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Intensive Schedules
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What Is an INTENSIVE?
and
why
YOU should attend !
GSDTA Intensives have been going on since 1970. In
the 1970's our "One Day" Intensives at the Golden West Ballroom
were conducted from 10am to 5pm - and we danced to a live band in the evening.
For many years our GSDTA Intensives were designed for "Teachers Only"" and
students participated on a different day.
Our main goal at that time, was to train teachers in the Universal Unit System(R)
Through the years, GSDTA Intensives grew from being held
on
weekends - to the point where they became 5 to 8 Days long
- and
everyone was welcome to participate. (NOT just teachers). I have always felt that dancers should know the "secrets" that
teachers know. Even newer dancers speed up
their development in an Intensive. To me, the most fascinating part of this equation is that everyone
learns more and learns faster, when we have a variety of levels
participating. Many of our highest compliments come from
professionals who were not quite sure about attending classes with students.
People come
from all over the world to attend GSDTA sponsored, "Dance Dynamics" Intensives. Many colleges employ GSDTA teachers, based mainly on
Dance Dynamics and Universal Unit System(R) Certification.
2009 NOTE from
Skippy:
WHO should participate?
ANYONE who wants to improve their dancing. Have you ever wondered if YOU
should attend a GSDTA Intensive? Intelligent
questions - net great results. Testimonials pour in, following every
Intensive. A few are posted under Testimonials. It is amazing to participate
in an Intensive and witness the personal growth, attained
by so many, in such a short period of time. What a powerful experience.
The
FUN part of most Intensives is the fact that the more advanced dancers & teachers learn from
the questions asked by newer people, and the newer people learn from such close
association with the upper level dancers. You have to experience it, to
understand it. TEACHERS of Dance:
Attend to learn the language that fosters communication in in every form of dance. Teachers who have completed only one Intensive, report
wonderful results from their teaching - as well as a very definite increase in
continuing students. Many full time teachers, who were once "part time"
credit
the change to their participation in Dance Dynamics Intensives. Education makes
each
teaching day more exciting - and more rewarding.
CONTESTANTS, many of whom are talented performers, have found
that their performance level zooms upward -
once they discover what it is that makes
them as good as they are. They soon learn how to capitalize on their good
points and - just as important - how to eliminate the bad ones.
SOCIAL Dancers, both Leaders and Followers - are amazed at how
fast "head work" transfers to "body work" - Women find that their
ability to follow improves dramatically, allowing them to become more creative
and able to contribute to every partnership. Many men report that they enjoy the mathematical sense of
the dance, which also contributes to their own creativity and their ability to
lead
EVERY follower successfully.
JUDGES: Anyone who is already a Judge - or aspires to be one -
is amazed at the variety of "elements" that can be identified -
and
how easy it becomes to determine a dancers level of performance. Judges' Certification
is a complete program in itself, but most of the Intensives usually devote at least one or two modules to
Judges' Training.
Every
subject - in every Intensive - deals with multiple learning disciplines:
Printed material - Discussion - Demonstration, and Dance
Participation. Questions are always welcome.
Within
the framework of each subject, the content takes the direction of
the needs and requests of those attending.
A variety of “GSDTA” Specialists participate from time to time
in
all of our educational Seminars.
However, the bulk of the sessions
are taught
by Skippy.
Clarification of a few Specific Sessions:
1.
MOTION STUDY classes are designed to drill
specific movements that enhance the overall performance of any dance.
Dance Dynamics(R) is a complete program of teaching dance.
Motion Study Routines are available for every level of competency, in order to
increase every specific element: develop better coordination, heighten musical
interpretation, develop better centering - and significantly raise the
overall level of dance performance.
2. CRITIQUES
provide a totally different way of learning.
People frequently learn more from the critiques of others - than they do from their own.
Critiquing is a process where I observe a performance as if I were the
dancers personal coach. I then try to identify at least ONE element
that could raise their level of dance - right there on the spot - Not down the road - but NOW! Each Critique
becomes a special "Happening."
3. ANNOTATION
is simply placing symbols on our “Sheet
Music for Dancers”. This
innovative process gives the dancer a better understanding of music
and the interaction between the dancer’s
“Center” and the Music being played. This fascinating study requires NO previous music training.
4. CRIB
SHEET is the term ascribed to the simple 13 pages of
Dance FACTS that are
important for passing the Preliminary Exam.
