A little hocus pocus has become a Halloween tradition. Watching Hocus Pocus 1 and 2 is a fun and entertaining way to celebrate Halloween. I was inspired “One Way or Another” to create a Hocus Pocus line dance to celebrate with. Scare up a good time learning this fun dance.

Why Sanderson?

What was the inspiration for the Sanderson sisters? Their last name, Sanderson was a hat tip to the sandman who puts sand on children’s eyes to put them to sleep. The idea of someone slipping into his room scared screenwriter David Kirschner.

Why Three sisters?

What about the three sisters? According to MSN, they were based on the three fates. In Greek Legend the Moirai or three fates determined a person’s destiny. In Norse mythology these goddesses were referred to as the Norns. They were also referred to as Volvas, and described as witches who used a diststaff.

What is in a name?

Do you think there is there any history behind the names of the Sanderson sisters? Happily, yes. Sarah, in her sleeping beauty inspired princess pink dress, was the name of two of the witches at the Salem Witch Trials. Mary, the chef with a nose for children, was the name of two more of the women hanged at the Salem witch trials. That leaves Winnefred who was not hanged in Salem.

Winnefred the peacemaker?

This was not the first Winnefred to grace a Disney film. It had been used previously in the Jungle book and Mary Poppins. Winnefred’s character was a reference to the Celtic witches. One Irish legend from the 14^th century is of the infamous witch Dame Alice Kyteler. After being tried for witchcraft successfully fled Ireland to live out her life. The English parliament passed the Witchcraft Act From 1542 until its repeal in 1735. Winnefred is a Celtic name of Welsh origin meaning blessed peacemaker, and fair. She did take advantage of being the fairest of them all. With Celtic red hair and a purple and green dress with symbols inspired by the rune alphabet and from Stonehenge, she was a sight.

Mother knows best?

In the Irish lore, it was said that witches could transform into wild animals and escape unnoticed. In Hocus Pocus 2 they took this legend and let Mother witch fly with this one. She took the form of a blackbird with red wings to keep an eye on things. The other fun legend was with Billy Butcherson. His costume was modeled after Ichabod Crain from Sleepy Hollow. He lost his head a couple of times with that revelation.

Spellbinding songs and dances.

Both Hocus Pocus movies were spellbinding. I had fun years ago filming a traditional dance to “I put a spell on you.” The second movie was such a fun film that I could not pass up the opportunity to take some of the moves and create a line dance to “One Way or Another.” Have an enchanting time learning this spellbinding line dance.

“One Way or Another” Hocus Pocus 2 Line Dance Description.

Frist Step Zombie Taps Looking right and left:

Look Rt, Right Foot side, tap Left Foot, (1,2) Look Left, Lf side, Tap RF (3,4) Look Rt, RF side, tap LF, (5,6) Look Left, Lf side, Tap RF (7,8)

Second Step Zombie Locks Looking right and left:

Look Right, RF forward (1), LF close behind Rf (2), RF forward (3,4), Look Left, LF forward (5), RF close behind Lf (6), LF forward (7,8)

Third Step Crab walk:

Left hand at right elbow right hand with fingers up, look right, RF side (1), LF cross in front right foot (2) side right foot (3,4) Right hand at left elbow right hand with fingers up, look left, LF side (5), RF cross in front left foot (6) side left foot (3,4).

Forth step Kick and knee slap:

Step side right foot (1) kick left knee up (2) jump down between both feet (3,4) slap you knee four times (5,6,7,8)

video

Song:

One way or another Hocus pocus 2

Characters:

Winnefred, Sarah, Mary, Mother witch, Billy,
Played by Holly Tomazin.

Film crew:

Craig Tomazin

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.msn.com/en-us/tv/news/what-are-the-sanderson-sisters-names-in-hocus-pocus-and-do-they-bear-any-witchy-significance/ar-AA1ja0e7

https://www.glamour.com/story/hocus-pocus-costumes

https://nameberry.com/babyname/winifred

The post One Way Or Another Hocus Pocus Line Dance How To. first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Have you ever done the Bunny Hop? This fun 1950’s conga line dance is hopping to a wedding near you. Join me as we learn how to dance the 1950’s Bunny hop.

