MARATHON 2021!

The Line Dance Marathon 2021 - Dr. Suess - is in the books! A great event - my FIRST ONE since February, 2020! How fitting that my last event before COVID and first one after COVID were Scott events!

We flew in to Raleigh on Wednesday so we wouldn’t miss a thing starting on Thursday. It was an interesting schedule of workshops - the international choreographers couldn’t be there - but their dances were still taught… there was a mixture of older dances that each instructor/choreographer chose to “reteach” along with all the new dances that are hitting the circuit. Because of virtual workshops, several dances being taught were not new to me, which made the daily schedule much easier to navigate (it’s been a long time since I’ve had to actually choose which class to take… they weren’t just all offered one at a time on my TV!)

On the first day, I attended Darren Bailey’s teach of “Just Be”. I learned this beautiful waltz years ago and was happy to get a refresher. Another class being held at the same time was Niels Poulsen’s “Lifeline”, which I’ve been dancing for months and thoroughly enjoy! Jo Thompson Szymanski/Maddison Glover/Michele Burton’s “Country In 3” and Fred Whitehouse’s “Sadness” (both of which I currently dance) were also taught.

Even though I’d already reviewed “Suffer” by Brenna Stith, it was good to attend her workshop teach of the dance. During the same hour, Amy Bailey taught her fun dance “Moses Roses Toeses” (my class loves!).

Next, I sat through Adia Nuno’s teach of “Money On My Mind” (choreographed with Jonno Liberman and Rick Dominguez). This was one of the top favorites of those I was with.

Another exciting event on the very first day - I got to meet Craig and Donna Stott - the live stream hosts (LiveLoveLine) I’ve been working with to keep my students connected over the summer. I knew they were going to be there but had no idea who to look for… fortunately for me - they knew what I look like! Hahahaha!

Thursday night’s social dancing kept me on the floor until after 1:30am. Great mix of old and new, current and classic, pre- and virtual COVID. And everyone was in the same boat - wondering what would be remembered… and trying to reestablish the “walls” of a ballroom (and for many, dancing in a group again!).

The second day brought me a couple new dances - I attended Amy’s “Best Day Ever”, sat through Adia’s “Dazed and Confused”, and attended Jason Takahashi’s “No Expectations”. Workshops offered that I had already been taught included Everybody Get Nuts, Tooty Fruity, Would Have Loved Her (another favorite of those I was with), Do My Thing, Madelyn, Mesmerized, Wait For It, Nobody, Oops Baby, Where Oh Where (a favorite of my beginner and intermediate classes), and Feel The Heat.

The other class I attended was John Robinson’s “Top Tips for Teachers” Q&A session. Lots of tried and true tips from Mr. Showcase himself!

And finally, our last day… I started the day with dancing Tim Johnson’s “The Vibe” at the end of Cody Flowers’ teach, attended Debi Pancoast’s workshop “Fall On Me” (choreographed by Kerry Maus and Paul Snooke) - my FAVORITE of the whole weekend! Also attended Cody’s teach of “Upside Shake” (funky fun!); Jason’s “Authentically You” (beautiful nightclub), and Jo’s teach of Maddison Glover’s “Going Going Gone” wrapped up my day. Other workshops held during the day that I’ve already learned/am currently dancing included Call My Bluff, Take A Picture, Midnight Mess Around, As Good As It Gets, River Road Dream, I’ve Seen It All, Your Chewing Gum, Good To Go, Tension, Foolish, Spiderweb, It’s Go Time, and You You You.

Our flight to return home left early enough Sunday morning that we didn’t have a chance to attend any of the workshops. There were lots of amazing options including Money In My Pocket, Amor-ish*, Trouble Maker, Smooth & Easy, You’ve Got What It Takes, All Of Me*, It’s OK, Soul-Stirring, I Can’t Stand The Rain, All The Girls, Catch*, CMB*, Colors*, Muddy Water Healing, Hell Raiser, Destination Love, Regenbogenfarben, Blindsided*, and Miracles Happen Like That (*=dances already dancing).

