Elite Ballroom

05/13/2024

𝗜𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗱𝘂𝗰𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗼𝘁: 𝗔 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘄𝗶𝘁𝗵 𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮
Welcome to the HiMi Chronicles, a blog series where humanity meets machine intelligence to revolutionize the way we learn and teach dance. I’m Ian Nandhra, a seasoned technologist and ballroom dance instructor with a passion for both the art of dance and the science of technology. Alongside me in this journey is HAL, a silicon-based intelligent system, and together we have embarked on an incredible project: HALbot and DanceBot.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗚𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝗶𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗼𝘁: About six months ago, we embarked on a transformative project with a dual purpose: to enhance dance instruction through cutting-edge technology and to challenge the traditional norms of an industry that has long resisted technological involvement.

𝗕𝗮𝗹𝗹𝗿𝗼𝗼𝗺 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲, 𝗮 𝗳𝗶𝗲𝗹𝗱 𝗵𝗶𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗰𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗴𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗰𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗲𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗿𝘀𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗮𝗻𝗲𝗰𝗱𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗹 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗲𝘀, 𝗵𝗮𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝗹𝗮𝗿𝗴𝗲𝗹𝘆 𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗼𝘂𝗰𝗵𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗼𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀, 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮-𝗱𝗿𝗶𝘃𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗼𝗹𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗰𝗶𝗽𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀. This gap presented a unique opportunity to introduce proven, STEM-based methodologies to dance training—a field where such approaches could dramatically improve safety, effectiveness, and learning outcomes. The result? DanceBot built on the HALbot platform engineered to bridge this divide. It interacts with its users with the intuitive understanding of a seasoned instructor, yet brings the added benefits of scalability, consistency, and data-driven precision. With HALbot, we are not just teaching dance; we are pioneering a shift towards a more informed and scientifically grounded practice that promises greater safety and efficacy in dance instruction.

𝗪𝗵𝘆 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗼𝘁? In the world of technology and AI, we often encounter systems designed to perform tasks. HALbot goes beyond this. It’s crafted not just to perform but to understand and innovate the teaching of dance through intelligent interactions. Its name, inspired by the iconic HAL from 2001: A Space Odyssey, reflects its advanced capabilities and the groundbreaking technology behind it.

𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗥𝗼𝗹𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗕𝗼𝘁: Sitting atop HALbot is DanceBot, a specialized domain front end designed specifically for dance instruction. DanceBot uses the power of HALbot to offer tailored teaching experiences, making learning dance more accessible, enjoyable, and effective.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗘𝘅𝗽𝗲𝗰𝘁 𝗶𝗻 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝗦𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀: Every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, I’ll share insights into our innovations, the challenges we've faced, and the real-world applications of this technology. We’ll explore how HALbot and DanceBot are not just tools, but partners in the dance studio, enhancing how we teach and learn dance.

𝗝𝗼𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝘀 𝘄𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗼 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗳𝘂𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗲 𝗼𝗳 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗶𝗻𝘀𝘁𝗿𝘂𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗽 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘀𝗽𝗶𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝘆 𝗱𝗮𝘁𝗮, 𝘆𝗲𝘁 𝗳𝗲𝗲𝗹𝘀 𝗮𝘀 𝗻𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗽𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗶𝘇𝗲𝗱 𝗮𝘀 𝗮 𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗼𝗻 𝗶𝗻 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗹𝗼𝗰𝗮𝗹 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝘀𝘁𝘂𝗱𝗶𝗼.

06/11/2023

𝗪𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗰𝘂𝗲 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸𝗮𝗴𝗲!!!
We see it too often; couples struggling with choreography that really doesn’t suit their style and, or body types.
Worse still, we see couples doing dips, spins etc., in a way that puts both themselves and their partner at risk of injury.

𝗗𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝘄𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗸 𝗴𝗲𝘁𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗮 𝗽𝘂𝗹𝗹𝗲𝗱 𝗯𝗮𝗰𝗸, 𝘀𝗽𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗱𝗲𝗿 𝗼𝗿 𝘄𝗿𝗶𝘀𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗯𝗲𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗲 (𝗼𝗿, 𝘀𝗵𝗼𝗰𝗸, 𝗗𝗨𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚) 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴??

