Welcome...

Welcome to Sedona Dance News, an on line newsletter for dance lovers!
The goal of this running commentary is to keep my dance students at Dana De Luz Sedona Studio and other dance enthusiasts informed of the progress of my dance studio's development, classes, schedules, discounts, special events and great places to dance in Northern Arizona. Enjoy!
Contact: dancingdana64@gmail.com or call (928) 862-0118

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

New Studio Space in the Works!

On Thursday, January 6th, 2013 the new Dana De Luz Dance Studio space will be open for business!

The new facility will include 1,700+ sq. feet of dance studio space, a welcoming lobby, a conference room, storage room, changing room and bath room, of course. The space will be shared with our neighbor Canyon Moon Theatre for their rehearsal use. Others may rent out the conference room or the main room studio for meetings, seminars, fitness classes, performance art, fine art showings ect.

We'd love to have you or your children come dance in this great new space! Dana De Luz Dance Studio current classes include...
-Adult ballroom/social Thursday nights at 7:30p
-Creative dance for ages 2.5-5 is offered Tuesday and Thursday at 3:30p and also Saturdays at 10:30a
-Private lessons are always available by appointment

Classes opening soon...
-"Baby & Me": A chance to workout WITH your baby. No daycare needed :)
-Preballet for ages 5-7 to learn what it's like to be in ballet class
-A Dancer's Workout: Created from many years of dance training
-Ballroom and Latin Dance fitness: a cardio and toning class all-in-one with moves you can use!

For more information call Dana De Luz Dance Studio at 928-862-0118 or post your questions/comments below.


Here's a look at some before clean-up pictures and a few during clean-up pictures.
Enjoy and come dance with us!






Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Who will win the Mirror Ball Trophy?

It's down to the final three dancers in this season's All-Star season of DWTS. All-Women have survived to dance another day.

Each of the the three gals performed their favorite dance number from this season and a Super Sized Freestyle.

Melissa and her partner, Tony, danced their samba that the judges called their break out dance this season and again it was met with high scores. Their contemporary freestyle was also scored highly but I didn't think it had as much emotion as the judges said it had and the choreography was a bit weak. Tony chose to use the contemporary style to show off Melissa's technique and softness after just performing an upbeat samba.

Kelly and her pro, Val, have been the center of much rumor this season over their close relationship. Neither one was talking about whether their romance is real or just for the cameras but... they certainly played it to the hilt during their steamy paso doble and later in their freestyle version of the famous final dance in the movie Dirty Dancing. Although I don't think Kelly is the strongest choice to win, she did herself proud with these two numbers.

Shawn and Derrick turned in two highly energetic and athletic (no surprise) dances. They chose to bring back the quickstep that the judges blasted them for rules breaking. Although Shawn questioned Derrick about keeping the routine the same, they still broke hold and kept the lifts and tricks that are a no-no in quickstep. Again the judges wagged less than perfect scores but the pair is hoping the fans will award them more kindness. For their freestyle, they brought out the Fantastic 5! Yes, the U.S. Olympic woman's gold medal gymnastic team were their back up dancers. No rule breaking here but what an advantage! It was certainly and All-Star Super Sized freestyle.

So, who should win? The former cheerleader become TV host, Melissa Rycroft, who is the only competitor who has NOT won a Mirrorball trophy? Soap star, Kelly Monaco, who has the least training but danced like a winner all while keeping the fans in suspense over rumors? Or Olympian, Shawn Johnson, who just wanted to regain her self worth by proving she's more than just a gymnast?

One more dance... the dreaded Insta-dance is the last showdown before the Mirrorball is awarded. A blind selection of music and 30-minutes to prepare is all each couple has left to prove they deserve to win. Who will you vote for?

Friday, November 16, 2012

2 Great Dance Spots for Saturday Night

Hi Dancers,

The two best dance opportunities in Sedona both happen on Saturday night, November 17th. So, pick one or the other or go to BOTH!

