Annual
Line & Country Western Festival
On
a very chilly November morning Line Dance teachers travelled
to Sunbury for the Country Western Festival, in spite
of motorway closures causing detours, everyone arrived
safely after difficult journeys, really appreciating
the warm welcome extended to them by members of the
Disco/Freestyle/Rock’n’Roll and Country
Western Committees.
The
morning was devoted to the Teachers Workshop where the
aim was to provide teachers with a wide range of new
and classic dances in different styles and rhythms,
suitable for all age groups and grades. The morning
started with a Warm-Up capably presented by Margaret
Banks, who by using three simple beginners line dances,
developed movements and increased their intensity to
provide a safe graduated programme to prepare minds
and bodies for the work of the day ahead. The dances
used were: ‘Crazy Postman’, ‘Harmless’
and ‘California Freeze’, these three short
dances were used very effectively by Margaret for Warm
Up, they would also be suitable for medal test work
below Bronze level.
Next
on the agenda was Donna Steele who treated us to ‘Latin
Groove’ danced to the ‘Magic Carpet Ride’
by MDO, this is a lively Beginner/Bronze level dance
with mambo steps and actions, followed by ‘Sweet
Dreams’ a dance which flowed well to ‘Radio
Dancing’ by Engelbert Humperdink which was suitable
for Improver/Bronze standard. These were two slightly
more challenging dances which proved very popular. Donna
taught the dances confidently, with good presentation
and rhythmic instructions.
Moving
on to Intermediate/Silver level Maggie Cox taught ‘Drinks
For Two’ performed to ‘Two Bottles of Beer’
by Lonestar. The choreography of this routine showed
a higher degree of difficulty with effective use of
figures and rhythm. The dance was clearly described
by Maggie, a very experienced and dedicated teacher,
able to show this Intermediate/Silver medal dance with
such good poise and presentation.
Michele
St Vincent chose one of top choreographer Kate Sala’s
new dances for her presentation, ‘Hot Tottie’
a funky intermediate/gold and above routine danced to
‘Hot Stuff’ by the Pussycat Dolls, it is
danced in two parts A and B. With part B being the chorus
the dance is easier than it would seem. ‘Hot Tottie’
certainly seemed popular at our workshop. Michele taught
the dance with clarity and stylish demonstration of
the figures.
Country
Western committee member Charles Richman took us all
“back to our roots” and presented a classic
dance choreographed by Jo Thompson the brilliant American
teacher and choreographer to whom the Line Dance world
owes so much. Jo has been off the scene recently with
a serious illness and we all at ISTD wish her a speedy
recovery. As a tribute to Jo, who presented so many
memorable workshops for the ISTD, Charles taught a Beginner/Intermediate
level dance from 1992 ‘Cowboy Rhythm’. A
very useful dance for introducing basic line dance steps
without split rhythms or tricky turns. Charles has taught
Line dancing since it first appeared in this country,
teaching this routine his expertise and presentation
was most apparent, dancing once again to The Tractors’
‘Baby Likes To Rock It’ brought back happy
memories of the early Line Dance days, the fun and excitement
is still there for social dancers, and also for the
experienced and competitors – brilliant dancing.
With a mix of country and non-country music to choose
from there really is Line Dance for everyone.
Line
Dancing has now been very popular for thirteen years,
consequently this form of dance has a very dedicated
band of talented instructors and dancers. Over the years
Line Dancing has developed and changed dramatically,
moving with the popular music of the time, also being
influenced by the technique of the many dance genre’s
it embraces. There really is a wealth of beautiful dances
to music in such a variety of styles such as Waltzes,
Latin rhythms, Swing, Irish and, to please the younger
dancers, Funky and Hip Hop etc. However, it is important
to never neglect the country music and dances that originally
made Country Western Line Dancing such a success. Teachers
and promoters of social events are being urged to always
include some classic or standard dances in their programme
of classes to encourage beginners and satisfy the many
older ‘once a week dancers’ not able to
cope with too many new dances. Sometimes a change of
music can give old dances a new lease of life.
