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What fun it is to shine a light on UCan2 teacher, Jonny Williams, humble, he didn't even mention being a TV Star when we "interviewed" him for this article! You'll find out more when you keep on reading ... Jonny is a 10-dance and New Vogue teacher, specialising in New Vogue Modern Sequence dances as well as both Standard (aka Ballroom) and Latin American dances, representing New Zealand in countries like Japan, China, Australia and America. If that’s the kind of dance level you want to excel at, you can click here to book Jonny for your next private lesson ! Jonny Williams Where were you born?  New Zealand. When did dance come into your life? I started dancing at Intermediate School, which was taught by our class teacher. Who was the most influential person in your life?  My Mum, my number one fan!  What is one fun fact about you?  I like to play video games. What was the happiest time of your life?  Now - spending time with my young family. What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?  Ballroom, Latin then New Vogue. If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now? Working in I.T. What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?  Hip hop! What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?  When I became a Professional Champion in all three styles. Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?  I love working towards goals with my students, like competition and medal tests. What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?  I love the team work at Ucan2. What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?  Gaming and Mixed Martial Arts. One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?  Don’t be afraid to make mistakes, it’s part of the process. What do you value most and why?  Family, it keeps me grounded. What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?  ‘Tequila’ by The Champs. ( You can listen to ‘Tequila’ on YouTube here !) What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?  Our passion to get things right. What’s your favourite quote about life (or dancing!)  To live a life in fear is a life half lived. Anything else you’d like to share?  See you on the dance floor! Did you know that Jonny was on Dancing with the Stars NZ?! From 2006- 2022 he was the Pro, partnering several celebrities who were the "stars" on the show! Here’s a behind-the-scenes video of Jonny and Chrystal Chenery, a finalist on The Bachelor NZ in 2015.  Here’s one of their competition dances, a Jive Jonny choreographed to “Shake it Off”. The video comes from Chrystal Chenery’s personal YouTube channel and the caption reads:  “My first dance on ‘Dancing With The Stars NZ' Didn't fall over "so winning" My partner Jonny Williams created this Jive for us to Taylor Swift "Shake it off.”” Jonny’s most recent stint on Dancing with the Stars NZ was with Eli Matthewson, radio presenter of The Edge & comedian. This is a much-watch season as they presented as the New Zealand show's first-ever same-sex dance couple. Here’s their first performance, an incredible Viennese Waltz, from Eli’s YouTube account. The caption reads: “Eli and Jonny - Viennese Waltz, Ep One DWTS NZ 2022 Our first performance, this was such an incredible moment and such a privilege.” You can also read this great message from Eli to Jonny detailing the impact of their time together on the show here . But for now, here are a couple of our favourite excerpts: The teaching was good, but the friendship is so much more. The more we worked together the more you honed in on what sort of comedy I love to make, to the point where half the stuff we were putting online was your idea. You made me laugh every single day. I got to learn not just about the world of dance, but about UFC and Fortnite and which gaming laptops are the best. I got to see what a fantastic dad you are every time your kids came to visit. I got to see the incredible support you and your wife Kristie give each other through the extremely stressful process of competing against each other. I got to see the admiration that all of your students have for you every day when they came in for their lessons. and another favourite; We didn’t even talk about the word “ally” until we were making a bloody TikTok in the third week of training, but you had been showing allyship in ways I could not believe since day one. It was in the way you and Kristie made sure to talk about “leader” and “follower” steps in every group rehearsal, never once calling them “girl” or “boy’ steps and correcting other people when they did. It was in the way you never once made a joke about having to get changed in the same room as me, you never made anything awkward even as we learnt the most intimate moves. It was in the routines you choreographed, which always put the fact that we were two men at the forefront, and which never had one of us “being the boy” as so many people were obsessed with asking us about. It was in the way you said “I love you bro”, without any hint of hesitation, on live TV in the midst of all that happened on Monday. But most of all it was the way that all of this came naturally, that you never once were trying to put anything on or do the “right thing”. I could tell it all came from a genuine place, and that you had no idea how generous you were being, by how surprised you were by the response we received. After our first performance my inbox filled up with messages from people thanking us for what we had done. Teenagers who were inspired to come out by what they saw, parents with kids as young as four describing the impact we had on their whānau, and queer people who have waited years to see this on our TV screens. I can’t thank you enough because, as important as it is to see queer people being their authentic selves and living their best lives on screen, I think it was seeing a straight man be so warm, open and kind to his gay mate that has struck a chord with so many. ... Jonny, we think you're awesome! More recently, Jonny was part of the New Zealand Federal Association of Teachers of Dance Championships in 2023. You can find a video of his routine at the championships here. To see more of Jonny’s work, and the behind-the-scenes of his incredible dedication,  follow him on Instagram here , or follow his Facebook here . Remember, you can click here to book a private lesson with Jonny  through our studio. But as you’ve just seen, he’s a busy guy, so get onto that asap! Read about the rest of our teachers here , or if you’re already caught up, stay tuned, we have one last teacher we're yet to shine the spotlight on!!!!