In the Hyatt Shops, La Cubanita's plays a whole host of danceable Latin tunes. Break out your salsa, mambo, cha-cha, meringue and rumba. Don't forget to have a bite to eat the menu is outstanding! www.soundbitesgrill.com

Further into Uptown at Canyon Breeze, dance to the Sammy Davis Band. These are some of Sedona's finest musicians and performers. They play a wide range of music including R&B, funk, rock, and beautiful ballads for slow dancing. You can dance freestyle, east and west coast swing, cha-cha, rumba, salsa, fox trot, nightclub 2-step and maybe even a waltz. Sammy may even teach you how to Wobble!
Check out this clip of Sammy...



All the live music begins a 8pm and both venues have poured concrete dance floors so... I suggest wearing a leather bottomed shoe. Leave your ballroom shoes at home. A leather sole will give you better turning ability on a cement surface. Cement will tear up the suede soles of your ballroom shoes and slow down your turns.

Remember, if you need lessons (group or private) give me a call 862-0118. See you on the dance floor!

Dana

Friday, November 9, 2012

Your Best Bet for Dancing this Saturday Night


In my humble opinion, the best spot for ballroom dancing this weekend is in Clarkdale on Saturday the 10th.

These are rare opportunities (only 5 each year) to dance to a great 15 piece big band playing the great music of the 30's and 40's.

So, grab your dancing shoes and head out to Clarkdale Memorial Hall at 19 North 9th Street. Be there at 6:30p and dance until 9:30p. It's $10.00 at the door and non-alcoholic drinks are for sale on site. Bring a snack, some friends, and family. It's perfect for all ages.

(photo by Bryan Chambers beflyer@msn.com)

I hope to see you on their big beautiful wood dance floor!

Dana

Friday, October 26, 2012

DANCING WITH OR WITHOUT A COSTUME ; )

Places to go dancing in the Verde Valley October 26th, 27th, & Halloween!

Friday the 26th: 

If you like boppin' to some Classic Pop music, Sound Bites Grille at the Hyatt Shops is the place to be. The band Rythmystic's takes the stage at 8pm. The dance floor is poured concrete so choose a leather bottomed shoe for dancing. Dance 'til you're hungry because the menu is awesome!

The Martini Bar in West Sedona has the Latin tunes of Eric Miller at 9pm. Wear a leather bottom shoe because the floor is carpeted. For more info call 282-9288.

Head over to the Sedona Community Center on Melody Lane for a West Coast Swing lesson with Joe & Adrienne at 7pm followed by a costume optional dance party. $8 per person for lesson and dance or $5 for the dance only. Contact Sam Mackey 928-274-7538 for more info.

Saturday the 27th:

The Dragonfly Lounge at Cliff Castle Casino has their annual Halloween party starting at 6:30pm. Grand prize for the costume contest is $1000! 

Rendevous Restaurant in Cottonwood is having a Halloween Dance Party with LIVE halloween themed music starting at 8pm.  Prizes for the scariest costume and the BEST DANCING! Best of all... there is NO COVER CHARGE!

Halloween Dances on Wednesday, October 31st:

Sound Bites Grille has a Halloween Dance Party from 8-11pm featuring Pocket Five Dance Band. Costume contest prizes and a guitar raffle! For more info call 928-282-2713 or try Soundbitesgrille.com

In West Sedona, the Martini Bar has the Oak Creek Band playing and a 60's theme for their Halloween party and costume contest. There is a cover charge call 282-9288 for more info.

The Ranch House Restaurant in Lake Montezuma is hosting a FREE Halloween Costume Ball from 7-11pm with 1/2 price appetizers, $2 beer & wine and prizes!
Contact them at 928-567-4492 or www.TheRanchHouseRestaurant.com

Need lessons before you got out dancing? Call Dana at 928-862-0118 for info on group and private lessons.


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Everybody Loves to Cha Cha Cha!

