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| Photographer: Texas Tornado - Jasmine Williams |
DERBY CITY SWING IN LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY COULD BE THE SEASON KICK-OFF OF THE TRIPLE CROWN!
HIGH END HORSE RACING AND WEST COAST SWING DANCE CONVENTIONS HAVE A LOT IN COMMON.
Everyone Gets ALL DRESSED up ...
There's lots of socializing ...
Plenty of Exciting Competitions ...
AND you can SPEND just as much MONEY!$!
There's lots of socializing ...
Plenty of Exciting Competitions ...
AND you can SPEND just as much MONEY!$!
Check out the Pros!
Brian Barakauskas, (Event Director), Mario Robau, Matt & Crystal Auclair, Rebecca Ludwick & Kris Swearingen, Maren Oslac, Jason Miklic & Sophy Kdep, Doug Rousar, Jim & Kelli Rainey, Louis Schreiber and Lori Wahl Rousar.
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| Steve & Toni Carroll |
The REAL news, however, was the DJs.
Toni Carroll … OMG!!!
Where has she been all our lives?
She plays her hunches … and she’s right!!!
Her POP (Ron Compton) ain’t too shabby, neither!
Tim is a regional favorite DJ.
He puts on a great music selection ...
very mainstream and reads the room very well.
I've never heard a complaint!
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| Carpio with Crystal Smith, 1st Place ProAm Strictly Novice |
Carpio is more funky … and a little off-beat.
A great DJ anytime ...
but he's got that cool late night groove.
We like that.
Fresh as a night blooming orchid!
Upon arriving in Louisville, I immediately met that old southern charm. Everything is brighter and everyone takes it just a little bit slower.
Loved getting assistance at the information kiosk in the airport.
They treated me like I’m filthy rich and checking in at the Ritz.
Yep … that’s the south for y’all!
Got to the Crown Plaza very quickly with the airport shuttle, which is located very near Churchill Downs (Kentucky Derby).
Immediately, I ran into Tommy & Renee, hanging around in the lobby.
It seems that one of Renee’s friends had quite the dilemma.
The woman … apparently a hotsy totsy “50-ish” ... was dating a 70 year old fart who couldn't seem to “Close the Deal.” So, Prince Charming offered her special seats at the Superbowl if she attended and …. wink-wink.
Not since the 1950’s have we seen such a buncha male chauvinist PIGS.
The post comments were full of adolescent guffaws by these good ole’ “boys.”
If a rare woman had the nerve to speak up … she got thrown back a few decades.
There was a time when these guys could shut you up by saying “can’t you take a joke?” It mighta worked then … but it won’t work now.
Gloria Steinem … what the heck did we burn our bras for?!
More importantly, they were wasting their time in the lobby while the hotel had an excellent pool and gym …
which was my very 1st stop!!!
The workshops were extremely popular. With only one lesson an hour, the ballroom was packed. The floor couldn't hold any more people for Mario Robau (about 100). More workshops … please!
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| Ava McLeod & John McKenny |
This event really needs a Sophisticated or Masters Strictly Division. It felt like 40% of the convention was over 40 years old.
This is where older people can get a second chance to show what they’ve got and another opportunity to be successful.
Masters builds confidence and when an older dancer has gotten thru in the J&J, it seems to correlate with Masters successes.
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| Doug Rousar & Lily Auclair |
It was truly spectacular!!! This was probably the real event highlight.
Brian: Keep that Gal on your staff! She knows what she’s doing.
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| 3rd Place Newcomer: Paul Floro & Jan VanWingerden |
There was Newcomer, Novice, Intermediate and Advanced … but there really should have been a Masters Division and I hope it’s added next year.
With so many older dancers, this division could be so cool!!!
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| Tobe Pilato & Buzz Bunting |
There are many competitors and levels were high.
Most of the people were local or came from the Mid-west with a few notable exceptions from Texas and the DC area.
I knew about half the people at the event from attending others in the region and even drew a couple of guys I've danced with before.
The floor was crowded and difficult to judge.
The event is definately going thru growing pains.
Many of those people rising to the top, presented routines of some sort.
They’ve worked hard. The Mid-west is full of opportunity.
In case you didn’t get to meet them, here is Richard Chung & Nam Lim-Kim (she’s a fashion designer).
Everyone was asking about them. They came from Korea to spend 5 months traveling to dance in America.
Such a pleasure to catch up with them while at Monterey Swingfest and a bonus to find them in Louisville. The best dances of my weekend were with Richard.
Soon they will be going home … where they teach WCS.
They must come here and spend a fortune to participate in something we enjoy in abundance. An American dream.
