Top rock, down rock, power moves and freezes/suicides may not be in your everyday vocabulary but to break dancers, it’s the language that drives the dance. To Ken Swift, re known B-Boy, choreographer and innovator these terms became his language of movement as he is credited with establishing the critical foundation of Breakin’ with style and flair.

His legendary works are featured this weekend, March 19 and 20 at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater as the Contemporary Dance Theatre hosts the oLIVE Dance Theatre’s performance of “Swift Solos”. The Philadelphia group showcases Swift’s works of solo and ensemble pieces from solo to battle and cipher that spans over thirty years bringing break dancing to the respected forefront of American dance styles with a tone that creates a higher level of emotional introspection that doesn’t exist in a traditional “battle”.

“Contemporary Dance Theater (CDT) decided to present olive Dance Theatre for several reasons and one of those was to further acknowledge what the NEA has done by granting the company an American Masterpieces grant to reconstruct the work of Ken Swift, thereby recognizing Breakin’ as a legitimate and valuable art form and part of the national (and international) culture. olive Dance Theatre and Ken Swift are presenting a bit of dance history and the culture of urban expression when they dance this weekend.” says Jefferson James, Artistic Director of CDT.

Founded in 2002, olive Dance Theatre’s works incite social change and creativity through the folk art of Breakin’ or B-Boying and B-Girling. Artistic Director Jamie Merwin expresses, “our mission is to validate indigenous American hip hop dance forms specifically Breakin’ through the creation of new dance theater works and the performance of these works domestically and abroad.”

The dance group visits schools and community out-reach programs educating students of all ages on the history and technique as they did this past week in Cincinnati. In addition, the legendary Ken Swift is collaborating with Elementz Hip Hop and Murder Rock Crew in a local battle at CDT’s College HIll Town Hall location 1805 Larch Ave from 12p-6p on Saturday, March 20. Prizes will be awarded. More information can be found at http://www.cdt-dance.org.

Breakin’ Becomes a Landscape of Pop-Culture: A bit of Breakin’ History Imagine the setting of a steamy summer early evening with a skillful young dancer spinning on the ground to the funk rhythms. This vision emerged on the scenes of NYC in the South Bronx during the early 1970′s when dancers formed street dance-offs. Winners of the “battle were determined by innovative maneuvers unmatched in difficulty from “toprock” or standing positions to the infamous “downrock” of spinning ground movements and arm balances. Now, Breakin’ is considered the oldest form of hip hop.

Performers, such as James Brown, dance teams like Rock Steady Crew which included Ken Swift and media forms like MTV ignited Breakin’ into a phenomenon. Ken Swift’s career with movies, such as, “Style Wars (1982), Graffiti Rock (1983) and Flash Dance (1983) brought tours to Europe and Asia spreading the word on an international level. And, the phenomenon continues, as Cincinnati will see this weekend at the Jarson-Kaplan Theater.

Don’t miss the show: When: March 19 and 20 Where: Jarson-Kaplan Theater Downtown Cincinnati Time: 8:30p Cost: $27 & $22; $17 students and seniors; ETA member benefits apply. Tickets may be purchased at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office at 513-621-2787. More information on Ken Swift at http://www.breaklife.com

Salsa Love,

Di

The class starts with everyone sitting in a circle and listening to the True Body Constitution: We Believe in Breathing, We Believe in being a mother to all, We believe in healing ourselves through mind, body and spirit……. I’m always struck by the beautiful individuality of each woman with their unique presence and gifts to share. We start off by writing. This time it is about being good or bad which made me immediately go back to the power of dance and how we open ourselves up to the good and bad in each of us.

The good and bad of dancing can be taken literally like: “Wow! She is a good dancer!” or the bad- “Stay away from that guy…he can’t lead.” The other side of good/bad which comes from our emotion and expression. It’s about rules(the good) and breaking them, too (the bad). We have to learn the rules to communicate the movement and know the lead and follow. The bad comes from expressing who we are as individuals and not getting so caught up in the mechanics. The balance brings out the true joy of movement..allowing each dancer to be connect, breath, be empowered.. be honest….and never forget how to laugh along the way.

Thanks to my friend Stacy for her vision. Thanks to all of the students who allow themselves to be free and know the balance of being good and bad at the same time. Check out the True Body Project at www.thetruebodyproject.org.

Salsa Love,

Di

I was three years old when the dance world came to me. Little did I know at the time that acting like a frog, jumping up and down, turning out my toes and tumbling in somersaults across the floor would lead to a lifelong journey of dance.

The dance school that started it all was Janet Carlton’s School of Dance in Mt. Healthy, Ohio. Not a bustling town by any means, Mt. Healthy was fully equipped with tiny shops and businesses along quiet streets but Janet’s place made Mt. Healthy exciting. Every Saturday morning, cars of little girls clad in black leotard and tights were dropped off to the studio on McKinney Street. This was my home away from home for years.

Janet practiced technique and form utilizing all of her teachings as a professional ballerina: stand up straight was her motto. To ensure every little bottom was tucked in, she came around the room and pinched and poked our bums to stay in place. I was no exception.