The holidays are just around the corner, and with them brings the joy of time with loved ones, new experiences, and, usually, some form of gift giving!  Whether it’s a holiday gift, mark of an achievement, or just a general token of appreciation, gift giving can sometimes be tricky. So, this year, why not lean into what you know those around you love? For so many of us, that’s dance, and trust us, the gift ideas are ENDLESS when you start thinking, providing the perfect opportunity to get your loved ones something unexpected that they’re guaranteed to enjoy.  We’ve created a list of our favourite gifts for dancers of all ages, dance styles, and ability levels (including inspiring!), but feel free to share any others you come up with on our social media by clicking here. 1. Dance Class Vouchers We’re starting off strong with this first one, because it’s not just the perfect gift for dancers, but anyone! With dance classes, you are giving the gift of health, both physically and mentally. Don’t believe us? Read this blog on the benefits of dancing for mental health , or this blog on dance as a fitness technique , and tell us that it isn't a gift everyone would want. But let’s focus on why a dance class voucher is the perfect gift for dancers. First of all, it’s versatile. A voucher can be used to explore a new dance style someone is considering starting, pay for a friend to join them to have an extra fun night of dancing, or just take some pressure off of the cost of the dance classes they already do! Secondly, less pressure. When you gift experiences , they’re usually booked, adding to the busy calendar we already find ourselves with in this time of the year. A gift voucher is ready to be used whenever the recipient is, giving them the added gift of choice! Finally, they’re a one-size-fits-all. Why stop at gifting just one person a voucher? Get your entire gift list done in one swift purchase to save yourself the time and money going in-store requires. Also, gifting a group of people a dance voucher, whether that’s your family or friends, makes the gift even more special, creating a fun experience you can all partake in and rave about for years to come! Check out our website  to see the classes and vouchers we offer (by clicking ‘book now’ ), or get in touch if you'd like to choose your own $$ amount. 2. Dance Gear Every dancer knows that the right gear can make all the difference, especially when you get into competitive dancing. Whether you’re thinking about specific dance apparel, specialised footwear like heels, or even a bag exclusively for dance, it’s always nice to have someone help with the necessities, allowing the dancers to do what they’re meant to do – dance! For a list of dance bag essentials you can gift, check out this list. Talk to the dancer’s in your life about what dance gear they need coming up, or if they’re really close to you, note what gear they’ve had for a while and consider getting a replacement. Fresh gear can make you feel like a completely different person. For an in-depth guide on latin dance shoes, read this blog . It covers the materials dancer’s should be looking for, store recommendations in New Zealand, and even tips on heel height!  Or check out our complete resource guide  with dance shoes, costumes, photography and many other recommendations related to dancing. One amazing company on there that we recommend is A&M Dance Wardrobe. It has excellent shoes, practice wear, and you can get custom made gowns and tail suits for competitions! Click here to check A&M Dance Wardrobe out. For those loyal dancers, buy personalised items such as custom dancewear with names and/or studio logos. These could be items they use when dancing, or even not, so they can represent the work and found family they’re proud of beyond the studio! An example of this idea could be a custom jumper or water bottle. 3. Inspirational Stories For many of us, when we have a passion, we like to bring it into every aspect of our life! For dancers, that includes watching dance-related content and shows, and reading books about dancing. This gift idea is based on the latter point.  Books can be an excellent source of inspiration and knowledge. Try looking for instructional books that focus on specific techniques or choreography to help the dancer in your life improve, such as Dance Anatomy by Jacqui Greene Haas . This book is an incredible illustrated guide to improving flexibility, reducing injury, and enhancing strength, all crucial to all dancers, seasoned or aspiring! Biographies of famous dancers or books detailing the history of dance can also be amazing sources of inspiration, letting dancers return to the world of dance outside of their studio. Some recommendations are The Wicked Waltz and Other Scandalous Dances: Outrage at Couple Dancing in the 19th and Early 20th Centuries by Mark Knowles , I Was a Dancer by Jacques D'Amboise , and Everything I Learned About Sales and Success I Learned on the Ballroom Dance Floor by Tyler Hershberger . 4. Technology We live in a world of amazing electronic gadgets, so how could we not include one on our list? Especially when some are so perfect for dedicated dancers! Our highest recommended technology is a wearable fitness tracker. These usually act like watches, and can help monitor progress and set goals, as well as prevent injuries from overexertion, prolonging a dancer’s career. Some even come with a specific ballroom dance workout tracker, measuring heart rate, calories burnt, and the length of a dance session!  Check out this ‘dancing Fitbit community’  or this ‘Samsung Galaxy watch community’  to start your research into this gift idea. Finding the perfect gift for a dance lover is so easy! Whether it’s a class voucher, stylish gear, or a unique experience, the right gift can further their passion and show your support for their dance journey. Perhaps try to combine a few ideas for a truly thoughtful present! Happy Dancing!

Here at UCan2, we have the BEST teachers  from all around the world, filled with immense passion, unwavering determination and innate kindness. However, we understand that might sound a bit biased coming from us. So, we asked our marketing team to interview them, so they could shine the spotlight on some of our incredible teachers, and let you see for yourself how great they are. We'll be sharing part two with more of our teachers in the coming weeks so keep checking back for an update! First up spotlight on Rachell and Peter van der Veek! Peter van der Veek Where were you born?   Lisse - The Netherlands When did dance come into your life? In the Netherlands, young people joined social dance classes at the age of 15 or 16 years with big groups of friends. There were 5 beginner groups the year I started with over one hundred kids in each one! I enlisted for a beginners course of 28 lessons and learned the basics of 6 dances in that time. The interaction with boys and girls, the fun we had during the lessons and the socials that were organised on Saturday every week was enough reason to be hooked. I stopped following lessons for a few years but not the social events (I did a few Rock and Roll courses) and came back to dancing at 22.     Who was the most influential person in your life?   Without any doubt Walter Laird for my dancing career. Other than that, Rachell, as my partner in life.  What is one fun fact about you?   I'm about to publish a book! What was the happiest time of your life?   Too many to choose from. My dancing career, meeting Rachell, the birth of our daughter Charlie (which was also my biggest challenge), living in Aotearoa. Life is a constant challenge and I love challenges, they make me happy.   What is your favourite genre or style of dancing? Again, I can't choose. Latin, Ballroom and I love ballet (although was't very good at it).   If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now?   Living as a hippy somewhere in a commune.  What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?  Ballet. What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?   As a teacher in the Netherlands, we taught beginners for 30 weeks and they were capable of doing 6 dances without my help and enjoying themselves with it.  As a dancer, winning the Dutch Nationals with Rachell after only being together for 5 months and later during the world championships segue where we were 4th using music that had never been used before. Also performing in Japan with the Malando Tango orchestra during their 5 week tour as their only dancers.  Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?   There are several reasons: 1. The pleasure you can give people by learning to move together to a piece of music. 2. The physical challenge that must be explained well at different levels in our form of dance. 3. The interaction with people in general. 4. The creativity that you can deploy while making choreography.  What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?   The people that make the studio come to life. What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?   I used to run a lot. I like taking short hikes. I love food. I like writing.  One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?   Don't make it too difficult. Every step in your development as a dancer should be doable, enjoyable and understandable.    What do you value most and why?   Honesty in people and beautiful unspoiled nature. It gives me peace of mind. What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?   Tito Rodriguez - Cuando Ya No Me Quieras.  What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer? The misunderstanding that your dancing should be technically correct.  What’s your favourite quote?   Logic will take you from A to B. Imagination will take you everywhere.  Anything else you’d like to share?   Whether you see our form of dance as an Art form, Sport or a type of entertainment, it should always radiate the pleasure it is supposed to bring people.   Rachell van der Veek-Jansen Where were you born?   Hamilton, Kirikiriroa  When did dance come into your life? I started ballet at age 4, first copying my sisters. At intermediate school, aged 11, I met my first teacher of influence doing a combination of jazz, ballet and showdance. She was also the dance choreographer for the Hamilton Operatic Society so from age 13 I danced in musicals, at events and continued classes until at age 15. My girlfriend convinced me to go to Ballroom dancing classes at Virginia Davey studio. I was immediately hooked and a long and fulfilling career was in the making. Who was the most influential person in your life?   My Grandad Charlie. And now- my daughter Charlie! What is one fun fact about you?   I was painfully shy as a young child (not so fun) What was the happiest time of your life?  Travelling the world dancing with my lovely hubby. What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?  Latin American. If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now?   I always wanted to be a school teacher. What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?   Flamenco! What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?   The Theater Shows in The Netherlands with our studio's pupils. Every 2nd year we produced a 2 hour show with our students aged 5 to 75. All that they achieved and the fun they had made me burst with pride. Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?   I want others to experience the incredible feeling dance produces in your body and mind. My reward is seeing others feel that joy and be proud of themselves. What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?   Whanaungatanga- the sense of family and kinship. What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?  Reading. One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?  Dance because you love to dance, not for any other reason- the JOY is in the JOurneY What do you value most and why?  Sincerity. I feel this is one of my greatest qualities and value (expect) this in others. What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?   That dance is not a career path. Countless times I've been asked "What do you do for a proper job?"  What’s your favourite quote? In life: Every single Winnie the Pooh quote ever !!!!  In dance: “Nobody cares if you can't dance well. Just get up and dance. Great dancers are great because of their passion.” ― Martha Graham Anything else you’d like to share?  Thank you for opening your arms and hearts to us x If you'd like a look back at Rachell and Peter's dance career, we found this video on Youtube we thought you might enjoy!!! The caption with the video is; "Just having some fun creating a time line of our dancing career - 1986 till the present. How enjoyable it was x Excuse the quality of some of the photo's - it was a long time ago ;-) If you want to work with any of our amazing teachers, book a lesson with them  now or sign up for one of our courses !

