The desire to dance is instinctive to all peoples in all cultures. People find it quite natural to move their bodies while listening to music. Ballroom dance is without a doubt the most versatile form of dance. Neither age nor infirmity is an impediment. Dance skills can be applied in both formal and casual settings. Spontaneity is encouraged. Infinite variation is available, the fundamentals are constant.  But, be forewarned: many find ballroom dance addictive. Once they get started, they cannot get enough. More dances, more steps, more variations, more technique, more partners, more venues, more music, and more fun.  Ballroom dance works its magic in a host of ways. It offers respite from a sedentary lifestyle and provides an excellent cardio-vascular workout. It opens a world of social possibilities. It improves self-confidence and posture. It provides an outlet to the frustrations of overyday life.  Join the Fun ! 

Smoking hot Dancing with the Stars Season 8 is about to start, the best show on TV begins its 8th season on March 9 at 8pm.  This season features an intriguing cross-section of entertainers, entrepreneurs, and athletes.  A new twist: husband and wife Jewel and Ty Murray compete against each other.  Lets see how chummy Ty gets with his stunning pro partner Chelsie Hightower.   Julianne Hough dances with her real-life boyfriend Chuck Wicks.  The 2-hour premier kicks off Monday, March 9.  The teams are prepping 2 routines for the first week of competition, 2 couples will be eliminated during the first week.  Stay tuned.

Really now, was anyone surprised with the latest ”Dancing With the Stars’” winner?  Did anyone think Brooke ‘The Velvet Hammer’ Burke and Derek Hough weren’t going to win?  Week in and week out, they danced close to perfection.

Who were the last 4 DWTS winners before Brooke Burke ?  Kristi Yamaguchi, Helio Castroneves, Kelly Monaco and Drew Lachey.

Friday evening, 8 weeks starting Feb 8 - Apr 18, 2008 (some off nites). Featured dances are Swing Triple Step, 8:00 followed by Waltz basic, 9:00 

Friday evening, 8 weeks starting Apr 25 - Jul 18, 2008 (some off nites). Featured dances are Waltz continuation, 7:00 followed by Rumba, 8:00 

More info at TheDancingChapmans.com

Tues evening, 8 weeks starting Apr 29, 2008 at 8:45. Featured dances are Intermediate Tango and Merengue!

More info at EverybodyDance.com

You can make a difference - start making simple, everyday choices to help protect our planet. Check out Central Florida Green Guide. A resource for Eco-Conscious, Natural-Minded families in the Orlando area *green living, organic foods, holistic health, instinctive parenting, and more*

More good news: the Green Earth Expo 2008 will be in Orlando at the Convention Center, May 15-18.  Green Earth Expo 2008 will be open to the public and they are expecting 600 exhibitors and over 50,000 attendees.  Put this weekend on your calendar as it is sure to be a wonderful event for the eco-conscious. 

One of the fun things to do around Orlando during Feb & Mar is to check out Universal Studios Mardi Gras nights.  The shows are Saturday evenings, 1st one is early Feb.  The festivities start with the parade around 8-ish.  You’ve seen these kinds of parades before: costumed bead-throwers perched on floats throwing cheap bead necklaces to the masses causing hysteria and mayhem.  It turns into a free-for-all at times, but it’s all in good fun (until someone gets hurt).  The Real Fun starts about 9 or so when the featured band hits the outdoor stage. Some nice acts this year, see the schedule below.  If you’re an annual pass holder, the whole deal is gratis (free), but get there early….

Lean to your left…your other left!

Ballroom dance, it strikes fear into the hearts of men. Most think ‘There is no way I’m frolicing around a dance floor making a spectacle (or something else) out of myself.’   Another ballroom show-stopper for men are those that have gone before them.  Slip over to Dance Orlando for Friday Fiesta and you will see Real Ballroom Dancers, those that personify poetry in motion. Rest assured men, none of those guys (or gals) emerged from the womb with those dance skills.  It takes a few ingredients to get to that level: lessons, practice and good old perservance. But first and foremost, to acquire ballroom skills, a man must let go of his inhibitions and fear of looking foolish.  Anyone who does anything well probably didn’t look so elegant when he or she first started. So men throw caution (and pride) to the wind when you hit the floor.  Let go of that mental restraint that keeps you from learning to dance.  After you get the hang of it and start making some dance hall friends, you will soon realize ballroom dance is both fun and useful. Many lady dancers seek out ‘a man who can dance,’ ballroom is also a good way to exercise, and lastly, dance leaves men with a sense of satisfaction, yeah, I can Rumba.

Next post will be some tips for beginners and good places to take lessons and practice your moves.