It’s not the EXAM itself that counts - The exam is simply an exercise that
focuses your attention on the
INFORMATION that is important for ALL dancers and teachers of dance.
These facts help us to sort out and identify the things you
need to work on.
5. "If you
can WALK the WALK - You can DANCE the DANCE"
The "Walk Like a Dancer" session is invaluable for separating the variety of dances that
exist in our social dance world. Knowing the Basic Rhythms and Movement that forms the
foundation for EVERY dance - puts YOU in control of your styling decisions. Find
out how to discover - for yourself - WHAT is right. ( Rather than trying
to determine WHO is right).
Armed with correct information - YOU can make educated decisions for
yourself. You also learn
to "Read" new dances as they appear on the social scene.
6. TERMINOLOGY refers to the Dance Vocabulary that helps every
dancer improve the quality of their dance. This same terminology contributes
to the ability that Judges need, when
determining specific levels of performance. The right Vocabulary is vital in order to
intelligently discuss ANY subject.
7. Elements of MUSIC
-
Everything a Dancer needs to know about Music - and how it relates to the
dance. Every dancer becomes a BETTER dancer, once the BASIC Elements of
Music are understood: Critical Timing - Quarter Notes -
Mini-Phrases - Rolling Count - Straight Count - Phrasing - Syncopation etc.
8. Elements of
MOVEMENT - Everything a dancer needs to know about Movement - and how
that knowledge helps determine your LEVEL of performance. Every dancer becomes a
BETTER
dancer once they understand how the body moves - and which
PARTS of the body initiate the move!
Conclusion:
WHO BENEFITS from an INTENSIVE? Everyone benefits from an
Intensive. In all these years - everyone who has gone through the
entire process - (through to examination) - has praised the results they
have
experienced. Give it a try - Challenge yourself - Find out for
yourself, the process for determining WHAT is right rather than relying on WHO is right.
Still
have Questions? Feel
free to Call or E-mail.
Skippy:
(562) 869-8949 - Email: Skippy@SkippyBlair.com
Website:
www.SwingWorld.com
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MONTEREY INTENSIVE 2010
2010 Schedule will be available after November
20th, 2009
(Same times - similar topics as 2009 -
Updates in Technique)
2010 includes Guest Teacher Sharlot Bott,
noted U.S. Open winner, noted for her fabulous Carriage, Footwork and ultimate
Class. She will be sharing the teaching schedule with Skippy.
Jan 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, &
Monday the 18th, 2010
Held in conjunction with, & just prior to John Wheaton's
Monterey Swing Fest - at the Monterey Hyatt Regency Hotel
Spend some QUALITY TIME with
Skippy Blair
& Sharlot Bott in Monterey
ONLY $375 if registered by 01-07-2010 - **After that date - $450**
To Pre-register, call Linda at (562) 869-8949
Pre-registration not only saves money, but also guarantees
printed materials for the full Intensive and even more!
MONDAY, following the weekend - 11am to 2pm - only $35
Monday is FREE to those attending the full INTENSIVE
Subjects are constantly updated and vary at
every Intensive.
MONDAY, JANUARY 11th:
10am
- Set the TONE for the week. Overview of
the entire GSDTA program
Questions & Answers -
Open Discussion.
11am - Introductory
Critiques to get the ball rolling - allows us to
evaluate
what you are
already doing and discover the elements that
will
contribute to raising your level of performance.
12 Noon
- MUSIC & TIMING - Understanding individual Elements.
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - Upper Level Basics, selected from the “22
Classic West Coast -
Swing Foundation
Patterns." - PLUS Concentration on THE 14 Basics.
3pm - Continue the Patterns, adding Body Flight
(a Combination of
Critical Timing & Rolling
Count, based on the
Universal Unit System®. )
4pm - 5:30pm - Sheet Music for Dancers - Read - Write -
Dance.
5:30 to 7:30pm
- DINNER BREAK
7:30 - 8:30pm - Placing your "Body Parts" in the right
configuration
9:30 - Monitored Practice Time
TUESDAY - January 12th
10am - MOTION STUDY - Mental & Physical Drill for Skill
advancement
11am - More Critiques, continuing the quest for excellence
12 Noon Dissecting the MUSIC - (All you need to know about MUSIC
in order
to make
your dance come alive. Bring your OWN music if you
wish).
Mind over Music - Make the music work FOR you.
1
to 2:30pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30pm - Foundation Discipline - Making it work FOR you.
