INTENSIVES

For many years our GSDTA Intensives were designed for "Teachers Only"" and students participated on a different day. Through the years, GSDTA Intensives grew from being held on weekends - to being held 5 to 8 Days - and everyone was welcome to participate. (NOT just teachers). Actually, dancers should know the "secrets" that teachers know. Even newer dancers speed up their development in an Intensive. Many of our highest compliments come from professionals who were not quite sure about attending classes with students, but learned a lot in the process.

Many colleges employ GSDTA teachers, based mainly on Dance Dynamics and the Universal Unit System(R) Certification.

2010 NOTE from Skippy: WHO should participate? ANYONE who wants to teach - or simply 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 the Walk" 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

(Back to top) MONTEREY INTENSIVE
       2010 was GREAT - PLAN on
      JANUARY 2011 in Monterey.
       2011 Schedule will be available HERE in Oct. 2010
                                   (Same times - similar topics)

Mon. Jan 11th thru Mon. Jan 17th 2011

Held in conjunction with, & just prior to: John Wheaton's

Monterey Swing Fest - Monterey Hyatt Regency Hotel

Spend some QUALITY TIME with Skippy Blair

Cost: ONLY $425 if registered by Tuesday, 01/06/11 -
**After 01/06/11 - $475**

To register, call Linda or Nancy at (562) 869-8949

Pre-registration not only saves money,

but also guarantees printed materials for the full Intensive!
MONDAY - Jan. 6th - 10am to 2pm - only $50 for the DAY
Monday is FREE to those attending the week-long INTENSIVE

Subjects are constantly updated and vary at every Intensive.
Monterey Schedule below - updated 01-03-09

MONDAY - 1/12 - 8 hrs.
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 discover
            the elements that 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." - 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 - 1/13 - 8 hrs.
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 2pm -                LUNCH BREAK
2pm -  Foundation Discipline - Making it work FOR you.
3pm - Concentration on Whips. The Good - The Bad - & the Ugly.
4pm - 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 - 10pm - Latin Dances & how those techniques improve your
               knowledge and performance in West Coast Swing.

WEDNESDAY -  1/14 - 8 hrs.
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 - 8:30pm - Avoid being part of the problem. Establish how we can
             help each other by always being part of the solution.
8:30 - 9pm - Supervised practice and individual help.

THURSDAY - 1/15
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 - Lesson w/Jordan & Tatiana at Early Bird Dance

FRIDAY 1/16
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.
          (Skippy will be teaching the Class scheduled for Gary Jobst.)

SATURDAY - 1/17

All Day: During Competitions, Judges training includes Apprentice Judging.

SUNDAY - 1/18
9am - Lead & Follow Workshop in the Ballroom w/Skippy
All Day: During Competitions, Judges training includes Apprentice Judging.

MONDAY -  1/19

10-11am - West Coast Swing in the Ballroom w/Skippy
11am - 2pm - "West Coast 101" - Teaching, Judging, & Participating
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) SEATTLE EASTER SWING 2009

GSDTA INTENSIVE Schedule – Seattle Easter Swing
Held at the Seattle Hilton Sea Tac Hotel

$145 for all Intensive Classes on Thurs. & Fri. April 9^th & 10^th, 2009
(Includes latest printed materials on each subject).

Thursday -         April 9^th, 2009
10 to 11am -       Latest Updates in Dance Dynamics®
11 to 12:30 -      Techniques that Separate an Amateur from a Pro
12:30 to 2pm -              Lunch Break
2 to 3:30 -                     How Rolling Count RAISES your Performance Level.
3:30 to 5pm -     “Change your Walk - Change your Dance”
                           (Get the CHART that lists the Changes).

Friday April 10^th, 2009
10 to 11am -       Critique Hour – All Participate in results
11 to 12:30 -      Owning a Pattern in any Dance
12:30 to 1:45pm -                      Lunch Break
1:45 to 3:15pm -    Clarification of Latest Additions to West Coast 101

SAT. Morning - Motion Study w/ Skippy (Check Event Schedule for time)
Latest Routine "Orange Colored Sky" This a great one!

Pre-registration: $145 for all Thursday & Friday Intensive Classes -
             (Includes the latest Printed Materials - PLUS the details
             of the all new “West Coast 101” competitions planned in 2010).
INDIVIDUAL classes available at $25 per segment. SAVE Money -
              through Pre-Registration.   PLUS the fact that Intensives are
              much more effective when attended in their entirety.

To Pre-Register: CALL: Linda at (562) 869-8949
             (California Offices of Golden State Dance Teachers Assn.)

(Back to top) HAWAII - KONA -
2010 was fantastic!

Staff included Skippy, Jordan & Tatiana, Sharlot Bott, & Mark the Marine

Only $460 for 4 days.

