FROM: JASON & JENNIFER CAMERON
We would like to THANK all of you that attended the largest Line Dance Showdown to date :) It was great to see everyone having such a good time! Save the dates for next year ~ April 3-6, 2008. It will be held again at the Sheraton Framingham. By then, the hotel will have finished the renovations and more ballroom space will be available. It was amazing how many people we could fit into the line dance competition room and we appreciate your understanding. We promise to have a larger (& cooler) room for the competition next year.
Winners of the Showdown are as follows:
1st ~ Guyton Mundy & Rob Glover ($1,500)
2nd ~ Rachael McEnaney & Paul McAdam ($400)
3rd ~ Sydney Smyth ($300)
4th ~ Brian Barakauskas ($200)
5th ~ Hypno ($100)
All the Showdown competitors did a GREAT job and provided us with outstanding entertainment. Videos are available for purchase through CJ Jones at contactcjthedj@aol.com or through our website (starting next week).
Once again, THANK YOU ~ attendees, instructors, staff, vendors and volunteers... We could not have done it without your support.
See you next year!
Jason & Jennifer Cameron
Don't forget.... FLORIDA MASTERS ~ July 19-22. www.FloridaMasters.com

FROM: Debbie Carpenter
What a GREAT weekend! Thank you Jen & Jason! They outdid themselves with an excellent line up of instructors and workshops, all was organized & well run, lots of open dance time. This was the first year for the new hotel and it was a good choice, further from the airport but the food and service was good (as compared to last year). I don't usually get a chance to do technique classes but was glad I was able to get to Rob Glover, Hypno and Pedro's classes - even if I hadn't learned anything it was worth it for the entertainment value alone. And the show - WOW! All 9 competitors were so good - it's like the Olympics - there have to be losers, but they're all so good how do you make the choice! But congrats to Guyton and Rob - you guys ROCK! And, thank you so much Jen & Jason for the good floors. You don't truly appreciate a good floor unless you've danced on a bad one lately. Dancing til 5:30 a.m. is alot easier on the old legs! And of course, dancing til 5:30 am wouldn't be possible without the one and only Louie playing all the music we know and love! Thanks Louie for being the best DJ ever! Some of my favorite dances taught - Stand By Me Cha, (MIL), How Kud U & Come On & Dance (Guyton & Rob), Gravity (Bryan McWerter), Run This (Paul, MIL), Ride the Clouds (taught by Bryan), Sail Away Cha (Scott) just to name a few. It was a great weekend and if you didn't make it this year, you should make your plans now for next year! Jen & Jason also do a great job with the Florida Masters event in July and I'm looking forward to seeing everyone in Orlando.
dancindeb2@aol.com (Debbie Carpenter)

FROM: TRISH TriciaAnn0908
Each year when I leave this event I am among the many who say "this was the best year ever" and every year Jennifer and Jason always seems to top it! What a great time I had. The dances and instructors were awesome and the Showdown was just great! Congrats again to Guyton and Rob. Such an amazing performance. Can't wait to see what you come up with next year to try to hold onto your Showdown title. It was great to see everyone. These family reunions are the best ones to go to. Can't wait to see everyone at the Florida Masters in Orlando which is only a few months away! By then Jaden should be teaching his first class.. he's such a delight seeing that smile during the day. Thanks again Jason and Jenn and of course see you next year!
Trish

FROM: BRYAN MCWHERTER
Hey everyone. I don't typically have the time to write in with my thoughts on events. Although tonight on my flight home from Boston. I thought eh, what the heck.

First off I know Carol has said this like a million times but...
It was really great to see everyone at the event this year. Lot's of different faces to this event. It's really refreshing to see dancers checking out other events. There were some dancers that didn't make it back again this year. One that sticks out in my mind right now is Jim Harvey. (I know there were more missing but if you really know me and My short term memory loss...you know why... lol Plus this is only an hour flight so... :-D) I know I missed Jim... He wasn't there to lead us in every dance until 5AM.