3:30pm - Concentration on Whips. The Good - The Bad - & the Ugly.
4:30pm - 5:30 - CONTROLLED Movement makes for better balance,
better turns and
rotations, creating a much higher degree of
performance: Single Tracking - Centering - Pulsing - Point of
Connection - Three toe Base - and a whole lot more.
5:30 to 7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
7:30 - 9pm - Latin Dances & how those techniques improve your
knowledge
and performance in West Coast Swing.
WEDNESDAY - January
13th
10am - MOTION STUDY - learning to "Hit the Pose" without losing
the dance.
11am - More Critiques - emphasizing DRILLS of the elements that
create
the CHANGES required to elevate
your performance.
12 Noon - Cha-Cha Foundation Rhythms that guarantee that you really DO
break on “2” and “6”
- and CLARIFY the difference!
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - REVIEW Foundation Patterns
from the sanctioned list.
3pm - Continue the Patterns, adding “Key Units” and “Pulsing”
4pm - 5:30 - Separating “Levels of Teaching” to hasten the learning
process.
(3 dimensional learning versus 2 dimensional)
5:30 - 7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
-
7:30 - 9pm - Avoid being part of the Dance problem. Establish how we can
help each other
by always being part of the solution.
THURSDAY -
January 14th
10am - MOTION STUDY - Discussing individual elements and
how those
elements impact your personal dance performance.
11am -
More Critiques as we get down to the wire. (Don’t be left out).
12 Noon - Discovering the importance of the PULSE in various dances.
(If you have requests for specific dances, let
us know EARLY
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - MORE BASIC and Foundation Patterns from the 22 Classics.
3pm - Continue Patterns, adding Judging criteria - For "WCS 101" Comps.
Identifying “Key Units” and “Rolling Count”.
4pm - 5:30 - (To be determined) based on requests of
participants.
5:30 to 8pm - DINNER BREAK
8pm - Event Lesson & Dance & West Coast 101 Competition
FRIDAY
- January 15th
9am - Motion Study in the Ballroom w/ Skippy
Friday, during the day, there are several event classes taking place in
the
Ballroom. Make a note of GSDTA teachers and Check them out.
5 -7pm - SKIPPY BLAIR - Judging Session for points toward
Certification
FREE to
those attending the Intensive. Fee for others attending.
SATURDAY - January 16th
TBA
SUNDAY -
January 17th
9am - Lead & Follow Workshop in the Ballroom w/Skippy
No GSDTA Intensive Class on Sunday.
MONDAY - January 18th
11am
-
2pm
-
"West Coast 101" - Teaching,
Judging, & Participation
Even if you didn't take the Intensive
- Don't Miss this One.
Only $35 for three Hours! (Free to those taking the full Intensive).
For information on John Wheaton's Monterey Swingfest weekend, please click
here:
http://www.centralcoastswingdance.com/2008montereyswingfest.htm
-
And remember Skippy's
favorite Quote:
“The Schedule is never FINAL
- until the class is OVER”
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- KONA
May 14, 15, 16 & 17, (+ 18th)
With
SKIPPY, JORDAN, TATIANA, & SHARLOT BOTT
tom
Register by April 30, 2010, for $395 for 4 days,
or $450 for 5 Days: (includes 4 detailed hrs on Swung Technique on Tuesday)
(After April 30th - $445 and $500)
Although the 4 hours on Tuesday are crucial for those
on the path toward "Certification"
- They will be extremely valuable to anyone who is serious
about becoming a better dancer. -
This is
Skippy's Farewell Intensive in KONA!!!!
This year, the Kona Intensive takes place the weekend
following
SwingDiego.
The Intensive is being held at: Outrigger
Keauhou Beach Resort.
Contact :
www.keauhoubeachresort.com
The $130 rate, per night, includes the Hotel's
fabulous
Breakfast Buffet for 2 people - each day of registration!
* * *
* * * * * * * * * *
* * * * * *
* * * * *
May 14, 15,
16,17, & 18,2010
includes
the regular 4 day Intensive, plus an extra available day
for serious dancers, who want to get in an extra technique session with Skippy. This extra
day: Tuesday, May 18th from 11am - 3pm, with Skippy, may help those on the path
toward certification - but would be invaluable to ANYONE who simply wants to be
a better dancer.
If you are planning on taking an exam, please let us know
in advance.