I was no exception to any rule-but with all rules I somehow, even from an early age I always seemed to quietly break them. The other girls were always picture perfect with their clean black leotard, pink tights, curved ballet slippers to match their forming arches, thin bodies and neat buns pulled away from fresh faces. Then there was me. I mean ME!! On the other side of the room, I came in with my purple leotard, matching tights and, of course the famous pixie haircut…telling jokes and sharing stories. No one told me that a little girl with a budding body and not exactly a flat butt could not dance ballet. I kept going…and learning…and just trying to find my place on the dance floor.

Through performances, costumes and critiques I formed my love of dance. During college, it led me to study modern which accepted my body and craving for movement. Yoga straightened out my internal and external stuff (literally). But it was salsa that captured me.

I found salsa in Miami, Florida during a fashion design co op. During a night out, little did I know that I was at a salsa bar. As soon as I witnessed a sea of salsa dancers on the floor, I was hooked. It was their beauty and connection that struck me. Everyone as a dancer with salsa. This was home. This is it.

Soon after, my job opportunity in NYC fell through and I stayed in Cincinnati to find work and mold a career. Then, a friend and I went to The Corinthian and my salsa journey started. I found people from all over the world just like in Miami. I started dancing every night and soon started teaching with Ron Hamad at the Clifton YMCA.

Now, fourteen years later, I am still learning, teaching and dancing. I will never forget how I started, where I was and how dance made me feel. It took the first step and I hope to share it with others always.

Keep dancing and never be afraid to wear your own style.

Salsa Love,

Di

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Spring into Spring with Salsa Style:

KamaSalsa at True Body Project:

Every year I partner with The True Body Project teaching girls of all ages to embrace their inner beauty with dance and laughter. Last night, I was blessed to join the group again teaching and writing about Good Girl/Bad Girl. It was so much fun and a wonderful experience to be a part of an important organization.

KamaSalsa Joins the Cincinnati Recreation Commission!

Starting April 7th 6p-7p. KamaSalsa comes to Corryville Rec Center on Eden Ave for salsa fun.

Diana Joins The Examiner as Cincinnati’s Dance Editor

Yep Guys, more dance in the future. I’ll be writing about the dance scene from ball room to whatever gets people off the couch and moving. All articles will be posted on my blog.

Zumba with Amparo will return in April!!

New Level One Classes: Yes, more opportunities to spread the salsa love:
Tuesday, March 16 7p-8p
Friday Night New Happy Hour Class: March 12 7p-8p
and workshops: Level One Workshop: Saturday, March 6th 3p-5p

Workshops: All workshops are on Saturdays from 3p-5p. $20 with an rsvp
March 6: Level One
March 13: Rueda
March 20: Shines. Lead and Follow
March 27: Bachata

All other classes and practice sessions can be checked out on www.kamasalsa.com.

Thanks so much for your energy and love of dance. You are keeping our community growing.

Salsa Love,

Diana

Join KamaSalsa Facebook today to receive all KamaSalsa event announcements.

February Valentine’s Weekend Classes:

New Session for Friday Nights
Friday Night Happy Hour Level One
When: Starts Friday, Feb 12
Time: 7p-8p
Cost: $70 for six weeks

Workshop:
Level One
When: Saturday, Feb 13
Time: 3p-5p
Cost: $20

Workshops: RSVP TODAY!!
2/13 3p-5p: Level One. Learn basic to cross body lead in no time.
2/20 3p-5p: Lili’s Ladies’ Styling Class.
2/27 3p-5p: Bachata with Rob and Diana. We need men!!
All workshops $20 with RSVP/ $25 at door

Classes:
New Level One Weekly Session:
Tuesday Level One
When: Starts Tuesday, Feb 16
Time: 7p-8p
Cost: $70 six classes

Level One Advanced. Going strong!!! Join in if you have taken the foundation session.
Tuesday, 8p

Level Two: Hotter, than hot
Monday 7:30p

Level Three: Wow! You can’t miss this one! February celebrates the Bring It On Challenge for all salseros. Pictures and announcements on the way….
Monday 8:30p

www.kamasalsa.com

Salsa Love,

Di

If you already dance salsa, this might be your year to set new goals. What do you want out of your dancing? Is it to spin better, master a complicated pattern or be able to dance with more advanced dancers? No matter the intention, make it yours and live by it every time you come to class or practice. It will make your dancing fly and become more exciting.

Now, maybe you are out there wanting to learn and don’t know how to start or know someone who wants to jump in the salsa pool. We all start somewhere, so here are some easy steps to help in the process.

1. The first suggestion is to seek out a great class that fits your schedule. Oh, yes, KamaSalsa offers super fun classes that really break down the foundation so you can get to the dance floor in no time. You can opt for a six week course or a Saturday workshop. Check out www.kamasalsa.com.

2. Listen to music. It’s all about music! Entertain yourself and friends with getting familiar with the Latin rhythm. Go to Amazon.com to check out the array of salsa goodies. I also suggest Itunes.