In our last article , we put Rachell and Peter van der Veek under the spotlight to share their experiences and mindsets as dancers as well as dance teachers. This time we are focusing on the inspirational Chia-I and Aila, who are some of the most dedicated teachers at our studio. Don’t believe us? See for yourself below! Chia-I Liu Where were you born?  Taiwan. When did dance come into your life? I started dancing after I had done the responsible ‘growing up’ - school, travel, work, marriage, children etc. Dancing at UCan2 Dance Studio started as my once a week activity to have some ME time after my boys bed time. 12 years later, I’m still dancing and loving it.  Who was the most influential person in your life?   My parents. They brought me up free range-style and yet their everyday teaching disciplined me and made me who I am today. I’m forever grateful.  What is one fun fact about you?   I eat more than most men.  What was the happiest time of your life?   Everyday is the happiest time of my life! I live every day to its fullest.  What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?  I think I’m always going to be a ballroom girl.  If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now? See… it was a choice between dancing or painting. If I had chosen painting instead of dancing back in the day, I might have been an artist by now.  What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?   Hip Hop… it was a disaster when I tried it. I think it’s time I give it another go.  What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?   When my students walk out on the competition floor, regardless of their placing, and they give me the ‘winning’ smile because they know they gave us their best and they were feeling proud of themselves.  My proudest moment of my dancing career had to be every time I stood on the 1st place podium with my GOLD medals. Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?   "Dancing is the joy of movement and the heart of life. It is the hidden language of the soul” - M. Graham. I teach to connect with people. I teach to share my joy for dancing through movement and heart. I love it!  What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?   We are one big happy family; life-long friendship is found and built here. We love, we dance and we support each other through life’s ups and downs.  What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?   LEGO - I have a rather large collection.  One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?   Patience, Positive Thoughts and Practise! Believe in yourselves! With a little of your dedication in practice time and effort, everything is possible!  What do you value most and why?  PEOPLE & LOVE - I love everyone who is worthy of my love. I also make sure I allow and be loved by everyone who generously loves me.  What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?   “Can’t take my eyes off you” - Frankie Valli, my wedding couple’s song choice and it has been lingering in my head since.  They wrote to me back on the evening of their wedding - “ CHIA! You would be so so proud of us! We absolutely nailed it!” What’s your favourite quote?   There is a quote: “You only live once!” WRONG!!! We only die  once! We live EVERY DAY!!! Always make the most of every day!  Anything else you’d like to share?   Every day is a good day for dancing. Keep smiling and keep dancing. Aila Bai Where were you born?   China. When did dance come into your life? At 12 years old. What is one fun fact about you?   When someone asks you, what is the capital of China? You can answer my Chinese name: Bai Jing!! What was the happiest time of your life?   Coming to Auckland, New Zealand, where I was lucky enough to meet some friends I really like through dancing. What is your favourite genre or style of dancing? Elegant style. If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now?   I would consider starting to learn dance because learning new skills is always interesting, and dance can bring physical and mental benefits. What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?  I hope to have my own style in my dance. What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?   I’m yet to have that moment. Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?   I found that being a dance teacher in New Zealand was the easiest thing for me. What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?   It is a very professional dance organisation. What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?   I am an expert in succulent plant care. I can grow beautiful succulent plants. One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?   Finding the right teacher or course is crucial. Choosing an experienced dance instructor who specialises in beginners can help you quickly improve your skills. What do you value most and why?   Hope to be encouraged, affirmed, appreciated and liked. What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?   Ed Sheeran - Perfect (Official Music Video). What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer? As a dancer, one might also fear being misunderstood in expressing intentions and emotions, as dance is often a non-verbal form of expression that can sometimes be misinterpreted or misunderstood by the audience. What’s your favourite quote?   The dance is a kind of poetry of the body, sometimes expressing more than words. Anything else you’d like to share?   I want to say thank you to Principal Harry. He gave me high expectations and encouraged me to participate in the Latin competition for New Zealand vocational groups. A great dance teacher provides students with encouragement and confidence, as well as sufficient professional skills and support! If you want to work with any of these amazing people, book a lesson with them  now or take one of our classes !

So far in our teacher spotlight series, we have heard all about Rachell and Peter van der Veek’s successful careers (and love story!), Chia-I’s amazing story of finding dance in adulthood, and Aila’s gracious attitude when it comes to her teaching. But that's not all the teachers we have here at UCan2! Next up is Mai Dahlberg, who is a delight both on and off the dance floor. (Missed one of our earlier interviews? Read about Peter and Rachell’s dancing career by clicking here , or read about Chai-I and Aila’s teaching stories here! ) Mai Dahlberg Where were you born?  Japan. When did dance come into your life? About 20 years ago, I was looking for something to spice up my life. Who was the most influential person in your life?   My grandpa. What is one fun fact about you?   I can party up! What was the happiest time of your life?   When I became a mum.  What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?  Street Latin and Ballroom Latin American. If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now? I’d probably be a yoga or snowboard instructor. What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?   I have done pretty much everything I’ve wanted to try. What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?   When I won the champion titles in NZ and Australia in solo and team categories for Salsa! Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?   It’s my passion. I love that it makes others happy as well as myself.  What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?   The lovely people and friendly environment that make it feel like home. The spacious studio is also great. What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?   Snowboarding, scuba diving, yoga and pilates. One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?   Get your basics down pat! What do you value most and why?  Family. What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?   Anything Latin Jazz. What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?  You can be yourself! Any height, any weight.  What’s your favourite quote about life (or dancing!)  Remain a lifelong student. This past month has also been big for Mai. Examiner George Nicholls flew up from Wellington and examined 44 adults and children for their medal tests ranging from Elementary One Dance to New Vogue Oscar. Mai was one of these 44 dancers, sitting her New Vogue Oscar and doing spectacularly! This achievement makes her have triple Oscars in all three styles; Ballroom, Latin American and New Vogue. Mai also partnered many of these 44 dancers in their medals. Getting to Oscar level in one style is a huge undertaking and long journey, so to have three is just incredible. We’re so proud of Mai and her dedication. It takes many hours of practice and training leading up to this exam.  She was partnered and choreographed by Jonny Williams, and their performance was loved by all. Congrats Mai and Jonny! (pictured below is Mai with Matt Hohaia, in a previous medal test where Mai was partnering Matt in one of his medal tests) If you want to work with any of our amazing teachers, click here to book a lesson with them now or click here to sign up for one of our classes !