Even though the hotel is near the airport, there is lots of restaurant options nearby. My favorite St. Louis friends and I headed over to Chili’s. I don’t remember what I ate … but I’ll never forget that Margarita!!!
We got back to the event just in time for Rising Star. It was extra special because it was decided by the audience. As it turned out, the judges were in agreement.
There were very special routines. Very difficult to compare and contrast.
What stood out for me, however was the premier of Melissa Pylant & Ryan Dobbins’ piece to: “To Build A Home” by Cinematic Orchestra. Ryan is a dream partner and Melissa is simply talented.
My favorite routine of all times is the piece done by Nicole Zwerlein & Marlin Jenkins to: "Back to Black" and choreographed by two of my favorite teachers, Jason & Annmarie Marker.
It was more than dance ... to me it was a performance piece presented at a level deserving of a larger stage.
It's exactly what I've always wanted to be able to do. Since I discovered dancing in the Mid-west ... in 2012 ... after becoming very dissatisfied with the inadequate learning environment in the northeastern region, I've watched girls like Nicole blossom into STELLAAAR dancers.
So confident, it feels like her motion drives her presence. Perhaps their example will inspire others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6-D4ttP3dI
The White Party followed. Most people wore white and a blue light atmosphere was created. This seems to be a trend around the country.
White is an excellent theme.
At Spotlight (on left), we were asked to get a signature after each dance.
The ultimate ice-breaker.
Brian B.: how about adding this next year?
Sunday was dedicated to ProAms.
There were quite a few routines as well as Strictlies.
Several children performed with their teachers.
It is remarkable to see how much talent is being developed. These kids are the dance stars of tomorrow.
No one had more students than Matt Auclair! He must be the world’s most famous teacher. There’s a 2 year waiting list to work with this guy! Joyce Fisher is his STAAAR pupil. She placed 3rd in her wonderful ProAm routine to: "You're All That I Need" by Aretha. This is her second routine and she is really getting good!
ProAm Strictlies are common in most of the USA.
Check out Linda Guetterman, one of Matt Auclair’s students.
She got 2nd place in the ProAm strictly as well as made semi’s in Novice.
At Tampa Bay Classic she placed 2nd in the Novice Masters J&J.
A ProAm routine is in the works and all her hard work is paying off. That girl is going to make it!
I love to go to off the beaten path dance conventions. Call me Ms. Adventure! There are so many teachers, dancers and fresh places to enjoy our craft. BUT, I am learning a thing or two about dance travel.
If the convention is not near a major airline hub, you better drive or take the bus! Especially in winter. Some of these places are simply not in the path of airline traffic and are treated as less important than major hubs.
Sunday afternoon, upon trying to leave Louisville, I found that my flight had been cancelled due to weather problems somewhere else. There was no problem in Louisville, nor in NYC and I had a direct flight. But that doesn’t matter. The airlines are incompetent.
United ASSURED me that I could get a flight on Monday … but my gut said “no.” So I looked for a “Plan B.” I grew up in Tucson, AZ so I know how things work in middle America.
Forget about the train … this is the time for the good ole’ bus. Greyhound is an American institution.
Ava McLeod & John McKenney were staying Sunday night and kindly offered me the extra bed in their room.
What a treasure! Lots of time to chat and get to know each other sooooo much better. Love these people.
The Best of the Mid-West!
That evening I went down to the bar for a bite. On my way, I saw the line to check in the hotel was very looooong!
It was SuperBowl time so there were lots of resigned travelers to hang out with in the bar including Shay Patel, who was dying to get home to his gorgeous little girls.
Glen Miller of Swing Dance America fame, was wandering around the hotel too, I had the chance to chat with him earlier in the day.
That’s the good thing about these disasters … it gives you time to catch up.
The next morning, of course, my flight was cancelled again. I wasn’t about to hang around on a wish and a prayer. Ava & John took me to the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Louisville.
We got lost in a questionable part of town … took a tour of the city center … and eventually found it in time.
While waiting for my 10am departure, I had the chance to look around. In front of me in the line was a very large Amish family. As a matter of fact, there were quite a few of them in the station and with lots of luggage. Very interesting people. Quiet … their children were remarkably well behaved.
In my experience, people in the south and west tend to be polite and seem perfectly normal.
Even CRIMINALS.
As I got on the bus I looked forward to peacefully watching the world go by my window … napping … and to writing some Americana inspired poetry. Just a relaxing drive. Yeah, right.
The bus was only about half full and mostly Amish. I settled into my seat and began people watching. In the seat on the other side of my row, was a nice looking young man. An equally nice looking young girl choose to sit next to him. Naturally, a conversation ensued.
