SmoothStyle

Where to Dance WCS in March & April

Spring must be coming, because the dance event calendar is filling up quickly! Here's your monthly roundup of where Ottawa Westies will be dancing.

To receive these monthly updates by email, join the WCS_Ottawa Yahoo Group.

IN OTTAWA

NEW! GROOVY WESTIE SUNDAYS

Join Andre & Maria at Dance With Alana Studios for monthly Sunday-afternoon WCS workshops and practice time designed to match your level of dance, from Beginner to Advanced.

Dates:

• Sunday, March 14
• Sunday, April 18
• Sunday, May 30
• Sunday, June 27
• Sunday, July 18

Details:  http://www.smoothstyle.ca/2010/02/westie-workshop-sundays.html


NEW! WESTIE & HUSTLE DANCE PARTY

Dates:
* Friday, April 16th
* Friday, June 4th

At Swing Dynamite - 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
Details to come - *mark your calendars!*


DOUBLE TROUBLE at SATURDAY NIGHT SWING

Upcoming Dates:

* Saturday, March 13
* Saturday, April 3
* Saturday, April 10
* Saturday, May 1
* Satruday, May 15
* Saturday, May 29

Two rooms, double the dancing! Dance to blues, R&B, soul, pop & groove music in the Westie Lounge, plus big-band & jazz in the Vintage Hall.

> 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
> 8:15pm beginner lesson (WCS or beginner Swing)
> 9:15-1:00am Dance
> $7.00/person or $5.00/student
www.saturdaynightswing.com


SWING TYME DANCE

Upcoming Dates (4th Saturday of every month):

• Saturday, March 27
• Saturday, April 24

This mixed dance features music for WCS, East Coast Swing, Latin, ballroom and country dancing.

• Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road (Entrance and Parking at the rear. Overflow parking in the strip mall next door)
• 7:30pm beginner lesson
• Dance from 8:00-11:30pm
• Cover: $7.00/person

For info, contact Michael: mjpiva@hotmail.com


OUT OF TOWN

March 5-7 - Vienna, Virginia
MID ATLANTIC DANCE (MAD) JAM

Three or four cars of Ottawa dancers will be heading to this fantastic weekend of West Coast Swing and Hustle workshops, competitions and shows.

Details: http://www.midatlanticdancejam.com

Saturday, March 20, 2010
Elaine's WCS Dance in Hamilton/Ancaster

Ottawa's Bob Sanders & Louise Gour will teach the lesson at the March 20th dance.

• Times: 7:00pm-12:00am
• Location: Marshall Memorial Church, Ancaster, ON
• Call for info: 1-866-505-5850
• Facebook webpage: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/event.php?eid=321303482919&ref=ts

March 26-28 - Boston
BOSTON TEA PARTY

Many Ottawa WCS & Lindy Hop dancers will be traveling to this huge weekend of WCS and Lindy Hop workshops and competitions.
http://www.teapartyswings.com


April 9-11
Mario Robau Jr. Workshops, Syracuse NY

Facebook webpage: http://www.facebook.com/event.php?eid=314831732508&ref=mf
Contact Kris Caspari at: casp2099@yahoo.com or 315-247-9369 for info.


April 23-25
Jennifer DeLuca workshops, Montreal

Enjoy six hours of West Coast Swing workshops with Florida's Jennifer DeLuca, plus two dances.
http://www.danceconmigo.com/SwingPage.php


April 29 - May 2
Swingin' Into Spring, Hartford, Connecticut

Ottawa dancers will attend this West Coast Swing weekend that puts social dancing ahead of competitions, and provides in-depth workshops with some of the greats: Angel & Debbie Figueroa, John Lindo, Mario Robau Jr., Maryann Nunez, and Larry & Heidi Mongeau.
Details: www.djkenm.com


PLANNING AHEAD

May 21-24, 2010
Canadian Swing Championships, Lac Carling, QC

EARLY-EARLY REGISTRATION is now open for anyone wishing to take advantage of the best price for this non-stop weekend of Swing dance shows, competitions, and parties. $250+tax (before March 1st) gets you a full workshop weekend pass and 3 nights in a luxury hotel room at l'hôtel du Lac Carling shared with three other dancers. Contact Ottawa's organizer for registration, payment and room sharing: Claudia Petrilli: claudia@swingdynamite.com

If you plan to attend but are making your own hotel arrangements, then you'll want to register for workshops at early-bird prices: $165 before April 1st; $180 before May 1st; $205 at the door. Single-day passes are also available. Paypal registration will be available at www.canadianswingchampionships.com

WCS competitors can earn WSDC points at this event.