Don't know how to Cha Cha Cha? Let us teach you.



Starting on November 1st at 7:30p our adult social/ballroom class will work on Cha Cha. Non-dancers, beginners, and intermediate dancers are all welcome.

 Call Dana at (928) 862-0118 or email for more info or to register ; )

Friday, October 19, 2012

Big Band, Big Sound, Big Night for Dancing

For 5 months each year the Clarkdale is the place to be for ballroom dancing. Last weekend, October 13th, kicked off the first of these dances featuring the Big Band sounds of Sentimental Journey, a 15- piece orchestra. Jeanie Carroll added her extraordinary vocals to several numbers and as the band played... the people danced. ( All photos courtesy of Bryan Chambers beflyer@msn.com) By night's end everyone went home happy including my husband and I who boogie woogied with the best of them.
If you'd like to join us next time, bring $10 to the Clark Memorial Clubhouse, 19 N. Ninth Street, Clarkdale, AZ. on any of the following Saturday nights: November 10th January 12th February 9th March 9th Dancing begins at 6:30 and ends at 930p. Hope to see you there!

Weekend Dancing in and around Sedona

Friday night: the 19th In Sedona, you can head over to the Sedona Community Center at Harmony Lane and Melody Lane in West Sedona and take a Salsa lesson from 7-8pm with Sam Mackey. Then stay for open dancing until 10pm. It's $8 per person for the night or just $5 if you're skipping the lesson and just coming for the social dance. Marketplace in the VOC has Rosemary Chavez & Jazz a la Mode starting at 6:30p. You can foxtrot, nightclub 2-step, west coast swing, or blues dance to Rosemary's sultry vocals. The floor is tile with deep grout lines so be prepared. Management will move table out of the way if you come out to dance. Also, the Ridge Club in the Prescott area has re-opened under the name of Thunder Ridge and presents dances every Wednesday and Friday evenings from 4-8p. They feature a $10 buffet, accompanied by live music. If you have questions, call the Zinks at 928-771-1493. And I hear that the the Valley View Restaurant in Camp Verde features the Hired Hands band which plays every Friday and Saturday night from 6-9p. They play music that's great for dancing and dinner is also served throughout the evening. Call 928-567-8528 for reservations. Saturday: the 20th Sound Bites Grille in the Hyatt shops will be filled with the Latin sounds of La Cubanitas. You can grab a bite to eat and work it off on the dance floor starting at 9p. Bring your Latin shoes and brush up on your rumba, cha-cha, samba, bolero, salsa, and cumbia. The rhythms are infectious! Clarkdale's 10-12 Lounge has Sammy Davis on stage beginning at 8p. I love Sammy! He's great entertainment and loves getting people to dance. There will be plenty of swing music, R&B, Motown and he'll grant your requests. : ) You might get him to teach you The Wobble too! On Sunday: the 21st you can head over to the Cottonwood American Legion from 2-5p to hear Happy Days. Lots of great music and fun with lead singer Charleah. Bring your dance shoes to swing, jitterbug, fox trot, rumba, cha-cha, waltz... you name it! That's where it's at this weekend. Remember, you can call me for private lessons (928) 862-0118 or to join our adult social/ballroom class on Thursday nights at 7:30p. It's cheap and I make it easy. See you out dancing, Dana

Friday, September 28, 2012

My Picks for Dancing in Sedona

Saturday Night the 28th: Stop by The Good, The Bad and The Ugly Saloon in Uptown Sedona for a country 2 step lesson and some FINE dance music from the Jed Morrison Band. There is a small but beautiful dark wood dance floor that's perfect for dancing! Stay and have bite to eat too. Best bar food around ; ) If the R&B sounds of Motown are more your speed, head over to the Canyon Breeze Restaurant also in Uptown and catch the Sammy Davis Band. Sammy always puts on a great show with plenty of danceable music. The dane floor is poured concrete so wear a dance sneaker or leather bottom shoe for ease of movement. (Leave the ballroom shoes at home.) Sunday Evening the 30th: Sound Bites Grill is the place to be for the best dance music in town on Sunday. Eric Williams and the Cruisers play swing, fox trot, waltz, cha-cha, rumba... you name it! This is a medium size dance floor also of poured concrete. Sound Bites Grill is a beautiful space with a great menu. These are my favorites for the weekend. Feel free to add your favorites in a comment below : ) Happy Dancing, Dana

Wednesday, September 12, 2012

The places to dance in Sedona this weekend...