Welcome back to our Teacher Spotlight series! In this fourth instalment, we’re excited to shine a light on another incredible educator we have here at UCan2 Dance Studio: Mark Richard Jürna! Mark has previously visited NZ at Harry's invitation, and some of our competitive dancers were lucky enough to have some private lessons with him while he was visiting UCan2. Harry worked tirelessly to get him back here, and so we're thrilled to announce that we now have another Estonian at UCan2, sharing his incredible knowledge and expertise, direct from Europe! He's here for the remainder of 2024, and at this stage - anything else is a mystery, so stay tuned, and book your lesson with him soon, so you don't miss out! Anyone will know that educators of any form bring unique backgrounds, perspectives and passions to their teaching, which can sometimes make or break a student's ambition for learning. Here at UCan2 dance studio, we want to make sure you’re with the perfect teaching fit, especially for those important life moments like taking your dancing to the competitive level with private lessons, or choreographing your dream wedding dance. So read on to hear Mark’s story, and find if he might be the right coach for you! (Pssst, if you haven’t already, make sure to read our past teacher spotlights, accessible by clicking here .) Mark Richard Jürna Where were you born?  I was born in Tallinn, Estonia. What are you loving about being in New Zealand?  Nature is just amazing out here. I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else. When did dance come into your life? My father and mother established their own dancing club a year before I was born. I had no other choice, I had to become a dancer. The only question was how good of a dancer. Eventually I started dancing when I was 6 as we had dancing lessons in kindergarten. Who was the most influential person in your life?  My parents and my godmother. But if I had to choose only one then probably my mother. What is one fun fact about you?  I’ve been to more than 45 different countries. What was the happiest time of your life?  When I became the Estonian Champion for the first time. That felt incredible. What is your favourite genre or style of dancing?  Definitely Latin. If you had never learned to dance, what do you think you’d be doing now? Good question… Maybe I’d be a footballer but who knows! What is one style of dance you wish you learned / could do better?  I would have loved to have a longer standard (ballroom) career.  What was a time when you felt incredibly proud of your dancing career, as a dancer or as a teacher?  I felt incredibly proud when I reached the semi-final in the Latin World Championship. But also I’ve been TOP 10 in Youth Latin world ranking. Why do you teach dancing? What do you get out of it?  I’ve spent over 16 years learning how to dance among the best in the world. I want to share it so that other dancers can have a better career than I had. I didn’t learn everything about dancing just to throw it away.  What is your favourite thing about UCan2 Dance Studio?  The people! What is your passion, or a favourite hobby, outside of dancing?  I love filmmaking. One piece of advice for aspiring/ beginner dancers?  Don’t give up, work hard, you’ll get there. Practise like you’ve never won. What do you value most and why?  I value the opportunities I’ve been given. They have helped me move forward in life. What song are you most enjoying dancing to right now?  I don’t have a favourite song but I really like Samba music with a strong bass.  What’s the most misunderstood thing about being a dancer?  There is always room to improve. Even World Champions aren’t perfect, they are just better than everyone else. What’s your favourite quote about life (or dancing!)  Champions train, losers complain! Anything else you’d like to share?  I'm grateful to Harry & Marie for giving me the opportunity to come and teach in this amazing dance studio called Ucan2. If you'd like a look at some of Mark’s competitions, we found these videos we thought you might enjoy! The first is this 2018 WDSF Open Youth Latin competition in Croatia, where Mark is dancing with Lisette Metsalu for Estonia: You can also check out highlights from one of Mark’s latest competitions, the 2024 WDSF World Championship PD Latin in Budapest , where he represented Estonia with Mia Vosman. Mark also has a Youtube account where he has posted an incredible film he made in Barcelona: The caption reads “Shot with Sony FX30 combined with Sirui Night Walker series lens. Low light performance is surprising. Footage is color graded by me.” He also has put up his 2019 WDSF Under 21 Latin competition with Liis Rehemaa, which is a definite must-watch for all young aspiring dancers! If you want to book a private lesson with Mark, you can click here , or check him out with the rest of our teachers on our teachers page !

Did you know that competitive ballroom dancing is officially called dancesport?  Because of its requirements of athleticism, practice and skill, as well as its competitive nature, ballroom dancing is, in fact, a sport! In fact, ballroom dancing was called “dancesport” to legitimise it as an Olympic sport, and while it has yet to be approved for any Olympic games, there is always hope that we’ll see it on the big screen. We saw breakdancing in the 2024 Paris Olympics, after all, so perhaps dancesport is closer than we think!  Ballroom dancing even has a para dancesport alternative, making it perfect for the paralympics as well. If you want to read the history of dancesport and the Olympics, click here to access an article from the official Olympic World Library , or click here for a more recent study of dancesports rejections from the past few Olympics . With those official definitions and future Olympic possibilities, it’s hard to argue that ballroom dancing doesn’t deserve its sport title, but how does this help those of us who just want to get fit? Well, dancesport provides a great alternative to gym workouts. It’s fun, safer, and better for your overall wellbeing. Don’t believe us? Keep reading. The Benefits of Dance Workouts    -  Cardiovascular Health Dance increases our heart health by elevating breathing and heart rate. When this is repeated consistently, the heart strengthens to be able to endure this strain for longer periods of time, making us able to sustain rigorous activity for longer.    - Weight Loss and Muscle Toning Dance, being a form of cardio, can make you lose weight naturally because you are burning more calories than you normally would. It also helps the development of muscle mass as the repetition of perfecting sequences engages specific muscle groups, toning legs or arms or other areas of the body without much thought on your end!    -  Enhanced Flexibility and Coordination Dancing physically challenges our body to move in new ways, as well as mentally challenges us to grow our motor skills as we have to focus on performing different moves with different parts of our body at once. With the repetitive practice naturally inbuilt in dance, these aspects are prioritised in a way the gym can’t provide.    -  Mental Health Benefits From the connection fostered to the stress-relieving hormones released, dance has numerous mental health benefits that are sustained beyond a class. If you want to learn more, read this blog on 5 ways dance improves mental health . Dance Workouts vs Traditional Gym Workouts    - Engagement and Enjoyment Having a sense of community (and accountability) always makes working out seem easier, and with dance, this community is the foundation. With the gym, the norm is to workout alone. Perhaps you can take classes or get a personal trainer, but there is still a level of isolation. With dance, you get to work with a partner and connect with those around you, as well as hype others up as they perform! This creates a deeper level of enjoyment that helps you forget you’re working out and makes your workout an engaging social outing rather than a dedicated session at the gym you dread.    - Variety and Creativity The gym is getting some more variety these days- pilates, HIIT workouts, even hot yoga, but if you’re weightlifting or using the machines like most of us, it gets pretty boring after a while. With dance, there are endless opportunities for creativity, whether you want to change up a routine, learn new moves or make some up yourself! You can also switch up styles, because you don’t have to just do dancesport to get the health benefits of dance.    - Accessibility and Cost Thanks to the internet, both dance and gym routines can be accessed free online. However, with a home gym, you still at least need some weights to continue growth. With dance, all you need is a little bit of space (because a partner, while great, isn’t necessary). Dance classes can also be less expensive than gym memberships, especially because you know there will be a spot for you. If you go to the gym at peak time… well, good luck!  Many dance classes also offer free introduction classes, no strings attached (unlike the gym, where it feels like you have to give them everything from your bank details to your first-born child just to get a free week of access). If you’re based in Auckland, click here to join our free intro nights!   If you have any questions or want to share your own experience with dancesport, connect with us on our Instagram by clicking here , or  click here to get into dancesport .

