Blog
Coming Together at the Gates of Hell Week
Choreography
The Showcase choreography is finally coming together!! Our Tuesday Hustle rehearsal cleared up many questions about the core movement and the additional Hustle Waltz section. The Thursday West Coast Swing rehearsal gave the dancers a chance to stitch together all the parts, including the finale.
Pushing the Envelope
Sangria and missing people
Monday's full-cast rehearsal went very well. Fortunately the sangria was back (thanks Lily) and everyone was raring to go.
Unfortunately, I was missing two cast members who had previously told me that they would have conflicts with this rehearsal. That always makes the blocking more challenging as I have to account for phantom people. It also makes things difficult on their partners who are solely responsible for the changes and nuances that are created in rehearsal.
Swing Fling 2012 - Review and Placements
Anna and I had a great time at Swing Fling. From our weather-excitement-filled drive to Herndon, VA to our thrilling performance of "Take It Off" to our students' placements in various divisions to our fun late-night dances, Swing Fling was all that it was cracked-up to be. I don't think there's another event that can touch Dave Moldover's Swing Fling for the rest of the summer. Pictures that I took at this event can be found here and here's our story and our groups placements...
Showcase 2012 is underway
Our West Coast Swing and Hustle Showcase 2012 choreography is well underway. Our journey will take us to the New York City stage of the Ailey Citigroup Theater. We started our choreography July with the "unveiling" of the song, a version of the top song Call Me Maybe. Although the original version is by Carly Rae Jepson, we are using a disco remix by Nicholas Wells.
Anna and I were so excited to use this version of the song. We had even considered using the song for ourselves but quickly realized how perfect it would be as a group number.
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!
Disco America - Review and Results
I was very impressed with this year's Disco America. I have to say that I was a little concerned about our Hustle community before this event. Other Hustle events in the past have been plagued by disorganization, tardiness and lackluster exposés of the top level dancers.
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.
Swingin Into Spring 2012 - Group Results
Thank you to everyone who was a part of our SwingShoes Group! We had a great time dancing with you, getting to know each other better and guiding you on your journey into dance.
Congratulations to all who had the courage to compete in the Jack & Jills or Strictly Swing divisions.
*If you would like to be mentioned (and are not on this list), please send an email to me and I will update this list.
Boston Tea Party 2012 - Group Results
Congratulations to all those who had the courage to compete in the Jack & Jill or Strictly Swing divisions.
*If you would like to be listed (and are not on this list), please send an email to me and I will update this list.
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.