Sooooo much dancing. Not... enough... time. Friday night:
I'll be teaching country 2-step at The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly in Sedona's Uptown Sinaqua Plaza. The fun begins at 6pm! Call Michelle at 928-554-5328 for reservations. Space is limited but the great food and live country music from The Renegades are worth the trip. Come scoot your boots on their beautiful dark wood dance floor. Also on Friday at the Sedona Elks Lodge, 7pm till 10pm. Joyce will help teach with Sam the funnest of dances, the jitterbug. They will cover simple beginning steps to simple intermediate steps. Satur-Day: Join me up at the Sedona Airport's Family Fun Day! I'll be showing folks what we do at Dana De Luz Dance Studio... everything from kids dances to the swing and foxtrot! Performances are at 10:45am and 12:45pm. Stay and check out the Classic Car Show, the Airplane Display/Fly-in, comic entertainment, carnival games, food & drinks. It's all FREE of charge. Any donations will go to the Sedona's kids organizations who came out to provide the games. Bring the kids and anyone who's a kid at heart! Saturday night: I'll be in Cottonwood at the Verde Valley Senior Center for its annual USO Dance and Soup Kitchen with live music from The Buddy Moeck Swing Band. The night begins 6:00pm and runs 'til 9:00pm. Dinner and dancing for just $15! All proceeds benefit the Meals-On-Wheels program. 500 E. Cherry St. Call Debbie Moore at (928) 634-5450 for more info. Thomas and Joyce will teach west coast swing at 7pm with more west coast music for your dancing pleasure beginning at 8pm. Just go to the Sedona Pilate's Studio at Marketplace Plaza in West Sedona. Cost: $7 per person, $10 per couple. In Flagstaff: Robert and Kathy Greenburg are hosting their monthly dance at 7pm until 10pm at Canyon Dance Academy, 2812 N. Izabel Street. A nightclub 2-step lesson starts the night at 7pm with open dancing to follow at 8pm. Robert and Kathy are great instructors and stunning dancers!

Monday, September 3, 2012

Big Band Dance Music Tonight! FREE!

The Verde Valley's own Sentimental Journey 16-piece Big Band is playing tonight under the stars at the Kiwanis Park at 690 Bell Rock Blvd. in the VOC from 5-8pm and it's FREE! There will be part of the large pavillion open for dancing (right in front of the band). Food service is provided by REDSTONE including burgers, franks, brats, beer, and wine. Bring blankets or lawn chairs and a flashlight. So, whether you love to dance or you love good music, this is a great opportunity for both. Post a comment if you're going. See you on the dance floor! Dana

Saturday, September 1, 2012

Dancing in Sedona this Labor Day Weekend

Saturday: The Sammy Davis Band is playing at Canyon Breeze in Uptown from 7p to Midnight. Sammy Davis is a Sedona legend who knows how to put on a show, get people dancing and leave a smile on your face for days! They will have you dancing some swing, disco, rumba, nightclub 2-step, and much more. The Canyon Breeze dance floor is a moderate/large size of poured concrete. It's best to wear a dance sneaker or leather soled shoe. Sounds Bites Grill in the Hyatt Shops has the Christopher Robin Band from 8-11pm. This is good country/rock with amazing guitar work. Good for dancing country 2-step, swing, and just free styling. The dance floor is medium sized poured concrete with a tile design in it. So... once again wear a dance sneaker or leather soled shoe for ease in dancing. Poured concrete is slow when wearing a swede ballroom shoe and difficult for executing turns. Ladies choose a lower heal or be prepared to stay up on the balls of your feet. Sunday: Sounds Bites Grill brings some Latin Jazz sounds with Susannah Martin and Eric Miller from 6-9p. Are you ready to rumbaaaaa!? Get your bolero and salsa ready too. The dance floor... read above. All Links are highlighted in turquois! Just click on them to see the venue's website or to listen to the band.

