Mary Murphy, SYTYCD, Judge and Ballroom Champion

Mary Murphy, SYTYCD Judge and Ballroom Champion

In the final installment of our look into So You Think You Can Dance we will beFocusing in on Mary Murphy, a Judge, choreographer, and ballroom dance champion.  She has overcome personal adversity, and remains a powerful voice full of hope and constructive criticism for young dancers hoping to make their mark on the show.  Her trademark hot tamale train whooping and hollering is a much sought after and extremely positive feedback moniker that always puts a smile on the faces of the dancers, and causes the other judges to run for cover and place their hands over their ears.

The United States Ballroom Championships are what first inspired Mary to want to dance in that niche, and in no time flat she found Manfred Sigletz and formed a dancing partnership to pursue her goals.  In 1990 and 91 they won the Austrian National Championships, but her own studio called the Champion Ballroom Academy in San Diego made it hard to focus and eventually ended the partnership.

It wasn’t until 1996 that things fell into place with a new dance partner and she won the US Open American Nine Dance. Her movie credits include standing in for Julia Roberts in the hit film Something to Talk About, as well as working with Vanessa Williams in her dancing film Dance With Me.

Currently she operates her dance studio and organizes a Las Vegas Dance Competition called the Holiday Dance Classic, as well as her judging duties on the hit television show, So You Think You Can Dance.

If you have been watching the show and live in the Las Vegas or surrounding area and have gotten the urge to learn to dance, allow me, Jeremy Guzman, to be your personal dance instructor. Visit http://BallroomDanceSpot.com for all of the details and see if this ballroom dance craze can motivate and inspire you to try something new.

So You Think You Can Dance Weekly Recap

So You Think You Can Dance Recap

I can’t believe it but it’s already time for the finals!  This week the top 8 dancers took the stage, and by the time the night ended, there are 6 dancers left that are going to the finale. This is such a hard competition because as the weeks go on you become attached to all of the dancers and because these dancers are all so good, it is hard to pick a favorite.  In the end, 8 million viewers voted for who they wanted to be in the finals, and for many people as well as the judges, there were definitely some surprises.

First off, the ballroom dancer Ashleigh, who is one part of the husband and wife ballroom dance partnership that made it on to the show, was injured performing a lift during rehearsals. She pulled her shoulder out of the socket and the doctors refused to release her to dance even though she was willing to perform.  In an unprecedented move, the judges decided to allow the audience to vote her into the finals based on her prior performances.

Unfortunately for Mollie and Legacy, they were voted off in a stunning turn o events that surprised everyone.  For one, Mollie was a front runner and her performances with her partner Jacob performing a Broadway number that had all of the judges clamoring for more made everyone feel that she was a shoe in.  Of course, it was Ashleigh, the ballroom dancer that was able to edge her out even though she didn’t compete that night.  Also, for Legacy the night turned out to be something unexpected.  Even though he is a B-Boy and has turned in stunning solo routines, he was beaten out by none other than Ryan, who is the male ballroom dancer in the show. 

Many are saying that the fans want to see the couple dance together, and against each other for the title of America’s favorite dancer ad that is why they are getting through even tough when Ryan dances for his life he has repeated some of his previous routines and has one style of dancing to draw from, which is the Latin ballroom dance style. This is really exciting as it is the first time a husband and wife team has made it to the top ten, much less the finals, and it will be mesmerizing to see how it all turns out next week!  Either way I will give you the rundown so you know exactly where the dancers stand and how the show ends!

So You Think You Can Dance: The Ballrom Coreographers Part3

So You Think You Can Dance: The Ballroom Choreographers

Choreographers Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin have found a home on so you think you can dance, and the viewers are so much better off for it.  The duo head up choreography for the ballroom dance numbers and are able to create unique and lively dance routines each week that America is falling in love with. Some of thier numbers have even been the main reason that dancer’s have stayed on instead of being voted off the show.  On one ocasoin, the Krumper Ressel ergusen lost his partner due to illness and the coreographer stepped in and did a delightful job until his normal partner returned.

