GETTING THERE
We flew Jet Blue and I just think that is the greatest airline.
There is actually leg room and your own little personal TV on
the back of the seat. The food is typical airline food but other
than that, everything ran on time and was perfect. We even had
staff with a sense of humor and everything was on time or even
a little early. I always try to fly Jet Blue or Southwest just
because I like them. We got the Logan Express and the shuttle
right away both coming and going so it was an easy trip. We also
got to see some scenery on the way.
THANKS TO JASON/JEN/JADEN
I think all of us would just give a huge THANK YOU for all the
work that went into this event and all the events that Jason and
Jen do. Everything seems to run like it's no big deal to have
a gazillion people over for a little dancing. Now with Jaden along
for the ride, it truly is a family reunion. Every time I've attended
the Showdown, it has felt like a super duper party to me. It is
just so relaxed and at the same time every detail is attended
to so it runs smoothly and efficiently. I guess I never realized
until I met Jaden and saw what a calm and happy child he is that
he's like that because they are both calm and relaxed and it just
emanates to everyone around them. Thank you so much for a wonderful
weekend, Jason, Jen and Jaden. I can't wait until next year and
I know they are already thinking of exciting things and people
to invite for 2008!! Be sure and attend the FLORIDA MASTERS in
July because it, too, is a great party hosted by them in Florida
and you know all the Florida dancers will be there for that one
and we do know how to have fun!!! Speaking of which, there were
a TON of people at this event from Florida.
HOTEL
This is a very nice hotel. It looks like a castle when you arrive.
It was smaller than the other hotel they used but it was plenty
big. The staff was amazing. They were never grouchy and there
was always plenty of water for everyone. There is a very nice
restaurant/bar that was able to accommodate everyone. This is
always a problem at events because people all tend to eat at the
same times but they handled it with cheerfulness and were quite
efficient. There was also another restaurant where we ate breakfast
and I liked it because you could order just one or two things
instead of having to do the buffet. I don't like to eat a giant
meal and then go dance, especially at breakfast. There were also
places close by to eat if you wanted to or you could order in
food if you wanted to.
The shuttle ran from the hotel to different places so I think
lots of people took advantage of taking the train to Boston and
doing the whole tourist thing. Boston always reminded me of a
little San Francisco and San Francisco is my favorite city in
the U.S. so it's a great place to play tourist. Here's the official
site for Boston with all the things to do and places to see if
you're interested in coming early or staying late next year. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Boston,_Massachusetts
I kept seeing some of the staff looking through the doorway and
trying to learn a few steps. One of the staff asked someone, "You
mean people come from all over the world to dance all weekend?"
like that was an unusual thing to do. LOL. I hope you will drop
a note to the hotel and let them know if you had a good experience.
I'm sure the staff will like knowing that all their work was appreciated
or you can send it to Jen (BosalB@aol.com)
and she can forward the remarks to the hotel.
DECORATIONS
I have to give a special thanks to "the balloon people."
I think they were works of art. If I had to give an award for
balloons, I think this event would just have to win it. There
were arches and stars and balloons with stars on them and just
beautiful red, white and blue balloons everywhere. I loved it.
I took a picture of the balloon people and some of the balloons
so be sure and see the pictures on our site. There were also lovely
banners and table decorations and it was just a really festive
atmosphere. The ballroom had these gorgeous chandeliers shining
down on everything and it added a special ambience to the entire
dancing experience and especially during the SHOWDOWN when the
lights were being turned up and down throughout the evening.
THE DANCE FLOOR
They kept adding more and more floor like little angels in the
night because I never saw them putting it down but it was always
there when needed and it was a GREAT floor. It was easy on the
feet and because it was smooth but not slippery, it just made
the dancing great.
OPEN DANCE
There was open dance all afternoon and all night. If you didn't
get to dance enough, you need to switch from line dancing to running
marathons. LOL. Thank goodness for aspercreme!!! Whenever I would
think I couldn't dance any more, I would rub some on where it
hurt and I was good for another few hours. There was old and new
and everything in between played and it amazed me that I remembered
things like JUKEBOX, FUNKY CHA, YES YOU WON'T, WALK THE LINE,
CHILL FACTOR, SWAMP THANG, MJ MOVES, HAVE FUN GO MAD, BACKSTREET
ATTITUDE, HOLD YOUR HORSES and tons of others that are on our
video page because they are classic dances that are always done.