2010 was a FABULOUS INTENSIVE - and in 2011, the Hawaii Intensive will again take place the weekend FOLLOWING SwingDiego.

Held at: Outrigger Keauhou Beach Resort
The $130 rate, per night, includes the Hotel's fabulous
Breakfast Buffet for 2 people each day you are registered!

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Universal Unit System(R) forms the base for all of our instruction.

INTENSIVE Reservations: Please Call GSDTA Headquarters in
Downey California, and ask for Linda or Nancy
Phone (562) 869-8949 - Email: skippy@skippyblair.com

Remember, as Skippy always says,
“The Schedule is never final until the class is over!”
However, YOU can influence what is being taught, by requesting specific elements you wish to learn.

-------------------------------------------------------------------

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 hear how powerful it is for people to hear all of us using the same language. "It is MAGIC!" - and none of this can take place without our multi-talented Guy, Warren d'Aquin. He & Eddie hoste the weekend - and Warren DJ's for dancing at night.

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 Critiques every day and every person attending, receives a critique. This process is fast becoming the most sought after class from Skippy, Jordan & Tatiana. God Bless and have a great day - and plan to join us in 2011 The SCHEDULE for 2011 will probably be posted in March, 2011. Questions? Just call us or email Skippy at: Skippy@Skippyblair.com

Join us in Kona - Come Early & Stay Late -
Participate in other Activities.

(Back to top) Jack & Jill O’Rama -
Crowne Plaza Resort Anaheim-Garden Grove
12021 Harbor Blvd.
Garden Grove, California, USA 92840
Hotel: 714 867 5555 - Toll Free: +1 888 444 0401

June 10th & 11th, 2010
Schedule for 2010 listed below:

2010 Schedule: 12 Hour Mini- Intensive

THURSDAY, June 10th

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, June 11th

9 - 10am Skippy in the Ballroom -

10:30 – 11:30 Coordination Drills for Raising your Level of Dance

11:30 – 12:30 "Critiquing your own performance"

12:30 – 2pm LUNCH BREAK

2 - 3:30 CRITIQUES (for personal growth - & for Judging)

3:30 - 5pm Understanding “ROLLING COUNT” - What it is, but more
m important: What it is NOT! (Use 101 West Coast Patterns)

SATURDAY

9 - 10am Skippy in the Ballroom -
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.

Better Yet: $145 Covers ALL Intensive Hours listed.

(Back to top) Phoenix - 2010 -4th of July Convention

ALL DAY THURSDAY - FOUR 1-hour Workshops
With Skippy Blair
held at the
Arizona Biltmore Hotel
2400 East Missouri
Phoenix, AZ 86016
Hotel: 800.950.0086

Cost $15 per hour or $40 for all four hours.
Registration is AT the event - No online registration

Requests from people who attended previous years always influence the selection of subjects for the following year. They always add up to a great little 4-Hour “Mini-Intensive” - Always guaranteed to take everyone’s dancing up a level.

This year - CLASSES START AT NOON on THURSDAY and NOT at 10am. See you in Phoenix - starting at noon. Skippy

12 Noon to 1pm: - Rolling Count - URGENT: Why you need Rolling
Count - even if the music is playing straight count.

1:15 to 2:15 - Music Terminology Module: Recognize the Pulse of
the Dance as well as the Accents in the Music. Learn to look
more professional.

2:30 to 3:30pm - Movement Terminology: Contra-Body Movement,
             Sending Foot, Centering Knob & other techniques that
             send goosebumps up your spine, (AND the spine of an
             audience! Simply: Enhance YOUR performance.

3:45 to 4:45 - "Walk Like a Dancer" One of the most asked for
of the GSDTA Modules (By popular demand)
Personal Note:
I always look forward to the Phoenix Convention because I get to see so many old friends. I’ve been doing this since way back, when the Phoenix Club first started. 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
MIAMI 2011 will be even more spectacular than the one in 2010 -

GSDTA Intensive Staff: Mary Ann Nunez – Jessica Cox –
& Professor Sarah Grusmark - Jordan & Tatiana join the staff at the end of the week.

Separate from the Intensive is a 4-hour GSDTA & NDDCB,
Judging Program w/ John Wheaton on Friday.