Intensives
alternate Dancing sessions with Sit-down sessions with SKIPPY, JORDAN & TATIANA,
and this
year, Sharlot Bott, Professor Sarah Grusmark & Mark Scheifle will be joining the Staff in
Kona.
Our Intensive is held in a lovely Ballroom with an Ocean
View - Although the Focus is West Coast Swing, we also cover a bit of ALL of
the Social Dances, because of so many requests. PLUS: Fri, Sat and Sun
nights, we dance until midnight. Testimonials are
fantastic from all the past years and, based on the evaluation sheets, many of the
participants will be returning in 2010. Skippy's UNIVERSAL UNIT SYSTEM(R) forms the
base for all GSDTA instruction.
INTENSIVE Reservations:
Please Call GSDTA Headquarters
in Downey California, and ask for Linda
or Nancy
Phone (562) 869-8949 - Email: skippy@skippyblair.com
www.SwingWorld.com
Kona
Schedule is below - Details added weekly.
Still Time to Plan for May 2010 in Kona
Remember, as Skippy always says,
“The Schedule is never final until the class is over!”
Friday, May 14th, 2010
10:00am - Check in, Name tags,
Registration Materials - PLEASE arrive early.
10:30 to 11:30am -
The importance of Rolling Count, What it is & What it is NOT.
11:30 to 1pm - Foundation Techniques that create better dancing.
1:00 to 2:30pm -
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4:00pm - Jordan &
Tatiana
4:00 to 5:30pm
- Sharlot Bott - Amalgamations for "West Coast 101"
5:30 to 6:30pm - Jordan &
Tatiana
6:30 to 7:30pm - Before DINNER
BREAK
7:30 to Midnight - Pizza & Dance
Party, General Dancing
Saturday, May 15th, 2010
10 to 11:30am -
Jordan & Tatiana
11:30 to 1pm
- Skippy - Drills & Elements of Movement
1 to 2:30pm - LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Jordan &
Tatiana
4 to 5:30pm -
Sharlot - More "West Coast 101"
5:30 to 7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
7:30 to 8:30pm -
Jordan & Tatiana
8:30 to 9:30 - General Dancing
& Mixers
9:30pm - "West Coast 101" Competition and Special Awards.
10pm Showtime
- Jordan & Tatiana - Sharlot & Mark
Sunday, May 16th, 2010
10 to 11:30am - Sharlot
- “Walk Like a Dancer” - Change your Walk -
change
your Life
11:30 to 1pm - Jordan &
Tatiana -
1 to 2:30pm
- LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 3pm -
Group Pictures
3 to 4:30pm -
Skippy - Similarities
& differences: for other
Requested Dances
Cha-Cha, Rumba, Waltz & Tango
4:30 to 6pm - Skippy -
Elements of Music & Annotation for ALL Dances
6pm
to 8pm -
DINNER BREAK
8 to 9pm
- Sharlot & Mark - Pattern
Variations
9pm to closing - General Dancing,
Fun Mixers & Lots of "Ladies Choices"
Monday, May 17th, 2010 -
10 to 11:30am
- Skippy, Sharlot, Mark & Sarah: Questions & Answers
- Have your inquiries ready
11:30 to 1pm - TBA
1 to 2:30pm
-
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Skippy - Things
You Need to know Before you Leave
4 to 5:30pm -
Skippy - TBA
Tuesday,
May 18th, 2010 - (bring snacks, no lunch break)
($65 for the day - if not attending the 4-day Intensive)
11 to 3:00pm - Skippy - Review of
materials needed for those who are pursuing Certification. Very
beneficial to anyone who dances - but of particular value to those seeking
Certification.
3:15 to 4:30pm - Exams with Professor
Sarah Grusmark
Sarah has suggested that she would like to see that exams are corrected
and discussed for those who can stay and do that. Others would be
notified by email, in about 10 days.
----------------------------------------------------------------
Jordan & Tatiana are sometimes "guest" teachers for
an hour or two at an Intensive, but the 2007 Intensive in KONA was the first
time all three of us shared an entire Intensive. What an exciting
experience. Over and over, we still hear how powerful it is for people to
hear all of us using the same language. "It really is MAGICAL!" - and
none of these wonderful Kona experiences could have taken place without our multi-talented Guys: Warren
d'Aquin and Edward May. They host the weekend - and DJ' on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.
They are amazing.
Those attending Intensives KNOW they are going to
learn valuable information, but seldom realize that they will actually FEEL
and SEE a difference. There are always Critiques, and GSDTA has made this
process a world class teaching technique. You will experience
Critiques from several of our Teachers.
