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| Ron Oberman & Joyce Fisher |
ST. LOUIS is famous for being the GATEWAY to the WEST back in the cowboy days of wide open spaces and covered wagons.
Well those days may have passed but ST. LOUIS is STILL a "GATEWAY."
only NOW it's to the WEST ... COAST SWING!!!
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| Eric & Laura Davis |
Some of the best food, music and dancing can be found in this area.
It offers plenty of southern charm, gracious living ... and true grits!
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| Event Director, Sophy Kdep |
Meet Me in St. Louis Swing Dance Championships gets the iTwirl vote for best cultural dance event.
Between unique sightseeing ...
quality of competence of the event ...
caliber of dance professionals ...
and community dance atmosphere ...
this event holds the largest potential for a well rounded dancecation.
Angel Figueroa was Head Judge. I've known this guy a long time ... he's the real thing.
Back in the day, he was the HOST with the MOST at his spectacular New York City dance studio "Stepping Out," before moving to Austin, TX.
Angel has continued to teach and has also become a world premier competition judge.
People in NYC still lament those magical days when he taught us that stuff that stuck. Especially hustle, tango and west coast swing.
His classes were always packed!
Sophy Kdep was the event director.
Everything was well organized. NO Drama!
People seemed to enjoy working with Sophy.
Linda Guetterman (left) said:
"I want to express my deepest respect and a huge THANKS to Sophy Kdep. You are a wonderful event director and an amazing person to work for. Your ideas never stop and your energy and positive attitude are truly infectious! I can't wait for next year."
Teachers & judges included:
Matt & Crystal Auclair, Robert Cordoba, Greg Scott & Lemery Rollins, Hugo Miguez & Stacy Kay, Patty Vo, Travis DeVoid, Phillipe Berne & Flore Merlier, Doug Rousar, Jason Miklic, Jason & Annmarie Marker, Arthur & Colleen Uspensky, Rebecca Ludwick & Kris Swearingen, Jeanne DeGeyter, Bryan Barakauskas, Erica Berg, Carmen Passi, Lara Deni, Terry Roseborough
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| Arthur & Colleen Uspensky
Most of the event guests took several workshops.
As good as the visiting teachers were, many of us agreed that there was nothing better than the workshops with the Uspenskys, Markers, Auclairs, Jason Miklic and Rebecca & Kris.
The REGIONAL teachers are the BEST teachers!!!
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| Annmarie Marker & Terry Roseborough |
More importantly, I believe in judging a "dance professional" by the way they treat their students.
These teachers cared to be in the ballroom and be accessible. They danced and spoke with us ... and were part of our experience on a personal level.
Travis DeVoid, from California (below) was a real breath of fresh air.
He engages with every dance partner and makes it a fun experience.
Sophy ... please ... more teachers like Travis ... the stars of tomorrow!!!
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| Travis DeVoid & Allison Brown |
Isn't it always the beginning of an event that's the most special?
Everyone is sooooo happy to catch up with each other.
It's the AAAnticipation … reconnecting … sharing that 1st dance.
We started off with the National Anthem. This is a good thing.
However, I wonder why ... when we have a world famous concert pianist (Lura Johnson) ... why can't we get somebody to sing?!
At Swingin' Dance Party in July ... Jeff Fraunhoffer did a great job!
Rising Star routines were SPECTAAACULAR!!!
My favorite was David & Kathryn Moody. It felt to me like they were the audience favorite as well.
Kathryn is a pleasure to watch because she always performs with an endearing smile.
Their swing-bluesy routine song was: "Long Grey Mare" by Fleetwood Mac
Rising Star 1st place actually went to Hailee & Jesse Lopez for their routine to "We Found Love" by 2Cellos.
My readers outside the Mid-western region should be on the lookout. In my opinion, this Kansas City couple is the next big thing. They are skyrocketing through the WSDC point system and rushing thru advanced now.
I had the opportunity to participate in a class run by Jesse. Personable and charming, it was clear that everyone in the room appreciated the experience.
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| Jason Marker & Stacy Kay |
The Invitational Jack & Jill followed. This is always a highlight because these pros are at their most creative.
Sophy came up with an interesting twist.
She asked asked Lura (who has played with Yo-Yo Ma at Carnegie Hall) to choose and perform their music.
We like fresh ideas!
Flore Merlier said:
"Thanks to Lura Johnson for her beautiful music for the Invitational Jack n Jill, it was a wonderful experience to dance on it, and I was so lucky to dance twice on it!"
After the show there was lots of social dancing ... and finally ... pizza!!! (And much more social dancing.)
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| Eric Davis & Christina White 3rd Place Intermediate JJ |
Saturday is traditionally Jack n' Jill day.
At this event, Newcomer and Novice prelims, semis and finals were all held as a block.
Then, all Intemediate, Advanced, Allstar and Masters prelims and finals were held.
