General

Tips for Saving Money on Pro/Am and Competitions

04/21/08 05:14 PM

A lot of students ask us how to save money on Pro/Am dancing and competitions. Here are some money saving tips to make your Pro/Am dancing more affordable and therefore more enjoyable.

Preparation:

Develop a competition goal and budget early on to finance your dancing. Give yourself at least two months for your next competition budget. Take advantage of any studio or competition promotions or studio work-study programs to help pay for competitions.
Practice, practice, practice on your own. Whether it's choreography, technique, arm styling or musicality, practicing on your own will improve your dancing ten-fold and prepare you for your next lesson. Best of all, it's free.
Try sharing private lessons with your fellow dancesport pro/am'ers. Have a practice buddy and share a technique lesson. At the end of the day, technique is the same whether you take it with someone or alone. If you're on a lesson package, work it out so one lesson comes off your package and the next comes off your buddy's package. This is a great way to stretch out your package therefore saving you money.
You don't have to do all four styles (19 dances). Choose your favorite style and focus on it. Why be a "jack of all trade" if you're "a master of none"?
Take group classes in your style (if available) even if it's at a lower level. You will get the benefit of a refresher on your fundamentals that you have probably already forgotten and you will be dancing with other people developing your follow/lead skills.
Attend the studio parties as much as possible. Why? This will develop your follow/lead, musicality, and justify the reason why you started dancing in the first place... to have fun! This will especially help you if you feel your dancing is stiff and uneventful. Training through social dancing will mentally and physically improve your dancing and give your dancing a more natural feel on the competition floor. Bottom line: Dance as much as possible.
Learn to make or at least stone your own dress. Ask your beloved dress maker to give you tips or even ask to help out so you can learn.
Learn to do your own hair and make-up. We offer workshops to do hair and make-up from time to time. If you don't want to wait, take a private lesson on hair and make-up. You'll save a lot of money and head aches in the long run.
Learn to do your own tan. Spray tan and Mystic tan can get expensive. Applying tan on yourself will save you a lot of money in the long run.

Competitions:

Do as many entries you can afford but don't do too little. Each heat lasts only 90 seconds so if you only do a few dances, it goes by pretty darn fast. It'll be over before you even started. We always recommend doing at least fifteen dances to get the most out of a competition. A perfect combination would be 10 single dances and 1 multi-dance event. You can always do more, of course.
Compete in a multi-dance event if you can. This is where you get the most bang for your buck in terms of entries. The multi-dance events typically have more competitors that results in multiple rounds. If you make it to the next round and since we don't charge for plus rounds, you get to dance again for free! You can also win prize money!
If you're traveling, book early for flights, hotel, etc. to get the good deals. Share rooms with as many people as the hotel allows.
Get as many of your fellow teammates to compete so the teacher's expense can be lower per student. Adding one extra student can dramatically lower the teacher's expenses.

Remember, the key to making the most of what you spend. Budget early on and strategize your training for maximum output. Learn from your mistakes and involve your teacher in the planning stages. All in all, have fun!

-Extreme Dancesport Team

March Classes Open for Enrollment!

02/18/08 02:34 PM

March classes are available online for enrollment! Enroll early and save big time. Don't wait till the last minute. Some of our popular classes fill up fast. You can enroll ONLINE, over the phone 617-492-2122, or in person.

New Dancesport Team Page

01/14/08 11:23 PM

Check out our new Dancesport Team page and see who's who at Extreme Dancesport. These committed students compete all around the country and they're hungry for more. These pages are in the works so they're still being updated but you can enjoy the pages now for your viewing pleasure.

Wanna be part of a great team? Our dancesport competition program will get you on the dance floor at any level and age. Simply call the studio 617-492-2122 and schedule your first lesson!

See you on the floor!

-Extreme Dancesport

Interview with Helle Rusholt

01/13/08 04:09 PM

Extreme Dancesport was chosen to be interviewed on CCTV and you can hear a live stream this Thursday on http://www.cctvcambridge.org from 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM (or on Cambridge Cable TV Channel 9) with our very own, Helle Rusholt. Repeat broadcast only on Friday from 4:00 AM - 6:00 AM on Cambridge Cable TV Channel 10.

Or, if you don't want to wait, you can hear the podcast NOW on http://web.mac.com/dmitriproductions!

New Hours on Sundays!

01/10/08 01:04 PM

With classes offered on Sundays, the studio hours has been extended which means more studio time! The new hours on Sunday are 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM.

Studio Hours
Mondays-Thursdays 1:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Fridays 1:00 PM - 7:30 PM
Saturdays 10:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sundays 12:00 PM - 6:00 PM

-Extreme Dancesport

Happy New Year!

