Have you ever wondered if dance is a purely human activity? Well the video below shows that it’s not! It turns out in that the animal kingdom those that have complex vocal imitation ability can dance, and those that don’t, can’t.
According to this article on Dance Evolution by the American Psychological Association, the reason that cockatoos and humans can dance, while monkeys and dogs can’t, is that we are vocal learners. That is, we hear sounds and mimic them — a skill that requires close connections between our auditory and motor circuits.
“Dance requires a brain that’s been wired up to reproduce complex sounds,” says Aniruddh Patel, a researcher at the Neurosciences Institute in San Diego. “It’s a very rare ability in nature — dolphins do it, seals do it and songbirds do it, but the vast majority of species don’t do it, including most primates.”
Thank goodness since we communicate with language, our bodies have the proper wiring to allow us to interpret music with our muscles.
Not all dance couples survive the stress of dancing together, but this couple is one that thrives! Lavinia Maria and Amer Farroukh were one of the first couples in Toronto to take up Zouk dancing at Mazouka Dance just over a year ago. Last night they pulled off an amazing routine that they choreographed themselves to take home $500 for winning the Amateur Division of the Zouk Competition of Brazil Dance World’s Brazilian Beat Dance Congress.
Will Slavic and Anna be as successful in their quest to reach the top? Tonight is the Canadian Premier of the film “Ballroom Dancer” at the Isabel Bader Theatre. A must-see for anyone involved in partner dancing!
The upcoming Toronto Hot Docs documentary film festival has programmed a film that discusses the exciting world of competitive Ballroom Dancing as seen from the point of view of a foremost competitive dance couple.
The abilities of Slavic Kryklyvyy are are legendary to this day. As a young dancer Slavik shocked the world of Latin Dancesport when he first came onto the scene in 1997 and started winning titles all over the world. In less than a year he won two first place titles in the IDSF Open World Amateur Latin category and later in 2005 he became the top Professional Latin dancer at the UK OPEN in Bournemouth, England with partner Karina Smirnoff (now known as an instructor in the USA TV program Dancing With The Stars).
This film shows Slavic, now at the age of 34, working to reclaim his former glory with his new partner and girlfriend Anna Melnikova. Slavic’s talent has always carried a downside that has kept him from keeping partners for any length of time.
This film provides an unprecedented bird’s-eye view into the life of an extraordinary dancer. It is also a must-see for anyone involved in partner dancing, in particular competitive partner dancing, or anyone that has experienced or considered being in a relationship with their dance partner. Will Slavic succeed in his dream to make it back to the top? Will Slavic and Anna survive the intensity of their relentless rehearsals and stressful competitions? Watch and find out!
Ballroom Dancer Trailer
Watch the trailer of this unique look into the lives of Slavic and Anna.
About Hot Docs
Hot Docs (www.hotdocs.ca) is North America’s largest documentary festival, conference and market. From April 26 to May 6, Hot Docs’ 19th edition will present an outstanding selection of 189 documentaries from Canada and around the world to Toronto audiences and international delegates. In partnership with Blue Ice Group, Hot Docs operates the Bloor Hot Docs Cinema , a century-old landmark located in the Annex neighbourhood.
The Hot Docs documentary Box Office, newly located at 783 Bathurst Street, is open for advance ticket and pass sales. Tickets can be purchased in person, online at www.hotdocs.ca, or by phone at 416-637-5150. Single tickets are $14.50 Buy here .
Student and Senior Tickets
Free tickets are available for Tuesday and Wednesday screenings of Ballroom Dancer to seniors (60+) and students with valid photo I.D. Senior and student tickets are available at the venue box offices on the day of the screening subject to availability only. (To be sure buy your ticket in advance .)
More than 1200 pairs of dance shoes in men’s, women’s and children’s sizes will be on sale this Sunday from 10am to 6pm. Get your Salsa, Latin, Tango, Ballroom and Jazz dance shoes or dance sneakers!
There are also more than 400 items of dancewear, including skirts, tops, pants, and dance costumes. You can even get accessories such as heel protectors, fishnet tights, and shoe brushes.
All at half price! For more info, call 1-888-907-9808 or email sales@naturalspindancewear.com
Dance Shoe Sale Location
HH Dance & Fitness is located at Unit 7A, 7310 Woodbine Ave in Markham (View Map). This is at the intersection of Woodbine and Denision within easy access of highways 404 and 401 and the Don Valley Parkway. Parking is available.
For those using TTC, the Victoria Park North bus #224 from Don Mills subway station stops very close to the studio.
