Heather Conkerton

HAVE YOU EVER BEEN AFRAID TO TRY NEW THINGS....

This video is of the first time I ever competed in a dance called West Coast Swing. I was so nervous that my upper lip was vibrating. But I got over it, and my love of the dance stuck!

BACKGROUND

I started dancing in 2004 when I took a recreational ballroom dance class in graduate school. I was the only person without a dance partner, so I danced with the instructor for the entire series. Two classes in, he asked me to teach for him. I was hooked, and I haven't looked back. Though I no longer teach ballroom and mainly teach west coast swing now, I can still help dancers correct movement for just about any dance.

DANCE PHILOSOPHY

We can all dance in some way, shape, or form. We don't need to look like anyone else on the dance floor. Who wants to be a carbon copy? It's great to have role models, but our goal should always be to just be ourselves. Dance is never just about the moves. Moves are cool, but only if you execute them properly. Meaning, don't hurt yourself or your partner. Being forceful or ungracious is never appreciated, regardless of whether you are a leader or a follower. Working with your partner to have a good dance should always be your number one goal. If your leader/follower has to protect themselves against you for an entire dance, that's a sure guarantee that you'll never be asked again! Be the dancer that everyone wants to dance with.

WHAT I TEACH

I use West Coast Swing as my medium to teach body movement. People learn moves in group classes, but rarely get the technique behind those moves. And I mean the kind of body technique that ensures no one gets hurt, and that everyone stays on their feet. What I will do...is help you smooth out the moves from the dances you have learned. I will help you understand your core, how to balance yourself, how to use the floor to your advantage, and how to connect to your partner. When all the pieces come together, your timing improves and your dancing is more in sync. The techniques I teach translate to all dances.

MY CURRENT DANCES

* West Coast Swing
* Country 2 Step
* Night Club 2 Step
* Country Waltz
* Country Cha Cha

CONTACT ME

if you'd like to schedule a private lesson or inquire about me teaching group classes.