01/01/08 09:53 PM

The studio is now open for dancing! And what a way to start the new year with tons of group classes and private lessons! It's great to be back and dancing again! Make your New Year's resolution special this year and LEARN HOW TO DANCE! Forget going to the gym. Try burning calories while dancing. It's a lot more fun! We have many dance programs that will satisfy all your senses! Go to our Getting Started page to get started. duh! Now get off your chair and start dancing!

Book Your Lessons Now!

12/18/07 12:08 AM

Holidays are upon us which means a nice long break but what happens when we come back??? Book you lessons BEFORE the holidays and so you have the lesson time of your choice. With a competition right around the corner (Eastern US Dancesport Championship at the Boston Park Plaza), teacher availability will be limited. You can book standing private lessons weekly or even daily. So pick your favorite days and times and reserve your lessons now!

Book ONLINE or call the front desk 617.492.2122!

Don't say we didn't warn you come January...

Give the Gift of Dance!

12/18/07 12:08 AM

Not sure what to give this year? Here's a cool idea, dance GIFT CERTIFICATES!!! If you or someone you know who wants to learn how to dance, there's no better way to break the ice with a dance gift certificate. We offer nifty gift certificates for any dollar amount and can be used for group classes, private lessons, wedding workshops, parties, etc...

For details, please visit our Gift Certificate page.

Winter Weather Alert

12/15/07 12:41 PM

We're expecting a big nor'easter storm on Saturday night 12/15 to Sunday, 12/16 so please check our website frequently for updates on closures and cancellations. We will be posting the updates on the day of the storm. Also call the studio 617.492.2122 for updated messages as well.

-Extreme Dancesport Team

Please Welcome Allison Williams!

12/10/07 02:10 PM

Please welcome Allison Williams to our Extreme Dancesport family! She is our newest part-time weekend administrator. Allison began her love of dance, especially tap and jazz, at the age of 3 when she attended dance classes with her four older siblings in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Allison was born and raised in Canada where she earned her degree in political science at Saint Mary’s University in Nova Scotia. You can read more our Allison on our Bios page!

Come and say hi to her if you're in on the weekends!

Give the Gift of Dance!

12/06/07 01:17 PM

Give something your friends and family will really like. Gift certificates are available so spread the holiday joy and give the git of dance! Our popular, downloadable gift cards are fast, easy, and convenient. You can print them yourself or just call us at the front desk and we'll mail it to you or the recipient! Go to our Gift Certificate page for more information.

Happy Holidays!
-Extreme Dancesport

Welcome Kendra Boc!

11/20/07 01:57 AM

Please welcome Kendra Boc, our latest addition to our Extreme Dancesport family!

Kendra, a Boston area native, began dancing at the age of 3. Growing up she has trained in the styles of ballet, pointe, tap and jazz, as well as performed in a few different productions of The Nutcracker. She attended college at Oklahoma City University, where she was a Dance Management Major and received a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in May of 2007. While away at school, Kendra was a part of the American Spirit Dance Company and Spirit of Grace Liturgical Dance Company. She has also, taught ballet at a few local studios. As you can see, she is no stranger to dance, but is a newcomer to ballroom and is very excited to learn about the style and be a part of this studio.

Kendra is our Extreme admin/receptionist who'll greet you at the front desk with a big smile and a warm welcome. Stop by the studio and say "hi". You can read her bio here!

Studio Closed This Friday and Saturday

10/21/07 06:37 PM

The studio will be closed this Friday 10/26 and Saturday 10/27 for a very special event... Our wedding! That's a good excuse right? We apologize for any inconvenience but we will be open as usual for the practices on Sunday 10/28, 3pm-6pm.

-Extreme Dancesport

Studio Closed 10/19 and 10/20

10/19/07 12:32 PM

Please remember, the studio is closed for competition Friday, 10/19 and Saturday, 10/20. We will re-open as usual on Sunday, 10/21, 3pm-6pm for the regular practice sessions. We will be at the Hotlanta competition in Atlanta, GA! Wish us luck!

If you need to contact us, please call 617-921-8628.

-Extreme Dancesport

Studio Closed October 19-20

10/13/07 02:00 PM

The studio will be closed for competition on October 19-20 (Fri-Sat). We will be in Atlanta, GA for the huge Pro/Am competition, Hotlanta! This is one of the biggest competition in the United States and is referred to as the "Blackpool of Pro/Am". The studio will be open as usual on Sunday October 21. Wish us luck!

Studio Closed Saturday 9/29

09/28/07 09:37 AM

The studio will be closed Saturday 9/28 for a very special occasion! Our very own, Erin Murray will be getting married and we will be there to celebrate! We're so happy for her! The studio will re-open Sunday 9/30 for practice as usual.

FREE Introductory Private Lesson!

