the European interpretation of the American swing–Read More

Swing – Read More

West Coast Swing– Read More

Hustle– Read More

Holly Collins Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
For dance tips,
join my email

The post Swing Dance Page first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

The Addams Family is a kooky family that everyone can relate to. For Halloween the Addams Family Theme line dance is a fun option. William Hooker put together this fun line dance variation for the Monday night ladies dance aerobics class. I am sure you will enjoy it as much as they do.

Princess of Darkness:

So how can the Addams Family be included in my princess dances. Someone must be princess of darkness, and Morticia Addams fits the bill. She is a witch of noble decent. She is the matriarch of the Goth movement and encourages all young ladies to embrace the color black.

More about Morticia Addams:

Her motto is, ‘Sic gorgiamus allos subjectatos nun’: ‘We gladly feast on those who would subdue us.’
Fitting for someone who’s name was derived from the word Mortician. Morticia also was the inspiration for the Rocky and Bullwinkle villain Natasha Fatal.

Hobbies:

Morticia has many hobbies. She likes cutting roses from their stems, cooking up spells, playing music, and dancing. She and Gomez can be caught dancing a mamuska (polish for mama), a mazurka waltz, or a tango. This line dance would have been a family favorite.

Addams Family Theme Line Dance How To:

This is a simple line dance turning to two walls. You should not break a sweat with this little line dance to the “Addams Family Theme” by the Hit Crew. As Lurch would say, “Follow Me.”

First section snaps and chasse (side steps):

• Form a line facing your first wall. After the pickup riff (ba, da da dum 1& a 2) Lift your right hand and snap two times (3,4).
• After the pickup riff (ba, da da dum 5 & a 6) Lift you left hand and snap two times (7,8).
• Side close to right for 6 steps, (1 right foot side, 2 left foot closes, repeat for 3,4,5,6)
• Snap both hands (7,8).
• Pickup riff (ba, da da dum 1& a 2) Lift your right hand and snap two times (3,4).
• Pickup riff (ba, da da dum 5 & a 6) Lift you left hand and snap two times (7,8).
• Side close to left for 6 steps, (1 right foot side, 2 left foot closes, repeat for 3,4,5,6).
• Snap both hands (7,8).

Second Section grapevines and turns:

• Grapevine to right – 1 Right foot side, 2 left foot crosses behind right foot, 3 right foot side, 4 left foot taps next to right foot and snap.
• Grapevine to left – 5 Left foot side, 6 right foot crosses behind left foot, 7 left foot side, 8 right foot taps next to left foot and snap.
• Forward steps- 1 Right foot forward, 2 left foot forward, 3 right foot forward, 4 left foot forward.
• Turn and snap- 5 right foot forward turning ½ tun to left (left shoulder back) 6 replace weight to left foot, 7 tap right foot next to left foot, 8 snap

Dance in this order

• Open with First section snaps and chasse (side steps)
• Second Section grapevines and turns two times
• Repeat First section snaps and chasse (side steps)
• Second Section grapevines and turns
• Pause for 4 beat riffs
• Second Section grapevines and turns
• End with First section snaps and chasse (side steps)

Location:

Thank you to Mile High Memorials for letting us use their mock graveyard. Remember them for your memorials 5612 S Nevada St, Littleton, CO 80120 (303) 794-3443. Our photo shoot location was the back alley at Reinke Bro. Costumes 5663 S Prince St, Littleton, CO 80120 (303) 795-5006.

Photographer:

Our photo shoot expert was Alex Blum. We had a great time posing for his lenses. You can find Alex Blum at https://500px.com/alexblum .

Addams Family Cast:

• Gomez– William Hooker
• Morticia– Holly Tomazin
• Uncle Fester– John Gerlick
• Wednesday– Stephanie Burch
• Pugsley– Jasper Burch
• Lurch– Kevin Rudolph
• Camera– Craig Tomazin

Holly Collins Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com
For dance tips,
join my email

References

https://www.charactour.com/hub/characters/view/Morticia-Addams.The-Addams-Family

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Morticia_Addams

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Addams_Family

The post Addams Family Theme Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.