from mofflypub.com (Fairfield, CT):
He spends a lot of his time in Hollywood—in rehearsals, costume fittings, television appearances, choreography sessions, performances and training practices—but the Dancing With the Stars professional dancer calls Stamford his home
s soon as Tony Dovolani arrives at Stamford’s Parkway Diner, the lunch crowd begins to eat him up like the blue-plate special. A fan checks her false eyelashes and asks the Dancing with the Stars celebrity to pose for a picture. A group of middle-aged men discreetly text their wives. One beckons Tony to their booth with a special request: “She’s a huge fan,” he says about his wife as he hands Tony his BlackBerry and asks him to say hi.
The ballroom star has just gotten off a plane. He hasn’t seen his wife and three adorable kids in days, and he’s racked up enough frequent-flier miles in the past year to make him a first-class grouch. Still, his mood in the diner is relaxed and gregarious. “It’s me, Tony Dovolani from ABC’s Dancing with the Stars,” he says into the BlackBerry. “And I am here at the diner in Stamford where I used to work.”
This casual eatery on High Ridge Road, once called the Country Diner, is the place where Tony likes to say he took his “first steps.” It was here that the teenage Tony, a refugee from the war in Kosovo, learned English waiting tables. It is the place where the proud ethnic Albanian figured out a distinctly American truism: “If you make people happy, you get great tips and make a lot more money, which I did.”
And Stamford is where he got his first taste of the salsa, the rumba and the cha-cha. Those sexy, powerful Latin dances would take Tony to the highest levels in international ballroom competition, making him a two-time world champion in American Rhythm style.
That title—as well as his dark good looks and abundant charm—would earn him his first turn as a professional partner on ABC’s popular reality ballroom competition. There, his nine-season quest (so far) for the tacky but coveted mirror-ball trophy would make him as much of a star as some of the major and minor celebrities he waltzed into the studio ballroom on our TV screens. And it all began in Stamford, says Tony, of his improbable rise from diner dishwasher to ballroom’s leading man.
Tony, who lived in Stamford for sixteen years after his family’s 1989 escape from Kosovo, has a story that is captivating for its Hollywood-movie plot lines. And we haven’t even covered the part where he proposed to his wife, Lina, on their first date, taught actor Richard Gere how to waltz and played ballroom bad boy in the 2004 movie Shall We Dance?
“If someone told you his story—that he escaped to this country when he was just fifteen and became a star—people might think you were making it up,” says John DePalma, one of Tony’s first ballroom instructors in Stamford. “It is such an American dream story it almost seems impossible. But it’s all true. And if you knew Tony, you would understand how he made it all possible. He is that determined a guy.”
Coming to America
Raised in Kosovo’s capital of Pristina, Tony (born Ditron) was the middle child in a middle-class family of ethnic Albanian Muslims. He led a life of privilege until his homeland was fractured by political and social conflict in the 1980s. His father Munir’s elite status as chief executive at a computer company made the Dovolanis targets for persecution, arrest, even murder. “We had to leave,” Tony says. “We were very much in danger and we had no choice.”
Granted political asylum, Tony, his father, younger brother Fisnik and older sister Laura came straight to Stamford. (Tony’s parents are divorced and his mother remains in Kosovo.) Here the family had the support of Tony’s uncles, established stonemasons, as well as the city’s tight-knit Albanian American community. “Christian, Muslim, it doesn’t matter. If you are Albanian, they are there for you.”
Despite the anchor of community, the upheaval was still enormous. “My dad went from being the chief executive to the doorman at the Regency Towers,” says Tony, who found work as a dishwasher and put his Kosovo dreams of being an architect on hold. In Pristina, math and science were his strongest subjects. Here, he tried Stamford High School but quit after four days. “It was a waste of time for me to learn things I already knew. My family needed the money more, so I walked out and went back to the diner.”
Quickly promoted to waiter, the job became his course in all things American. “I knew three words, ‘Hi, I’m Tony.’” He messed up orders, bringing out salmon instead of an omelet on his memorable first day. But he always learned from his mistakes and survived by turning his
limitations into entertainment for his customers. “I made fun of myself. If I screwed up, I laughed. If they made fun of me, I didn’t mind. I wanted to learn. I am a very firm believer that if you want to be in America, you have to embrace the culture … and I wanted better tips.”
Then, one fateful day, a diner cook showed Tony a flier. The former Fred Astaire Dance studio at the Ridgeway Shopping Center was offering a free lesson. Tony, who began studying Albanian dance at age three, worshiped iconic American dancers. “I loved Fred Astaire and Gene Kelly. I loved Michael Jackson. To me, America was musicals and happiness. Seeing Fred Astaire’s image on the flier was enough for me to check it out.”
On the Dance Floor
“Let’s be honest here,” remembers John DePalma, who now owns the Metropolitan Dance Center at the Ridgeway and has been master of ceremonies on the PBS series Championship Ballroom Dancing. “Tony had more on his agenda than dance lessons. He also wanted to meet girls. Tony came to class wearing piles of gold chains, hip-hop clothes and spoke with a crude accent that made him sound like he was taking English classes in the Bronx.”
But when he danced, those rough edges were smoothed away. “We were all like, ‘Wow,’” recalls John. “Tony had no inhibitions when he moved. He just got it.”
John says his teenage student was remarkable for his equal commitment to ballroom dancing and family. “Every time it was time for Tony to sign up for a new series of lessons, he would say, ‘First, let me go home and talk to my father.’ This was a family where everyone had to turn over their paycheck. But every time, Tony would come back and say, ‘My father would like me to continue.’”
Within a year, with his sights already set on professional dancing, Tony asked John about teaching, a bold request considering his lack of experience. “But there wasn’t a lot to discuss,” says John. “He was already better than most of the professionals on our staff.”
Teaching would pay for Tony’s lessons and his first professional coach, Marianne Nicole, John’s wife. For nine years, while Tony taught and prepared for competition, he stayed at the diner for the tips, which grew as he entertained his customers, dancing his way to tables with plates lined up his arms.
In the meantime Tony began competing, first in American Smooth. Then he switched to Latin-themed American Rhythm when he partnered with Elena Grinenko. They won their world titles —a rarity for American dancers—in 2005 and 2006. “It was my proudest moment,” says Tony, who received the call to join the Dancing with the Stars cast shortly after the first title. “I felt like I was finally giving something back to this country.”
Tony’s fellow Dancing with the Stars professional Maksim “Maks” Chmerkovskiy says his best friend’s success has everything to do with his experience fleeing an oppressive regime. “When you come over here the way he did, dodging bullets, you take nothing for granted,” says Maks, who emigrated from Ukraine. “And Tony is an athlete. To get to the top of your game, in any professional sport, you don’t go out there thinking, ‘Oh I hope I come in second.’ You want to win.”
Tony reluctantly left Stamford four years ago as his TV career took off. Since the job and his other commitments require so much travel, he wanted his growing family closer to his siblings who now live near Stamford. “I think it kind of amuses the neighbors that one night I’m on T42V, and the next day they see me pulling in the driveway.”
Feeling at Home
“When I left Kosovo, Stamford really became my home and I miss it,” says Tony. “I like the vibe and the energy. I have my old students. My coaches. A lot of people who are important to me.”
High on that list is Charlotte Johnston, a teacher at Turn of River Middle School. Tony calls his former ballroom student “my second mother.” She is honorary grandmother, or “TuTu,” to his children, and she often drives him back and forth to the airport. They became close after Tony coaxed her into taking a dance lesson with him at Stamford’s former Terrace Club, where they both went to dance social ballroom on weekend nights. They ended up touring the United States together as a winning Pro/Am team. “Charlotte taught me English, while I taught her to dance,” Tony says.
Charlotte remembers a confident instructor eager to learn the American way. “Sometimes he would be in the studio and say something and immediately know it was wrong or off somehow. He would say, ‘Charlotte, what did I say? What did I do?’ He would ask me questions and I would explain things to him.”
Nothing about Tony’s success surprises Charlotte, including his choice to stay close to Stamford. “He is comfortable with a simple, middle-class life. Happy to come home to his family. He doesn’t have a need for a lot more,” she says.
Tony’s marriage to Lina, a doe-eyed fellow Albanian he met on a blind date arranged by his sister, has been a strong foundation as his fame grew, his close friends say. For years Tony was known for his playboy ways on and off the dance floor, but he seems to have settled easily into the role of family man. “I knew the minute I saw her walking across the parking lot that she was my wife,” says Tony.
The downside to celebrity is the lack of time Tony can give to his family. When we first met, he had flown home on a red-eye flight after Dancing with the Stars rehearsals. Though exhausted and eager to see his children—Luana, Adrian Ditron and Ariana—he sat down to chat and did not complain. “I wanted this,” he says. “All of it. I did it for my family and I embrace it. I don’t have a lot of patience for celebrities who complain, who won’t sign autographs or do interviews. I don’t understand it at all. I am like, ‘Excuse me? Didn’t you want to be famous?’”
Which explains his latest act. After Tony taught Richard Gere, Jennifer Lopez and Stanley Tucci to dance for their roles in Shall We Dance?, he was cast in the film in the small but memorable part of Slick Willy. He liked the role enough to pursue more film work. Last month he began filming Pumping Up, an Angel Light Pictures production.
Yet Tony has no designs on leaving Dancing with the Stars. “I love the show, and I will come back as long as they will have me,” he says.
The guy from the diner still has that mirror-ball trophy to win.
Monday, May 03, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Samba & Argentine Tango Night!
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary on and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
On this week's show, the couples danced either the Samba or the Argentine Tango. The Samba is a particularly difficult dance, which required lots of hip action and bounce. Without hip movement and bounce action, the dance loses its effect. Most of the couples struggled with this.
When I judge a dance, I look for timing, teamwork (lead and follow, connection with partner, etc.) and technique.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their Samba was very nice. I felt the character and mood of the dance. Although Len Goodman was tough when judging them, I felt that the dance was energetic and had the feel of a Brazilian carnival! I saw lots of bounce, rhythm, and hip movement.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
This dance was a disappointment for him. Although he has nice lines in his upper body, which is great for lyrical dances, his Samba didn't look like it should've. His footwork wasn't good. He threw his leg forward but kept his body weight behind. He danced on a flat foot and had no bounce. There was no connection between his feet and the floor. His timing was not good.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
They gave a great performance. Their interpretation of the Argentine Tango was funny and fun to watch. Niecy really progressed this week. She had good position and leg action. Her movements were sharp and their lifts were great.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
Chad did better than usual this week. The Argentine Tango was a good dance for him. His attitude was good and was a strong lead. He looked powerful and sensual. He had good rhythm. He had a good connection with his partner.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
I didn't like Erin's Samba as much as Nicole's. But it was exciting to watch and I really felt the character of the dance. I saw a lot of rhythm and hip action.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
I enjoyed Nicey Nash's Argentine Tango more than Pamela's. I would recommend more technique for Pamela. She needed more rhythm. I didn't feel the energy although they had good lifts.
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower
Although Jake looked confident while dancing the Samba, his technique was lacking. I didn't see a lot of bounce. He needed more connection with the music. His dance looked too low - almost as if he was dancing everything from soft legs. The position of his feet was too open - that's why he lost the bounce and hip action.
The Swing Marathon was the highlight of the show! All the couples were on the floor showing off different styles of Swing. It was fun to watch!
Next week...the couples will be performing one of the dances from previous weeks. There will also be a Cha-Cha challenge!
On this week's show, the couples danced either the Samba or the Argentine Tango. The Samba is a particularly difficult dance, which required lots of hip action and bounce. Without hip movement and bounce action, the dance loses its effect. Most of the couples struggled with this.
When I judge a dance, I look for timing, teamwork (lead and follow, connection with partner, etc.) and technique.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Their Samba was very nice. I felt the character and mood of the dance. Although Len Goodman was tough when judging them, I felt that the dance was energetic and had the feel of a Brazilian carnival! I saw lots of bounce, rhythm, and hip movement.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
This dance was a disappointment for him. Although he has nice lines in his upper body, which is great for lyrical dances, his Samba didn't look like it should've. His footwork wasn't good. He threw his leg forward but kept his body weight behind. He danced on a flat foot and had no bounce. There was no connection between his feet and the floor. His timing was not good.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
They gave a great performance. Their interpretation of the Argentine Tango was funny and fun to watch. Niecy really progressed this week. She had good position and leg action. Her movements were sharp and their lifts were great.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
Chad did better than usual this week. The Argentine Tango was a good dance for him. His attitude was good and was a strong lead. He looked powerful and sensual. He had good rhythm. He had a good connection with his partner.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
I didn't like Erin's Samba as much as Nicole's. But it was exciting to watch and I really felt the character of the dance. I saw a lot of rhythm and hip action.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
I enjoyed Nicey Nash's Argentine Tango more than Pamela's. I would recommend more technique for Pamela. She needed more rhythm. I didn't feel the energy although they had good lifts.
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower
Although Jake looked confident while dancing the Samba, his technique was lacking. I didn't see a lot of bounce. He needed more connection with the music. His dance looked too low - almost as if he was dancing everything from soft legs. The position of his feet was too open - that's why he lost the bounce and hip action.
The Swing Marathon was the highlight of the show! All the couples were on the floor showing off different styles of Swing. It was fun to watch!
Next week...the couples will be performing one of the dances from previous weeks. There will also be a Cha-Cha challenge!
So You Think You Can Dance New Season!
from tv.com:
Twelve former SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE show favorites are set to return to summer's No. 1 series as All-Star Dance Partners. Skilled in various dance styles from Krump to Contemporary, the Season Seven All-Star Dance Partners are: Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval. Each week, finalists will be partnered with a different All-Star dancer.
As previously announced, America's favorite summer series returns for its seventh season Thursday, May 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX with some exciting new twists, including 10 finalists competing and only one dancer eliminated per week.
Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from Hip Hop to Ballroom compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer. Last season's winner, Russell Ferguson, danced off with a $250,000 cash prize, the title of America's Favorite Dancer and a cover feature in the March issue of Dance Spirit Magazine.
The 12 All-Stars are:
Stephen "tWitch" Boss
Representing: Hip Hop / Popping / Locking / Krump
Appeared: Season 4 (runner-up)
Memorable Routine: "Forever," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Dave Scott and performed with Comfort Fedoke
Stephen "tWitch" Boss was half of the partnership in the "Mercy" dance that earned choreographer Mia Michaels an Emmy nomination. This summer, he will star in "Step Up 3-D," and he soon plans to begin working with the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Currently, Boss belongs to the dance troupes "Breed OCLA" and "Chill Factor Crew."
________________________________________
Comfort Fedoke
Representing: Hip Hop / Krump / Popping / Locking
Appeared: Season 4 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Party People," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo and performed with Mark Kanemura
Comfort Fedoke attended Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School in Dallas, TX, where she was a featured dancer on the local dance television show, "Dallas Dance Club 21." Fedoke has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Brian Friedman, Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Chuck Maldonado, Miley Cyrus and Rosero, and has appeared on GLEE.
________________________________________
Courtney Galiano
Representing: Jazz / Broadway / Cultural / Disco / Contemporary
Appeared: Season 4 (Top 4)
Memorable Routine: "The Garden," a Jazz number choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and performed with Mark Kanemura
Courtney Galiano began her career as a New York Knicks City Dancer. Galiano has appeared in national television commercials and danced in music videos for Adam Lambert, Kat DeLuna and Daddy Yankee. Galiano loaned her voice talents to "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," performed in the television movie "Camp Rock 2" and appeared on GLEE and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest."
________________________________________
Anya Garnis
Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 12)
Memorable Routine: "Girlfriend," a Jive choreographed by Tony Meredith and performed with Danny Tidwell
Anya Garnis is currently a guest choreographer for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's U.S. and Australian versions, and has been a featured guest dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." Her credits also include the Emmy Awards, the Academy Awards and the series "True Blood." Last fall, Garnis made her Broadway debut in "Burn The Floor" and toured the globe with the production.
________________________________________
Lauren Gottlieb
Representing: Jazz / Hip Hop / Contemporary / Broadway
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Night of the Dancing Flame," a Jazz number choreographed by Wade Robson and performed with Neil Haskell
Lauren Gottlieb has worked with Shakira and Mariah Carey, and has appeared in "Hannah Montana: The Movie" with Miley Cyrus. Her television credits include GLEE, "The Ghost Whisperer," "Nip/Tuck" and "Teen Choice 2009," as well as commercials for Subway, AT&T, Old Navy and Nike. She recently completed work assisting Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo on the choreography for Cirque Du Soleil's "Viva ELVIS."
________________________________________
Neil Haskell
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 3)
Memorable Routine: "Are You The One," a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Danny Tidwell
Before competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Neil Haskell worked with Twyla Tharp on Broadway's "The Times They Are A-Changin'." Shortly thereafter, Haskell landed a role in the television movie "The American Mall." His theater credits also include the off-Broadway production of "Altar Boyz," the original Broadway cast of "9 to 5" and "Girl Crazy" at New York's legendary City Center.