History of the Bunny Hop

Where do new dance trends come from? Hip kids! Band leader Ray Anthony got wind of a new dance in San Francisco in 1952. He took a trip to Balboa High School to check out the conga line inspired bunny hop the kids were doing. This inspired him to write the song to fit their dance.

Bunny Hop on Air

Ray Anthony got the world a hoppin by featuring the bunny hop on his show in 1953. This was not the last time it aired on TV. It was in Family ties, Fresh Pince and Everybody Loves Raymond. My favorite is the version in “When Your and Addams” from the Addams Family Musical that I did a tutorial for.

Inspired by Bunny hop Dances

The bunny hop inspired other dances. In the 1960’s Finnish composer Erik Lindström wrote “Letkajenkka” (first recorded by The Adventurers) as a line dance schottische using the bunny hop but starting with the left foot. It was later renamed Letkiss. It 2014 Arabian weddings went viral with “rasqat al-batriq” or “Penguin Dance” featuring the bunny hop conga line steps. In the gaming world Fortnite created a emoji of the Bunny Hop with just a hop, hop, hop.

Bunny Hop:

1. RF heal out, toe in, heal out, stomp (1,2,3,4)
2. LF heal out, toe in, heal out, stomp (5,6,7,8)
3. hop forward (1,2)
4. hop back (3,4)
5. Three hops forward (1,2,3, hold 4)
6. Begin again until the end of the song

Lyrics

Put your right foot forward
Put your left foot out
Do the Bunny hop
Hop, hop, hop

Backdrop location.

Lakewood historic main street preserved as a park. I used my photo of the 88c Variety Store and Ethel’s Beauty Salon at Heritage Lakewood Park in Colorado. It was built in 1948 at a laundromat, and converted to a five-and-dime store in the 1950’s. It was converted into a beauty salon in the 1960’s by Gil and Ethel Gomez. You can see the original fixtures in this museum building to this day.

Holly Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bunny_hop_%28dance%29

https://www.libraryofdance.org/dances/bunny-hop/

Library of Dance – Letkiss

https://www.songlyrics.com/ray-anthony/the-bunny-hop-lyrics/

https://fortnite.fandom.com/wiki/Bunny_Hop

https://www.lakewood.org/Government/Departments/Community-Resources/Arts-and-Culture/Heritage-Lakewood/Historic-Structures-and-Tours

The post What the Bunny Hop? How To Dance the 1950’s Bunny Hop first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Do you remember the early American song Yankee Doodle? This song is the rallying song of the rebel forces of early America. I took traditional dance moves and put together a fun Yankee Doodle Line Dance.

Yankee Doodle

The marching air Yankee Doodle is composed by my favorite composer, anonymous. No one knows for sure where this air came from. The melody can be traced back to a medieval Irish maypole song “all the way to Galway.” It was re-worded as a derisory tune the British sang about the American troops.

Yankee Doodle British meaning

Song facts states that the Yankee doodle song dates to the 1754 French and Indian war. The British troops had a low opinion of the American troops. “Yankees” was a derogatory term for sloppy and ill-equipped American soldiers. A doodle was a German term for fool.  A dandy was a highly fashionable English gentleman, and by Sticking a feather in your cap and wearing a “macaroni” wig you became sophisticated. This was more slang to emphasize the lack of style. “Mind the music and keep the step and with the girls be handy,” was a reminder that dancing was different overseas and to check that you are doing your steps properly and holding the girl in the correct way. 

Yankee Doodle meaning

As Americans turned the Revolutionary war in 1775, they picked up the song as a slap in the face of the British troops. At the British surrender in Saratoga, New York in 1777 “Yankee Doodle” was played in victory. “Yankee Doodle” became a term of pride in 1781. American Songwriter writes,” Adding to the subversion of the song, according to a Boston newspaper, after the Battle of Lexington and Concord, one British soldier asked another how he liked “Yankee Doodle” now? To which the latter responded, “Dang them [the American troops]. They made us dance it till we were tired.” It later became the official song of Connecticut.

Lyrics

Yankee Doodle went to town
A-Riding on a pony
Stuck a feather in his cap
And called it macaroni.

Yankee Doodle, keep it up.
Yankee Doodle, dandy.
Mind the music and the step
and with the girls be handy.’ 