Tuesday, August 28, 2012

New Class beginning SOON!

Honoring the requests of several parents, a new Saturday Creative Dance class for ages 2 1/2 to 5 is getting ready to begin. The tentative 1st class will be this Saturday at 10:30a in the VOC. There is only one thing we still need... one more student! If you are interested, call 862-0118 for details and to sign-up your child. Happy Dancing! Dana

Wednesday, August 8, 2012

Fall Dance Class Schedule Shaping Up - Sign Up NOW!

Fall classes will begin the week of August 19th with...

DANCE CLASSES
Creative Dance for ages 3-5 at 3:30p-4:15p on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Pre-ballet ages 5-7 at 4:30p-5:15p on Tuesdays and Thursdays

Ballroom/Social Dance for grades 1-5 at 3:30p-4:25p Wednesdays
Ballroom/Social Dance for grades 6-8 at 4:30p-5:25p Wednesdays
Ballroom/Social Dance for grades 9-12 at 5:30p-6:25p Wednesdays

Beginning Adult Ballroom/Social Dance 6:00p-6:55p Thursdays
Social Dance Practice 7:00p-7:55p Thursdays 
Interm. Adult Ballroom/Social Dance 8:00p-8:55p Thursdays

FITNESS CLASSES
A Dancer's Workout at 10:00a-11:30a Wednesdays
Baby & Me... TBD
Latin Dance Workout... TBD

SOCIAL DANCE NIGHTS
Country 2-Step 6:00p-7:00p Every other Friday at The Good, The Bad and The Ugly in Uptown.      $55 per couple includes dance lesson, dinner, one glass of beer or wine per meal and open dancing to LIVE music until midnight.

Country Line Dancing will be added to the schedule. Time and day...TBD. 
Call Dana at (928) 862-0118 with questions or requests for new classes.

One Singular Sensation, Marvin Hamlish, is Dead

Marvin Hamlish created some of the most memorable music of our lives. From Broadway shows like "Chorus Line" and movies like "The Sting" to TV show theme songs. Now, he is gone at the age of 68.

I have danced to many of his works and I hope you have too. If not, you still can. His music will live on forever.

Enjoy the finale number from "Chorus Line" posted in honor of this multiple award winning composer.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UNcV5pHJT5M&feature=related

Rest in Peace, Marvin Hamlish.

For more on Marvin Hamlish and his works click here.

Monday, July 30, 2012

Lindy Hoppers in the Olympics!

Okay, so they were only in the London 2012 opening ceremonies but... here it is in case you missed it.


Which brings up the question... Should ballroom dance be a competitive Olympic sport? I'd love to hear your comments.

Monday, July 23, 2012

A NEW PLACE TO DANCE IN SEDONA!

If you've always wanted to learn COUNTRY 2-STEP, now's your chance!

For just $55 per couple you'll get A STEAL OF A DATE NIGHT DEAL!

For more info... email me at dancingdana64@gmail.com or leave a comment below.
No experience needed but space IS LIMITED. 

Country Line Dancing Event!

Come kick up your heels at Sedona's National Cowboy Day Celebration on July 28th which also happens to be National Dance Day!

This is a Sedona Main Street Event with festivities all day from 10am until 8pm. Dana De Luz Sedona Studio will be on hand to teach several Country Line Dances from 6-8pm in the Cheers parking lot at the first Uptown intersection.