Groovy Westie Sundays

Join us for a monthly Sunday afternoon West Coast Swing workshop and practice session tailored to YOUR level of dance.

Space is limited, so pre-register at: www.dancewithalana.com 

DATES

Sundays: March 14, April 18, May 30, June 27, July 18

SCHEDULE

1:30 - 2:30pm - Beginner Workshop
     2:30 - 3:00pm - Practice
3:00-4:00pm - Intermediate Workshop
4:00-5:00pm - Advanced  Workshop (with permission of instructors)
     5:00 - 5:30pm -  Practice

PRICING

• One workshop + practice: $15
• Any two (2) workshops + practice: $25
• Practice only: $5

Registration:
Space is limited, so pre-registration is recommended, via: www.dancewithalana.com

LOCATION

Dance With Alana Studios, 100B-858 Bank Street (Below Booster Juice) Google Map >>

*LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS*

Beginner: You are brand-new to West Coast Swing dancing or you have been to a few beginner classes. You are probably not practicing regularly yet. We will introduce you to WCS basic patterns and technique. We'll mix it up each month so that you'll learn at least one new pattern or variation each time. It's recommended that you have some prior swing dance experience (triple swing, jive, east coast swing, lindy hop).

Intermediate: You've taken beginner classes for a while now, you're practicing what you learn, and you're looking for a new challenge. We'll expand your repertoire with more challenging patterns and will start to introduce musicality and styling.

Advanced*: You have solid 6- and 8-count WCS basics, you have been taking classes and practicing regularly for 1 year to 10 years (or more!), and you are interested in refining your technique, looking like a pro, and trying out some lead-follow-intensive patterns. We will focus on core concepts of dance and partner technique, and each month we'll teach an advanced pattern that will challenge your skills.

*Instructors' permission is required to take the Advanced workshop.

Where to Dance WCS in February & March

Here's your monthly roundup of where Ottawa WCS dancers will be in the next two months. Get these updates by email by joining the WCS_Ottawa Yahoo Group!

IN OTTAWA

DOUBLE TROUBLE at SATURDAY NIGHT SWING

Upcoming Dates:

* February 13 (special Blues & Groove night)
* March 13

DJs OldsKOOL & DaCube rock it with blues, R&B, Soul, pop & a variety of groovy
music for West Coast Swing dancing in the Westie Lounge, while DJs in the front
room play vintage swing for East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston ...

> 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
> 8:15pm beginner lesson (WCS or beginner Swing)
> 9:15-1:00am Dance
> $7.00/person or $5.00/student
<www.saturdaynightswing.com>


SWING TYME DANCE

Upcoming Dates (4th Saturday of every month):

* Saturday, February 27
* Saturday, March 27
* Saturday, April 24

This mixed dance features music for WCS, East Coast Swing, Latin, ballroom and
country dancing.

> Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road
(Entrance and Parking at the rear. Overflow parking in the strip mall next door)
> 7:30pm beginner lesson
> Dance from 8:00-11:30pm
> Cover: $7.00/person

For info, contact Michael: mjpiva@hotmail.com


February 12 - 14
BLUES FUSE

Celebrate the many different ways you can dance to blues music (including WCS!)
at Swing Dynamite's annual Blues Fuse workshop and dance event.

Details: http://blues.swingdynamite.com/


OUT OF TOWN

February 5-8, 2010 - Quebec City
MYLES & TESSA WORKSHOP WEEKEND

Canada's top-ranked WCS champions, Mules Munroe & Tessa Cunningham, will be in
Quebec City for workshops and private lessons.

For details to to schedule private lessons, contact Port O' Swing:
<http://www.portoswing.com>


February 6 & 7, 2010 - Toronto
2SOME ALL-STAR SWING & BALLROOM EVENT

Local instructors, Andre & Maria, join an all-star cast that includes Yuval Hod,
Jean-Marc Genereaux, Mark Ballas, Chelsie Hightower, and many others at the Old
Mill Inn in Toronto. Local DJ tag-team OldsKOOL & DaCube will rock the
mixed-Swing dances on Friday and Saturday nights.