This seems to be the way event scheduling is going.
For me, it was difficult to hang out in the ballroom THAT long ... to support other divisions.
And it felt like the air was let out of the enthusiasm balloon by the time the later divisions FINALLY got to dance.
This seems to be the way event scheduling is going.
For me, it was difficult to hang out in the ballroom THAT long ... to support other divisions.
And it felt like the air was let out of the enthusiasm balloon by the time the later divisions FINALLY got to dance.
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| Beverly Solazzo (teaches at May I Have This Dance in Chicago) & Tony Goff |
MASTERS WAS LAST.
With all due respect for the difficulty of scheduling the competitions, I would appreciate this consideration:
A more logical place to put the division is after Novice finals. Many are either Novice or Intermediate. The Novice level Masters competitors must remain in the ballroom the ENTIRE DAY.
Furthermore ... Masters should never be last.
Furthermore ... Masters should never be last.
We paid our DUES ... we paid a whole bunch of taxes ... and we raised all of YOU!
So EXCUSE ME ... but why would you make us wait till last to dance?
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| Rebecca with Travis DeVoid |
In addition, a beginner track was conducted by Jason Miklic.
Saturday nite featured ProAm routines, Masters routines and Open Routines.
You gotta know that my favorite was Joyce Fisher!
Joyce brought the house down with a SMOKIN' number in a HeckUva dress...
to "Sexy and You Know It" by LMFAO.
Joyce brought the house down with a SMOKIN' number in a HeckUva dress...
to "Sexy and You Know It" by LMFAO.
Only Matt Auclair could come up with a choreography like that!
Joyce just shined ... and her husband HAD to come to see it!!!
In the same vein of outrageousness,
Richard & Susan DeFelice performed their very MEMORABLE routine to "Billy Jean Poison" by Straight No Chaser.
There are a lot of routines out there.
All are good efforts ... but this one was pure entertainment!
Susan, I thought, has really evolved as a performer. Her entertaining personality connects very well to the audience.
Susan, I thought, has really evolved as a performer. Her entertaining personality connects very well to the audience.
All the Open Routines were AAAwesome, but to me, the standout was Greg Scott & Lemery Rollins.
They are so perfect. (And very gracious social dancers.)
Everything they do is elegant and suave.
But even though I am in AAAwe of these two ... I just want to be Annmarie Marker when I grow up! See the video of hers & Jason's routine:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn8UU9w4cwU&feature=youtu.be
Awards were held each night for the contests that day.
Saturday night, after the show, breakfast was offered.
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| Lilly Auclair & Kinsey Douglas |
"Meet Me" is a family-oriented event.
This is very common in the Mid-west.
Children are free (and safe) to roam the ballroom (within reason).
Sometimes they learn to dance on their own and everyone enjoys interacting with them.
It's an interesting phenomenon. While we often see children at events, in the Mid-west, the next generation of superstar dance pros are growing up in our midst.
It's an interesting phenomenon. While we often see children at events, in the Mid-west, the next generation of superstar dance pros are growing up in our midst.
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| Dr. Randy & Christine Miller |
There was lots of social dance thru out the day and night ... but the party really got started after breakfast!
At this event, I never once felt like anyone did not want to dance with me.
People really make others feel included.
Many of my readers are from regions outside the Mid-west.
Often they feel intimidated by the strangeness of a different dance environment. I always stress how easy it is to make friends at these Mid-west events.
DivaLicous was held on Sunday.
Many of my readers are from regions outside the Mid-west.
Often they feel intimidated by the strangeness of a different dance environment. I always stress how easy it is to make friends at these Mid-west events.
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| Debra with Matt Claeys |
DivaLicous was held on Sunday.
This was a 2 hour ladies styling class taught by Rebecca Ludwick, Annmarie Marker, Stacy Kay and Lemery Rollins.
(Colorfully refered to by Shay Patel as "POWER PRINCESS SQUAD.")
Debra Yocky said: "DivaLicious was a very beneficial class for adding to the dance. I would highly recommend it for all levels."
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| Jonah Grimes & Jennifer Daughtry 1st Place Intermediate Strictly |
Sunday was also Strictly day.
Prelims and finals were held for Novice, Intermediate, Advanced, Masters and Allstar/Pro.
Just about everyone participated which is what made the Strictlies so much fun.
AllStar/Pro Strictly was very interesting. Several of the pros actually danced with the students they trained. Jason & Annmarie Marker are very proud of Nicole Zwerlein. They raised her from a (dance) pup! It was touching to watch Jason & Nicole compete together.
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| Wayne & Cindy Rohr, 4th Place Masters Strictly |
Masters Strictly was added this year at "Meet Me." We really appreciate this! The division is growing everywhere.
Many upper level dancers of a certain age have jumped in to support this division and it has encouraged participation.
I want to give a shout out to videographer Becky Larson. This gal puts out a GREAAAT work product!
