.jpg) |
| PJ Turner & Jill DeMarco |
"CITY OF ANGELS SWING" should be the title of our movie and win an AAAcademy AAAward!
Who needs the BIG screen to be entertained?
We've got plenty of our own SUPER Stars, music and DRAMA!!!
.jpg) |
| PJ Turner & MC Tara Trafzer |
Check out the headliners:
Benji Schwimmer & Torri Smith, Kyle Redd & Sarah Vann Drake, Ben Morris & Jennifer DeLuca, Myles & Tessa Munroe, Parker Dearborn & Melissa Rutz, Sean McKeever & Courtney Adair, Ben McHenry & Cameo Cross, Lee Easton & Fabienne Henshall, PJ Turner & Tashina Beckmann.
Every song inspired ... each DJ brought a different flair.
-2.jpg) |
| Dan Rowland & Ting Ting Wu |
Who needs romance, mystery, fantasy ... when we have dance COMPETITION!!!
.jpg)
At COA, everyone is part of the show.
We are the performers & the audience.
What musical production can possibly top ProAm Routines, Rising Star, Showcase and Classic?
.jpg)
This event was very well run ... with wonderful workshops, a balanced mix of competition, performance and plenty of SOCIAL DANCE all day and night.
.jpg)
.jpg)
Joyce and I got up early on Friday morning and drove over to the Santa Monica Pier which was only about a 20 min drive from the hotel. We took the "scenic route" thru neighborhoods which looked just like a California version Gramercy Park in Manhattan.
Since it was early, we were able to park in the hourly lot and the place was not yet crowded with tourists. The pier has the usual attractions. What made this visit worthwhile is that we got to watch a pod of dolphins leisurely swim by.
Then, we found a very cool place to have brunch.
"The Blue Daisy" was a unique, chic neighborhood spot with outdoor seating both in front and out back.
What an excellent meal! It will be remembered for a long time!
I had a giant egg & salmon crepe which came with a salad.
Joyce had salmon Eggs Benedict. The salmon was probably the best we've ever tasted. The greens in the salad were fit to be served in heaven.
http://www.bluedaisycafe.com
Friday's activities started with workshops at 1pm, with Ben McHenry & Cameo Cross which we missed.
However, we were in time for Parker Dearborn & Melissa Rutz.
This was a pattern based lesson with some fun styling & syncopation.
The material was really good, particularly the syncopation on the anchor that Melissa showed.
Sometimes I take workshops and then wonder what I really got. This stuff was useful immediately.
The highlight of the day, however, was Benji Schwimmer's workshop.
He asked us what we wanted to work on.
Sometimes, we don't know ... what we don't know!
Then, someone asks a question and we realize they are putting something into words that we are feeling and don't know how to approach.
In this case, most people wanted to discuss "pitch" and it was interesting to consider all the ways this subject affects our ability to dance.
ProAm Strictlies were held at 4pm. There were about 30 entrants.
Chuck Brown (left) was in Tucson and Phoenix in March and everyone loved working with him.
Moreover, he took great care of his students then, and at COA as he prepared them for ProAms, Strictlies and J&Js.
The ProAm Routine division was to be held after but since there was only one routine (and it was a mature piece of work) Lewis Chan got to perform with his pro partner, Sarah Vann Drake in the Saturday night show (more later).
Friday night also held the Strictlies, including Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters and Allstar/Champions.
What was immediately obvious to those of us from other regions ... is how high the level is.
California Novice is Intermediate everywhere else. California Intermediate is Advanced everywhere else.
And Allstar? They are really great and there are so many of them that they don't even know how great they are! That's John K. Piper, above. The Tucson club had him in for workshops and raved about him. My best dance at COA of the entire weekend was with this guy!
As people arrived throughout Friday evening, the energy just magnified with excitement.
-2.jpg)
Late night dancing was intense! Everyone was friendly and happy to dance with all levels.
The true highlight for Friday night however was:
In-N-Out Burger cookout trailers ... as well as an ice cream and pastry trailer ... were set up by the outside ballroom doors.
What a great idea! So COOL, fresh and kitschy!!!
.jpg)
Saturday morning started with workshops.
