What's Going On...
BBQ Boogie & Special Groups
The BBQ Boogie goes down on August 14 and we have a Special Group Program for the week of August 16th- 20th. Read about it here in our Mid-Summer Newletter.
Our Facebook Page
You told us to get a Facebook page and so we did! Looks like it will be another great way to keep people up to date on all of the stuff we have going on. Click here to find us and like us!
Harrison Hot Springs Details
On June 26th we will be going to Harrison Hot Springs for our annual dinner dance at the Copper Room. This is always a really nice evening of dining, dancing and yes, dessert too. Here is a link to the invitation and menu. We hope to see you there!
February Newsletter
New ways to party, Upcoming events and more! Click here to read all about it!
We have a new phone number
As of January 5th we will only be taking calls at the studio phone #: 604-881-1234. In general we are at the studio from 3:30 - 9:30 Tuesday to Friday, and Saturdays from 11:30 - 3:30. We are often at the studio outside of these hours as well. If we are unable to answer the phone at any time we will certainly make every effort to return your messages promptly.
It's a boy!!!
We are so happy to announce that our baby, Colbran Winter Rudzik McIntosh, was born on December 22nd at 3:05 in the afternoon! He was 7 pounds, 14.7 ounces. Here are a couple of pics.
Both mom and baby (and dad) are healthy and happy and we're enjoying our holidays together. Thanks to all of you for your warm wishes. We hope you had a wonderful Christmas and we look forward to seeing you in the new year!
Closed for Holdays
We will be closed for the holidays from December 20th to January 4th inclusive. Classes recommence on January 5th.
We will keep you up to date on our website about any big developments in our lives! (For those of you in the baby pool anyone who guessed a time on December 20th is out!)
We wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
New Studio Update
They are finally installling the floor in our new studio. In fact, the upstairs floor is completely laid down. Today (October 19) they started the plywood in the main ballroom - here are some photos of how that all works. You can see in this video that the guys are literally running to get our floor ready for your dancing pleasure!
Fall Newsletter
It's been a while, but with the opening of our new studio we also have a newsletter to keep you up to date. Sorry about the delay!
Harrison was Awesome!
Our annual Harrison Hot Springs event was such a great time! With a record turnout, the fabulous Jones Boys, an exciting professional show and the best student dancers in the Lower Mainlaind, how could it not be? Check out the pics here.
We Got Married & We're Having a Baby!
We will probably never have bigger news. Most of you know by now that Magda & I got married in Jamaica on June 6th at 2:00 in the afternoon.It was the 10th anniversary of our first date. How romantic!
In somewhat related news we are expecting a baby! The baby is due on December 21st and we are obviously extremely excited. It's a big year for us for sure. Thanks to everyone for all your congratulations and support!
Spring Showcase
Spring Showcase was our final major event at Willoughby Hall! The Hall has been good to us but everyone knows it's time to move on. The beginning of good bye was so much fun with good food, great dancing and fantastic company. Thank you to all who participated by dancing, helping and cheering. Check out the pics here.
Summer Newsletter
Our Summer Newsletter is now available. You can view it online - right here!
Emily's Ethnography Paper
Many of you noticed that we had an observer at our parties for the last few months. Emily Lam is a student at Trinity Western University who asked us if she could observe our parties for a paper on Ballroom Dancing. We thought that would be alright with us.
After many dances, numerous interviews, and hours and hours of note-taking and observing, Emily has completed her paper and has been kind enough to share it with us. You can read it here. Thank you to all of you who made her experience with us such a good one. Enjoy!
70's Party Photos
That 70's Party was so much fun and here are the photos to prove it! Thanks to everyone who came and participated.
New Website Features
Based on your feedback from our recent questionnaire we have added two new features to our website:
1. We have added a new Music Suggestions page to our Resources section. Many students had asked for suggestions for music that they could find and play at home. Our 'suggestions' are just a starting point for a list that will certainly grow over time. Please let us know if you have your own suggestions to share.
2. We now have 'Next' and 'Back' buttons at the bottom of every month of our calendar.
Thank you for your feedback. If you have other ideas please let us know!