Hoping to see you there,
Dana

Friday, June 1, 2012

Dancing for Sedona Cares fire fundraiser

Come out and play at the Sedona Cares fire fundraiser and watch your teacher dance!

On Tuesday, June 19th in the VOC Outlet Mall and at Canyon Moon Theater there's lots of fun going on to help our 3 local families who lost their homes and belongings to fires during the month of May.

The fun begins a 9am with a carnival outdoors (wear sunscreen). There will be outdoor entertainment including myself, Dana De Luz, leading some fun dances, musical guests, carnival games, a dunk tank, two giant inflatables, and food booths. WOW!

Inside Canyon Moon Theater there will be a bake sale and 3, count 'um, 3 variety shows filled with some of the Verde Valley's finest musicians and performers. Shows at 2pm and 4pm cost $15 per seat and the BIG SHOW at 7:30 will be $35 per seat. I'm proud to say my performance partner, Michael Bickley, and I will perform some dancing in the 7:30p show.

But wait there's more... in addition to all this there will be a great raffle going on and a silent auction both filled with some awesome prizes!

Come join the fun... and see you teacher dance!

If you can't be there you can still donate... http://www.giveforward.com/sedonafirefundraiser

Hope to see you at Sedona Cares on the 19th!

Dana : )

Friday, May 4, 2012

Try Something New! Dance This Summer!

SUMMER CLASS SCHEDULE

Creative Dance for ages 3-5
Tuesdays 10-10:45am ALL summer long!
Cost per class per dancer: $10 drop-in, $8 when paying by the month and $6 when you buy a 10-class "Little Happy Feet" discount card.

Pre-ballet for ages 5-7 TBD
If you are interested please call and let's add you to the a waiting list ; )

Dances of the 50's and 60's for ages 6-14
Summer music and some fun and silly dance! What could be better? The students will learn Swing dancing as well as those funny dances of the 60's like the swim, the pony, the locomotion and the twist.
Session #1 begins May 28th - June 8th Monday - Friday (2 weeks)
9-10am for kids entering K-3 grades next year
10-11am for kids entering 4-6 grades next year
11-Noon for kids entering Jr. High (7 & 8)

Session #2  begins June 18th - June 29th Monday - Friday (2weeks)
9-10am for kids entering K-3 grades next year
10-11am for kids entering 4-6 grades next year
11-Noon for kids entering Jr. High (7 & 8)
Cost for these sessions per class per dancer: $12 drop-in, $10 when paying weekly and $8 when buying a "Happy Feet" discount card.

High School Swing & Latin: TBD
Please, call and get on a waiting list for this class. We will determine the day and time at a later date. Swing and Latin dances are extremely popular among high school AND college students across the country.

Adult Ballroom/Social Dance:
On Thursday nights, join our ongoing classes from 8-9pm. In May we're mixing it up...
May 10th - Cha-Cha/Rumba
May 17th - East Coast Swing/West Coast Swing
May 24th - Meringue/Salsa
May 31st - Nightclub 2-Step/Country 2-step

I'm also taking sign-ups for a 6-7pm class and developing in a "Date Night" dance class for Friday nights complete with child care. Call for more info.
Cost per class per dancer: $12 drop-in, $10 when paying weekly and $8 when buying a "Happy Feet" discount card. Child Care Costs: $5 for the first child and $2 for each additional sibling.

Need more info? Call Dana at 862-0118 or email me at dancingdana64@gmail.com


Tuesday, May 1, 2012

A Sampling of Ballroom and Social Dances in MAY!

   Okay, so you've seen DWTS season after season and you've been saying you want to try dancing like that but... you still aren't waltzing around the kitchen floor let alone the ballroom floor. Now's your chance to experience TEN partner dances in ONE month... AND YOUR FIRST GROUP CLASS IS FREE!
  