Many of us were dancers when we were kids, doing ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, gymnastics or some impressive combination of them all. It was our whole world at certain periods of time, with school merely being an obstacle we had to get through to get to our afternoon dance classes, or the weekend being for competitions or to make fun dance routines and shows with our friends. Many of us still remember the smell of hairspray, or the excited anticipation we found ourselves in, right before we went onto stage. When we were younger, dancing felt like magic, and it didn't matter if you were any good, just being part of something a dance community, moving your body to music, was wonderful. But then as we got older, somehow, life got in the way. We went to uni, got jobs, had families, and suddenly, without ever meaning it to, dance became nothing but a distant memory. Something that once filled our lives with light and dedication and fulfilment, but is only loosely part of our identities now. And yet, years or even decades later, we find ourselves thinking about it again. Maybe it was seeing a friend dance a choreographed routine at their wedding, or a flyer pinned up at the local community notice board, or a post on social media advertising a free dance class, showcasing adults of all ages, shapes and sizes, wearing sneakers and jeans, caught our eye. Whatever it was, however it started, there’s a longing – a fire burning deep in our bellies – that we know can’t extinguish. That is, unless we dance! Returning to dance can be confronting. We know we aren’t the same as our younger selves. We (probably) lost flexibility, put on some weight, even gained a few injuries that keep us humble when it comes to movement, to say the least. But guess what? We aren’t children anymore! We aren’t supposed to be the same as we were years ago, and returning to dance isn’t going to connect us with our old selves, it’s going to help us transform into entirely new people. (For example, it helps with our mental health. Read five ways dance improves mental health here.) Returning to dance after a decades-long hiatus is fantastic - especially when it's a different genre of dance you've never tried before. Many people have grown away and come back to dance from every age group and background, which is why there’s such a strong community of support in dance! If you've never tried Dancesport (aka Ballroom & Latin American, the time has never been better!) Don’t believe me? Take it from others: Lindsay wrote about her return to dance after TWENTY years. She recounts her somewhat toxic childhood with dance, centred around comparison and people-pleasing, how a hip injury kept her from continuing the activity into her twenties, and how nerve-wracking that first class back was. “I showed up early for class, heart pounding in my throat. Mirrors lined the front wall, and discarded sweatshirts lined the edges of the room. I was at least 15 years older than everyone else there, the teacher included. I found myself in the back corner—“my corner” as I used to think of it—tucked as far from the teacher’s sightline as possible. The teacher had us sit with our legs crossed, and I started wondering if I had taken enough pre-emptive ibuprofen, if my body was actually going to be able to do any of the work, how I could slip out without making a scene. But then the music started, and my body took over. Without thinking, I was contracting and curling over my bent legs, bouncing and then unfurling my spine, opening my legs into a wide second, amazed that after all these years, the movement was embedded in my muscles, in my bones. I’d rejected it for more than 20 years, but the movement was still deep inside my body, still undeniably a part of me.” Read Lindsay's whole story about returning to dance by clicking here. In her article ‘What It Feels Like to Come Home to Dance After 22 Years’ for Dance Magazine, (which, by the way, ‘coming home to dance’ is the BEST way to put it), Nancy shares her story of taking to the stage again at 64 years old! Centred on the enduring community of dance, her story really reinforces the family you can’t lose, even after decades off. “I have been so elated to have this return to the world of dance, the world in which I spent so many cherished years. I feel like Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. I’ve clicked my heels and realized, there’s no place like home.” Read Nancy’s whole story about taking to the stage again by clicking here. Dancesport is a great way to get back to dance, and you can attend a class on your own or with a friend or partner. Simon wrote about his experience of coming along to a UCan2 free intro class. “I'd danced as a kid, tap dancing, and then got into gymnastics for a while. I loved it. But then life got in the way, I played sports, and I just sort of forgot about it. 30 or so years later, my wife and I were looking for something to do for our "date nights" while the kids were being babysat, and I saw the ad for a free intro class at UCan2. My wife's always said she had "two left feet" but I thought this would be a fun thing to do together, and it was knew to both of us. We had nothing to lose! We blimmin' loved it! We signed up to a course on the night, and four years later we're still going strong, love their party nights, have started doing medal tests, and we're even learning New Vogue. My wife also goes to Shine classes with a couple of her friends. The best thing we could have done as a couple was go to that first free intro night!" Dancing, at its core, should always be about enjoyment and expression, not your age or capabilities. But, if you are still apprehensive (despite that burning in your stomach), here are a few tips to make the journey back a little easier. Find the right community. Sadly, life can’t be fantastic all of the time, and there may be some communities that aren’t as welcoming as you expect. If you come across one, LEAVE IMMEDIATELY. Kindness, acceptance and support should be the bare minimum when it comes to your dance community, so find the people who are excited to see you and make you feel confident, regardless of your age and skills. These could be in person communities where you dance, or even online communities. Just never settle when it comes to support. One thing we're incredibly proud of here at UCan2 Dance Studio, is we're told so often that our people feel like they're part of a family. That makes us feel great, we've achieved what we set out to do. Don’t be hard on yourself. Returning to dance after a break may be a little challenging, so choose your dance style to suit where you're at. Take care of your body and any pre-existing injuries before anything, and don’t get upset if results take longer than expected. Start as a beginner. Leading on from the last tip, starting as a beginner may seem pointless, but no matter how much time you’ve had away from dancing, it’ll keep you safe and dancing sustainable. It also never hurts to improve your skills because this will increase your knowledge, making you even better in the long run! Don’t have the same expectations as you once did with dance if you're going back to the dance genre you did as a kid, and if you're starting something new (like Dancesport) don't have any expectations - because if you can walk, then we can teach you to dance! Take this new dancing experience to have fun and explore your curiosities, rather than compare yourself to others and feel stressed about needing to compete with anyone. Expect dance to be FUN, not make you perfect. Start small. One of the biggest reasons we might've moved away from dance is because we aren’t able to prioritise it as much, and unless you’ve had a big spot in your life open up, you probably will still struggle to dance several times a week right off the bat. Instead, try to start small, such as one dance class a week, and gradually grow from there! This makes it less overwhelming and can help rekindle that passion, helping you remember why you want it to become a priority again. Explore. Revisiting our roots can be fun, but don’t limit yourself to the dance styles you did as a kid! Try different styles of dance, or new music genres, because you never know what you might find a passion for. Many dance communities (like us!) do introductory classes so people can get a taste for different styles, so keep your eye out for them in your community. The hardest part about returning to dance is finding that initial motivation, and scheduling time to make it happen. Once you start, you won’t want to stop again! Try taking a small step towards rekindling your passion for dance today. Maybe you could sign up to a class, or even just listen to a song you used to love to dance to. Even the smallest of actions can bring the biggest of possibilities. Share your own rediscovery of dance with us on our social media, or take the leap today and take our FREE introductory dance class by clicking here. Happy dancing!