His opening pick-up line went something like this: “I just got out a prison on account a drugs.” To her, that must have sounded like sweet nothings because she was just enthralled.
For the next 2 hours, I got to hear the pitiful saga of his life in and out of the joint. I could have put earplugs in, but it was just too interesting to miss!
My route was to take 20 hours and included 5 stops in which I had to get off each time and re-board. Some sort of security precaution.
Our 1st stop was in Cincinnati. More Amish boarded the bus. The jail-bird and his new paramour disappeared and once again, I settled in for some Jack Kerowack-y type writing.
WRONG! A young man boarded and sat in the seat behind me. This one had sunken eyes, tattoos and a bad haircut … like a guest on the Jerry Springer show. This guy was on the phone all the way to our next stop. His 1st phone conversation detailed his explosive temper. Oh boy.
His 2nd conversation was with his sister who called to inform him that his ex-wife was being held at the jail awaiting booking for a robbery and their kids were taken in for child endangerment.
That was just the beginning. I heard the whole sorry tale about growing up in the corn fields … getting married out of high school … getting all messed up on drugs … how she always has to have a man (any man) … how he got out of prison and was trying to better himself by moving to Cleveland.
Next, his “Maw” called to tell him that the ex-wife and her boyfriend were being held on murder charges and they had the kids with them when the crime was committed.
By the time we reached Columbus, this guy was bouncing off the walls with anger and announced to the whole bus that he had "relatives in every prison in the state of Ohio." Someone would get at his ex-wife and her boyfriend for him.
The Amish didn’t flinch. And to think, I could have been at work in my boring Manhattan law firm, putting up with snotty behavior from Harvard graduates!
There I was in Columbus, quietly minding my own business as I waited to re-board the bus with all the Amish. This guy came over and struck up a conversation. (Weirdo Alert!) He looked like a big pear in a VFW jacket and a hat with ear flaps.
He asked me where I was headed. All I said was “New York” … which launched him into a description of all the things I needed to know about getting along in New York City. He then informed me that he just received his Ph.D. in psychology. Suuuuure.
When I got on the bus, I quickly spread all my stuff out on the seat next to me. Made as big a mess – got out my clothes – food – toiletries … you name it! I was NOT going to listen to this guy all the way to Pittsburgh!!! The bus driver was quite nosy and I could see him snickering in the mirror up at the front of the bus.
My phone nemesis went to the back of the bus where everyone could put 3 rows between him and them. He proceeded to babble about his unfortunate life all the way to Wheeling, PA. By now I ready for earplugs and a break from all the drama.
A lot of cities in the America look alike. Same sort of downtown skyline, freeways, bunch of strip malls. Not Pittsburgh. The city is recognizable by the way the land rises and suddenly there is lots of rock.
The view of the river is unmistakable … with charming bridges … surrounded in the interesting art deco-esq architecture … with lots of tunnels to go thru and the feeling you are in a magical place.
Pittsburgh is the edge of the northeast region … sort of a dividing line between the mid-west and northeast. It is also the beginning of travel civilization as far as I’m concerned.
The bus station (with buses to the airport), Amtrak and Megabus are all located downtown. You can get to anywhere from Pittsburgh.
Incidentally, Pittsburgh is where Faith Musko, Frank Blakemore, Randy Peters, the Wheelers, and Kendra Zara all live and are developing a thriving west coast swing community!
There is a really cool dance on Tuesday nights at Absolute Ballroom.
PJ Turner is coming for workshops in April. http://absoluteballroomdancecenter.com/
Upon leaving Pittsburgh, we hit weather. This was really scary. I hoped the bus driver knew what he was doing. Visibility was nil and the snow was really piling up out there. The only thing I could to do was create a codicil to my Will on Facebook, since I had neglected to update it. I have no idea if it was legal.
As we made our way thru the storm, the rest of the journey (about 4 hours) became unremarkable. We stopped in Philadelphia and then went to New York City, arriving at 4am.
Walking thru the streets of NYC at that hour, there was more activity than a lot of places see at 8pm!
So there I am, with my rollerbag and no snow boots, carefully treading the tundra.
When I walked thru the front door to my building … without falling on the ice (by some miracle) … I was never so happy to be home in my life! What a relief. My office needed me on Tuesday morning and I promised I’d be there.
Derby City Swing is a young convention with lots of potential. It’s got all the right stuff. Nice people, pleasant atmosphere, excellent hotel, AAAmazing music, and all my friends like to go there!
Brian B... for a most memorable weekend.