Sean McKeever & Courtney Adair started off the schedule, which was just too early for me.
They said they are about to announce details about a new event.
.jpg)
Myles & Tessa Munroe followed and are always good.
They rarely make it to there east coast and it was a pleasure to attend their workshop. One of the very 1st private lessons I ever had was with Tessa and I still have those notes.
Myles had an injury and was a bit limited in what he could actually do that weekend.
.jpg)
I would have liked to take the Kyle & Sarah workshop.
They always include some profound nugget of information.
But it was scheduled too close to Jack n' Jills and I needed lunch.
Many of us wish there was a little more time between workshops and competitions.
Jack n' Jills followed.
There were nearly 3 times as many followers as leaders in Novice and twice as many in Intermediate.
The level was extreme! Both Novice & Intermediate divisions had semis.
Judging was very careful.
Masters was an unusually large division with quite a cross-section of levels.
This is the trend around the country.
There is real growth of this division. Many events are splitting it into Novice and Open.
Most of us older dancers feel that Masters is a GIFT. We get another chance to be looked at by the judges.
There was a "Red Carpet Dress to Impress" theme before the evening routines were presented and people enjoyed posing for pictures.
.jpg)
Saturday night opened with the ProAm routine by Lewis Chan & Sarah Vann Drake.
Since this was their final performance ... after a YEAR of hard work ... it was fitting that it should be part of the show.
Lewis' son Patrick, brought Canada the Silver Medal in Skating at the 2014 Olympics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Chan
This guy knows what it takes to become a champion.
.jpg)
What followed was an adorable performance.
These siblings weren't just cute, they showed teamwork and courage.
.jpg)
Rising Star had 3 routines and they were all wonderful.
But for me, Tip West & Teveya Dovbish were the real standouts.
They would be hailed as SWING HEROS in many places of the country and world.
This fusion of west coast and lindy was partially choreographed by Ben Morris and partially self-choreographed. They need to bring this routine to the east coast ... where it would be appreciated most.
-2.jpg)
Many people in America are not very familiar with Nick King. The guy is just fascinating to watch! Nick performed a Showcase routine with Cameo Cross which was wonderful ... the highlight being when Nick used ONE ARM to pick up Cameo (like she was a teacup) ... I just want to know: how many pounds can Nick bench press?
.jpg)
In Classic, we got to see the famous "Devil in the Blue Dress" routine with Cameo and Ben McHenry. The performance was wonderful ... but ... the DRESS!
.jpg)
I could not believe that I was honored to witness the last time Ben Morris & Jennifer DeLuca performed together.
Jen has reached a milestone in her career and is now retired from NASDE competition.
I've seen the routine before but this time was the best it's ever been.
I've watched Jen develop from the time she first partnered with Arjay Centeno. Steadily, she grew as a teacher, dancer and performer.
It's as if her soul grew right along with everything else.
The partnership with Ben seemed odd at 1st, particularly in contrast to Arjay. It wasn't long before I could see the genius of the combination.
I'm just sad that we won't be treated to anymore of their wonderful routines.
The Champion Jack n' Jill is my favorite division.
Random combinations produce moments of brilliance as well as entertaining pairings and koooooky interpretations!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFDUM_waGdo
Nothing is ever better than Benji ... and we were delighted when he drew Tashina. She can match his wackiness! (in Finals, Benji drew Melissa Rutz and placed 3rd)
The event pass included breakfast late on Saturday night. This was no cut-rate deal. The hotel went all out with with amount and quality of food. They took pride in doing this well. Tables were set out and we were made to feel comfortable.
.jpg)
When I saw that Lee Easton & Fab (Fabienne) Henshall were on staff, I wondered why Ronnie would hire someone all the way from the UK when there are so many outstanding dance professionals in California.
So, Sunday morning I dragged myself to the ballroom and took their workshop ... then I understood. This pair of teachers need to be in America more often. We worked with the basics and reinventing ourselves. The dance is evolving. Some of the skills we have acquired need to be updated.
They also addressed some of the issues they had seen in the Jack n' Jills on Saturday which they judged. I really felt they were giving us a clue about what they expected. It was eye-opening.
