Games People Play - UPDATE

As with all my choreographies, I do it because I like the music, and was moved by it. If someone somewhere picks it up and teaches it, that's a bonus and gives me a great big warm fuzzy feeling...lol! But I would be less than honest if I said I didn't harbour the hope that my dances would be well-received.

I felt that fuzzy feeling last month when Rosie Multari wrote me to say that she'd be teaching GAMES PEOPLE PLAY at WOW Line Dance Spectacular 2009. My reaction was exactly that...WOW! I hadn't expected the dance to go that far from home. I was happy enough knowing that it's being danced to good reviews in certain parts of Malaysia and Singapore, but to be taught in US?....Woohoo!

Then yesterday, I was pleasantly surprised again when Annemaree told me it would be taught at WINDY CITY LINE DANCE MANIA this weekend (Sat, Oct 10), by Judy McDonald. I asked her how she got the news and the answer was Amy Christian-Sohn, a mutual friend, who herself would be attending the event. Amy later wrote me to say she thought I knew. Nope, I didn't, and that makes the news all the sweeter :D (warm fuzzy feeling again, lol).

Rosie & Judy, if you're reading this, THANK YOU! And also to Annemaree & Amy for being the bearers of this good news. :D

Part of the schedule for WOW Line Dance Spectacular 2009

Part of the schedule for WINDY CITY LINE DANCE MANIA 2009

LUAU Line Dance Party

I'd just had my 6th annual line dance party yesterday, and I must say, we had a ball! The theme this year was - LUAU! and boy! did everyone come dressed to theme. Ladies came in their sarongs/pareos, hair bedecked with flowers, both real and plastic. The myriad of vibrant colours added to the atmosphere of the party.

Lunch started at 12 noon and everyone tucked into a scrumptious buffet prepared by Kampungku Restaurant, until 1:30pm. We then headed over to the dance hall just across the corridor, everyone ready to parrrrty!

Dancers quickly got into the groove on the dance floor as the DJ spinned music following the playlist set for the day.

Midway through the first cd, we had a performance by my Beginners & Intermediates, all members of Celebrity Fitness (1U). In total, they'd only had one full & proper practice session before the party as we could never get all the members together due to vacations, school holidays & the Raya holidays too. I know they were jittery (for many of them have never performed before an audience), but they held it together very well. I am very proud of them to say the least.

To make a long story shorter :), check out the photos below as well as the slide show to get a glimpse of the FUN we had.

Best Dressed Finalists:

Best Dressed!

Thank you everybody for making it a GRRREAT party!

WILDCATS GO! IN SOUTH KOREA

I came across this excellent video uploaded by Mr K, a line dance instructor in South Korea. He and his class did a wonderful demo of the dance, but more importantly, he also did a walk-through. I believe (correct me if I'm wrong) that this is the only walk-through of WILDCATS GO! at present.

His walk-through section has been superbly done. It's clear and well edited to show the different sections of the dance. Thank you Mr K! This video will be an invaluable asset to those wishing to learn the dance.

Playa Blanca - Video

I've finally recorded the video for my dance PLAYA BLANCA. No walk-through though, just a quick demo of the 1st wall as I feel the steps are easy enough to pick up :D

The video is available on Youtube.

PLAYA BLANCA (Beginner Dance)

This dance was specially written for the V Young group of line dancers who had so graciously invited me to Tawau (see 2 posts back) to perform at their party and also to share my dances with them.

The official teach was at the party on Saturday night (8 Aug 09) but unfortunately no suitable videos were taken. Will do one later on and post it here.

Although it is a phrased dance, it is still manageable for the Beginner as the steps are easy and phrasing uncomplicated. The music's lovely and reminds one of sandy beaches and swaying palm trees :-D

Click on image to enlarge

Games People Play 2 (Beginner/Improver)

Eversince GAMES PEOPLE PLAY was released, many have tried the dance and liked it. There were also many more who said they love the music and would love to dance to it but preferred an easier version. And so, my friends, I give you GAMES PEOPLE PLAY 2.

It's a Beginner/Improver level dance, only 32 counts and 2 walls. Easy steps :-)

My friend Annemaree, an instructor in Melbourne, gave me valuable input as I tweaked the dance so that it would fit the level for which it was meant (I tend to get a little too ambitious most times.....LOL)

She has also put together an excellent demo/walk-through video to the dance (thanks Annemaree!) on Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NrkOAehTrV8

I shall be submitting the stepsheet to Yipee soon, and also sending it out to friends in my contact list. You can also view it below or download it from the 'CHOREOGRAPHY' section located at the right column of this blog.

Click on image to enlarge

The first official teach of this dance was last weekend in Tawau, Sabah. I hope you'll give it a try.

Enjoy!