Competitive dancing has all kinds of benefits, from learning how to strive for more, resilience, and achieving things you may have never thought possible, to making life-long friends that have the same drive and passion as you. It also provides you with an incredible experience to hone your skills, determination and confidence, attributes that are crucial to every aspect of your life. While it is a big commitment, that is what makes it so rewarding! You get to work with incredible people and see tangible progress. Trust us, there is nothing more fulfilling than finally mastering that tricky new routine you’ve been working on for weeks! So how do you know if you are fit for competitive dancing, and how do you then make the switch from dancing for fun? Deciding to move up to competitive dancing can be a hard decision. It takes time, effort, money and determination, and sometimes people just want to keep dancing as a simple hobby they may do once or twice a week. And you know what? That is perfectly understandable! No one should feel pressured to go beyond what they want to do. However, if you are considering it, here are a few indications that maybe this is a great next step for you; You have a partner who's keen to showcase their moves on the competition dance floor or you've been invited to join training squad or a class for competitive dancers only. Competitive dance in most studios, including our own, is by invitation only. This means you have to do non-competitive classes and prove you are dedicated and open to constant feedback and improvement. If you have been asked to join a class for competitive dancers only, it means your teacher(s) think you’d be a good fit and have what it takes to dance competitively. If you get this offer, take it! Try out competitive dancing for a season and if it’s not your cup of tea, no problem! At least you gave it a shot. You are passionate about dancing. For competitive dancers, dance is like a second home. It can be rough and challenging at times, but at the core of it is an unwavering love. Even when dancing gets tough, you don't just give up and move on to something else. You push through and know that you will come out the other side stronger and wiser, and usually having re-inflamed your passion and love for the art form. If you know, no matter what your dance experience was like the day before, that you can roll out of bed and be willing to do it all again the next day (and still find things you love about it), you have an innate passion for dancing that we love to see in our competitive dancers. You understand the costs associated with competitive dancing. Between extra classes, travel to competitions, outfits and general time-out-of-your-life costs, competitive dancing can be more expensive than some people expect. However, we think Shad Martin in his blog, ‘Why I don’t pay for dance anymore!’ sums up why so many are willing to pay the price: ‘The other night someone asked me "Why do you pay so much money for your girls to dance?" Well I have a confession to make, I don't pay for dance. Personally, I couldn't care less about dance. I grew up in a family of 4 boys and no girls. The "Nutcracker" was something you did on a dare off of the high dive at the pool or something you unpleasantly surprised your brother with. Up until the day I met my wife if I were asked to go to Swan Lake I would have asked if we were water skiing or fishing. So if I am not paying for dance what am I paying for? I pay for those moments when my daughters become so tired they want to quit but don't. I pay for those days when my daughters come home from school and are "too tired" to go dance but go anyway. I pay for my daughters to learn to be graceful. I pay for my daughters to learn to take care of their body. I pay for my daughters to learn to work with others and to be good teammates. I pay for my daughters to learn to deal with disappointment, when they don't get that part they hoped for, but still have to work hard at the part that they received. I pay for my daughters learn to make and accomplish goals. I pay for my daughters to learn that it takes hours and hours and hours and hours of hard work and practice to create something beautiful, and that success does not happen over night. I pay for the opportunity my daughters have and will have to make life long friendships. I pay so that my daughters can be on stage instead of in front of a screen…’ When you pay for anything to do with dance, especially competitive dance, you are not paying for dance, you are paying for opportunities and the ability to create habits; you are paying for an investment that benefits you for your entire life. Once you know this, you will realise how ready you are for competitive dancing, because our mindset goes beyond what others see. How to make the switch to competitive dancing: As we mentioned above, the switch to competitive dancing requires an invitation, however, there are many things you can do to make that invitation a very real possibility. Take dance classes and show your interest. Obviously, to be a competitive dancer (and first get invited), you must attend our dance classes. Try different styles and see what one (or multiple!) you love and want to dedicate yourself to. Book private lessons to work on your skills and show how dedicated you are to dancing. Then, let your teacher know you're possibly interested in becoming a competitive dancer. They’ll help you consider your options, and work towards your goals. Show initiative. Competitive dancing requires initiative, so practice beyond lessons and work on your technique so you are constantly improving. Help out in other classes, and ask questions during your privates lessons; both about anything you may be confused about but also what your teacher thinks you should focus on to get you into competitive dancing. Watch competitive dancers who are having amazing results, and keep an eye on Harry's Instagram Stories, as he shares incredible videos of dancers from around the globe, that might just inspire your new direction! Watch competitions. Similar to the above tip, but show your dedication by watching competitions, getting comfortable in the atmosphere and proving you will show up no matter what and support your team mates. Being there for your fellow dancers will also help you build lasting bonds that can help you when you become a competitive dancer yourself! If you are in or around Auckland, you can see our competition schedule here and join us as our dancers take the stage this season! Take care of yourself. Schedule time off from dancing, let yourself recover and always ALWAYS stretch before and after classes. Eat well so you have energy, sleep well for the same reason, and make sure you take action to manage any stress that may arise. Taking care of yourself is the most important thing any competition dancer (and person in general) can do. If you’ve made it this far, thanks for reading, we look forward to seeing you at class soon, and potentially seeing some new eager faces ready to enter the incredible world of competition dancing - book a private lesson, today!! ​

Dancing is an innate part of nature. From bees that use it to communicate, to some types of spiders and birds using it as part of a mating ritual, dancing is one of the purest forms of expression that goes beyond ourselves. In fact, even single-celled algae has been known to waltz! So when looking at how dance has evolved over time, it’s special to remember that, at its core, our dances are an inherent reflection of life. Throughout our diverse global history, dance can be seen in every culture and time period. Whether for religious or celebratory purposes, to communicate stories or merely socialise, dance has adapted as we have. In some cases it has been a symbolism of freedom, or a means of cultural or emotional expression. Today, it can be anything from a momentary impulse to a trained art form, a type of exercise or entertainment. But, one of our favourite things about it is how in our interconnected world, we have access to cherish and blend each style, honouring its origin as we are united globally by the shared practise of dance. So, here are some of the most popular dances around the world (we think you’ll be surprised by some of the origins of household names!): Samba (Brazil) Samba is both a musical genre and dance style, evolving in Rio de Janeiro in the early 20th century to become a symbol of Brazil and its Carnaval. It is said to have been brought from West Africa all the way back in the 16th century, but as Study.com reports “the term refers to a collection of dances that have evolved over several countries”, making it rich with history that is ultimately hard to trace. Study.com also characterises the dance as having “lively, rocking step combinations, rolling hip action, and pulsing movements both on the beat and in syncopation”. It can be danced with or without a partner, a unique feature on this list that makes it such a popular dance style all around the world. Those of you who are UCan2 dancers, what do you love about the Samba? Salsa (Cuba) Salsa blends elements from a range of Latin American, African, European and Caribbean influences, but its origins