Details: <http://www.2somedance.com>


February 19 - 21, 2010 - Quebec City
CARNIVAL SWING QUEBEC (CSQ)

This is billed as a "French-immersion" Swing dance event that includes a
Blues/WCS workshop track. The fabulous Maxence Martin will be on staff for the
WCS and Blues track. (To see his dancing, search for him on YouTube)

Details (en Francais):
<http://www.carnavalswingquebec.com/6/csq_2010.SwingCanada>


Saturday, February 20, 2010 - Montreal
SMOOTHSTYLE WEST COAST SWING WORKSHOPS

Dance Conmigo hosts Ottawa dancers, Andre & Maria, who will teach an afternoon
of WCS workshops and then DJ a dance party in downtown Montreal.

Details: <http://www.danceconmigo.com>

March 5-7 - Vienna, Virginia
MID ATLANTIC DANCE (MAD) JAM

At least two cars of Ottawa dancers will be heading to this fantastic weekend of
West Coast Swing and Hustle workshops, competitions and shows.

Details: <http://www.midatlanticdancejam.com>


March 26-28 - Boston
BOSTON TEA PARTY

Ottawa Swing dancers will be traveling to this huge weekend of WCS and Lindy Hop
workshops and competitions.

<http://www.teapartyswings.com>

Hustle this Weekend! Jan. 23 & 24

We're thrilled to be introducing a bit more Hustle to the Ottawa dance scene! This weekend, there will be TWO chances to learn and practice this fun, disco-era dance:

Saturday, January 23: Swing Tyme Dance
We'll be teaching a 1/2-hour beginner lesson at 7:30, and some Hustle-friendly tunes will be played throughout the dance.

• Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road (rear entrance)
• $7/person

Sunday, January 24: PolyesterPalooza
At Dance With Alana Studios - we'll teach 2 hours of beginner Hustle, then DJ a one-hour disco dance. All proceeds will be donated to the Red Cross for Haitian relief.

• 2:00pm-5:00pm; $30/person
• Email Alana to register, as spaces are limited: www.dancewithalana.com

Where to Dance WCS in January & February

Here's your monthly roundup of where Ottawa WCS dancers will be in the next two months. Get these updates by email by joining the WCS_Ottawa Yahoo Group!

IN OTTAWA


DOUBLE TROUBLE at SATURDAY NIGHT SWING

Upcoming Dates:

• January 16 & 30
• February 13 (special Blues & Groove night)
• March 13

DJs OldsKOOL & DaCube rock it with blues, R&B, Soul, pop & a variety of groovy music for West Coast Swing dancing in the Westie Lounge, while DJs in the front room play vintage swing for East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston ...

> 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
> 8:15pm beginner lesson (WCS or beginner Swing)
> 9:15-1:00am Dance
> $7.00/person or $5.00/student

www.saturdaynightswing.com

SWING TYME DANCE

Upcoming Dates (4th Saturday of every month):

• Saturday, January 23
  (Beginner Hustle lesson with Andre & Maria starts at 7:30)
• Saturday, February 27
• Saturday, March 27
• Saturday, April 24

This mixed dance features music for WCS, East Coast Swing, Latin, ballroom and country dancing.

> Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road
(Entrance and Parking at the rear. Overflow parking in the strip mall next door)
> 7:30pm beginner lesson
> Dance from 8:00-11:30pm
> Cover: $7.00/person

For info, contact Michael: mjpiva@hotmail.com


Sunday, January 24, 2010
POLYESTER PALOOZA

If you like WCS, chances are good that you'll also like Hustle dancing. Local WCS teachers, Andre & Maria, will be teaching a brief Hustle workshop and DJing an afternoon Disco Dance. Get your Hustle on! ('70s attire is welcome!)

• Location: Dance With Alana Studios, 100-858 Bank Street (Below Booster Juice)
• Time: 2:00-5:00pm
• Price: $30/person includes 2 beginner Hustle workshops and dance

http://www.dancewithalana.com


February 12 - 14, 2010
BLUES FUSE

Celebrate the many different ways you can dance to blues music (including WCS!) at Swing Dynamite's annual Blues Fuse workshop and dance event.

Details TBD - mark your calendar!


OUT OF TOWN

February 6 & 7, 2010 - Toronto
2SOME ALL-STAR SWING & BALLROOM EVENT

Local instructors, Andre & Maria, join an all-star cast that includes Yuval Hod, Jean-Marc Genereaux, Tony Dovolani and many others at the Old Mill Inn in Toronto. And, local DJ tag-team OldsKOOL & DaCube will rock the mixed-Swing dances on Friday and Saturday nights.