It was a wonderful weekend - desperately needed - and just being with all the dancers live and in person was exhilarating. Seeing the choreographers and instructors “live” instead of on my TV screen - heartwarming. Not to take away from the fabulous virtual sessions and classes that kept us all dancing from the start of the pandemic through today - those have been AMAZING!!! Those are the reason we were able to get back on the floor with the confidence we had!

Many thanks to Scott & Jean for pulling off this event so quickly; the staff and volunteers who made it all go smoothly; all the choreographers and instructors for sharing their time & talents; the DJs who kept us on the floor; and the dancers who brought all their energy and enthusiasm to help us achieve a sense of “normalcy” we haven’t had in the longest time! Until the next time… stay safe and keep on dancin’!

DDW4

Why do I feel the need to cry after EVERY SINGLE ONE OF THESE WEEKENDS??? 

Thank you all so much for coming together and doing what you do for all of us! Rachael - you are truly amazing! I say it every time and then every next time you’re even MORE amazing! Jessie, Cody, Shea, and Christopher... AWESOME as always! The technological side of these events are mind-blowing! This wouldn’t happen without all of you! 

And the choreographers!!! Day 1: Michelle (Strangers In The Basement - my class is really going to like this), Fred (CMB - I really enjoyed this dance!), Roy & Fiona (& Claire ) - (Remember We Got Love - just fun!), Roy Verdonk, Christopher & Nadja van den Eeden (Colors - our group loved it so much we already had it taught in a class today!), Jo (No Secrets - funky fun that my class is going to enjoy), Maddison (Americano - great teach of a FAST classic!). Day 2: Willie & Jonas (Just 5 More - smooth! My class already likes this!), Shane (Rainfall... “rain on me... rain rain... RAIN ON ME!” Great dance!), Rachael (Let It Be - beautiful classic), Karl (Let’s Get Physical - my first actual teach from you... I’ve taught so many of your dances to my classes and now I feel like I’ve actually met you. Thank you for your dance... and your review of Alcazar! Yay!!!), Scott (Take A Picture - LOVE it!), Joey (If You Ever - we continue to dance this since we learned it in Chicago however many years ago!); and Day 3: Gary & Assumpta (Tequila La La La - once I figure out what tag goes where... 🤪🤪🤪 it’s a fun one!), Guillaume (We’re Blood - I’m excited to actually put it to music... I had to leave early and missed the music part!), Niels (Together But Apart - I know I’m gonna love it - but I need to learn it yet...), John (Choose Love & Be Alright - I missed your teaches but know that when I go back to them, they’ll be fantastic!), and Brandon (Wreck This Town - OMG! My class is going to LOVE this dance!).

Finally, THE SHOW! Just WOW! Nothing short of AMAZING! So creative! We were in awe just watching it! Thank you all for sharing your talents with us!

And we’re on to DDW5! How fast can I get this batch of fabulous dances taught before the next one??? 😉

THANK YOU!!!

Beginner Dances on Video as Exercise... Jo Thompson Szymanski

SUBJECT:  LINE DANCING FOR ALL (ESPECIALLY NEWBIES)

BY:  JO THOMPSON-SZYMANSKI

This is a great video for new dancers to use to learn basics from one of the best teachers ever.   It's a great way to introduce your friends to line dancing and to have them get some exercise at the same time and also to get your kids dancing!

https://youtu.be/bRD1TwPFPi4

A Love Affair With Dance...

In the Saturday, May 9, 2020, World Line Dance Newsletter, a story was shared... and I asked for (and received) permission to pass it along to you.

The story begins....

“I believe that most of us have a distinct memory of our love affair with Line Dance. 

 “I do not use the term love affair lightly.

“When I fell in love with line dance, it was EXACTLY like falling in love.  That feeling that just cannot really be stopped and can barely be described.  It was a long time ago when the US went ape $h!t over country music and line dancing all in the same year. Achy Breaky, Boot Scootin' Boogie, No One Else On Earth, Don't Let Your Love Start Slippin' Away, Shake The Sugar Tree.... also know as 1992.  I had a busy, lucrative career and completely ignored it from Wednesday to Friday night.  If a client made me work on Friday night.....I was not a happy camper. 