________________________________________
Allison Holker
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural
Appeared: Season 2 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Why," a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Ivan Koumaev
Allison Holker has been dancing since she was nine years old. Holker was featured in the tap dance show "Revolution" in New York and performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Her television credits also include "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2." Most recently, she performed and toured with "Ballroom with a Twist," which was choreographed by Louis Van Amstel.
________________________________________
Mark Kanemura
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultural
Appeared: Season 4 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Beautiful," a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Chelsie Hightower
Since competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and performing in the nationwide tour, Kanemura has toured with Lady Gaga, performed on "America's Got Talent" and the "61st Primetime Emmy Awards" and appeared in several music videos and commercials. His stage credits include "The Nutcracker," "Sweet Charity," "The King and I," "Grease," "Tommy" and "Gypsy."
________________________________________
Pasha Kovalev
Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Let's Get Loud," a Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin and performed with Jessie Peralta
Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha Kovalev started dancing at age eight. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he made appearances on several television shows, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." He has choreographed for both the U.S. and Australian versions of DANCE and recently starred in the Broadway cast and touring company versions of "Burn The Floor."
________________________________________
Kathryn McCormick
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultural
Appeared: Season 6 (Top 3)
Memorable Routine: "At This Moment," a Contemporary number choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden and performed with Jakob Karr
Kathryn McCormick began competing in her home state of Georgia at an early age with her local dance studio team, "Augusta West." During her junior year of high school, she was invited to join the Tremaine Dance Convention's Apprentice Company. In late 2008, she secured her first professional role as a supporting dancer in the "Fame" remake. McCormick was also chosen to dance on this year's Academy Awards.
________________________________________
Ade Obayomi
Representing: Contemporary / Jazz / Cultural / Broadway
Appeared: Season 5 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "This Woman's Work," a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Melissa Sandvig
Arizona native Ade Obayomi has toured with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and appeared in the film "A Diva's Christmas Carol." His love of dance earned him a scholarship to Chapman University, where he also studied sound engineering. He recently performed on the 2010 Grammy Awards with Beyoncé, appeared in the music video for Rihanna's "Hard" and was a featured dancer on Alicia Keys' world tour.
________________________________________
Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval
Representing: Hip Hop / Breaking
Appeared: Season 3 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Make It Work," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Shane Sparks and performed with Sabra Johnson
Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval started b-boying in 1999 at the age of 13, and joined the Flexible Flav crew in 2000 to tour and compete with them. Sandoval was part of Quest Crew, who won Season Three of "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew." He currently travels and performs around the world, and has performed for Ellen DeGeneres, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Pitbull, Sean Kingston and Donna Summer.
Twelve former SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE show favorites are set to return to summer's No. 1 series as All-Star Dance Partners. Skilled in various dance styles from Krump to Contemporary, the Season Seven All-Star Dance Partners are: Stephen "tWitch" Boss, Comfort Fedoke, Courtney Galiano, Anya Garnis, Lauren Gottlieb, Neil Haskell, Allison Holker, Mark Kanemura, Pasha Kovalev, Kathryn McCormick, Ade Obayomi and Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval. Each week, finalists will be partnered with a different All-Star dancer.
As previously announced, America's favorite summer series returns for its seventh season Thursday, May 27 (8:00-10:00 PM ET/PT) on FOX with some exciting new twists, including 10 finalists competing and only one dancer eliminated per week.
Hosted by Cat Deeley, the hit dance competition series will inspire and amaze viewers as dancers skilled in styles ranging from Hip Hop to Ballroom compete to be named America's Favorite Dancer. Last season's winner, Russell Ferguson, danced off with a $250,000 cash prize, the title of America's Favorite Dancer and a cover feature in the March issue of Dance Spirit Magazine.
The 12 All-Stars are:
Stephen "tWitch" Boss
Representing: Hip Hop / Popping / Locking / Krump
Appeared: Season 4 (runner-up)
Memorable Routine: "Forever," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Dave Scott and performed with Comfort Fedoke
Stephen "tWitch" Boss was half of the partnership in the "Mercy" dance that earned choreographer Mia Michaels an Emmy nomination. This summer, he will star in "Step Up 3-D," and he soon plans to begin working with the Dizzy Feet Foundation. Currently, Boss belongs to the dance troupes "Breed OCLA" and "Chill Factor Crew."
________________________________________
Comfort Fedoke
Representing: Hip Hop / Krump / Popping / Locking
Appeared: Season 4 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Party People," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo and performed with Mark Kanemura
Comfort Fedoke attended Booker T. Washington Performing Arts High School in Dallas, TX, where she was a featured dancer on the local dance television show, "Dallas Dance Club 21." Fedoke has worked with some of the biggest names in the industry, including Brian Friedman, Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo, Chuck Maldonado, Miley Cyrus and Rosero, and has appeared on GLEE.
________________________________________
Courtney Galiano
Representing: Jazz / Broadway / Cultural / Disco / Contemporary
Appeared: Season 4 (Top 4)
Memorable Routine: "The Garden," a Jazz number choreographed by Sonya Tayeh and performed with Mark Kanemura
Courtney Galiano began her career as a New York Knicks City Dancer. Galiano has appeared in national television commercials and danced in music videos for Adam Lambert, Kat DeLuna and Daddy Yankee. Galiano loaned her voice talents to "Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel," performed in the television movie "Camp Rock 2" and appeared on GLEE and "Dick Clark's New Year's Rockin' Eve with Ryan Seacrest."
________________________________________
Anya Garnis
Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 12)
Memorable Routine: "Girlfriend," a Jive choreographed by Tony Meredith and performed with Danny Tidwell
Anya Garnis is currently a guest choreographer for SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE's U.S. and Australian versions, and has been a featured guest dancer on "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." Her credits also include the Emmy Awards, the Academy Awards and the series "True Blood." Last fall, Garnis made her Broadway debut in "Burn The Floor" and toured the globe with the production.
________________________________________
Lauren Gottlieb
Representing: Jazz / Hip Hop / Contemporary / Broadway
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Night of the Dancing Flame," a Jazz number choreographed by Wade Robson and performed with Neil Haskell
Lauren Gottlieb has worked with Shakira and Mariah Carey, and has appeared in "Hannah Montana: The Movie" with Miley Cyrus. Her television credits include GLEE, "The Ghost Whisperer," "Nip/Tuck" and "Teen Choice 2009," as well as commercials for Subway, AT&T, Old Navy and Nike. She recently completed work assisting Tabitha and Napoleon Dumo on the choreography for Cirque Du Soleil's "Viva ELVIS."
________________________________________
Neil Haskell
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 3)
Memorable Routine: "Are You The One," a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Danny Tidwell
Before competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, Neil Haskell worked with Twyla Tharp on Broadway's "The Times They Are A-Changin'." Shortly thereafter, Haskell landed a role in the television movie "The American Mall." His theater credits also include the off-Broadway production of "Altar Boyz," the original Broadway cast of "9 to 5" and "Girl Crazy" at New York's legendary City Center.
________________________________________
Allison Holker
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Disco / Cultural
Appeared: Season 2 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Why," a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Ivan Koumaev
Allison Holker has been dancing since she was nine years old. Holker was featured in the tap dance show "Revolution" in New York and performed in the opening and closing ceremonies of the 2002 Winter Olympics. Her television credits also include "High School Musical" and "High School Musical 2." Most recently, she performed and toured with "Ballroom with a Twist," which was choreographed by Louis Van Amstel.
________________________________________
Mark Kanemura
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultural
Appeared: Season 4 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Beautiful," a Contemporary number choreographed by Mia Michaels and performed with Chelsie Hightower
Since competing on SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE and performing in the nationwide tour, Kanemura has toured with Lady Gaga, performed on "America's Got Talent" and the "61st Primetime Emmy Awards" and appeared in several music videos and commercials. His stage credits include "The Nutcracker," "Sweet Charity," "The King and I," "Grease," "Tommy" and "Gypsy."
________________________________________
Pasha Kovalev
Representing: Ballroom Standard / Ballroom Latin
Appeared: Season 3 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "Let's Get Loud," a Cha Cha choreographed by Tony Meredith and Melanie LaPatin and performed with Jessie Peralta
Born in Siberia, Russia, Pasha Kovalev started dancing at age eight. Following a successful career in ballroom competition, he made appearances on several television shows, including SO YOU THINK YOU CAN DANCE, "Dancing with the Stars" and "Superstars of Dance." He has choreographed for both the U.S. and Australian versions of DANCE and recently starred in the Broadway cast and touring company versions of "Burn The Floor."
________________________________________
Kathryn McCormick
Representing: Jazz / Contemporary / Broadway / Cultural
Appeared: Season 6 (Top 3)
Memorable Routine: "At This Moment," a Contemporary number choreographed by Desmond Richardson and Dwight Rhoden and performed with Jakob Karr
Kathryn McCormick began competing in her home state of Georgia at an early age with her local dance studio team, "Augusta West." During her junior year of high school, she was invited to join the Tremaine Dance Convention's Apprentice Company. In late 2008, she secured her first professional role as a supporting dancer in the "Fame" remake. McCormick was also chosen to dance on this year's Academy Awards.
________________________________________
Ade Obayomi
Representing: Contemporary / Jazz / Cultural / Broadway
Appeared: Season 5 (Top 6)
Memorable Routine: "This Woman's Work," a Contemporary number choreographed by Tyce Diorio and performed with Melissa Sandvig
Arizona native Ade Obayomi has toured with Les Grands Ballets Canadiens de Montréal and appeared in the film "A Diva's Christmas Carol." His love of dance earned him a scholarship to Chapman University, where he also studied sound engineering. He recently performed on the 2010 Grammy Awards with Beyoncé, appeared in the music video for Rihanna's "Hard" and was a featured dancer on Alicia Keys' world tour.
________________________________________
Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval
Representing: Hip Hop / Breaking
Appeared: Season 3 (Top
Memorable Routine: "Make It Work," a Hip Hop number choreographed by Shane Sparks and performed with Sabra Johnson
Dominic "D-trix" Sandoval started b-boying in 1999 at the age of 13, and joined the Flexible Flav crew in 2000 to tour and compete with them. Sandoval was part of Quest Crew, who won Season Three of "Randy Jackson Presents America's Best Dance Crew." He currently travels and performs around the world, and has performed for Ellen DeGeneres, Snoop Dogg, Usher, Pitbull, Sean Kingston and Donna Summer.
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Fred Astaire Dance Studio Opening In Portland, Oregon!
FRED ASTAIRE DANCE STUDIO TO HOLD GRAND OPENING
IN NORTHWEST PORTLAND ON MAY 20
Portland, Ore. — A Portland franchise of the popular, nationally known Fred Astaire Dance Studios will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 20.
The new 3,500 square-foot studio, located at 305 N.W. 21st Ave., above Cha! Taqueria, is owned by Alex Aillon and Jan Lampe and features two elegant ballrooms with hickory dance floors, high-tech lighting and audio systems.
“Dancing with the Stars has fueled a phenomenal rise in the popularity of ballroom dancing,” Lampe said. “And the response of the Portland community has been immediate and remarkable.”
Aillon, a veteran of national ballroom dancing competitions and the Fred Astaire organization, will be joined by five additional dance instructors offering lessons in waltz, tango, cha-cha, swing, rumba and foxtrot, as well as styles revived by Dancing with the Stars, including salsa, West Coast swing, samba, merengue, pasa doble and bolero.
Lampe said the studio will offer a grand opening special of two private lessons, two group lessons and party — a $250 value — for $25.
With the opening of the first studio on Park Avenue in New York City, Fred Astaire brought his immense talent out of glamorous Hollywood and onto the dance floors of America and the world. Today there are 140 Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout North America. Fred Astaire Dance Studios/Portland can be reached at (971) 255-1918.
IN NORTHWEST PORTLAND ON MAY 20
Portland, Ore. — A Portland franchise of the popular, nationally known Fred Astaire Dance Studios will celebrate its grand opening on Thursday, May 20.
The new 3,500 square-foot studio, located at 305 N.W. 21st Ave., above Cha! Taqueria, is owned by Alex Aillon and Jan Lampe and features two elegant ballrooms with hickory dance floors, high-tech lighting and audio systems.
“Dancing with the Stars has fueled a phenomenal rise in the popularity of ballroom dancing,” Lampe said. “And the response of the Portland community has been immediate and remarkable.”
Aillon, a veteran of national ballroom dancing competitions and the Fred Astaire organization, will be joined by five additional dance instructors offering lessons in waltz, tango, cha-cha, swing, rumba and foxtrot, as well as styles revived by Dancing with the Stars, including salsa, West Coast swing, samba, merengue, pasa doble and bolero.
Lampe said the studio will offer a grand opening special of two private lessons, two group lessons and party — a $250 value — for $25.
With the opening of the first studio on Park Avenue in New York City, Fred Astaire brought his immense talent out of glamorous Hollywood and onto the dance floors of America and the world. Today there are 140 Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout North America. Fred Astaire Dance Studios/Portland can be reached at (971) 255-1918.
Monday, April 26, 2010
News From Westerville, Ohio!
from federalvoice.com:
A Defense Supply Center Columbus associate and his wife were recently named the top ballroom dancing couple in their age group at a statewide competition sponsored by their dance studio.
Bill McLoughlin, a customer account specialist in Maritime Customer Operations, and his wife head to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Westerville after work for dance lessons two or three times a week.
On March 14, the McLoughlins joined competitors from all 12 Fred Astaire Studios in Ohio at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus for the studio’s annual “Freddy Ball.” The event features a full day of dance competition judged by international champions of dance from around the country. All the time and effort paid off when the McLoughlins were named “Top Amateur Couple” in their 46-64 age group category.
The McLoughlins met while dancing swing classes at the Jitterbug Café in 1993. They started ballroom dancing in 1996 with a group class offered at the Downtown Dance Club. Additional group classes prepared them to waltz at their wedding in 1997.
They took a hiatus of five years from dancing when Bill became the deejay for the two dances he and his wife regularly attended, but they gradually got back to dancing and started classes last June.
“We knew a lot of steps from years of dancing, but felt we were missing something in style” Bill McLoughlin said. He said the studio has given them “the elements of frame, partnering
and expression that were lacking in our dancing. As one of the coaches who worked with us
said, ‘Steps are what you do when you’re dancing."
A Defense Supply Center Columbus associate and his wife were recently named the top ballroom dancing couple in their age group at a statewide competition sponsored by their dance studio.
Bill McLoughlin, a customer account specialist in Maritime Customer Operations, and his wife head to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Westerville after work for dance lessons two or three times a week.
On March 14, the McLoughlins joined competitors from all 12 Fred Astaire Studios in Ohio at the Renaissance Hotel in downtown Columbus for the studio’s annual “Freddy Ball.” The event features a full day of dance competition judged by international champions of dance from around the country. All the time and effort paid off when the McLoughlins were named “Top Amateur Couple” in their 46-64 age group category.
The McLoughlins met while dancing swing classes at the Jitterbug Café in 1993. They started ballroom dancing in 1996 with a group class offered at the Downtown Dance Club. Additional group classes prepared them to waltz at their wedding in 1997.
They took a hiatus of five years from dancing when Bill became the deejay for the two dances he and his wife regularly attended, but they gradually got back to dancing and started classes last June.
“We knew a lot of steps from years of dancing, but felt we were missing something in style” Bill McLoughlin said. He said the studio has given them “the elements of frame, partnering
and expression that were lacking in our dancing. As one of the coaches who worked with us
said, ‘Steps are what you do when you’re dancing."
Interview With Tony Dovolani
from blog.zap2it.com:
'Dancing With the Stars': After Kate Gosselin, Tony Dovolani dances on
By Kate O'Hare
April 25, 2010 2:49 PM ET
Sitting in an airport, preparing to fly back to Los Angeles to perform on Tuesday's (April 27) "Dancing With the Stars" results show, professional ballroom dancer Tony Dovolani may have been eliminated from the competition last week, but he's not gone from the show.
"I love being part of our show," he tells Zap2it. "How long I last doesn't matter, because I get to have fun with all my friends there and enjoy myself."
Over the seasons, Dovolani has had his share of challenges, including, in Season 8, losing partner Nancy O'Dell to injury before competition even began but still taking his last-minute replacement, "The Bachelor" star Melissa Rycroft, all the way to the finals. Other partners -- such as country-music star Sara Evans, talk-show host Leeza Gibbons and model Kathy Ireland -- came with little dance experience.
"I take that as a compliment," says Dovolani of the challenges thrown at him. "It means that I'm well-qualified as a teacher. Part of the reason maybe I get some more challenging ones or whatever you want to call it, is because they know that they're always going to be in good hands, and that I'll get the best out of them every single time."
This year, though, he only made it to week five, and that wasn't because his dance partner, "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star Kate Gosselin had much, or indeed, any, natural dancing ability.
"Kate's biggest strength and weakness," he says, "is that she can handle a lot and she has a lot to handle. She would show up for six hours, but she was present maybe for an hour of it. There were too many things going on outside that were distracting her from the actual task at hand.
