Country and Western Dancing

[Spitfire]

How many of you are actively into Country and Western dancing?

This was where I got my start, but do little of it anymore.

[AnnieMarie]

I love Country & Western dance. So much so that I am there 5 or 6 nights a week. Okay, so I am embarking on a competitive dance track which would account for a lot of time.

Aside from that, it's just fun and generally a really nice group of people.

I'm hoping I can write more later. I didn't get home from dance practice till 1:00 in the morning...so my brain hasn't totally kicked in for the day yet.

[Vince A]

I do too!!! And often! There is something to doing the 2 Step, and I challenge any of you really good dancers in the DF to try to learn how to do it at an intermediate competition level . . . you won't make fun of C&W dancing anymore. It is as hard to get right as any of the other dances that are discussed on the DFs.

Competitive C&W dancing is not all about line-dancing. There are at least 8 dances that are done in competition besides the line dancing part. Although the music is different, some of the dancing, like the Waltz and Cha Cha, are very, very close to ballroom rules. The look is the same. The dresses are the same. The head, the frame, the hand, and working the skirt is exactly the same. The moves are called the exact same thing.

Attend a UCWDC event sometime - just for kicks - you might learn something!

[dragon3085]

I do it about 2 weekends out the month. Being in Texas its kinda of a requirement. :D Also it keeps me from being burned out on latin which I love. Add to that the fact that the only clubs you will hear wc swing and hustle are also the country clubs. I'm pretty good friends with some pro's from outside my studio so I always have someone to dance one. I do make one concession, none the CW waltz stuff. If we waltz we are doing a regular waltz baby. :D
There is a lot to 2 step no arguement there.

[lilsexyclogger07]

i used to do country western dancing but the place i went changed the age limit so now i don't so i just stick with cloggin and hip-hop.........but am currently looking for a new place for the country western

[Sagitta]

I haven't heard much about it where I am, so haven't done any, except perhaps at a contra dance when they play a waltz and the folks know country style? Perhaps that's because of the people I hang out with. I've heard the older folk talk about it and going outside Ithaca to do it, though.

[AnnieMarie]

I finally caught up with myself.

I did start out as a line dancer, and I enjoyed it. Competitive line dancing is not easy either. After five years of line dancing, I decided I wanted to learn the rest of it. The two-step, WCS, Cha Cha, Waltz...and here I am.

I really enjoy it. I enjoy the atmosphere and the people. I have not been to a ballroom dance or taken lesssons, that's not saying I won't at some point. I know there are merits to learning all types of dance.

The two-step is definitely a challenge. For something I thought wouldn't be that difficult...ha. At least I finally managed to keep my turns going down the line of dance. I say to the ladies, if you want to become good at spins and turns, do some country dancing :)

I hope that we can all appreciate the type of dancing that we do. Each of us loves the style of dance that we do for a reason. And many of us like to do many different types.

[Spitfire]

The reason I haven't done a lot of C&W dancing is that the studio and USABDA dances don't play much C&W music here though they teach 2 step as well as other dances and I don't care for the club scene personally.

There was a Wednesday night dance until it was discontinued by the management of the facility. The lady who held it is trying to look for another location; when and if this happens I'll attend as I'm getting that "itch" for doing 2 steps and C&W waltzes again.

[Vince A]

The two-step is definitely a challenge. For something I thought wouldn't be that difficult...ha. At least I finally managed to keep my turns going down the line of dance. I say to the ladies, if you want to become good at spins and turns, do some country dancing :)

I hope that we can all appreciate the type of dancing that we do. Each of us loves the style of dance that we do for a reason. And many of us like to do many different types.
Good for you AnnieMarie . . . any time that we can learn different dances and different styles . . . we usually improve our other dances.

If I may add, besides spins and turns . . . the 2 Step is one of the best dances that I know of that will teach a follower and leader on how to "spot" downline. You have to do it on turns and spins, or the dance isn't being "done all the way" . . . it's the look, ya know!

[Sagitta]

I hope that we can all appreciate the type of dancing that we do. Each of us loves the style of dance that we do for a reason. And many of us like to do many different types.

Yes, definitely!!! FYI: And just because we have strong opinions about a certain style or type of dance that does not mean we are putting down others appreciation for these dances/styles. :)

[AnnieMarie]

On this forum, I have yet to see anyone putting down the type of dancing that anyone else does. That's awesome :)

I appreciate anyone who is really good at the type of dancing that I do. I am a "weeper" when it's really good.