God Bless and have a great day - The
SCHEDULE for 2010 is posted above. See you all - VERY soon.
It is later than you think!
Much Love to All -
Skippy
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Join us in Kona -
Come Early - Stay Late -
Make
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Jack
& Jill O’Rama -
H Hyatt Regency Hotel, Orange County
J JUNE 2010 - Below is the schedule from 2009
2010
Schedule will be similar but UPDATED & posted in APRIL
THURSDAY,
10am -
Noon Refine,
Judge & Develop Patterns from “West Coast 101”
12 -1 CRITIQUES - an Exceptional Learning
Process for
Students, Contestants & Judges
1 - 2:30
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 - 4:30 “WALK LIKE A DANCER” (Change your Walk, Change your Life)
Check the different elements - develop them one by one.
4:30 - 5:30 Judging
& Dancing: "Elements of Movement"
FRIDAY,
9 - 10am Skippy in the Ballroom - Motion Study
“Orange Colored Sky”
10:30 – 11:30
Coordination Drills for Raising your Level of Dance
11:30 – 12:30
"Through
the Eyes of a Judge"
12:30 – 2pm
LUNCH BREAK
2 - 3:30 CRITIQUES
(for personal growth - & for Judging)
3:30 - 5pm
Understanding “ROLLING COUNT” - What it is, but even
m
more
important: What it is NOT! (Use 101 West Coast Patterns)
SATURDAY
9 - 10am Skippy in the Ballroom - Lead &
Follow -
10:30 - 11:30
Back in the Training Room for: The Wrap-Up
SUNDAY
9 - 10am Skippy in the Ballroom -
West Coast 101 Techniques
These few hours of
GSDTA Intensive Training are
guaranteed to improve your dancing.
You’ll be amazed at the confidence you feel
on the dance floor, once you
u understand Rolling Count, & other “Elements” that combine
to make you
" Walk Like a Dancer."
PLUS - GSDTA Critiques have created a world-wide re
reputation for developing amazing progress in everyone's level of dance.
COST:
INDIVIDUAL SESSIONS - available as a “Drop-In”
$15 for any 1 hour session
$20 for any 1½ hour session
$25 for any 2 hour session.
$145 Covers ALL
Intensive Hours listed.
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Phoenix - 2009
4th of July Convention
ALL DAY THURSDAY - FOUR 1-hour Workshops
With
Skippy Blair
Cost
$15 per hour or $40 for all four hours.
Registration is AT the event - No online registration
Requests from people
who attend every year always influence the selection of subjects for
the following year. It all adds up to a great little 4-Hour “Mini-Intensive” -
Always guaranteed to raise everyone’s dancing level.
REPEAT by request:
The last hour is usually devoted to CRITIQUES.
Still one of the the most popular Sessions. 2009 Participants were
amazed when the level of the entire class seemed to rise on that last hour.
We're planning that again in 2010.
12 Noon: - Rolling Count & how you can OWN it.
1:15
- Developing Syncopations & Contra-Body Movement -
designed to make everyone look more professional
2:30 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
3:30pm - 3-Toe Base, Sending Foot, Centering Knob &
other techniques that streamline and enhance your performance.
4:30
- CRITIQUE SESSION (By popular demand).
Personal Note:
I always look forward to the Phoenix
Convention because I get to see so many old friends. Not sure how many
years I’ve been doing this, but it goes way back to when the Phoenix Club
first started their conventions. Each year gets busier and more exciting than the last.
Special requests? Call me: 562-869-8949
or
email:Skippy@Skippyblair.com
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Summer Intensive Miami 2009 -
July 12-17, 2009
20th Annual - 4 Day - Summer Intensive,
Held in conjunction with & just prior to:
"Miami Dance Magic"
Please click here for Hotel details:
http://www.coastaldanceconnection.com/
 | TUITION: INTENSIVE in MIAMI:
$495 if registered before JUNE 30th, 2009
- Starting JULY 1st, 2009 - Registration is $575 -
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Early Registration insures a FREE
Intensive Notebook. Late registrations pay $40 for the Event Notebook.
