Dance SPA Chicago http://dancespasouth.com LATIN, BALLROOM & WEDDING DANCE Tue, 15 May 2012 03:09:28 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.3.2 BollyKids! http://dancespasouth.com/bollykids/ http://dancespasouth.com/bollykids/#comments Tue, 15 May 2012 01:26:04 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1637 More >]]>

4 weeks Special BollyKids! Preview

Try the first class for just $5! Sign up for all 4 weeks for just $50!
Click Here to Sign Up Now!
Dates: June 5, 12, 19, 26
Time: 9:15 am to 10:15 am
Location: 1890 N Milwaukee Ave., Chicago
Age: 3 to 5 years
Snacks & Juice Box will be provided on the first day!

About the program

This 8 week Bollywood Dance Program focuses on elements such as balance, coordination and music tempo while laying the perfect movement foundation in kids. The joyful Indian music creates a fun and creative environment for kids and from the very first beat, the kids get moving and shaking! The last day of the class includes a mini-recital where the kids get to show their parents all they have learned.

BollyKids!-Chicago

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/bollykids/feed/ 0 Hire Dance SPA for any event! http://dancespasouth.com/hire-dance-spa-for-any-event/ http://dancespasouth.com/hire-dance-spa-for-any-event/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 21:21:48 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1627 More >]]> If you are looking for a fun way to spice up any event, Dance SPA has you covered.  Our professionally train Dance and Fitness instructors are available for your next party, convention, workshop, festival, wedding and much more!

 

Here are a few things we have been apart of:

Girls Scouts of America:  We have provided Zumba® fitness to Girl Scout troupes for special events throughout the Chicago area.  The Girls love wiggling to great Latin beats as well as a variety of popular music.

Weddings/Birthday Parties:  Dance SPA specializes in Latin and Ballroom dancing, but is trained in many styles of Dance.  We can teach a dance lesson to your guests, perform a party themed routine or get the party started by encouraging your guests to get on the dance floor.  We can teach a variety of styles including salsa, foxtrot, swing and the mockerina…just to name a few!

Event Marketer Summit:  In 2012 we attended the Event Marketer Summit.  Dance SPA Zumba® instructor Christa South was featured in Intel’s Presentation on getting people active and participating as a marketing idea for a group of people.  Here’s what Sarah Simon Production Coordinator  had to say about our participation.  “Thank you so much for participating in our session at the Event Marketer Summit last week. You exuded  great energy, enthusiasm, and professionalism. We really appreciated having you there and we look forward to working with you in the future!”

Culinary Arts Camp:  In the summer of 2011, Dance SPA Zumba® was incorporated into a Culinary Arts Camp held at the University of Chicago.  Students enjoyed breaking up their time spent in the kitchen with an hour of Zumba® Fitness in a campus court yard.

Children’s Museum, Children’s Health Fair at Navy Pier:  We had kids wiggling and giggling to a healthy life at Chicago’s Navy Pier!  We participated in several of these health fairs and had wonderful and positive feed back from museum staff and parents!

After School Programs/Special Pep Rallies:  Since 2010 Dance SPA has gone to several schools to teach dance and Zumbatomic®.  We love working with children!  One of our most favorite events is the Oscar Mayer Elementary School annual walkathon.  We love pumping up the crowd of kids for their special event.

 

This is just a few examples of dance and fitness instruction at Dance SPA.  We would enjoy helping you with your next event.  We will travel to the surrounding Chicago areas.  To book Dance SPA contact Christa at dancespasouth@gmail.com or call us at 773.904.7892.

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/hire-dance-spa-for-any-event/feed/ 0 Mothers Day Gifts 2012 http://dancespasouth.com/mothers-day-gifts-2012/ http://dancespasouth.com/mothers-day-gifts-2012/#comments Tue, 08 May 2012 20:14:05 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1619 More >]]> If you are looking for a great Mothers Day gift, think outside of the box.  Give the gift of Dance and Fitness.  Your wife, sister or mother would love a gift that gets her movin’ and groovin’.  Here at Dance SPA we have many options to choose from.