can be traced more specifically to Cuba, which has a rich musical history that made it a hub for different cultural influences. It is most easily defined by lively moves including elaborate spins, break steps and drops. It was popularised in the 1960s in New York, becoming the modern version most popular today. See some of our own dancers learning salsa here. Fun Fact: Cuba was actually the origin of other popularised dances including the Rumba and Cha Cha Cha! Foxtrot (US) The Foxtrot originated in the early 20th century in New York. However, according to this Masterclass article, there is some blur when it comes to the exact origin. Some say it “first originated in Black American nightclubs” before being adopted by ballroom dancers, whereas others credit the entertainer Arthur Carringford, whose stage name was ‘Harry Fox’. In the Masterclass article, it is written that: “In a 1914 musical at the New York Theatre, Fox caught the audience’s attention with his fast trotting steps across the dance floor. Ragtime music was playing in the background, and the dance became known as the ‘Fox’s trot.’” (Fitting, as the Foxtrot is one of my favourite Ballroom dances, and in the way-back-when of my name, I originate from the FOXes!!) Whatever the true origin of the Fox's trot, the dance has since been slowed, making it a smooth combination of quick and slow steps, and leaves room for dancers to experiment with their own flare. Bachata (Dominican Republic) Taking inspiration from African rhythms and the unique Cuban music we mentioned earlier, Bachata is a type of dance that arose during the 20th century, but it wasn’t always popular. It was associated with rural poverty and considered too scandalous due to its sensual movements and intimate partner dancing, causing it to be banned in many places, including some parts of its origin country! In the mid-to-late 20th century, however, it had a resurgence, causing the dance to be highly popular today. It is now characterised by its blend of close partner dancing and open moves, including playful spins and footwork. You can read more interesting facts about Bachata here. Waltz (Austria) Today there are multiple variations of the waltz (we see you, algae), but the Viennese Waltz is recounted as the original form, originating in Austria in the 13th century. This dance is characterised by the step, slide, step footwork pattern that enables a couple to revolve around a room together. In fact, as Study.com shares, the word ‘waltz’ is derived from a German word that means ‘to revolve’, directly relating to the action of the dance. It quickly spread across the world, becoming both adored and disliked due to the closeness of the dancing couple. According to Concert Vienna many dancing masters also considered it a threat to the dance profession. “Its basic steps could be learned in no time, as opposed to other court dances like minuet, which took a fair amount of time to learn and master”. This could equally be the reason it got so popular in the first place, as it was a dance accessible to everyone, no matter their status. Tango (Argentina) The final dance we have on our list originated in 18th century Argentina from European immigrants, former slaves and lower-class people. As it spread throughout Europe, North America and beyond, it was altered by different influences and was finally deemed socially acceptable in the 1900s, centuries after its birth. Today, it is characterised by a close hold, dramatic attitude and playful movements, and has tens of thousands of participants in the Tango world championships alone. One similarity between these dances is that we teach them all! All of the above dances (and more!) are available to learn at our purpose-built dance studio on Auckland's North Shore, in Albany. So if you are in or around Auckland, New Zealand, see what is available for adults and kids and get involved. We are also now offering dance classes exclusively in Mandarin. So if you or anyone you know in our area wants to take dance classes but would feel more comfortable doing it in Mandarin, you can book now to have Mandarin-only lessons every Monday. We have courses available for Adults & Youth, and Kids & Teens, all run by our incredible teacher Bai Jing (Aila) and assisted by our wonderful Chia-I Liu. So please get in touch! We’d love to have you. Happy learning everyone!

This time of year is filled with goals to spend meaningful time with our family and friends, take care of ourselves with rest and physical activity, and prepare for the year ahead. It’s incredible and beneficial and brings you fulfillment, but…. It’s a lot, right? Both mentally and financially at times. Well, what if we said that you could achieve all of that, in only one hour each week? It sounds a bit like a scam, we know, but stay with us. We’re not proposing some cheat way to life, but, instead, a foundation to start you off on a journey towards sustainable balance. So how might one do this? One word: DANCE. Dance is the perfect way to fill all of your cups. You can spend time with your friends and family by inviting them along, making you all gain the benefits of social physical activity, which include fostering deeper connections (and laughing, you’ll laugh a lot in our dance classes, dancing with your loved ones, friends and new friends!). It is also suitable for all ages, so everyone from your children to your grandparents can do it. No one gets left out! You are simultaneously taking care of yourself, with dance reducing stress and keeping you physically fit. Plus, if you start dancing now, you’ll have started a habit that makes it easier to stick to in the new year. So, how does dancing look financially? And why bring up this topic before Christmas? Well, depending on your options of local dance classes, you’ll find that dancing can be cheaper than going to a gym per week, and is a lot more ethical. Here at UCan2, we offer a free intro class, so you don’t even have to pay, or commit to a full course, to try out a dance class! Perhaps these holidays you can find a similar offer near you and take your family or a friend or two, trying out this way of spending time together before you financially commit to it. But what do you do if you and your loved ones fall in love with dancing together? Enter: Christmas! If you loved dancing together, the best gift you can get your friends and family is a voucher for more classes! Actually, even if you’ve yet to test a class out, this is still a great gift for everyone to look forward to in the new year. Any new experience will be filled with anticipation prior, and you can all spend Christmas day discussing how you think the classes will go, who will be the best or who may improve the most. When a gift is spending time together, you can’t lose. This leads us into our offer. Christmas Gift Vouchers for a dance class, a private lesson, or a specific dollar value, are the perfect gift for all ages, because you're giving an EXPERIENCE that they'll love! PLUS, we’ve already mentioned our free intro class, which is held on particular nights throughout the year, so they could try a class first, then use their voucher to go towards a course, a private lesson, or whatever they want! For 2024 our free intro nights are: Wednesday 31st January, 2024 Thursday 29th February, 2024 Tuesday 30th April, 2024 Wednesday 29th May, 2024 Wednesday 31st July, 2024 Thursday 29th August, 2024 Wednesday 30th October, 2024 For beginners, the class starts at 7.30pm, and for improvers, it is at 8.30pm. All who attend are offered a 10% discount if they sign up on the night, so if you’re in or near Auckland, find a date that works for you and your friends and we’ll see you there! No booking required, just turn up on the night. For our regular classes, which cover a range of dance types, we have affordable options for every age. Adults (18+) Beginners This course goes for 8 weeks, with a class every Wednesday from 7.30 - 8.25pm. You will cover dances including Cha Cha, Samba, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Foxtrot, Waltz and Quickstep. It is $150 for the 8 week course, coming out to less than $20 a week. See all of our adult dance classes here or our price schedule here. Kids/Tweens and Teens (6-17) Beginner, Improver + Intermediate In this 8 week course, children will quickly develop self-esteem, respect for themselves and others, confidence and inner-discipline, plus, they'll have fun! They will learn the Cha Cha, Samba, Rock ‘n’ Roll, Foxtrot, Waltz and Jive for $150 for the term OR can attend single classes of Ballroom & Latin American on Wednesdays 5.00 – 5.55pm for $20 per class. See all of our kids and teens classes here. Dance classes are available in almost any area around the world, so look around to see your local dance studio’s offerings and prices. Some studios offer mixed-aged classes, so all of your loved ones can have fun together, or split children and adults, so you can gain the benefits of meeting new people as your confidence increases. Dance classes as gifts this Christmas will be an amazing surprise for anyone you give them to, and help you create memories to share forever. Plus, who doesn’t love a fun activity that’s productive in disguise?

