Sinclair Dance Studio

2012!!!

2011-12-30T09:26:00.000-08:00

Well, 2011 is winding down and we are very excited about the studio growing in 2012!

Sinclair Dance Studio will reopen from the holiday break on Tuesday, Jan 3rd. If you received a gift certificate for Christmas please contact me about scheduling your lessons!

See you all in 2012!!!

Studio Holiday

2011-09-17T21:45:00.000-07:00

Beginning this Monday (Sep 19th) I will be out of the country shooting a lovely wedding in Europe, I will be returning Thursday, Sep 29. Because of this, the studio will be closed this week and next, we will reopen on Tuesday, Oct 4th and lessons will return to normal. If there are any emergency questions or concerns for upcoming brides, feel free to contact Allen (who will be staying in the country, if anyone wants to keep him company:) at 205-586-4855.

I will answer all emails and calls just as soon as I can upon getting home. We'll miss you all!

Open Dance!!!

2011-07-06T21:56:00.000-07:00

Body Fitness on University is hosting an Open Dance this Saturday (July 9th) at 8:00pm.

"Jazz up your swing" lesson at 7:00-8:00pm.

Lesson and dance: $8 per person or $12 per couple
Just dance: $5 per person or $8 per couple

Swing, Ballroom, Latin, Smooth, Rhythms and Arabic dancing!

Please RSVP at the email below to accommodate for enough snacks.
Location : Body Fitness, Inc.: 3020 N University (Corners of University, Forrest Hill & Loucks) Contact : 309-685.1950 Email: bfit92@gmail.com We'll be there, hope you will too!

New Website!

2011-02-24T13:35:00.000-08:00

Good news! We are launching a new website, hopefully I'll get all the kinks out of it soon...

Let me know what you think!
www.sinclairdancestudio.com

Gift Certificates

2010-12-14T09:06:00.000-08:00

Do you have someone you would like to gift some dance lessons? Always wanted to try yourself or have a special event coming up?

We have Sinclair Dance Studio Gift Certificates available for Christmas! Please contact me at sinclairdancestudio@gmail.com for details!

Christmas Hours!

2010-12-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

Hello everyone!

This year the studio will close on Dec 20th for the holidays and re-open on January 4th with regular hours.

Happy Holidays everyone!

Comp Results

2010-10-03T20:19:00.001-07:00

Well everyone, the Indy comp was fabulous, the best dancing I've seen in a long time! Adam & Diana did an excellent job, coming away with two second place finishes, one fourth, fifth and sixth in the chacha, rumba, foxtrot, waltz, and mixed latin (respectively) in their categories!

Congratulations Adam & Diana, we're very proud of you!

I'll try to post some videos of the comp later...

Indianapolis Competition

2010-09-30T20:50:00.000-07:00

The time has finally arrived, this weekend is the USA Dance competition in Indianapolis! Our own Adam & Diana are competing for their very first time in the Newcomer and Bronze categories. We are going up there as well to watch the action, if anyone is interested in making the trip let me know!

Studio Updates!

2010-06-21T20:21:00.000-07:00

Just some updates...

Hip Hop:

As most of you know, Brett, our fantastic hip hop instructor, has moved up North where it's cold and they need to dance to stay warm :) But we're very happy for him and wish him the best up there. Because he is no longer here we have at least for the time being suspended the hip hop program. We are putting out feelers for another instructor, so if you know of a highly qualified and talented instructor I would be happy to meet them!

Studio Hours:

Tuesday through Thursday after 6:00pm.

Dan & Roxanne's First Dance!

2010-03-11T15:07:00.001-08:00

I received this picture today from Dan and Roxanne of their wedding dance!

Congratulations you two!!!

Hip Hop Rescheduled!

2010-02-10T14:49:00.000-08:00

Please let anyone planning on coming to hip hop this Thursday at 6:00 (2/11) that it has been CANCELLED due to Brett being ill this week. Lessons will begin on the 25th of February and continue every other week following.

Thank you for your patience!

Out of town...

2009-12-20T08:25:00.000-08:00

As you know, the studio is closed for the holidays, but I will be out of town from today until Wednesday, you can still reach me via phone and internet but if you need something eg. gift certificates etc. I will be back on the 23rd.

Holiday Hours

2009-11-24T20:14:00.000-08:00

The last day of studio lessons for the year 2009 will be on Tuesday, December 15th. Lessons will start up again shortly after the New Year!

Happy Thanksgiving everybody!!!

Studio Hours

2009-11-19T08:26:00.001-08:00

Hello all! The studio is operating under near maximum capacity and for this reason we have had to tweak our open hours some. We are now open Tuesday-Thursday 6pm-10pm. Hip hop lessons, however can be scheduled outside of these perimeters.

Home again!

2009-09-09T11:01:00.001-07:00

The studio is open again for lessons, please email me! sinclairdancestudio@gmail.com

Out of town...

2009-08-31T20:20:00.001-07:00

Until Sept 7th, studio will be closed until the 8th, but I am still available to be contacted by phone or email. Thanks!