.jpg)
PJ Turner & Tashina Beckmann were next up and gave a very useful set of patterns.
Their focus was on varying direction by angling the slot and adding level change.
What I liked about this workshop is how both PJ and Tashina paid attention to how we were doing with the material.
It was very useful and relevant information.
Sunday afternoon was all about finals.
Alex Diekmann (with Cornelia Pluess) got to represent the Tucson Swing Club in Novice!
-5.jpg)
It's a very big deal to make finals in California and I really enjoyed seeing people from my home town do well.
.jpg)
This guy has always been one of the most popular dancers in Tucson.
He is not just a great dancer, he has always been the kindest person on the dance floor.
I had to leave early and missed the rest of finals.
Next year, I will not miss the Sunday night pool-after-party!
The event is held the Sheraton Gateway, right by LAX and there is a free shuttle. There are the usual amenities as well as an outdoor pool (a phenomenon in most of America). And there was a Sunday evening pool after-party.
I'll say this about the hotel, they've got a great bar!
It was a pleasant place to hang out after a busy Saturday.
Excellent and quick food/service. (If you forget your cork screw, the waitresses are happy to oblige.) There is also a good wine selection by the glass.
Sunday, after workshops, Joyce and I took a walk over to Sepulveda ... turned right ... and found Ralph's grocery store.
It was in a strip mall with lots of shops and fast food types of cafes.
The most interesting part was watching the planes land right over our heads!
In the time it took to walk two blocks, I saw 3 planes quickly descend from the sky and fly over ... a whole lot closer than I expected.
COA is one of the "smaller" California events, like Monterey Swingfest and Jack & Jill O'Rama.
We get so much more out of this kind of experience.
-2.jpg)
It's easier to meet the local dancers, workshops are more interactive, and we can dance and chat with the pros.
There is a real feeling of accessibility.
People don't just travel to have fun. Often there are few dance professionals where they live or they're frustrated and need fresh input.
Special THANX to all my Arizona and California friends who make me feel welcome every time I come back!
It's a big deal for many of us to come out to California for a dance convention ...
We are the performers & the audience.
What musical production can possibly top ProAm Routines, Rising Star, Showcase and Classic?
.jpg)
This event was very well run ... with wonderful workshops, a balanced mix of competition, performance and plenty of SOCIAL DANCE all day and night.
.jpg)
Although I live in New Jersey where winter is like Siberia, I'm originally from Tucson, Arizona and come home frequently. I get to be part of the Tucson and Phoenix communities at Arizona and California dance events.
My friend Joyce Fisher (who lives in St. Louis) and I arranged to meet at LAX on Thursday morning. Never mind checking into the hotel. We rented a car and headed straight to the sun drenched beach!
Joyce and I had lunch at "The Cliff" in Laguna. We had an ocean view table to enjoy our FRESH fish tacos, quesadilla and sweet potato fries.
Maybe it's my imagination, but everything tastes better in California!
.jpg)
After lunch, we strolled the beach and checked out the shops and views.
Not a cloud in the sky.
Then we took our time leisurely driving back up the coast along Hwy 1 thru Huntington Beach and Newport.
I hadn't seen this much sun since Monterey Swingfest!
http://itwirlland.blogspot.com/2015/01/monterey-swingfest-2015.html
The weekend started out with both a beginner and intermediate lesson by Ben Morris ... who usually runs a dance at Atomic Ballroom on Thursday nights. About 75 people came for the lesson and at least 100 came to dance after. It was really fun because so many of the attendees were local. http://atomicballroom.com
My friend Joyce Fisher (who lives in St. Louis) and I arranged to meet at LAX on Thursday morning. Never mind checking into the hotel. We rented a car and headed straight to the sun drenched beach!
Joyce and I had lunch at "The Cliff" in Laguna. We had an ocean view table to enjoy our FRESH fish tacos, quesadilla and sweet potato fries.
Maybe it's my imagination, but everything tastes better in California!
After lunch, we strolled the beach and checked out the shops and views.
Not a cloud in the sky.
Then we took our time leisurely driving back up the coast along Hwy 1 thru Huntington Beach and Newport.