 

The Mothers Day Date Night:

Send the kids to Grandmas house and take your love for a night she won’t forget.  She has wanted to learn Salsa, Tango, Swing or Foxtrot for many years and it’s time for you to sweep her off of her feet.  Our Intro Private Dance Lesson is a great way to get started and impress her with a one of a kind gift.  What a great way to celebrate, spend time together and show your appreciation.  In addition, Grandma will love the extra time spent with her grand kids while you are dancing the night away at Dance SPA! Purchase your Intro Dance Lesson here.

 

Private Lessons are scheduled at your convenience Monday-Saturday.  Lessons are 45 minutes and are available on May 12th & 13th 2012 for a Mothers Day date night. 

 

The Fitness Momma

If your Wife, Mother or Sister loves to workout, try a Dance SPA Zumba® Punch Card!  Punch cards can be purchased in bulk for a reduced rate.  Call 773.904.7892 for special packages or purchase a 10-20 class card here.

 

Not sure what to purchase?  Try a Dance SPA gift card.  Gift cards are a great way for her to choose the perfect combo of dance and fitness from Dance SPA.

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/mothers-day-gifts-2012/feed/ 0 Your first dance: Tips and secrets from Dance SPA’s top wedding professional. http://dancespasouth.com/your-first-dance-tips-and-secrets-from-dance-spas-top-wedding-professional/ http://dancespasouth.com/your-first-dance-tips-and-secrets-from-dance-spas-top-wedding-professional/#comments Mon, 30 Apr 2012 21:36:39 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1612 More >]]> There are so many details that go into planning your wedding.  Color schemes, invitations, DJ’s, bands, food, location,dress…you name it and I sure it has crossed your mind.  There is no doubt you will pour your heart and soul into one of the biggest events and days of your life.  Every little detail will give you and your guests a night to remember.  Don’t let your dance floor moves be the down fall of your night!  Impress your guests with simple social dance moves and look your best on the dance floor.  Dance SPA offers private dance lessons catered just for you and your first dance.

Here are helpful tips on preparing for your first dance as husband and wife

 

 

Why should an engaged couple take dance lessons prior to their wedding?

Engaged couples should take lessons prior to the wedding for many reasons.  Most brides dream about twirls and dips on the day of her wedding and many grooms are unsure how to properly lead a twirl or dip.  It is important to look cool and confident on the dance floor or most couples. In just a handful of lessons, an instructor can have the couple moving across the floor and twirling and dipping with ease.  The next important reason is often over looked.  There is a lot of pressure, stress, and tough decisions to be made months prior to the wedding.  Couples have found dance lessons to be fun, relaxing and perfect one on one time during the intense planning leading up to the big day.

 

Should the engaged couple already have their wedding song picked out, prior to their lessons?

Couples do not have to have one song picked out prior to their lessons.  It is good to have a few options.  The instructor can show you different dance styles that will work for each song.  The couple can then decide which style best suits them for their ideal first dance.
How long should the couple’s main wedding dance last (i.e. the couple’s first dance)?

Wedding dances should be 2:30 minutes to 3:30 minutes.  Just enough time for everyone to oh and awe at how happy the couple looks!  There are two main styles of first dances.  The first is the most simple and can be done in 3-10 lessons.  This first dance includes a few turns, dips and poses and travels around the dance floor.  This style is more about comfort and has an elegant look with little “entertainment value.”  The second style is more complex with flashy moves, side by side choreography, and lots of show stopping and entertainment pizzazz.  Depending on the couples vision, this can be achieved in 5-20 lessons.  Most of the time, the instructor is able to splice music to provide the couple with the ideal song length. 

What are some of the most appropriate dance styles for the couple’s main wedding dance?

 The dance style for a first dance is often dictated by the song the couple chooses.  Most common dance styles used are Foxtrot, Rumba, Night Club Two Step, Swing, Waltz and Tango.

 

How many lessons should an engaged couple typically take, so that they are prepared for the big day, and what will they learn at these lessons?

Anywhere from 3 lessons to an entire year of lessons is typical for wedding couples.  The amount of lessons really depends on what the couple would like to achieve.  A first dance that is simple with elegance will take fewer lessons than a dance with complex choreography.  Most importantly, couples should give themselves time to prepare for the first dance and not cram dance lessons into the crazy 2 weeks before the wedding. 
Couples learn about holding each other, lead and follow tips and steps, pointers on posture and how to pose for perfect photo shoot opportunities.

Do the bride-to-be and groom-to-be both need to attend the dance lessons at the same time?  If not, how do ballroom dance instructors typically work around situations where both people can’t be present for their lessons at the same time?