   Thursday night's ballroom/social dance class will offer a sampling of partner dances in pairs that relate easily to one another. Here's the schedule:
May 3rd - Waltz/Foxtrot
May 10th - Cha-Cha/Rumba
May 17th - East Coast Swing/West Coast Swing
May 24th - Meringue/Salsa
May 31st - Nightclub 2-Step/Country 2-step


   Join us Thursday night's in May from 8-9pm in Sedona's VOC. Call 862-0118 or email to get on the class list and get directions. If Thursday nights don't work for you, let's talk.


Let's get dancing!
Dana

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Sign up for Summer Dance Classes!

I'm gearing up for the Summer Activities Fair at Big Park Community School in the Village of Oak Creek on May 3rd at 5pm. Come out and see what's going on for kids and adults this summer. I'll be taking sign-ups for kids (and kids at heart) ages 3 and up. 

Moms and Dads don't forget about yourselves! You can sign up to take a "Date Night" dance class!

Also... if you have teenagers, I'll be offering swing and Latin dance classes!!! Both swing and Latin are very popular on college campuses across the nation. NAU has a thriving swing and Latin dance community.


Dance is a beneficial activity for ALL ages. It's cardio and calorie burning qualities improve overall health.  Dance is also a weight bearing exercise that improves bone strength. Want to improve your coordination, flexibility, timing, balance, memory and recall? Dance! That's right. Dance. Even if you need an exercise that is low or no impact, there's a dance out there for you. Additionally, dance has social benefits too!  The social aspects of dance build confidence, good manners and friendships.


If you can't make it to the Summer Activities Fair and need more info or want to sign up, give me a call at 862-0118 or email me at dancingdana64@gmail.com.


Let's get Dancing!
Dana 

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

One of dancings greatest advocates, Dick Clark, dead at 82

If is wasn't for watching Dick Clark's American Bandstand every Saturday of my childhood I don't know what I would have done.

My parents couldn't afford dance lessons for me as a child so I'd find dance shows on TV. Any kind of dance... ballet, musicals and variety shows and American Bandstand helped me learn all the latest dance steps. I'd watch and then grab my sister to see if we could do what we just saw. Dick Clark not only made stars out of bands and solo acts, he had songs created for specific dances and create hit show after hit show. Who hasn't seen a New York Rockin' Eve?

Rest in peace, Dick. You will be remembered well.

Dance enthusiasts enjoy the link below from UAS Today on Dick Clark's life and contributions. http://www.usatoday.com/life/people/obit/story/2012-04-18/dick-clark-dies-at-82/54390716/1

A New Twist on DWTS

Dancing with the Stars tried out a new way of eliminating a dancer on last night's show. The two couples who ranked the lowest after the judges scores were combined with audience votes were put in a "dance-off". I thought it was very fair because they each dancer had to dance the same dance to the same music and neither star had done that dance before.

The judges had the final say instead of the audience vote and Gavin was sent home. I thought is was a good call and I like that the final say is in the judges hands.

What do you think?

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

Rock 'n' Roll for the Cure Benefit

Just wanted to spread the word about a great LOCAL cause. A Sedona family who lost their 21 year old daughter to cancer just recently is continuing their fund raising efforts in order to help other local families fighting cancer.

Please, come out to Olde Sedona Bar & Grill this Thursday night (tomorrow the 12th) in West Sedona. The fun begins at 6pm with entertainment and raffles and then Sedona's own Oak Creek Band will be performing at 9pm! Come out with your dance shoes handy, a few bucks in your pocket to donate to the cause or join in the raffle and enjoy the night!

The event is FREE of change but please donate what you can. I will have a gift certificate up for grabs for a FREE private lesson or $60 off a larger purchase. Hope to see you there... I'll be there after 9pm!

Stay well... Dance often,
Dana

Tuesday, March 27, 2012

Got swagger in your dancing?

I always tell my students attitude can cover a multitude of mistakes. If you just take on the character of the dance, it will look a million times better.

Here's a great example.