[SDsalsaguy]

On this forum, I have yet to see anyone putting down the type of dancing that anyone else does. That's awesome :)
That's why we're the dance-forums! :D

[Vince A]

On this forum, I have yet to see anyone putting down the type of dancing that anyone else does. That's awesome :)

I appreciate anyone who is really good at the type of dancing that I do. I am a "weeper" when it's really good.
And if the administrators and moderators have anything to do or say about it . . . that will never happen on the DF.

Really good to outstanding dancing "gets" to me too!

[pygmalion]

I was talking to my coach about this at my lesson today. Interesting. He's an international standard guy by training, a top level American standard competitor, and he was impressed by the video he watched of C&W waltz. A little taken aback by the boots with the ballgown, though. *shrug*


I think the point, to me, is that C&W is a beautiful dance discipline all its own, with a level of sophistication and complexity that some outsiders don't appreciate. But then, many of them have never tried it. :?

[Vince A]

. . . A little taken aback by the boots with the ballgown, though. *shrug*
Jenn . . . those are not "just" boots . . . they are glove soft, flexible-soled, suede-bottomed dance boots. They are probably better to dance in than MANY dance shoes . . . they are called Evening Star boots . . . check 'em out online. Oh, and you can get them w/o that really pointed-toe look that most people associate with C&W boots.

[Vince A]

By the way . . . Carolyn's coach is also a coach in ballroom dancing!

[pygmalion]

Yeah. I knew about Evenin Star. But he didn't. A really conservative guy, with twenty-five or six years of ballroom dance experience. Don't worry. As I get to know him better, I'll clue him in. :wink: :lol:

[AnnieMarie]

I love my Evenin Star Boots...love them. I have tried dance sneakers, but I went back to my boots. So comfortable. I would like to get some "regular" ballroom type lace up shoes too though.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one affected by great dancing.

My friend and I are doing our very first competition in 2 weeks. It's just a fun event but our coach wants us to put our brand new two step on the floor. I'm excited, I know we will do a great job...but I'm also nervous.

[pygmalion]

Cool, AnnieMarie. Be sure to let us know how it goes. :D

Oh yeah, and you might want to check out the topics of interest for new competitors (http://www.dance-forums.com/viewtopic.php?t=1620) thread.

There's a lot of ballroom stuff there, but there's also lots of general interest stuff that might help you get prepared. Good luck. :D

[Vince A]

I love my Evenin Star Boots...love them. I have tried dance sneakers, but I went back to my boots. So comfortable. I would like to get some "regular" ballroom type lace up shoes too though.

I'm glad to know I'm not the only one affected by great dancing.

My friend and I are doing our very first competition in 2 weeks. It's just a fun event but our coach wants us to put our brand new two step on the floor. I'm excited, I know we will do a great job...but I'm also nervous.
AnnieMarie,
I love my ES's too! And they do have ES lace-up dance shoes, and I keep looking at them.

I will always like C&W dancing . . . the dances are fun and forgiving!

What dances are you competiting in? Is it a Local event or something like a UCWDC event? Let me know. And let us all know how you do.

[AnnieMarie]

The event is called "Da Dance Camp." It's sponsored by a club out of Chicago that cohosts the Chicagoland UCWDC event. It's just a fun competition, it's not sanctioned. Although my friend and I are headed for those this year as well :)

I have heard mixed reviews on the Evenin Star shoes. One of my friends got a pair and she ended up not liking them. Went back to the boots.

I am also going to be doing Pro/Am competition in addition to competing with my friend. I'm looking forward to both experiences.

If you want more info on the event my friend and I are attending just do a search for "Da Dance Camp" (I'm not sure what the policies are for linking to organization web sites on here...so I figured this was the safe way to go.)

I will let everyone know how we do at our "debut" performance. Thanks for all the good wishes.

Ann

[AnnieMarie]

I just realized that I didn't answer what dances we are comepting in. At this event, just two step. Eventually, we will be doing two step, WCS, and cha cha...and continue to add the Waltz, Polka, NC2S and Triple Two Step.

I know we will be working up to that though, in order to compete for Overall Placements.

