Alicia Dixon

Alicia Dixon began dancing after years of thinking it impossible for her. At first, her goal was simply exercise, of a type that included music and people. She began with east coast swing and discovered the enjoyment of dance. Her social dancing has since included west coast swing, salsa, and merengue.

Over a few years, Alicia made a transition to the international "ten dances". They are: waltz, tango, slow foxtrot, Viennese waltz, quickstep, rumba, cha cha, samba, paso doble, jive. She has studied international-style dance to gold star level and continues to work on advanced technique. She has earned silver level certification in standard and latin dance from the national association. Alicia has competed as a lead and is working toward doing so as a follow.

Esprit 2008 was Alicia's first open exploration of her feminine self. She took to it enthusiastically and was chosen for the Harriet Stites award. She returns this year to offer her dance experience, hoping to infect others with the joy of ballroom dancing.

Alicia presents:

Introduction to Ballroom Dance

Ballroom dancing can help you develop poise and confidence. In time, you can tone up your body and may develop legs many girls will envy. But even in one lesson, you can learn how to appear slimmer, and discover your hips. No partner required for this workshop.

The lesson will cover the mambo line dance, beginner cha cha, and a waltz line dance. The mambo line dance is a lively novelty dance that gets everyone on the floor. Cha cha can be danced to many common tunes; the basic steps are the same for lead or follow so you'll have a chance to try both roles. The waltz line dance gets you moving to the granddaddy of ballroom dances without the need for a partner.

Anyone can dance: you just move your body in an artistic way, usually with music. Many people dance "free style" to fairly basic rhythms. But knowing common patterns and timing can add a new dimension to your dancing. Take to the floor yourself, rather than enviously watching television competitions awash with tailcoats, ball gowns, and colourful costumes. This workshop will give you a start on that journey.

Important: Wear comfortable clothing and footwear suitable for dancing. Shoes should be secure on your feet and allow turns. Footwear with sticky soles, unstable heels, or open backs, or that otherwise doesn't move at the same time as your foot could cause joint strain or worse.

Caution: ballroom dancing is a sport and can result in injury. Know the limits of your body and participate at your own risk.