Most of the time, couples find the time to take lessons together. However, couples can take lessons separately and in some studios couples are encouraged to do so.  In ballroom dancing there are steps and patterns and each has a “leader” part and a “follower” part.  We can teach each part on separate lessons.  When the couple is able to attend together, we should be able to have the leader and follower do their parts and they should fit together even if they have never danced it together before.  As the instructor, I can practice with the individuals since I understand both roles.

 

What are some of the main differences between group and private lessons?  What are the advantages and disadvantages to each?

In group dance lessons couples are forced to learn at the pace of the others in the group and limited to the steps that are planned for the class.  Groups are a great way to get started and learn about your teacher and some of the dance terms and vocabulary.  Private lessons are more individualized and planned for the couple.  On a private lesson couples can learn at their own pace and often feel more comfortable asking questions when having trouble with a step.  A disadvantage is often scheduling conflicts.

 

Should the couple wear any specific types of shoes to their lessons?

 Comfortable shoes that you can dance in are the best to wear on a lesson.  Most common shoes are ballet flats, dress shoes, and wedding dress shoes.  Never wear a flip flop to a dance lesson.

 

What is the best way for a couple to select a wedding dance studio and/or an instructor?

The best ways to select a dance studio or instructor is to read online reviews, find a convenient location, and ask friends!  Word of mouth and others experiences is a great way to find a comfortable place.

Does the couple typically bring their own music to each lesson?

Couples typically bring their own music to ensure the correct song and artist of a song.
What if the bride-to-be or the groom-to-be is far more experienced in dance than their partner?  Is it still possible (and advisable) to take lessons together?

Regardless of dance experience, it is important to take lessons together.  All eyes will be on the bride and groom during the first dance.  Couples want to look good together, comfortable without hitches or stumbles.  Going over steps and making sure you are on the same page is the best way to look confident during the first dance.

 

What types of clothing should students wear to their dance lessons?

Clothing for dance lessons can vary from suits and ties if they are coming from the office, jeans or comfortable workout clothes. Come dressed to move.

 

How far in advance should a couple start taking dance lessons before the big day?

Couples should start lessons 3-6 months prior to the wedding.
Is a wedding dance usually a choreographed/pre-planned routine?

Most wedding dances have an outline or plan.  Depending on the couples taste for flash and entertainment will determine the extent of choreography.

 

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/your-first-dance-tips-and-secrets-from-dance-spas-top-wedding-professional/feed/ 0 Cheerleading for kids, tweens and teens! http://dancespasouth.com/cheerleading-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/ http://dancespasouth.com/cheerleading-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:38:12 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1590

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/cheerleading-for-kids-tweens-and-teens/feed/ 0 Learn Competitive Latin and Ballroom Dance at Dance SPA http://dancespasouth.com/learn-competitive-latin-and-ballroom-dance-at-dance-spa/ http://dancespasouth.com/learn-competitive-latin-and-ballroom-dance-at-dance-spa/#comments Wed, 29 Feb 2012 19:21:40 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1582 More >]]> This past weekend Dance SPA competed in the 2012 Indiana Challenge!  We are proud to announce that competitive American rhythm student Tom, walked away with many awards including 1st places in Cha Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, and Mambo.  Tom also went home with Metals for his 1st places in the Compulsory Division and the Multi Dance!  Congratulations Tom on a wonderful showing at the Indiana Challenge!

 

Tom was not the only one to walk away with top finishes.  In the American Rhythm Professional division, Dance SPA owner Christa South and her partner Jacob Jennings placed 5th out of 15 couples in the Rising Star Pro division and 4th out of 12 in the Open Professional Rhythm!  South and Jennings have been competing together since June of 2011 and continue to make positive advancements in this Professional Division.  South and Jennings are on their way to compete at the 2012 St. Louis Star Ball in March. 

 

The new session of Dancing with the Stars is right around the corner!  Let Dance SPA show you how to shake your hips and dance the Cha Cha.  Group and private dance instruction for adults and children.  You too could be on the dance floor in Swarovski crystals before you know it!