(Back to top) AUG. 6-DAY INTENSIVE - Downey, CA
UPDATE NOTE for 2010
Friday, August 6th, thru Wed. August 11th
Ballroom & Latin on Fri - Sat - Sun. West Coast Swing & related Swings on Mon - Tues - Weds.
These specialty Classes are held in the Training Room of my home at:
10804 WOODRUFF Ave. Downey, CA. 90241
CLASSES held: 10am to 5pm daily (Lunch break from 1-2:30)
Registration Cost: $485 - Limited to 14 people -
Register NOW to guarantee participation
Detailed Schedule not planned. Each Dance will have appropriate concentration, according to desire and need of the group. This is concentrated study, designed to thoroughly absorb the fundamentals of all dance - with emphasis on West Coast Swing results.
(Including West Coast 101)
GSDTA EXAMS available for those qualified
To register, contact Linda or Nancy at (562) 869-8949

The Comfort Inn gives us a $75 rate for two people in a room. Just mention Skippy Blair's Dance Intensive. Contact them at (562) 803-3555. It is within walking distance of where the training takes place. There are several eating places and a shopping mall across the street. All easy access and relatively inexpensive.

In addition to the Training, we plan for attendees for the 6-Day Intensive to visit TOP CATS on Sunday Night.

There will be coordination DRILLS to music, every day – designed to tighten critical control of muscle memory. “Education” is the name of the game. The idea is for anyone who attends all 6 days, to be able to leave this experience with absolute confidence. Confidence that they not only understand what they need to be a good teacher, performer, contestant or social dancer – But that they have learned the process to solve major dance problems and know the process for making controversial decisions. What an opportunity for someone who wants to get it NOW and get it RIGHT! There is NO substitute for knowledge.

August 3-Day "Steppin" Intensive
Friday, August 27th, thru Sunday, August 29th
Registration Cost: $325 which

STEPPERS (Members or Non-Members) Registration Directions:

(Back to top) SPECIAL REMINDER!

Presenting a 3 or 4-Day Intensive
Specifically for
"West Coast 101" Certification

Tuesday - September 14th thru Friday September 17th
10:30am to 5:30pm each day (lunch break 1-2:30pm)
Held in the Training Room of Skippy's Home
(10804 Woodruff Ave. Downey, CA. 90241)

Cost of Intensive

$255 for the 3 Days of training
$295 for all 4 Days includes the 2-1/2 hour Review on Fri.
$345 includes all 4 days AND the $50 Examination Fee
for those actually taking the 101 Exam on Friday.

Personal Note From Skippy:

For many years, people have been interested in GSDTA Certification. Recently, those who have been unable to find the time for full Certification, have been requesting Certification for "West Coast 101" only. GSDTA has finally approved this process, and this will be the first Intensive completely dedicated to "West Coast 101" Certification. Because of the location, this intensive is restricted to 14 people. Sign up NOW!!

Although West Coast 101 is currently receiving world-wide recognition, it will take a while before everyone realizes how many intricate bits of technique are usually left out of simple basic patterns. These fundamental basic techniques are all part of the "101" program. They take a little more time to integrate, but will save the student years of frustration: (Contra-Body - Connection - Torque Turns - Leverage - Compression - Body Projection - Centering Knob, etc).

Hundreds of testimonials speak to the fact that students are learning faster, sticking with the program longer, and are fully engaged, focused and having fun, while learning "West Coast 101."

P.S. Our Intensive on Steppin' just concluded and it was a BLAST. Grab your spot while there are spaces for the "West Coast 101" in September.

Contact Information

For further Information or Registration, please contact Linda or Nancy at 562-869-8949 or contact us at Skippy@SkippyBlair.com - our website is www.SwingWorld.com.

(Back to top)

(Back to top) HALLOWEEN SWINGTHING 2010

Mini-Intensive with Skippy -
Thursday, Oct 28th thru Monday, Nov 1st, 2010 - Teaching - Judging - Dancer's Acceleration Program - Don't leave any stone unturned in learning everything you can about this wonderful dance, "West Coast Swing."

Our Training hours on Friday do not conflict with lessons from any other GSDTA TEACHER. On Saturday & Sunday there ARE no GSDTA Intensive classes. Take advantage of the variety of weekend classes available.

GSDTA Mini-Intensive
at Halloween Swingthing ’10 - Irvine Hyatt Hotel - Irvine, CA

Spend 16 hours with Skippy Blair
Tuition: All 3 days - Only $175
(If Pre-registered before Oct. 17th)

Both Thurs & Fri - Pre-registered by October 17th - $140
Monday Special Workshop - 10am to 2pm - Only $50

Students: 18 and Under - ½ Price for all GSDTA Intensives

SAVE by Calling Linda at (562) 869-8949 for Advanced Registration.

Requirements for attendance: Must have an open mind, Two Feet (Left or Right - We only use "Sending & Receiving") - and must be able to count to 8. Ha!    ALL levels of dancers move up a notch with education.
_____________________________________________________
    2010 Schedule coming soon. -
       Take a look at 2009:
THURSDAY - October 29th 2009

11am-Noon - Bringing new information forward. LOTS to share.
12-1pm -   Controlling the Dance Rhythms and Creating the Pulse in
                 West Coast Swing
1-2pm -    "Rolling Count"
2-3pm -     LUNCH BREAK
3-5pm -     How Terminology raises your level of dance: Includes:
                  Rolling Count, 3-Toe Base, Sending Foot - Center Point of
                  Balance (Core), Centering Knob, Critical Timing - Body Flight,
                  Defining the ZONES.

