Lessons

Here's the article from CNN:
Record 2009 deficit - White House
http://money.cnn.com/2008/07/28/news/economy/budget_record.ap/index.htm?cnn=yes

And here's the article from the NY Times:
Worried Banks Sharply Reduce Business Loans
http://www.nytimes.com/20...01dfd0f5fa&ei=5087%0A

and these:
New York money woes to bring spending cuts:
http://www.cnn.com/2008/US/07/29/new.york.budget.ap/index.html

Bridge Worries Persist, a Year After the I-35 Disaster:
http://thelede.blogs.nyti...&sq=bridge&st=cse

I'm very excited about the 5th week of July. The Hustle intermediate class is finalizing a rather challenging combination but it actually started to look good last week. The West Coast Swing class has been working on flashy-finisher moves and I'm hoping to add one new trick to their bag.

Of course, I've threatened that "mean" Erik is back this week from his 2 week "vacation". I don't want everyone to get scared off and hide but I'm hoping to bring both classes to a fun conclusion for the month.

I'm most excited to start the Spins & Turns tour; our way of bringing our spins and turns class to 3 different locations. If there's anything that Anna and I feel that we can teach it's turning. Most dancers, both leaders and followers, desperately struggle to figure out spins and turns during workshops or on the social dance floor. Unfortunately, spins and turns are one the most complicated aspects of any dance. Some professional dancers can spend years just to increase their ability to spin by one turn. We're planning on breaking down some of the fundamentals of spins and turns so that people can begin overcoming their "rotational" issues.

Enjoy the week,
Erik

Hey Everyone!,

I want to wish you and your your family's a Happy Thanksgiving.

I want to try to accommodate new people into our West Coast Swing and Hustle communities. In order to do this, I have decided to revise the lesson schedules. Here's the new idea...Let me know what you think:

7:00-7:30pm	30 min Basic Class each Week. This is perfect for a New Beginner.  Since it will be done every week, a new dancer can start any time. Cost: $5 cash at the door.
7:30 - 8:30pm	Beginner Class This will be a series-based class.  Each class adds more material and concepts each week. Cost: $15 cash at the door, or buy a class card for discounts.
8:30 - 9:30pm	Intermediate Class This class is designed for dancers who are familiar with the beginner steps and can socially lead/follow the dance being taught.  As always, the instructor always has the final say on who can attend this class. Cost:  $15 cash at the door, or buy a class card for discounts.  If this is in addition to the beginner class AND you qualify for the Intermediate class then it's an additional $5.
9:30 - 11:00pm	Dance Party Every evening will conclude with a dance party.  Even if you can't come to the lessons, everyone is always welcome to attend the dance. Cost:  Free if you've taken any of the above listed classes.  Otherwise $10 cash at the door,

I thought that this weeks classes (Tues-Hustle, Wed-WCS) went quite well. Of course, the floor is a bit fast and there isn't a bar or restaurant as part of the environment, but it was definitely better to have a "home" than to precariously continue classes that public venues during the holiday season.

Although sometimes it's a bit loud in the studio because of simultaneous privates and other classes, it's mostly loud due to the echoing sound of the studio. The studio definitely should hang some music absorbing material on their ceiling. It would make the overall sound better than just having all the sound bounce around.

All in all, I'm very pleased with the new environment. I'm thankful for all the people who have attended Hustle and West Coast Swing. I'm excited to have a stable "home" during the holiday season.

If you have any thoughts, let me know....I'm trying to make it work for everyone,
Erik

Intermediate Class with guest instructor Nora Venne:

Left Pass with leader unfold (leader left hand over his own head).
Right Pass
Right Pass to Leader's Hammer-lock
Right Pass from Leader's Hammer-Lock

Beginners:

Pattern to practice:
2 Push Breaks
2 Left Passes
2 Basic Tuck & Right Pass
2 Progressive Tuck & Right Pass


Intermediate:
a) Reviewed beginning of Heidi's combination:
Progressive Starter Step (1&2 to other side of slot in closed position)
Inside Roll from closed postition
b) Push Break
c) Right Passes in 8 counts (different endings/syncopations)
Regular (walk, walk); Tap 5, 6, 7, 8; Shoulder Isolation (5, 6, 7, 8), Syncopated Kicks (&5, &6, &7, &8...&1)

Hope that helps,
Erik

Intermediate Combination:

2 Cross Body
Open Throw Out
Change of Sides
Spanish (5 count)
Hustle Underarm Whip (to 2 hands)
Unnamed Move to Hip Flips

Beginner Class:

Theme:
Followers - Open your hips on 3 so that they can swivel back on &1
Leaders - Lead her hips! and place her steps.

For Review:

A) 2 Cross Bodies
Open Throw-out
Underarm Turn (return to closed)

B) 2 Cross Bodies
Open Throw-out
Regular/Simple return to closed

C) Open Throw-out (ask for follower's hand)
Wheel x 4
Underarm Turn (return to closed)


Intermediate Class

For Review:

A) Throw-Out
Pin Wheel
Shadow with hip (check on 2), right turn 3
Rib Chaser

B) Throw-Out to Handshake
Double Outside Turn
Hesitation Step

C) Las Vegas
Hustle Whip w/ Leader Outside turn (to the right)
Sliding Door
Wrap
Cross-body to face front.

Beginner Class:

Theme:
Followers: Anchor Step is in 3rd position (Left behind Right) and skootching backwards.
Leaders: Lead all the basics while smiling. If you can't smile while dancing, you should think about doing something difficult like lifting weights or classical piano.

Simple review pattern used in class:
2 Push Break
2 Basic Tuck & a Right Pass
2 Progressive Tuck & a Right Pass
2 Whip
2 Basket

---

Intermediate Class:

I would like to thank Nora Venne for coming back to guide our Intermediate class.

Review:
Left pass with Leader unfold.
Right Pass with Leader inside-turn (handshake)
Left Pass (handshake) with Leader inside-turn (to regular).
Whip with Redirected Anchor to Left Side Pass.

 

Please feel free to post your comments about the classes by clicking on the link below that says, "Post a Comment".