Social Dancing at its Finest at Modern Steps

"So what are you doing on Saturday night?"  Sounds like a pickup line from a bad movie or it could be an invitation to join in a great social activity: ballroom dance.  Since the early 1900's what we call "ballroom" dance has been one of America's favorite pastimes and a great way to meet people.  And although the foxtrot may have been brand new in 1919, today it may be the "new" dance that you want to learn and there is no better place to practice than at Modern Steps School of Dance on Saturday nights from 7-10pm.  With all kinds of music to enjoy, our Saturday Night Public Dance party if a great way to beat those blues.  Whether you hook up with some old friends, or you meet some new faces, its a great way to get off the couch and have some fun.                                          

Dancing at Modern Steps on Saturday Nights

Glittering Gold Performances in Chicago

The Chicago Dancesport Challenge was the place to be last weekend and the Windy City was a perfect place for Lynn and Brenda Griebahn to shine as our Modern Steps amateur couple placed First in four divisions.  It may have been Halloween weekend, but there was nothing scary or frightening about their performances in the American Smooth Gold Divisions.  The USADance National Qualifying event was held at the Hyatt Regency O'Hare and was a highly attended event, with many of the multi-dance divisions including more than 15 couples, and requiring quarter-finals.  The Griebahns placed first in the Senior 2 and Senior 3 Gold divisions, and also place first in the Senior 2 Silver division, taking first in all three dances.  They also placed first in the Senior 3 Bronze Standard, dancing the International Waltz and Quickstep.

      Unlike many pro-am competition, the USADance competitions are multi-dance events in specific age groups and proficiency levels.  Amateur couples, and teacher-student couples compete in the four dance divisions (American Smooth, American Rhythm, International Standard and International Latin).  Lower level proficiency divisions dance 2, 3 or 4 dances specific to the genre, and the Championship level (the highest proficiency level) includes 5 dances.
     In addition to the Smooth and Standard divisions, the Griebahns also danced in American Rhythm and were finalists in each age group.
     When asked why they compete, Brenda said, "Going to competition is a great way to meet other dancers in our age group who love to dance.  Meeting dancers from across the country has opened up a whole new world of ballroom for us."
    Divisions for Newcomers are available at every competition, and according to the latest information from USADance, worldwide the fastest growing group of ballroom dancers is the 45-65 year age group.  If you are interested in getting more information about local or national competitions, contact Tammy Clemens at Modern Steps School of Dance.