Monday, November 12, 2018

VEGAS, 2018!

My second time at the Doug & Jackie’s Vegas Dance Explosion! Just as awesome as ever! Am home after an exhilarating 5 days! The hotel was great; had some fun outside of the event; really enjoyed EVERY teach I took!

Started my time at the event with teaches from Jose Miguel Belloque Vane - “Silent Storm”, Jo Kinser - “Conseqences”; Roy Hadisubroto & Fiona Murray - “Hey Nah Nah Nah”; Amy Glass - “My Rules”; and Roy Verdonk - “Bethlehem Child”.

On day 2 (Thursday), I attended Rob Fowler’s teach of “Woman, Amen” and a bonus teach of “Vaiven”; Roy & Fiona’s “Dem Dey Go” (yes, am already dancing this but wanted to sit in on their teach since there are so many nuances that only they can provide!); Roy Verdonk’s teach of “When She Grows Up”; and Maddison Glover’s each of “Healing Hands.” We also went out to eat and saw the show “Absinthe” Thursday night.

On Friday, most of what I attended were repeat sessions but I also took Rebecca Lee’s teach of “Level Up” (such a fun, fast-paced dance!) and Chris Watson’s teach of “Waiting On The Stars” (pretty!).

Saturday was my 4th day and it was another “big teach” day... started with Roy & Fiona’s “Colors” (my absolute FAVORITE of the whole event!); Jo Thompson Szymanski’s teach of Team USA’s choreography from Windy City “Back In Town”; Rob Fowler’s “Bound Ta Git Down” (classic boot-stompin’, toe-heelin’, yee-hawin’ dance!). Also spent some time with 2nd-time around teaches as well.

Now on Sunday, I took a really laid-back approach to the day. Took a reteach of Colors and Back In Town and then found my way to the theatre where there were several screens of football playing. Enjoyed watching my team win! Also spent some time in open dance, packing, and saying good-bye to everyone. We caught the shuttle to the airport at 10:30 pm 


So now that I’ve napped on the plane, am home, have caught up on laundry, I can really sit down and think about the total experience. Many thanks to the event directors, staff, and volunteers for an amazing week of dance; and to the instructors/choreographers for sharing their time and talents with us both in workshop sessions and show performances! It is always fun to see all the passion on the dance floor, catch up with friends from near and far, and to meet so many new friends! And to the students in my classes - boy! Do I have some great new material to share with you!!!

Sunday, November 4, 2018

Rachael’s Workshop 11/3/18



Another great workshop by Rachael in Orlando (or, in this case - Castleberry!) at the new venue - The Crystal Ballroom. We had great representation from Southwest Florida (and beyond with Jill here visiting from California!) and enjoyed a fun day of dance.

Rachael taught:
Bardot Blues (with Simon Ward)
Dip To The Bass (with Christopher Gonzalez)
Electric Church (with Johanna Barnes)
Faded (with Robin Madeley)
Jessie (with Simon Ward)
Make It Sweet (Rachael)

Jessie was the absolute favorite of the day followed by Electric Church and Bardot Blues (Bardot Blues needed more work by several). Faded is a classic of Rachael’s (2003). Dip To The Bass and Make It Sweet will work very well for Thursday’s class. Even Electric Church may work for an intermediate dance teach for Thursday as well.

Our choice (my selection) of hotels for the night was less than stellar. Since it sounds like this is going to be the venue for Rachael’s future workshops as well as Sandy & Diane’s Gary/Joey weekend, we’re gonna need to explore further lodging options in the area!