Tony and Meredith partnered up and formed a competitive dancing duo that were able to represent the USA twelve times at the professional world Latin American dance championships before moving to New York to continue training and opening up a dance studio of their own.   Amazingly throughout their career the twosome captures over 100 first place trophies and they specialize in cha cha, tango, swing, hustle, mambo, and salsa. 

The couple has worked behind the scenes on the Hit Movie Dance With Me starring Jennifer Lopez, The Thomas Crown Affair with Pierce Brosnan, and the Last Days of Disco, before settling down and agreeing to choreograph on So You Think You Can Dance.

They have been responsible for a number of the dancers making it through to the next round and last week Jacob performed a quickstep with no previous ballroom training whatsoever that the judges were amazed by.  Unfortunately Natahan’s Rumba did not receive the same level of appreciation and he was voted off the show.

Whether or not you have experimented with ballroom dance in the past, it’s never too late to decide to put on a pair of dance shoes and have at it. Visit http://BallroomDanceSpot.com and look through all of the tremendous new offers we have for first time subscribers.  Who knows, it may even get you up off the couch and ready to dance again!

So You Think You Can Dance: A Ballroom Couple in the Top Ten!

So You Think You Can Dance: A Ballroom Couple in the top ten! Part 2

The hit television show So You Think You Can Dance pulls in millions of viewers each week.  As set forth in part one of this series, there are a majority of high level dancers that have competed to get to the spaces they now occupy.  The first major bench mark is to make it into the top 20 and the second major benchmark is to make in into the top ten.  This week, ballroom history has been made as a husband and wife ballroom dance team have both made it into the top ten!

This is also extremely interesting because the female of the couple was not originally set to make the top twenty, but due to one of the other dancers bowing out f the competition, she was able to take her place and has become one of the odds on favorites to win. Ryan and Ashleigh DiLello are both ballroom dance trained, and have been married for 5 years.  They both specialize in Latin Ballroom dance and originally competed against one another while they both had other partners. According to her husband, he feels that Ashleigh’s best dance is the Paso Doble because she is so powerful and Ashleigh feels that the Rumba is Ryan’s best dance even though it is slow and sensual.

Another amazing thing about Ashleigh is that she has overcome physical tragedy in order to continue to pursue dance. When she was younger she was traveling and competing when she got infected with a rare parasite that left her unable to dance for a number of years. In fact, at that point no one knew if she would ever dance again, let alone be in the top ten for So You Think You Can Dance.

Last week she was given a cha cha to dance with her partner and she owned the stage she was so commanding.  Her husband Ryan has had to dance for his life now a few times, and it appears that the only difficulty he ballroom dancers have is when they dance for their lives they do not have as many variations to pull from  Ryan overcame that by placing moves from a traditional Paso Doble and matching them up to a contemporary rock song that got him through the next round of cuts. The couple is now in the top Eight, and who knows how far they will go, and even if they will end up competing with each other at the very end to be crowned America’s favorite dancer and win a $250,000 purse!

Head over to http://BalroomDaceSpot.com and see all of the exciting new opportunities I, Jeremy Guzman am giving to new students who would like to explore the wonderful world of ballroom dance. It doesn’t matter if you already have training or are rand new to this type of dancing, ballroom has something to offer everyone an if you live in the Vegas area I will come to you at your convenience or meet you at the studio of your choice if it will get you motivated to take the first step or two!

So You Think You Can Dance:The Next Big Dance Show part 1

So You think You Can Dance: The next Big Dance Show Part 1

One of the most popular dance shows of all time is on Fox and is called So You Think you Can Dance.  It is one of the harder reality television shows and is sort of based like American Idol in that the Judges go to a number of core states and hold open audition calls for anyone that wants to try out.

If the dancers make it through the first round, they are given an airline ticket to Las Vegas where they are again given a chance for the judges to narrow down the competition until they have a top twenty crew that will continue to dance on national television.  They weed out prospects by having choreographers put them through different styles of dance that may be different from their own.  Only the dancers that can prove that they can be strong out of their element make it through.