I hadn't seen this much sun since Monterey Swingfest!
http://itwirlland.blogspot.com/2015/01/monterey-swingfest-2015.html
.jpg)
Joyce and I got up early on Friday morning and drove over to the Santa Monica Pier which was only about a 20 min drive from the hotel. We took the "scenic route" thru neighborhoods which looked just like a California version Gramercy Park in Manhattan.
Since it was early, we were able to park in the hourly lot and the place was not yet crowded with tourists. The pier has the usual attractions. What made this visit worthwhile is that we got to watch a pod of dolphins leisurely swim by.
"The Blue Daisy" was a unique, chic neighborhood spot with outdoor seating both in front and out back.What an excellent meal! It will be remembered for a long time!
I had a giant egg & salmon crepe which came with a salad.
Joyce had salmon Eggs Benedict. The salmon was probably the best we've ever tasted. The greens in the salad were fit to be served in heaven.
http://www.bluedaisycafe.com
-2.jpg) |
This was a pattern based lesson with some fun styling & syncopation.
The material was really good, particularly the syncopation on the anchor that Melissa showed.
Sometimes I take workshops and then wonder what I really got. This stuff was useful immediately.
-4.jpg) |
| Benji with Sarah Vann Drake |
He asked us what we wanted to work on.
Sometimes, we don't know ... what we don't know!
Then, someone asks a question and we realize they are putting something into words that we are feeling and don't know how to approach.
In this case, most people wanted to discuss "pitch" and it was interesting to consider all the ways this subject affects our ability to dance.
 |
| Chuck Brown with Anna-Lena Schlenner |
ProAm Strictlies were held at 4pm. There were about 30 entrants.
Chuck Brown (left) was in Tucson and Phoenix in March and everyone loved working with him.
Moreover, he took great care of his students then, and at COA as he prepared them for ProAms, Strictlies and J&Js.
.jpg) |
| Kz Amital-Crawford & Emi Hiwatari |
Friday night also held the Strictlies, including Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters and Allstar/Champions.
What was immediately obvious to those of us from other regions ... is how high the level is.
California Novice is Intermediate everywhere else. California Intermediate is Advanced everywhere else.
And Allstar? They are really great and there are so many of them that they don't even know how great they are! That's John K. Piper, above. The Tucson club had him in for workshops and raved about him. My best dance at COA of the entire weekend was with this guy!
Finally ... time for City of Angels!
-2.jpg)
The true highlight for Friday night however was: In-N-Out Burger cookout trailers ... as well as an ice cream and pastry trailer ... were set up by the outside ballroom doors.
What a great idea! So COOL, fresh and kitschy!!!
Saturday morning started with workshops.
Sean McKeever & Courtney Adair started off the schedule, which was just too early for me.
They said they are about to announce details about a new event.
Myles & Tessa Munroe followed and are always good.
They rarely make it to there east coast and it was a pleasure to attend their workshop. One of the very 1st private lessons I ever had was with Tessa and I still have those notes.
Myles had an injury and was a bit limited in what he could actually do that weekend.
I would have liked to take the Kyle & Sarah workshop.
They always include some profound nugget of information.
But it was scheduled too close to Jack n' Jills and I needed lunch.
Many of us wish there was a little more time between workshops and competitions.
.jpg) |
| 3rd Place Intermediate, Kevin Rafter & Emily Allen-Rose |
There were nearly 3 times as many followers as leaders in Novice and twice as many in Intermediate.
The level was extreme! Both Novice & Intermediate divisions had semis.
Judging was very careful.
.jpg) |
| Patrick Plagens & Carrie Lucas (left); Gary Thompson & Tina Slusher (right) |
.jpg) |
| Tip West & Trish Connery-Walkup |
This is the trend around the country.
There is real growth of this division. Many events are splitting it into Novice and Open.
Most of us older dancers feel that Masters is a GIFT. We get another chance to be looked at by the judges.
 |
| Joyce, Me, Melody Yeo & Ronnie D. |
.jpg)
Since this was their final performance ... after a YEAR of hard work ... it was fitting that it should be part of the show.
Lewis' son Patrick, brought Canada the Silver Medal in Skating at the 2014 Olympics.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patrick_Chan
This guy knows what it takes to become a champion.