To REGISTER for Intensive only, Call Linda:
Weekdays: 11am to 3pm - 562-869-8949
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2009
Intensive Schedule
SUNDAY, July 12th
2pm to 5pm - Orientation - Meet your new
"Family Members." Explore the latest techniques from the most recent
Intensives. Stay ahead of the pack! (Movement, Music, & Critical Timing)
5 to 6:30pm - Upper Level Basics
Including West Coast 101
MONDAY, July 13th
10am to 11:30 - Critiques - The most beneficial
form of instruction, currently taking the dance
world
by storm. Benefits EVERYONE: Those who perform, as well as those who
observe.
11:30 to 1pm - Motion Study: "Orange Colored Sky" -
(Great Core Centering & Timing Drill)
1 to 2:30 -
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Annotation: How it
improves your Dance Performance and your Learning Ability.
4 to 5:30pm - Syncopations - The
Good - The Bad and The Ugly!
5:30 to 7:30 -
DINNER BREAK
7:30 to 9:30 - "Walk Like a Dancer"
Change the way you Walk - Change who you are!
TUESDAY, July 14th
10am to 11:30 - Rhythm Games The Process
that actually create NEW Patterns.
11:30 to 1pm - A Really Good Dancer Brings Up the Level of
Every Partner.
1 to 2:30 -
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Rolling Count Produces
3-Dimensional Dance! (Don't settle for 2)!
4 to 5:30pm - Vocabulary Instills Better
Communication. (Keep up-to-date)
5:30 to 7:30 -
DINNER BREAK
7:30 to 9:30 - Owning a pattern in
ANY dance. Do you just DO it? OR do you OWN it?
WEDNESDAY, July 15th
10am to 11:30 - More Critiques - and we
ALL dance the "Upgrades"
11:30 to 1pm - Elements of JUDGING help you
evaluate your own dance.
1 to 2:30 -
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Looking Deeper into ROLLING
COUNT - What it IS and what it is NOT.
4 to 5:30pm - Finding the Pulse in
different dances. Raise your own level of ALL DANCE.
Starting at 7pm: OUT ON THE TOWN in MIAMI
- CLUB CRAWL!!! (Subject to Change).
THURSDAY, July 16th - Special Sessions on West Coast 101 -
10am to 11:30 - Increasing your
Performance Level with Detailed Basics.
11:30 to 1pm - West Coast 101 special Techniques
that help ALL levels.
1 to 2:30 -
LUNCH BREAK
2:30 to 4pm - Historical knowledge that
allows you to understand WHY we do what we do.
More info, Patterns & Techniques for West Cost 101.
4 to 5:30pm - The "Goose Bumps" Factor
thrills an audience and excites a Performer!
Learn how to add that perspective to every MOVE you make. ALL levels.
7:30 - Doors Open for General
Dancing - the Pre-Convention Dance
8:00 - Jordan & Tatiana in the Ballroom.
(More GSDTA Fantastic Instruction).
FRIDAY, July 17th
(No
lunch scheduled today - bring snacks or ?)
10am to 11:30 - Latin Dances & how that
knowledge can improve your West Coast Swing
11:30 to 1pm - West Coast 101 and Improving the General
Level of Dance
1pm - Sarah Grusmark - "Handle on
Collegiate Training"
2pm - Review exam questions with Skippy for those taking exams
3pm - Wrap Up with SKIPPY! Get your Questions Answered.
4pm - Jordan & Tatiana in the Ballroom
5:30 - EXAMS for those Eligible
SATURDAY, July 18th
10am - Lead & Follow - Miami Magic Event. Come
one - Come all
More details as we get closer to
the event. It's ALL - GREAT - Join Us!
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MARCH & AUGUST INTENSIVES
How about spending 10 days with Skippy Blair
and 13 other dancers in a semi-private Training Room in Skippy’s home in
Downey, CA?
Two “4-Day Weekends” Back to Back -
MARCH 12th thru MARCH 21st 10:30am – 5:30pm every day - Fri
thru Mon and Thurs thru Sun. Space is Limited to 14 People
–
Cost for the entire 8 Days is only
$585 ( AND - If space is available – One 4-Day Weekend is only $325.)
Patterned after the highly successful August
Intensive of 2009, the first 4 days are Ballroom & Latin, which serves to
introduce the basic rhythms and movement techniques that form a sound
foundation for either higher learning, and/or teaching. The second 4 days we
focus mainly on West Coast Swing (plus a few other swing forms).
See Below.
This new venue is ideal for people traveling
great distances - across country or even from different parts of the World.
Jump start your Certification process or simply decide to become a BETTER
dancer in 10 short days.