𝗙𝗼𝗿𝘁𝘂𝗻𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗹𝘆, 𝘄𝗲 𝗮𝗿𝗲 𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗵𝗲𝗹𝗽.
We are expert Wedding Dance Instructors backed by science. For your reassurance, one of the Studio Owners, Ian Nandhra is DIVIDA Certified in the “Move Like a Champion” program.

https://www.parkavenueballroom.com/wedding-dance-rescue/

𝗪𝗲’𝗹𝗹 𝗳𝗶𝘅 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝘄𝗲𝗱𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗱𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲 𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗶𝗻𝗲 to give you that Safe, Stylish and Elegant routine you need so that YOU can focus on FEELING GREAT and LOOKING PRETTY!

Worse still, we see couples doing dips, spins etc., in a way that puts both themselves and their partner at risk of injury.

05/09/2023

Just some of the ways that PPark Avenue Ballroomoffers the best possible product:

At our dance studio, we are committed to providing our students with a valuable and effective product, which is why we use facts born from science and engineering as the foundation for our teaching.

Dancing is an art form that requires a good understanding of (a very few) simple rules for it to be executed safely, efficiently, and enjoyably. By using instruction proven by math and science, our students can feel confident in their ability to execute dance movements safely and efficiently.

The term “technique” has been used in the dance industry for over 70 years and is the subject of numerous books. Simply put, “technique” refers to the overall process of executing dance movements, including traveling around the floor, and changing the orientation of the body and it’s appendages. It is often used in conjunction with concepts like "engaging your core," "maintaining your frame," and "aligning your blocks", but without provable, easy to understand information such terms can be vague, confusing, and frustrating to the dancer.

The term “technique” is used to describe “what the result should be” without any specific, provable details of “why that’s the best and how that is accomplished”; it’s all high level, detail free descriptions.

But wait, aren’t there books describing this? Well, no and the reasons can wait for another time.

Back to dancing, all movement and travel in dancing must obey the laws of physics and therefore can be precisely modelled for an individual dancer or dance partnership. This isn’t an opinion, it’s a fact.

For example, I can precisely model the movements for a Feather Step (or finish), a sidestep, a forward, a back step, turns, spins. It precisely defines how to execute CBM, CBMP and... everything involved in dancing. Best of all, it delivers those results for the physiques and artistry of the individual dancers.

But what does this mean for our students? First, it means that they can rely on the information they are learning because it is based on factual and proven information. This is especially important in dance, where improper ex*****on of movements can (and frequently do) lead to injuries. By using science and engineering, we provide our students with accurate information on how to move their bodies in the best, safest and most optimal and effective way.

Wait, what? Am I saying that you need some knowledge of Physics and Math to be a better dancer?
No, not necessarily.

Am I saying that lessons based on, and with a sound understanding of the science and engineering involved will be more effective and productive than those without that background?
YES, I AM (and can prove it).

Second, it means that our students can have fun while learning the simple rules that govern how to accomplish a dance movement or travel. We know that science and engineering can be intimidating to some students, which is why we won't be using complicated scientific terms. Instead, we will use real-world examples to explain how certain terms and concepts work. For example, we might use the example of a cooking recipe to explain the concept of technique, or the example of a car service to explain the idea of precision in dance movements. By using real-world examples, we can make science and engineering concepts easy to understand and fun to follow. We want our students to enjoy their time in our dance classes, and we believe that using science and engineering to teach technique is a great way to do that.

It's 2023 and in this technological age you would expect that dance teachers are using provable facts to teach their students, right? Unfortunately, that's not always the case. Many dance classes still rely on personal opinions and vague instructions, which can often just waste the students’ time and money and at worst be plain dangerous. In fact, this “monkey-see” approach to teaching has become so ingrained that it's considered the established process. Teachers repeat what they've been told, adding it to what others have previously told them, and then regurgitating the result to their students. This results in students struggling with incomplete or incorrect information, leading to inefficient and frustrating learning experiences.

The industry is rife with examples of vague and incomplete instructions, such as "maintain your frame," "engage your core," and "connect with your partner." These types of instructions leave students feeling confused and unsure about what they should be doing. They are left to rely on personal interpretations and are often unable to execute movements safely and efficiently. The result is wasted time and money.

Yes, the interpretation of movement to music is an art and every other aspect is based on, and governed by science (specifically physics and math).