FRIDAY - October 3th 2009

9-10am - Motion Study w/Skippy - (Ballroom) - Free to event attendees
10 - 1pm - (Other Teacher's Classes in the Ballroom )
1-2:30pm - Selected Elements of Music, Timing & Movement
2:30-3:30 - Foundation Dances (Melange and Slow Dance) and how they
help your West Coast Swing -
3:30-5pm - Critiques and Q&A

SATURDAY - November 1st 2008

9-10am - Lead & Follow Elements that raise your dance level - w/Skippy - Free to all event attendees
(No dedicated Mini-Intensive classes on Saturday)

SUNDAY - November 2nd, 2008

9-10am - Session w/Skippy in the Ballroom- Free to all event attendees
(No dedicated Mini-Intensive classes on Sunday)

MONDAY - November 3rd, 2008 - (Bring lunch or snacks)
10-11:30am - Sheet Music for Dancers
11:30-1pm - 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

(Back to top) U.S. OPEN

U.S. OPEN - November 2008
West Coast Swing Workshops with Skippy Blair & GSDTA on Weds. & Thurs.

Plus the NDDCB APPRENTICE JUDGING PROGRAM
Skippy’s

US OPEN Workshop Schedule

WEDNESDAY, NOV. 26th - 10am to 4pm
10 AM to Noon - Rolling Count - When and HOW to make it work for you.

12:30 PM to 2:30 PM - 2 Solid Hours of the famous Critique Sessions that everyone
is talking about. Watch the changes take place & then practice what you see.
Everyone’s level of understanding, as well as performance - goes up - up - up.

3 PM to 4 PM - “Walk Like a Dancer” - Reviewing the various control moves that make everyone a better dancer. (Sending Foot - Centering Knob - CPB -
Pivot Control - Tone - Pulsing - and the resulting Body Flight - etc.).

THURSDAY, NOV. 27th - 10am to 4pm

10 AM to 11 AM - FREE Introductory Hour - “The SYSTEM® allows you to
“read” what is being done when a new dance arrives on the scene.” Guaranteed to teach you something you never knew before. We are hoping that
this introduction will inspire you to experience the rest of the day. (It usually does!)
Foot Positions can make or break the dance - Dance Rhythms all have a
beginning and an ending. Knowing how that works is like learning to leave spaces between the words, when you first learned to write.

11:15 AM to 12:15 PM - “Newest Updates in Elements of Movement.”
Discoveries that really enhance the dance: Degrees of Compression & Leverage
often make a huge difference. - Accents & style variations often allow the
Follower to enhance the dance, without taking over the dance.

2:00 PM to 3:00 PM - “Upper Level Basics” for Beginners through Professional Level. Selected patterns from the 22 Foundation Patterns in West Coast Swing
( The latest Set of 2 DVDs. - Leaders latest Starter Step works for EVERY
Follower (Does she Rock? - or Does she Walk?) This one works for everyone - PLUS - learn Passes that show contrast, making BOTH Partners look sharp.

3:00 PM to 4:00 PM - “Basics of Other Popular Dances” - Learn the Similarities and Differences.   West Coast Swing uses every Dance Rhythm that exists. Learn how a Cha-Cha Rhythm can guarantee that you will break on “2” & “6” - and still produce an upper level variation in Swing.   The subtle, Basic Rhythm of the Samba can significantly improve your
Swing Triples, and also help develop better timing.
_______________________________________________________________
                                 WEDS: 5 Hours for $60 - THURS: 3 Hours for $35
                                   PLUS one FREE hour (on Thurs. at 10am.)
          BOTH DAYS: Only $85 if pre-registered before NOV. 18th.
    Pre-Registration also guarantees PRINTED materials for every class.
   Individual sessions attended @ $15 per hour, when space is available.
Save money: Register NOW for ALL 9 hours - only$85.

Registration or information, please call Linda at (562) 869-8949,
Email: Skippy@skippyblair.com Website: www.swingworld.com

ALSO ..It's not too late for 2008 reservations for those who want to participate in the ALL NEW "NDDCB JUDGING EXPERIENCE" Program at the 2008 US OPEN. Program is $100 which includes the supervised training program with Skippy Blair and other GSDTA and/or NDDCB personnel, judging selected events and the discussion sessions that follow. Participants in this Apprentice Judging Program are the ones who vote for the Lynn Vogen "JOY AWARD" presented to a deserving young dancer under the age of 18.

Neither the Judging Program or Skippy's Workshops can be registered online at present. Please call GSDTA OFFICE to Register. 562-869-8949.