International Ballroom Dance Tales
Where in the world did our dances come from?!: A history of our Ballroom Dances
Ballroom dancing is inspired by all cultures of the world! Each major dance we introduce you to has come from far and wide and evolved throughout the ages. Take a look at the history of these dances. Rumba is of Afro-Cuban folk-dance origin that became internationally...
How these American born dances impacted the ballroom world!
How these American born dances impacted the ballroom world! Dance has always been a part of our culture. And with America being a melting pot of diversity, it’s no wonder that we can create something so unique that the rest of the world has no choice but to take...
Get started on your dance journey!
Have you ever watched one of those old black and white dance movies and just WISH that you could move like Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers? But, then you remember..."you have two left feet"! Well, how do you think Fred and Ginger got to be as good as they were? They...
Dance Family Spotlight: Susanne Jeter
We all have a story as why we started dancing. Whether it be for exercise, fun, or the thrill of learning something new…everyone’s reason is different. For our next Dance Family Spotlight, we are highlighting the beautiful Susanne Jeter! Take a look at her dance...
Dance Family Spotlight: Annie Crane
We all have a story as why we started dancing. Whether it be for exercise, fun, or the thrill of learning something new…everyone’s reason is different. For our next Dance Family Spotlight, we are highlighting the ever-so-lovely Annie Crane! Take a look at her dance...
Dance Family Spotlight: Anne Goldstein
We all have a story as why we started dancing. Whether it be for exercise, fun, or the thrill of learning something new...everyone's reason is different. So, as part of a new series, we want to share the stories of our dance family! Introducing Dance Family Spotlight!...
Taking the Lead: Thank You to the Leading Ladies and Gents of IBDS
We are beyond excited to be getting back in the studio with our dance family. We send out a heart felt “thank you” to all of our leading ladies and gents who made our first week back both busy and fun! We understand that not everyone is ready to waltz back into the...
Why dancing is the best medicine for the mind, body, and soul
According to a Japanese proverb, “We’re fools whether we dance or not, so we might as well dance.” That proverb is so relevant during these “interesting” times we are currently facing. However, with everything going on, everyone needs a little break from reality, and...
We’re BACK!!!!
The moment we have all been (not so patiently) waiting for has finally arrived! Our studios will be back up and running Monday, May 18th! We have missed our dancing family every day, and we are looking forward to “waltzing” back into the studio (See "A letter to our...
A Letter to Our Students…
It has been nearly a month since we have been able to share the floor with you, and I know that we can all agree that we miss each other and that we MISS DANCING! International Ballroom is more than just a place to learn how to dance. We come to see friends, get our...
Why the personal approach is ideal for the IBDS way of teaching!
Quarantining has really put a dent in to everyone’s daily routines…including our DANCE LIFE! Though we may be getting stir crazy and wishing for some virtual interaction with our IBDS Dance Family, there are some very important reasons why you will not be seeing...
Look like a STAR! The basic how-to for an amazing showcase look
It’s showcase time! It’s time to show off your dance moves for all of your dance family to see! However, your dance moves aren’t the only thing people are going to be “oohing and ahhing” over. Your costume has been perfected and every hair has been put in place…now...
Benefits to introducing social dance into your lives
Take the first step on your dance journey... Life can be so crazy at times; working all day, taking care of the family, cleaning the house, making sure all necessities are handled, etc. But what about time for you? What about something that can be just for you?...
Be Healthy, STAY HEALTHY…Top tips to be in tip-top shape
We at International Ballroom pride ourselves on keeping a clean and safe ballroom for all who walk into our doors. With all of this uncertainty of what is going to happen with the pandemic we are currently facing, we want to make sure the well-being of both our IBDS...
Who is Ready for a SHOW?! What to expect from our Showcases
When it comes to events, International Ballroom Dance Studios REALLY knows how to do it up! When you come to a showcase in our studio, there is no doubt in mind that you will be anything less than impressed and have a truly unforgettable evening. We host 4 showcases...
What is a F.R.A.M.E?
Frame. One of the most essential tools for a ballroom dancer...and probably one of those things you hear about in EVERY lesson you are in! But what exactly goes into building a good dance frame? One of our students created a great acronym for you to use as a mental...
Coach Spotlight: Rufus Dustin
Rufus Dustin, a World Dance Council (WDC) professional, provides coaching and choreography for some of the best Professional and Amateur competitive dancers in the world. He routinely acts as an adjudicator at some of the most prestigious dance competitions around the...
Trophy Ball? What’s that? Top 6 FAQs answered
Picture this...you have been dancing for about 6 months and are really starting to get the hang of the dances and feel like you are actually DANCING! THEN...your instructor comes up and says to you..."mark your calendar for our Trophy Ball coming up..." and starts...
Dance Travels: What to expect on our “Fun Trips”
Going on a trip can create a lot of stress when it comes to packing; what type of clothes do i need? Did i pack all of my toiletries? HOW MANY PAIRS OF UNDERWEAR AM I GOING TO NEED?! One thing that you never have to worry about packing is your dancing. That can be...
Coach Spotlight: Linda Dean
We are excited to welcome Linda Dean to our studio! In case you are not familiar with this legend in the industry, take a look at what all she has accomplished. Linda Dean has spent a lifetime dancing and, almost just as long, with Fred Astaire Dance Studios. Learning...
Ballet in the ballroom? Top ways ballet can benefit your ballroom training
Ballet is one of the oldest dance forms in the world! It is also considered the foundation of all dance. From the body lines, to the technique, to even some of the verbiage, we have to give a lot of credit to ballet and its elegance. We spoke with Blake Beardsley, who...
What will Belly Dancing do for you?
Belly dance is one of the newest classes we offer in the West Ashley location. You might be thinking...how will this help my ballroom dancing? To get the answer to this question, we asked Polly Guffin, our Belly Dance Instructor. Dancing, in general, as mentioned in...
BRING YOUR FRIENDS! Top benefits to the guest program
Ballroom dancing is such a great social activity. You get to meet a bunch of new people who are all here for the same purpose...to DANCE! Everyone knows you have your dance friends and your non-dance friends...but wouldn't it be nice if you could have ALL of your...
It’s wedding season…do you have your first dance ready?
Your wedding date is arriving soon. You have the flowers arranged, perfect table assignments, perfect dinner, perfect DJ/band, the perfect cake...then it hits you...WHAT ABOUT THE FIRST DANCE?!?!?!?! This is normally the last thing every bride and groom thinks of yet...