Vince, I really hope that we will be able to cross paths at an event. :)

[Spitfire]

For footware nothing suits me better then a good pair of Tony Llama boots. 8)

[Vince A]

I know we will be working up to that though, in order to compete for Overall Placements.

Vince, I really hope that we will be able to cross paths at an event. :)
Well let us know how you did . . . and get up to the minimum four dances - Waltz, Cha Cha, 2 Step, and WCS - so that you will place. Get started early in Waltz as that is usually the toughest to score well in at UCWDC. They are getting closer and closer to ballroom styling each year.

Once you get the four dances, as you say, keep adding . . . maybe adding the NC2S first, then ECS, then Polka, and if you are gutsy, finally the
Triple 2.

We should cross paths somewhere down the line . . . we try to do an event each month.

[AnnieMarie]

My friend and I are hoping that our first sanctioned competition will be in April. Which, for me, means it's also my first Pro/AM competition as well.
I will be competing a full program for Pro/Am but my friend and I have lots of practice to do.

Anyone have advice on how once you learn choreography, as a follow, you can then shut it out and let your wonderful partner lead? I'm running into this right now, and I don't want to be the queen of "anticipation."

[pygmalion]

Hey Annie Marie. This is a tough question. I've looked at this post and started to reply a couple times. I'm just not sure what to say.

Here's my experience. When I first started doing dance exhibitions, I depended completely on my teacher to get me through it. I memorized the material, but I leaned heavily on my teacher. Until the time we got in the middle of the floor in front of about 150 people and he went blank. :shock: :x Honest to Pete -- he forgot the whole routine. So he started leading me into some freestyle basics. eeek! Then I knew I'd better learn to just follow. Yikes.

And I've heard it said many times that any decent judge can tell whether you're following or just doing the routine on your own.

But still, I'm not sure how I made the mental transition. I'll think about this more, then come back and post again.

[AnnieMarie]

Jenn,
Thank you for your reply. IT seems in the beginning you have to learn the choreography and then I need to back out of it and follow. I worked really hard to break myself of back leading and anticipating...so I don't want to go back there. I am fortunate to have a coach that really "rides" me when he sees what I am doing.

I knew it would be a challenge for me once I knew the choreography to let go and follow. Which I have to do in the event that something needs to be changed up.

I appreciate any tips/advice that anyone has. It's certainly a challenge.

[Vince A]

My friend and I are hoping that our first sanctioned competition will be in April. Which, for me, means it's also my first Pro/AM competition as well.
I will be competing a full program for Pro/Am but my friend and I have lots of practice to do.

Anyone have advice on how once you learn choreography, as a follow, you can then shut it out and let your wonderful partner lead? I'm running into this right now, and I don't want to be the queen of "anticipation."
AnnieMarie,
Good luck in April . . . you will do a great job . . . what event are you attending?

As far as learning choreography, you need to know that what for us, may not work for the of you.

I would suggest that both of should be able to do your routine without the other . . . it is a team effort . . . and though you must know your own part, you should try learning your partner's part. Do not depend on him leading the entire routine . . . it is a routine for the both of you. But as Jenn suggests, you are the follower and he the leader. You may have to resort to this during the routine.

If one or the other, or even both of you at the same time, blanks out during the routine, just work it out before hand between the two of you what you will do. I would suggest a "vanilla" move or two, and then get right back into the routine.

Try walking through the routine 4 or 5 times before putting it to music . . .
Be able to do the entire routine(s) in your head - all the way through . . .
Practice, practice, practice . . . which will get you muscle memory . . .

For your 2 Step, I would suggest 4 to 5 songs . . . slower to faster. Find out what the range of bpm that you could get, get some samples of that music, and practice. If it's a UCWDC venue, the rules on their website will tell you the bpm range for your level!

Good luck . . . let us know how you are doing with your practice.

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
Thanks for your words of wisdom. :) I know the routine cold, in my head, I can do it without my partner. I have written it out twice. My partner does not have such an easy time memorizing things, so I am trying to help him learn it as best I can.

We do need to discuss what happens if we both blank out in the middle of the song.

We are hoping to go to the Gateway Dance Festival in St. Louis in April, which is a UCWDC event.

It's a lot of work, but I am really excited to get out on the floor :)

[pygmalion]

Yeah. The hard part is that you have to know it, but you're not allowed to lead it (except in dire emergency, of course). It's a delicate balance.