“If I arrived at the club on Friday night later than 6:45, there was not a table to plant my stuff...didn't really need to sit much, but the stuff needed a place. I was amazed that I was allowed to join this world of a big family of people dancing and enjoying this great music.

“It was a big club, too..... with an 1800 Sq Ft dance floor....perfectly square(you do not see that very often). I refused to go on Saturdays because the couples made me crazy. I used to dance on the very corner of the line dance group to guard people from the couples.....I would tell them that I could make it look like an accident.  Ha! Friday night was IT at the home club.   The floor was tile for 2 years until it was updated to wood.  I can remember waking up with my feet tingling for all the stomping and non stop dancing. I can remember telling myself to relish every minute of this because it brought me such joy. The place was only 6 minutes from my house for crying out loud. I can remember that some dances felt funny in different places in the music....like... well ..like you had to force yourself to do it. 

“Saturdays were reserved for a group that kind of formed to traipse all over the midwest to find other clubs in which to dance.  We went miles and miles to do this.  We had bus trips to do this.

“I even told my husband I had fallen in love with it. 

“I could not think about much else.  On Wednesday afternoon I would visit one of the many country western stores to get a new shirt or a belt or something for Friday night. 

“On Friday I would leave the office by 3 to go home and iron(THINK ABOUT IT...I IRONED!!!) my shirt AND the WRANGLERS, sponge off my hat, decide which bling to add to the entire outfit and wait impatiently for 6:15... then  beat feet out the door.

“I spent tons of money on Wranglers( because a guy at the club scolded me for not having any ) Stetsons, Acme Boots[they fit me best], accessory jewelry. Even now I still visualize any clothing purchase as 'how will this look on the dance floor'.

“I attended classes 3 nights a week ...practiced dances at home while my hair dried before going to the office every morning.....slept less to dance more at home.

“I became best dance buddies with my instructor and others from the club who were equally addicted.

“This euphoria went on for 4 years until.....wait for it....

“I attended my first EVENT!!!  Back then it was UCWDC events only.....they didn't care for us much, (in my opinion). Us being social, addicted, line dancers. When the Line Dance Events became the thing.....we had it.  COMPLETE  'I want a new Drug' territory.

“I think I danced at events for maybe 10ish years without my butt hitting the chairs very much at all.  It was a good run. 

“The dances!!!!  The instructors!!!!! The not eating so I would not miss anything!!!!!  The massive ballrooms with floating hardwood floors. 

The adrenaline of preparing for an event, being at an event and relishing an event is the dragon I chase today...even as it is in my home office with a mirror on the back wall and a set of new speakers.

“You can't learn and know them all.....unless you are Jessie Chan.”

She goes on to describe what it’s been like participating in the online dance events and online classes, the ability to support the LDF, and accessing the saved videos later ending with...

“We all do what we can, but one thing is for sure....you cannot stop creativity with a mere deadly virus. 

“I wonder how all this is going to change the relationships we have when we are able to safely see each other again. I feel like there will be more classic songs that will not have to wait until after midnight to be played. I feel like people will stay in the ballroom longer for awhile after we get going again. 

“I hope we can all find one new person to get hooked on events whenever that is.....”

I could relate to her story so much! I just had to share with you! Have a great day and remember to enjoy YOUR story!

DIGITAL DANCE WEEKEND #3

4/26/2020

Home with my feet up after another AMAZING Digital Dance Weekend (#3)! How can this just keep getting better and better??? Rachael McEnaney-White - just outstanding! You are such a special lady with incredible talent! Thank you for ALL THAT YOU DO! And, recognizing that there is so much work that goes on behind the scenes by Jessie Chan, Cody Flowers, and Shea McCafferty - you are all superheroes! Thank you for your 24-7 support to make this all happen!