"I take pride in saying that I can teach anybody to dance. I even taught her how to dance. I literally had to teach her how to walk the first week, how to walk in heels and how to walk to rhythm. This woman had never taken a dance step in her life. That's not an exaggeration; that's actually an understatement.
"The moment she was in front of the public's eyes, she froze. She had a lot of fears to battle, and I guided her through it. I did the best I possibly could with her, under the circumstances."
While the video clips showing the two at practice focused on drama, Dovolani says there was more to it.
"She had a book release recently," he says, "and she wrote a nice note in there that she really did have fun. Yes, I said 'fun.' I was pleased to see that, because that was my goal from the start, to make sure she had fun."
Asked what he felt when Gosselin's name was announced for elimination, Dovolani says, "First thing, I knew she was going to cry, so I kept tissues in my pocket, waiting for her. I knew she was going to cry, because I know her. People know her as this tough cookie. She is a tough cookie, but at the same time, she's a softie."
Realizing Gosselin would need a moment to compose herself, Dovolani spoke first to hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke.
"I spoke from the heart," he says. "It was not so much just about Kate, but about all the single parents out there. My heart goes out to them."
Regarding which of the remaining dancers will make it to the final three, Dovolani says, "My opinion is Nicole [Scherzinger], Evan [Lysacek] and Erin [Andrews]. I'm very impressed with Erin. She's great. She brought out a really good side of my buddy Maks (Maksim Chmerkovsky)."
This season, there are romance rumors swirling around Andrews and Chmerkovskiy, and around pro Cheryl Burke and her partner, NFL star Chad Ochocinco.
Dovolani, himself happily married with three children, says, "It's about dancing, really. If relationships develop out of it, great. If they don't, so what? They're all short-lived anyway.
"If you think back, have any relationships that have developed on 'Dancing With the Stars' continued? That's basically it. It's like a nice fling, almost like a spring love. It's for the moment, whatever.
"I'm not confirming anything. I'm just saying that the rumors sometimes are true, sometimes are not. That's why they're called rumors. Otherwise, they'd be called facts."
'Dancing With the Stars': After Kate Gosselin, Tony Dovolani dances on
By Kate O'Hare
April 25, 2010 2:49 PM ET
Sitting in an airport, preparing to fly back to Los Angeles to perform on Tuesday's (April 27) "Dancing With the Stars" results show, professional ballroom dancer Tony Dovolani may have been eliminated from the competition last week, but he's not gone from the show.
"I love being part of our show," he tells Zap2it. "How long I last doesn't matter, because I get to have fun with all my friends there and enjoy myself."
Over the seasons, Dovolani has had his share of challenges, including, in Season 8, losing partner Nancy O'Dell to injury before competition even began but still taking his last-minute replacement, "The Bachelor" star Melissa Rycroft, all the way to the finals. Other partners -- such as country-music star Sara Evans, talk-show host Leeza Gibbons and model Kathy Ireland -- came with little dance experience.
"I take that as a compliment," says Dovolani of the challenges thrown at him. "It means that I'm well-qualified as a teacher. Part of the reason maybe I get some more challenging ones or whatever you want to call it, is because they know that they're always going to be in good hands, and that I'll get the best out of them every single time."
This year, though, he only made it to week five, and that wasn't because his dance partner, "Jon & Kate Plus 8" star Kate Gosselin had much, or indeed, any, natural dancing ability.
"Kate's biggest strength and weakness," he says, "is that she can handle a lot and she has a lot to handle. She would show up for six hours, but she was present maybe for an hour of it. There were too many things going on outside that were distracting her from the actual task at hand.
"I take pride in saying that I can teach anybody to dance. I even taught her how to dance. I literally had to teach her how to walk the first week, how to walk in heels and how to walk to rhythm. This woman had never taken a dance step in her life. That's not an exaggeration; that's actually an understatement.
"The moment she was in front of the public's eyes, she froze. She had a lot of fears to battle, and I guided her through it. I did the best I possibly could with her, under the circumstances."
While the video clips showing the two at practice focused on drama, Dovolani says there was more to it.
"She had a book release recently," he says, "and she wrote a nice note in there that she really did have fun. Yes, I said 'fun.' I was pleased to see that, because that was my goal from the start, to make sure she had fun."
Asked what he felt when Gosselin's name was announced for elimination, Dovolani says, "First thing, I knew she was going to cry, so I kept tissues in my pocket, waiting for her. I knew she was going to cry, because I know her. People know her as this tough cookie. She is a tough cookie, but at the same time, she's a softie."
Realizing Gosselin would need a moment to compose herself, Dovolani spoke first to hosts Tom Bergeron and Brooke Burke.
"I spoke from the heart," he says. "It was not so much just about Kate, but about all the single parents out there. My heart goes out to them."
Regarding which of the remaining dancers will make it to the final three, Dovolani says, "My opinion is Nicole [Scherzinger], Evan [Lysacek] and Erin [Andrews]. I'm very impressed with Erin. She's great. She brought out a really good side of my buddy Maks (Maksim Chmerkovsky)."
This season, there are romance rumors swirling around Andrews and Chmerkovskiy, and around pro Cheryl Burke and her partner, NFL star Chad Ochocinco.
Dovolani, himself happily married with three children, says, "It's about dancing, really. If relationships develop out of it, great. If they don't, so what? They're all short-lived anyway.
"If you think back, have any relationships that have developed on 'Dancing With the Stars' continued? That's basically it. It's like a nice fling, almost like a spring love. It's for the moment, whatever.
"I'm not confirming anything. I'm just saying that the rumors sometimes are true, sometimes are not. That's why they're called rumors. Otherwise, they'd be called facts."
MamaFad In The News!
from ballroomdancewestchester.com:
Ballroom dancing to help support sustained communities is one of the numerous and unique ways the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mamaroneck (MamaFad) team contributes to health and well-being of the local community.
This year on May 6th, the Washingtonville Housing Alliance, a locally sponsored not-for-profit corporation working to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the Village of Mamaroneck and the surrounding area will be holding it gala fundraising event and MamaFad will be there to support and help those at the dinner have a truly memorable evening.
The music will be provided by the Mamaroneck High School Jazz Band and will have a feature trombonist leading the way.
The evening will be pure and simple fun, food, entertainment and exercise. And all this will help the Alliance continue their mission of constructing new housing and improving existing housing for low and moderate income residents.
Who could argue with an evening of music and dance, of American and Latin Ballroom that actively sustains culture, health and friendship across generations and cultures? Come join us in the fun of dance and contribution!
For more information, contact the Alliance at:
Washingtonville Housing Alliance
136 Library Lane
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Phone: (914) 698-4299
Fax: (914) 698-7158
E-mail: infoATwashingtonvilleDOTorg
Ballroom dancing to help support sustained communities is one of the numerous and unique ways the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Mamaroneck (MamaFad) team contributes to health and well-being of the local community.
This year on May 6th, the Washingtonville Housing Alliance, a locally sponsored not-for-profit corporation working to preserve and enhance the quality of life in the Village of Mamaroneck and the surrounding area will be holding it gala fundraising event and MamaFad will be there to support and help those at the dinner have a truly memorable evening.
The music will be provided by the Mamaroneck High School Jazz Band and will have a feature trombonist leading the way.
The evening will be pure and simple fun, food, entertainment and exercise. And all this will help the Alliance continue their mission of constructing new housing and improving existing housing for low and moderate income residents.
Who could argue with an evening of music and dance, of American and Latin Ballroom that actively sustains culture, health and friendship across generations and cultures? Come join us in the fun of dance and contribution!
For more information, contact the Alliance at:
Washingtonville Housing Alliance
136 Library Lane
Mamaroneck, NY 10543
Phone: (914) 698-4299
Fax: (914) 698-7158
E-mail: infoATwashingtonvilleDOTorg
Local celebrities dance for Covenant Hospice
from pnj.com (Pensacola, FL):
Lakshmi Gopal arrived at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in a white lab coat and orthopedic shoes.
Exchanging her comfy clogs for elegant heels, the 33-year-old gastroenterologist checked her pager one last time, then waited her turn on the dance floor.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" Gopal asked, gesturing at the instructors quick-stepping around the small studio. "I hope I look half as good out there."
But looking good is nothing compared to doing good for her community. Gopal is one of several local "celebrities" hoofing it for charity in Life's a Dance, set for June 4 at the Saenger Theatre. Proceeds from the second annual showcase, presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio, will benefit Covenant Hospice.
"When they asked, of course I said yes," said Gopal, who works at the Medical Center Clinic in Pensacola. "I'm no dancer, but I love to have fun. And it's for a truly wonderful cause."
Life's a Dance will feature a cast of familiar faces. Fred Astaire instructors will be paired with local notables including Gopal, DeeDee Ritchie, Donna Clark, Bree Sison, Fred Levin, Karen Collins, Antonio Terry, Jean Pierre N'Dione and Jayer Williamson for a dance competition. Dancers from the hit TV series "Dancing with the Stars," including Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Derek Hough, Chelsie Hightower and Tony Dovolani, will perform in a showcase.
Victor Luna, an award-winning dancer who runs the Pensacola dance studio with partner Dawn Westberry, has been busy choreographing routines for the extravaganza.
At a recent group rehearsal, he hurried from dancer to dancer, dispensing advice over the thump of the music.
"Some routines are going to be a surprise," he said, smiling. "We definitely want to keep people guessing."
Pensacola attorney Levin insisted that his performance would be the most surprising of all.
"I'm going in cold," he said, a teasing grin on his face as he stood watching the other dancers. "I'm not having one rehearsal. That's the only way they could get the other guys to agree to compete. I'm just too good, otherwise."
Unlike the coolly confident Levin, most local competitors needed a little encouragement. Fred Astaire instructor Omar Hammad, 23, said the first and most important step in the rehearsal process was "building trust."
"Most of these people don't have a lot of dance experience, so, as an instructor, you want them to trust you and feel confident and comfortable," Hammad explained. "You want them to have fun."
Luna, who called on his "Dancing with the Stars" pals to appear in the benefit, said this is a remarkable event for the area.
"Nowhere else can you see this level of dancing, or these big names," he said. "Last year was amazing, but this year will be even better."
Leah Harrison is a development manager with Covenant Hospice, a nonprofit organization which provides services to patients and their families during times of life-limiting illnesses.
She said that last year's benefit raised $30,000.
"This year, our goal is around $35,000," Harrison said. "It was such a successful event for us, and we're thrilled that there is so much community interest."
Lakshmi Gopal arrived at the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in a white lab coat and orthopedic shoes.
Exchanging her comfy clogs for elegant heels, the 33-year-old gastroenterologist checked her pager one last time, then waited her turn on the dance floor.
"Aren't they gorgeous?" Gopal asked, gesturing at the instructors quick-stepping around the small studio. "I hope I look half as good out there."
But looking good is nothing compared to doing good for her community. Gopal is one of several local "celebrities" hoofing it for charity in Life's a Dance, set for June 4 at the Saenger Theatre. Proceeds from the second annual showcase, presented by Fred Astaire Dance Studio, will benefit Covenant Hospice.
"When they asked, of course I said yes," said Gopal, who works at the Medical Center Clinic in Pensacola. "I'm no dancer, but I love to have fun. And it's for a truly wonderful cause."
Life's a Dance will feature a cast of familiar faces. Fred Astaire instructors will be paired with local notables including Gopal, DeeDee Ritchie, Donna Clark, Bree Sison, Fred Levin, Karen Collins, Antonio Terry, Jean Pierre N'Dione and Jayer Williamson for a dance competition. Dancers from the hit TV series "Dancing with the Stars," including Edyta Sliwinska, Alec Mazo, Derek Hough, Chelsie Hightower and Tony Dovolani, will perform in a showcase.
Victor Luna, an award-winning dancer who runs the Pensacola dance studio with partner Dawn Westberry, has been busy choreographing routines for the extravaganza.
At a recent group rehearsal, he hurried from dancer to dancer, dispensing advice over the thump of the music.
"Some routines are going to be a surprise," he said, smiling. "We definitely want to keep people guessing."
Pensacola attorney Levin insisted that his performance would be the most surprising of all.
"I'm going in cold," he said, a teasing grin on his face as he stood watching the other dancers. "I'm not having one rehearsal. That's the only way they could get the other guys to agree to compete. I'm just too good, otherwise."
Unlike the coolly confident Levin, most local competitors needed a little encouragement. Fred Astaire instructor Omar Hammad, 23, said the first and most important step in the rehearsal process was "building trust."
"Most of these people don't have a lot of dance experience, so, as an instructor, you want them to trust you and feel confident and comfortable," Hammad explained. "You want them to have fun."
Luna, who called on his "Dancing with the Stars" pals to appear in the benefit, said this is a remarkable event for the area.
"Nowhere else can you see this level of dancing, or these big names," he said. "Last year was amazing, but this year will be even better."
Leah Harrison is a development manager with Covenant Hospice, a nonprofit organization which provides services to patients and their families during times of life-limiting illnesses.
She said that last year's benefit raised $30,000.
"This year, our goal is around $35,000," Harrison said. "It was such a successful event for us, and we're thrilled that there is so much community interest."
Friday, April 23, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Season 10 - Movie Night!
By Natasha Oreshkina
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
Movie night was fun to watch! Here are my thoughts on the dances we saw:
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
Score: 18
They danced a Jive from La Bamba. This was a great dance to compliment Niecy's style. I recommend that she concentrate more on her footwork, specifically bouncing on the feet, not from the upper body.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
Score: 18
Although their Quickstep was fun to watch, it was a bit uneven. Chad was not always connected with his partner and his frame needs to improve. He had better rhythm and footwork this week but his upper body position is too tight and his shoulders are still too high.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Score: 22
They danced a Jive from Pulp Fiction and did a great job. In my opinion, the beginning part of the dance with Maks looking at a menu lasted a little too long! Erin seemed a little nervous; she needed to relax more. Her movement wasn't as flexible and sharp as it could've been. But they presented a good mood and character of the dance.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
Score: 21
Their Quickstep was from the movie 9-5. I would've liked to see more musicality. The Quickstep needs good and clear rhythm and Pam was a little heavy in her movements.
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower
Score: 23
They performed a Cha Cha from Risky Business. Jake took a big step forward this week. His dance had lots of movement and he presented a good mood and character. He had a good connection with his partner also.
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani
Score: 15
They were eliminated this week after their Foxtrot from The Breakfast Club. She performed better than Week #1 but worse than last week. It was clear she didn't remember her routine and focused on Tony for help. She had no connection with the audience. Tony was patient as he tried to teach and inspire her but this week she looked more like she was walking on the dance floor than dancing. The Foxtrot should've been flowing, elegant, and graceful.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Score: 29
Nicole just keeps getting better each week! It really will be a fight to the finish between Nicole and Evan! Her Tango from Pretty Woman was very sharp and powerful with beautiful lines and good rhythm. In my opinion, Nicole was a bit too strong and stiff when she danced the Tango.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Score: 27
They danced a beautiful rumba. I saw a lot of hip movement. His dancing was very musical with good balance and posture. He presented a great connection between the character of the dance and the music.
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
Movie night was fun to watch! Here are my thoughts on the dances we saw:
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel
Score: 18
They danced a Jive from La Bamba. This was a great dance to compliment Niecy's style. I recommend that she concentrate more on her footwork, specifically bouncing on the feet, not from the upper body.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke
Score: 18
Although their Quickstep was fun to watch, it was a bit uneven. Chad was not always connected with his partner and his frame needs to improve. He had better rhythm and footwork this week but his upper body position is too tight and his shoulders are still too high.
Erin Andrews & Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Score: 22
They danced a Jive from Pulp Fiction and did a great job. In my opinion, the beginning part of the dance with Maks looking at a menu lasted a little too long! Erin seemed a little nervous; she needed to relax more. Her movement wasn't as flexible and sharp as it could've been. But they presented a good mood and character of the dance.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood
Score: 21
Their Quickstep was from the movie 9-5. I would've liked to see more musicality. The Quickstep needs good and clear rhythm and Pam was a little heavy in her movements.
Jake Pavelka & Chelsie Hightower
Score: 23
They performed a Cha Cha from Risky Business. Jake took a big step forward this week. His dance had lots of movement and he presented a good mood and character. He had a good connection with his partner also.
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani
Score: 15
They were eliminated this week after their Foxtrot from The Breakfast Club. She performed better than Week #1 but worse than last week. It was clear she didn't remember her routine and focused on Tony for help. She had no connection with the audience. Tony was patient as he tried to teach and inspire her but this week she looked more like she was walking on the dance floor than dancing. The Foxtrot should've been flowing, elegant, and graceful.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough
Score: 29
Nicole just keeps getting better each week! It really will be a fight to the finish between Nicole and Evan! Her Tango from Pretty Woman was very sharp and powerful with beautiful lines and good rhythm. In my opinion, Nicole was a bit too strong and stiff when she danced the Tango.
