Not since the COLONIES dumped a whole bunch of TEA in Boston harbor back in 1773 ... has there been an event of such EPIC proportions as last weekend's visit by MICHAEL KIEHM!
But this was a 1st for DG!
The Legendary Michael Kiehm & his partner, Sue Fries, brought us an inspiring set of lessons including a fusion of Argentine Tango, west coast swing, and Nightclub 2-step.
The event included a gourmet dinner and a dance!
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| Margo Trocka, Hudson Valley, NY |
People drove in from all over the region.
Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Vermont, New York State, New York City, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.
DESPITE a snow storm!
What an OUTRAAAGEOUS OPPORTUNITY! It's very rare to be able to learn from a Master-MASTER in an intimate setting. We were all up close and personal ... enabling us to glean nuance and tone.
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| Tony Kord |
His style leans toward a close embrace in everything he teaches and dances.
Men learn to dance (usually) because they are looking for women. (Or significant other.)
This style of dance seems to do the trick. It's more intimate and appeals to EVERYONE!
TOM JOHNSON is the creative genius behind DG.
Sure ... loves the dance.
But there is no fooling us!
Tom really just wants a crowd to cook for!!!
He takes great pleasure in coming up with these quality portable meals.
And, it's this inclusion of dinner and dancing that makes DanceGourmet a Connecticut favorite.
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| Elisha Cohen & Billy Montgomery |
It has that casual, comfortable "rec-room" atmosphere. Music ... tables ... good dance floor ... just perfect for moving around in our jeans and broken-in dance shoes.
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| Janna Thompson with Michael K. |
Some of us are schlepping to the west coast for GOOD lessons.
Fortunately, Tom is providing exposure to the wide variety of concepts developing in other regions.
Last year, he hosted Jason Wayne and Yenni Setiawan & Warren Pino (right).
Ben Morris is coming in June 2015.
Thanx Tom, for bringing California class lessons to us!
Michael Kiehm & Sue Fries came in from San Diego, CA where Michael has Starlight Dance Studio.
This premier dance school hosts world renowned instructors including:
Brandi Tobias, Ronnie Debenedetta (who is moving to Prescott, AZ soon), Michael Kielbasa, Parker Dearborn, Tashina Beckman ... as well as several outstanding local teachers.
http://starlightdance.com/
Workshop 1: West Coast Swing Infused with Argentine Tango
While we enjoyed and appreciated all the workshops of the day, this one was probably the most highly regarded. Many people have dabbled in Argentine Tango so they were a bit familiar and picked up the moves relatively easily.
There were 2 whip variations. 1st was a reverse whip leading follower into ochos ... to parada (leader stops follower with foot) then leads the molinete ... tuck to anchor. 2nd was a whip to side, leading the follower to sweep her right leg over his right.
Workshop 2: Abstract Leads for Cool Moves
Workshop 3: Marriage of Night Club Two Step with Argentine Tango
Night Club is not as common on the east coast as in other parts of the country. We are challenged by limited dance floor space. At California Mix type events, there might be 2 or 3 appropriate songs played through out the night. In this lesson, the Night Club basic turn is over led to put follower onto left foot so that leader can push right foot and provide opportunity for follower to embellish.
Workshop 4: Whips that Shine on the Social Floor:
Another Michael K. brand of spiffy whippy stuff. If he wanted to, he could trademark it. the lesson was designed to be a little more generic to include all those who were unable to attend the other workshops during the afternoon.
I asked Michael what he thought of the local dancers. He seemed quite pleased and said that everyone had good basics that he felt he could build the lessons upon.
Workshop 4: Whips that Shine on the Social Floor:
Another Michael K. brand of spiffy whippy stuff. If he wanted to, he could trademark it. the lesson was designed to be a little more generic to include all those who were unable to attend the other workshops during the afternoon.
I asked Michael what he thought of the local dancers. He seemed quite pleased and said that everyone had good basics that he felt he could build the lessons upon.
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| Tom with Kim Barnard, Yu Liu, Bob Drapeau |
We broke for dinner at about 7 pm.
The DG Team dived into action to prepare a sumptuous repast for all us hungry hoofers!
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| Vivian Young, Savio Cheng, Judith Heins |
Romaine & Cherry Tomato Salad
w Caesar Dressing
w Caesar Dressing
Georgian (Russian) Kidney Bean Salad
Two soups:
Tomato Cheddar Soup
- and -
Thai Chicken Soup
- and -
Pistachio Apricot 3 Whole Grain Muffkies
- and -
Thai Chicken Soup
- and -
Pistachio Apricot 3 Whole Grain Muffkies
They're gluten free, low sugar and mostly made from pistachios, whole rolled oats, butter, dried apricots, stone ground whole grain rice and whole wheat flour.
http://www.muffkie.com/
113 people attended the workshops and dance ... making this the largest turnout in DanceGourmet history. The floor was packed all night long and both Michael & Sue happily danced with many of the attendees. (Tom is currently trying to book them for October ... in the larger space upstairs.)
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| Michael with Carrol Lanzillo |
Because Michael has so rarely been in our region - and - because we have heard so many stories about him ... he's generated quite a mystique.
When Carrol Lanzillo (a teacher with Arthur Murray in the Boston area) came off the dance floor, I asked her how he was. She replied "Honey ... I need a WHOLE PACK of CIGARETTES!!!"
Joy in dance ... as in life ... is as difficult to possess as catching a butterfly. Their dance was a testimony to how happy they are together. They are each other's Monarch.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OYyrBHtE0DA
Sue was quite sought after to dance, as well. The guys loved her!
More importantly, she connected with the women. That says a lot.
I asked around because I was curious since we didn't know much about her. I found that everyone felt she was a genuinely nice person and made those around her feel comfortable.
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Every tune was great dancing. No one could stand around for very long!
And, he's nimble enough to join us on the dance floor! http://www.musicfordancing.com/
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| Dave Cronin & Beth Farhina |
Naomi Marinaro (Watertown, CT) said: "Wonderful time with the legendary Michael Kielm and his lovely partner, Susan Fries. The place was jammed packed for their CT arrival. Fun day for all who attended DanceGourmet!!!"
"Worth the drive from Philly. Great workshops, Tasty food, Awesome demonstration dance by Michael and Sue that I got to see live. Topping on the cake was getting to dance with Michael. Michael and Sue were very friendly and danced with lots of people."
Vivian Young (Brooklyn, NY) said: "Thomas, thank you for organizing another workshop series from which I benefited. Michael Kiehm's material, your delicious meals, talented dancers, good music made for a worthwhile trip."
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| Michael, Sue, Tom, Me & Naomi |
Every time I attend this venue, it's a great time ... but this one was special. We have Champions come to teach frequently. Now we have intensives regularly down in New Jersey and points south.
But the concept of fusion dancing ... this is the news. This momentous event really infused enthusiasm for dance in our region.
And did you know that Michael Kiehm was inducted into the Swing Dance National Hall of Fame in 2008?
ReplyDeletehttp://www.swingdancecouncil.com/halloffame.html