What is there to say about the AMAZING Rachael McEnaney-White? There is NOTHING this superstar can’t do!!!
We finally had the first ever US World Dance Master’s event at the Wyndham Orlando Resort and it was FABULOUS! Yes, the resort is a little dated. Yes, you have to walk outside to get to the ballrooms. But holy cow! The grounds are beautiful; there are lodging buildings everywhere! 2 pools and a hot tub are the center focal point of the resort - along with GATORVILLE! Wonderful buffet breakfasts! The circular building opens its entire pools-facing wall to create this open-air restaurant. Food was great! Prices quite reasonable (I certainly don’t pay $13 for a buffet breakfast at the Marriott Lakeside!). Now that we’ve been here once, we know what to expect for next year. I’m already creating my list of “must take with me’s” for next February.
The event itself was wonderful. Let’s start with DJ Dave who has a planned playlist of “must be danced” dances that are sent in advance; and then the DJ Feed is open the entire weekend to submit your other requests. The floor is hopping until all hours! And in the evening, you get a chance to recap the dances you took that day!
The choreographer’s! Granted, it was emotional from the mere fact that the majority who were here we haven’t seen (except virtually) in 2 years! But, that aside, to have Simon Ward, Maddison Glover, Roy & Fiona, Fred Whitehouse, Shane McKeever, Gary O’Reilly, Neville & Julie, Joey Warren, Dustin Betts, Christopher Gonzalez, and Suzanne Wilson as the main instructors for the weekend - quite the All-Star team! Not to mention - an event-opening teach by GUYTON!!!! Rachael even got in on the action teaching a new dance of hers!
I have not had to take this many workshops in one event since…. I don’t remember when - it’s been so long ago! My feet hurt, my head hurts, my body aches (and no, it’s not COVID!).
Plus - we had Gary Brey here - Line Dancer Web royalty - and members of the outstanding CountryVive team! 2 performances that were so amazing to finally see LIVE! What a treat!
The workshops. I took 6 on Friday; 4 on Saturday; and 3 on Sunday (planned on taking a 4th but slept through it!). Do I have a favorite? I have no idea. Right now I have 13+ dances all blended together in my head!
Rachael - Country Liar. A fun country rolling 8.
Neville & Julie - Feel Alright. A very nice 64/2 cha cha.
Maddison Glover - Chasing Shots. Fun 32/2 rolling 8 with Simon.
Simon Ward - Vacation Cha. 2 wall cha cha
Dustin Betts - All Shook Up. Fun dance with Elvis knees!
Neville & Julie - Brave.
Fred Whitehouse - Zig Zag. One of my favorites of the weekend! Fun!
Roy & Fiona - Unleash The Power. Once I finally get through it all - I’m gonna really like it!
Joey Warren - Crazy In Line. This dance was taught by Simon and Maddie at Cowboys on Wednesday night for the event early-birds. It’s a fun 32/2 choreographed by all 3 of them.
Fred Whitehouse - 2+2. OMG! Gonna have to work on this one just a tad bit more.
(I think there was a theme. Start the event off with dances that are “easy” on the brain… hit them hard on day 2 with the mind-blowing teaches… and then let everyone recover on the final day with the gentle ones… Just my humble opinion!)
Shane McKeever - Forbidden Waltz. Beautiful.
Joey Warren - No Baby No. Fabulous waltz.
Neville & Julie - Not A Sad Song. Fun 64/2 with music by Parson James.
Since this was a qualifiying event for World Dance Masters, there were some competitions to check out as well! There was a choreography competition during the day on Friday and the WDM Team Competition that night; WDM Partners, Duos, & Pro-Am were on Saturday; and the Solo Finals with all the awards were on Sunday. It was fun to watch!
The DJs kept the ballroom floors hopping until the wee hours of the morning every night. There was no lack of opportunity to dance! And, unlike a lot of the regular events, this one goes Sunday night as well!
I’m tired. My brain is fried. But my heart is full having had a chance to see everyone, collect hugs from everyone, and do what I love to do - DANCE!