At our dance studio, we use science and engineering as the foundation for all our classes. By doing so, we give our students the security that they can prove to themselves that what they are learning is factual. This approach leads to a more valuable, consistent, and accurate product for our students. Science and engineering provide a factual basis for teaching dance techniques. This means that our students can rely on the information they are learning and feel confident in their abilities to execute dance movements. They can also be confident that WE can PROVE we know what we are doing and how it should be taught.

At our dance studio, we believe in using science and engineering to teach dance. We know that proper technique is crucial to executing dance movements safely and efficiently, and we don't leave it up to personal opinions. Instead, we use provable instruction backed by math and science to ensure our students receive accurate and consistent information.

Using science and engineering doesn't mean our classes are difficult to understand or less fun. WE have done the math and complex stuff so that YOU get an easy to learn and accomplish product. We use real-world examples to explain (scientific) concepts in an easy-to-understand and fun-to-follow way (so no, this isn’t a science or math class).

Dance is an art form, but that doesn't mean it shouldn’t be taught using a science and engineering foundation. By doing so, we provide our students with accurate information they can rely on, leading to a safer and more enjoyable dance experience. At our studio, we are committed to providing a valuable and effective product to our students, compare with those that cannot prove what they are teaching due to their reliance on personal opinions and vague instructions, resulting in wasted time and money.
We are so sure of our product that we guarantee it. Yes, you read that correctly.

If you want to learn how to dance well and safely while having fun, our dance studio is the perfect place for you!

12/04/2021

04/05/2021

You must have good Technique. Wait, what’s Technique?
You have almost certainly heard the term “Technique”. You might also have been given concepts such as “engage your core”, “maintain your frame”, “align your blocks” (etc.,) as examples of “Good Technique”.

Totally clear, right? Um, yeah, no. It’s OK to demand answers to the “Wait, what? WHY?” in a class because it’s your time and money being spent.

Let’s determine what “Technique” actually is using everyday examples.

When we bake bread, there is a certain “Technique” involved. The recipe book might define the precise quantities of yeast, flour, water, and salt. It will then define why and how they are combined to make different sorts of bread. It gives you precise instructions as to how to make bread.

We can assume therefore that in the context of baking bread, “technique” refers to elements of the recipe. It’s an “overview” rather than describing what, how and why.

Since dancing involves travel round the floor (we move from one place to another) and changes of orientation of our body components (head, arms, legs, torso), “Technique” can be used as an overview of a much more detailed process.

Travelling around the floor and changing the orientation of our bodies is fully described in a field called “Classical Mechanics”. Sorry, but yeah, it’s physics and math. Let’s just call it Mechanics for now.

Hmmm… lets take another everyday example. The “technique” to a car service is to:
1. Schedule an appointment with a mechanic
2. Let the mechanic do their work
3. Pay the mechanic as appropriate.

At no time did the term “technique” define any detail into what will happen, it’s all high level, detail free descriptions. The Mechanic on the other hand will define and perform precise, measurable and physical activities depending on the nature of your particular car.

Back to dancing, all movement and travel in dancing must obey the laws of physics and therefore can be precisely modelled for an individual dancer. Whoa! You mean that we can calculate the maximum step size for a dancer? Yup, and everything else that is involved.

The terms “Technique requires good mechanics” and “The Mechanics of Technique” are starting to be used. Be wary of such simplistic and misleading terms as they do not provide you with the information you need. It has as much value as saying “made with organic salt” when the rest of ingredients aren’t organic; it’s actually misleading.

Am I saying that you need some knowledge of Physics and Math to be a better dancer? Well define “better”?

Am I saying that lessons based on science and engineering will be more effective and productive for the majority than those without that background? Yes, I am.

This is the 21st Century, isn’t it time to progress onto something more descriptive and provable than books written 80 years ago? Technology, Science, Engineering and Math are the foundations for your dancing. Why? Because they define facts that you can understand and repeatedly use. I use Classical Mechanics and math as a foundation for all my classes. It gives the students the security that THEY can prove what I am teaching is factual.

It is 2021 where dance classes are a service that delivers a product. Products are based on science. Welcome to a new, fun world of dancing with far, far less frustration and far less wasted time and money.

01/06/2020

Brides! Grooms!
Are our Wedding Dance classes different from the others?
You Bet!!
Our expertise is not just based on many decades of experience, it’s based on our teaching methods that are so extensively researched, so new, so vital, so revolutionary, that Ian Nandhra has filed a US Patent on the material. Now THAT is expertise!