 

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/learn-competitive-latin-and-ballroom-dance-at-dance-spa/feed/ 0 Dance SPA owner featured as a top wedding professional. http://dancespasouth.com/dance-spa-owner-featured-as-a-top-wedding-professional/ http://dancespasouth.com/dance-spa-owner-featured-as-a-top-wedding-professional/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:54:44 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1546 More >]]> Dance SPA owner recently featured as a “top wedding professional” in the book, Professional Wedding Planning Advice by Benchmark Publishing Group! If you’re preparing for your first dance, check out Dance SPA.  Dance SPA offers a comfortable environment for couples preparing for their wedding.

 

Here are a few helpful tips from Christa:

 

Why should an engaged couple take dance lessons prior to their wedding?

Engaged couples should take lessons prior to the wedding for many reasons.  Most brides dream about twirls and dips on the day of her wedding and many grooms are unsure how to properly lead a twirl or dip.  It is important to look cool and confident on the dance floor or most couples. In just a handful of lessons, an instructor can have the couple moving across the floor and twirling and dipping with ease.  The next important reason is often over looked.  There is a lot of pressure, stress, and tough decisions to be made months prior to the wedding.  Couples have found dance lessons to be fun, relaxing and perfect one on one time during the intense planning leading up to the big day.

How many lessons should an engaged couple typically take, so that they are prepared for the big day, and what will they learn at these lessons?

Anywhere from 3 lessons to an entire year of lessons is typical for wedding couples.  The amount of lessons really depends on what the couple would like to achieve.  A first dance that is simple with elegance will take fewer lessons than a dance with complex choreography.  Most importantly, couples should give themselves time to prepare for the first dance and not cram dance lessons into the crazy 2 weeks before the wedding. 
To read more advice about your first dance and preparing for your wedding day, purchase Professional Wedding Planning Advice:  Tips & Secrets Form Top Wedding Professionals at Amazon.com
]]> http://dancespasouth.com/dance-spa-owner-featured-as-a-top-wedding-professional/feed/ 0 Recently Featured on ABC7 in Chicago http://dancespasouth.com/recently-featured-on-abc7-in-chicago/ http://dancespasouth.com/recently-featured-on-abc7-in-chicago/#comments Tue, 31 Jan 2012 21:02:40 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1541 Check out our latest press on Windy City LIVE!  Dance SPA was pick as a great place to keep your 2012 New Years Resolutions.  We were thrilled to be featured.  Join us anytime and check out all the hype.

Click here to see our clip.

 

 

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/recently-featured-on-abc7-in-chicago/feed/ 0 New Classes for 2012: Booty Beat® & Modern Belly Dance 101 http://dancespasouth.com/new-classes-for-2012-booty-beat-modern-belly-dance-101/ http://dancespasouth.com/new-classes-for-2012-booty-beat-modern-belly-dance-101/#comments Wed, 25 Jan 2012 18:22:56 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1489 More >]]>

The power of Monday:  Making healthy positive choices on a Monday can set the tone of your entire week!

Monday nights are packed full of dance fitness just for you.  Keep your 2012 goals in mind and have fun at Dance SPA.  We have 3 different classes that will keep you excited about fitness.  Check out the details on Monday nights!

 

Booty Beat by Flirty Girl Fitness®

Mondays at 5:30pm with Lindsay Burch

About Instructor Lindsay Burch:

Dancing has always been a passion for Lindsay. Although she never received professional training she was always determined to get out there and perform. This started at an early age with school shows and competitions and culminated in managing a troop of go-go dancers at her university nightclub. Lindsay has always been very sporty and has been participating in group exercise classes for over 10 years.

When Lindsay moved from the UK to Chicago in 2009 she decided to turn her passion for dance and fitness into a career. Lindsay became a FLirty Girl Fitness Instructor in December 2010 and has since been teaching Booty Beat at various locations in Chicago. Lindsay works very closely with Ultimate Flirty Girl, Rebecca Lee, which means she gets insight into the new moves and choreography before they go on general release. You may have seen Lindsay on stage with Rebecca at Self Workout in the Park in May 2011. Lindsay takes great enjoyment from seeing her class participants having fun during their workout and from knowing that she is playing an important part in helping them to stay fit and healthy and feeling fabulous.

In addition to being a Group Exercise Instructor, Lindsay is also a certified Craniosacral Therapist. In June 2007, she completed a 2-year professional training in Craniosacral Therapy with the Institute of Craniosacral Studies in the UK. Lindsay now practices from various locations in the Wicker Park area.