[Vince A]

Vince,
Thanks for your words of wisdom. :) I know the routine cold, in my head, I can do it without my partner. I have written it out twice. My partner does not have such an easy time memorizing things, so I am trying to help him learn it as best I can.
You're a good partner . . .

Don't write the routine out too or continue to run it through your mind. If 'your' memory mixes it up somewhat . . . the two of you could be doing different parts at different times. Get it committed to "muscle memory."

And, how about you counting it out loud once, and then him do it, so you confirm that both of you are on the same page.

We do need to discuss what happens if we both blank out in the middle of the song.
Yes, and be ready to follow as Jenn said!

We are hoping to go to the Gateway Dance Festival in St. Louis in April, which is a UCWDC event.
Cool . . . Gateway . . . great, but smaller event. If this is your first event, it's a good one to get your feet wet in.

It's a lot of work, but I am really excited to get out on the floor :)
Granted . . . it is a lot of work . . . you'll be ready! Remember to relax, and whatever amounts of nervousness that you may get . . . turn it into energy - only the two of you know the routine, so you'll be the only ones who know if a mistake is made . . . so don't lose composure, thus catching everyone's eyes . . . including the judges!

[AnnieMarie]

Hi Everyone,
It's been a bit since I could post. Lots and lots and lots and lots of practice. Whew. I seem to be stuck on one small part...frustrating, but I'll get through it eventually. My friend and I are looking forward to our performance this weekend. Hard to believe it's here already. Although I guess three weeks is a pretty quick turn around to perform most of a routine.

Hope everyone's dancing is going great for them so far this year.

Ann

[Vince A]

AM,
Just mak sure you get back to us on "how" you did . . . and I'm not talking about the first place in your division that you will get :wink:

I've told others this . . . just remember how it "feels" as you finish that very first competition dance and are walking, hand-in-hand, off that dance floor . . . chersish that moment! Play it back in your head, over and over.

You can make each and every competition feel the same. It's up to you!

[AnnieMarie]

Hi Everyone,
The whole weekend at Dance Camp was awesome, great workshops, great instructors...okay food. You can't win them all.

My friend was really nervous right before we had to compete. To the point that his blood sugar really dropped and we weren't sure if we were going to be able to do our two step or not. Luckily eating some food and drinking a Pepsi helped. It was so much fun to get out there and dance. All the practice, and frustration and aggravation paying off. What an awesome feeling :) We competed in the "First Time" division so there wasn't an overall awarded...we took 1st place for our two step. Everyone was talking to us after the competition about how well we did.

Wanted to drop in with the update. We get a couple days to savor it, then back to work to prepare for St. Louis in April.

Ann

[Vince A]

I was gone most of this past weekend . . got to work this AM, and the first place I went was here to see if you had posted . . .

See? I told that you would do good. Congratulations . . . 1st in Two Step! And that's the hard one to get right. Kinda nice nice to "feel like a star" for a few minutes, eh?

Tell your partner congratulations from me . . . and I especially know what it feels like when the blood sugar drops. Believe me - I know! It happened to me in the middle of an ECS at the World Championships, but I didn't know what was causing it then. Now I do!

Keep working at getting your minimum amount of routines together and get them on the floor. Floor time is so invaluable!

It's nothing but upward for the two of you . . . now go kick butt!

Keep us posted!

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
Thank you so much. I will pass along the congratulations to my friend. Apparently we exceeded our coaches expectations....that's always a bonus. We haven't watched the video yet.

We are working on getting our routines done. I know we won't have a full program in April but hopefully by August we will have 5 dances up and running. I will be doing five dances in April with my coach though. Lots of work to do :)

Too bad I can't win the lotto...then I could just go to dance events. :) That would be fun.

I am most excited about the gift certificates we won towards some Evenin Star boots. I need some new one now that we are allowed to wear them without welts on them. I tried a pair on...really comfortable and much easier to dance without the welt.

[Vince A]

Vince,
Thank you so much. I will pass along the congratulations to my friend. Apparently we exceeded our coaches expectations....that's always a bonus. We haven't watched the video yet.
Remember that we are our own worst critics . . . don't over-critic yourself. I literally "hate" the videos that I buy . . .