Betsy Ross & Yankee Doodle line dance

Betsy Ross is the iconic American woman patriot. An adept businesswoman who darned the first American flag. She surely hosted barn dance and kicked her heals up with the sons of liberty and American rebels like Geroge Wahington. I adapted traditional American dance moves into a modern line dance to the song Yankee Doodle and performed it as Betsy Ross with her uncle George Ross. Have fun learning this doodle line dance.

Yankee Doodle Line Dance.

7 steps to the left (grapevine) and a tap. If the grapevine is too difficult, a side step can be substituted.

8 steps to the right (grapevine) and a tap.

3 steps in and a tap.

3 steps out and a tap.

8 steps turning to your right.

New wall.

Cast

Betsy Ross – Holly Tomazin

George Ross- Craig Tomazin

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.kennedy-center.org/education/resources-for-educators/classroom-resources/media-and-interactives/media/music/story-behind-the-song/the-story-behind-the-song/yankee-doodle/

https://www.mountvernon.org/library/digitalhistory/colonial-music-institute/essays/real-words-to-yankee-doodle/

https://www.cliffsnotes.com/cliffsnotes/subjects/history/what-is-the-song-yankee-doodle-dandy-really-about

https://abcnews.go.com/US/yankee-doodle-dandy-explained-revolutionary-facts/story?id=24314207

https://www.songfacts.com/facts/traditional/yankee-doodle

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yankee_Doodle

The post Yankee Doodle Goes Viral: A Line Dance Tutorial first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Reya and the last dragon is a lovely journey into Chinese lore. Sisu the water dragon would be familiar with the qi gong form of swimming dragon. This dance-like meditative martial art is a perfect fit for Reya. I put 5 dragon forms together in a dance sequence for Reya and the Last Dragon Sisu.

Dragon Sisu

Do you believe all dragons to be devious? In Chinese lore there is a story of the four dragons who disobeyed the emperor to give water to the people. Their penance for disobeying the Jade emperor was to become the four rivers and provide water for the people for eternity. This is one of the eastern legends that was the inspiration for Sisu the water dragon. Just like this legend the dragons in Reya and the last Dragon sacrificed themselves to save the humans.

Warrior Princess Reya

Reya is the princess of the Heat tribe. She is a strong daughter of the king, and a trained warrior. Reya would have extensive training in Martial arts, and all martial training is developed from Qi Gong. This meditative form of martial arts training is beneficial for people of all walks of life and abilities and fit for a princess.

History of Qi Gong

Qi Gong can be traced back 7000 years. It is an ancient meditative form of breathing and gymnastics. Many of the forms are said to be rooted in dance. It is no secret that warriors of many cultures studied dance for agility in battle. Qi Gong is graceful and loaded with healing benefits. Keep reading to learn about the benefits of knocking on the door of life, dragon arms, flying dragon and swimming dragon.

Knocking on the door of life

This is the opening exercise. The Ming Men is a door or gate of life is the gateway through which energy flows. This easy exercise is good for bolstering your immune system. It breaks up stagnant energy in the kidneys through the swinging of your arms around your body to “knock” on your kidneys.

Dragon Arms

This is an arm focused move with many benefits and multiple names, like balancing plates and dragon serves tea. It is traditionally used to open circulation in the entire body, lubricate joints, and strengthen core muscles around the spine. It can be done seated or standing. I chose the standing version for both underarms and behind the back variations.

Flying Dragon

The flying dragon Qi Gong is a cleansing form. All dragon forms use a twisting of the spine to loosen it and let your spinal fluid get to the brain. As a dragon form It is an internal therapy and with meditation can cleanse mind, body and soul.

Swimming Dragon

Vivan Chau describes swimming dragon best. “This secretive technique involves intricate body movements where practitioners twist and turn their bodies, emulating the graceful motions of a dragon emerging from water. This mesmerizing display of fluidity earned it the name “Dragon Swimming Technique.” Moreover, during the practice, the hands trace three consecutive circular paths in front and to the sides of the body, creating a visual representation of interconnected rings. As a result, this art is also referred to as the “Three-Ring Technique” Through the combination of these movements, cultivates strength, agility, and harmony with the principles of nature.”

5 Qi Gong Dragon Dance Forms.

Knocking on the door of life.

 Stand with feet apart twist your spine as you swing your arms around your body allowing them to make contact with your center.