I'll likely return next year since my friend, Joyce Fisher, won a free pass for her ProAm routine award.
BUT, next year I'm driving!
I knew about half the people at the event from attending others in the region and even drew a couple of guys I've danced with before.
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| 3rd Place Novice JJ: Theron Grimsely & Crystal Smith |
The floor was crowded and difficult to judge.
The event is definately going thru growing pains.
Many of those people rising to the top, presented routines of some sort.
They’ve worked hard. The Mid-west is full of opportunity.
Everyone was asking about them. They came from Korea to spend 5 months traveling to dance in America.
Such a pleasure to catch up with them while at Monterey Swingfest and a bonus to find them in Louisville. The best dances of my weekend were with Richard.
Soon they will be going home … where they teach WCS.
They must come here and spend a fortune to participate in something we enjoy in abundance. An American dream.
Even though the hotel is near the airport, there is lots of restaurant options nearby. My favorite St. Louis friends and I headed over to Chili’s. I don’t remember what I ate … but I’ll never forget that Margarita!!!
There were very special routines. Very difficult to compare and contrast.
What stood out for me, however was the premier of Melissa Pylant & Ryan Dobbins’ piece to: “To Build A Home” by Cinematic Orchestra. Ryan is a dream partner and Melissa is simply talented.
It was more than dance ... to me it was a performance piece presented at a level deserving of a larger stage.
It's exactly what I've always wanted to be able to do. Since I discovered dancing in the Mid-west ... in 2012 ... after becoming very dissatisfied with the inadequate learning environment in the northeastern region, I've watched girls like Nicole blossom into STELLAAAR dancers.
So confident, it feels like her motion drives her presence. Perhaps their example will inspire others.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g6-D4ttP3dI
 |
| Doug Rousar & Tommy Gibbs |
White is an excellent theme.
At Spotlight (on left), we were asked to get a signature after each dance.
The ultimate ice-breaker.
Brian B.: how about adding this next year?
Sunday was dedicated to ProAms.
There were quite a few routines as well as Strictlies.
Several children performed with their teachers.
It is remarkable to see how much talent is being developed. These kids are the dance stars of tomorrow.
No one had more students than Matt Auclair! He must be the world’s most famous teacher. There’s a 2 year waiting list to work with this guy! Joyce Fisher is his STAAAR pupil. She placed 3rd in her wonderful ProAm routine to: "You're All That I Need" by Aretha. This is her second routine and she is really getting good!
Check out Linda Guetterman, one of Matt Auclair’s students.
She got 2nd place in the ProAm strictly as well as made semi’s in Novice.
At Tampa Bay Classic she placed 2nd in the Novice Masters J&J.
A ProAm routine is in the works and all her hard work is paying off. That girl is going to make it!
If the convention is not near a major airline hub, you better drive or take the bus! Especially in winter. Some of these places are simply not in the path of airline traffic and are treated as less important than major hubs.
Sunday afternoon, upon trying to leave Louisville, I found that my flight had been cancelled due to weather problems somewhere else. There was no problem in Louisville, nor in NYC and I had a direct flight. But that doesn’t matter. The airlines are incompetent.
United ASSURED me that I could get a flight on Monday … but my gut said “no.” So I looked for a “Plan B.” I grew up in Tucson, AZ so I know how things work in middle America.
Forget about the train … this is the time for the good ole’ bus. Greyhound is an American institution.
What a treasure! Lots of time to chat and get to know each other sooooo much better. Love these people.
The Best of the Mid-West!
That evening I went down to the bar for a bite. On my way, I saw the line to check in the hotel was very looooong!
 |
| Shay and Nicole Szulc in Advanced JJ Finals |
That’s the good thing about these disasters … it gives you time to catch up.
The next morning, of course, my flight was cancelled again. I wasn’t about to hang around on a wish and a prayer. Ava & John took me to the Greyhound Bus Station in downtown Louisville.
We got lost in a questionable part of town … took a tour of the city center … and eventually found it in time.
 |
| Greyhound Bus Station |
In my experience, people in the south and west tend to be polite and seem perfectly normal.
Even CRIMINALS.
As I got on the bus I looked forward to peacefully watching the world go by my window … napping … and to writing some Americana inspired poetry. Just a relaxing drive. Yeah, right.
The bus was only about half full and mostly Amish. I settled into my seat and began people watching. In the seat on the other side of my row, was a nice looking young man. An equally nice looking young girl choose to sit next to him. Naturally, a conversation ensued.
His opening pick-up line went something like this: “I just got out a prison on account a drugs.” To her, that must have sounded like sweet nothings because she was just enthralled.
