Sometimes I just want to go where everyone knows my name ...
and they're always glad I came!
So, when I heard the FAAABULOUS mid-west pros, Lori Wahl Rousar & Ryan Dobbins, would be giving workshops in Pittsburgh, it was a no-brainer!
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| Lori dancing with Mike Oblack |
Unlike a lot of places where pros are put up on a pedestal ... in the mid-west the pros are our friends.
But, it's more than that ... these two Ohio natives are excellent and seasoned teachers with a proven track record of success. Their students do well.
AND, even more than that, Pittsburgh is a beautiful and magical place ..."you want to be where you can see our (west coast swing dance) troubles are all the same!"
Before describing the exceptional workshop schedule that we enjoyed last Saturday, there is a very important announcement to be made.
Victoria Andromalos-Dale
& Frank Blakemore are getting MAAARRIED!!!
Actually, this was not really a surprise. As soon as Pittsburgh's most desirable bachelor and the lovely Princess Victoria started dating ... everyone knew how this would turn out.
These two just had that certain something together that makes fairy tales have happy endings.❤
Another couple I was pleased to see, Maria Paoff & Jeff Wormwald, drove in from Syracuse, NY. They are ALSO engaged!☺
They are part of another wonderful, growing dance community.
Lucky for them, California dance pro, Pj Fritzler, recently moved there and is helping their local scene.
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| Lori dancing with Robert Kronkhite |
But ... back to our regularly scheduled program!
The workshops and dance were held at the gorgeous Absolute Ballroom Dance Center. This is an AAAwesome studio in Pittsburgh with a light and airy feeling. Its' storefront windows let in an abundance of light and a view from the outside in for anyone who cares to join.
Located in the city center, it has the added advantage of being near historic Market Square which dates back to 1784. There are lots of restaurants and shopping nearby.
http://absoluteballroomdancecenter.com
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| Ryan dancing with Katherine Wren |
Simple styling and syncopation ideas were offered that could be used independently of the partner. They offered ideas for accenting the music and developing angles in body motion.
https://youtu.be/t9cRTvnzWhQ
The second workshop of the day was: "Communicating Through Partnership"
This workshop was all about using your weight transitions to communicate with your partner. The bonus here was getting to work with the ride and a one-foot spin!
https://youtu.be/QwVCKf_rsRM
The dinner break followed and almost everyone went to "BCGR" for gourmet designer burgers.
We all sat outside during the lovely summer evening and chatted like we knew each other all our lives. The location and restaurant had a very "downtown" feel. Perfect for westies!
http://brgrpgh.com/
After dinner there was one more workshop:
"Music Guides Your Movement."
It was sooooo much fun! This is the right kind of workshop to have after a big dinner and before a BIGGER night of dancing. We never get enough of musicality!
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| Katie dancing with Michael Stern |
Katie adds a touch of professionalism to the dance community and is another example of the mid-west talent that is rising to the national level.
There were three birthdays and THREE BIRTHDAY DANCES to highlight the night!
One birthday belonged to Katie, above.
And birthday boy:
Jake Restanio left, dancing with Katherine Wren.
(I can't remember what I used to do on birthdays before dancing ... it wasn't anywhere near as memorable!)
A beautiful chocolate cake was served and shared with the guests.
There was an AAAwesome demo by Lori & Ryan that showed all the possibilities of the workshops. Check out the video: Ryan showed us what a dare DEVIL he is!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVnQndzC7Zc&t=12s
The Pittsburgh community began with Stephanie (McHenry) and Aaron Batista who were married at the time. When they needed to step away, Brad & Sarah stepped into the breach.
Nobody is nicer and more generous with their dances than this couple.
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| Ryan dancing with Yubin Kim |
There were soooo many AAAmazing dances during the evening.
It was a such a pleasure to spend precious dance moments with some of my fAAAvorite partners in the world.
As far as I'm concerned, the mid-west has the best.♡
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| Randy dancing with Eileen Ball |
He's as important to the Pittsburgh west coast swing community as Mt. Rushmore is to the Dakotas!
A lot of people in a lot of places have never thought about dancing in Pittsburgh.
Then they meet Randy.
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| Left: Sheila Piechowicz dancing with Jake Restiano Right: Lauren Stoffer dancing with Michael Gehrling |
Why is the Pittsburgh community sooooo special?
The big reason is that they make everyone feel at home.
Local dance leaders and teachers Brad & Sarah Wheeler, Frankie Blakemore & Victoria A-D, Dr. Randy, Lauren Stoffer, May Oliphant, Amanda Peters, CJ Stockdale ... participate with joy ... that's why Pittsburgh westies are growing in leaps and bounds.
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| Sou Kwei Arndt and (Mystery Man) |
Pittsburgh dancers ... like the rest of the mid-west ... have:
☺good basic skills
☺excellent floor craft
and
☺sophisticated qualities in their dance.
These people are very friendly and easy to be around.
☺No pretense
☺No cliques
☺No snobbery
Just GOOOOOOOD dances!
Pennsylvania is a beautiful state to drive thru. Wide open farmland with BIG red barns and farm stands ...fields of cows, sheep and goats. Mountains with majestic views. It's a peaceful journey.
I am madly in love with Pittsburgh! This place has boat filled rivers, bright yellow arch bridges ... forested hills and deep tunnels.
The architecture seems to be a crazy mix of Gothic spires and columns ... opened with modern light filled glass. A vision of the future created in the past. And the best place to view is from the Mt. Washington section of town.
The mid-west is my dance home and I really appreciate that they always welcome me in their community. As Jeff and Maria found out, they will welcome everyone the same way.
Lori & Ryan ... for highlighting this event with excellent teaching skills and ideas. (Special thanx to Ryan for a personal epiphany!)
Your friendliness and kindness made the event that much more fun!!!
(https://www.facebook.com/groups/pghwcs/)
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