It just always amazes me that they are stored in our brains when
we don't do them but a few times a year if we're lucky enough
to attend events.
DJS and MCs
The party masters are always the DJs and they kept the floor full
all weekend. Thanks, Louie and Dan DeLisle and David Kopchyck.
I know you did a good job because I had a hard time standing up
when I had to get off the plane after sitting for three hours.
That's the litmus test for whether I did enough dancing. I have
to mention, too, that Louie did a great job and always does a
great job of coordinating the music during the show. It's not
easy to get the music in order and play it when it's supposed
to be played and deal with any problems that arise. I don't know
if he was handling the lighting, too, but it added a special dimension
to the whole showdown presentation.
Jamie did her usual awesome job as DJ and she kept us all laughing
and moving along. She is a very funny lady but at the same time
is very aware of what is going on so that she can entertain you
while people behind her are moving furniture and getting ready
for competition or the show and never miss a beat. Pedro was her
assistant on Saturday for the Showdown and they both did a terrific
job and I must say Pedro looked pretty darn good in that suit.
It was nice seeing Pedro's mom there and he was so happy she was
there. I was thinking it might be your worst nightmare to have
Jamie going down memory lane with your mom there but she didn't
make him squirm too much!! It was kind of funny when his mom was
introduced to the crowd and she said something like Pedro is a
good boy. That got a pretty big laugh. LOL.
It was nice to meet Craig Bennett who was there with all our UK
friends. We really enjoyed him and thank you, Teresa and Debbie,
for introducing us. He's going to be coming to teach at a couple
of events in the U.S. this year and I hope you will be able to
take his classes. He has done some very good dances and we did
I'M MOVING ON a number of times and I think he was surprised at
how full the floor was. This is a fabulous dance that Arline taught
us and we still love doing it. I met so many people and even the
ones I met before were new to me because I can never remember
anyone if they change clothes so just humor me and act like this
is the first time we met because, no matter what, I'm always happy
to see you and it's not nice to make me feel stupid.
VOLUNTEERS
The staff for this event was excellent. They were always there
when you needed to ask a question or just to oversee that everything
was running smoothly. I think the hotel had a little trouble with
everyone wanting the air conditioning on as low as possible when
it was only 49 degrees outside but they would adjust it and everyone
would be happy again. It was really comfy for the evening dancing.
FAVORITE THINGS
Some of my favorite things were the Thursday night party. It was
packed. I think everyone got there for Thursday night and it just
set the tone for the weekend. I think the Thursday night parties
at all the events are really good because there are no lessons;
it gives everyone a chance to try to remember dances and just
a chance to socialize.
Two, there were so many young people there and not only that,
but they were very well behaved young people. I know that Michelle
Jackson brought quite a few from her club and this was their first
exposure to the event and she said they were really having a great
time. Louie played some of the dances they do at their clubs but
also ones that we like to do like DANCING FEET and WALK THE LINE
and a few others so that they could participate in the dancing
part. They are lucky to have such enthusiastic young dancers with
the encouragement and example of Michelle and Alana and Amanda
Delisle and all the teachers and line dancers in the Northeast
that keep showing them how much fun it is to keep learning more.
I think this is one of the most active line dance areas in the
country and all of the teachers have worked together to have socials
and lessons and to keep line dancing very much alive in the Northeast.
Another favorite thing is how late everything went on. I went
to bed early in the morning every night and when I left there
were still a lot of people there -- I'm talking 3 am early morning.
That used to happen all the time at events so this was like the
good old days when we would just dance until we absolutely couldn't
dance any more and everyone was just having a great time. I have
missed that because it's just fun.
SHOWDOWN
Well, this is the highlight of the weekend and every time I've
been it just keeps getting better. Johanna Barnes sang the Star
Spangled Banner to start the show and she did a super job and
has a beautiful voice. The Showdown included nine performances:
Amanda and Cody started it off followed by Joey Warren, who had
a music problem but he just regrouped and did a wonderful performance.