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya
Score: 27
They danced a beautiful rumba. I saw a lot of hip movement. His dancing was very musical with good balance and posture. He presented a great connection between the character of the dance and the music.
Monday, April 19, 2010
Dancing With The Stars, Season 10 Commentary
By Natasha Oreshkina
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
This has been an interesting season with celebrities of all different ages and abilities and personalities. It was wonderful to see Buzz Aldrin, at his age, perform and enjoy dancing. Just goes to show that no matter what your age is, you can still dance and have fun!
The theme for tonight's show is "Movie Night" where different types of dances are performed from different movie scores. I'd like to mention some favorite couples of mine so far on the show:
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya: Evan has a lot of potential, although he's clearly not used to partnering. He needs to concentrate on leading and his footwork. His upper body (arms and spine) looks great! But with his footwork, he looks like he's sliding and skating on the dance floor! He needs to work on his heel leads. Last week's Tango was a big improvement; his footwork was much better.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough: Nicole could be the winner! They are my favorite couple so far. I like how she looks on the dance floor - her hair, makeup, and costumes. She looks flexible and she has lots of natural skill. With last week's Rumba, she looked nervous but her lines and positions were very elegant. Nicole and Derek have a good connection in their partnership.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel: Niecy is a great example for everyone. She is flexible and open and not afraid to express herself. Niecy and Louis have a great partnership.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke: Chad is another one who has great potential but his posture is not good. I don't see any improvement in his posture at this point either. He has sharp movements but his shoulders are too high.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood: Last week, Pamela's rumba was very sexy with a very impressive split at the end.
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani: This is a hard partner for Tony because Kate is nervous and not flexible. She has problems remembering the choreography. But last week's show proved that Tony is a great teacher. Her Tango looked like she was actually dancing.
Recommendations for all celebs: Concentrate more on technique and posture!
Natasha Oreshkina, co-owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Syracuse, New York, is now providing commentary and a preview of each Dancing With The Stars show.
This has been an interesting season with celebrities of all different ages and abilities and personalities. It was wonderful to see Buzz Aldrin, at his age, perform and enjoy dancing. Just goes to show that no matter what your age is, you can still dance and have fun!
The theme for tonight's show is "Movie Night" where different types of dances are performed from different movie scores. I'd like to mention some favorite couples of mine so far on the show:
Evan Lysacek & Anna Trebunskaya: Evan has a lot of potential, although he's clearly not used to partnering. He needs to concentrate on leading and his footwork. His upper body (arms and spine) looks great! But with his footwork, he looks like he's sliding and skating on the dance floor! He needs to work on his heel leads. Last week's Tango was a big improvement; his footwork was much better.
Nicole Scherzinger & Derek Hough: Nicole could be the winner! They are my favorite couple so far. I like how she looks on the dance floor - her hair, makeup, and costumes. She looks flexible and she has lots of natural skill. With last week's Rumba, she looked nervous but her lines and positions were very elegant. Nicole and Derek have a good connection in their partnership.
Niecy Nash & Louis van Amstel: Niecy is a great example for everyone. She is flexible and open and not afraid to express herself. Niecy and Louis have a great partnership.
Chad Ochocinco & Cheryl Burke: Chad is another one who has great potential but his posture is not good. I don't see any improvement in his posture at this point either. He has sharp movements but his shoulders are too high.
Pamela Anderson & Damian Whitewood: Last week, Pamela's rumba was very sexy with a very impressive split at the end.
Kate Gosselin & Tony Dovolani: This is a hard partner for Tony because Kate is nervous and not flexible. She has problems remembering the choreography. But last week's show proved that Tony is a great teacher. Her Tango looked like she was actually dancing.
Recommendations for all celebs: Concentrate more on technique and posture!
A Marriage Made On The Dance Floor
from westfaironline.com (Bedford Hills, NY):
Some marriages are made in heaven. Others are made on the dance floor.
When Yuri Tsarev was a 15-year-old ballroom dancer in his native Belarus, his coach advised him to partner up with a 13-year-old dancer named Elena.
“He said she’d be good, and I said, ‘OK,” Tsarev says in a matter-of-fact manner.
Coach’s intuition? Kismet? Or both? Whatever it was, it is clear from the way Elena and Yuri Tsarev flirt with each other that they have chemistry behind and beyond the footlights.
That chemistry helped them become seven-time ballroom champions in Belarus. Now they have translated that experience into a franchise of their own, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills.
The Tsarevs were among the wave of Eastern European dancers who emigrated to the U.S. with the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. (They arrived here in 1993).
“It was always in the background of my mind,” Yuri Tsarev says. “I had a lot of relatives here. We came here to the world championship and decided to stay because there were more opportunities.”
There was never any doubt that those opportunities would be in the sphere of dance.
“It’s not just an occupation,” he says. “It’s like our life, like our religion.”
The Tsarevs had some contacts with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Inc., which was founded by the big-screen hoofer in 1947 and which later pioneered hiring Eastern European ballroom champions as teachers.
In 2002, the couple opened their Fred Astaire franchise.
“Business is good,” Yuri Tsarev says. “People want relaxation and entertainment.”
What they get is a whole lot more, says student Bira Rabushka.
“I feel both (Elena and Yuri) have that special talent to find out where the niche is for each student,” she says.
Rabushka, a Goldens Bridge resident who recently retired as a violinist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, has been studying ballroom dance with the Tsarevs for almost four years. She describes the experience as an infectious combination of an exercise high and an emotional response to the music.
“It’s physically and emotionally very satisfying,” she says.
But it’s also demanding, and not just because of the intricate patterns that make up each dance. As Yuri Tsarev explains – punctuating his words with crisp movements in typical dancer fashion – ballroom dancing is accompanied by a code of courtly conduct.
Elena and Yuri Tsarev in their Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills.
“(Americans) look at it as exercise,” he says. “But ballroom dancing goes with the culture. Without the culture, there’s no ballroom dancing.”
That blend of discipline and delight is evident as instructor Andrey Savenko works carefully with student Carol Steiner to the beat of Elvis Presley. (The studio is hosting an Elvis 75th-birthday party May 14.)
“I love to dance,” says Steiner, a Mount Kisco resident who’s been studying at the Bedford Hills studio for three years. “But I hadn’t danced in years. Now here I am, dancing again.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dance, American style
What’s up with the categories?
What is commonly referred to as ballroom dancing actually consists of 10 dances, five each in the International Standard and the International Latin categories. Under International Standard, you have the waltz, the tango, the fox-trot, the quickstep and the Viennese waltz. International Latin contains the rumba, the samba, the cha-cha, the paso doble and the jive.
In the U.S. and Canada, you also have the American Smooth and American Rhythm categories. American Smooth has the waltz, the tango, the fox-trot and the Viennese waltz. American Rhythm has the rumba, the cha-cha, East Coast swing, the bolero and the mambo.
Apart from some divergence in actual dances, what’s the real difference between the International and the American styles?
It’s not only the combination of steps, says Yuri Tsarev, who owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills with wife, Elena.
“International must be done with full connection with the partner,” he says.
American-style, which allows for individual movements and more space between partners, is “more expressive, with more variety,” Tsarev adds.
“In International, you’re limited with the amount of steps. But you polish the steps. With American, there are more steps. But you don’t need to polish as much.”
Some marriages are made in heaven. Others are made on the dance floor.
When Yuri Tsarev was a 15-year-old ballroom dancer in his native Belarus, his coach advised him to partner up with a 13-year-old dancer named Elena.
“He said she’d be good, and I said, ‘OK,” Tsarev says in a matter-of-fact manner.
Coach’s intuition? Kismet? Or both? Whatever it was, it is clear from the way Elena and Yuri Tsarev flirt with each other that they have chemistry behind and beyond the footlights.
That chemistry helped them become seven-time ballroom champions in Belarus. Now they have translated that experience into a franchise of their own, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills.
The Tsarevs were among the wave of Eastern European dancers who emigrated to the U.S. with the demise of the Soviet Union in 1991. (They arrived here in 1993).
“It was always in the background of my mind,” Yuri Tsarev says. “I had a lot of relatives here. We came here to the world championship and decided to stay because there were more opportunities.”
There was never any doubt that those opportunities would be in the sphere of dance.
“It’s not just an occupation,” he says. “It’s like our life, like our religion.”
The Tsarevs had some contacts with the Fred Astaire Dance Studios Inc., which was founded by the big-screen hoofer in 1947 and which later pioneered hiring Eastern European ballroom champions as teachers.
In 2002, the couple opened their Fred Astaire franchise.
“Business is good,” Yuri Tsarev says. “People want relaxation and entertainment.”
What they get is a whole lot more, says student Bira Rabushka.
“I feel both (Elena and Yuri) have that special talent to find out where the niche is for each student,” she says.
Rabushka, a Goldens Bridge resident who recently retired as a violinist with the New York City Ballet Orchestra, has been studying ballroom dance with the Tsarevs for almost four years. She describes the experience as an infectious combination of an exercise high and an emotional response to the music.
“It’s physically and emotionally very satisfying,” she says.
But it’s also demanding, and not just because of the intricate patterns that make up each dance. As Yuri Tsarev explains – punctuating his words with crisp movements in typical dancer fashion – ballroom dancing is accompanied by a code of courtly conduct.
Elena and Yuri Tsarev in their Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills.
“(Americans) look at it as exercise,” he says. “But ballroom dancing goes with the culture. Without the culture, there’s no ballroom dancing.”
That blend of discipline and delight is evident as instructor Andrey Savenko works carefully with student Carol Steiner to the beat of Elvis Presley. (The studio is hosting an Elvis 75th-birthday party May 14.)
“I love to dance,” says Steiner, a Mount Kisco resident who’s been studying at the Bedford Hills studio for three years. “But I hadn’t danced in years. Now here I am, dancing again.”
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dance, American style
What’s up with the categories?
What is commonly referred to as ballroom dancing actually consists of 10 dances, five each in the International Standard and the International Latin categories. Under International Standard, you have the waltz, the tango, the fox-trot, the quickstep and the Viennese waltz. International Latin contains the rumba, the samba, the cha-cha, the paso doble and the jive.
In the U.S. and Canada, you also have the American Smooth and American Rhythm categories. American Smooth has the waltz, the tango, the fox-trot and the Viennese waltz. American Rhythm has the rumba, the cha-cha, East Coast swing, the bolero and the mambo.
Apart from some divergence in actual dances, what’s the real difference between the International and the American styles?
It’s not only the combination of steps, says Yuri Tsarev, who owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Bedford Hills with wife, Elena.
“International must be done with full connection with the partner,” he says.
American-style, which allows for individual movements and more space between partners, is “more expressive, with more variety,” Tsarev adds.
“In International, you’re limited with the amount of steps. But you polish the steps. With American, there are more steps. But you don’t need to polish as much.”
Friday, April 16, 2010
Their swing-and-sway much more than OK
From silive.com: (Staten Island, NY):
A dance extravaganza replete with Mardi Gras theme, a Bourbon Street background and festive balloons provided the perfect backdrop for the 2010 Fred Astaire Regional Metropolitan Dancesport Championships in the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel in Atlantic City.
Taking home top honors during the ballroom dance competition weekend event were Halina Molinowski of Great Kills and Tottenville’s Caylie McAree.
Halina, a first-time ballroom dance competitor, not only scored multiple first-place awards but was named overall top student in the Novice Division.
Halina danced with instructors Marco Garcia and Kelly Gilmore, who doubles as director of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Grasmere, to both slow and rhythm dances in the professional/amateur category. Halina was awarded first places with both instructors in Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, East Coast Swing, Rhumba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Salsa, Mambo and Hustle.
The Saturday evening grand banquet found Ms. Molinowski presented with an overall top student trophy alongside her proud instructors.
Also taking home top honors with instructor Marco was 7-year-old ballroom dancer Caylie McAree, who also represented Fred Astaire last November at the Fred Astaire Northeast Dancesport Championships in Mahwah, N.J. — at which time she danced with Marco for the studio’s Holiday Showcase held on Staten Island in December. Caylie is also an accomplished gymnast.
Scoring first place in all her dance entries with Marco, Caylie danced Merengue, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing and Rhumba as a newcomer, as well as dancing at the Bronze Level in the juvenile (under 12) age category.
“We were definitely winners this time in Atlantic City,” boasted Gilmore. “But,” says he, “it had nothing to do with luck! Both of our dancers were well-rehearsed and performed even better on the dance competition floor than they had in rehearsal.”
A dance extravaganza replete with Mardi Gras theme, a Bourbon Street background and festive balloons provided the perfect backdrop for the 2010 Fred Astaire Regional Metropolitan Dancesport Championships in the grand ballroom of the Sheraton Hotel in Atlantic City.
Taking home top honors during the ballroom dance competition weekend event were Halina Molinowski of Great Kills and Tottenville’s Caylie McAree.
Halina, a first-time ballroom dance competitor, not only scored multiple first-place awards but was named overall top student in the Novice Division.
Halina danced with instructors Marco Garcia and Kelly Gilmore, who doubles as director of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Grasmere, to both slow and rhythm dances in the professional/amateur category. Halina was awarded first places with both instructors in Fox Trot, Waltz, Tango, East Coast Swing, Rhumba, Cha-Cha, Merengue, Salsa, Mambo and Hustle.
The Saturday evening grand banquet found Ms. Molinowski presented with an overall top student trophy alongside her proud instructors.
Also taking home top honors with instructor Marco was 7-year-old ballroom dancer Caylie McAree, who also represented Fred Astaire last November at the Fred Astaire Northeast Dancesport Championships in Mahwah, N.J. — at which time she danced with Marco for the studio’s Holiday Showcase held on Staten Island in December. Caylie is also an accomplished gymnast.
Scoring first place in all her dance entries with Marco, Caylie danced Merengue, Cha-Cha, East Coast Swing and Rhumba as a newcomer, as well as dancing at the Bronze Level in the juvenile (under 12) age category.
“We were definitely winners this time in Atlantic City,” boasted Gilmore. “But,” says he, “it had nothing to do with luck! Both of our dancers were well-rehearsed and performed even better on the dance competition floor than they had in rehearsal.”
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Ballroom Competition Gets Hearts Beating In Support Of The U.S. Transplant Games
By Josie Cowell
It is no secret that ballroom dancing is good for you, mind and body. A fun and exciting way to get in the exercise that is so important for good health, dancing gets the feet moving and the heart pumping. Getting the heart pumping is about more than dancing though; with more than 100,000 Americans waiting for organ transplants, organ donation is more urgent than ever. In honor of that need, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison and dancers from across Wisconsin gathered at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 12th to participate in Team Match at the Madison studio, a chance not only to enjoy ballroom dancing and a bit of friendly competition, but also to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Proceeds from the event and donations will be given to support Team Wisconsin in this year’s U.S. Transplant Games.
Team Match is a bi-annual competition that brings together ballroom dancers from all over Wisconsin. This spring’s Team Match is being hosted by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison, and will include amateur and professional participants from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Madison, Wales, Pewaukee, and Menomonee Falls. Madison Studio owner, Peter Goethche, says “Team Match has always been a great way for students at Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout Wisconsin to get together and engage in a fun, competitive event; this year, we wanted to make it about more than friendly competition. Since this is the first year that the Games will be having ballroom dancing as an event, we thought that this was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.”
The biennial U.S. Transplant Games, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation will be held in Madison, WI from July 30th to August 4th. The event is a testament to the success of transplantation, and a wonderful way to honor the donor families and living donors who make transplantation possible. Over 8,000 recipients and donors are expected to attend the event. Fred Astaire Dance Studios, a national franchise of dance studios will be sponsoring the ballroom portion of the event, and the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison is excited not only to be the winner of 2010 Team Match Top Studio Award, but to be able to do their part raising awareness about the importance of organ donation!
For more information about Team Match and how to help support Team Wisconsin in the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games, please contact Josie Cowell at 608-833-2623 or fredastairemadison@gmail.com
It is no secret that ballroom dancing is good for you, mind and body. A fun and exciting way to get in the exercise that is so important for good health, dancing gets the feet moving and the heart pumping. Getting the heart pumping is about more than dancing though; with more than 100,000 Americans waiting for organ transplants, organ donation is more urgent than ever. In honor of that need, the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison and dancers from across Wisconsin gathered at 7:00 pm on Friday, March 12th to participate in Team Match at the Madison studio, a chance not only to enjoy ballroom dancing and a bit of friendly competition, but also to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation. Proceeds from the event and donations will be given to support Team Wisconsin in this year’s U.S. Transplant Games.
Team Match is a bi-annual competition that brings together ballroom dancers from all over Wisconsin. This spring’s Team Match is being hosted by the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison, and will include amateur and professional participants from the Fred Astaire Dance Studios in Madison, Wales, Pewaukee, and Menomonee Falls. Madison Studio owner, Peter Goethche, says “Team Match has always been a great way for students at Fred Astaire Dance Studios throughout Wisconsin to get together and engage in a fun, competitive event; this year, we wanted to make it about more than friendly competition. Since this is the first year that the Games will be having ballroom dancing as an event, we thought that this was the perfect opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of organ donation.”