Spring Newsletter
It's going to be a great year at Dancing for Dessert! You can check out what's happening this Spring in our new Spring Newsletter.
Questionnaire
As we look forward to moving into our new home we're looking for input from our students to help make Dancing for Dessert the best it can be. To that end we've created a student questionnaire that we're hoping you'll take the time to complete. You can get the questionnaire from any of our staff. Thanks in advance for your contribution!
Buidling Foundation Poured
They have finally poured the foundation for the building that our studio will be in. Unfortunately it's now covered in snow! Check out the pics here.
Fall/Winter Newsletter
Parties, Contests, Extra Classes... we have a lot of fun stuff coming up this Fall and you can read all about it here in our Fall & Winter Newsletter.
Fall Showcase was a blast!
Fantastic student routines, a new King Jack and Queen Jill, an exciting pro show and a lot of good food as well... Thank you to all who contributed to making our Fall Showcase such a great success. Check out the photos here.
WE HAVE SECURED A FUTURE STUDIO LOCATION!
We announced at our Fall Showcase last night confirmation of the long awaited new studio location! It will be at 97th Ave and 203 Street at a site that is currently under construction. Visit our future home webpage for more information and ongoing updates.
September Newsletter Out
Our Fall Showcase is September 30th and includes student routines, the Jack and Jill competition and a staff show. Check out our September Newsletter to see details on this and other upcoming events.
Studio Closed July 20th - 27th
We are closed for holidays! Our program fires up again full steam ahead on Monday July 28th.
If you have any registration questions or requests please leave a message with us by email or phone. We will reply sometime soon after the 27th.
Harrison Hot Springs Photos
Thank you to all who participated in our Harrison Hot Springs dinner event. View photos here!
Summer Newsletter Updates
We have an updated summer newsletter available. Click here to view.
Spring Showcase was a hit!
Our Spring Showcase was so much fun. Thank-you to everyone who danced, cheered and helped to make it such a wonderful evening. Check out the pics here.
Summer Newsletter
Our Summer newsletter is now out and you can view it here. Find out what's going on at our school including dates for Harrison Hot Springs and the Student Showcase, and complete information about our Jack & Jill competition. Enjoy!
Grease Party Photos!
The Grease Party was so great! Thanks to everyone who came out - your costumes, energy, performances and twisting ability made the night a huge success. Thank You!
Harrison Date Set
June 21st is the date for our annual trip to Harrison Hot Springs! We will provide more details for this soon.
Spring Newsletter
From the depths of a snowy winter we bring you our SPRING NEWSLETTER!
Newsletters will be available at the school but you can also view the entire newsletter here, for the environmentally friendly approach! (It's 2 pages long)
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all of our students. We will see you back on January 3rd for the final week of the winter intensive. Our normal schedule resumes the week of January 7th. The first party of 2008 will be on January 8th. See you there!
Christmas Party Photos
Christmas Party photos are posted! Thanks to everyone for coming and making it such a fantastic success. It was a wonderful night.
Winter Newsletter
We have a ton of stuff happening in the next couple of months... new classes, more parties, specialty classes - the list goes on. It's going to be AWESOME!
We'll be handing out newsletters at the school but you can also view the entire newsletter here, for the environmentally friendly approach! (It's 2 pages long)
Halloween Photos
The Halloween Party kicked butt! Check out the photos here.
Etiquette Guide
We've had numerous students suggest that we develop an etiquette guide - so we did! You can find it under our Resources tab at the top of the page. If you have any thoughts, suggestions or comments about this or anything else we would love to hear from you.
Guest Contest
We want to get the whole Fraser Valley dancing and we need your help to make it happen!
Normally, as a thank you for each guest you refer, we offer a $10 credit to be used towards your next group class - but this fall we're upping the stakes. In addition to the regular credit you will have a chance to win free classes by participating in our fall guest contest. The prizes are as follows:
- 1st prize - 3 free group classes
- 2nd prize - 2 free group classes
- 3rd prize - 1 free group class
Here are the rules:
- If you refer the most guests you win the prize.
- To qualify a guest has to sign up for at least one group class or private lesson.