09/07/07 05:46 PM

Please welcome Chen Ling, our newest addition to the Extreme teaching staff! He's highly proficient in all 4 styles of ballroom and currently competes in the International Style at the highest level.

Book and take an INTRODUCTORY PRIVATE LESSON with Chen between September 10, 2007 and September 21, 2007 and your INTRODUCTORY PRIVATE LESSON is for FREE! He will introduce you to himself (of course), the studio, and show you a sample of ballroom dancing! Go ahead, call the studio 617-492-2122 or request an appointment online, and meet Chen, our latest addition to our extreme teaching staff!

More FREE Introductory Classes!

09/02/07 03:07 PM

Yes, it's true! Tuesday (9/4) night, more free classes will be offered to anyone who wants a taste of ballroom dancing! We want you to really discover the joy of dancing with the best dance teachers around. Come by our studio and meet the staff. This is a very limited time offer so don't miss out. Pre-registration only. Drop-in's will not be accepted.

FREE Foxtrot/Quickstep Intro Class w/ Chen
Tuesday, 9/4 at 7:30pm
This single 45-minute class introduces you to the International Style FOXTROT and QUICKSTEP at the beginner level. Learn the steps, some basic technique, and dance to the music. Best of all, the class is FREE! Go ahead, try it out and meet our professional teacher and staff. It's a chance of a lifetime to do something different. This is a special offer! Pre-registration is required. On the day drop-in will not be permitted.

FREE Waltz/Tango Intro Class w/ Chen
Tuesday 9/4 at 8:15pm
This single 45-minute class introduces you to the International Style WALTZ and TANGO at the beginner level. Learn the steps, some basic technique, and dance to the music. Best of all, the class is FREE! Go ahead, try it out and meet our professional teacher and staff. It's a chance of a lifetime to do something different. This is a special offer! Pre-registration is required. On the day drop-in will not be permitted.

Please call the studio 617-492-2122 to enroll or register ONLINE!

Studio Closed Labor Day Weekend

08/29/07 05:54 PM

Please note the studio will be closed early Friday 8/31 at 3pm and will be closed Saturday 9/1 to Monday 9/3 for the Labor Day holiday weekend. Which also means there will not be any practice this weekend. The studio will re-open its doors Tuesday 9/4! Have a great weekend!

-Extreme Dancesport Staff

FREE Introductory Classes w/ Fitz Gerald!

08/28/07 06:31 PM

Special One-Time Offer!

FREE Swing/Waltz Intro Class w/ Fitz Gerald
Wednesday September 5, 2007 7:30pm
This single 45-minute class introduces you to the cool SWING and elegant WALTZ at the beginner level. Learn the steps, some basic technique, and dance to the music. Best of all, the class is FREE! Go ahead, try it out and meet our professional teacher and staff. It's a chance of a lifetime to do something different. This is a special offer! Pre-registration is required. On the day drop-in will not be permitted.

FREE Mambo/Rumba Intro Class w/ Fitz Gerald
Wednesday September 5, 2007 8:15pm
This single 45-minute class introduces you to the sassy MAMBO and the romantic RUMBA at the beginner level. Learn the steps, some basic technique, and dance to the music. Best of all, the class is FREE! Go ahead, try it out and meet our professional teacher and staff. It's a chance of a lifetime to do something different. This is a special offer! Pre-registration is required. On the day drop-in will not be permitted.

Please call the studio 617-492-2122 to enroll or register ONLINE!

September Group Class Enrollment is Now Open!

08/27/07 10:55 PM

Enrollment for September group classes is open! New classes have been added for more ballroom fun! Try out the American Rhythm Mambo, Bolero, and ChaCha with Fitz! Or try the International Standard Viennese Waltz or the Quickstep with Chen! To enroll, please call the studio 617-492-2122 or ONLINE!

No General Practice August 26

08/24/07 06:13 PM

There will be no GENERAL practice this Sunday, August 26 from 3:00pm-4:30pm. However, general practice will re-open 4:30pm-6pm as normal. We apologize for any inconvenience.

-Extreme Dancesport

FREE INTRODUCTORY Lesson with Fitz Gerald!

08/22/07 03:38 PM

Book and take an INTRODUCTORY PRIVATE LESSON with Fitz Gerald between August 22, 2007 and September 7, 2007 and your INTRODUCTORY PRIVATE LESSON is for FREE! He will introduce you to himself (of course), the studio, and show you a sample of ballroom dancing! Go ahead, call the studio 617-492-2122 or request an appointment online, and meet Fitz Gerald, our latest addition to our professional teaching staff!

Terms and conditions: Limited to new students only. Lesson must be taken between August 22, 2007 and September 7, 2007. A credit card is required to just hold the appointment. Subject to our 24-hour cancellation policy. Late cancellations will be charged. That's it!