Lindsay is AFAA Group Exercise (CI# 531122) and Heartsaver AED (American Heart Association) certified.

 

Class Dscription

Booty Beat™ by Flirty Girl Fitness® is an outrageously entertaining cardio intensive dance-based class that conditions the entire body. Booty Beat combines fun, easy-to-learn dance moves with high energy cardio and strength training to make you feel like you’re part of a music video, rather than a cardio crazy, core chiseling, booty toning, arm sculpting workout class!

 

Zumba® with Melody Fillier

Mondays at 6:30pm

About instructor Melody Fillier:

Melody has been involved with some type of dance since the age of 3 when she went to her first Ballet class. She was a competitive dancer for 15 years and traveled across the country to participate in Tap, Ballet, Jazz, and Modern Dance Competitions. Melody still continues to take Tap, Hip Hop, and Latin Dance classes herself from professional dancers in the Chicago, Il area, for she is always interested in improving her skills and learning new things.

While Dance is a large part of Melody’s life, she also is dedicated to the Martial Art of Tae Kwon Do and currently holds a Third Degree Black Belt.

When Melody moved to Chicago she wanted to start taking dance fitness classes as a way to workout, have fun, and meet new people. This is what led her to try Zumba and little did she realize what a life changing move that would be. Not only did she find the perfect way to get a cardio and toning workout, she also discovered a new passion. You can find Melody teaching Zumba at a number of dance and fitness centers throughout Chicago. Melody also conducts short-term Zumba sessions (6-8 weeks) at local Churches and Community Centers.

 

Class Description

The Zumba® program fuses hypnotic Latin rhythms and easy-to-follow moves to create a one-of-a-kind fitness program that will blow you away. Our goal is simple: We want you to want to work out, to love working out, to get hooked. Zumba®Fanatics achieve long-term benefits while experiencing an absolute blast in one exciting hour of calorie-burning,body-energizing, awe-inspiring movements meant to engage and captivate for life!

The routines feature interval training sessions where fast and slow rhythms and resistance training are combined to tone and sculpt your body while burning fat. Add some Latin flavor and international zest into the mix and you’ve got a Zumba® class!

Modern Belly Dance 101

Mondays at 7:30pm

About Instructor Kamani Raqs

Adding to her primary and secondary school training in modern and contemporary dance, Kamani discovered belly dance in 1999 along with Amirah at Aja’s Mid-Eastern Dance studio. During her university years she continued her dance training in the U.S. and Spain studying Latin and Bollywood dances while continuing independent study and performance of Oriental dance. While performing with Reina Belly Dance in New York  she became involved in the new wave of belly dance theatre: a combination of drama, original choreography and live music presenting belly dance in full stage production. Participating in various dance workshops and classes in New York and beyond, Kamani continued to immerse herself in the dance. She currently resides in Chicago where she performs and teaches.

 

Class Description

This season get your hips moving and energy flowing with a Reina Belly Dance beginner course.  Focus on building a repertoire of diverse Oriental dance technique while building strength and stamina.  Basic steps, hip movements, postures, isolations and Level I combinations will be covered. Perfect for those new to belly dance as well as beginner students looking to advance their dance skills.

Suggested class attire: Comfortable workout pants & top, hip scarf (no coin scarves please).

 

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/new-classes-for-2012-booty-beat-modern-belly-dance-101/feed/ 0 The Valentine TANGO! http://dancespasouth.com/the-valentine-tango/ http://dancespasouth.com/the-valentine-tango/#comments Fri, 13 Jan 2012 23:56:55 +0000 christa http://dancespasouth.com/?p=1475 More >]]> Looking for a great Valentine’s Day date night in Chicago?  On February 14th join us for the sexy and sensual Tango.  If you are looking for the ultimate date night in Chicago that will impress your date, then Dance SPA has you covered.  You and your date can learn the Tango in one hour for just $28.  Cocktails and champagne toast for those 21 and over. Ditch the movie and learn to Dance!

 

Tuesday February 14th, 2012 at Dance SPA

1890 N Milwaukee ave Chicago, 60647

Valentine’s Day Special:

6:45pm meet and greet

7:00pm 1 hour Tango lesson

8:00pm Champagne toast to you and yours!

 

$28 per couple includes class and toast.

]]> http://dancespasouth.com/the-valentine-tango/feed/ 0