The biennial U.S. Transplant Games, hosted by the National Kidney Foundation will be held in Madison, WI from July 30th to August 4th. The event is a testament to the success of transplantation, and a wonderful way to honor the donor families and living donors who make transplantation possible. Over 8,000 recipients and donors are expected to attend the event. Fred Astaire Dance Studios, a national franchise of dance studios will be sponsoring the ballroom portion of the event, and the Fred Astaire Dance Studio of Madison is excited not only to be the winner of 2010 Team Match Top Studio Award, but to be able to do their part raising awareness about the importance of organ donation!
For more information about Team Match and how to help support Team Wisconsin in the 2010 U.S. Transplant Games, please contact Josie Cowell at 608-833-2623 or fredastairemadison@gmail.com
Cross Country Dance Championships 2010!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios staff and students from around the country will be in Las Vegas this week to compete at the Cross Country Dance Championships! Held at the Luxor Hotel, the CCDC is a whirlwind event filled with competitive heats, fun parties, dazzling professional shows, and many social dancing interludes.
The theme for the Saturday night banquet and show is "Dancing Around The World," featuring music and dances from a variety of countries. We are also excited to have a panel of distinguished judges at this competition, including Dancing With The Stars alums Corky Ballas and Elena Grinenko.
The theme for the Saturday night banquet and show is "Dancing Around The World," featuring music and dances from a variety of countries. We are also excited to have a panel of distinguished judges at this competition, including Dancing With The Stars alums Corky Ballas and Elena Grinenko.
Friday, April 09, 2010
CCDC News! Captiva woman dances for national title
from abc-7.com: (Florida)
A Captiva woman with barely any dance experience is now on her way to a national dance competition. And this amateur dancer is positive she has the right moves to win.
With the right rhythm and the right steps, Susan Scott could become a national dance champion, even though she's only been dancing for four months.
"Her understanding of technique, her partnering, her movement... it's brilliant. She's a prodigy. She learns very quickly," said Steve Wilkie, owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Fort Myers.
Wilkie met Scott in January during a local "Dancing with the Stars" charity event. He randomly selected her as his dance partner, and they did the Cha Cha to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
Wilkie knew it was the beginning of a beautiful partnership.
"So he said, ‘I can take you to Vegas. It's the most outrageous and expensive.' And I said, ‘Well, you know you hit my right buttons!'" Scott said.
The outrageous idea was to enter in a five-day national competition in Las Vegas with just a few months to train. The competition is next week.
It's right around the corner and they've been practicing around the clock.
For the past two weeks, they've logged at least three hours of practice every single day. Scott even installed mirrors in her art studio in Captiva, so she could practice even more at home.
"She's very unusual," Wilkie said. "She's driven and motivated to the point of being borderline insane."
To earn the title of "Top Newcomer," Scott had to learn every American and international dance style from the Tango to the Fox Trot to the Waltz. In the process, she's lost 17 pounds.
With days left before the big dance, the duo says they're ready to take the lead and take home first place.
"I am going to win. I'm not doing this not to win," Scott said.
A Captiva woman with barely any dance experience is now on her way to a national dance competition. And this amateur dancer is positive she has the right moves to win.
With the right rhythm and the right steps, Susan Scott could become a national dance champion, even though she's only been dancing for four months.
"Her understanding of technique, her partnering, her movement... it's brilliant. She's a prodigy. She learns very quickly," said Steve Wilkie, owner of the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Fort Myers.
Wilkie met Scott in January during a local "Dancing with the Stars" charity event. He randomly selected her as his dance partner, and they did the Cha Cha to Michael Jackson's "Billie Jean."
Wilkie knew it was the beginning of a beautiful partnership.
"So he said, ‘I can take you to Vegas. It's the most outrageous and expensive.' And I said, ‘Well, you know you hit my right buttons!'" Scott said.
The outrageous idea was to enter in a five-day national competition in Las Vegas with just a few months to train. The competition is next week.
It's right around the corner and they've been practicing around the clock.
For the past two weeks, they've logged at least three hours of practice every single day. Scott even installed mirrors in her art studio in Captiva, so she could practice even more at home.
"She's very unusual," Wilkie said. "She's driven and motivated to the point of being borderline insane."
To earn the title of "Top Newcomer," Scott had to learn every American and international dance style from the Tango to the Fox Trot to the Waltz. In the process, she's lost 17 pounds.
With days left before the big dance, the duo says they're ready to take the lead and take home first place.
"I am going to win. I'm not doing this not to win," Scott said.
Thursday, April 01, 2010
Twitch Signs On For Next Season Of So You Think You Can Dance!
from blog.zap2it.com:
"So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe made a stunning announcement on Monday (March 29), outlining the major changes coming to the dance series this season: Not only will there be just 10 finalists chosen in Vegas, but those finalists will be partnered with a new "SYTYCD" alum each week of the competition.
Lythgoe promised to reveal which of the show's "all-stars" have signed on to return via Twitter and he wasn't lying.
"I am thrilled that representing the various dance genres of Popping, Locking, Krump etc in the All-Stars Dance-Pool from Season 4 is TWITCH," Lythgoe tweeted Tuesday morning.
No surprise there, considering Stephen "tWitch" Boss -- who is starring in the upcoming "Step Up 3D" and "Stomp the Yard 2" films -- was easily one of the most likable and talented contestants ever to grace the "So You Think You Can Dance" stage and was clearly beloved by the judges as well.
But who else fits that bill?
Shall we do a little armchair casting on which other show alum should return?
Our list...
Benji Schwimmer: Not only did he win the second season of the show, but his expertise in West Coast Swing has already brought him back to the series as a choreographer.
Travis Wall: The contemporary finalist from Season 2 could very well find himself nominated for an Emmy after the choreography work he did during seasons 5 and 6 of "SYTYCD."
Dmitry Chaplin: The international Latin ballroom dancer went on to "Dancing with the Stars" fame, partnering with celebrities like singer Mya and "Girl Next Door" Holly Madison, but he's returned to choreograph for "So You Think You Can Dance" as well and was nominated for an Emmy because of it.
Dominic Sandoval and Hok Konishi: The Season 3 B-Boys went on to win MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" post-"SYTYCD" and are two of the show's most memorable faces. Also, we just want to see Dom hit on host Cat Deeley some more.
Sara Von Gillern: One of the brightest smiles of Season 3, the B-Girl has great style both on and off the stage.
Lacey Schwimmer: The West Coast swinger was the first "So You Think You Can Dance" alum to join "Dancing with the Stars" as a series regular pro, but she's not on the show this season, so perhaps she's free to do her thing on "SYTYCD" once again.
Katee Shean: The Season 4 stand out won the "Top Girl" distinction while on "So You Think" and is arguably the best female dancer to ever do the series.
William Wingfield: Though he was eliminated prior to the finale of Season 4, his skills as a Debbie Allen-trained dancer yielded some of the most beautiful and technically-sound performances in "So You Think You Can Dance" history.
Janette Manrara: The salsa spice girl was a fan and judge favorite in Season 5. In fact, when she was eliminated, Nigel publicly stated that he had wanted her to win the competition.
Evan Kasprzak: The Broadway boy is not only lovable, but one of the only former contestants to be an expert in this particular style.
Jeanine Mason: The season 5 winner is a star through and through.
Brandon Bryant: The contemporary dancer from Season 5 can pretty much do anything.
Russell Ferguson: The Krumper who won Season 6 didn't get to go on Tour, but returning to "So You Think You Could Dance" could be a consolation prize for that. Plus, we love him.
"So You Think You Can Dance" executive producer and judge Nigel Lythgoe made a stunning announcement on Monday (March 29), outlining the major changes coming to the dance series this season: Not only will there be just 10 finalists chosen in Vegas, but those finalists will be partnered with a new "SYTYCD" alum each week of the competition.
Lythgoe promised to reveal which of the show's "all-stars" have signed on to return via Twitter and he wasn't lying.
"I am thrilled that representing the various dance genres of Popping, Locking, Krump etc in the All-Stars Dance-Pool from Season 4 is TWITCH," Lythgoe tweeted Tuesday morning.
No surprise there, considering Stephen "tWitch" Boss -- who is starring in the upcoming "Step Up 3D" and "Stomp the Yard 2" films -- was easily one of the most likable and talented contestants ever to grace the "So You Think You Can Dance" stage and was clearly beloved by the judges as well.
But who else fits that bill?
Shall we do a little armchair casting on which other show alum should return?
Our list...
Benji Schwimmer: Not only did he win the second season of the show, but his expertise in West Coast Swing has already brought him back to the series as a choreographer.
Travis Wall: The contemporary finalist from Season 2 could very well find himself nominated for an Emmy after the choreography work he did during seasons 5 and 6 of "SYTYCD."
Dmitry Chaplin: The international Latin ballroom dancer went on to "Dancing with the Stars" fame, partnering with celebrities like singer Mya and "Girl Next Door" Holly Madison, but he's returned to choreograph for "So You Think You Can Dance" as well and was nominated for an Emmy because of it.
Dominic Sandoval and Hok Konishi: The Season 3 B-Boys went on to win MTV's "America's Best Dance Crew" post-"SYTYCD" and are two of the show's most memorable faces. Also, we just want to see Dom hit on host Cat Deeley some more.
Sara Von Gillern: One of the brightest smiles of Season 3, the B-Girl has great style both on and off the stage.
Lacey Schwimmer: The West Coast swinger was the first "So You Think You Can Dance" alum to join "Dancing with the Stars" as a series regular pro, but she's not on the show this season, so perhaps she's free to do her thing on "SYTYCD" once again.
Katee Shean: The Season 4 stand out won the "Top Girl" distinction while on "So You Think" and is arguably the best female dancer to ever do the series.
William Wingfield: Though he was eliminated prior to the finale of Season 4, his skills as a Debbie Allen-trained dancer yielded some of the most beautiful and technically-sound performances in "So You Think You Can Dance" history.
Janette Manrara: The salsa spice girl was a fan and judge favorite in Season 5. In fact, when she was eliminated, Nigel publicly stated that he had wanted her to win the competition.
Evan Kasprzak: The Broadway boy is not only lovable, but one of the only former contestants to be an expert in this particular style.
Jeanine Mason: The season 5 winner is a star through and through.
Brandon Bryant: The contemporary dancer from Season 5 can pretty much do anything.
Russell Ferguson: The Krumper who won Season 6 didn't get to go on Tour, but returning to "So You Think You Could Dance" could be a consolation prize for that. Plus, we love him.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
News About So You Think You Can Dance
From reuters.com:
"Think You Can Dance" adds "all-stars" from past
Mon, Mar 29 2010
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Television dance contest "So You Think You Can Dance" will feature a group of "all-stars" from past seasons in a bid to boost audiences when it returns for a 7th season in May.
Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told reporters on Monday that Emmy-winning choreographer Mia Michaels will return as both a judge and a choreographer, and that just 10 dancers -- instead of 20 -- would be picked for the main competition from the thousands that audition.
In a major shake-up of the Fox summer TV hit, Lythgoe said he was assembling a pool of dancers from previous series. They will pair each week with the 2010 contestants who are vying for a $250,000 cash prize and a dance magazine cover feature.
"The whole reason for doing it is to make the show more exciting...Some of these brilliant dancers (from past seasons) have just disappeared off the face of the earth. To be able to have this show use its own talent is fabulous," Lythgoe said on a conference call.
In the past, 20 contestants have danced in pairs in styles from jazz and ballroom to hip-hop. Viewers vote on weekly eliminations until the finale.
In the new season, starting on Fox on May 27, the top 10 will draw the name of an all-star, and perform in the style perfected by that dancer. Lythgoe will release the names of the all-stars in coming weeks.
Unlike Fox's top-rated TV talent show "American Idol", where the victor gets a recording contract, releases an album, and can forge a best-selling career, winners of "So You Think You Can Dance" have few such high-profile opportunities.
Ratings for the dance contest have declined over the past two years from about 9.7 million viewers in 2008 to 7.1 million in 2009 when "So You Think You Can Dance" was moved from its regular summer spot to the autumn.
"The whole reason for doing improvements on a show is to try and get more people watching," Lythgoe acknowledged.
Contemporary dancer and choreographer Michaels, whose exit last October shocked fans, will return as both a choreographer and judge. Former ballroom dancer and judge Mary Murphy will add choreography to her judging duties, Lythgoe said.
"Think You Can Dance" adds "all-stars" from past
Mon, Mar 29 2010
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Television dance contest "So You Think You Can Dance" will feature a group of "all-stars" from past seasons in a bid to boost audiences when it returns for a 7th season in May.
Executive producer Nigel Lythgoe told reporters on Monday that Emmy-winning choreographer Mia Michaels will return as both a judge and a choreographer, and that just 10 dancers -- instead of 20 -- would be picked for the main competition from the thousands that audition.
In a major shake-up of the Fox summer TV hit, Lythgoe said he was assembling a pool of dancers from previous series. They will pair each week with the 2010 contestants who are vying for a $250,000 cash prize and a dance magazine cover feature.
"The whole reason for doing it is to make the show more exciting...Some of these brilliant dancers (from past seasons) have just disappeared off the face of the earth. To be able to have this show use its own talent is fabulous," Lythgoe said on a conference call.
In the past, 20 contestants have danced in pairs in styles from jazz and ballroom to hip-hop. Viewers vote on weekly eliminations until the finale.
In the new season, starting on Fox on May 27, the top 10 will draw the name of an all-star, and perform in the style perfected by that dancer. Lythgoe will release the names of the all-stars in coming weeks.
Unlike Fox's top-rated TV talent show "American Idol", where the victor gets a recording contract, releases an album, and can forge a best-selling career, winners of "So You Think You Can Dance" have few such high-profile opportunities.
Ratings for the dance contest have declined over the past two years from about 9.7 million viewers in 2008 to 7.1 million in 2009 when "So You Think You Can Dance" was moved from its regular summer spot to the autumn.
"The whole reason for doing improvements on a show is to try and get more people watching," Lythgoe acknowledged.
Contemporary dancer and choreographer Michaels, whose exit last October shocked fans, will return as both a choreographer and judge. Former ballroom dancer and judge Mary Murphy will add choreography to her judging duties, Lythgoe said.
Friday, March 26, 2010
New Dance Show - "Got To Dance"
from upi.com:
CBS orders U.S. version of 'Got to Dance'
LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- CBS says it has ordered "Got to Dance," a new U.S. reality-competition series based on the hit British show.
Dancers of any age, group-size and style will be invited to compete to become the country's favorite dance act.
"Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango," the network said Thursday. "The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves."
The names of the judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date, CBS said.
CBS orders U.S. version of 'Got to Dance'
LOS ANGELES, March 25 (UPI) -- CBS says it has ordered "Got to Dance," a new U.S. reality-competition series based on the hit British show.
Dancers of any age, group-size and style will be invited to compete to become the country's favorite dance act.
"Amateurs with raw talent from across the nation, either performing solo or in a group, can audition any form of dancing: from ballroom to break dance, bhangra to ballet, and tap to tango," the network said Thursday. "The most talented and entertaining dancers will be invited to audition for the panel of judges, all world-class dancers themselves."
The names of the judges, as well as information regarding auditions, will be announced at a later date, CBS said.
Thursday, March 25, 2010
My Golden Dancers
Grace
By Elita Sohmer Clayman
I went to the doctor for a checkup since I was not feeling well. She announced to me that “my body was aging gracefully.” This was nice to hear and I thought that I had never heard this type of pronouncement before. As always, I am going to relate this to ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing helps us to age gracefully, not only in our bodies but in our minds. Everyone knows that you have to think in your mind before your feet can move gracefully.
When I first learned to ballroom dance, I always looked down at my feet and when the teacher said you cannot do that, I could not believe that you could dance and not look to see if your feet were moving the right way. Quickly, you realize that you need not look at your feet to make them move. At first, you cannot believe that your feet can do that.
Learning to dance is something that stays with you like when you were a kid and learned to ride a bike. Many years, even twenty years later you still remember how to bike ride. so it is with dancing. Due to an auto accident almost two years ago, my husband and I have not danced socially. He keeps saying he forgot lots of things. I say that once we get back there to the studio in the next two weeks, it will all come back to us. Maybe, we will not be perfect but then we never were, but we will still remember plenty of steps and patterns.
Investing in dance lessons is a good investment. That is my opinion and I am sure most dancers feel that way. If you go to the movies to see a new one, you come out and feel good or bad depending on what you saw. That is it, you talk about it for a while and then it is gone. When you put money into learning something new like dancing, you increase your learning each week or months and it stays with you and then it all comes together. One day you get up there and dance and you are amazed, you remembered, you did it and most of all you are proud.