If you’re reading this, a big congratulations is most likely in order. You are, or someone you dearly love is, ENGAGED! What an exciting time in your life! However, you may find planning a wedding (and shared life) can get a bit overwhelming, but don’t fear! You’re not the first to go through this, and you won’t be the last. Here at UCan2 Dance Studio, we have helped countless couples make the extra special, and sometimes extra stressful, dance portion of their wedding unforgettable, and, more importantly, enjoyable. So even if we never see you in person, we hope these tips and song suggestions will help make planning your big day easier, because every new moment should be savoured as it happens, for better, or for worse ;). To start, let’s discuss what the first dance is, and why you might need it. Traditionally, the first dance is the first time a newlywed couple dances together. This usually happens at the wedding reception and signals the start of the festivities for the night, opening the dance floor to guests following the first dance. Many couples choose to share special dances with their loved ones prior to the first dance, such as the well-known father-daughter dance. This is so you can honour all that person has done for you, and show their unwavering support as you move into this new stage of life. It’s also very special to look back at pictures or videos from these shared moments. However, you can mix up the order of these pre-prepared dances in whichever way you want, or dance with whoever you wish. It’s your big day, after all! You do what you want. When preparing for the first dance with your partner, there are a few things to keep in mind, including where you’ll be dancing, the type of dance you want to do, and so much more. So here are a few tips to help you have the perfect first dance! The Song Dilemma Picking one song can be hard. You might have too many in mind, or no idea what to pick at all. There’s also the added layer of a second person, which could be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on how you look at it. We recommend making a date to pick your song. Go all out and dress up, make dinner and remember what the end goal is. You’re picking the song you’ll dance to as a married couple for the first time! Have three songs picked out prior to the date that you would like to dance to (some research may be involved in this, our song suggestions below should help here!) and make sure your fiance has their own list. Go through them as a couple, and give each of you two vetoes. This should leave you with two songs, one from each person. Decide between these top two by dancing around to them. Figure out what makes you feel the best and what reminds you of your relationship. If there is a song you both have on your lists, choose that one! You don’t need to go through the rest of the steps. And don’t forget to make sure the song is danceable for your chosen dance type. If you love a song, you could always try and find altered covers of it to fit the dancing style you want. Or perhaps make a medley of songs for your first dance so you can include more and experiment with different dance styles. That’ll surely keep your guests on their toes! Keep it short and sweet. The general suggested time is between two and three minutes. If your song is longer, you can get your DJ to fade it out or your band to play a shorter version of it. Hire a professional. This is a great option for beginner or professional dancers alike and can help make your first dance memorable! Many dance studios (including us!) will offer different packages for private wedding dance lessons, so you can choose the level of practise you want. We also offer significantly reduced prices for these packages, so you can have the first dance of your dreams without blowing your budget. The only thing you need is your song and we will teach you to dance to it! This means there is no need for you to figure out the dance type you want prior, which is usually one of the hardest aspects when picking your first dance, especially when you have little dance experience. You can check out the options we have here. If you are severely against dance lessons, at the very least jump on YouTube and learn a few basics. There are so many tutorials out there, so utilise them. But definitely consider having even just one lesson with a professional, if only to eliminate some of the awkwardness and nerves. Perhaps it could be an early wedding gift from someone you love. Make sure you can dance in your outfits! We are not saying wear your wedding dress before your wedding day, but make sure you practise in something similar to what you’ll wear on the day. If you know you’ll be dancing in a ballgown or heels, make sure you practise with similar silhouettes and shoes so you know where to place your hands and feet to keep from tripping. You’ll be nervous enough on the night (even though you needn’t be!) and having that extra element of difference will be even more challenging. Also, don’t push yourself to wear something you’re not confident in. If you want to wear flats instead of heels, go for it! Again, it’s your day. Do what you want. Practise really does make perfect. Do it with your choreographer, but also practise outside of your lessons. Do it before bed or when your dinner is in the oven. Practise your dips in the supermarket, or your spins when you walk your dog. Anything to really nail the moves and make you feel confident! Smile! Breathe and make sure you savour this moment with your partner, because you’ll never experience it again. Make sure you have times in your dance where you get to look in their eyes and smile with them. Remind each other to laugh and enjoy this dance, both on the night and leading up to it. First dances should be fun, not stressful, so breathe and enjoy each moment with the love of your life. Song Suggestions Obviously, we recommend picking something personal between the two of you. A song you may have shared throughout your relationship and that reminds you of the other. But, if you need a bit more guidance, listen to the songs below to help you narrow down the genre or get inspired! Classic “Can’t Help Falling in Love,” Elvis Presley “The Way You Look Tonight,” Frank Sinatra “Endless Love,” Diana Ross, Lionel Richie “Can’t Take My Eyes off You” Frankie Valli Contemporary “All of Me,” John Legend “Like I’m Going to Lose You,” Jasmine Thompson, or go for Meghan Trainor and John Legend’s cover for duet style song. “The Joker and The Queen,” Ed Sheeran, Taylor Swift “Love of My Life,” Harry Styles Country “In Case You Didn’t Know,” Brett Young “Die a Happy Man,” Thomas Rhett “I Don’t Dance,” Lee Brice “Better Together” Luke Combs Soul and R&B “Stand by Me” Florence and the Machines (many covers, so check them all out if you want). “If I Ain’t Got You” Alicia Keys, Usher “La vie en rose,” Louis Armstrong “This Old Heart Of Mine” The Isley Brothers Rock “In My Life," The Beatles "You're My Best Friend," Queen "Just the Way You Are," Billy Joel “Nothing Else Matters,” Metallica Folk and Alternative “Like Real People Do,” Hozier “Everywhere,” Fleetwood Mac “Sea of Love,” Cat Power “Let’s Dance,” David Bowie That’s all the tips and suggestions we have today, but if you still need help, we recommend reading this Complete Guide to Planning a Wedding or view our gallery to get inspired by others.