Hey Lauren,

Don't keep us in suspense...how did your first dance lesson go on the 12th ?

Steve

I must say Laura, if it already hurts so bad because you want to learn to dance, I must warn you that it will hurt more so when you do learn to dance. Have you tried walking around in those 3-inch heels let alone follow strange men with their own style of leading, with your back to the masses and quite likely being run into other people or being stepped on. Trust me, it will surely hurt more..

That being said facetiously, I believe a ballroom studio may be found within reasonable driving distance anywhere in this country - allowing room for a little hyperbole.. Check my friend Henry's Dance Hotlist at "http://scarecrow.caps.ou.edu/~hneeman/dance_hotlist.html" for starters.

If there isn't one, I should say that it is one heck of a place to start a studio and hold socials... If you take that idea to heart, I want half your profits..

Enjoy.
Sri.

Laura,
If Henry's page does not list a dance site in your neighbourhood, allow me to suggest trying the site of my 'other' friend Aria. Here is the URL to that page, take a look. It lists places to dance in the three metros of Texas.
http://www.ee.princeton.edu/~aria/dancing.html

Besides, a simple search on yahoo may provide you these same results.

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You know that is a common complaint of mine. They certainly don't show enough of the "girl parts" in some of them.

It can be hard not having a partner, but moving doesn't have to be the only solution. But if you are moving, forget California, they are a bunch of over-paid snots there anyway, and forget about the cost of living. Come to the RTP, the new silicon valley..

Naah, I am just teasing. Whereever you go, I hope you find a good dance partner and a place to dance. I know how frustrating it can be to not have one or the other. Good luck, and ciao.

Sri.

Hi,
Thanks for the reply.
Hmmm? 3inch heels huh? So flats or shorter heels are not acceptable?
Actually,I say it hurts because half of me is just aching for the ability to dance as graceful as I've seen the couples in the TV competitions are. The other half is just plain jealous of how smooth and easy they make it look.
Laura

Sriram,
What do you input to search for places to study dancing? Ballroomdancing studios? By the state?

If one lives in a cut-off place with limited opportunities and is filled with a lot of "what if" wonders, one wants to know about other areas.

Somewhere students have choices and a long term programs? Do SFO and Los Angeles offer the International teaching?

If one wants to take a lesson trip, which studio meets such needs? Contact a major city studio?
katy

If you are interested in social dancing,
almost any dance studio can get you started.
Many studios have group lessons and workshops
which is the less costly way to learn. Group
lessons usually don't require you to have a
partner and you will be learning with other
people at your experience level.

Well....
It didn't. :^(
It seems there's been a long line waiting to get in. Since I didn't have a partner...
and the class size was limited...
Well, They when with the first 20 couples.
I had no Idea so many were interested in dancing.
If any of you knows someone who owns a studio and could or would be willing to branch out This place could sure use one.

BTW, I'm not giving up. I was told they would start another class In 2 months after this one is over. In the mean time I've bought another video.

Laura

O.K. I checked Henry's site nobody is close to me on his hotlist.
So I e-mailed him.
BTW, I bought 5 how-to videos on Basic dancing,Latin,Swing,Tango& slow dance.
Anyone heard of Cal Pozo?
Sri, I wish I read about that dance shoe part and the heels.
I was so excited I flipped in the video
thinking how hard could it be?

pivot-turns on linoleum wearing cross-trainers should be avoided at all costs.

Laura

Katy,
I don't really do much searching on the web for dance-studios any more. My Ballroom Dance directory (available free from most USABDA sanctioned events I believe) lists by state different instructors and studios in different parts of the country. Along with the Henry's Dance Hotlist (HDH) and Aria's Lets Dance pages, which are among the oldest online dance-directories if I recall, this book helps me pick out places to dance in places I visit.

I have also sometimes contacted Universities in the vicinity of the area I am visiting (also listed in HDH) and asked the students there about best places to dance where International style (or American to those it pleases) is commonly danced. The r.a.d (rec.arts.dance) newsgroup is a good place to ask such questions too, if one has access to it.

Regarding places in SF and LA, I have no doubt that there are myriads of studios there that attract international style ballroom dancers. I am not aware of any myself since I have never been to the west coast, but I am sure Jonathan or one of the others on this BBS will be able to help.

Last word. Yahoo lists Ballroom dancing under 'Recreation and Sports' and has regional listings too. I am not fully aware of how extensive this listing is, but it should complement the others on the web to provide a bigger and better picture. I hope that will help.

Sri.

Lauren,

Have you considered trying to organize your own USABDA chapter? With that sort of interest, a local dance group may be just what is needed to sustain the interest (i.e., sponsor additional classes and host dances).

P.S. I'm currently Vice-President for a USABDA chapter about an hour and a half commute from my home, and am considering trying to establish a Chapter in my town.

Steve