Frame, Connection, and Musical Control
Ballroom dance provides the foundation for body control, rhythm, and partner awareness that defines today’s top ice dance performances. This course focuses on the frame, musicality, and connection essential for both solo and pair skaters to master choreography inspired by the great ballroom traditions.
Through structured exercises, skaters learn to maintain strong yet flexible frames — from closed to shadow positions — while transitioning smoothly between movements. Training incorporates leader and follower dynamics to build coordination, communication, and spatial balance during on-ice elements.
We explore the defining qualities of classic ballroom styles: the flowing elegance of the Waltz, the sharp precision of the Tango, and the lively tempo of the Quickstep or Viennese Waltz. Each rhythm teaches unique skills in timing, posture, and weight transfer that directly influence skating performance and presentation scores.
By understanding how to express these styles authentically, skaters improve their edge quality, body isolation, and partner synchronization — resulting in choreography that feels connected, musical, and emotionally resonant.
“My daughter Megan has been learning with Viara for over two years, and the experience has been truly wonderful. Viara is an outstanding teacher who pays close attention to detail and is deeply dedicated to her students’ progress. She provides clear, thoughtful guidance and has helped my daughter improve tremendously, both in her overall skills and in preparing for her solos. We are so grateful for her support, and I would definitely recommend Viara to other families and friends.”
- Jack Fan
“Both of my children, Bryson and Sophie, have been coming to Viara on a weekly basis for over three years to tune up their posture, presentation, and dance for figure skating. She focuses on many presentation details—head, body and arm movements, enhancing their overall scores My skaters look more polished in competition. These important techniques have helped them become national-level skaters.”
- Yan Jiang
“We deeply appreciate Viara’s dedication and guidance in ballet, which have greatly supported our child’s growth and development. Her commitment to the art of ballet has not only improved posture and strengthened technical skills but also nurtured confidence, discipline, and a genuine love for dance.”
- Amy Yang
“Viara is an amazingly talented teacher. My daughter, a competitive international figure skater, has improved tremendously in artistic presentation thanks to Viara. If you are a skater or a parent of a skater, I totally recommend taking classes with Viara. Her passion, dedication, and knowledge are beyond compare.”
- Luciana Stan
“Viara’s passion and precision in teaching have consistently inspired Christyn to excel and shine in competition. The strength, discipline, and belief she has instilled in my daughter over the past three years have made a profound and lasting impact.”
- Trevor Li
“Kaitlyn has been taking lessons with Viara for more than two years. Under her guidance, Kaitlyn has developed strong technique and confidence. We are so thankful for Viara’s wonderful teaching and encouragement.”
- Joey Tam