Hip hop schedule change

2009-08-07T22:18:00.000-07:00

Hip hop lessons are temporarily being suspended for Wednesday nights, lessons are still available at discounted price for singles or groups scheduled at your convenience! Visit the prices page of the updated website!

Open Dance Tonight!

2009-07-24T08:32:00.000-07:00

Doors open at 6:30pm. See you there!

Hip hop!

2009-07-21T07:33:00.001-07:00

Hey everyone, just another heads up that hip hop is at seven o'clock tomorrow night again, admission $10! We had SO much fun last week, oh my gosh, Hope to see you there!

Hip Hop promotional rate

2009-07-07T10:14:00.000-07:00

Hip Hop lessons are starting the 15th and will be at a promotional rate of $10/person for the month of July! This rate will go back up to $20/person in August. Take advantage of this awesome opportunity to work with Brett!

HIP HOP LESSONS ARE BEGINNING!!!

2009-06-30T23:37:00.001-07:00

Our Hip Hop lessons with Boston's own Brett Wong (of static noyze...check it out www.staticnoyze.com) are beginning this month! VERY EXCITING! Group lessons are one-hour weekly starting Wednesday the 15th of July at 7:00pm. BEGINNERS CLASS (intermediate also welcome). Admission is $10/person/lesson with a class size limit of ten people. Feel free to show up at the door or CONTACT ME to reserve a spot and guarantee your space in the class.

Etsy Shop

2009-06-30T23:24:00.001-07:00

A little out of the ordinary, but I've started a small Etsy shop out of restoring vintage furniture pieces. There is a gallery at the bottom of this page, check it out!

OPEN DANCE update

2009-06-25T13:27:00.000-07:00

It is going to be Friday, July 24th at 7:00pm at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the kickapoo creek road. MANY dance styles featured...come for a great night of dance!

Holiday Weekend

2009-06-21T20:00:00.001-07:00

Hello all, just a head's up the studio will be closed the Holiday Weekend of July 3rd and 4th, thanks for your understanding! Lessons and studio hours resume Monday the 6th.

HIP HOP

2009-06-19T08:23:00.001-07:00

Exciting things are happening at the studio! There is a possibility of a hip-hop instructor joining up to teach group lessons. I'm trying to feel out to see what kind of interest there might be in this new venture. Please send me a note if you're interested!

Open Dance!!!

2009-06-15T20:28:00.000-07:00

The date of the Open Dance is set at July 24th (a friday) in the evening at Redeemer Presbyterian Church on the Kickapoo Creek Road. more details to come!

OPEN DANCE!!!

2009-06-03T21:51:00.000-07:00

Sinclair Dance Studio (in conjunction with Redeemer Presbyterian Church) is holding it's first of (hopefully!) many open dances coming up next month! The date is not finalized yet but as more information becomes available I'll be sure to post it. If you are interested in attending this open dance (ballroom, latin, even polka and riverdance included!) please send me a quick note!

Thanks everyone!

Pidge in Chattanooga

2009-04-29T19:04:00.000-07:00

I really liked this picture of Pidge in Chattanooga. I can't believe how big she's getting! Here are some more of her now.

Area Studio

2009-04-07T21:43:00.000-07:00

Hello all, I know it's been a little while since I've posted. Vacation was great, it was wonderful to see old friends again and unwind a little bit. I wanted to post a dance studio in the area (Metamora) that is fantastic from what I hear and very accomplished in technique!

The dances that they offer are: Tap, Ballet, Jazz, Tumbling, Pointe, Hip-hop, Modern and Theatre. If you are interested in these dance styles please visit their website here

or talk to Mary.

Merrilee Studios

I wouldn't mind taking some ballet myself!

Vacate!

2009-03-31T11:15:00.000-07:00

Hello all! Hubby and I are going on a long-awaited vacation down to Alabama to see his folks and Chattanooga to catch up with old friends. The studio is closed then from Wednesday the 1st till Sunday the 5th. I am still available by email as always for questions and bookings. We look forward to picking up again next week. Have a great weekend everybody!

Keeping time

2009-03-24T20:09:00.000-07:00

The best thing you can do as a beginner to prepare for your lessons is to count out the timing of your dance to your music. The hardest thing to teach someone is timing, it's just something you have to acquire by paying attention to your music. Try counting the beat in the car!

Scheduling!

2009-03-19T21:55:00.000-07:00

Wedding season is starting again, book early to reserve your times!

