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Glossary
We have several levels of competitions in the Fred Astaire System.
* INNER STUDIO: The simplest, most user-friendly competition is held in our
own studio 2-3 times a year. This is a practice competition designed to introduce
the beginner to the competitive world of dancesport, and for our more advanced
students to train for larger competitions. At these events, students are usually
uncontested and dance for a proficiency grade, winning ribbons.
* INTER STUDIO: The next level of competition is called a regional competition.
At Regional’s, we get together with other Fred Astaire Studio’s
in New Jersey only and we allow our students to dance against the other studio’s
students. Students receive ribbons as awards, and we also name a top male and
female teacher.
* REGIONALS: The third level of DanceSport is the New York/ New Jersey Fred
Astaire Regional’s. These events are usually held at the Parsippany Hilton
or the East Brunswick Hilton, and are day or two day events. Students compete
against other students in their age division and level. This is where we really
see students shine, in full costume, makeup and shoes. Students usually buy
pictures and videos of their heats, and set goals for the next event.
* INDEPENDENTS: The next level of DanceSport are independent competitions.
Student’s who compete in independent competitions have usually competed
in every inner and intra studio competition, and are required to have attended
a Fred Astaire New York/ New Jersey event. At this level, students usually have
separate costumes and shoes for smooth/standard and latin/rhythm. They also
probably have open routines and have danced some solo or exhibitions in our
studio. This is for the student who wants to compete seriously and takes advantage
of every competition.
* NATIONALS: Fred Astaire Cross Country (Vegas, April) and Fred Astaire Nationals
(October). Also The Ohio Star Ball, USDSC, and Heritage Classic.
If you would like to try competing, ask your teacher when our next Inner Studio
event will take place.
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Fred Astaire Group Classes
These were designed to reduce the cost of lessons by teaching certain aspects
of dancing, to a group of students, at one time. A regular schedule of Group
Lessons (also called classes) is maintained to cover every level of dancing
advancement, as well as each of the dances.
As students qualify, they are moved to the next more advanced group. In order
of difficulty, our groups are: Introductory, Social, Bronze I, Bronze II
IT IS A WASTE OF INDIVIDUAL LESSON TIME TO LEARN:
1. Element teaching
2. School Figures (Steps or Step Patterns)
3. The essential fundamental style of character of each dance
4. The technique of what to do with one's hands, feet, and head
THE ABOVE ESSENTIALS CAM BE LEARNED EQUALLY WELL IN A GROUP.
GROUPS ARE ALSO SUPERIOR TO PRIVATE INSTRUCTION IN THE FOLLOWING WAYS:
1. BALANCE - A person who cannot dance alone cannot dance lightly and easily
with a partner. It would be impossible to find a better way to develop a dancer's
balance than is offered in Group Training.
2. CONFIDENCE - When a student sees himself able to perform the step patterns
on his own, he acquires confidence because he knows what he is doing.
3. VARIETY OF TEACHERS - While all instructors teach the same curriculum, they
differ in personality, individual flair for the different dances and manner
of expressing themselves. Students should have the benefit of this variety to
help them develop their own dancing personality and to help avoid over-dependency
on one teacher.
4. MEET PEOPLE - In addition to making more friends and expanding their social
life, students are able to see for themselves the learning problems of others
and are thus better able to understand their own.
5. COMPETITION - Students see others who started at the same time they did,
progressing rapidly, and will themselves strive harder to learn.
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