Hi,
Are there exercises specifically to help ballroom dancers? Can somebody recommend some or a website, book or video that would have some. Currently I just do an hour of ballet bar and center work a day to keep limber but I was wondering if there were specific exercises for ballroom dancers?

There are several drills for both Ballroom and Latin dance. I don't think I can adequately describe them, it would be best if you had your teacher show them to you.

In general, for Ballroom, I suggest you just walk back and forth across the floor, focusing on moving your feet correctly. As you have been taught by your teacher. And do the basic steps focusing your attention on the technique you've been taught.

For Latin, pretty much the same. Do the basics focusing on your cuban motion or the technique that you have been taught.

You can practice all the steps that you have been taught without a partner. It's not the most ideal, but it's better than nothing.

NewDAnceGirl,

I just bought 2 videos from dancevision, one being on american technique and the other on arm styling and turns. Both of these videos had great excercise suggestions that you can practice on your own and/or with a partner. Some of the basic concepts of smooth dance was explained in a slightly different way than what i have heard from my instructors, but it all just clicked right away/made more sense. It is definitely good to have in addition to your instructor and with the added benefit that you can watch it over and over and the instructor will never get upset with you.....

A woman after my own heart...I like to practice alone. We are a rare breed it seems. I find that individual practice is absolutely necessary to my dancing!

I do about an hour to two hours whenever I can. My usual routine begins with "laps" of rumba walks (with and without arms), then rumba walks with spirals, then I start mixing in whatever turning combinations I am currently working with. Next I do the other 6 rumba walks...with special emphasis on forward walks turning (my nemesis). Then I like to do the whole thing over again in Cha. For Samba I do stationary samba walks, progressive samba walks, L/R voltas, F/B boto fogos, and whisks. If I am having a tough spot in a Samba routine, then I run that through too. Paso I work walks and cape positions. Jive I just have some fun individual amalgamations I do for foot speed. Other "stuff" I throw in where and when necessary. You can never do these basics enough, always improving centering, balance control, turning, spotting, foot position, and a myriad of other things

After doing this for awhile, I can run through this bit in abut an hour. However...I started out SLOW many years ago! There is nothing worse than practicing the wrong thing!!! Show your coach every exercise and make sure that you understand it inside and out before you go off on your own. Get the ISTD technique books to check specific points.

Good luck, M