We are working on getting our routines done. I know we won't have a full program in April but hopefully by August we will have 5 dances up and running. I will be doing five dances in April with my coach though. Lots of work to do :)
Don't forget that your partner could also learn your new routines that you do with your coach . . . although your partner may have to do a more simplified version of what your coach does. Don't forget . . . you are paying for that choreography! You can use it!

Too bad I can't win the lotto...then I could just go to dance events. :) That would be fun.
That's what my wife says . . .

I am most excited about the gift certificates we won towards some Evenin Star boots. I need some new one now that we are allowed to wear them without welts on them. I tried a pair on...really comfortable and much easier to dance without the welt.
I know what you mean . . I love my ES boots. . . especially when dancing the Waltz . . . yet in WCS . . . I don't like them. If I happen to look down, all I see is my semi-pointed toes . . . just a perception issue I think???

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
It's just our video...we had someone use my friends camcorder...but same deal, we are our own worst critics. I don't mind doing WCS in my boots, but that's all I know. I've tried other dance shoes, so far none compare to my boots.

I'm doing Newcomer with my coach, so I don't get a routine. He has them, but he doesn't teach them to me. My job is to follow...so when we practice he likes to change things up on me. :)

I guess those of us on Dance Forums would be really happy to just go to dance events.

[Vince A]

Vince,
It's just our video...we had someone use my friends camcorder...but same deal, we are our own worst critics. I don't mind doing WCS in my boots, but that's all I know. I've tried other dance shoes, so far none compare to my boots.

I'm doing Newcomer with my coach, so I don't get a routine. He has them, but he doesn't teach them to me. My job is to follow...so when we practice he likes to change things up on me. :)

I guess those of us on Dance Forums would be really happy to just go to dance events.
You are lucky . . . most of the events do not allow camcorders!

RE: Evening Star boots . . . I know lots of people who compete in "Swing only" events and they still wear those boots! They are great to dance in.

I can't beleive that your coach does his own routine with you. You "should" know the entire routine . . . he is human you know, and he can also forget. Then you could pull him back to reality.

But if you got it on tape . . . you have one routine that you and your partner could do . . . tape the rest of your dances???

Some of the very best times that I've ever had were at dance events. Yep, we're a happy bunch!

[pygmalion]

Vince,
It's just our video...we had someone use my friends camcorder...but same deal, we are our own worst critics. I don't mind doing WCS in my boots, but that's all I know. I've tried other dance shoes, so far none compare to my boots.

I'm doing Newcomer with my coach, so I don't get a routine. He has them, but he doesn't teach them to me. My job is to follow...so when we practice he likes to change things up on me. :)

I guess those of us on Dance Forums would be really happy to just go to dance events.

Best of luck! Let me know how it goes. This is exciting. :D

[AnnieMarie]

I want to clarify with my coach and my Newcomer Routine. He does have routines that he choreographs and has his Am's learn above the Newcomer level. What he does with me is based on what he choregraphed for myself and my partner he just mixes other things in so I HAVE to follow. We are very limited as to what we can actually do in Newcomer Pro-Am. There is a step sheet he has to go by...so I'm not doing a Masters routine in Newcomer Pro-Am, not even close.

I lapse into anticipating...so he likes to keep me on my toes :)

This was a non-sanctioned event run by the SwingNCountry club in Chicago, so they sold video passes. Yes, more and more the events are not letting people record on their own.

[Vince A]

I want to clarify with my coach and my Newcomer Routine. He does have routines that he choreographs and has his Am's learn above the Newcomer level. What he does with me is based on what he choregraphed for myself and my partner he just mixes other things in so I HAVE to follow. We are very limited as to what we can actually do in Newcomer Pro-Am. There is a step sheet he has to go by...so I'm not doing a Masters routine in Newcomer Pro-Am, not even close.

This was a non-sanctioned event run by the SwingNCountry club in Chicago, so they sold video passes. Yes, more and more the events are not letting people record on their own.
OK, I got ya' . . . I thought that even though it was a non-sanctioned event that they still went by UCWDC rules???

I still do, although the degree of difficulty has moved up, the same routine as an Intermediate dancer as I did as a newcomer. When you learn it as a newcomer, your steps are very basic. You are judged on the basics . . . many judges do not look beyond this area. If you can't get the correct footwork . . . they won't look above your knees!