Dragon Serves tea or Balancing plates.

Hold palms up as if you have plates on them. Bring the plate under the arm from front to back then over the head.

Dragon Arms

flat plate arms front under to out.

dragon arm plate back to front and under arms.

(Mingtong Gu version)

Flying Dragon

Begin with holding a ball rt over left then switch to left over rt step left cut twist step right cut twist side arm over to a ying yang ball and change direction to fly. Repeat on your right foot!

Easy version – no steps no twist

(Vivien Chao version)

Swimming Dragon how to Vivien Chao

Begin with feet together as the tail of the dragon rooted in the water. Hands palm to palm in front of chest as the head of the dragon. As you move in three circles down and up your body you head and hips will move in opposition to where your hands are traveling creating a twist in your body.

1 intro – begin with hands at your side and feet together. Bring hands up in a circle over your head until your palms join and come to the middle of your chest. Find your center and bring hands to heart.

2 Slide your palms to the left as head and hips slide right with soft knees.

3 Repeat to the right. Slide your palms to the right, ask your head and hips slide to the left with soft knees.

4 Lower hands to sternum and slide across to the left looking head and hips to the right.

5 Drop the head of the dragon to the left down pointing fingers to earth sliding hands beneath hips, to the right as head and hips sway to the left.

6 Slide the hands from right to left with the back of left hand down through the center of your body sway hips and head in opposite directions to right.

7 point the head up to emerge from the water sliding across shoulders to the right as hips and head go left.

8 Shoot the head of the dragon with your pointed fingers to the sky above your head as you calf raise returning your hands to chest level to begin again from step 2.

Repeat 3 times. Tip head down to root to end.

(Vivien Chao version)

Video

Song : Easterminder Kevin Mccloud

Cast:

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

Reference:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sisu_(Raya_and_the_Last_Dragon)

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raya_and_the_Last_Dragon

https://disney.fandom.com/wiki/Raya_and_the_Last_Dragon

https://gulfnews.com/lifestyle/health-fitness/qigong—the-basis-of-all-martial-arts-1.606625

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_qigong

https://jasoncbrown.design/blog/dance-qigong

Journey of Vitality: Flying Dragon Qigong Live with Vivien Chao (youtube.com)

The post Unlock Your Inner Dragon: 5 Qi Gong Dance Forms with Reya and Sisu first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

History of Groundhog Day

So how did we come to determine spring based on a large ground squirrel? These marmot-like creatures come out for Imbolc the Celtic holiday marking the beginning of spring between the winter solstice and spring equinox. A newspaper editor in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania pitched this German tradition of checking a badger’s shadow to determine the start of spring to the Punxsutawney groundhog club in 1887. They agreed to check the groundhog’s shadow on the 2^nd of February, and it has been a national event since, inspiring moves and music since.

Native American Groundhog Dance

Native Americas also have their groundhog traditions. Jame Mooney penned one of the Apache fables of how the groundhog tricked a pack of wolves out of eating him by doing a dance. This is said to be the inspiration for the Apache traditional groundhog dance. This dance demonstrates how Apache couples work together to build a home.

Princesses of the earth

For this demonstration I used two cartoon Indian princesses, Tiger Lily and Pocahantas. Most Indian tribes do not have princesses. However, there are a few exceptions of tribes in the Pacific Northwest that had royalty and Indian princesses. Ironically, both Indian princesses were motherless.

Tiger Lily

Tiger Lily was inspired by the penny dreadful publications that peter pan author Barre liked to read. She is the strong daughter of the chief with respect from her tribe. She had special responsibilities and could stay with the chief for a special dance in Peter Pan. In Tiger Lilys dance to what makes the red man red (later re-written what makes brave girl brave) was based on the traditional Indian “Moon Dance.”

Pocahontas

Pocahontas is the daughter of Chief Powhatan of the Mataponi tribe in Virginia. Her Indian name was Matoaka, which means “flower between two streams.” While in Europe a dancing maser composed an English country dance called the Indian princess in her honor. These strong women are the inspiration for this groundhog dance.

Groundhog line dance tutorial.
Adapted from Cherokee Indian dance.

8 steps forward hands digging our Burrough like a groundhog.

8 steps back hands digging our Burrough like a groundhog.

