Ballroom Icons

27/12/2025

New Article on my blog, on self~care, maybe something to remember for 2026 ... with much love 🙏❤️
Enjoy ~ ☕️ 👉Link in bio

23/12/2025

Happy Holidays to all history buffs and lovers of dance heritage.
Thank you for keeping our past alive and meaningful.

To all of you who celebrate ~ wishing you love, light and peace.
Brigitt Mayer and the WDO ~ History Department & Education

30/11/2025

Don’t miss it!

26/11/2025

10/11/2025

🎁✨ Gift idea alert! This Christmas, surprise the dancers, coaches and ballroom-lovers in your life with Ballroom Icons ~ a beautifully crafted, storytelling coffee-table book that celebrates the legends behind the dances we love.
With 64 in-depth profiles, stunning original photography and insider stories of the world of ballroom from the pioneer days to today, this is more than a book ~ it’s a legacy. (Website link in bio!)
Don’t wait until the last minute — the holiday countdown is on… 🎄

04/11/2025

B.A.S.E. – the Body of Artistic Standards of Excellence – reflects on a year dedicated to preserving artistry, authenticity, and integrity in competitive dance. https://archives.dance

22/09/2025

✨ New Video Drop ✨

From Square Rumba ➡️ Cuban Rumba
Box Step “One” ➡️ Rock Step “Two”
• the roots in Guaguancó & Son 🌍💃🕺

With Evelyn Hoermann, Sirpa Suutari & Brigitt Mayer
Archival clips included 🎥

👉 Watch now on YouTube: [link in bio]

19/09/2025

Cuban Rumba vs Square Rumba – Evolution, History & Style Shifts

I’m joined by Evelyn Hoermann and Sirpa Suutari to dive into the fascinating journey of Rumba:
🔹 From the Square Rumba (Box Step, accent on “One”)
🔹 To the Cuban Rumba (Rock Step, emphasis on “Two”)
🔹 With the influence of Guaguancó (Wawankó) and Son shaping our understanding of rhythm and style

We also share archival footage:
🎥 Jukka & Sirpa dancing Son
🎥 Evelyn presenting a classic Square Rumba

Special thanks to Boogalu Productions for the authentic Cuban dance and music footage.

👉 Watch the full conversation here:
https://archives.dance/2025/09/cuban-rumba-vs-square-rumba/

A must-see if you love dance history, cultural roots, and the language of rhythm.

Discover the history of Cuban Rumba vs Square Rumba with Evelyn Hoermann, Sirpa Suutari, and Brigitt Mayer. Explore Guaguancó, Son, and the cultural journey that shaped Rumba’s evolution.

22/08/2025

✨ Ballroom Icons eBook ✨

64 legendary profiles, stunning photography by Ulrich Hans Mayer, and the untold stories that shaped ballroom dance.

🏆 Award-winning: IPPY Gold Medal & Book Excellence Award

Read it anytime, anywhere — right from your device.
Step into the legacy of ballroom’s greatest icons.

👉 Download today ~ link in bio!

05/05/2025

It’s here!
Our brand-new YouTube interview with the iconic Lorraine Rohdin is now live!
Join Mark Parkin as he talks with this Latin dance legend about characterization, storytelling through movement, and the unexpected sources that inspired her unforgettable style.

Whether you’re a competitor, coach, or dance lover—this is a masterclass in artistry you don’t want to miss.

Watch now: https://youtu.be/BzCmOYZGwLg?si=ZGKlyvs38wgz_y5d
And don’t forget to like, comment, and share if it inspires you!

02/05/2025

Get ready for something special!
In our next YouTube release, Mark Parkin sits down with the legendary Lorraine Rohdin ~ World Champion and true pioneer of Latin dance. They explore the heart of characterization in performance ~ what it truly means, how it elevates your dancing, and the surprising places Lorraine took her cues from.

This is a chance to hear directly from one of the greats, whose influence shaped generations of dancers.

Premieres May 5th!
Subscribe now so you don’t miss it!

16/03/2025

Paso Doble part II 😎 Don’t forget to like us and share freely

🔥 PASO DOBLE – PART II IS HERE! 🔥Ready for another deep dive into the power and passion of Paso Doble? 💃✨ In Part II, the incredible Evelyn Hoermann Opitz...