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Who Should Attend? (Click here!) Sacramento - February Home for Easter - April HAWAII - Kona in May Fresno - May
J&J O'Rama - June |
Summer - July MIAMI DANCE MAGIC
PLUS, in
August, a 3-Day - JUDGING Seminar - September
BRIDGETOWN SWING - September US OPEN - November HAWAII - Oahu in December
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What Is an INTENSIVE? GSDTA Intensives have been going on for many years. In the 1970's our "One Day" Intensives at the Golden West Ballroom went from 10am to 5pm - and we danced to a live band in the evening. Our Intensives for many years were for "Teachers Only"" and students participated on a different day. Our main goal was to train teachers in the Universal Unit System(R) Through the years, our Intensives grew from being held every other weekend - to the point where they became 5 Day to 8 Day Intensives - and everyone was welcome to participate. (NOT just teachers). I have always personally 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 Certification. 2008 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 always net great results. Testimonials pour in following every Intensive. They are posted under Testimonials. Perhaps reading those will give you a picture of the kind of transformation that is possible. It is amazing to be there 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 we have people of all levels, (Beginners through Pros) The more advanced dancers & teachers learn from the questions asked by newer people, and the newer people learn from close association with the upper level dancers. You have to experience it, to understand it. TEACHERS of Dance come to learn the language that fosters communication in every dance class - 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" teachers, credit the change to participating in Dance Dynamics Intensives. Education makes each teaching day more exciting - and more rewarding. CONTESTANTS, many of whom are very 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 - more 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 total program in itself, but most of the Intensives 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, most of the sessions
are taught
by Skippy.
Clarification of a few Specific Sessions: 2.
CRITIQUES provide a totally different way of learning.
People report that they
frequently learn more from the critiques of others - than they do from their own.
Critiquing is a process I developed 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 dancing - right there on the spot - Not down the road - but NOW! Each Critique
becomes a special "Happening." 3. ANNOTATION is the simple act of 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 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 INFORMATION that is important for ALL dancers and teachers of dance. These facts sort out and identify the things you need to work on. 5. "If you can WALK the WALK - You can DANCE the DANCE" This session is invaluable for separating the variety of dances that exist in our social dance world. Knowing the Basic Rhythms that form 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. You also learn to "Read" new dances as they appear on the 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. 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: 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 frequently determines the LEVEL of performance. Every dancer becomes a better dancer once they understand how the body moves - and which parts of the anatomy initiates 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. |
MONTEREY INTENSIVE
Mon. Jan 2009 thru Fri. Jan.? 2009
Held in conjunction with, & just prior to: John Wheaton's
Monterey Swing Fest - Monterey Hyatt Regency Hotel
Spend 34 Hours PLUS with Skippy Blair
Cost: $375 if registered by 12/15/07 - After 12/15 - $425
To register, call Linda at (562) 869-8949
(Pre-registration not only saves money,
but also guarantees printed materials for the full Intensive)!
SCHEDULE BELOW shows day of the week & hours. Subjects change & are updated at every Intensive. but the general content concentrates on one main thing: Raising the level of information that continues to raise your level of Dance Performance.
MONDAY -
- 8 hrs.
10am
- Get Acquainted. Set the tone for the
week. Overview of the entire
program. Questions - Answers -
Open Discussion.
11am -
Critiques to get the ball rolling - allowing us to
discover the
elements that
contribute to raising the level of performance.
12 Noon
- MUSIC & TIMING - Understanding the Elements.
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - Upper Level Basics, selected from the DVD: “22
Classic West Coast -
Swing - Foundation
Patterns."
3pm - Continue the Patterns, but add Body Flight
(Combination of Critical
Timing & Rolling
Count, based on the
Universal Unit System®.
4pm - 5:30 -
Sheet Music for Dancers - and then dance the
Variations.
5:30 to 7:30pm
- DINNER BREAK
7:30 - 8:30pm - TBA
9:30 - Monitored Practice Time
TUESDAY - 8 hrs.
10am - MOTION STUDY - For learning Control, Contrast &
Projection.
11am - More Critiques to continue 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 favorite music if you
wish). Learn how to contend with whatever Music is played.
1
to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - More Foundation Patterns from the 22 Classics.
3pm - Concentration on Whip styling, variation and detail.
4pm - 5:30 - CONTROLLED Movement makes for better balance,
better turns and spins, and 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 - 10pm - Latin Dances & how that information improves your
knowledge
and performance in West Coast Swing.
WEDNESDAY - 8 hrs.
10am - MOTION STUDY - developing a routine (Hit the Pose!)
11am - More Critiques - w/ emphasis on everyone learning the elements
that
create the CHANGES required to elevate each performance.
12 Noon - Cha-Cha Foundation Rhythms that guarantee that you will
always
be able to break on “2” and “6.” No guessing required.
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - Foundation Patterns
from the “22 Classic WCS Patterns.”
3pm - Continue the Patterns, but add “Key Units” and “Rolling Count.”
4pm - 5:30 - Separating “Levels of Teaching” to hasten the learning
process.
(3 dimensional learning versus 2 dimensional)
5:30 to 7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
7:30 - 8:30pm - Defining YOUR role in the Dance community. Avoid
being
part of the problem. Establishing how we can all help each other.
8:30 - 9:30pm - Supervised practice and individual help.
THURSDAY -
10am - MOTION STUDY - Discussing the individual elements of the routine
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 me know EARLY
1 to 2pm - LUNCH BREAK
2pm - Foundation Patterns from the 22 Classic WCS patterns on the DVD.
3pm - Continue the Patterns, but add “Key Units” and “Rolling Count”.
4pm - 5:30 - (To be determined) based on needs of
participants.
5:30 to 7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
7:30 - Review - and then on to the Early Bird Dance.
FRIDAY
9am - Motion Study in the Ballroom w/ Skippy
5 to 7pm - GARY JOBST - fee Class -Credit toward Judges Certification
SATURDAY -
9am - Lead & Follow workshop in the Ballroom w/ Skippy
SUNDAY -
9am - Critique Class in the BALLROOM w/ Skippy
MONDAY - NO MONDAY CLASSES with Skippy this year.
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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SACRAMENTO - February
- Thurs, 14th & Fri, 15th, 2008
Capital Swing Convention -
2008
12-2pm - Critiques Raise your Level of
Performance -
Saturday, February 16th - $5 Class w/event pass 9-10am - Definitions in Action - Rolling Count, Pulse & Musical Interpretation (This class is not part of the Mini-Intensive, but is available to all who attend the event). PARTICIPANTS
of the Mini-Intensive: Each class combines both lecture and dance
participation.
$22 for one 2 Hour session
Pre-register
by Credit Card for ALL 6 HOURS and not only get all 6 hours
for
Call LINDA at GSDTA Offices:
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HAWAII
- KONA May 9,10,11 & 12, 2008 Jordan & Tatiana will again be joining Skippy for her 5th Annual KONA INTENSIVE. We'll have 4-Days of FUN, DANCE and EDUCATION - PLUS...A larger Ballroom & a larger FLOOR!!! The Intensive this year will be held the 2nd weekend in May.
Keauhou Beach Resort - right on the water
Cost per person: $350
if registered before May 1st.
INTENSIVE Reservations: Contact Skippy Blair - Ask for Linda
Kona Mini-Intensive Schedule - May 2008 Friday, May 9th, 2008 10:00am - Check in, Name tags,
Registration Materials Saturday, May 10, 2008 10:00 to 11:30am - Jordan &
Tatiana - Musicology
Sunday, May 11, 2008 Monday, May 12, 2008 - Bring Snacks - no lunch break to accommodate early flights 10:00 to 11:00am - Jordan & Tatiana -
Accelerations in West Coast Swing
Remember, as Skippy always says, ------------------------------------------------------------------- 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 heard how powerful it was for people to hear all of us using the same language. "It was MAGIC!" (Wonderful comments from participants about how Tatiana, Jessica, Sarah, and Michelle, did such a great job as "Leaders" in some of the classes). - and Last but not least, none of this could have taken place without our multi-talented Guy, Warren d'Aquin. He'll be DJing on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. Those attending Intensives KNOW they are going to learn valuable information, but seldom realize that they will actually FEEL and SEE a difference. There will be Critiques every day and every person who wants a critique, will get one. This process has become the catalyst for instant improvement. Don't miss all the excitement. The Schedule is now online. However, If YOU have a request, let us know. We always try to
accommodate.
God Bless and have a great day - |
| Join us in Kona -
Come Early & Stay Late - Participate in other Activities. |
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"FREZNO" INTENSIVE Please Join us for another Wonderful
4-Day
DANCE INTENSIVE
Tuesday, May
20th thru
Friday, May 23rd, 2008
In MAY of 2007, we had a GREAT Intensive, at Steve's FANTASTIC event. Steve always presents a wonderful weekend and an amazing party. We are all looking forward to this year!
Skippy's Intensive Schedule
starts TUESDAY, May 20th, 2008, at 2pm and will be in progress until May
23rd. Special Requests? TUESDAY (May 20th): 6hrs. 2-3pm - Improving your Foundation Rhythms in WCS. 3-4pm - Selected Material from the DVD: 22 Foundation Patterns. 4-6pm - Movement Elements that create Variety & Contrast 6-7:30pm - DINNER BREAK
7:30-9:30pm - Upper Level Basics in WCS
(From the -"22 Patterns")
WEDNESDAY: 9 hrs. 12-1pm - Drills for practicing specific PATTERNS and techniques 1 -2pm - LUNCH BREAK & DANCING (or Bring Snacks) 2 -3pm - Taking Cha-Cha up a notch (& how it helps your WCS) 3 -4pm - How to improve your Waltz, Salsa & Country 2-Step. 4 -5pm - Timing & Phrasing (Getting closer to your Music) 5 -7pm - DINNER BREAK 7 - 8pm - DJ on Board - Dancing w/Local Dancers (Pending) 8 - 9pm - Lesson TBA 9pm to closing - General dancing, Mixers, Fun and Games.
THURSDAY: 7 hrs. Register EARLY & SAVE! - (Printed Materials Included) All 4 Days - Over 26 hours - Only $295 through May 12th AFTER May 12th, $345. Individual days - computed @ $15 per hour. See: Frequently asked Questions - at the start of the INTENSIVES File - (Simply scroll upward to the top). To REGISTER for the Intensive with Skippy: Call Linda at GSDTA Headquarters: (562) 869-8949 AFTER MAY 12th - Please Register full cost at Class. To REGISTER for the actual "Frezno Dance Classic" - Convention Event: Contact Steve Zener: steve@fresnodance.com
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Jack & Jill O’Rama - June
12, 13, 14, 2008
Plan NOW to attend Skippy's 6th annual J&J O'Rama MINI-INTENSIVE:
As always, it is in conjunction with, & just prior to, John Wheaton's J&J O
'RAMA Weekend. For weekend information, Contact John at:
http://www.centralcoastswingdance.com
FRIDAY: 10am to 2pm (4 hrs.) MONDAY: 10am to 12pm. (2 hrs.) + DVD Shooting from 1pm to 3pm (Attendees in the Monday Session, invited to participate in the Dance DVD). This 12 hours of GSDTA Intensive training is guaranteed to improve your dance performance, and also provide you with an invaluable dance education. People are always amazed at the difference it makes, once they understand the "language" of the dance, the Rolling Count, and the elements that combine to make you "Walk Like a Dancer." Each day includes a "Critique" session - (famous world-wide for amazing upgrades in everyone's level of performance) The $150 Tuition covers 12 hours of Intensive Training PLUS written materials that cover every topic taught - and even MORE!. Call LINDA at 562-869-8949, weekdays. |
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Phoenix - 2008 4th of July Convention
ALL DAY THURSDAY (July
3rd) - FOUR 1-hour Workshops
Cost
$15 per hour or $40 for all four hours. Requests from people who attended last year have been influential in selecting the subjects for this year. They all add up to a great little 4-Hour “Mini-Intensive” - guaranteed to take everyone’s dancing up a level. NEW this year - The last hour will be devoted to CRITIQUES. This was the most popular Session last year. Comments included how amazed people were that the level of the entire class seemed to rise on that last hour. 10 to 11am - Rolling Count & how you can OWN it. 11:15 to 12:15 - Making Syncopations look more professional 1 to 2pm - 3-Toe Base, Sending Foot, Centering Knob & other 2:15 to 3:15 - CRITIQUE SESSION (By popular demand).
Personal Note: ALL information regarding My Schedule at the Phoenix Convention has now been confirmed by the Greater Phoenix Club Board of Directors. Special requests? Call me: 562-869-8949
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Skippy Blair’s 18th Annual Summer Intensive, 2008
URGENT :
Our 18th Annual - 7 Day -
(See Details
& Schedule
below) #1. 7-DAY Intensive in Miami, Florida Sunday, July 13 thru Fri. July 18, 2008 (45 Hours Instruction)
Held in conjunction with & just prior to:
Intensive Schedule
SUNDAY, JULY 13th 5 to 7pm - Dinner Break 7 to 9pm - Refining selected patterns from the 22 Foundation Upper Level Basics MONDAY, JULY 14th
10am to 11:30 - Critiques - The most beneficial
form of instruction, currently taking the dance 1 to 2:30 - LUNCH BREAK 2:30 to 4pm - Annotation and how it improves your Dance Performance 4 to 5:30pm - Syncopations - Pulsing makes the difference. 5:30 to 7:30 - DINNER BREAK 7:30 to 9:30 - "Walk Like a Dancer" ( Single Tracking, Centering Knob etc.)
TUESDAY, JULY 15th 1 to 2:30 - LUNCH BREAK 2:30 to 4pm - Annotation and how it improves your Dance Performance 4 to 5:30pm - More Syncopations - Matching the feel of the music 5:30 to 7:30 - DINNER BREAK 7:30 to 9:30 - Owning a pattern in ANY dance. Know it? Own it! WEDNESDAY, JULY 16th
10am to 11:30 - More Critiques - and we ALL do the "Upgrades" 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. 5:30 to 7:30 - DINNER BREAK 7:30 to 9:30 - CENTERING and CONNECTION - Individual & Couple THURSDAY, JULY 17th
10am to 11:30 - More Foundation Patterns that
increase your technique 1 to 2:30 - LUNCH BREAK 2:30 to 4pm - Historical knowledge that allows you to understand WHY we do what w do. 4 to 5:30pm - Learning the "Goose Bumps" Factor that thrills an audience 5:30 to 7:30 - DINNER BREAK 7:30 - Doors Open for General Dancing - the Pre-Convention Dance FRIDAY, JULY 18th
10am to 11:30 - Focus on Latin Dances & how that
improves your West Coast Swing 1 to 2:30 - LUNCH BREAK 2:30 to 4pm - Studying the Practice Exam to see what you need to work on.
4 to 5:30pm - Working on what Skippy
thinks the group needs most.
More details as we get closer to
the event. It's ALL - GREAT - Join Us! ______________________________________________________________ #2. 3-Day "Dance Instructional Marathon"
Fri. Sat. Sun. - Aug. 15, 16, 17, 2008 Starts - 11am, Fri. Aug.15th- Ends - 4pm, Sun. Aug.17th
For those
who are in L.A. in August,
Great information - Naturally, mostly West Coast Swing - but also a
sprinkling of other dances that GSDTA teachers have been asking about.
GSDTA is always a step ahead of the pack - and we keep on top of things.
The MAIN thing you should learn is whatever you have in mind, and whatever
you NEED. That’s the focus of most Intensives. This one will just be
condensed and non-stop learning plus lots of DANCING.
To REGISTER: Call Linda: 562-869-8949.
Email us: if you would like to temporarily hold a spot for any
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* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * BRIDGETOWN SWING in PORTLAND, OR. GSDTA Mini-Intensive in SEPTEMBER, 2008 Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel - $90 for all 8 Hours & Printed Notes if registered before Sept. 1st - AFTER Sept. 1st - Regular Registration is $105. or $60 for One day Separate 2 hour Sessions are available for $30 each. SCHEDULE Doors Open for Registration for Mini-Intensive at 12:30 on Thursday. Please arrive early so we can start promptly at 1pm. Thank you - SB/ All 8 hrs contain "Elements of JUDGING" within the context of the Subject. THURS. 1 to 3pm: Translating Terminology to Body Movement & Musicality THURS. 3 to 5pm: Developing a Personal style of your own. FRI. 10am to Noon: Rolling Count interspersed w/ a few selected Critiques FRI. 12 to 2pm: Take your dance performance UP one LEVEL. You can do it! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Pre-Register for the Mini-Intensive by Calling 562-869-8949 and save $15. For further Information contact Glenna Cooke at: http://www.portlandswing.org/bts/
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