He was so well prepared and everyone around me was really proud
of him. Brian B. had a "gangster" theme and he was awesome,
as usual. Guyton Mundy and Robert Glover had a "dance reminiscence"
theme, starting with two older gentlemen playing chess and then
reminiscing about their memories of dancing in different places
and the dragon props were cool. Mikey (who is all grown up and
probably hates being called Mikey), did a contemporary dance and
showed off his excellent technique. Paul McAdam and Rachael McEnany's
theme was Phantom of the Opera with solo performances interspersed
with partner dancing. Sydney Smyth's theme was about being popular.
Her costume was so cute!! I think the music is from a Broadway
show but I couldn't remember which one. That girl can dance!!
Hypno's theme was Trapped in Society and it was quite impressive
watching him twirl a huge box made of plastic pipes. The final
act were two 17 and 18 year old boys doing break dancing and popping.
They were so cute and did an excellent job and got a big round
of applause.
Everyone did a super job. I'm glad I wasn't judging. Jen said
the voting was very close and the audience was very appreciative
of the performances. It's so wonderful to see how much talent
we have.
The placements were as follows:
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)
RAFFLE RESULTS
This was an awesome raffle. There were only two prizes but the
two prizes were:
Amie Spencer won the 50/50 raffle for $500.00
Soo Brooke (Pinger) won ALL OF THESE PASSES!!! = 2 passes to the
following..... Florida Masters, Windy City, Tampa Bay Line Dance
Classic, Easterns, The Great Big Party and Line Dance Showdown
PLUS.... 2 nights at the hotel for the 2008 Showdown. I was happy
for her because she has ALMOST as much fun as events as I do.
I always hate when someone wins passes and you know they are not
going to go but she will use them happily!!
CHOREOGRAPHY COMPETITION
Jen will be posting the results on her site and I'll let you know
when that is ready.
DANCES Of course this is always an important part of a big event
like this and there were so many dances taught that I could never
cover all of them. I'll be adding to this page the comments from
other people so I'm sure we will hear about many of them. These
are the ones I saw or took the class or wish I had taken the class
or heard about from other people:
STAND BY ME CHA, MIL. I really liked this dance. It's not splashy
or difficult but just a very good dance that feels good to do.
WOOHOO YOOHOO, Michele Jackson and Alana. This is another dance
by these two that looks hard to do but is sooooooooooooo easy.
They have a knack for doing that. I watched them do the demo and
thought, Hummm, that looks pretty tricky, and then they teach
it and it very easy but looks so cool to do!!! I think this one
will be very popular with the funky crowd and the young crowd
and all of the rest of us were out there looking pretty good doing
it too -- well, maybe not looking good doing it but having fun
doing it!!
CRY FOR ME, Paul McAdam. This dance has moved quickly up the survey
and I can understand why. I just loved it. I picked it up on the
floor but would love to take a lesson on this one. I think it
is going to be a very big hit for Paul. I loved the music and
the dance is a very nice speed and just flows and feels great.
MADE 4 U, Todd Lescarbeau to Made For Loving You by Anastacia.
This was not taught but was done in choreography. I think Todd
is doing one good dance after another and this one was one of
my favorites of the weekend. I wish it had been taught and I'm
sure it will be. Great music and dance. This one won 1st place
in his division in Choreography.
SWING! SWEET PUSSYCAT, Matt Oakley. Scott Blevins taught this
aerobic wonder. It was SO MUCH FUN!!! I had as much fun watching
Scott teach this dance as I had doing it. I haven't seen him move
that fast in years -- or maybe ever!! I think this one will be
a giant hit with everyone and even if you don't like the dance,
it's great exercise to music you could not possibly sit still
for so just learn it because it's going to be filling the floors
everywhere just like it did this weekend. The video is on our
site if you want to see it. I promise if we do this five times
at every event we will be skinny.
FUNKY COUNTRY by Kathy Heller Tina Foster taught this one. I had
told you about this dance quite awhile ago and it has not been
taught very much and it is VERY CUTE!! I liked it again this time
so I think it deserves a look. Several people mentioned to me
that they liked it, too. Maybe this time it will get some attention.