Then as you move up, the same routine only changes the patterns that allow more advanced footwork - chasses, lock-steps, swivels, etc - and you begin learning how to have softer arm, where you head needs to be, body language, rib isolations, etc. These are the things you need to have as you move up that proverbial ladder!

[jxntwinkletoes]

I LOVE CW dancing! The 2step is my favorite! That is how I got started dancing by going to a club that played CW music. I loved to watch the dancers and always wanted to learn how to do what they were doing. My hairstylist befriended me one day after I was crying on her shoulder about a guy. She was a dancer and she taught me some basic steps and introduced me to the guys that were dancers. And I was on my way! Since the dance studios didn't teach CW dancing in my area, I started taking ballroom lessons. Then I started going to the UCWDC events and taking workshops to learn more CW and swing. I definately recommend going to a UCWDC event. You will get a whole new appreciation for CW dancing. These events also have lots of swing comps and workshops as well and you see the best WCS dancers! People think I can really dance and am really a great dancer, but when I go to these events I feel like such a beginner. The dancers there are so much better than the level of dancers here in mississippi. And being able to dance with then of course makes me a better dancer. I hate it that some people look down on CW dancing because they just don't know what they are talking about. It is so much more than line dancing! I have pretty much won over my ballroom friends so that they don't make fun of it in front of me and will even go CW dancing themselves sometimes.

[AnnieMarie]

Welcom jxntwinkletoes :) I too fell in love with CW dance. I always loved to watch dance, ballroom, ballet...any type that I consider a more graceful form. Although all styles are beautiful in their own right.

I have seen many people truly amazed at the dancing they see at UCWDC events vs. what they would see on your average saturday night out at the saloon :)

[Vince A]

I have seen many people truly amazed at the dancing they see at UCWDC events vs. what they would see on your average saturday night out at the saloon :)
And most of those 2-Step dancers that you'll see at a UCWDC event also compete and excel in the Ballroom venues, not to mention the Swing World.

I should issue a challenge to the Ballroom dancers/DF members, who have never, ever did a 2-Step, to try to get it and get it well within a year. It's not an easy dance to get right . . . lead or follow! It's every bit as difficult as any of the Ballroom dances . . . it's the music they'll have to suffer with . . .

[dancergal]

In case anybody forgot about me, I'm also a country dancer. I started learning line dancing, couples dances and country two-step about 5 yrs. ago. Mostly just social dancing at a country nightclub. Then 2 1/2 years ago I met my b/f and started learning WCS at a dance studio. I also learned more complicated country two-step moves because our WCS instructor is also a country two-step Pro. I love WCS but I have to have my country dancing "fix" at least once a week or more! It's still my favorite dance.

[AnnieMarie]

Hi Everyone,
Although I check in every day, I don't post as often. I, along with my partner, are gearing up for the Gateway Dance Festival in St. Louis in 3 weeks. This is our first sanctioned UCWDC event. Although we are not competing for an overall title, we are only dancing two-step and WCS right now, it's still intense practice. I am also preparing for my very first Pro/Am competition.

For Pro/AM I am dancing, Two-step, WCS, Cha Cha, and Nite Club 2...we were hoping to be ready with Waltz so I could compete for an overall title, but I'm not going to be ready with the Waltz. I'm a little bummed out, but this gives me more time to really work on it since I don't compete again until August due to other activities.

I'm looking forward to the competition and to lots and lots of dancing. The events make me realize that all the hard work and sweat and frustration is worth it.

[pygmalion]

Hi AnnieMarie. Yes. I've seen you logged in and "lurking" many times. I know you're here, supporting the DF. 8)

Good luck with your comp preparation. Please let us know how it goes. :D

[SDsalsaguy]

Good to "see" you again AnnieMarie! Good luck with your comp too! :D

[AnnieMarie]

Happy Monday to all of you. My friend and I had a great weekend in St. Louis. Although competition wears you out, seems like lots of hurry up and wait.

I am enjoying that I did well in my Pro/Am's: (Results as follow)

Nightclub 2 Step- Gold - 1st Place
Cha Cha - Gold - 1st Place
Two Step- Gold w/ Honors - 1st place
West Coast Swing - Gold - 1st Place


In Classic Couples my friend and I competeted Two Step and West Coast, 1st places in both. No qualifications for overall at this event but we will be working hard to ge there.

It is definitely an addictive feeling though. However, tomorrow it's back to the lessons and picking apart the video of our performances.