With
so many levels of dancers to cater for, teaching Line
Dance can be quite challenging, but with thought and
consideration for everyone, it is still very rewarding
as it gives many people (especially those without partners)
such an immense amount of pleasure, companionship, and
exercise. To all dance teachers, if you have not experienced
this dance genre, make sure you discover it. Daytime
classes for older people are great fun and can help
finance hall hire for later classes of a different form
of dance! Your friendly ISTD CW Committee will be pleased
to give advice and help to ISTD members wishing to start
Line Dance Classes (For information telephone DFR Secretary
Patsy Graham 01494 513135).
After
everyone’s enjoyment of ‘Cowboy Rhythm’
Charles introduced award winning dancer, instructor
and choreographer Rachael McEnaney who commenced her
instruction with the attractive but not difficult ‘Cha
Cha Groove’ choreographed by Masters In Line.
Rachael taught clearly with concise instructions showing
good use technique and Cuban action to enhance the figures.
The teachers obviously enjoyed this dance. The music
used was ‘When The Sun Goes Down’ by Kenny
Chesney/Uncle Kracker. Rachael’s second dance
was one she choreographed herself ‘End Of The
Road’ to a track of the same name by Boyz II Men.
This was a lovely flowing waltz taught and presented
so expertly, it was very apparent that everyone really
loved this routine. A very fitting dance to end such
a busy and inspiring morning.
Next
came lunch when teachers were able to meet up with friends
and chat, a very valuable part of the day’s proceedings
when ideas are exchanged and it is comforting to discover
other teachers have the same problems as you do! After
lunch on returning to the hall, the atmosphere was very
different! A buzz of excitement with a long queue of
dancers from ISTD members Line Dance Clubs and other
visiting dancers finding their tables waiting in eager
anticipation of the afternoon’s treats in store.
Soon the tables were laden with refreshments, a real
party atmosphere prevailed with the hall tastefully
decorated with balloons and flags to complete the scene.
Charles
commenced the afternoon by delivering a message from
Yvonne Taylor-Hill (Chairman of the DFR Committee) who
was abroad on ISTD business sending her best wishes
to everyone for a happy and successful day. With the
dancers keen to get into action Jack and Tracey Dean
soon had the floor filled playing dances old and new,
easy and hard, country and non country to suit everyone’s
tastes. An interesting feature of the afternoon was
a ‘Golden Oldie’ selection of dances from
the past, with Jack and Tracey singing to accompany
the dancers, this was very well received. At intervals
throughout the afternoon Rachael taught in her own inimitable
way three dances: ‘Country Twang Thang’
choreographed to ‘Honky Tonk Love’ by Chris
Campbell, ‘Crabbucket’ choreographed by
Gerard Murphy to track of the same name by KOS and finally
the previously described ‘End of the Road’
Rachael’s stylish waltz which again was a big
hit with the dancers. Rachael gave the dancers a very
good selection of dances of differing styles and levels
to a pleasing choice of music.
The
highlight of the afternoon was a demonstration by Rachael
of a showcase medley of Line Dancing in slow and fast
tempo, Rachael showed elegance, grace, musicality and
lovely presentation. This, of course, is what we expect
of such a well known championship dancer. Rachael won
the hearts of the dancers by staying and dancing with
them for the entire afternoon and also dancing a special
performance, as only a champion can, of the waltz she
had taught. Rachael is a very busy lady with a lovely
personality who is in great demand at the moment, shortly
working in the Far East where Line Dancing is incredibly
popular.
Paul
Streatfield, Vice Chairman of the DFR Committee, thanked
everyone for coming, also all members of the committee
attending plus Jack and Tracey Dean for their contribution
in making the day so happy and successful. There was
so much variety throughout the day that we are sure
that teachers and pupils alike went home tired, but
happy with exciting dances for this season’s classes.
Pat
Woor and Jean Cantell
Photography: Norman Aylett
Picture
caption: Stepping in Line
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