- We reserve the right to balance the classes. If there are too many single men or women your guest may be put on a waiting list until the next available class.
- Couple count as 2 guests.
- Guests must show their guest referral form upon registration.
- Prizes will be awarded at our Christmas Party on December 18th.
Good Luck!
The Halloween Party is coming...
Tuesday October 30, 8:00 - 10:00
On Tuesday October 30 Willoughby Hall will once again be transformed into a haunted mansion! Treats, prizes, dance games and a fabulous show are all part of the fun. Last year was a huge success and this year promises to be even bigger. Will you have the freakiest costume again this year?
Winter Intensive
The Winter Intensive is an accelerated group class schedule over the Christmas holidays. The schedule is 'intense' with two classes per week over a two week period with Christmas week off in the middle.
This year we are featuring five fantastic classes: two from our normal program, two specialty dances and a new dance exercise class:
Rumba 1
Cha Cha 2
Lindy Hop
Lindy Hop is a cool, laid back swing style that can be danced to fast and slow swing music. Most of the steps can also be easily applied to East Coast Swing as well.
Two-Step
A little twang in your step is good for the inner cowperson! Two-step is similar to foxtrot in rhythm, but uses a lot more turns borrowed from swing. Bring your cowboy hat and boots for a Yeeehaaa! good time.
Work-Out Class
Forget about technique and partner work for a while - the point of this class is to build up a sweat and get rid of that Christmas turkey! We’ll be using components from swing, cha cha, rumba, salsa, and quickstep to create fun, fast routines. Simple combinations will be taught and danced. No previous experience in any of these dances is necessary and everyone is welcome.
Check out the December and January schedules for exact times.
We are on Vacation!
The studio will be closed for the week of August 20th - 27th. We will be starting up full blast for Fall starting August 28th. To register for the upcoming session please leave us an email (magda@dancingfordessert.com) or a phone message and we will return your call on the 27th or after.
Harrison was a blast!
We will have photos up for you ASAP. For those who were there, Thank you for helping to make it such a wonderful event. For those who were not we'll see you next year!
Spins and Turns Workshop
We are very excited to announce the Summer Spins and Turns workshop.
The class will take place Sunday's at 11:00 am starting July 29th. It is 4 weeks long and is open to all students of any level. The cost is $35 per person. Don't worry, we will turn both directions - but feel free to bring in an extra head just in case!
Level 3 Classes - Schedule Change
Please note that due to popular demand we have decided to permanently change the times for our Wednesday Level 3 Classes.
Effective July 25th the first class will begin at 7:00 pm and the 2nd at 8:00. See you there!
April Showers Ball! "The Caribbean Adventure"
Tuesday, April 24, 2007. 8:00 to 10:00 p.m.
Just sit right back and you'll hear a tale... Pirates, cruise ships, treasure, exotic dancers (not what you think) - this year's theme for our first annual April Showers Ball is "The Caribbean Adventure". It will be a costumed night full of dance, fun, treats and performances. Dig out your summer attire and go on a mini-vacation to the Caribbean!
Tickets: $8 ($50 without a costume - strictly enforced!)
Harrison Hot Springs Dance Party
Our second annual trek to Harison Hot Springs takes place on the evening of Saturday, June 23, 2007. More details coming soon.
Spring Workshops
We have an intensive workshop program laid out for you this Spring featuring 3 different workshops:
- Musical Notes: Wednesdays - April 4th to 25th. $35
- Rise and Fall: Sundays May 6th and 13th. $17.50
- Cuban Motion: Sundays May 20th and 27th. $17.50
Enhance your Latin dancing with a bit more style and improve your leading and following skills by learning how to use your knees, hips and body the "Latin" way!
Andrew has been slaving night and day to prepare a class that will answer all your music and timing questions. This class is for absolutely anyone who is or ever was off time - and that means everyone!
This is a 4 week workshop that will take place on Wednesday evenings from 9:00 to 10:00 pm at Willoughby Hall. The class will have quite a bit of sit down time so bring a note paper and pen.
Through a series of exercises and technique you will learn to use your legs and maintain your posture to achieve the smoothness, grace and power that characterize the ballroom dances.