Details: http://www.2somedance.com


February 9 - 1, 2010 - Quebec City
CARNIVAL SWING QUEBEC (CSQ)

This is a French-immersion Swing dance event that includes a Blues/WCS workshop track. Maxence Martin will be on staff for the WCS and Blues track. (To see his dancing, search for him on YouTube)

Details (en Francais): http://www.carnavalswingquebec.com/6/csq_2010.SwingCanada


Saturday, February 20, 2010 - Montreal
SMOOTHSTYLE WEST COAST SWING WORKSHOPS

Dance Conmigo will host Andre & Maria for an afternoon of WCS workshops, and then a dance party in downtown Montreal.

Details: http://www.danceconmigo.com

Private Lesson Times in Jan/Feb

Hey, dancers! Almost all of our Tuesday-night private lesson slots (for West Coast Swing & Hustle dance lessons) are booked through February. We still have decent availability on Saturday mornings. See our availability and book your lessons soon: http://www.smoothstyle.ca/private_lessons.html !

Dec. 15th - Drop-in WCS Spins & Turns Class

David Ward & I will be teaching a special, drop-in West Coast Swing Spins & Turns class at Swing Dynamite! Come learn the art and fun of spinning, Westie-style!

• Tuesday, December 15, 8:30-9:30pm
• $15/person or $10/student or senior
• 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau, Ottawa

www.swingdynamite.com

Where to Dance WCS in October & November

BOO! Here's your monthly round-up of upcoming WCS dances & events.

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IN OTTAWA
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DOUBLE TROUBLE at SATURDAY NIGHT SWING

Upcoming Dates:
> Saturday, November 7 & 21
> Saturday, December 12

DJ'ed blues, R&B & contemporary music for West Coast Swing dancing in the Westie Lounge, and DJ'ed vintage swing in the front room for East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston ...

> 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
> 8:15pm beginner lesson (WCS or beginner Swing)
> 9:15-1:00am Dance
> $7.00/person or $5.00/student (special events excepted)
www.saturdaynightswing.com


SWING TYME DANCES

Upcoming dates:
> Saturday, October 31 (Hallowe'en costume optional)

These dances feature mostly music for WCS dancing as well as a mix of other music for Latin, ballroom and country dancing.

Location: Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road
(Entrance and Parking at the rear. Overflow parking in the strip mall next door)

> Times: 7:30pm beginner WCS lesson; Dance from 8:00-11:30pm
> Cover: $7.00

For details, contact Michael.

Saturday, November 21
ZERO TO HERO WORKSHOPS, Ottawa, ON

Designed for beginners! Learn either West Coast Swing or Lindy Hop at super-speed! No experience and no partner required.

Details: http://heroes.swingdynamite.com/index.php


Thursday, Dec. 3
WCS PRACTICE NIGHT WITH BYRON & NATALIA

Just show up with your dance shoes and practice your WCS!

> Time: 8:30-10:00pm
> Location: Swing Dynamite Studio, 151 Chapel St. @ Rideau
> Price: FREE!


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OUT OF TOWN
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November 13-15
SWINGIN' NEW ENGLAND, Hyanis MA (near Cape Cod)

This is a fantastically well run and very fun West Coast Swing + Lindy Hop event held in a fabulous location near the ocean. The Ottawa table is now full!

Details: http://dancingfeats.com/sne/index.html


November 27-29
C.A.S.H. BASH, Cleveland, OH

This is an excellent, fun, classy and well organized WCS + Hustle event that includes great workshops, delicious Saturday-evening sit-down meal and show, competitions, breakfasts, appetizers and more.
The Ottawa table is now full, but you can request (on your registration form) to be seated near other Canadians.

Details: http://www.cashdanceclub.org/CASHBash/CASHBash.html


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PLAN IN ADVANCE!
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Some events warrant advance planning!

December 31, 2009
NEW YEAR'S EVE SWING DANCES

> It's official! Weather permitting, a group of Ottawaans will be heading down to Boston for the New Year's Dancin' Eve event, December 31, 2009 - January 3, 2010! The organizers have agreed to hold the early-bird deadline for us until one week prior to the event (just in case the forecast is unfavorable). If you are interested in attending, please contact Maria: andremaria@smoothstyle.ca

Event details: http://www.newyearsdancineve.com/

> A little bird told us that there will be a NYE Swing Dance here in Ottawa in 2009! Details to come later.