Meet Fitz This Friday (8/24)

08/21/07 01:16 PM

Come celebrate this Friday night at the Friday Night Practice Party (8/24) and meet Fitz Gerald, our latest addition to the Extreme Dancesport family! Fitz Gerald is our newest professional instructor and he teaches all four styles of ballroom dance (including Salsa, Hustle, and West Coast Swing). You can read his complete bio on our Bio page!

Fitz Gerald will be teaching the FREE swing lesson at 7:30pm. Ladies, please ask Fitz for a dance. He's very eager to dance with you!

September 2007 Group Classes!

08/16/07 04:17 PM

September 2007 group class calendar is now available. New classes have been added for more ballroom fun! Try out the American Rhythm Mambo, Bolero, and ChaCha with Fitz! Or try the International Standard Viennese Waltz or the Quickstep with Chen! You'll have such a blast with these new classes!

Please check the Calendar page for the dates or download the printable class and events program for September 2007. You can also ENROLL ONLINE!

Welcome Fitz Gerald St Hilaire!

08/14/07 02:22 PM

Please welcome our newest member of the Extreme Dancesport professional teaching staff, Fitz Gerald St Hilaire! He is a master in all four styles of ballroom dance and currently competes Professional Rhythm in the US at the highest level. He will be available for private lessons starting August 20, 2007. We have added new Rhythm classes in September in which Fitz will be teaching. Come by the studio and meet Fitz or enroll in any of his classes!

Studio Closed This Friday 8/3

07/29/07 03:18 PM

The studio will be closed this Friday 8/3. We will open Saturday, the next day as normal. Please plan your lessons and practices accordingly. Apologies for the inconvenience. Any questions, please contact the studio 617-492-2122.

Latin Competitor Practice!

07/27/07 07:22 PM

We are now holding latin competitor practice on Wednesdays 9pm-10:15pm starting August 8! What's this? This is an International Latin-only competitor practice session designed specifically for dancesport competitors in the latin style to fully utilize their practice time in an intense, competitive environment. The goal is to simulate real competition forcing competitors to focus and practice hard for 90 minutes and drive themselves to the max in preparation for the real thing. This practice is open to the general public.

Music will be controlled by the supervisor and will follow strict order of dances played. For the first 60 minutes, each of the 5 dances will be played 3 times in a row with each song at 3 minutes in length. The last 30 minutes will be 3 intense practice rounds with each dance played for 2 minutes.

There will be absolutely no music requests, no breaks, and no nonsense during this time. Lights will be dimmed for the ultimate practice atmosphere. We recommend participants to come at least 15 minutes earlier to start time to take care of payment and change.

Day: Wednesdays
Time: 9:00pm-10:15pm
Price: $5 per person (free for practice members)

August 07 Group Class Calendar

07/18/07 02:33 PM

August 2007 group class calendar is now available which means group class series enrollment is OPEN! We've added a new 4-week series class, CLUB SALSA INTERMEDIATE 2! To view the class schedule, please go to the Calendar. To enroll, please go to SCHEDULE ONLINE.

Club Salsa Ladies Styling Series Starts Tonight!

07/17/07 02:12 PM

This amazing series starts tonight (July 17) taught by our very own salsita, Juna Simon! Club Salsa Ladies Styling Series has been moved from Wednesdays to Tuesdays at 9pm for the month of July 2007! You can still ENROLL ONLINE or call the studio 617-492-2122!

Extreme Goes Web 2.0

07/08/07 06:02 PM

Extreme Dancesport has a new look. The Web 2.0 look. It's cleaner, easier to navigate, and more robust than our previous website. We loved our old website but it looked just that. Old. We hope you like it. A big thank you to Rose who helped out with the graphics, Brittany who did our quality assurance testing, and the rest of the staff correcting the spelling and grammar mistakes. Please send us an email and give us any feedback that'll help us make our website more enjoyable to use.

Group Class Series Starts This Week!

07/08/07 05:57 PM

Last chance to enroll for this month! July 2007 group class series starts this week so hurry and enroll now before it's too late! If you miss out, you'll have to wait till August and that would really stink. To enroll, please call the front desk 617-492-2122 or enroll ONLINE!

Extreme Goes Web 2.0

06/30/07 02:09 PM

Extreme Dancesport revamps its website giving it the Web 2.0 look. It's been designed to make navigation easier and flow better with the information provided. Feel free to browse around. We wold love your feedback and comments!

July 07 Group Classes

06/12/07 02:46 PM

July 07 Group Classes are open for enrollment. New and exciting classes have been added. To enroll, please call 617-492-2122 or go online. Don't miss out this month!

July 07 Calender

06/12/07 12:02 PM

July 07 Events Calendar is now available. Check it out!