DanceSport is as much "Art" as it is "Sport".   Artists of every genre continually need inspiration to produce their next masterpiece.  You too, need to be inspired to achieve higher levels of dancing, whether it may be on the social dance floor, competition dance floor or performance dance floor.  Nothing beats seeing a beautiful Feather Step or an emotionally charged Rumba, to recharge your batteries and get you back in the studio for another practice session.

   Going to live shows can give you the inspiration you need to further your dance development.  Whether it be a Professional demonstration, an Amateur showcase, or even a competition, go out and watch closely how the couples portray the style and character of each dance.  Take the opportunity to see it live, as it is so much more stimulating this way.  (Check out the Events section of the site for Upcoming Events in BC.)

   Not only can you get your inspiration from watching live Ballroom dance performances, but you can also benefit from other art forms.  Try going to a ballet, jazz or argentine tango performance.  How about a music concert or an opera or even a visit to the art gallery?  Great artists have everything in common.  They all have immense drive and determination, as well as creativity and passion for what they do.  Sometimes you need to draw inspiration from other greats to really appreciate what true art is.

   If you are unable to attend a live show, the next best thing is of course video.  Like many dancers, Joel and Clara have spent countless hours pouring over dance videos.  One of their favourite Ballroom videos is the Japan Superstars series, which showcases the top Professional dancers in both the Standard and Latin categories.  These videos are beautifully done and showcase the best dancing in the World.  Hours can be spent watching these videos over and over again and getting a better sense and feel of how each dance is portrayed.

   Sometimes it can be very valuable to have a mentor or idol that you can look up to and try to emulate.  Of course, in the end, you want to create your own individual style.  However, when you are learning, it's good to be able to visualize the kind of dancer you aspire to be.  Joel and Clara's mentors in Ballroom dancing are Luca & Loraine Baricchi, former Professional World Champions from Italy.  They have always been the greatest inspiration to them, even before Joel and Clara went for intensive training with them in Italy. 

   Not only do Joel and Clara get inspired by watching Luca and Loraine's dance videos, but they also look to other dance forms as well.  Their other favourites include Fred Astaire and Mikhail Baryshnikov, whose videos you can easily access at the local video store or library.  

 You can find your inspiration just about anywhere.  It’s up to you to find out what moves you, inspires you and keeps your dancing alive! 

Joel & Clara's Picks

Here are some videos and books that Joel and Clara keep in their library to keep them inspired...

Videos

Luca & Loraine's Dance Bible Instructional DVDs
(Click here for more information.)

Japan Superstars 2000/2001

Mikhail Baryshnikov

Books

The Tao of Pooh

Krishnamurti

Wayne Dyer