For the next 2 hours, I got to hear the pitiful saga of his life in and out of the joint. I could have put earplugs in, but it was just too interesting to miss!
My route was to take 20 hours and included 5 stops in which I had to get off each time and re-board. Some sort of security precaution.
Our 1st stop was in Cincinnati. More Amish boarded the bus. The jail-bird and his new paramour disappeared and once again, I settled in for some Jack Kerowack-y type writing.
WRONG! A young man boarded and sat in the seat behind me. This one had sunken eyes, tattoos and a bad haircut … like a guest on the Jerry Springer show. This guy was on the phone all the way to our next stop. His 1st phone conversation detailed his explosive temper. Oh boy.
His 2nd conversation was with his sister who called to inform him that his ex-wife was being held at the jail awaiting booking for a robbery and their kids were taken in for child endangerment.
That was just the beginning. I heard the whole sorry tale about growing up in the corn fields … getting married out of high school … getting all messed up on drugs … how she always has to have a man (any man) … how he got out of prison and was trying to better himself by moving to Cleveland.
Next, his “Maw” called to tell him that the ex-wife and her boyfriend were being held on murder charges and they had the kids with them when the crime was committed.
Worse, no one knew exactly where the kids were!
By the time we reached Columbus, this guy was bouncing off the walls with anger and announced to the whole bus that he had "relatives in every prison in the state of Ohio." Someone would get at his ex-wife and her boyfriend for him.
The Amish didn’t flinch. And to think, I could have been at work in my boring Manhattan law firm, putting up with snotty behavior from Harvard graduates!
There I was in Columbus, quietly minding my own business as I waited to re-board the bus with all the Amish. This guy came over and struck up a conversation. (Weirdo Alert!) He looked like a big pear in a VFW jacket and a hat with ear flaps.
He asked me where I was headed. All I said was “New York” … which launched him into a description of all the things I needed to know about getting along in New York City. He then informed me that he just received his Ph.D. in psychology. Suuuuure.
When I got on the bus, I quickly spread all my stuff out on the seat next to me. Made as big a mess – got out my clothes – food – toiletries … you name it! I was NOT going to listen to this guy all the way to Pittsburgh!!! The bus driver was quite nosy and I could see him snickering in the mirror up at the front of the bus.
My phone nemesis went to the back of the bus where everyone could put 3 rows between him and them. He proceeded to babble about his unfortunate life all the way to Wheeling, PA. By now I ready for earplugs and a break from all the drama.
A lot of cities in the America look alike. Same sort of downtown skyline, freeways, bunch of strip malls. Not Pittsburgh. The city is recognizable by the way the land rises and suddenly there is lots of rock.
The view of the river is unmistakable … with charming bridges … surrounded in the interesting art deco-esq architecture … with lots of tunnels to go thru and the feeling you are in a magical place.
Pittsburgh is the edge of the northeast region … sort of a dividing line between the mid-west and northeast. It is also the beginning of travel civilization as far as I’m concerned.
The bus station (with buses to the airport), Amtrak and Megabus are all located downtown. You can get to anywhere from Pittsburgh.
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| Randy Peters with Crystal Auclair, ProAm Strictly Intermed 1st Place |
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| Faith & Kendra |
PJ Turner is coming for workshops in April. http://absoluteballroomdancecenter.com/
Upon leaving Pittsburgh, we hit weather. This was really scary. I hoped the bus driver knew what he was doing. Visibility was nil and the snow was really piling up out there. The only thing I could to do was create a codicil to my Will on Facebook, since I had neglected to update it. I have no idea if it was legal.
As we made our way thru the storm, the rest of the journey (about 4 hours) became unremarkable. We stopped in Philadelphia and then went to New York City, arriving at 4am.
Walking thru the streets of NYC at that hour, there was more activity than a lot of places see at 8pm!
I love New York City.
I made my way to the New Jersey train and upon finally arriving in Journal Square, I discovered the place was a frozen sheet of ice. These people refuse to put down salt and shovel. They just throw the garbage on top of the snow and ignore it. So there I am, with my rollerbag and no snow boots, carefully treading the tundra.
When I walked thru the front door to my building … without falling on the ice (by some miracle) … I was never so happy to be home in my life! What a relief. My office needed me on Tuesday morning and I promised I’d be there.
Derby City Swing is a young convention with lots of potential. It’s got all the right stuff. Nice people, pleasant atmosphere, excellent hotel, AAAmazing music, and all my friends like to go there!
Brian B... for a most memorable weekend.
I'll likely return next year since my friend, Joyce Fisher, won a free pass for her ProAm routine award.
BUT, next year I'm driving!