When the television competition begins, there are 10 women and 10 men that pair up and perform couples dances that are choreographed. They pick these styles of dances out of a hat, and perform, and then the judges critique.  In the beginning they pick the weakest of the bunch and make them dance for their life until enough dancers have been eliminated and only ten dancers remain. At that point the audience chooses who stays and who goes and this continues until one person is chosen to be “America’s favorite dancer. 

The great thing about this show is being able to learn about all of the different styles of dancing that are showcased.  Among the lyrical and hip hop, ballroom dancing remains a strong element as each week at least one couple gets a quickstep, Rumba, or Salsa and if they are not trained in ballroom, it is very difficult for them to get it right.

Just as a major part of this competition takes place in Las Vegas, Ballroom dancing is alive and well here in the city that never sleeps, and if watching shows like this one has given you the itch to learn to dance some of the ballroom styles that are performed by the dancers on the show, be sure to check out http://BallroomDanceSopt.com and allow me, Jeremy Guzman, to teach some of the amazing techniques you are watching others be able to do each week. This is a great opportunity to get off the couch and follow up on your dreams!

Dancing with the Stars Recap: The Finals

Dancing With the Stars Weekly Recap: The Finals

No matter what the lead up is, the freestyle is the number one indicator as to who will win the dancing with the stars and this year has proven to be no different. Unfortunately, Mya wanted to have more of an edgy routine but her dance partner talked her into playing it safe in order to win.  In the end she turned out to gamble on a safe bet that didn’t bring home the trophy even though she was arguably the best dancer of the three finalists.

Round Three: Freestyle

Kelly and Louis: Dancing to I will survive.  Kelly was smiling and dancing as if she was really enjoying herself which has really been a big difference.  She unfortunately had a few major stumbles and was a little off her game but she looked like she was laughing and having fun. Bruno was happy with the performance and Carrie Ann gave her props for moving forward, and so did Len.

Total scores: 24 Total points

Mya and Dimtri: Broadway Number. They perform a song from hair spray. The two were dancing very well.  Their expression and dancing was very energetic.  Mya was worried it would be considered too safe for the finals.  Carrie Ann= She didn’t really like it.  Len= same feeling.  Good dancers but wanted more.  Bruno= Liked the rhythm of the dance, didn’t like the song and

Donnie and Kym: Another Broadway number, in a more traditional style.  As usual he is a great performer. Len started with praise and he thinks it was a show stopper.  Bruno was yelling about how great it was.  Carrie Ann= She touted his performance as the hall of fame of the freestyle. Total points= 30 points and he got three perfect tens!!!!!

Winner: Donnie Osmond!

After all was said and done I am happy for Donnie Osmond because he has worked very hard as an entertainment since childhood. What is becoming difficult is the fact that DWTS needs to define what it is that constitutes the win.  Is it the celebrity that is the best dancer?  Is it the celebrity that improves the most throughout the season?  Or is it the most popular celebrity that should win because they receive the most votes from the public?

 

 

 

 

Dancing With The Stars Results November 17

Dancing With the Stars Weekly Recap

Well it’s down to the Semi Finals and its elimination week to see who’s in the finale.  This week the intensity is turned up as they have to complete three separate dances.

Round One:

Donnie and Kym- Dancing the Tango- This dance needs to show a control and passion that far exceeds the rest. Donnie was not happy with the dance himself, he lost concentration, and all of the judges were disappointed. Total points= 21 total.

Joanna and Derek- Dancing the Viennese Waltz- The dance should flow and show a graceful demeanor, which they succeeded in doing and then some.  The judges loved it but Bruno said it didn’t quite take him all the way. Total Points= 27 total.

Kelly and Louis- Dancing the Rumba – The dance needs to be romantic.  Best dance for her so far although Len didn’t think so and for Bruno it was not sensual enough, almost had a small mistake at the very end, but he looked beautiful. Total Points= 24 total.