Have a wonderful week :)

[Sagitta]

Congrats Annemarie!! How's it going dancergal?

[Vince A]

I am enjoying that I did well in my Pro/Am's: (Results as follow)

Nightclub 2 Step- Gold - 1st Place
Cha Cha - Gold - 1st Place
Two Step- Gold w/ Honors - 1st place
West Coast Swing - Gold - 1st Place

WOW!!! Congratulations!!!
You are too much for words!!!

Add the Waltz, you would, or could have had 1st Overall.

What are you dancing . . . Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate??? What age bracket???

Twp more finishes like that and you can go to World's in Nashville!

When is your next comp???

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
I am dancing Female Open Newcomer. We were going to attempt to have five dances but we fan out of time to adequately prepare for Waltz. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to qualify for overall. My next commpetition isn't until Chicagoland in August. Lots of time to really improve on what I'm doing. I certainly was not expecting Golds at all, so that was a nice surprise.

In Classic Couples we are competing Open Newcomer as well.

[Vince A]

Vince,
I am dancing Female Open Newcomer. We were going to attempt to have five dances but we fan out of time to adequately prepare for Waltz. I was disappointed that I wasn't able to qualify for overall. My next competition isn't until Chicagoland in August. Lots of time to really improve on what I'm doing. I certainly was not expecting Golds at all, so that was a nice surprise.
In Classic Couples we are competing Open Newcomer as well.
AnnieMarie,
That is a real good start, and what a boost for your ego . . .

Put your Waltz on the floor . . . if you have 90 seconds of routine and you can memorize it . . . do it! Even if you just dance it clean, there is the chance that your competition may not, and with all the 'golds' that you did earn, even if you didn't dance it clean, you may have at least placed in the top three!

Remember, as a Newcomer, to really work on your technical - your footwork - and don't get too caught up in your styling. The judges need to see that you can do your technical before they look any further . . .

Shoot for the Gold with Honors in the ones that you have already earned gold . . . and get that Waltz in!!!

Vince

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
That's the thing we are working on starting tomorrow. Had I had more than one hour of Waltz in, my pro would have made me put it on the floor.
I am looking forward to being able to compete for overall. My partner and I are also going to be working on putting five dances on the floor.

Vince, remember my pro doesn't choreograph newcomer "routines." I learn the basics and then have to do lead/follow so that I don't anticipate.

I am so proud of our results.

[SDsalsaguy]

Way to go AnnieMarie! :banana:

[AnnieMarie]

Thanks Everyone :)

[Vince A]

Vince, remember my pro doesn't choreograph newcomer "routines." I learn the basics and then have to do lead/follow so that I don't anticipate.
I forgot!

The Waltz is so tough without a routine . . . so many steps . . . so many different steps . . . lifts . . . extensions . . . so many head and arm movements.

Too much for lead and follow, especially for a Newcomer! And if you don't learn to anticipate - you won't!

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
I am sure you know that in the UCWDC for Newcomer divisions there is a set step sheet that we have to learn that is given to the pros. That's all we're allowed to do. No extensions or anything like that..Just basic demonstration of Rise and Fall technique.

He has routines...I just don't get to know them well enough to memorize the step sequence.

Do you go to the Music City Dance Challenge at all? I will be there Labor Day weekend.

[Vince A]

Vince,
I am sure you know that in the UCWDC for Newcomer divisions there is a set step sheet that we have to learn that is given to the pros. That's all we're allowed to do. No extensions or anything like that..Just basic demonstration of Rise and Fall technique.
It's been a long while since I wa a Newcomer, but I do not recall such a "step sheet." I remember my Waltz routine quite well . . . chasse's, extension, footwork change to the followers footwork, etc.

In fact, I'm downloading the rules right now to learn what that "step sheet" is. And, AM, I'm not doubting you . . . I just need to learn what it is!

Vince

[AnnieMarie]

Vince,
I have never seen the step sheet, just know that it has been referred too in the rules, especially concerning Newcomer and Novice Pro/Am. Unfortunately that section of the 2004 rules has not been posted yet. You might be able to find reference under 2003.

I am not sure how you get the step sheet either...just know that it has been referred to, and my Pro has said "That's not on the step sheet, so you can't do that..." I'm assuming he knows something as he is a certified judge as well.

[Vince A]

Can you mention his name???