I hope this newsletter finds everyone doing well and enjoying the beautiful summer days.
This has been quite the eventful season and the fall term is going to be just as busy. In April I was competing with Rafael at April Follies in Oakland then flew down to Los Angeles to attend Emerald Ball. Last month I was in Halifax for three weeks and lucky enough to have the opportunity to study latin technique with a recent 10-dance champion!
I'm starting to look into registering for the Nordic Open 2019 competition in Copenhagen in December. Of course it would be great if I can find someone to dance with from here but assuming things "work out" like they have been for the past few comps, I've already started reaching out to members of the EU same-sex dance community to see if there's anyone in the same boat. Wish me luck!
If you notice in the title, I'm calling this newsletter "Part 1". I'm in the middle of finalizing a couple of special projects for the fall that I can't disclose just yet. When those details are ready I'll then release Part 2.
All the best!
Horace
Emerald Ball is an annual dance competition that's been going on for the past 30 years. It's a multi-day competition with events starting at about 7 am and ending past midnight each night. It was great to see all the high calibre dancers and the professional production of the competition.
While I was there I had the opportunity to learn from amazing dancers like Arunas Bizokas, Katusha Demidova, Donnie and Heidi Burns and my spirit animals just to name a few. Here's a picture of me with my "spirit animals" Victor Fung and Anastasia Muravyeva after class.
April Follies is North America's largest same-sex dance competition in North America. There was a pretty good turn out with people of all ages in the competition this year. Rafael and I were honoured to be categorized in the A division (top division!) However, competiition was fierce and we came in fifth place! It has been a very long time since I've had to dance all five dances in a row - I was just elated to be able to reach the end without falling, haha. As "usual" Rafael and I got together the night before the competition for about two hours to workout the routines as well as prepare a showcase piece. We even incorporated Rafael's life partner who gave a short intro in our showcase. The showcase was a tribute to Oscar Wilde and can be viewed from the link below.
Click the image for a video of our last quickstep in the final round.
I had my tux made in England and it almost didn't arrive before my departure for April Follies due to a mix-up with the courier (actually the tux went from London to Winnipeg to Toronto and then back to Winnipeg).
Here are some videos from the competition: Grading round 1 (Grading rounds are where we dance three dances (waltz, tango and quickstep) for the judges and they classify us into one of four categories (D=beginner to A=advance) to ensure fairness) Grading round 2 Final round, men's International Standard Showcase - Tribute to Oscar Wilde
My favorite showcase performance was by Alex and Kato. It's such a touching and beautiful performance - this video doesn't capture the energy that was in the room, but it's better than nothing. Enjoy!
Free Week @ U of M Come try out the classes at U of M for Free!
You need to come to the Customer Service Desk at the Active Living Centre to get a pass before taking part in any of the classes. Arrive early, registration for the free classes will be capped!
Tai Chi
Date: Mon | Sep 9 | 7-8:15 PM
Location: Multi-Purpose Studio 268, Active Living Centre
Beginner Tai Chi Fan
Date: Mon | Sep 9 | 8:15-9:30 PM
Location: Multi-Purpose Studio 268, Active Living Centre
Latin Ballroom Dance - Beginner
Date: Tues | Sep 10 | 6:45-8:00 PM
Location: Wellness Studio, Frank Kennedy Centre
Standard Ballroom Dance - Beginner
Date: Wed | Sep 11 | 6:45-8 PM
Location: Wellness Studio, Frank Kennedy Centre
Techniques of Standard Ballroom in Waltz and Quickstep
Date: Wed | Sep 11 | 8-9:15 PM
Location: Wellness Studio, Frank Kennedy Centre
Latin Ballroom Dance - Beginner
You will learn the basic steps of Latin Ballroom dances including international style cha-cha, rumba, jive and samba. These dances are a lot of fun and can be used in a variety of social settings. Lead and follow numbers cannot be guaranteed.
Want some basic steps for the dance floor? We will cover the classic ballroom dances including social foxtrot, international style waltz, quickstep and tango. These four dances are easy to learn and will provide you with a breadth of dance moves to a variety of music. Lead and follow numbers cannot be guaranteed.
Techniques of Standard Ballroom in Waltz and Quickstep
This class will focus on the techniques to raise the student's calibre in dancing International style waltz and quickstep. Some of the elements examined in the class include turns, pivots, swing, sway, floorcraft, and musicality. Students must have completed the beginner standard ballroom class or equivalent. Lead and follow numbers cannot be guaranteed.
Dates: Wed | Sep 18-Dec 4| 8-9:15 PM (12 Classes)
Location: Wellness Studio, Frank Kennedy Centre
Cost: $129 (individual); $210 (pair)
(20% discount available for members)
Last month, the Robson Square Summer Dance Series in Vancouver invited instructors from the Crystal Ballroom to present some showcases. I always find it an inspiration when seeing one's own teacher putting to practice what they preach. So here's a video of my first standard coach, Alexandr, dancing a waltz with Faye, one of my newest coaches.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi @ U of M
This class provides an introduction to traditional Chen style Tai Chi. Students will learn proper body alignment and movement through foundational silk reeling exercises for the first two classes, which sets the stage for the more complex movements during forms practice for the remaining classes. There will be an emphasis on relaxation, breath work and proper usage of the body’s core, while keeping in mind the self-defence applications of this ancient martial art. No class October 14 & November 11.
Beginner Tai Chi Fan is easy to learn and contains the graceful movements and principles of tai chi. Like other tai chi styles, this form helps with balance, coordination, increases range of motion in joints and reduces stress. No previous tai chi experience necessary. A fan will be provided to students in the class. No class October 14 or November 11.