JJ JAM by Junior Willis and John Robinson. I did take this class
and this is a fun dance with Junior's interesting little timing
and John's touches, too. I liked this one.
COME ON AND DANCE, Guyton Mundy and Robert Glover. I really like
Part A for normal people LOL. I even could do the arms in Part
B while I was in the class. There were loads of people on the
floor doing this one (or attempting to do it). It really wasn't
that difficult but since there are two parts, the second with
arms, it will take a little practice but I'm sure this one will
be filling the floor at upcoming events.
A LITTLE SOUTHERN COMFORT-Guyton Mundy. Fun, fast dance. No tags
or restarts. I just love this little dance. It reminds me of the
spirit of CLEAN UP TO THE ELBOW and his class was full. I think
this is going to be a big hit for Guyton because everyone can
do it and everyone will have fun doing it. Great thigh-slapping,
bluegrass-type music.
ANGEL, Guyton Mundy. I had learned this at Worlds so I didn't
have the benefit of the first impression that I had there but
everyone else did. It was another one that packed the floor so
you can count on it being done at the next event you attend. Even
the arabesques are starting to look like arabesques.
SAIL AWAY CHA, Scott Blevins, Another floor filler at this event.
This is one of Scott's that is quite easy and I think is going
to be around for awhile.
LOVESTONED, Joey Warren. I haven't learned this yet but all my
dance friends just rave about this dance. I promise the next time
I'm somewhere and he teaches it, I'm going to the class. Great
music and I just love Joey so that makes it even better.
ROCK THIS PARTY, was done a lot and very popular. Michele Burton
taught this one.
GO GREASED LIGHTNING, Michele Burton was done a LOT and the floor
was full every time.
GRAVITY, Brian McWherter. This is a nice, easy dance to good music.
Lots of people on the floor when it was done.
STILL DIRRTY. All the dancer dancers liked this one. I learned
it at Worlds (I think) and I was so happy it got attention here
because I just love doing this dance.
TAINTED LOVE, Joey Warren and the Amatos. I didn't take this one
but Stacy really liked it and we usually like the same dances.
HOW KUD U, Guyton Mundy and Robert Glover. Stacy liked this one
too. I didn't take this class.
UNTITLED WALTZ, Maurice Rowe. I thought this was another interesting
dance by Maurice. It is a rather fast waltz but had some interesting
moves in it which made it look fun and not just a plain waltz.
I'm taking this class in Orlando so didn't take it in Boston.
THOSE DAYS. Several people told me they really liked this one.
RESCUE ME, Sydney Smyth, several people told me they liked this
one.
RUDE BOX was done. I had learned this at Worlds and it wasn't
taught here but I just love this dance. It's not getting taught
because people tell me the music is offensive but it really really
fits the music and since I'm stupid about that stuff and don't
know what they are talking about, it doesn't offend me. Please
don't tell me what they are talking about. LOL. I wish there were
other music it could be done to because I have had a number of
people tell me they really like the dance but WILL NOT teach it.
WORDS UNSPOKEN, taught by Dancin' Dean. I just watched this one
but I liked the dance and you know how much I love my little buddy,
Dean. He also taught MY GREEK NO. 1 which always makes me smile.
BRACKEN ELLIS taught a few dances that I kept hearing about (see
schedule below). I like Bracken's dances and I think they always
look so smooth that sometimes you don't pay enough attention to
them until you actually dance them. She has consistently done
some excellent dances.
AMI OH, Vivienne Scott. Rona Kaye taught this beginner dance and
there were lots of people dancing it.
VIDEOS
You can order the videos of the event and that includes all the
lessons and the complete SHOWDOWN. Believe me YOU WILL LOVE THESE
VIDEOS. Available for purchase through CJ Jones at contactcjthedj@aol.com
now or through the www.linedanceshowdown.com
website (starting next week).
Please forgive me if I forgot someone or something. Stacy will
include other reports on the event reports page and maybe they
will fill in what I forgot. Thanks to everyone who made this a
GREAT dance weekend.