From dancing you have social events, you have learning events and most of all your mind and body benefit from accomplishing. Accomplishing something like ballroom dancing could be one of your most relevant and rewarding moments. Take a picture digital or regular and look at yourself in action. You will be delighted to see that at this age whatever age it is now, you are achieving and realizing a dream you may have had for a long time. You may have thought you would never get around to doing it and now you have.
Shakespeare said in one of his many sonnets. “I am a rich man with a key to the treasure in the chest.” When we find a competent studio and a studio of that kind, then we have the key to success and the key to being excellent ballroom dancers. Our life will become a treasure and we will be rich.
Keep on Dancing and most of all enjoying every moment you do.
Elita Sohmer Clayman
By Elita Sohmer Clayman
I went to the doctor for a checkup since I was not feeling well. She announced to me that “my body was aging gracefully.” This was nice to hear and I thought that I had never heard this type of pronouncement before. As always, I am going to relate this to ballroom dancing. Ballroom dancing helps us to age gracefully, not only in our bodies but in our minds. Everyone knows that you have to think in your mind before your feet can move gracefully.
When I first learned to ballroom dance, I always looked down at my feet and when the teacher said you cannot do that, I could not believe that you could dance and not look to see if your feet were moving the right way. Quickly, you realize that you need not look at your feet to make them move. At first, you cannot believe that your feet can do that.
Learning to dance is something that stays with you like when you were a kid and learned to ride a bike. Many years, even twenty years later you still remember how to bike ride. so it is with dancing. Due to an auto accident almost two years ago, my husband and I have not danced socially. He keeps saying he forgot lots of things. I say that once we get back there to the studio in the next two weeks, it will all come back to us. Maybe, we will not be perfect but then we never were, but we will still remember plenty of steps and patterns.
Investing in dance lessons is a good investment. That is my opinion and I am sure most dancers feel that way. If you go to the movies to see a new one, you come out and feel good or bad depending on what you saw. That is it, you talk about it for a while and then it is gone. When you put money into learning something new like dancing, you increase your learning each week or months and it stays with you and then it all comes together. One day you get up there and dance and you are amazed, you remembered, you did it and most of all you are proud.
From dancing you have social events, you have learning events and most of all your mind and body benefit from accomplishing. Accomplishing something like ballroom dancing could be one of your most relevant and rewarding moments. Take a picture digital or regular and look at yourself in action. You will be delighted to see that at this age whatever age it is now, you are achieving and realizing a dream you may have had for a long time. You may have thought you would never get around to doing it and now you have.
Shakespeare said in one of his many sonnets. “I am a rich man with a key to the treasure in the chest.” When we find a competent studio and a studio of that kind, then we have the key to success and the key to being excellent ballroom dancers. Our life will become a treasure and we will be rich.
Keep on Dancing and most of all enjoying every moment you do.
Elita Sohmer Clayman
The Jambar Challenge
from jambar.com:
By: Jared Buker REPORTER
It's June. I'm in a stiff tuxedo. My feet are aching from the rental shoes, and my ears are ringing from the feedback of the speakers. The disc jockey fades out the music and announces the final song of the night. I spring from my seat, slip off my plastic dress shoes, and begin executing the perfect YMCA. The bride and groom laugh as I wear out my socks on the dance floor. I am the hit of the wedding.I'm also 6 years old.
Fourteen years later, things are different. I despise the thought of dancing in front of people unless there's a blinding strobe light distorting everyone's vision. There's something impeccably awkward about a gangly, self-conscious kid with his hair in his eyes trying to look smooth. I have two left feet, and they're pigeon-toed.
The odds of me ever being a good dancer are about the same as the proverbial snowball in hell. So when I decided to attend a dance class taught in Beeghly Center, I really only had one thing on my mind.Don't step on anyone's feet.
My partner, Ty Sidney, can attest to the fact that I kept my feet to myself. Problem was, I was so focused on my shoes that I rarely looked away from them. To prepare for the class, I watched the first few episodes of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."
That didn't help.But anyone who saw the start of the new season will understand the mantra I used to get through the class.Be like Evan Lysacek, not Buzz Aldrin.
To clarify, that just means try and be graceful like an Olympian, not sluggish and wheezy like an aging astronaut.
All kidding aside, Ty and I caught on quickly, to our surprise. We learned the country two-step, which is the ideal dance for beginners because you don't actually lift your feet off the ground. The two-step is very traditional. You put your hand basically on the shoulder of your partner. It took several strangers telling me to get my hand off their hip for that to sink in.
The class was taught by Dustin Jones, ballroom competitor and co-owner of the Fred Astaire Studio in Youngstown.
Talk about pressure.
Honestly, Jones was incredibly patient with the class, doing an excellent job of explaining the two-step in a way even the rhythmically-inclined could comprehend. After only an hour, I felt like I could almost trick someone into thinking I knew how to dance. There was an undeniable sense of family amongst the dancers in the class. This was the nicest group of people I've ever met. It's nice to feel so welcome when entering a situation that is foreign to you, and I would absolutely be thrilled about going back to learn a new style of dance.
Dustin told me that my performance was actually quite impressive. He felt I picked up on the movements quickly, was rhythmic, and had great footwork.
Tell that to my high school tennis coach. He once told me I had the grace of a vending machine.
One thing I learned about the two-step is that, for the most part, the man is in control. This is a daunting task when you lack the necessary confidence, but by the end of the hour, I felt like that old self-consciousness had melted away.Dustin said that was what the class is all about. "When you realize how much you can learn in an hour, it gives you the confidence you need to be a good dancer," Jones said. I would be skeptical about such a concept if I hadn't faced my fears and seen it firsthand. So with my newfound confidence, I feel like the next logical step is to join the "Dancing with the Stars" crew.
I just need to get famous.
By: Jared Buker REPORTER
It's June. I'm in a stiff tuxedo. My feet are aching from the rental shoes, and my ears are ringing from the feedback of the speakers. The disc jockey fades out the music and announces the final song of the night. I spring from my seat, slip off my plastic dress shoes, and begin executing the perfect YMCA. The bride and groom laugh as I wear out my socks on the dance floor. I am the hit of the wedding.I'm also 6 years old.
Fourteen years later, things are different. I despise the thought of dancing in front of people unless there's a blinding strobe light distorting everyone's vision. There's something impeccably awkward about a gangly, self-conscious kid with his hair in his eyes trying to look smooth. I have two left feet, and they're pigeon-toed.
The odds of me ever being a good dancer are about the same as the proverbial snowball in hell. So when I decided to attend a dance class taught in Beeghly Center, I really only had one thing on my mind.Don't step on anyone's feet.
My partner, Ty Sidney, can attest to the fact that I kept my feet to myself. Problem was, I was so focused on my shoes that I rarely looked away from them. To prepare for the class, I watched the first few episodes of ABC's "Dancing with the Stars."
That didn't help.But anyone who saw the start of the new season will understand the mantra I used to get through the class.Be like Evan Lysacek, not Buzz Aldrin.
To clarify, that just means try and be graceful like an Olympian, not sluggish and wheezy like an aging astronaut.
All kidding aside, Ty and I caught on quickly, to our surprise. We learned the country two-step, which is the ideal dance for beginners because you don't actually lift your feet off the ground. The two-step is very traditional. You put your hand basically on the shoulder of your partner. It took several strangers telling me to get my hand off their hip for that to sink in.
The class was taught by Dustin Jones, ballroom competitor and co-owner of the Fred Astaire Studio in Youngstown.
Talk about pressure.
Honestly, Jones was incredibly patient with the class, doing an excellent job of explaining the two-step in a way even the rhythmically-inclined could comprehend. After only an hour, I felt like I could almost trick someone into thinking I knew how to dance. There was an undeniable sense of family amongst the dancers in the class. This was the nicest group of people I've ever met. It's nice to feel so welcome when entering a situation that is foreign to you, and I would absolutely be thrilled about going back to learn a new style of dance.
Dustin told me that my performance was actually quite impressive. He felt I picked up on the movements quickly, was rhythmic, and had great footwork.
Tell that to my high school tennis coach. He once told me I had the grace of a vending machine.
One thing I learned about the two-step is that, for the most part, the man is in control. This is a daunting task when you lack the necessary confidence, but by the end of the hour, I felt like that old self-consciousness had melted away.Dustin said that was what the class is all about. "When you realize how much you can learn in an hour, it gives you the confidence you need to be a good dancer," Jones said. I would be skeptical about such a concept if I hadn't faced my fears and seen it firsthand. So with my newfound confidence, I feel like the next logical step is to join the "Dancing with the Stars" crew.
I just need to get famous.
The Power Of Dance
Excerpt from news-herald.com (Northern Ohio):
"Dancing helps woman cope with Multiple Sclerosis"
Thursday, March 25, 2010
By Janet Podolak
Denial followed by depression.
Those were her reactions when Jessica Dwyer of Willoughby was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"That's really quite common," said neurologist Dr. Mary Rensel, an MS specialist with Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research. "It often comes at an active time in people's lives, and it's something that doesn't go away."
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths around the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide variety of symptoms.
It was early in 2007 when Dwyer was diagnosed. She was 27 and had been seeking answers to a series of strange and seemingly unconnected medical issues for more than a year. She was in the so-called prime of her life.
"When I suddenly lost the vision in my right eye, I saw an ophthalmologist, who ordered an MRI to determine the reason for elevated pressure inside my eye," she recalled.
Within weeks she was sitting in front of a neurologist who had ordered a spinal tap, then told her she had multiple sclerosis.
"The next day I left on vacation and put it out of my mind," she said. "It took a full year for comprehension to set in."
Like many people, she knew very little about the MS that was changing her life but learned it's an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system with no known cause or cure. Its symptoms and progression are different for everyone who has it.
She plunged into depression."I hated myself, my life and everything around me," she said.
The depression was affecting her marriage and making everything worse, so she finally sought counseling.
"When I passed the milestone birthday of 30, I finally learned to accept my diagnosis and move on with my life," she said.
She began treatment, and before long her disease was diagnosed as being stable. After that, dancing was a catalyst toward her current happiness. She'd always dreamed of being a dancer, so when she saw an ad for the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Willoughby, she went to an open house.
"I quickly discovered that I loved it," she said.
That was a great reaction, Rensel said."Anything that raises your mood and gives you exercise is a good thing for those with MS." The Mellen Center is doing a number of clinical studies that have proved the value of exercise, along with medication.
Although it's fun, dancing has not always been easy for Dwyer because her symptoms include fatigue, a loss of balance and numbness in her feet, she said. But she's been taking lessons and spends about five hours a week at the dance studio.
"My dance instructors work to accommodate me," she said. "Dancing keeps me strong and focused. I feel free when I dance."
She speaks often about the power of dance in her life and how it has transformed her attitude and daily life. She continues to experience numbness and a vibrating feeling in her feet and knows that her multiple sclerosis could worsen — or not.
Rensel is an optimist. "Those who get exercise, control their weight, avoid diabetes and watch their cholesterol can expect good results over the long term," she said.
For Dwyer, happiness has come with an improved attitude. "I know if I dwell on it, MS will run me," Dwyer said. "It's now been a year since I've been at the dance studio and I feel like I've taken back control of my life. It's a wonderful workout for the body, and I'm happy."
Find out if the power of dance works for you with a Friday evening visit to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 34601 Ridge Road, Willoughby; 440-516-7837.
"Dancing helps woman cope with Multiple Sclerosis"
Thursday, March 25, 2010
By Janet Podolak
Denial followed by depression.
Those were her reactions when Jessica Dwyer of Willoughby was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis.
"That's really quite common," said neurologist Dr. Mary Rensel, an MS specialist with Cleveland Clinic's Mellen Center for Multiple Sclerosis Treatment and Research. "It often comes at an active time in people's lives, and it's something that doesn't go away."
Multiple sclerosis is a disease in which the immune system attacks the myelin sheaths around the brain and spinal cord, causing a wide variety of symptoms.
It was early in 2007 when Dwyer was diagnosed. She was 27 and had been seeking answers to a series of strange and seemingly unconnected medical issues for more than a year. She was in the so-called prime of her life.
"When I suddenly lost the vision in my right eye, I saw an ophthalmologist, who ordered an MRI to determine the reason for elevated pressure inside my eye," she recalled.
Within weeks she was sitting in front of a neurologist who had ordered a spinal tap, then told her she had multiple sclerosis.
"The next day I left on vacation and put it out of my mind," she said. "It took a full year for comprehension to set in."
Like many people, she knew very little about the MS that was changing her life but learned it's an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system with no known cause or cure. Its symptoms and progression are different for everyone who has it.
She plunged into depression."I hated myself, my life and everything around me," she said.
The depression was affecting her marriage and making everything worse, so she finally sought counseling.
"When I passed the milestone birthday of 30, I finally learned to accept my diagnosis and move on with my life," she said.
She began treatment, and before long her disease was diagnosed as being stable. After that, dancing was a catalyst toward her current happiness. She'd always dreamed of being a dancer, so when she saw an ad for the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Willoughby, she went to an open house.
"I quickly discovered that I loved it," she said.
That was a great reaction, Rensel said."Anything that raises your mood and gives you exercise is a good thing for those with MS." The Mellen Center is doing a number of clinical studies that have proved the value of exercise, along with medication.
Although it's fun, dancing has not always been easy for Dwyer because her symptoms include fatigue, a loss of balance and numbness in her feet, she said. But she's been taking lessons and spends about five hours a week at the dance studio.
"My dance instructors work to accommodate me," she said. "Dancing keeps me strong and focused. I feel free when I dance."
She speaks often about the power of dance in her life and how it has transformed her attitude and daily life. She continues to experience numbness and a vibrating feeling in her feet and knows that her multiple sclerosis could worsen — or not.
Rensel is an optimist. "Those who get exercise, control their weight, avoid diabetes and watch their cholesterol can expect good results over the long term," she said.
For Dwyer, happiness has come with an improved attitude. "I know if I dwell on it, MS will run me," Dwyer said. "It's now been a year since I've been at the dance studio and I feel like I've taken back control of my life. It's a wonderful workout for the body, and I'm happy."
Find out if the power of dance works for you with a Friday evening visit to the Fred Astaire Dance Studio, 34601 Ridge Road, Willoughby; 440-516-7837.
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Tony Dovolani Interview!
from tvguide.com:
Dancing's Tony Dovolani: What's With All the Kate Hate?
Mar 21, 2010 10:01 PM ET
by Joyce Eng
Tony Dovolani was the only one in the dark. The Dancing with the Stars pro says he doesn't read casting rumors about the show, so the possibility of working with Kate Gosselin (a widely speculated pairing since they both live on the East Coast) never crossed his mind. "Everyone was thinking that except me!" he tells TVGuide.com. "I don't read rumors. If you do and set your heart on somebody and don't get them, or it turns out the person is not doing the show, then you're disappointed even if you get somebody great." And great is exactly what the mom of eight is, says Dovolani, a dad of three — whatever "haters" might think.
TVGuide.com: What was your reaction when you found out you had Kate?
Tony Dovolani: I knew my wife was going to be very happy because she's a big fan of hers. I think there's a bond between people who have had twins. I was pleasantly surprised and happy she was doing our show. You hear about people and you're always curious to see if they are who you think they are. In this case, I was very happy to learn she was just as sweet as I thought she was going to be. She's so nice, and we're having so much fun together.
TVGuide.com: Evan Lysacek said Kate showed some rhythm during your title shoot. Is she going to be a dark horse?
Dovolani: [Laughs] Kate has never taken a dance step in her life! The one thing she does have is drive. That's something that I love about her. She's fantastically driven. There are a lot of hours packed in and she's 100 percent present the entire time. She wants this really badly and she's willing to work really hard. But as far as her having any advantage over the contestants — no. The other ones come with way more experience.
TVGuide.com: How often do you rehearse?
Dovolani: Every day for six hours a day at her home in Pennsylvania. The rest of the time, she's with her kids. People think she's away from her kids and she's not. She's a single working mom. Instead of being supportive of her, they're bashing her. I don't understand that. My sister told me, "Tell Kate that all of us mothers understand and we're standing behind her." To hear that confirms that I'm thinking the right way. She has to provide for those kids. They're so sweet! They came up with a routine they showed us one day! Once in a while we perform for them. She's a great mother. They're all over her.
TVGuide.com: How does your Viennese waltz look?
Dovolani: We're ready. I'm excited to show everyone what she's accomplished in such a short amount of time, not having any experience whatsoever. You're expecting a person to go from zero to 160 mph in seconds. There has to be a lot of trust. It's a process. As a teacher, I'm excited because I have an empty canvas to work with. She has the work ethic and that's all you can ask for. I would say she's an average learner, but the hard work makes her a fast learner.
TVGuide.com: She's a very divisive figure. Are you concerned about how that will affect voting?
Dovolani: I'm new to this whole thing about hating somebody and I don't understand why people hate her. Our show is so positive that it's going to be difficult to hate someone. I love our show. It's the only show you can watch with the whole family. For me, it's mindboggling to think people think negatively in general, let alone at someone they don't know. I guess if you're a hater, don't watch when we're dancing. ... Honestly, I think the side she has shown — not what the tabloids have shown — there's nothing wrong with her. She's a mom taking care of her kids. She doesn't buy into the tabloids. She's a great role model for her kids.