.jpg)
What followed was an adorable performance.
These siblings weren't just cute, they showed teamwork and courage.
.jpg)
But for me, Tip West & Teveya Dovbish were the real standouts.
They would be hailed as SWING HEROS in many places of the country and world.
This fusion of west coast and lindy was partially choreographed by Ben Morris and partially self-choreographed. They need to bring this routine to the east coast ... where it would be appreciated most.
-2.jpg)
Many people in America are not very familiar with Nick King. The guy is just fascinating to watch! Nick performed a Showcase routine with Cameo Cross which was wonderful ... the highlight being when Nick used ONE ARM to pick up Cameo (like she was a teacup) ... I just want to know: how many pounds can Nick bench press?
.jpg)
In Classic, we got to see the famous "Devil in the Blue Dress" routine with Cameo and Ben McHenry. The performance was wonderful ... but ... the DRESS!
.jpg)
I could not believe that I was honored to witness the last time Ben Morris & Jennifer DeLuca performed together.
Jen has reached a milestone in her career and is now retired from NASDE competition.
I've seen the routine before but this time was the best it's ever been.
It's as if her soul grew right along with everything else.
The partnership with Ben seemed odd at 1st, particularly in contrast to Arjay. It wasn't long before I could see the genius of the combination.
I'm just sad that we won't be treated to anymore of their wonderful routines.
.jpg) |
| Champion JJ Prelim |
The Champion Jack n' Jill is my favorite division.
Random combinations produce moments of brilliance as well as entertaining pairings and koooooky interpretations!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BFDUM_waGdo
Nothing is ever better than Benji ... and we were delighted when he drew Tashina. She can match his wackiness! (in Finals, Benji drew Melissa Rutz and placed 3rd)
.jpg)
When I saw that Lee Easton & Fab (Fabienne) Henshall were on staff, I wondered why Ronnie would hire someone all the way from the UK when there are so many outstanding dance professionals in California.
So, Sunday morning I dragged myself to the ballroom and took their workshop ... then I understood. This pair of teachers need to be in America more often. We worked with the basics and reinventing ourselves. The dance is evolving. Some of the skills we have acquired need to be updated.
They also addressed some of the issues they had seen in the Jack n' Jills on Saturday which they judged. I really felt they were giving us a clue about what they expected. It was eye-opening.
.jpg)
PJ Turner & Tashina Beckmann were next up and gave a very useful set of patterns.
Their focus was on varying direction by angling the slot and adding level change.
What I liked about this workshop is how both PJ and Tashina paid attention to how we were doing with the material.
It was very useful and relevant information.
Alex Diekmann (with Cornelia Pluess) got to represent the Tucson Swing Club in Novice!
-5.jpg)
It's a very big deal to make finals in California and I really enjoyed seeing people from my home town do well.
.jpg)
Ricky Barfield represented Tucson in Intermediate finals with Anissa Upton.
This guy has always been one of the most popular dancers in Tucson.
He is not just a great dancer, he has always been the kindest person on the dance floor.
I had to leave early and missed the rest of finals.
Next year, I will not miss the Sunday night pool-after-party!
It was a pleasant place to hang out after a busy Saturday.
Excellent and quick food/service. (If you forget your cork screw, the waitresses are happy to oblige.) There is also a good wine selection by the glass.
Sunday, after workshops, Joyce and I took a walk over to Sepulveda ... turned right ... and found Ralph's grocery store.
It was in a strip mall with lots of shops and fast food types of cafes.
The most interesting part was watching the planes land right over our heads!
In the time it took to walk two blocks, I saw 3 planes quickly descend from the sky and fly over ... a whole lot closer than I expected.
.jpg)
We get so much more out of this kind of experience.
-2.jpg)
It's easier to meet the local dancers, workshops are more interactive, and we can dance and chat with the pros.
There is a real feeling of accessibility.
People don't just travel to have fun. Often there are few dance professionals where they live or they're frustrated and need fresh input.
It's a big deal for many of us to come out to California for a dance convention ...
BUT ... Ronnie & Brandi ... IT'S WORTH IT!!!
.jpg){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment