GAMES PEOPLE PLAY (Intermediate Cha-Cha)

That's the name of my latest dance! ;-)

The stepsheet and videos are posted here for your viewing pleasure. Two pieces of music are used: one Chinese and one in English. I find both songs equally nice and I couldn't decide which one to go with. Therefore I went with both, leaving the final decision to the individual.

Danced to Sum Lei Yau Hei (chinese song)

Danced to Me, Myself & I (english song)

Click on image to enlarge

Hope you'll give the dance a try. If you need any help concerning the dance, just drop me an email :-)

The Day The Music Died

Michael Jackson (1958-2009)

Just like the Hollywood icons of the past (Elvis Presley, Marilyn Monroe, Buddy Holly...) who 'left' so suddenly, the icon of our era left the World in shock with his unexpected and sudden departure. And just like them, he will forever be remembered in the history of Hollywood Legends & Mega Giants.

Despite the controversies he experienced during the later part of his life, let us pray that only good memories live on, as he did contribute SOOOOO much to music and to dance.

May you finally Rest In Peace, Michael.

New Release Soon

It's been more than a month since my last entry. The days have been filled to the brim with classes, family (the boys especially) and the everyday mundane chores. However, I've managed to 'steal' some time here and there to choreograph a new dance for release....hopefully this month...if not, then in July.

It's a 64-count, 4 walls, Intermediate dance. I'm working on finalising the details (also searching for alternative music as the original music is in chinese) and recording a video to be released together with the stepsheet.

Will announce the release here as soon as it's out. So if you're interested, do keep your eyes peeled to this blog and check in once in a while, ya?

As mentioned, it should be sometime end June or early July.

Ta! for now.

HAPPY WESAK!

Wishing everyone a peaceful, mindful and blessed WESAK!

MAY YOU BE WELL & HAPPY

SADHU, SADHU, SADHU

Maggie G In Tokyo, Japan - 29 May 2009

Heads up everyone! Hiro Suzuki (Japan) is hosting his annual Tokyo Crazy Country Dance Festival and this year he has invited MAGGIE GALLAGHER to be the guest instructor. Visit the link at http://www.country-dance.com/English/e-cft/e-11TCCDF/e-11TCCDF-Home.html for more info.

If you're just a hop-skip-jump away from Tokyo, I suggest you hop-skip-jump over there in May to be a part of this annual event which is always fun. I know, because I was there last year =D

And for Malaysians, Hiro is hoping some of you will attend his event. So if you're planning a trip to Japan this year, why not make it in May.

Hiro can be contacted at hiro@suzuki.or.jp or +81-3-3754-9173 (tel).

Dazzling Latino LD Party - 18 Apr 09

Several months ago, I was asked to teach a beginners class and these ladies took to linedance like duck to water. They were eager and enthusiastic and even got together for practice each week to run through what they'd learnt.

Because of their enthusiasm, I thought it a good idea to take them out to experience a line dance party. And the recent one, DAZZLING LATINO, by the FunStompers was the party we decided to attended. Each week before the party date we'd learn one new dance on the party dance list and the ladies gamely absorbed what was taught.

From left: Elaine, Jean, Gillian, Anura, Chris & Manjit (Simon is behind the camera)

On the evening of the party itself, when the dancing began, my beginners went to the floor.....and they made me so proud. They were smiling and enjoying themselves, and they danced, so well, the dances they learnt. Well done ladies! (and Simon too! =D)

Chris, Gillian and Jean in action on the dance floor

Everyone having loads of fun!

The party was a success, and my compliments to the FunStompers for their great organisation of the event. The hall was filled with dancers and every dance was a floor filler. Food was good and some of us at our table had seconds and even thirds! lol

Outside the hall, a supplier was selling dance sneakers and latin dance shoes at reduced prices. Another table sold t-shirts, the proceeds of which would go towards helping a young lady, Yvonne Foong, go one step closer towards her surgery to remove a 5cm tumour in her brain. For more on her and how you can help, visit http://www.yvonnefoong.com/.

There's even a post by her about the party! =D Check out this link: http://www.yvonnefoong.com/2009/04/20/line-dancers-help-raise-funds-for-brain-surgery/

Although I don't do it enough (going to LD parties), but when I do I always enjoy meeting up with friends again. It's also especially great when these friends aren't just from PJ and KL but from out of town. Judy Teh (Johor) was present and it was a pleasure to meet her again since Jubilation 2008.

Meeting up with friends from Klang.

With my two good buddies Sze (left) and Bronya (right), both of whom I don't meet enough because of our busy schedules.

Most of the dancers were dressed to the nines, and to theme which was DAZZLING LATINO. The ladies looked oh, so pretty, and the men smart and handsome.

I will surely look forward to the FunStompers' next event in August this year. If you do not know what event I'm referring to, check out this earlier post of mine: http://linedanz.blogspot.com/2009/03/cato-larsen-in-town-15-august-2009.html.

The emcee, Margaret Lee. No, she's not about to break into a chinese song and dance...lol. Margaret is informing the crowd of FS' August event, and the theme: MAD HATTERS. Hence, the funny hats you see here and below on the 2 pretty ladies.

The event is going to be BIG! So if you haven't booked your place yet, call the organisers and do so. A FunStompers' event is always a sell-out and this is one not to be missed. See you there!