TVGuide.com: What do you think of the rest of the cast?
Dovolani: It could be one of the best seasons ever. We have a little bit of everything. Niecy [Nash], Nicole [Scherzinger] — I'm a huge fan of hers. Erin [Andrews], Evan — I can't wait to see them. Chad [Ochocinco], what a personality! ... I'm excited about the changes too. Brooke [Burke] coming on is awesome. There were changes that needed to be done, like with the big cast. I think the producers listened to the audience. The audience was the one that suggested these things.
TVGuide.com: Are your or Kate's kids going to come out for the tapings?Dovolani: I don't know if hers will come. My wife comes out every three weeks every season with our [4-year-old] daughter. My wife's my hero. She goes through so much on a daily basis so I could do what I do. When we got pregnant with our first child, I said I was going to quit competing to be around. She said, "No. You're going to compete and you're going to win because I want you to share this with your kids to set an example for them. I want them to say, 'My dad is a champion.'" It's because of her I am where I am now.
TVGuide.com: You also act. What do you have coming up?
Dovolani: There are some projects. I love being able to create — acting, choreography, dancing, whatever it is. ... There's an independent movie called Wormhole that I'm going to do. I have Pumping Up, which has to do with bodybuilders, and it's really cool. I'm looking forward to the summer because there are a bunch of projects lined up.
Dancing's Tony Dovolani: What's With All the Kate Hate?
Mar 21, 2010 10:01 PM ET
by Joyce Eng
Tony Dovolani was the only one in the dark. The Dancing with the Stars pro says he doesn't read casting rumors about the show, so the possibility of working with Kate Gosselin (a widely speculated pairing since they both live on the East Coast) never crossed his mind. "Everyone was thinking that except me!" he tells TVGuide.com. "I don't read rumors. If you do and set your heart on somebody and don't get them, or it turns out the person is not doing the show, then you're disappointed even if you get somebody great." And great is exactly what the mom of eight is, says Dovolani, a dad of three — whatever "haters" might think.
TVGuide.com: What was your reaction when you found out you had Kate?
Tony Dovolani: I knew my wife was going to be very happy because she's a big fan of hers. I think there's a bond between people who have had twins. I was pleasantly surprised and happy she was doing our show. You hear about people and you're always curious to see if they are who you think they are. In this case, I was very happy to learn she was just as sweet as I thought she was going to be. She's so nice, and we're having so much fun together.
TVGuide.com: Evan Lysacek said Kate showed some rhythm during your title shoot. Is she going to be a dark horse?
Dovolani: [Laughs] Kate has never taken a dance step in her life! The one thing she does have is drive. That's something that I love about her. She's fantastically driven. There are a lot of hours packed in and she's 100 percent present the entire time. She wants this really badly and she's willing to work really hard. But as far as her having any advantage over the contestants — no. The other ones come with way more experience.
TVGuide.com: How often do you rehearse?
Dovolani: Every day for six hours a day at her home in Pennsylvania. The rest of the time, she's with her kids. People think she's away from her kids and she's not. She's a single working mom. Instead of being supportive of her, they're bashing her. I don't understand that. My sister told me, "Tell Kate that all of us mothers understand and we're standing behind her." To hear that confirms that I'm thinking the right way. She has to provide for those kids. They're so sweet! They came up with a routine they showed us one day! Once in a while we perform for them. She's a great mother. They're all over her.
TVGuide.com: How does your Viennese waltz look?
Dovolani: We're ready. I'm excited to show everyone what she's accomplished in such a short amount of time, not having any experience whatsoever. You're expecting a person to go from zero to 160 mph in seconds. There has to be a lot of trust. It's a process. As a teacher, I'm excited because I have an empty canvas to work with. She has the work ethic and that's all you can ask for. I would say she's an average learner, but the hard work makes her a fast learner.
TVGuide.com: She's a very divisive figure. Are you concerned about how that will affect voting?
Dovolani: I'm new to this whole thing about hating somebody and I don't understand why people hate her. Our show is so positive that it's going to be difficult to hate someone. I love our show. It's the only show you can watch with the whole family. For me, it's mindboggling to think people think negatively in general, let alone at someone they don't know. I guess if you're a hater, don't watch when we're dancing. ... Honestly, I think the side she has shown — not what the tabloids have shown — there's nothing wrong with her. She's a mom taking care of her kids. She doesn't buy into the tabloids. She's a great role model for her kids.
TVGuide.com: What do you think of the rest of the cast?
Dovolani: It could be one of the best seasons ever. We have a little bit of everything. Niecy [Nash], Nicole [Scherzinger] — I'm a huge fan of hers. Erin [Andrews], Evan — I can't wait to see them. Chad [Ochocinco], what a personality! ... I'm excited about the changes too. Brooke [Burke] coming on is awesome. There were changes that needed to be done, like with the big cast. I think the producers listened to the audience. The audience was the one that suggested these things.
TVGuide.com: Are your or Kate's kids going to come out for the tapings?Dovolani: I don't know if hers will come. My wife comes out every three weeks every season with our [4-year-old] daughter. My wife's my hero. She goes through so much on a daily basis so I could do what I do. When we got pregnant with our first child, I said I was going to quit competing to be around. She said, "No. You're going to compete and you're going to win because I want you to share this with your kids to set an example for them. I want them to say, 'My dad is a champion.'" It's because of her I am where I am now.
TVGuide.com: You also act. What do you have coming up?
Dovolani: There are some projects. I love being able to create — acting, choreography, dancing, whatever it is. ... There's an independent movie called Wormhole that I'm going to do. I have Pumping Up, which has to do with bodybuilders, and it's really cool. I'm looking forward to the summer because there are a bunch of projects lined up.
Who Are The Dancing With The Star Judges?
from cincinatti.com:
By Mike Hughes
They are, for starters, the most international group on TV. Bruno Tonioli was born in Italy, Len Goodman in England, Carrie Ann Inaba in Hawaii, with Japanese, Chinese and Irish roots.
"We've all been working in films and television for 30 years," Tonioli exaggerated when the show started in 2005. "We all started as performers."
They were used to working with strict rules, Goodman said then. "It's from 35 years of judging ballroom and Latin American competitions."
But this show also gives them a category called "intangibles," Inaba said. "We judge on fluidity, we judge on form, we judge on musicality, we judge on the chemistry, we judge on how they look."
Two of the judges were on the British show ("Strictly Come Dancing") that began a year before the American one. The third "Strictly" judge was replaced by Inaba. Here are brief glimpses:
Tonioli, 54: Choreographed tours for Tina Turner and Duran Duran. Also did choreography for music videos (including Paul McCartney, Sheena Easton and Michael Jackson's "Give In to Me"), movies ("Little Voice," "Ella Enchanted") and TV episodes.
Goodman, 65: Longtime competitor in the ballroom style called "Exhibition." He won the British championship four times and finished second at the world championships. Judges ballroom and Latin American competitions and has a dance school in Kent, where he lives.
Inaba, 42: Started as a hula dancer. At 16, she won a Hawaiin talent competition and moved to Japan, where she had three pop-music singles. Back in the U.S., she was one of the five "Fly Girls" on "In Living Color," alongside Jennifer Lopez, with Rosie Perez in charge. She toured with Madonna, Ricky Martin and David Copperfield and was in two "Austin Powers" movies and "Showgirls." She's done choreography, including episodes of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," working with Nigel Lythgoe.
Last year, they linked with choreographer Adam Shankman and actress-dancer Katie Holmes to start the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which gives dance scholarships
By Mike Hughes
They are, for starters, the most international group on TV. Bruno Tonioli was born in Italy, Len Goodman in England, Carrie Ann Inaba in Hawaii, with Japanese, Chinese and Irish roots.
"We've all been working in films and television for 30 years," Tonioli exaggerated when the show started in 2005. "We all started as performers."
They were used to working with strict rules, Goodman said then. "It's from 35 years of judging ballroom and Latin American competitions."
But this show also gives them a category called "intangibles," Inaba said. "We judge on fluidity, we judge on form, we judge on musicality, we judge on the chemistry, we judge on how they look."
Two of the judges were on the British show ("Strictly Come Dancing") that began a year before the American one. The third "Strictly" judge was replaced by Inaba. Here are brief glimpses:
Tonioli, 54: Choreographed tours for Tina Turner and Duran Duran. Also did choreography for music videos (including Paul McCartney, Sheena Easton and Michael Jackson's "Give In to Me"), movies ("Little Voice," "Ella Enchanted") and TV episodes.
Goodman, 65: Longtime competitor in the ballroom style called "Exhibition." He won the British championship four times and finished second at the world championships. Judges ballroom and Latin American competitions and has a dance school in Kent, where he lives.
Inaba, 42: Started as a hula dancer. At 16, she won a Hawaiin talent competition and moved to Japan, where she had three pop-music singles. Back in the U.S., she was one of the five "Fly Girls" on "In Living Color," alongside Jennifer Lopez, with Rosie Perez in charge. She toured with Madonna, Ricky Martin and David Copperfield and was in two "Austin Powers" movies and "Showgirls." She's done choreography, including episodes of "American Idol" and "So You Think You Can Dance," working with Nigel Lythgoe.
Last year, they linked with choreographer Adam Shankman and actress-dancer Katie Holmes to start the Dizzy Feet Foundation, which gives dance scholarships
Some Advice For Kate Gosselin from another Ballroom Dancer Mom
from thefastertimes.com:
By Tatiana Keegan
When Kate Gosselin steps onto the dance floor Monday night for the season premier of “Dancing With The Stars,” she will be lucky to have a great partner in Tony Dovolani. I know this because Tony and I used to compete on the professional ballroom circuit together.
It’s fun seeing Tony on the cover of People magazine this week. Because way before Kate, before Kathy Ireland, Melissa Rycroft, Susan Lucci, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jane Seymour, Leeza Gibbons, Sara Evans, and Stacy Keibler—even before “Dancing With The Stars” started making everybody crazy for the rumba and cha-cha in 2005—Tony and I won lots of competitions together, including the International Latin Rising Star title at the United States Ballroom Championship in Miami.
Tony is a powerful dancer, with lots of charisma, and an excellent coach. Part of what makes him so good is that he’s open to suggestions from other dancers and coaches he trusts. When he was partnered with Susan Lucci in Season 7, he asked me to take a look at their mambo routine. (She was feeling stiff, so I told her, “The mambo is a sensual dance —you want to feel like ripping your clothes off!”) So I hope Tony doesn’t mind that I’ve accepted an invitation from The Faster Times to offer a bit of womanly advice to his current partner, who I am sure is a bundle of nerves as she tries to learn the Viennese Waltz knowing that millions of people will be watching her every reverse turn and natural turn.
Though I can’t imagine what it’s like to have eight children, I’m a mom myself (my daughter is almost three). It’s not easy balancing the demands of motherhood and the pressure of competitive ballroom dancing, but it can be done. (Follow me and my new partner, Werner Figar, on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter. And here’s our web site, too.) Anyway, Kate, here are some tips:
1. Learn to Love High Heels. Dancing in high heels looks incredibly difficult—and it is—but once you learn how, you’ll actually find it liberating. At first, you can’t keep your balance. Your ankle, calf muscles, and lower back will hurt. But having so much weight on the front of your foot actually allows you to move your feet faster and spin more easily. Dancing in heels is actually easier for me than walking. Be patient and practice in your dance shoes as often as you can.
2. Keep Your Heart Open: The Viennese Waltz requires very fast footwork executed smoothly, so it’s a great technical challenge. But at some point you have to forget about technique and just dance. This is a very romantic, lyrical dance. As you practice, listen to the lyrics and try to open your heart to the meaning of the words and make them your own. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the choices you’ve made with your life. This is your chance to tell your own story through that song.
3. Exhale: Inhaling happens automatically, but we tend to hold our breath when we’re nervous. Shutting off oxygen can make you dizzy, lose your balance, and forget your steps. So focus on exhaling. And remember that most people watching will be supporting you. There’s something about being so open and vulnerable on the dance floor that makes people want to cheer you on. This actually may be the one area of your public life where people are not judging you and really want you to succeed.
4. Forget The Judges. We all want good marks, even when we say we don’t care. But try not to obsess about it. Judging in ballroom dancing is very subjective. The best way to forget about them is to stay focused on your partner. Let the music go through your blood and your muscles until you become an instrument of the song. Even if your technique is not good, the judges will forget about that because they get involved in the story you are telling. If you lose that connection to the music, the judges will get bored and start looking for technical problems. That’s when the trouble starts.
5. Ignore the Mommy Critics: When I decided to return to return to the competitive ballroom circuit this season, of course I worried about whether I’d have enough time for my daughter. But when people ask me what is more important—my career or my child—I say, “That’s like asking me to choose between eating or sleeping.” Why must women always answer that question, but not men? You will make the time for your children and be a great inspiration to them, especially your daughters. They will be proud of you for trying something extremely difficult and opening yourself up to exciting new experiences that will enrich their lives when you bring all that home.
Oh, and one last thing: Watch out for Tony’s flailing arms. He once smacked me right in the nose during a cha-cha in the finals of the USBC. I thought it was his elbow, he said it was his shoulder. I saw sparkles and tears ran down my cheeks. But we never stopped and ended up winning the national championship. So no matter what happens out on the floor, never stop. Keep dancing!
By Tatiana Keegan
When Kate Gosselin steps onto the dance floor Monday night for the season premier of “Dancing With The Stars,” she will be lucky to have a great partner in Tony Dovolani. I know this because Tony and I used to compete on the professional ballroom circuit together.
It’s fun seeing Tony on the cover of People magazine this week. Because way before Kate, before Kathy Ireland, Melissa Rycroft, Susan Lucci, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Jane Seymour, Leeza Gibbons, Sara Evans, and Stacy Keibler—even before “Dancing With The Stars” started making everybody crazy for the rumba and cha-cha in 2005—Tony and I won lots of competitions together, including the International Latin Rising Star title at the United States Ballroom Championship in Miami.
Tony is a powerful dancer, with lots of charisma, and an excellent coach. Part of what makes him so good is that he’s open to suggestions from other dancers and coaches he trusts. When he was partnered with Susan Lucci in Season 7, he asked me to take a look at their mambo routine. (She was feeling stiff, so I told her, “The mambo is a sensual dance —you want to feel like ripping your clothes off!”) So I hope Tony doesn’t mind that I’ve accepted an invitation from The Faster Times to offer a bit of womanly advice to his current partner, who I am sure is a bundle of nerves as she tries to learn the Viennese Waltz knowing that millions of people will be watching her every reverse turn and natural turn.
Though I can’t imagine what it’s like to have eight children, I’m a mom myself (my daughter is almost three). It’s not easy balancing the demands of motherhood and the pressure of competitive ballroom dancing, but it can be done. (Follow me and my new partner, Werner Figar, on Facebook, Youtube, and Twitter. And here’s our web site, too.) Anyway, Kate, here are some tips:
1. Learn to Love High Heels. Dancing in high heels looks incredibly difficult—and it is—but once you learn how, you’ll actually find it liberating. At first, you can’t keep your balance. Your ankle, calf muscles, and lower back will hurt. But having so much weight on the front of your foot actually allows you to move your feet faster and spin more easily. Dancing in heels is actually easier for me than walking. Be patient and practice in your dance shoes as often as you can.
2. Keep Your Heart Open: The Viennese Waltz requires very fast footwork executed smoothly, so it’s a great technical challenge. But at some point you have to forget about technique and just dance. This is a very romantic, lyrical dance. As you practice, listen to the lyrics and try to open your heart to the meaning of the words and make them your own. Everyone seems to have an opinion about the choices you’ve made with your life. This is your chance to tell your own story through that song.
3. Exhale: Inhaling happens automatically, but we tend to hold our breath when we’re nervous. Shutting off oxygen can make you dizzy, lose your balance, and forget your steps. So focus on exhaling. And remember that most people watching will be supporting you. There’s something about being so open and vulnerable on the dance floor that makes people want to cheer you on. This actually may be the one area of your public life where people are not judging you and really want you to succeed.
4. Forget The Judges. We all want good marks, even when we say we don’t care. But try not to obsess about it. Judging in ballroom dancing is very subjective. The best way to forget about them is to stay focused on your partner. Let the music go through your blood and your muscles until you become an instrument of the song. Even if your technique is not good, the judges will forget about that because they get involved in the story you are telling. If you lose that connection to the music, the judges will get bored and start looking for technical problems. That’s when the trouble starts.
5. Ignore the Mommy Critics: When I decided to return to return to the competitive ballroom circuit this season, of course I worried about whether I’d have enough time for my daughter. But when people ask me what is more important—my career or my child—I say, “That’s like asking me to choose between eating or sleeping.” Why must women always answer that question, but not men? You will make the time for your children and be a great inspiration to them, especially your daughters. They will be proud of you for trying something extremely difficult and opening yourself up to exciting new experiences that will enrich their lives when you bring all that home.
