So far in our teacher spotlight series, we have heard all about Rachell and Peter van der Veek’s successful careers (and love story!), Chia-I’s amazing story of finding dance in adulthood, and Aila’s gracious attitude when it comes to her teaching. But that's not all the teachers we have here at UCan2! Next up is Mai Dahlberg, who is a delight both on and off the dance floor. (Missed one of our earlier interviews? Read about Peter and Rachell’s dancing career by clicking here, or read about Chai-I and Aila’s teaching stories here!) Mai Dahlberg Where were you born?  Japan. When did ..read more

Many of us were dancers when we were kids, doing ballet, jazz, tap, contemporary, gymnastics or some impressive combination of them all. It was our whole world at certain periods of time, with school merely being an obstacle we had to get through to get to our afternoon dance classes, or the weekend being for competitions or to make fun dance routines and shows with our friends. Many of us still remember the smell of hairspray, or the excited anticipation we found ourselves in, right before we went onto stage.  When we were younger, dancing felt like magic, and it didn't matter if you we ..read more

In our last article, we put Rachell and Peter van der Veek under the spotlight to share their experiences and mindsets as dancers as well as dance teachers. This time we are focusing on the inspirational Chia-I and Aila, who are some of the most dedicated teachers at our studio. Don’t believe us? See for yourself below! Chia-I Liu Where were you born?  Taiwan. When did dance come into your life? I started dancing after I had done the responsible ‘growing up’ - school, travel, work, marriage, children etc. Dancing at UCan2 Dance Studio started as my once a week activity to have some ..read more

Here at UCan2, we have the BEST teachers from all around the world, filled with immense passion, unwavering determination and innate kindness. However, we understand that might sound a bit biased coming from us. So, we asked our marketing team to interview them, so they could shine the spotlight on some of our incredible teachers, and let you see for yourself how great they are. We'll be sharing part two with more of our teachers in the coming weeks so keep checking back for an update! First up spotlight on Rachell and Peter van der Veek! Peter van der Veek Where were you born?  ..read more

Competitive dancing has ,,all kinds of benefits, from learning how to strive for more, resilience, and achieving things you may have never thought possible, to making life-long friends that have the same drive and passion as you. It also provides you with an incredible experience to hone your skills, determination and confidence, attributes that are crucial to every aspect of your life. While it is a big commitment, that is what makes it so rewarding! You get to work with incredible people and see tangible progress. Trust us, there is nothing more fulfilling than finally mastering that tricky ..read more

Dancing is an innate part of nature. From ,,bees that use it to communicate, to some types of ,,spiders and ,,birds using it as part of a mating ritual, dancing is one of the purest forms of expression that goes beyond ourselves. In fact, even ,,single-celled algae has been known to waltz! So when looking at how dance has evolved over time, it’s special to remember that, at its core, our dances are an inherent reflection of life. Throughout our diverse global history, dance can be seen in every culture and time period. Whether for religious or celebratory purposes, to communicate stories ..read more

This time of year is filled with goals to spend meaningful time with our family and friends, take care of ourselves with rest and physical activity, and prepare for the year ahead. It’s incredible and beneficial and brings you fulfillment, but…. It’s a lot, right? Both mentally and financially at times. Well, what if we said that you could achieve all of that, in only one hour each week? It sounds a bit like a scam, we know, but stay with us. We’re not proposing some cheat way to life, but, instead, a foundation to start you off on a journey towards sustainable ,,balance.  So how might on ..read more

If you’re reading this, a big congratulations is most likely in order. You are, or someone you dearly love is, ENGAGED! What an exciting time in your life!  However, you may find planning a wedding (and shared life) can get a bit overwhelming, but don’t fear! You’re not the first to go through this, and you won’t be the last. Here at UCan2 Dance Studio, we have helped countless couples make the extra special, and sometimes extra stressful, dance portion of their wedding unforgettable, and, more importantly, enjoyable. So even if we never see you in person, we hope these tips and song sugg ..read more

,Dance has been a big part of countless cultures since the beginning of time and is well known to improve physical health. But what isn’t so well known is its benefits for our mental health. Whether it is salsa, hip-hop or even just some loose freestyle movements, the mental benefits of dancing are all the same. Here are just 5 of the many ways dancing improves mental health: Reduces Stress. When you dance, your brain releases chemicals such as endorphins, which naturally reduces pain and stress. Dancing can also provide an escape from any negative circling thoughts you may have, as you are ..read more

Bachata, is part of the Street Latin style of dancing; a captivating dance and music style from the Dominican Republic that we teach at UCan2 Dance Studio, in Auckland, New Zealand. From its humble origins in rural landscapes to its forbidden allure, Bachata's history is rich with surprises. Let's uncover five facts about Bachata that will make you want to come along to a Street Latin class and give it a try, or if you know it already, it'll no doubt make you love this dance style even more. 1. Origins in the fields Bachata is often described as a sensual Latin dancing style. ,It is even consi ..read more