3. Go to a club and watch other dancers. Or, come to a KamaSalsa practice session and chat with all the dancers who are now having fun. Listen to their story on how they got started.

4. When you come to class, don’t have expectations of being a master salsa dancer in one session; it takes time and effort. Enjoy the journey. Registration is at class.

5. Stay focused and don’t get discouraged if you don’t understand the beat. Ask questions. Work with better dancers and keep going.

6. Come prepared. Buy the right shoes to make the experience even better. I suggest going to Diana’s Dance in Blue Ash or check out www.appledanceshoes.com.

Salsa can be a life changing experience. So in 2010 enjoy the dance and the journey to discover more……

Check out all the new classes and beginner workshops at www.kamasalsa.com.

Salsa Love,

Di

Gift certificates have been the gift of choice and in these economic times they are a cost saver, too. Here are some ideas, so take note, roll up your sleeves and let me do the work for you:

1. A couple getting married bought gift certificates for their wedding party. All eight people danced the night away and had a blast at the rehearsal.
2. Boyfriends gained super points buying private lessons for their sweeties. Add a bottle of wine and make it a special night.
3. A mother bought gift certificates for her son who always wanted to dance but didn’t know how to start (this one brings a tear).
4. One couple bought private lessons for their date night to each other.
5. A friend bought certificates for her entire family and they partied on Christmas and waited until spring for their celebration. They still talk about it.

So, what would be your reason? Pick up the phone or email. You can purchase private lessons or flex passes. Private lessons run $50 for an individual or $75 for a couple and flex passes are $70 per person.

You’ll find the salsa beat all year with this gift. Contact Diana at diana@kamasalsa.com for more information.

Salsa Love,

Di

In a recent study by the Mayo Clinic, researchers reported that social dancing helps to:

• Reduce stress
• Increase energy
• Improve strength
• Increase muscle tone and coordination

The amount of calories that are burned per minute depend on the person’s individual weight and speed of dancing. However, on average for a 150lb person dancing at a medium speed, dancing can burn as many calories as riding a bike or swimming. Check out these figures:

• Swing Dancing: 235 calories per hour
• Ballroom Dancing: 265 calories per hour
• Salsa Dancing 420+ calories per hour. Yep, you can lose weight while having fun at the same time!
• Aerobic Dancing: 540+ per hour

In addition, another study conducted by the National Heart, Lung and Blood Institute reports that dancing can:

• Lower the risk of heart disease
• Decrease blood pressure
• Manage weight
• Strengthen the bones of the legs and hips.

In a total picture, the mental benefits combine for a complete mind and body connection. Not only does dancing increase confidence, but develops communication and social skills. Studies have also shown a decrease in depression and Alzheimer’s Disease. In this study by the New England Journal of Medicine participants over the age of 75 engaged in reading, dancing and playing musical instruments had a 7% lower risk of dementia compared to others who weren’t active. By increasing the activity to 11 days a month, the results increased to a 63% lower risk. See? remembering all those moves really pays off!

So, keep dancing. You’ll have fun, lose weight and keep your mind, body and spirit happy.

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Salsa Etiquette is as important as learning the foundation steps or pattern. On a positive note, with good social skills men and women alike can gain points on the floor and have more dance partners (I call it the Golden Ticket).

Personally, I have been thrown, stomped on, bumped and bruised by salseros and salseras. I’m sure nothing was intentional, but it certainly raised my attention to creating good social habits to all students and experienced dancers alike.

I’d like to start with a side of what makes a great dancer

1. A good dancer leads/follows to the level of the partner and doesn’t try any tricks to impress that might throw them off.
2. A good dancer leads/follows with the rhythm of the music.
3. A good dancer smiles, pays attention to their partner and thanks them for the dance. Hey, it’s all in the presentation.
4. A good dancer never gets in the way of other dancers on the floor and is aware of his/her own space. Remember: Keep the steps tight and the frame in equal distance of your partner.
5. If you step on someone-always apologize.

Salsa is all about non verbal communication. A smile (and a mint) can go a long way. A more confident, experienced dancer knows that talking someone through a move is not dancing. Better yet, telling someone they are wrong is the kiss of death on the floor. Check out these tips:

1. Check in with yourself before you tell someone they are off beat.
2. Step away from someone who might hurt you.
3. If someone ever tells you that you are wrong, kindly and calmly step away. Ok, then run!!
4. If someone is clamping on to your hand, gently open your hand and tighten your frame. If they continue, be polite and tell them to lighten their grip so you can dance and have fun.
5. Don’t start teaching on the floor. Everyone wants to teach. Believe me, it takes work, so just dance. Help someone out if they are having trouble but don’t go into a full blown class. Also, if you mess up don’t get discouraged-just try again and keep it positive for all.
6. Find a place on the floor and dance within the space so you don’t run into anyone. A level one dancer usually should stay in the middle of the room and not get in the way of more advanced dancers who usually find a place on the side.
7. Hey, if you are just watching-stay out of the way of dancers. You don’t want to lose your beer, right?

Our salsa community is growing be the minute: Keep it safe and fun.

Salsa Love,

Di

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