Celebrating Dance with The True Body Project


One of my missions in KamaSalsa is to reach out to people of all demographics and help them express themselves through dance. The chance came to me when Stacy Sims, Creator of The True Body Project and Owner of Pendleton Pilates asked me to teach a group of teenage girls who were brought together to learn about body image and find their authentic voices through music, movement, writing and theatre. This was in 2007, now three years later, I teach on a seasonal basis to women of all ages who come together for the open classes like the one on March 3rd at the Downtown Pendleton location.

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 can't believe it's almost spring; time is really flying. Here are the goodies for this upcoming month including the new, hot Friday night Salsa Happy Hour class for beginners.

March Salsa Remedies:

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

February is For Hot Salsa

Celebrate with red, hot salsa! Join the craze with new classes and opportunities to dance. Fall in love with dance. Here are the salsa sweets:

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

Salsa 2010: Enjoy The Dance with New Intentions

Another decade has passed us by and now it's time to look ahead on what's in store for another round. Whether it's lose weight, meet new people, have more fun or add more energy to your life,-you can wrap it up in one package with salsa dancing.

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

Salsa Gift Certificates Make Spicy Christmas Gifts

Are you scratching your head thinking of what to give co workers, friends and loved ones for Christmas? No one needs another sweater or a re gifted wonder from years past. How about a KamaSalsa gift certificate? These special ditties come in a gift card format and really light up the scene. Plus, you can jump in on the fun and not have to sit and look at the gift you really wanted all along.

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

Health Benefits of Salsa Dancing:

Imagine you are out on the dance floor laughing and loving every moment of the salsa beat. You might be thinking of joining a salsa class for fun or maybe to lose some weight and stay fit. Salsa dancing offers a combination of health benefits beyond just having a good time and enjoying the music.

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.

Salsa Etiquette

So, you thought you were ready for the dance floor and all the sudden your in the arms of some "swaggy" salsero who starts telling you what to do or saying you are wrong. Better yet, someone starts pushing or pulling on the dance floor. Salsa is meant to be a fun way to meet people but every now and then, a salsa prankster comes across and you have to be prepared.

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