Mya and Dimitri- Dancing the Waltz – Elbows were nice and open and posture was upright. All three Judges loved it. Carrie Ann wanted a stronger hold. Total Points= 28 points.

Round Two:

Donnie and Kym- Dancing the Samba- Donnie is much more in his element in this dance.  The two men judges loved it but Carrie Ann wasn’t so sure.  Total Points= 26 total.

Joanna and Derek- Dancing the Cha Cha- Len wanted a little more- cheeky.  The other judges were very happy with it. Total Points = 27 total.

Kelly and Louis- Dancing the quickstep- one of the most difficult to master because of the footwork, but she was up for it.  Everyone was super happy with her effort.  Total Points= 27 total.

Mya and Dimtri- Dancing the Salsa- This dance is performed and it is very sexy as it is supposed to be. The solo performance was amazing. She brought it. Len was especially appreciative of a certain appendage of hers. Total Points= 30 total!!!!!!

Round Three: The knockout dance

Donnie and Kym- Dancing the Knockout- Jitterbug- Donnie is in his element. Total Points = 27 total.

Joanna and Derek- Dancing the Salsa- All three judges liked the dance. Total Points= 27 Points.

Kelly and Louis- Dancing the Cha cha- This short little dance was still good but not as good as the second one.  The judges were happy with it. Total Points= 27 total.

Mya and Dimitri- Dancing the Cha cha- Carrie Ann was not happy but Bruno and Len thought it was great. Total Points= 29 points.

Elimination Round- Joanna Krupa and Derek were voted off!! That leaves Kelly Osbourne and Donnie Osmond and Mya and Dimitri in the finals.

Ballroom Dance Apparel:Looking the Part

Ballroom Dance Apparel: Looking the Part

Another extremely important component of ballroom dancing is making sure that you wear the right apparel so that both you and your partner are comfortable and you are also as safe as possible for the ballroom dances you are going to try to perform and or practice.

First, and this holds true for either gender, it is imperative that the shirts that are purchased are cinched higher up and closer to the armpits. Baggy sleeves will interfere with a partner getting a hand on your back and will in turn make for a sloppy approach simply due to the wrong clothing choice. Also, the male dancers should beware of wearing long sleeves that are cuffed with a button at the wrist as they can easily catch a woman’s hair when turning and create a mini disaster that may end up hurting her.  In either of the two instances above, the largest danger comes from a distraction that could lead to bumping into other dancers on the floor due to a clothing malfunction. Female dancers should be careful of choosing lace for covering their upper bodies because it will be all too easy for a man to catch or snag the delicate fabric with a watch, or alternate jewelry.

With regards to wearing skirts keep in mind that each skirt has some natural flair, and you want to be sure that it does not have such a wide one that it hits against the partner and detracts from the dancing itself. Also, if you choose a longer skirt, it may flow beautifully but a woman must be sure that it has enough extra fabric that the man’s knee can fit and or move between her thighs, without having so much fabric that it becomes cumbersome.

For men who are wearing a dress shirt it is advised to wear just an undershirt instead, or an undershirt beneath the dress shirt in order to keep sweat stains from becoming an obvious focal point that you really don’t want to call attention to.

If jewelry can be considered in this discussion as well as hair do’s then a few words to the wise will make for a much better dance experience. To this end, try to remove as much jewelry as possible so that it doesn’t get pulled at or tugged at by your dancing partner by accident.  Men should remove their watch and stay away from giant belt buckles.  Women should take care when choosing a hair do.  A long braid can be beautiful to behold, but can be lethal for the partner if it ends up hitting his eyeball as you turn and maneuver.

On my website http://BalroomDanceSpot.com  I, Jeremy Guzman, and my professional team of dance instructors are bringing our dance experience to the Las Vegas dancers that would like to learn to do the American style ballroom dances like the Latin Salsa or Rumba, or the smooth style ballroom dances like the Waltz or Quickstep.