8 steps circle to right hands scooping down to up.

8 steps circle to left hands scooping down to up.

Song: Dawn of Man – Quincas Moreira

video

Dancer: Holly Tomazin

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References:

https://nativehistoryassociation.org/groundhog.php

https://www.history.com/news/groundhog-day-history-and-facts

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Groundhog_Day

http://www.whitewolfpack.com/2017/11/the-true-story-of-pocahontas-historical.html

http://www.whitewolfpack.com/2017/11/the-true-story-of-pocahontas-historical.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tiger_Lily_(Peter_Pan)

https://disneyfanon.fandom.com/wiki/Tiger_Lily

https://www.mouseplanet.com/13231/The_Forgotten_Disney_Princesses

The post Ultimate Disney Indian Princess Groundhog Line Dance Tutorial first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Do you want to kick up your heals at Mardi Gras? Great jazz music calls out to be danced to. So for Mardi Gras this year I did a line dance to the signature song “When the Saints go Marching in”, or “The Saints” for short.

Brief history of Mardi Gras

Mardi Gras dates back in time to the Middle Ages. It originated as the spring and fertility festivals of Saturnalia and Lupercalia. With the advent of the Christian faith, the festival was re-purposed as Carnival (from epiphany to lent), then in America as Mardi Gras (a one day event the Tuesday before lent), in preparation of the abstinence of Lent.

“The Saints” or “When the Saints Go Marching In” History

Mardi Gras is celebrated by parades, masks, beads, and great jazz. ‘When the Saints Go Marching In’, is unofficially the theme song for Mardi Gras in New Orleans. This traditional black spiritual song was made famous by Loui Armstrong in 1938. It is still played in the French quarter of New Orleans. It is the perfect tune to do a Mardi Gras “The Saints” Line dance.

Mardi Gras “The Saints” Line Dance How To

Viideo

https://youtu.be/wnn3c5rQXlc

Step1 Three steps back and forward with a tap.

Take three steps back beginning with the right foot, left foot, right foot, and tap left next to right foot count 1,2,3,4. Follow with three steps forward left foot, right foot, left foot tap right next to left foot, count 5,6,7,8.

Step 2 Charleston

Step forward right foot kick left foot forward count 1,2. Next step back left foot kick right foot back count 3,4. Repeat counts 5,6,7,8.

Step 3 Three steps right and left with a tap.

Move your right foot to the right, close left foot to right foot, side right foot and tap left foot next to right foot as you point your hands above your head for counts 1,2,3,4. Follow moving your left foot side, close right foot to left foot, step side left foot and tap right foot next to left foot count 5,6,7,8.

Step 4 March in a circle to the left 8 counts.

Beginning with your right foot march right then left in a circle to your left. End ¼ turn to the right at a new wall.

Song:

“When The Saints Go Marching In” by Louis Armstrong

Dancer:

Holly Tomazin

Camera:

Craig Tomazin

Location:

Adventures in Dance Club

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References:

https://www.history.com/topics/holidays/mardi-gras

https://news.yahoo.com/mardi-gras-everything-know-history-172216558.html

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/When_the_Saints_Go_Marching_In

https://www.staugustine.com/story/lifestyle/faith/2014/10/24/story-behind-song-when-saints-go-marching/16098178007/

https://americanhistory.si.edu/collections/search/object/nmah_665505

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/the-rich-history-of-when-the-saints-go-marching-in/

https://www.mardigrasneworleans.com/history/

The post Mardi Gras “The Saints” Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Squirrels are a common part of life and a tool I use to teach with every day. For years my students have brought me squirrels and told me about famous squirrels like President Roosevelt squirrel Pete (for Pete’s sake), Marvel comics Squirrel girl, and recently Ratatoskr the Norse squirrel God. For Squirrel appreciation day I simplified Vahala Calling line dance for the Norse Squirrel God, Ratatoskr.

Norse squirrel God Ratatoskr

Norse mythology centers around the tree of life Yggdrasill. At the top is the eagle, and at the root is the serpent Níðhöggr. From treetop to root the squirrel Ratatoskr delivers messages from eagle to serpent and back again. This squirrel had appeared in Squirrel girl episodes, as well as in the game “God of War.” This makes Ratatoskr my top pick for famous squirrels to feature in my dance on Squirrel appreciation day Jan 21.