Why does it matter? It gives us the ability to give you a concrete foundation upon which you will develop your stunning First Dance safely and very quickly.

Our techniques give us a unique ability to tailor your lessons to your specific abilities and in a way that works for your personal style and needs.

Oh, and yes, sure, we have plenty of Competition Wins, but all that stuff doesn’t mean a thing when it comes to Teaching YOU!

02/10/2019

TOMORROW the 10th at 4pm
When I first started to dance ballroom I was told not to think for myself and learn to follow. I have been working for 35 years to find my own voice and to be part of the story in a stronger way. Because the woman really is the picture in the dance.
Let’s work together to express our own story, paint our own picture and be ourselves while being a better partner for any Leader.
Ladies – we will do great things together.
Sincerely,
Robin Horn

02/05/2019

Dance For Joy!
With no “levels”, no Judges and no stress, it’s an event for YOU to dance for YOUR enjoyment. So save the date!! All are welcome to dance.
It’s an easy format; mixed gender, same gender, all are welcome. Don’t worry about “Bronze”, “Silver” and such, because we aren’t; just dance your hearts out.

You have up to 3 minutes to dance your dance to entertain yourself and those cheering you on.

We will be providing light refreshments, but if anyone wants to join in with a Pot-Luck – awesome! Thank you.

02/04/2019

With no “levels”, no Judges and no pressure, it’s an event for YOU to dance in YOUR way for YOUR enjoyment. So save the date!! All welcome to dance.

01/29/2019

You’ve found your perfect dress and we are here to create the most beautiful dance for your dress, and you! It’s why we include an extra class for you and your dress in a private, boutique setting…. No Grooms allowed! It’s included for FREE with our Classic “5 lesson Wedding Dance package”. WOW!
www.ParkAvenueBallroom.com

12/21/2018

Cruises! Dance Cruises or just fun Cruises!
Cruise into 2019 ready to dance with 10 Private Lessons spread over your choice of any 4 of the following dances: -
• Foxtrot
• Waltz
• Tango
• Swing
• Rumba
• Cha Cha
• Salsa
What are the “most popular”? Can’t go wrong with Foxtrot, Rumba, Swing and Cha Cha.

Now you’ll be ready when your partner looks longingly at the dance floor!

www.parkavenueballroom.com/store

11/23/2018

Small Business Saturday (and today).
Our renowned Wedding Package for $299.
Our equally renowned private lessons, THREE for $125
Buy now, use anytime.
http://www.parkavenueballroom.com/store

10/02/2018

San Jose's Wedding Dance Experts will be at Trudy's Wedding Fair at the Pruneyard on Oct 7th. So c'mon over and say Hi.

www.ParkAvenueBallroom.com/weddings

Wedding Dance Classes and packages; choreographed for social media, music, your dress, your style so you look stunning on your special day. Guaranteed!

09/25/2018

Brides - In A Rush? We can help!

We can create a basic Wedding Dance in 90 minutes for: you and your fiance AND a Mother / Son Dance AND a Father / Daughter dance. That’s all of you for only…. $150.

How can we do this? Because we are absolute expert teachers backed by the best technology.

This is a basic routine which is simpler than our renowned Classic 5 Lesson Wedding Dance package. It’s intended to be an emergency measure when there is just no time left.

09/08/2018

East Coast Swing Beginners Class, Sept 13th, 7pm

East Coast Swing is the most popular dance at social gatherings. From BBQ’s, weddings, yard parties, Halloween and more. It’s easy to learn, super fun and your partner will love it!! So what’s to lose?
After this 4 week series of 45 minute classes, you will be able to have fun dancing to East Coast Swing music. C’mon in and join the fun !
$10 per person, per classs.

09/05/2018

08/21/2018

Brides! Grooms! Wedding Planners!
Come to Park Avenue Ballroom for a boutique
"Your Wedding Dance Preview" experience.

When? Whenever you need it!!
A personalized introduction created around your wedding and your schedule. With no risk and everything to gain,
you can’t go wrong!

This is NOT a “group” class. This is private and totally personalized to your needs. We’ll cover what you need for a fun, successful and memorable Wedding Dance.

[email protected]
669 342 7007