does anyone train with someone who doesn't live in there state?

[liz]

I am in Mississippi and 3 months ago I decided to leave the small down home studio here and start traveling to Atlanta twice a month to train with Eddie Ares. As I said in my other tread, I am new to this site and to competing. I was at Hotlanta and had the Our Place both. My question is does anyone have any words of wisdom on training with someone so far away? It is really hard to not have anyone to practice with here. I have a studio in my home. But, it is hard to stay motivated alone.

 

[jekyblue]

I travel out of state as well for training. At least Liz is close enough for 2x month; mine is far enough away that this isn't possible. Certainly not an ideal situation, but I have worked with this guy enough to want to continue the training path he has me on. He is a great teacher, and I trust him completely.

Local teacher? Well, that's the problem -- there just isn't one. A couple of good female teachers, but no male teachers in sight that are trained and competent at my level. (For that matter there are precious few male instructors even counting those that are NOT competent or trained!)

The closest area where good instruction is available is a minimum 5 hour drive during good weather, but very risky during the winter. I have been known to take a 1-hour flight to another city just for practice with someone who knows what he's doing, but haven't found an alternative to my current pro-am partner just yet. One day I'll move closer to dance civilization, but I'm stuck here for awhile.

In the meantime -- I videotape as much as possible, including lots of exercises that I can do on my own. I use Quicktime to convert these to a format that I can view on my iPod. It's a handy reference when I'm at a dance and can get someone to help me work on a particular segment or when I find myself at a good place to practice without access to a TV or DVD player. Some of the local amateur guys have learned at least portions of my routines. Dancing with them helps with muscle memory if nothing else.

 

[mamboqueen]

You might want to speak with some of the other am girls who train with him and travel from a distance.

 

[liz]

I have been taping alot of material... There are NO am guys here... only a few older gentlemen and ladies... Everyone does social stuff. I guess it could be worse... The flight to Atlanta from here is about an hour and it is direct... Don't have to worry about the weather that much down in the south.

 

[liz]

You might want to speak with some of the other am girls who train with him and travel from a distance.

I should talk to some of the other ladies... Eddie and Karren Angell are partners as well.. I am going for the 9 dance as well...Guess she would be a good place to start.

 

[fascination]

welcome liz...eddie is certainly worth the drive...and I would start with asking him..ie is there some other pro locally who has views that are in line with his etc...and also ask around at his studio about others who live out your way...good luck...btw, I did dance at hotlanta and loved it but I don't beleive we met

 

[liz]

Hotlanta was a crazy week for me... I don't know if I will try to work and dance again for awhile... You right, Eddie is the best guy. The sad truth is I live in a small city, about a 100 miles from Memphis,TN...Every teacher is itless that far... I take it that you do Standard? I have taken a few lessons from Jorge Muller.. He is also at Academy Ballroom. I Met Jim Morranto once when he came in to Tupelo for a camp... He has really helped me with my smooth.

 

[mamboqueen]

I should talk to some of the other ladies... Eddie and Karren Angell are partners as well.. I am going for the 9 dance as well...Guess she would be a good place to start.

Karen is who I was thinking about. She's a gorgeous dancer. I really enjoy watching her...especially her mambo!

 

[fascination]

Hotlanta was a crazy week for me... I don't know if I will try to work and dance again for awhile... You right, Eddie is the best guy. The sad truth is I live in a small city, about a 100 miles from Memphis,TN...Every teacher is itless that far... I take it that you do Standard? I have taken a few lessons from Jorge Muller.. He is also at Academy Ballroom. I Met Jim Morranto once when he came in to Tupelo for a camp... He has really helped me with my smooth.

jim marranto is impressive...actually, I do all 4 styles but smooth and standard are where my heart is

 

[liz]

girl, I am doing good to do the american styles. Just starting on standard... Jim is really great. I think it is because I am southern... He just really kids around with me... He and I talk usually once a month... He has been helping me with decisions, He is a great guy.

 

[liz]

the Mambo is Eddie's speciality... He and Anna were world champ. mambo... Anna is amazing to watch too.