Valhalla Calling

In Norse mythology, Valhalla is the ancient hall where fallen Norse warriors spend their afterlife. The musical group “Miracle sound” was inspired by Vikings and the Norse legends. They spent copious time researching the Norse mythology to create this “composition that pays homage to Viking warriors and their quest for eternal glory.” It is also my inspiration for a Squirrel God line dance. I saw the Claudia Arndt line dance and was inspired to simplify it to fit my line dance class.

Valhalla Calling Ratatoskr Squirrel God Dance How To.

Begin with vocals 4 walls.

Section 1 tap, tap tripple.

Right foot tap forward tap side coaster step 1,2,3&4

Left foot tap forward tap side, hook side close turn ¼ to Left 5,6,7&8.

Section 2 Cha and Walk around turn ¼ to right.

Rt rock forward cha cha side ¼ to rt 1,2 3&4.

Lf Walk around turn ¼ turn scallop walk side close 5,6,7&8.

Section 3 toe heal coaster.

Rf 1,2 toe heal coaster step 3&4.

Lf 5,6 toe heal coaster step 7&8.

Section 4 Side rock and Cuban break

RF side rock 1,2 Cuban break Rf fwd. 3&4.

LF side rock 5, replace to Rf 6 LF Wat ½ turn (7&8).

Repeat from the beginning.

Video

Inspired by the line dance Claudia Arndt Choreograpy.

Background – Redwoods from my trip to Henny Cowell Redwoods State Park in Ca.

Ratatoskr Norse Squirrel God 1,2,3: Holly Tomazin.

Filmed on location at Adventures in Dance Club.

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.norsemythology.org/other/ratatoskr

https://mythology.net/norse/norse-creatures/ratatoskr/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Yggdrasil

https://oldtimemusic.com/the-meaning-behind-the-song-valhalla-calling-feat-peyton-parrish-by-miracle-of-sound/

The post Valhalla Calling Ratatoskr Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Christmas can often feel like a flurry of events and to-do lists. It Is also a great time to kick up your heals and dance a Can-Can. One of my favorite seasonal songs is the Christmas Can-Can by Straight No Chaser. I had fun filming this Christmas Can-Can Line Dance How To.

Christmas Can-can?

What is a Christmas Can-Can? This catching ditty has been around for a bit. The music was inspired by Offenbach’s piece Galop infernal. It was later adapted by Walter Chase to the Christmas Can-Can in 2000. In 2009 Straight no chaser released it for Christmas. I have been using it as a Can-Can work out for my Christmas line dance class since 2021.

What is a Can-Can?

The Can-Can is a dance that arose from the Victorian galop (read more). It was made popular in Paris at the Moulin Rouge (read more). It led to the rise of the popular American dance troupe the Rockettes. Have fun learning this holiday dance.

video

Christmas Can-Can Line Dance How To:

Step 1 Can-Can kicks-

Right knee up, down 4 ct., kick stomp left knee up, down, kick stomp 4 ct. Repeat right and left 8 ct.

Step 2 Leg circles & forward polka-

Right knee up circle right ankle in front count 1,2 lock step forward 3&4. Left knee up circle right ankle In front count 5.6lock step forward 7&8.

Step 3 Rock step forward & back with Walk around Turn-

right foot forward rock 1, Left foot back replace 2. Right foot back rock 3, Left foot forward replace 4. Walk around turn right foot toward rotate 180 degrees to the left count 5, replace weight to left foot count 6, close feet7, swing hips back count 8.

Credits

Song, Christmas Can-Can Straight no Chaser.

Dancer, Holly Tomazin.

On location, at Adventures in Dance Club.

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murray’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
Chairman of the board
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

Reference

https://secondhandsongs.com/work/179038/all

The post Christmas Can-Can Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

Did you attend a Sadie Hawkins dance at school? This curiosity led me to dig up this hillbilly Hippie line dance and feature the legendary Sadie Hawkins from Lil Abner with my friend Sadie. Have fun learning this happy line dance.

Who is Sadie Hawkins?