> Another one is planned in Toronto: Simon's very popular New Year's Eve shindig in Toronto will feature a "Westie room" managed by Julie Epplett! Dancing on two floors, dinner, and traditional count-down with champagne toast. Details to come later - mark your calendars now!

1st Place Team Performance - Swing Niagara 2009

We've just posted a video of the Westie Bombers dance team's 1st-Place performance at Swing Niagara 2009. Here is the YouTube link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cDS7kZWQ_SI

Westie Bombers is a Swing Dynamite dance team that we coached and choreographed through its first two seasons. This routine, danced to "Diavolo In Me" by Solomon Burke, is gospel-inspired. We wanted a routine that respected the roots of swing dancing while being very "Westie" at the same time.

And, here's a link to the team's contemporary routine, as performed at Canadian Swing Championships 2009: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u9FdGnSoGD0

Enjoy!

Where to Dance WCS in October & November

Here's your monthly roundup of where Ottawa WCS dancers can get their kicks (well, slides and spins, anyway) in the next two months.

To receive this information each month by email, signup/join the WCS_Ottawa Yahoo Group at:  http://groups.yahoo.com/group/WCS_Ottawa/

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IN OTTAWA
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SWING TYME DANCE

Upcoming Dates:
> THIS Saturday, October 3
> Saturday, October 31

This mixed dance features music for mostly WCS as well as some Latin, ballroom and country dancing.

> Lorna's Dance Collective - 1574 Walkley Road
(Entrance and Parking at the rear. Overflow parking in the strip mall next door)
> 7:30pm beginner WCS with Bob & Louise
> Dance from 8:00-11:30pm
> Cover: $7.00/person

Email Barb & Charlie for more info: wcdancers@gmail.com

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DOUBLE TROUBLE at SATURDAY NIGHT SWING

Upcoming Dates:
> Saturday, October 10
> Saturday, October 24
> Saturday, November 7
> Saturday, November 21

DJ'ed blues, R&B & contemporary music for West Coast Swing dancing in the Westie Lounge, and DJ'ed vintage swing in the front room for East Coast Swing, Lindy Hop, Balboa, Charleston ...

> 151 Chapel Street @ Rideau
> 8:15pm beginner lesson (WCS or beginner Swing)
> 9:15-1:00am Dance
> $7.00/person or $5.00/student
www.saturdaynightswing.com

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OUT OF TOWN
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October 16 & 17
JOHN LINDO WORKSHOPS, Montreal, QC

Join a group of Ottawaans for this workshop with the fabulous and fun John Lindo. The event includes Friday evening workshops and dance and Saturday afternoon/evening workshops and dance.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE IS THIS FRIDAY, OCT. 2nd - get the whole workshop for $75!

Details: http://www.danceconmigo.com/SwingPage.php

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November 13-15
SWINGIN' NEW ENGLAND, Hyanis MA (near Cape Cod)

This is a fantastically well run and very fun West Coast Swing + Lindy Hop event held in a fabulous location near the ocean. Two or three tables of Canadians will be in attendance, including many from Ottawa. To sit at a Canadian table, simply send in your registration & payment and write "Dance Conmigo Table" on both your registration form and envelope.

EARLY BIRD DEADLINE is Oct. 13th

Details: http://dancingfeats.com/sne/index.html

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November 27-29
C.A.S.H. BASH, Cleveland, OH

This is an excellent, fun, classy and well organized WCS + Hustle event that includes great workshops, delicious Saturday-evening sit-down meal and show, competitions, breakfasts, appetizers and more.

Details: http://www.cashdanceclub.org/CASHBash/CASHBash.html

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PLAN IN ADVANCE!
-------------------------------

Some events warrant advance planning!

December 31, 2009
NEW YEAR'S EVE SWING DANCES

> A little bird told us that there will be a NYE Swing Dance here in Ottawa in 2009! Details to come later.

> Another one is planned in Toronto: Simon's very popular New Year's Eve shindig in Toronto will feature a "Westie room" managed by
Julie Epplett! Dancing on two floors, dinner, and traditional
count-down with champagne toast. Details to come later - mark your
calendars now!

> For WCS die-hards, this will be a great year to go to New Year's Dancin' Eve in Boston, since Dec. 31st is a Thursday followed by a statutory holiday and then a weekend! The organizers have agreed to hold the early-bird deadline for Canadians until one week prior to the event. If you are interested in attending, please contact Maria: andremaria@smoothstyle.ca

Event details: <http://www.newyearsdancineve.com/>