Ladies Dance Shoes

2009-03-15T22:04:00.001-07:00

People always want to know the best style of dance shoes (see earlier post for brands etc.). For competitors (or really anyone wanting to look and dance their best) you want to opt for as close to your skin tone as possible. Dark ankle straps etc. tend to cut off the leg, making it look stockier and less graceful. A skin tone elongates your lines making your performance more impressive. Also, in most brands I would encourage you to opt for a satin fabric, "leather" may seem more durable but most companies don't use actual leather and while the satin may get dirty easier, it will last longer. Heel height is completely individual. Typically women tend to do best in 2" - 3" heels. You always want a heel (affects your posture, frame, steps) but keep in mind the amount of dancing you will do, any injuries you may have and your own safety. If you've never danced before you may want to stay away from 3" heels. If you do both latin and smooth dances but only want to buy one pair of shoes opt for the latin, sandal, open toe as they will work just fine for your smooth as well, even for competition (at the bronze level). And as always make sure they have good support, fit slightly small (always guess small, they will stretch and you want them snug), and an adequate strap around the ankle. This one is my favorite shoe for comfort and balance, by Supadance.

Contact me for questions.

Puppy

2009-03-09T21:01:00.000-07:00

Our puppy is home and my goodness who knew they could be so much work! She is nothing but a little fluffball but boy she can make a mess! It's totally worth it though as she is just the sweetest thing. Our cat is about 10 months old and he chases the puppy all through the living room, it is so funny to watch them rolling all over each other!

We're staying busy but we still have openings for evening lessons in March, please contact me to get started this spring!

Open Dance

2009-03-02T21:21:00.000-08:00

Hello again! I very recently got a call from a gentleman in Wisconsin asking if I was hosting an open dance this weekend as he and his wife were going to be in the area and he had found my website and was looking for some ballroom action. I felt so bad that I had to tell him that I did not have one this weekend and gave him the only information I could about what he might be able to find. Peoria is desperately lacking in a dance culture and there really is slim pickings in the area for good ballroom dances. I have never had one because I'm not sure what the interest out there is and what kind of consistencty in numbers I'd be looking at. However if you are interested in seeing more ballroom dances in the area and would be interested in an open dance with my studio please email me at sinclairdancestudio@gmail.com or through the website and I will see what the general consensus is. Let's get the ball rolling in Peoria!

"Instructional Videos"

2009-03-02T21:00:00.000-08:00

In an effort to see what is out there I recently made the mistake of renting a dance video. Here are my thoughts after suffering through about twenty minutes of an "instructional ballroom dance video." :) As a public service announcement I beg anyone reading this to just put them down and either rent a classic worth your time or hire a qualified instructor. Other than being so incredibly boring you never want to dance again, they are just impractical. Instructors for beginner's dance on these videos are trying to communicate steps (which can be done) but tend to leave out anything that makes the dance unique or impressive. Styling, movement, connection, posture, emotion etc. are the things that make any dance worth learning and makes them different from each other, not to mention fun to do or watch! While they are probably well-intended I think the only product of instructional videos tends to be frustrated people who hate dancing because it is so boring. It clearly can be the most exciting, exhilarating and fun thing you can learn which is just so far from the clinical and intensely repetitive instruction you get in these things. In conclusion (and stepping off my soapbox, thank you :)) there are I'm sure, out there somewhere, notable exceptions but if you start falling asleep just turn it off and give me a call :)

Wedding Shoes

2009-02-28T16:13:00.000-08:00

Having recently stood through the long wedding day I completely understand bridal woes concerning shoes. I actually wore my dance shoes for indoors and big rubber rainboots for outside (to save the suede soles). Wedding shoes are one of those super-romantic things like a bouquet, but one that you can keep forever. However when choosing these shoes please consider your comfort first, try to find a pair with an ankle strap (for balance and safety) that doesn't bind your toes too badly, also I would always recomment 2" or less for a heel, which is still perfect for an elegant wedding dance but won't have you crying by the end of the night. If all else fails, try Dr. Scholl's inserts for high heels. Visit here for more information on dance shoe brands or send me a message here.

First Dance Songs

2009-02-26T12:14:00.001-08:00

Many brides want to learn the waltz for their first dance as it is the most elegant and beautiful (and certainly one of the more manageable in a big dress!). In order to find a good song for a waltz try and listen for a "slow-quick-quick" kind of beat. Most popular songs today have a more constant beat that isn't technically a waltz but you can do all the same steps and styling to these songs. For brides and grooms who have never danced before this can definitely be to your advantage because in these songs it is virtually impossible to get off time (probably the biggest problem for beginners). My husband and I had "unchained melody" by the righteous brothers and had to do this kind of waltz substitute and it came off very well, never let your song keep you from delivering a memorable performance, anything can be made to work!

If you have a song that presents a problem feel free to let me know, there are tons of dances out there that can be modified to fit you perfectly!

Peoria Wedding Dance

2009-02-24T11:15:00.000-08:00

Have the first dance of a lifetime, be prepared to wow your friends and family with a first dance specifically choreographed for you!

Location

2009-02-16T19:19:00.000-08:00

We hold our lessons in the hall of Redeemer Presbyterian Church. It is a beautifully lit, tiled hall with a perfect dancing surface. Click here for a map to Redeemer. Please also join us for Sunday service, morning service is at 10:45 and evening is 6:15.

Welcome!

2009-02-09T21:06:00.001-08:00

Sinclair Dance Studio is moving to Peoria, Illinois! Please be patient as we begin our transition.