March 26, 2007 - New Level 3 class
Starting May 2nd we will be offering a second level 3 class on Wednesdays from 9:00 to 10:00. Many of you have been asking for faster repetition of dances and this will allow us to do that as well as to give you two hours of dancing in one evening.
March 26, 2007 - We have a new phone number - again!
Please note our new phone number: 604-957-9192
December 19th - Our Christmas Party!
Christmas parties are the best! Our party will be from 8-10 pm on December 19th. Feel free to dress up a bit and make sure to bring your Christmas cheer. If you are interested in bringing food as well please let Magda know. See you there!
October 25/06 - Level 3 Classes!
Foxtrot is our first level 3 class! Check the schedule page for details.
October 25/06 - Winter Intensive schedule set.
You may have seen the mysterious winter intensive on our calendar - well the mystery has been solved! Over a two week period with Christmas week in the middle we'll be teaching two new dances as well as two Cha Cha classes at double the pace. Visit the Schedule page for the full details.
October 3/06 - HALLOWEEN IS COMING!
October 31st is our Halloween bash! There are going to be lots of performances, prizes and special events. Come as a dancing pumpkin - or a dancing bat - or anything else that dances. You don't want to miss it!
August 21/06 - WE HAVE A NEW PHONE NUMBER
As of August 21st our studio phone # is 604-677-7224. Please feel free to test it out anytime!
August 14 - 21/06 - STUDIO CLOSED - We're on Vacation!
Willoughby Hall is unavailable to us between August 14th and August 21st as they are oiling the floors. So we decided to take a little break ourselves and take off for Calgary. Classes will be starting up again on Tuesday, August 22, and our regularly scheduled party is on that night! We'll see you there.
August 11/06 - PHOTO GALLERY POSTED
Finally, after months of planning and weeks of arduous labour, our photo gallery is online. It will be really easy to update and maintain so we'll be able to post photos from future events much more quickly.
Check out the goods by clicking here.
August 4/06 - MAGDA GETS HER DRIVER'S LICENSE!
Finally the great event has come to pass! It's a big day for us and a big day for the studio: A license to drive is a license to offer greater flexibility in our hours of operation and also gives us the freedom to start looking for a permanent space of our own. We will keep you updated on our progress. Keep your eyes peeled for the the red Yaris with the green 'N' darting around on the streets of Langley.
June 24/06 - HARRISON HOT SPRINGS
Thanks to all who participated in our inaugural outside dance event at Harrison Hot Springs. We had a fantastic dinner together and then danced the night away.
Highlights included professional dance demonstrations by Andrew, Magda and special guest Brian Antonio, live music by the Jones' brothers, hot-tubbing and the sand castle competition. We hope to put on regular events of this nature, so keep your ears open for future dates.
Click here to view photos of all the fun from Harrison.
April 28/06 - STUDIO WEBSITE
We are very excited to announce the launch of our new website, www.dancingfordessert.ca! This will be the official studio website where you will find monthly schedules, news on dance programs and special events, various dance resources and of course, the photo gallery!
April 15/06 - May is Workshop Month!
CUBAN MOTION WORKSHOP
Sunday, April 30 and May 7 (follow up class)
10:00-11:00am , $15.00
This workshop focuses on weight change and the hip action used in all Latin dances. The use of feet, ankles, knees and the upper body in creating this movement and how to apply it to the different dances will be explored. It takes a long time to "get" Cuban motion and this workshop will get you started in the right direction.
RISE AND FALL WORKSHOP
Sunday, May 21 and May 28 (follow up class)
10:00-11:00am , $15.00
Rise and fall is what gives ballroom dances their smooth and graceful flow. Most easily applied to waltz, it is also used in foxtrot, quickstep, and Viennese waltz. Our first quickstep class is coming up so get ready!
March 30/06 - Level II Classes!
You guys are ready and so here they come! We're very excited about teaching you all this "cool, new stuff " !
Our first level 2 class is.Foxtrot Level 2
Class begins Tues. April 4, 7:00 - 8:00pm at Willoughby Hall
This class builds upon level 1 technique by adding variations and playing with rhythm changes. Look for more level 2 classes in our summer schedule!