Sadie Hawkins is the spinster daughter of the Hezekiah Hawkins. He was concerned his 35 yr. old daughter, the “homeliest gal in all them hills,” would never get married. He sponsored a race, first held on November 15, 1937, where the Dogpatch girls could catch their mates. The night before the race the town of Dogpatch held a dance where all the belles wore hobnailed boots in hopes of hobbling the boys so they could not run the next morning. Al kept the race as an annual event in November.  This led to Sadie Hawkins dances in America where the girls would ask the boys to a dance.

History of Sadie Hawkins Dance

After cartoonist Al Capp started the annual Sadie Hawkins race in November 1937, Colleges picked up the practice of a Sadie Hawkins dance. By 1939 Time reported 200 higher educational institutions were hosting Sadie Hawkins dances. But was this really the first time a girl could catch her guy?

Shrouded in the mists of time is an Irish tradition knows as “Leap Day” where women were free to propose to men. This was rumored to be on February 29^th, so it happened on leap years. A Scottish lay in the 1200’s is thought to have given rise to “Ladies Day” or “Ladies’ Privilege” where a lady could propose to men. Germany had its own manhunting holiday, Weiberfastnacht. This holiday falls on the Thursday before Ash Wednesday, and women prowl the street demanding kisses of all the men they find and snipping off their neckties. This originated in 1824 when some washerwomen demanded a day of their own and Woman’s day came into existence. In America several decades before Dogpatch, The Northwestern Tolo Dance sported women asking men to the dance as a fundraiser for their women’s honor society.

When is Sadie Hawkins day?

Al Capp was elusive about the date. It was somewhere from the middle to the end of November. It originated on the 15^th of November, but when pushed, Al nailed it down to November 26^th. It is also confused with Leap Day February 29^th.  Any day you dance is a good day, so pick the day you like and dance this fun line dance with the Dogpatch Belles.

Hillbilly Hippie

I was looking for hillbilly line dances to commemorate Sadie Hawkins and came across Lainie Wilson’s song “Hillbilly Hippie.” This is a song celebrating the hillbilly lifestyle and girl power sung by a contemporary hillbilly.  It seemed the perfect fit to put the Dogwood dames dancing to this Lainie Wilson original.

Hillbilly Hippie Line Dance

Step 1 Grapevine to right chase and rock.

Counts 1-4 step side right, cross left behind right, side right, cross left in front of right foot. 5&6, Side close side to the right, 7,8 rock back left foot then replace weight to right foot.

Repeat to the left
Counts 1-4 step side left, cross right behind left, side left, cross right in front of left foot. 5&6, Side close side to the left, 7,8 rock back right foot then replace weight to left foot.

Step 2 Toe heal tripple step right and left.

Counts 1,2 right foot touch toe, heal, then triple step in place count 3 & 4 right foot, left, right. Repeat on the left. Count 5,6 left foot touch toe, heal, then triple step in place count 7&8.

Step 4 Step tap turn ¼ to right.

Count 1,2 step diagonally forward right foot and tap left next to right foot. Count 3,4 retrace diagonally back left foot and tap right. Count 5,6 turn ¼ turn to right step tap to right side right foot, tap left. Repeat to the left, side left foot, tap right.

Thank you, Sadie.

Special thanks to Sadie Richardson for being an inspiration and awesome addition to this production. Sadie has been inspired by the girl power of the Sadie Hawkins character since childhood. I was privileged to work with her and put this collaboration together.

Location:

We filmed on location In the Adventures in Dance Club and green screened in our background. I used images I took of the cabin at heart lake trail by the Moffet tunnel in Colorado. If you have a chance take advantage of hiking by the Moffet tunnel.

Dogpatch Belles Cast:

Sadie Richardson

Holly Tomazin

Holly Tomazin
WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance Club
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.almanac.com/extra/when-sadie-hawkins-day

https://www.vice.com/en/article/53n8xa/the-history-of-sadie-hawkins-day

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sadie_Hawkins_dance

https://www.liveabout.com/the-history-of-sadie-hawkins-dances-2781197

https://thewolfpacket.org/2596/ae/history-of-sadie-hawkins-the-truth-behind-the-dance/https://www.songtell.com/lainey-wilson/hillbilly-hippie89

The post Hillbilly Hippie Sadie Hawkins Line Dance How To first appeared on Adventures In Dance.

How do you celebrate the day of the dead? I love to dance so I looked up this fun line dance to Live Life from the Book of Life movie. Enjoy learning to dance with La Muerte for Day of the Dead the “Live Life” Line Dance.

