Commentary
2013 Year in Review
2013 was an incredible, fast moving year. We exposed hundreds of new people in the Connecticut area to Hustle and West Coast Swing. We were invited back to perform at the Ailey Citigroup Theater. We had new dancers from Norwalk Community College. We hosted our second annual Dancing New Year's Eve CT event. And, we announced our latest addition to the SwingShoes Entertainment production team.
Salsa in Norwalk, CT in December has been fun
For many years, I've considered teaching a Salsa series in Connecticut. I vaguely remember trying it about 6 years ago in Stamford, but I haven't ever done a full month's series in Norwalk. This December 2013, I gave a it a trial run.
I wondered if people would be receptive to me teaching Salsa since I am most known for my West Coast Swing and Hustle. I wondered if people would want to try another dance. And, of course, I wondered if people would be interested in continuing Salsa.
Dance captured on video
It might be awkward to hear this, but I'm not often thrilled by my own dancing. Don't get me wrong, I'm very proud of my accomplishments in West Coast Swing, Hustle and 25 years of dancing. But it's not often that I see a video of myself and say that it looks as good as it felt.
Returning to Closed
Over the last 60 days, Anna and I have been guiding the Int/Adv West Coast Swing class through a variety of movement vocabulary. These pattens and ideas are meant to augment leaders repertoire of movement and create recognition for the followers.
2012 Year in Review
2012 was a year full of growth and good times for Hustle and West Coast Swing. We explored new teaching locations and met many new dancers. Our community fun times are extremely memorable and are all interwoven into our dance experience.
We had a great time choreographing new routines to some of the most popular tunes on the radio and on the West Coast Swing circuit. We ended up using one of those songs as part of our now-famous Showcase at the Ailey Citigroup Theater.
We also hosted an amazing and very well-attended New Year's Eve event.
Happy 35th Anniversary to Doug & Mary
Doug and Mary Holaday have been dancing Hustle and West Coast Swing with us for over 7 years. During that time they have been a part of our shows at the Crystal Theater in Norwalk and The Ailey Citigroup Theater in New York City. They have been a main part of our Connecticut Dance Community.
Grand Canyon West Coast Swing
Anna and I went to the Grand Canyon in July 2012. Even though we were awestruck by the breathless views, Califorina Condors, and fresh air, we didn't forget to video our dance moves.
We hope that you enjoy our only dance steps on our trip. We are excited to return!
Vacation Week (May 2012)
You'd be amazing to know - sometimes I need a break from dance. Emotionally, this makes no sense at all. I love dance, dancing and teaching dance. However, since January, I have hardly had any time off. Just physically, it was taking its toll. Starting in April, I was teaching dance on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and rehearsing or attending dance events on most weekends. It was almost nonstop. Here's how I spent some of my time off.
Writing dance choreography and sequences
Writing down dance class choreography and sequences is one of the best ways to improve your dancing. I know it sounds crazy that writing could help one's dancing, especially in the day of video. As a teacher, I ask (and sometimes request - and sometimes even demand) that students write down the sequence of the day. I do this for the beginner, intermediate, and advanced classes. I do this because the act of writing helps the learning process.
2011 - Year in Review
2011 was an incredible year! We had some major achievements, some unprecedented in the United States. We also had some growing pains. Best of all, our dance community continues to expand and our social-fabric is woven ever closer and stronger.