FRIDAY, Mar. 12th – 15th –
Concentrate on Ballroom & Latin Dancing, at a Social level, with background
& Techniques that can lead to competition and performance level. Adults or
Children, the foundation is the same. Learn simple, but effective
techniques that bring your dance knowledge UP – in EVERY Dance. All Social
dances are composed of Basic Rhythms, Foot Positions & Movement Techniques -
which are necessary for those who plan on specializing in West Coast Swing.
Our experience shows that those who study GSDTA Ballroom & Latin dances,
prior to West Coast training, have a much better understanding of teaching
West Coast Swing, than those who went directly into West Coast Swing.
MARCH 16th & 17th
(Tuesday & Wednesday) – Time out to shop, sightsee,
or just kick back and take a breather - before starting training again on
Thursday morning.
THURSDAY, Mar. 18th – Mar. 21st
- Concentrate on West Coast Swing.
THURSDAY & FRIDAY - totally West Coast, with emphasis on the nuances of
“West Coast 101.” SATURDAY we explore other forms of Swing that should be
taught for different audiences – Where – and for what Reason? PLUS their
relationship to West Coast Swing. SUNDAY we work on teaching techniques
that give any student the foundation that will last them a lifetime. Rhythm
Games – Annotation – and Techniques that develop the whole musical Human
Being.
HOTEL: Special
Rate: (Mention Skippy Blair Dance) $64 single or $74
for 2 beds at the Comfort Inn, within walking distance of the
Training facility. Several good eating places are just across the street.
All easy access & relatively inexpensive. What an opportunity
for someone who wants to get it RIGHT and get it NOW!
In addition to Training, attendees will
visit TOP CATS on Sunday Night, as well as other local dance places, to be
determined.
Critiques are part of each Weekend, simply
because “Education” is the name of the game. You will leave this experience
with confidence & understanding in what you need as a teacher, performer,
contestant, or simply as a better dancer. There is NO substitute for
education, no matter what the subject. More Info:
www.Swingworld.com
Call Linda or Nancy NOW for further info for Registration: 562- 869-8949 |
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HALLOWEEN SWINGTHING 2009
Mini-Intensive
with Skippy -
Thurs. Oct 29, Fri. 30th, & Mon. Nov. 2nd, 2009 -
STAFF: Skippy
Blair,
Sharlot Bott,
Jessica Cox, Sarah Grusmark, &
Mary Ann Nunez !!
EVERYONE WELCOME!! PLUS - all Mini-Intensive hours accrue credit
toward Certification hours for those involved in the certification
process.
Teaching - Judging -
Dancer's Acceleration Program - Don't leave any stone unturned in
learning all you can about our wonderful, exciting, California State
Dance, "West Coast
Swing." |
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GSDTA Mini-Intensive
at Halloween Swingthing 2009 - Irvine Hyatt Hotel - Irvine,
CA
Spend some time with
Jessica, Mary Ann, Sarah, Sharlot, and Skippy.
Tuition: All 3
days - Only $195
(If Pre-registered before Oct. 20th)
Thursday OR Friday alone - $90 per day
Both Thurs & Fri - Pre-registered by October 20th - $170
Monday Special Workshop - 11am to 2pm - Only $40
Students: 18 and Under - Always ½ Price for a GSDTA
Intensive
SAVE by Calling Linda at (562) 869-8949 for Advanced Registration.
ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must have an open mind, Two Feet (Left or
Right - We only use "Sending" & "Receiving") - Must be able to count
to 8. ALL dancers move up a
level of competency with GSDTA education.
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2009
Updated Schedule
THURSDAY - October 29th, 2009
(12 noon to 5pm)
12-1pm - Skippy Blair - "Rolling Count"
plus: Controlling Dance Rhythms
& Creating a Pulse in West Coast Swing
1-2pm - Mary Ann Nunez - Syncopations that Work ALL
the Time.
2-3pm - Skippy - Critiques - Working
through Lunch - Bring Snacks.
3-4:30pm - Mary Ann Nunez - How Terminology raises your level
of dance:
Includes:
3-Toe Base, Sending Foot , Centering Knob,
Center Point of Balance (Core), Critical
Timing, -
Compression,
and Defining Body ZONES.
4:30 - 5pm - Skippy - Wrap Up - Q & A on "Level Raising" Techniques
FRIDAY - October 30th 2009
(12 noon to 5pm)
9-10am - Skippy - In the
Ballroom - Free to all event attendees
12 - 1pm - Sharlot Bott - (Skippy's Training Room) -
Selected
Elements of Styling for both Leader and Follower. Don't Miss it!