Roots of Day of the Dead

This dance is inspired by the Day of the Dead. This is a Mexican holiday with Mesoamerican and Spanish roots. It is a celebration of family who have crossed to the other side. Ancient cultures celebrated the thinning of the veil between worlds in the fall with bonfires and candles. In Mesoamerica the dead were celebrated in August. The Aztecs would leave food and water on the graves of their ancestors to aid in their journey to the afterlife.  The Catholic church took up this tradition and celebrates All Souls Day and All Saints Day. In medieval Spain they would celebrate by decorating graves with flowers and leaving bread and wine for the dead.

Day of the Dead Traditions

The Day of the dead is a celebration of family who have crossed over to the other side. Traditions include elements of wind (with paper cutouts) water (a pitcher of water to quench the thirst of the deceased) Fire (candles) and Earth (Flowers & food). Families would get together to remember their ancestors and celebrate life. It has grown to include parades and other festivals.

La Muerte Queen of Souls

In Aztec tradition Mictecacihuatl is the Goddess of the realm of the dead and keeper of the bones of the deceased. She was depicted with a skull-like face. When the Spanish invaded, they brought Catholicism with them. With it came the transformation of Mictecacihuatl into Santa Muerte, Goddess of death protector of souls, justice, and healing. According to Book of Life Wikki La Muerte was modeled after Santa Muerte.

Dance of the dead

The plague in the Middle Ages caused many to bend a knee at the grave. Saint Saens even wrote the “Dance of the Dead” to commemorate those who past. Folkloric groups keep traditional dances alive celebrating El Día de Los Muertos. One tradition is Xantolo day of the dead dance procession. For my video we chose a line dance to “Live Life” from the movie the book of life.

video

Live Life Line Dance

Hold 16 counts at the beginning of the song.

First Section:

Right foot side, Close left to right, chase to right side, close, Side. Count 1,2,3&4.
Repeat to the left. Left foot side, Close right to left, chase to left side, close, Side. Count 5,6,7&8.

Second Section:

Right foot rock forward, replace weight to left foot, turn ¼ turn to right, lock step forward, forward, close forward. Count 1,2,3&4

Third Section:

Left foot rock forward, replace weight to right foot, coaster step back together forward.

Repeat from the beginning.

https://youtu.be/FCajJ9WntE0

Song:

Live Life from The Book of Life

Background:

Casa Bonita, iconic Hispanic Denver tourist attraction, short lived ghost town, and vibrant dining experience.

Video:

Craig Tomazin- Thank you for all your support.

Cast:

Holly Tomazin as

La Muerte, Maria, & Carmen.

Holly Tomazin

WEDDING DANCE instruction
DANCE LESSONS.
Certified Licentiate in
Ballroom, Latin, Smooth & Rhythm
with ISTD, DIVDA, FADS, & Arthur Murrary’s
author of
Holly’s hot wedding tips, 
Historically Accurate Princess Dances,
Winner of:
The Knot Hall of Fame best wedding dance instruction,
top 50 Dance Blogs
Champion Ballroom Dancer & Coach
owner of
Adventures in Dance
720-276-0562
info@adventuresindance.com
www.adventuresindance.com

References

https://www.npr.org/sections/codeswitch/2014/10/14/356045103/animated-book-of-life-celebrates-d-a-de-los-muertos

https://bookoflife.fandom.com/wiki/La_Muerte

https://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/national-international/day-of-the-dead-everything-you-need-to-know-behind-the-history-of-the-mexican-tradition/4795232/

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Day-of-the-Dead

https://www.azcentral.com/story/entertainment/holidays/2023/10/20/dia-de-los-muertos-day-of-the-dead-facts/70384393007/

https://news.arizona.edu/story/understanding-history-and-traditions-d%C3%ADa-de-los-muertos

https://www.danceplug.com/article/dia-de-los-muertos-celebrating-the-day-of-the-dead-with-dance-and-festivities

https://bookoflife.fandom.com/wiki/La_Muerte

https://oldworldgods.com/aztecs/aztec-goddess-mictecacihuatl/

The post La Muerte – Day of the Dead – Live Life Line Dance first appeared on Adventures In Dance.