This was our first year in this hotel. Over all I think the staff was very accommodating. I wont go into details. But, lets just say I am one of MANY really looking forward to their upgrades within the next year. I can't remember the exact number but I know they are going to spend quite a few million dollars to upgrade their guest rooms, lobby, ballrooms etc. The only thing not being changed was the bar/lounge. (Molly Malone's) I think that is what the name was. I just hope the staff stays just as accommodating when their hotel becomes beautiful.

I know there were several dances done at this event that are awesome. Very eye catching. Ms. Geek In The Pink (Johanna Barnes) has a new dance out called "Can't Stop." Not too hard, not too easy. After learning it, it's clearly the perfect follow up to "Geek In The Pink." Not, really to TOOT MY OWN HORN... But "GRAVITY" went over very well. I have amended the step sheet. It will be on my site and sent to Carol later today.

Overall, this was an awesome event. I have always said that Jen and Jason know how to throw a party. But, somehow every year they seem to out do the year before and what is even more impressive is that Jen and Jason work full time, help to plan at least 3 awesome and very popular events, but they have also brought us the most adorable & well behaved little boy! (JAYDEN)

Well, I guess that's it for now. I also wanted to say Congrats to Guyton and Lil' Rob for winning the 07' showdown. Nice Work! Thanks dancers, instructors and dee jays great job!

Bryan "M"
bryanm@bryanmproductions.com
www.bryanmproductions.com

PS OH YEAH, AND THANK YOU LOUIE FOR SHOOTING ME IN THE FACE WITH A MARSHMELLOW! LOL :-D

FROM: RHODA WONG IN MA, cpcuau at hotmail.com
We had a wonderful time. Glad we got to meet you Carol for the first time. Personal note – Jim Harvey, I missed you and wanted to say hello, hope you are well and it isn’t the same without seeing you and your wife at an event.
I woke up Friday morning not feeling well but recovered enough to get a late start, attend a few workshops and enjoy the weekend. Here are some impressions.
HOTEL – Sheraton Framingham Hotel, Framingham, MA comfortable guest rooms, quick meals on a buffet table were reasonably priced for meals on the go. Ballroom and conference room hard wood dance floors were just wonderful – smooth, even, plenty of room and no obstructions like columns. Although the hotel was undergoing renovations, we did not detect noise or construction activity. The conference rooms were large and difficult to keep cool but expect that will improve next year with more space available.
OPEN DANCING – big party in the main ballroom ongoing from midday to late night or whenever the last dancer left. DJ Wildman Louie offered up many great selections old and new and workshop teaches. Thursday night had a large crowd to start off the weekend and felt like a big party and homecoming for dancers from nearby and afar.