Oh, and one last thing: Watch out for Tony’s flailing arms. He once smacked me right in the nose during a cha-cha in the finals of the USBC. I thought it was his elbow, he said it was his shoulder. I saw sparkles and tears ran down my cheeks. But we never stopped and ended up winning the national championship. So no matter what happens out on the floor, never stop. Keep dancing!
Monday, March 22, 2010
Dancing With The Stars - Season 10 Begins Tonight!
Here's a look at who is competing this season:
Soap star Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinkska
Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa
NFL star Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke
ESPN host Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Olympic skating champion Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya
Bachelor star Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower
TLC star Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani
Pop star Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough
Comedienne and host Niecy Nash and Louis Van Amstel
Actress and model Pamela Anderson and Damian Whitewood
Actress Shannen Doherty and Mark Ballas
You'll be able to vote for your favorite beginning at 8:00 p.m. tonight.
Soap star Aiden Turner and Edyta Sliwinkska
Legendary astronaut Buzz Aldrin and Ashly Costa
NFL star Chad Ochocinco and Cheryl Burke
ESPN host Erin Andrews and Maksim Chmerkovskiy
Olympic skating champion Evan Lysacek and Anna Trebunskaya
Bachelor star Jake Pavelka and Chelsie Hightower
TLC star Kate Gosselin and Tony Dovolani
Pop star Nicole Scherzinger and Derek Hough
Comedienne and host Niecy Nash and Louis Van Amstel
Actress and model Pamela Anderson and Damian Whitewood
Actress Shannen Doherty and Mark Ballas
You'll be able to vote for your favorite beginning at 8:00 p.m. tonight.
Friday, March 19, 2010
Dance Is Hot
Excerpt from a Time Magazine article on Twyla Tharp:
"Dance, if you haven't noticed, is hot. It's not the high-art sensation it was in the '70s, when Robbins and George Balanchine were working, companies such as the Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey were drawing hip new audiences, and stars like Baryshnikov were celeb-magazine fodder. Instead, it has glided into the mass-audience mainstream. Broadway shows like Billy Elliot and Fela! (the Afrobeat musical choreographed by Bill T. Jones) put dance front and center. The ballet-like triple axels of Olympic figure skaters drew huge ratings at the Winter Games. And TV hits like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have given ballroom dancing a cachet it hasn't had since Fred Astaire hung up his tux."
"Dance, if you haven't noticed, is hot. It's not the high-art sensation it was in the '70s, when Robbins and George Balanchine were working, companies such as the Joffrey Ballet and Alvin Ailey were drawing hip new audiences, and stars like Baryshnikov were celeb-magazine fodder. Instead, it has glided into the mass-audience mainstream. Broadway shows like Billy Elliot and Fela! (the Afrobeat musical choreographed by Bill T. Jones) put dance front and center. The ballet-like triple axels of Olympic figure skaters drew huge ratings at the Winter Games. And TV hits like Dancing with the Stars and So You Think You Can Dance have given ballroom dancing a cachet it hasn't had since Fred Astaire hung up his tux."
Thursday, March 18, 2010
Tony Dovolani On Cover Of People Magazine!
Fred Astaire Dance Studios champion dancer and DWTS professional dancer Tony Dovolani was on the March 12th cover of People Magazine, along with his celebrity partner for DWTS Season 10, Kate Gosselin!!
Monday, March 15, 2010
Ballroom benefit
From montgomeryadvertiser.com:
By Robyn Bradley Litchfield
Dressed in a casual but elegant black number, Alabama's first lady Patsy Riley seemed to float across the floor with dance partner Jim Williams leading her through such classic ballroom steps as grapevines and telemarks.
It's a dream come true for Riley, one of eight contestants in the third annual Dancing With Celebrities, a gala fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For about 20 years now, her husband, Gov. Bob Riley, has given her dance lessons for her birthday.
"We were supposed to take lessons together and just haven't gotten around to it," she said. "So I have really enjoyed this. It's such a wonderful event, which makes it even better."
Dancing With Celebrities will be Saturday at the Capital City Club. The evening will include a social hour and dinner.
Riley has been working with Williams, who owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Montgomery, since January and was ready Tuesday to add music. The twosome strutted their stuff, performing a fox trot to Manhattan Transfer's "Sunny Side of the Street," a number Riley picked because of its positive message.
"I thought I knew how to dance -- but I was sadly mistaken," she said.
But Williams quickly pointed out that most people are their own worst critics. He added that dancing lessons aren't really about how much you learn.
"It's about being with each other and having fun," he said.
Until Riley began lessons with Williams, she said she and the governor might occasionally dance, but it has been more "like teenagers at the prom."
Dancing with Williams, however, is another story, she said with a laugh.
Still, she and the other contestants (BJ McCullough, Sally Pitts, Dr. Pam Strickland, Melissa George, Leah deButts, Richard Fiore and JimmyVarnado) have rehearsed for weeks to prepare for the competition. The one who raises the most money will receive a trophy, but all of the dancers will know that they have been part of raising money to fight cancer.
For three years now, Williams has donated to each competitor 15 40-minute lessons and a professional partner for the performance.
"These celebrities really step out of their comfort zone, and they always do a good job," he said. "And I've got to hand it to my staff. They are great at getting everybody ready for the event."
And what an event it is. Sherry Nath dreamed up Dancing With Celebrities after seeing how successful ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" had become. The 2009 event raised $33,400, and this year's goal is $50,000. Recruiting contestants is actually the easy part, she said.
"Most people ask to dance with us," she said. "I am really excited about this year's group. It's the most we've ever had."
Many people have wanted to get involved and support the effort.
Riley said, "Every person you know has been affected -- in some way -- by cancer."
The devastating disease touched the state's first family several years ago.
In September 1998, she said, "Our world changed forever when the word 'cancer' entered into our lives through our daughter Jenice."
Jenice Riley died the summer of 2001, after a three-year battle with cancer. Now, almost a decade later, her mother and father are more determined than ever to do what they can to fight cancer.
Nath said money raised thus far through Dancing With Celebrities has allowed the American Cancer Society to do further research, to educate the public and to conduct several new clinical trials. She hopes that with money raised Saturday, the organization can start a new clinical trial in Montgomery.
Riley said that this particular event is inspiring not only because of its connection to cancer.
"It's also a way of introducing people to a new way of relieving stress and a fun way to exercise," she said.
The first lady is a firm believer in trying new things and never giving up on learning. She is a busy wife, mother and grandmother who is on the go. The Rileys have three grown children (Rob Riley, Minda Riley Campbell and Krisalyn Riley Crye) and eight grandchildren. Dancing has been a way for Riley to step back and really get lost in the music and the dance steps.
As a family, the Rileys are more than happy to get involved.
"Anything that we can do to find a cure, revise the treatment, we will do it," Riley said before trying "Sunny Side of the Street" one more time with her dashing instructor.
Standing on the sidelines Tuesday, Nath watched Riley rehearse with Williams and said, "We'll stop this disease one of these days."
By Robyn Bradley Litchfield
Dressed in a casual but elegant black number, Alabama's first lady Patsy Riley seemed to float across the floor with dance partner Jim Williams leading her through such classic ballroom steps as grapevines and telemarks.
It's a dream come true for Riley, one of eight contestants in the third annual Dancing With Celebrities, a gala fundraiser benefiting the American Cancer Society's Relay for Life. For about 20 years now, her husband, Gov. Bob Riley, has given her dance lessons for her birthday.
"We were supposed to take lessons together and just haven't gotten around to it," she said. "So I have really enjoyed this. It's such a wonderful event, which makes it even better."
Dancing With Celebrities will be Saturday at the Capital City Club. The evening will include a social hour and dinner.
Riley has been working with Williams, who owns the Fred Astaire Dance Studio in Montgomery, since January and was ready Tuesday to add music. The twosome strutted their stuff, performing a fox trot to Manhattan Transfer's "Sunny Side of the Street," a number Riley picked because of its positive message.
"I thought I knew how to dance -- but I was sadly mistaken," she said.
But Williams quickly pointed out that most people are their own worst critics. He added that dancing lessons aren't really about how much you learn.
"It's about being with each other and having fun," he said.
Until Riley began lessons with Williams, she said she and the governor might occasionally dance, but it has been more "like teenagers at the prom."
Dancing with Williams, however, is another story, she said with a laugh.
Still, she and the other contestants (BJ McCullough, Sally Pitts, Dr. Pam Strickland, Melissa George, Leah deButts, Richard Fiore and JimmyVarnado) have rehearsed for weeks to prepare for the competition. The one who raises the most money will receive a trophy, but all of the dancers will know that they have been part of raising money to fight cancer.
For three years now, Williams has donated to each competitor 15 40-minute lessons and a professional partner for the performance.
"These celebrities really step out of their comfort zone, and they always do a good job," he said. "And I've got to hand it to my staff. They are great at getting everybody ready for the event."
And what an event it is. Sherry Nath dreamed up Dancing With Celebrities after seeing how successful ABC's "Dancing with the Stars" had become. The 2009 event raised $33,400, and this year's goal is $50,000. Recruiting contestants is actually the easy part, she said.
"Most people ask to dance with us," she said. "I am really excited about this year's group. It's the most we've ever had."
Many people have wanted to get involved and support the effort.
Riley said, "Every person you know has been affected -- in some way -- by cancer."
The devastating disease touched the state's first family several years ago.
In September 1998, she said, "Our world changed forever when the word 'cancer' entered into our lives through our daughter Jenice."
Jenice Riley died the summer of 2001, after a three-year battle with cancer. Now, almost a decade later, her mother and father are more determined than ever to do what they can to fight cancer.
Nath said money raised thus far through Dancing With Celebrities has allowed the American Cancer Society to do further research, to educate the public and to conduct several new clinical trials. She hopes that with money raised Saturday, the organization can start a new clinical trial in Montgomery.
Riley said that this particular event is inspiring not only because of its connection to cancer.
"It's also a way of introducing people to a new way of relieving stress and a fun way to exercise," she said.
The first lady is a firm believer in trying new things and never giving up on learning. She is a busy wife, mother and grandmother who is on the go. The Rileys have three grown children (Rob Riley, Minda Riley Campbell and Krisalyn Riley Crye) and eight grandchildren. Dancing has been a way for Riley to step back and really get lost in the music and the dance steps.
As a family, the Rileys are more than happy to get involved.
"Anything that we can do to find a cure, revise the treatment, we will do it," Riley said before trying "Sunny Side of the Street" one more time with her dashing instructor.
Standing on the sidelines Tuesday, Nath watched Riley rehearse with Williams and said, "We'll stop this disease one of these days."
Thursday, March 04, 2010
New Pro on Dancing With The Stars!
From associatedcontent.com:Damian Whitewood is the new professional dancer on this season's show. He will make his debut on the arm of 42-year old former Baywatch Babe, model and activist Pamela Anderson when DWTS premieres on March 22 at 8 PM ET/PT on ABC.
Damian gained notoriety by appearing in the Broadway hit dance revue, Burn the Floor. According to the show's official website, Burn the Floor features international style ballroom dancing, and all of the participating dancers have a strong competitive dance background. Viewers can expect newcomer Whitewood to be strong in all forms of ballroom and Latin dance, including the waltz, foxtrot, viennese waltz, tango, quickstep, cha cha, salsa, paso doble, rumba and jive. In other words, Australian native Damian Whitewood knows his stuff.
Tuesday, March 02, 2010
DWTS Pairings
Buzz Aldrin
Famous for: Being one of the first two humans to walk on the moon in 1969
Infamous for: Claiming to have seen a UFO
Partner: Ashley Costa (formerly DelGrosso), returning for her 4th season
Pam Anderson
Famous for: Her roles on Home Improvement, Baywatch, and V.I.P.
Infamous for: That tape with Tommy Lee
Partner: Damian Whitewood, making his Dancing WIth The Stars debut
Erin Andrews
Famous for: Being one of the most well known sportscasters on ESPN
Infamous for: Being filmed in her hotel room without her knowledge or consent
Partner: Maksim Chmerkovsky, returning for his 8th season
Shannen Doherty
Famous for: Playing Brenda on 90210
Infamous for: Relationships with Hollywood bad boys Ashley Hamilton, Rick Salomon, and Judd Nelson (well, he played one in a movie)
Partner: Mark Ballas, returning for his 6th season
Kate Gosselin
Famous for: Starring in Jon and Kate Plus 8 on Lifetime
Infamous for: Starring in Jon and Kate Plus 8 on Lifetime
Partner: Tony Dovolani, returning for his 9th season
Evan Lysacek
Famous for: Winning gold in men's figure skating at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
Infamous for: Nothing
Partner: Anna Trebunskaya, returning for her 5th season
Niecy Nash
Famous for: Playing Officer Raineesha Williams on Reno 911 and hosting Clean House on Style Network
Infamous for: Appearing on that horrible 2008 sitcom Do Not Disturb with Jerry O'Connell
Partner: Louis Van Amstel, returning for his 6th season
Chad Ochocinco
Famous for: His career as a wide receiver for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals
Infamous for: Legally changing his last name name to Ochocinco
Partner: Cheryl Burke, returning for her 9th season
Jake Pavelka
Famous for: His appearances on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor: On The Wings Of Love
Infamous for: Breaking every nice girl's heart and choosing bad girl Vienna
Partner: Chelsie Hightower, returning for her 3rd season
Nicole Scherzinger
Famous for: Being the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls
Infamous for: Being in The Pussycat Dollls when they were still a burlesque group
Partner: Derek Hough, returning for his 6th season
Aiden Turner
Famous for: Playing Aiden Devane on ABC's All My Children
Infamous for: Nothing
Partner: Edyta Sliwinska, the only pro compete in all 10 seasons
Famous for: Being one of the first two humans to walk on the moon in 1969
Infamous for: Claiming to have seen a UFO
Partner: Ashley Costa (formerly DelGrosso), returning for her 4th season
Pam Anderson
Famous for: Her roles on Home Improvement, Baywatch, and V.I.P.
Infamous for: That tape with Tommy Lee
Partner: Damian Whitewood, making his Dancing WIth The Stars debut
Erin Andrews
Famous for: Being one of the most well known sportscasters on ESPN
Infamous for: Being filmed in her hotel room without her knowledge or consent
Partner: Maksim Chmerkovsky, returning for his 8th season
Shannen Doherty
Famous for: Playing Brenda on 90210
Infamous for: Relationships with Hollywood bad boys Ashley Hamilton, Rick Salomon, and Judd Nelson (well, he played one in a movie)
Partner: Mark Ballas, returning for his 6th season
Kate Gosselin
Famous for: Starring in Jon and Kate Plus 8 on Lifetime
Infamous for: Starring in Jon and Kate Plus 8 on Lifetime
Partner: Tony Dovolani, returning for his 9th season
Evan Lysacek
Famous for: Winning gold in men's figure skating at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics
Infamous for: Nothing
Partner: Anna Trebunskaya, returning for her 5th season
Niecy Nash
Famous for: Playing Officer Raineesha Williams on Reno 911 and hosting Clean House on Style Network
Infamous for: Appearing on that horrible 2008 sitcom Do Not Disturb with Jerry O'Connell
Partner: Louis Van Amstel, returning for his 6th season
Chad Ochocinco
Famous for: His career as a wide receiver for the NFL's Cincinnati Bengals
Infamous for: Legally changing his last name name to Ochocinco
Partner: Cheryl Burke, returning for her 9th season
Jake Pavelka
Famous for: His appearances on The Bachelorette and The Bachelor: On The Wings Of Love
Infamous for: Breaking every nice girl's heart and choosing bad girl Vienna
Partner: Chelsie Hightower, returning for her 3rd season
Nicole Scherzinger
Famous for: Being the lead singer of The Pussycat Dolls
Infamous for: Being in The Pussycat Dollls when they were still a burlesque group
Partner: Derek Hough, returning for his 6th season
Aiden Turner
Famous for: Playing Aiden Devane on ABC's All My Children
Infamous for: Nothing
Partner: Edyta Sliwinska, the only pro compete in all 10 seasons
Dancing With The Stars - Season 10 - Cast Revealed!
The celebrity cast for the next season of Dancing With The Stars is:
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Pamela Anderson, actress
Erin Andrews, sports anchor
Shannen Doherty, actress
Kate Gosselin, reality TV show star
Evan Lysacek, Olympic figure skater
Niecy Nash, actress and comedian
Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Jake Pavelka, The Bachelor star
Nicole Scherzinger, singer
Aiden Turner, soap star
Buzz Aldrin, astronaut
Pamela Anderson, actress
Erin Andrews, sports anchor
Shannen Doherty, actress
Kate Gosselin, reality TV show star
Evan Lysacek, Olympic figure skater
Niecy Nash, actress and comedian
Chad Ochocinco, Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver
Jake Pavelka, The Bachelor star
Nicole Scherzinger, singer
Aiden Turner, soap star
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)