- Over twenty years of experience in dance and performing.

- Holds a B.A. from Barnard College and a M.A. in Dance Education from New York University.

- A patient and skilled teacher, who understands the art of teaching movement to all levels of dancer.

A Ballet trained, Modern dancer with extensive performing experience, Sarah Billings has been teaching Ballroom dance for two years and Ballet and Modern dance for three years at various locations in and around New York City. She uses her scientific understanding of the human body (gained from studying biology, kinesiology, and alignment theories) to help her students improve their posture and move more gracefully-- both inside and outside the studio. Her teaching gives students the confidence and competence they desire for any dance situation. Whether you're a first time wedding couple or an amateur competitor, Ms. Billings makes learning about dancing a fun and enriching process!

Ballroom dancing developed out of the group dances of the early and mid-nineteeth century. From dances such as the Waltz (1825), the quadrille (a Polka (1850), ballroom dancing as we know it today was born.

By the early twentieth century, couples were dancing dances such as the One-step, Two-Step, Foxtrot and Tango. Ballroom and social dancing became a popular form of recreation for all those who were weary of the rapid changes occurring in society at that time. Social dancing managed to survive through wars and recessions, in spite of the stigma attached to it by various religious organizations that it considered to be part of "good breeding" to be able to dance competently.

New dances have always developed from new musical styles. From Ragime and Jazz to Mambo, Cha-Cha and Hustle, music innovation has fostered innovation in dancing. Today we see the continued popularity of Salsa and a revival fo Merengue in the dance clubs of New York - a response to the popularity of these musical forms!

Schools for dance have been in existence ever since the mid 1800s, but it wasn't until this century that dance schools attempted to codify the steps and dances they taught, writing them into a formal syllabus.

Currently there exists two styles of Ballroom Dance: The American Style and the International Style. In each style there are three grades of proficiency: Bronze (a more social form for beginners), Silver, and Gold ( more advanced steps geared for competitive dancers).

Sarah Billings is certified by the Fred Astaire organization in the Bronze American Style syllabus. She is also experienced in dancing the International Style as well as Silver and Gold American.

Sarah Bilings teaches at:

Dance New York.
237 West 54th Street
3rd Floor
New York, NY 10019

For rates and information, please call (212) 866-7750.

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SHOWS!

Sarah Billings and Richard Jones have been working together for over a year and currently compete professionally in International Latin. Their combined backgrounds (his in International Style competitive dancing, hers in Ballet and Modern performance and choreography) result in exciting and original dance.

This couple's electrifying show can fire up any function. If you want to add some fun entertainment to your wedding, fundraiser, party or benefit- Sarah Billings and Richard Jones are the dynamic performers you need! Please call for information about performances and workshops.

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