1 - 2pm - Sharlot Bott - Selected Elements of Music, Timing & Movement
2-3pm - Skippy -Foundation Dances (Melange and Slow
Dance) - & How
that information helps students with their West Coast Swing.
3-4pm - Jessica - Critiques for the Group and
Individuals.
4-5pm - Skippy - Wrapping up the Day. Review & Q&A
SATURDAY - October 31st, 2009
9-10am - Skippy - (In the Ballroom) -Lead & Follow Elements that raise
your
dance level - (Free to all event attendees) .
(No dedicated Mini-Intensive classes on Saturday)
SUNDAY - November 1st, 2009
9-10am - Skippy in the Ballroom- Free to
all event attendees
(No dedicated Mini-Intensive classes on Sunday)
MONDAY - November 2nd, 2009 -
(11am to 2pm)
12 - 1pm - If You Can Walk the Walk, You can Dance the Dance
1 - 2pm - Final Critiques and Question and Answer Period
For Information regarding the INTENSIVE:
Contact Linda, Sarah or Skippy.
For Information or Registration for HALLOWEEN SWINGTHING EVENT :
Contact John Wheaton at
ccsd@thegrid.net or call: (805) 937-1574 |
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U.S. OPEN
U.S. OPEN - November 2009
at Marriott, Anaheim Hotel
West Coast Swing Workshops with Skippy Blair, Sharlot Bott, Mary Ann Nunez,
& Professor Sarah Grusmark, on Weds. &
Thurs.
Free "West Coast 101" DVD with
pre-registration!
NDDCB APPRENTICE JUDGING PROGRAM
EVERYONE WELCOME!! Contact Linda at (562) 869-8949 to register.
PLUS - all Mini-Intensive hours accrue credit
toward Certification hours for those involved in the certification
process.
Skippy’s
US OPEN Workshop
Schedule
WEDNESDAY, NOV. 25th
- 12 Noon to 4PM
12 to 1PM - Skippy - Rolling Count
- When & HOW to make it work for you.
1PM to 2PM
- Sharlot Bott - Critiques -
World Famous GSDTA Technique for
raising the level of any dancer.
2PM to 3PM - Sharlot Bott - How the Correct Vocabulary can Elevate
Your Dancing Performance.
(Walk Like a Dancer)
Centering Knob - Sending Foot - Creating Body Flight.
3 PM to 4 PM - Skippy Blair - The Most
Popular Techniques - gathered from
a few of the GSDTA Intensives of 2009.
THURSDAY,
NOV. 26th - 12
Noon to 4pm
12 to 1pm -
Sarah Grusmark - (Adjunct
Professor - University of La Verne) -
The GSDTA Rhythm Games that are used to develop creativity and body
coordination at the University.
1PM to 2 PM - Mary Ann
Nunez - Foundation Techniques from
West Coast 101 - The Latest Innovation for Spreading West Coast
Swing World-wide.
2:00
PM to 3:00 PM - Mary Ann
Nunez - "Her Choice", Based on her
observations of what is needed by those in attendance.
3:00
PM to 4:00 PM - Sarah
Grusmark - The Wrap Up! More of
The Latest GSDTA Discoveries from Skippy's Recent Intensives - includes
techniques from West Coast 101.
_______________________________________________________________
WEDS: 4 Hours for
$60
- THURS:
4 Hours for
$60
BOTH DAYS: Only $110
if pre-registered before NOV. 18th.
Pre-Registration also guarantees PRINTED materials.
Individual sessions attended @$20 per hour, when space is
available.
Save money: Register NOW for ALL 8 hours -
only $110.
Registration or information, please call Linda at (562) 869-8949,
Email:
Skippy@skippyblair.com
Website:
www.swingworld.com
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ALSO ..It's not too late for 2009 reservations for those who want to participate in the "NDDCB
APPRENTICE JUDGING Program" at the 2009 US OPEN.
Program is only $100 which includes the
supervised training program with Lynn Gross and other GSDTA and/or
NDDCB personnel. You will be judging selected events and participate
in discussion sessions
that follow each event. Participants in this Apprentice Judging Program
will also be the ones who select the winners of the Lynn Vogen "JOY AWARD" presented to a
deserving young dancer under the age of 18.
To register, please call GSDTA OFFICE:
562-869-8949. |
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