She sits on the floor, in the middle of everything ... like an actual participant.
That's why she's so on target with her videos and photos.
We are free to video everything but the workshops which is great marketing for the event.
Becky and DJ Tim Johnson (head DJ at Meet Me) are well known (and much loved) dance teachers in the Detroit area.
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| Arch stands behind the "Dred Scott" Courthouse |
St. Louis is a great dance destination ... one of those places we've heard of and meant to see ... but never got around to.
There was a whole "Wagon Train" industry that developed around this ambition.
People traveled to Illinois, crossed the "Mighty Mississippi" and upon arriving
in St. Louis, arranged to buy land and join a wagon train to head out west.
The Arch signifies the leaving point. (Supplies arrived by boat and it was easiest to load the wagons directly.)
Not only that ... even Lewis & Clark slept there!
And this is the land of Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer’s adventures ...
And this is the land of Mark Twain and Tom Sawyer’s adventures ...
This is where the north stood up to the slavery of the south.
All the years of watching westerns on TV, all that history in school ...
All the years of watching westerns on TV, all that history in school ...
I didn't really get it until I stood under the Arch.
The Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel was a great choice because of proximity to everything.
There are quite a few fast food type restaurants within walking distance: Jack In the Box, Waffle House, Steak & Shake, Denny's and Rally's.
There are quite a few fast food type restaurants within walking distance: Jack In the Box, Waffle House, Steak & Shake, Denny's and Rally's.
Everyone from the event turns up at the counter for breakfast at the Waffle House!
There is all kinds of stuff to to do in St. Louis. The Arch, Mark Twain Riverboats, hop on & off buses, museums, parks. The free hotel shuttle happily provided transportation to the subway and it was simple to get downtown to see the sights. Public transportation is very sophisticated in St. Louis.
We purchased day passes for $7.50 and used them for trains and buses. The train took about 30 minutes to deliver us to the St. Louis ARCH!
Visiting the ARCH should not be missed. Did you know that you can walk overhead across the ARCH?
Visiting the ARCH should not be missed. Did you know that you can walk overhead across the ARCH?Completed in 1968 and maintained in the original style, there is a unique transport system consisting of egg shaped pods which hoists groups of 5 to the top with a sort of metal pulley system.
While the exterior is modern, the interior feels dated in the 1960's ... perhaps like something on a movie set or an exhibit at Disneyland.
Once on top of the ARCH, there is a low and narrow viewing area with little windows. One side faces Missouri and the other faces Illinois.
The ARCH is 630 ft. at its base and 630 ft. high.
Near the Arch is the courthouse where the Dred Scott decision process began.
This landmark decision struck an important blow against slavery.
Basically, Dred Scott was a slave who had been trained to assist U.S. Army Surgeon Dr. John Emerson.
Dr. Emerson took Dred Scott into the free state of Illinois.
This landmark decision struck an important blow against slavery.
Basically, Dred Scott was a slave who had been trained to assist U.S. Army Surgeon Dr. John Emerson.
Dr. Emerson took Dred Scott into the free state of Illinois.
In ignorance, Mr. Scott returned with his master to the slave state of Missouri.
After Dr. Emerson died, Dred and his wife Harriet asked Dr. Emerson's widow for their freedom ... which she denied.
The Scotts were aware of the Doctrine of "once free, always free" and were left with no recourse but to sue for their freedom.
This courthouse is where the legal battle began. It took the rest of their lives before the Supreme Court was able to finally rule in their favor.
Standing in that majestic courthouse, I marveled at how two born and bred slaves had the chutzpah and bucks to wage that miraculous fight.
It was a lovely southern September day and my friend and I wandered about the downtown area to see the gardens ... fountains ... and unique views.
Everyone raves about the local dish, "Fried Ravioli."
Well, "Fried Ravioli" is to St. Louis ... what "Ceasar Salad" is to Tijuana, on the Mexico border.
A famous mistake!
A famous mistake!
The "Ceasar Salad" originated on a hot day in Tijuana.
The restaurant chef only had on hand lettuce and canned sardines and some parmesan.
"Fried Ravioli" was the result of a kitchen disaster in which a bunch of ravioli accidentally fell in the the deep fryer at the restaurant where Mama's "On the Hill" is now located.
The restaurant chef only had on hand lettuce and canned sardines and some parmesan.
"Fried Ravioli" was the result of a kitchen disaster in which a bunch of ravioli accidentally fell in the the deep fryer at the restaurant where Mama's "On the Hill" is now located.
Whadayawant? I'm from New York City!
"Fried Ravioli?"
FUGETABOUTIT!
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| Joyce Fisher, Linda Guetterman, Tobi Oberman and Me |
you haven't tried the best!
SOPHY!
For a great time at "MEET ME"
For a great time at "MEET ME"
And THANX to all my Mid-westies ...
every visit is like coming home!!!
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