Check out the attitude and character of this 2 year old who picked up his swagger by watching his parents' ballroom dance class (jive). I love his facial expression, poses and overall confidence! The audience eats it up and you barely notice that he never does a "dance" step. Enjoy! and remember to give your dancing some attitude, character... swagger ; )

Contact me to get your swagger on!

Monday, March 26, 2012

Zumba Dance Benefit for ALS!

This event came to my attention and I felt compelled for personal reasons to help get the word out. ALS is a fatal disease that paralizes the voluntary muscles of the body over a period of years. A person suffering with ALS (also called Lou Gerhig's disease) is fully aware of the deterioration of function in their limbs, throat, torso and eventually their lungs because the disease does NOT harm their brains. This cruel disease has no cure and limited therapy that does little more than prolong life by a few months. 
Just 2 weeks ago I learned a close family member was diagnosed with ALS; therefore, I must help promote this cause. Come to Flagstaff if you can. I know many of you work on Friday's. If you can't come, please spread the word. A full house would be nice : ) If you love Zumba or haven't tried it yet, this might be your chance to do it and also contribute to ALS research. https://www.facebook.com/events/351609038194799/?ref=notif&notif_t=event_invite
Thank you for your time and attention <3

Friday, March 9, 2012

Live Ballroom Dancing Demonstration in West Sedona

At 1:00pm and 3:30pm Saturday, March 10th (that's tomorrow), I will be performing LIVE with my friend, colleague and ballroom dance champion Michael Bickley. Ballroom Dancing with Michael Bickley has moved into a new space along with Sedona Pilates and  Sedona Photon Light and they're throwing a party!


The new location is next door to N.Y. Bagel in West Sedona's Old Marketplace Mall. Michael will be demonstrating several dances with me (Dana De Luz) and one of his students. The whole mall is getting involved to welcome the new businesses and there will be giveaways, samples and more. It's an all afternon event but if you want to see us dancing be there at 1:00pm or 3:30pm or BOTH!


See you there : )

Thursday, March 8, 2012

$$$ PROM SPECIAL! $$$

So many parents whince when they think about how their teenagers dance at school dances and wish they could do something about it. Well, now parents can. I am offering a special 50% OFF price to any teen going to Prom. All they need is a valid High School ID and they can come learn East Coast Swing and Salsa for all those fast and medium songs and a Rumba for the slow songs.
Call 862-0118 for more information and to sing up for private, semi-private or group Prom Dance classes.
Also, "Like" my Facebook business page (Dana De Luz Sedona Studio) to always know what's new.

DWTS New Season begins Monday, March 19th!

According to a recent article on The Huffingtonpost.com,this season is lacking star power. Take a look at the cast list of celebrities and their professional partners.
Jack Wagner, dancing with Anna Trebunskaya
Melissa Gilbert, dancing with Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Donald Driver, dancing with Peta Murgatroyd
William Levy, dancing with Cheryl Burke
Sherri Shepherd, dancing with Val Chmerkovskiy
Katherine Jenkins, dancing with Mark Ballas
Gavin DeGraw, dancing with Karina Smirnoff
Martina Navratilova, dancing with Tony Dovolani
Roshon Fegan, dancing with Chelsie Hightower
Maria Menounos, dancing with Derek Hough
Jaleel White, dancing with Kym Johnson
Gladys Knight, dancing with Tristan MacManus


Below is a photo of 10 of 12 cast members:



What you think? Is this season lacking star power? Do any or these new celebs make you want to watch or will you be tuning in to see your favorite ballroom teacher or the judges? Will you watch or won't you? Let me know.

Monday, March 5, 2012

Coming SOON! Salsa and Latin group classes.

   Contact me to get your name on the class list for our newly forming Salsa and Latin group classes. Be among the first to get in touch with me and you can suggest the day and time which Is still TBD.

   Just CLICK HERE to email me your personal contact information and suggestions. Let me know how many people in your party.

   See you on the dance floor soon!