On Friday I attended 4 workshops live (caught the rest later...). Stephen Paterson, Kate Sala, Fred Whitehouse, Maggie Gallagher, Niels Poulsen, and Michael Barr & Michele Burton. Many dances from this very first day will make it to my “future teach” list for my classes. (And - don’t forget to go out and purchase Ronnie Beard’s song “Faith Hope and Love” which he is donating 50% of the proceeds to the LDF!!!)

On Saturday I was able to attend 5 of the 6 workshops (I only watched Joey Warren’s as I already know that one!) - Roy Verdonk, Heather Barton, Shane McKeever, Hadisubroto Roy & Fiona Murray, and Maddison Glover. EVERY SINGLE DANCE is on my “future teach” list!!!

And then today. I started out with the longest line dance ever - dancing the Electric Slide with Rachael! Never thought you’d hear that coming from me!!! Had an easier day today as I didn’t need John Robinson’s )Jonno Liberman’s) or Scott Blevins’ teaches as I already know their dances. But I did spend time with Jo Thompson Szymanski, Rachael, and Gary O' Reilly. And, again, EVERY DANCE is on my “future teach” list.

I look forward to going back to the group page and revisiting the technique tips, lunch-time interviews, and social playlists! I just couldn’t absorb everything the first time through!!!! And I’ll need to see the show again (such TALENT!!!) as well as the group farewell (maybe I can get through it WITHOUT kleenex the next time!).

I didn’t take any selfies - just didn’t want to get caught in my “stay-at-home” look! LOL! But I was with you all and enjoyed every minute!

Remember, if you have the ability to donate to the LDF, please do - we have been fortunate to participate in line dance weekends that would normally cost us 3 times what we’ve paid in registration fees as well as travel, hotel and food costs... I’ve donated and will again!

CONGRATULATIONS to the WHOLE TEAM! Another FABULOUS weekend!!! My deepest THANKS!!!

Covid-19

These are interesting times we’re in. With “stay-at-home” orders, dance venues closed, and dance events cancelled... we’ve all had to get creative with keeping our dance lives going.

I created a Virtual Line Dance Class facebook group (private) for all the students of East Naples and the Vineyards to join in order to participate in Facebook Live dance classes. Several instructors and choreographers have done the same either with Facebook or Zoom. I’ve tried both - Facebook seems to work the best for what we’re doing. I guess if I had a more up-to-date laptop I might’ve been OK with Zoom, but there are just so many technical layers to using the program that Facebook is where I’ve stayed. Even if they do mute my videos.

I created a “public” line dance page for my beginners since so many of them were not on Facebook and were not interested in joining, either. Now they can follow a link which takes them to Facebook but the page is more like a website and they don’t have to be “on” Facebook in order to participate.

Choreographers are busy creating so many virtual dance events that we need calendars to keep it all straight! From the Digital Dance Weekends that Rachael put together; to the Streamline group (the UK instructors put together); to the Retro Line Dis-Dancing site where classics are being taught - there is no lack of dancing... anywhere on the globe!

It’s a new way of learning... and a new way of teaching... with steep learning curves on both sides of the classroom. But - we’re are learning. And we are dancing. And we are having a good time! It’s a bandaid until we can all be on the floor together again...

SCOTT BLEVINS WORKSHOP 2020

We had a great trip to the East Coast this weekend — the 7th Annual Scott Blevins Workshop. There was a social Friday night with 54 dances... 24 of which I did not dance; there was a playlist for the daytime on Saturday (both during the workshop day as well as over the lunch break)... of which there were 4 dances I did not know (out of 40!); and there was a Saturday Night social with another 49 dances... of which I did not know 4. (At one point I had danced 15 straight! Whew!!!)

Scott taught us 4 dances: “What A Man Gotta Do” (stepsheet is on Copperknob); “Nobody” (stepsheet to be released soon); “Take It Further” (by Tim Johnson - which Deb had already taught); and Scott’s classic “Drive Me Wild”.