DANCE WORKSHOP DEMOS – well timed and offered the evening prior to classes. Saw lots of variety in dance choices. Having the step booklet was a great help in choosing new workshops and remembering the workshops taken.
INSTRUCTORS – great line-up, personable, talented and dancer friendly. Some new faces appeared with the new March/April weekend schedule.
WORKSHOPS – ran smoothly and on time. These are some of the classes I attended. I sadly missed taking STAND BY ME CHA and LAST MINUTE both taught by Rachel and Paul – and enjoyed seeing them in open dance.
Thursday:
HOW KUD U? (A)– taught by Guyton Mundy and Rob Glover. Taught during the Thursday night free dance. This was one of my favorites – funky and hits the beat well.
Friday:
THOSE DAYS (I) – taught by Bracken Ellis. Had always wanted to take a class with Bracken well known for UNDER YOUR SPELL and FANTABULOUS. Was pleased I could just keep up with the different dance steps in this one.
CUBAN MOTION – technique class taught by Rob Glover. Class was filled. Rob has lots of dance style and looked great.
AMI OH (B) – taught by Rona Kaye, an easier class and gave an opportunity to practice Cuban motion technique
TAINTED LOVE (I/A )– taught by Joey Warren. Challenging and fun to dance.
LESS COMPLICATED (I) – taught by Eve Yeaton. Had picked this up previously on the dance floor and wanted to have a lesson. Nice music and timing.
Saturday:
ROCK THIS PARTY (I) – taught by Michele Burton and Michael Barr. First time taking a lesson with Michele and Michael. Michele has a great teaching style and is very inclusive in a large group setting. Lots of people in this class. Was so fun to dance and understandly a floor filler.
J.J. JAM (I) – taught by Junior Willis. Danceable and could see John Robinson in it.
COME ON DANCE (A) - taught by Guyton Mundy, adv. Mix of Rob Cuban dance motion and Guyton styling. A crowd favorite and will take a few lessons to get this one. It’s worth it.
HOW KUD U? (A) – taught by Rob Glover, adv. Like this even more after the preview teach on Thursday.
COMIN’ OUT (I) – taught by Junior Willis. Have been seeing this around and wanted to learn it. Good music and fun to dance.
Sunday:
GALLERY (I) - taught by Junior Willis. Liked this one, nice pace and dance steps.
With the weekend pass, decided to sit in on some of the other workshops and observe. Although, it’s better to get up and dance, sometimes watching is good too. I sat in on these:
LIFE IS A HIGHWAY - taught by Brian Barakauskas – appeal to country dancers
CRY TO ME (B/I) - taught by Rachael McEnaney & Paul McAdam – looked simpler when explained
GRACE KELLY (B/I) - taught by Rachael McEnaney & Paul McAdam, not sure about the music
RUN THIS (A) - taught by Rachael McEnaney & Paul McAdam, had seen this in open dance and looked difficult. Paul’s teach and explanation made the dancers look quite comfortable even in the late afternoon.
THE SHOWDOWN – this was thoroughly enjoyable with varied dancing, special lighting and costumes! Difficult to pick just one best. Looking forward to next year’s event. Thank you Jenn and Jason for a great time and for continuing to have the Showdown in MA.

