Who Should Attend? (Click here!)

    Monterey - January

    HAWAII - (Last time in Kona - May)

    J&J O'Rama - June
    Phoenix - July

    MARCH &  AUGUST Intensives -

       Two Weekends  each month
    HALLOWEEN - October

    US OPEN - November

(Back to top)                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.   

 (Back to top)  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”

(Back to top)  HAWAII - 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

(Back to top)  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.

(Back to top)          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   

 

(Back to top)  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/
 

                        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!