Something That Scares You!

Did you ever think of taking a dance class as a way to change your life? A student came in to the studio tonight and told me that hip hop changed hers. She said I should market hip hop in a way that tells people that it will make them feel better about themselves.

Although she had dance experience, she had never taken hip hop and felt like a fish out of water when she tried her first hip hop class. During her first class she wanted to quit, but decided to stick it out. Hip Hop turned out to be a pivotal turning point in her life. She said that after overcoming her fear of hip hop, she could walk into a business meeting holding her head a little higher, dance in a club and just go out into the world feeling a little better about herself.

I challenge all readers to try something scary, go ahead, you will be glad you did. Come on, try a hip hop class with Weezy…

Wedding Dancing

Why is dance such an important part of weddings? After finishing a long day at the Phoenix Bridal Expo and reflecting on all the brides, mothers, bridesmaids and the few grooms in attendance wondering why this is the ONE American cultural ritual that almost always includes dance. The important First Dance as husband and wife, the Father/Daughter dance and then the dance party at the reception.  Wedding etiquette spells out dance rituals: 

The Wedding Dance

Dancing at your reception is a lovely way to bring an air of elegance and family togetherness to a wonderfully happy and joyous occasion.

Traditionally, the bride and groom will be the first to dance as their special song is played softly. Lights dimmed low create a romantic atmosphere.

As the music continues to play, the father of the bride will cut in on the groom and dance with his daughter. The groom asks the bride’s mother to join him in a dance and together they grace the dance floor.

The groom’s father then cuts in on the bride’s father and dances with the bride himself.  The bride’s father will then cut in on the groom and dance with his wife.

The groom will then ask his mother to dance.  Following this, the parents exchange dances with the other couple. 

The best man then comes out to ask the bride to dance and the groom will dance with the maid or matron of honor.  Finally, the entire wedding party, ushers and bridesmaids join in the festivities.  Once the entire bridal party and their parents are on the dance floor, the other guests are invited to dance. 

The “money dance” originated as a custom in Poland, and is a popular tradition found celebrated in the weddings of today.  It takes place sometime after the first dance and is usually announced by the DJ.  It is customary for the best man to begin dancing with the bride, pinning money onto her gown or putting it into a satin bag carried by the bride, especially for the money dance.  A newer rendition of this money dance includes bridesmaids and other ladies dancing with the groom, pinning money on his lapel. ( Wedding Dance)

It has become popular for the bride and groom to choreograph a dance, sometimes with the entire wedding party. They start out with a traditional dance such as a waltz or a fox trot and then break out with something unexpected like hip hop or jazz or disco dance, sometimes including the whole bridal party.

I really used to look forward to weddings just so I could dance. Now I dance plenty but I still love to go to weddings because everyone, from the youngest child to the grandparents, dance. It is as much fun to watch some of these parties as it is to participate. I hope if given the chance, YOU DANCE!

Teacher Spotlight: Diona Peltcs

Teacher Spotlight: Diona Peltcs

She teaches:Bella Barre, Zumba, Group
& Private Ballroom Lessons

Fun facts about Diona...

- She was inspired by the dance scene in the movie Labyrinth - she wanted the dress... and David Bowie
- She loves horror films
- Her family has a house in Bisbee built in 1905, where she loves to go ghost hunting
- And she loves green olives

More about Diona...

Diona Peltcs has been a professional dancer for over 10 years. She has competed in International Latin for over 3 years in local and out of state competitions as well as local charity competitions which include The Arizona Celebrity Dance Challenge.

Some of her students have included such celebrities as Alfredo Molina, owner of Molina Fine Jewelers, Tim Hattrick, radio host of Camel Country and Hugh Hallman, City of Tempe Mayor. 

Diona Peltcs attended Arizona State University and received a Bachelors Degree in Dance and Business in 2006. She currently teaches ballroom dance at Paradise Valley Community College and Scottsdale Community College as well as private dance lessons.



How did Diona come to teach at Abby Bella?
The week before Abby Bella's launch party, we contacted Scottsdale Community College and the dance director, Angela Rosenkrans, send out an email to her teachers. Diona called and convinced us to teach ballroom dancing at the studio even though we had not planned on having any ballroom classes. She then trained in both Bella Barre and Zumba and has been teaching at Abby Bella since the very first day we opened.
Take a class with Diona - Schedule it here or call the studio to schedule a private lesson with Diona 602-909-3612.