FROM: Marilyn McNeal, Instructor
THANKS to Jen and Jason for a wonderful weekend at the Boston Showdown! It was our first time there and we’ll be back next year. This event ran like clockwork, everything on time (don’t be late for a workshop or you’ll miss the first 8 counts!!), workshops with a variety of styles, music and levels, the dinner atmosphere was very relaxing and enjoyable, and the SHOW was incredible. Congratulations to ALL the winners and for those who weren’t in the top five, we congratulate you also, for your outstanding performances. Everyone did a really great job and every act showed the created talents of each competitor. The audience appreciated all of you!
Louie was at his best, and kept the floor full both nights. He played lots of oldies too! Ray and I love these events. It’s a great time to catch up on the lives of old friends we see in an atmosphere where we all share the gift of dance for the weekend.
Jen and Jason also host the Florida Masters so it won’t be long before we can enjoy their wonderful hospitality again. And I really mean “hospitality.” They are kind and generous people and totally dedicated to the dance community. Thanks again for a great weekend!

From: Bracken @MoveInLine.com
It’s taken a little while for me to find time to write this up, but I still wanted to send it in to share with everyone. I had a FABULOUS time at the Line Dance Showdown this year in Boston (Framingham). Jen & Jason are awesome event directors – always remembering that the event is for the dancers and never letting little (or big) hiccups or incidents get in the way of a fun, quality event.
The hotel this year was fantastic – the ballrooms/workshop rooms were all next to each other and, yes, it was a little squished for dance space, but that’s not a bad problem to have at an event that keeps growing every year! I, personally, had a nightmare of a time getting from California to Boston with weather-mandated travel changes, but once I got to Boston, everyone was as friendly as ever, and the hotel staff was very polite, sincere, and helpful all around.
The Line Dance Showdown has top instructors from the US and an awesome lineup from the UK with Rachael McEnaney, Paul McAdam, Sydney Smyth, and Rob Glover, plus a special appearance from Pedro Machado (which country is he from now??). I’ve heard that next year they’re hoping to have Neville Fitzgerald – another Brit!
The US was well represented with a great mix of headlining, local, and in-between instructors. It was wonderful to have Michael Barr & Michele Burton (fellow Californians!) at the event for their first time. I did miss John Robinson and Barry & Dari Anne Amato this year, so I hope the folks in Colorado enjoyed having them for the weekend!
The Line Dance Showdown is one of my all-time favorite events because of the fun atmosphere, friendly people, and all the talent that the non-sanctioned competition brings out, both during the day and for the Saturday Night Showdown. Last year, I was fortunate enough to judge the daytime competition – classic line & choreography – and had a wonderful time with all the competitors. This year, I was lucky again – getting to judge the Showdown! And I do have to say that it had to be harder on the audience to vote for their favorite performance this year – I would not have been able to choose just one to vote for, so being one of the five designated judges was perfect for me!
With such a great lineup of instructors, there are always great dances taught at the Line Dance Showdown for all levels – there is a dedicated beginner room, intermediate and advance dances (of course) from most of the instructors, and technique lessons from the best!
I do want to thank everyone who came to my workshops, especially the Friday ones (THOSE DAYS and HEART’S RENDEZVOUS) since I wasn’t able to be there to demo the dances on Thursday night. I was very pleasantly surprised to walk into a packed class for my first teach at the Showdown this year – THOSE DAYS. And also thanks to those die-hard dancers who came from Guyton’s class (Come On and Dance) the previous hour on Saturday to learn two dances in my workshop – HOT DAMN and GO CRAZY. I was in Guyton’s class that hour, too, and I didn’t expect so many of you to run over to my workshop right after, but I was so glad that you did!
Here’s a few of the dances I liked or keep hearing people talk about from the weekend:
DIVISADERO CHA – from Michele Burton, quietly making its way around the world!
THOSE DAYS - from myself & Zac Detweiller, Stevie Wonder track that I love!
SPANISH LULLABY – from Zac Detweiller & Johanna Barnes, music gets stuck in your head!
WOOHOO YEEHOO – EASY dance from Michelle Jackson
AMI OH – picked this one up in open dancing, good music, easy dance
TAINTED LOVE – Barry Amato & Joey Warren,
ONE – simple one from Junior Willis and a co-choreographer (sorry! Can’t remember her name)
ROCK THIS PARTY – fast, fun, from Simon Ward, what else would you expect?
STILL DIRRTY – Rachael & Paul, love the track, saw it at Worlds and still one of my favorites
HEART’S RENDEZVOUS – easy cha, just 2 walls, nice break from the advanced dances but not so simple that it gets mundane
MISTER IN-BETWEEN – cute, easy, newcomer dance from Hot Pepper
LAST MINUTE – Rachael & Joey, hits the music and it’s an easy intermediate
GRAVITY – quick waltz from Bryan McWherter, another one quietly making the rounds
HOT DAMN – cool dance to a great country track, choreographed mainly by JP Potter & Jeremy Oldham
DO IT! – Gerard Murphy’s latest hit in the states
FREEZE FRAME – Michael & Michele, taught the same time as classic competition so the class was small, but this is a fun one wall dance, good for show (like Greased Lightning)
GALLERY – from Junior Willis, great song, flowing dance
CRY TO ME – Paul McAdam, already at the top of the charts on Carol’s survey
LET IT SWING – Robbie McGowan Hickie, fun music, my absolute favorite from Worlds earlier this year, and still one of my favorites.
This was my second year on staff, my fourth year attending, and I already have it marked for one of my MUST GO events of 2008 – LINE DANCE SHOWDOWN APRIL 4-6, 2008.

Bracken Ellis
Instructor, Choreographer, Team Director
www.MoveInLine.com
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