June news

Winter Solstice Wine Tour, Dinner, Dance and workshops

Our next dance and social function is on the 28^th and/or 29^th June 2014.  Put it in your diary and book now!  Yes, we are off on another “Winter Solstice” Wine Tour on the Saturday, followed by a banquet dinner followed by a dance party from 9pm at the Belconnen Arts Centre that goes to 1:00 – 1:30am. 

On Sunday – our special guests Peter Fradley and Michelle Fletcher will run WCS workshops for us.  They are the hottest couple in WCS in Australia right now.  Details and prices are on our website at http://audacitydance.com.au/html/winter_solstice_event.html and is also on Facebook.  Please register as soon as possible by return email to mark@audacitydance.com.au so I can confirm the bus and the restaurant.

Ben and Libby DVDs

I know I have been slow in getting these completed but they are available now.  Please see me at class for your copy.

Lead and Follow Dance motion study

A 'motion study' is the perfect way to improve your dance because you can practice WCS footwork and styling syncopations without a dance partner.  If you follow the link below, you can download a leaders and followers ‘motion study’ aimed at Intermediate level dancers.  We will practice in class to at least one song just before Intermediate from next week.

There are 6 files in this folder – 2 high definition (100MB +), 2 medium definition (<40MB) and 2 mobile phone low definition files (~2MB) that you can copy to your PC or mobile device.  They will be available till June 30 for download.

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/9r20qrghhrg35g8/AAB2hVq2dAl6BuLeAdcca6Gla

Swingsation

Thirteen (!) yes thirteen Canberra dancers were at this fantastic event on the Gold Coast in mid May.  It was run professionally and with so many US pros in attendance has to be the top line WCS event currently in Australia.  We were all very proud of Emily who made the Novice JnJ finals.  Well done.

CMJ West Coast Swing Comp this weekend

The CMJ comp is on theis weekend and four of our students will be there.  Good luck everyone.

Upcoming competitions and events

The next major event on the dance calendar is the New Zealand Open (9 - 12 October in Auckland) in October, the Australian Open (in Geelong - 16 - 19 October) and Swingtimate (Gold Coast 12 - 14 December).  We encourage you to attend for the great social atmosphere as well as the fun dance comps.

April 2014 - here is our news!

What a blast!  

We had a fantastic weekend of workshops with Ben and Libby last weekend and the dinner and dance was quite an event.  Great music, great dancing and several surprise guests including Paul, Amanda and Clay from Sydney, and Emma Blucher who we have missed over the last term.  So good to see everyone having a great time.  Workshop videos available later this week.

Next Dance Party - 3rd May 2014 

Our next great time will be on the 3^rd May when we will have our next monthly social dance.  I am negotiating to get an interstate teacher or two to come play with us.  So keep the 3^rd May free – put it in your diary now!  I am negotiating to get down an interstate teacher to attend the dance party.  Not sure whether there will be workshops but there will be great dancing on offer.  Is there a particular teacher you would like to see at our dance party?

Two week term break  - classes resume 29/4

Don’t forget, classes resume 29^th April.  We are on a two week break and I suggest that you think about the drills from Libby and Ben and find just a little time in the next two weeks to practice.  It will improve your social dancing immensely.  I will prepare the videos of the workshops and let you all know when they are ready.

Charity "Blanket" Run  10th May 2014

We are coming into winter and there are lots of families and single parents who struggle this time of year.  On the 10^th May, the Motorcycle Riders Association of the ACT are having a “Blanket Run” for the Salvos starting at Old Parliament House at 8:30am.  We will ride in – have brekky – go on the blanket run ride at 10am and if it is a nice day – perhaps go for a local ride/ lunch.  

We would like you to contribute any old blankets to this cause (preferably washed or dry cleaned), non-perishable food or cash.  We will have a collection at class on the 6^th May or you could meet us (bike or no bike) for brekky at Old Parliament House and look over the bikes (and their proud owners) and watch the cavalcade depart.  Kids will love the carnival atmosphere and it is a great cause.

Promotional Offer

      We are keen to keep growing WCS in Canberra.  That is why we are offering a 10% discount if 2 new people sign up together to learn this great dance.   What's more, we will give you a 10% off your term pass if just one new person signs up.  Sounds like a bargain to me.

    Speaking of Terms

     Lastly - we are discontinuing the use of the $105 six class passes unless there is a special reason to issue such a pass.  For example, you can only attend sporadically due to ongoing work commitments, you are going on an overseas trip.  Ten week term passes will be our normal offering at $149 - or casual class passes at $20.  Naturally, if you come down with an injury or lengthy illness, we will work to credit you with the number of outstanding classes remaining.  If you have an existing 6 class pass, we will credit unused portions towards your next term pass.

New Year's resolution time - Learn to dance in 2014

Xmas /New Year ‘Learn to Dance’ Gift opportunity - expires 10th January!

Okay dancers - if you want to build the social dance network you need to do your part.  We have placed a below cost, Xmas Learn to Dance special - 11 lessons in term 1 for $119.  You know this is great value when you consider all other term dances in Canberra start at $165.  So sell this great opportunity to your friends, colleagues, lovers, brothers, sisters, cousins and others.  And if you get two people to join, we will reward you with a $20 discount on your next purchase.  Post it on Facebook, email all your contacts.  Go, go go!

November - our charity month - we raised $450 for the Phillipine’s Disaster fund

How good was that?  And a special thankyou to the two teachers who donated their fee to the cause.  You know who you are.  You are angels in my eyes.

Moving to term Passes in 2014 - our new fee structure will save you money

We have decided to move away from 6 class passes to a term structure in 2014.  A full term of 10 lessons is $149.  That compares favourably with the majority of professional dance studios in Canberra that all charge $165 plus per term.  Our casual classes remain at $20.  Anyone who will be away or unable to attend regularly during the term can set up a class pass arrangement with us for the term.  You will need to nominate classes at the beginning of term and pre-pay attendance.  If you have a valid 6 class pass then we will credit remaining classes off the Term Pass.

Next interstate dance opportunity is ‘Best of the Best’ in Sydney

We'll be there along with at least another 8 dancers from Canberra.  Want to know more?  For example, did you know the world's top WCS pros will be there?  Jordan Frisbee and Tatiana Mollman-Bennett.  And you can learn Zouk.  And you can compete if you want.  And you'll have fun!  Talk to Mark and he will tell you what a great event this is and why you should attend.  Register here.

Don’t forget we are heading to the Hunter Valley in March for Swing Escape

Come with us.  We stay at the 5* Cypress Lakes Resort.  The pros are John Lindo (the big mahn) and the delightful, sexy, engaging Jessica Cox.  You will get so much out of this weekend.  We already have 6 of us going, car pooling, sharing villas.  Come with!!!  Check out the schedule and register at this link.

First term of 2014 commences 28th January through to 8th April

The first term is eleven weeks long.  We will have a two week break between terms where we have a social - no formal lesson.  We will develop this model as we go forward in 2014.  (Basically, we will follow school terms to make it easier for teachers, students and families.)

 

Guest Pros in 2014

We are working through finalising workshops for 2014.  We have at least one US Pro coming in March and we hope to have 4 pros in June.  Stay tuned.

Latest news 30 October 2013

Audacity Christmas Party 7th December

Get ready for Xmas - keep the 7th December (a Saturday) free for our Christmas Party.  Put it in your diary now!  Also - it will double as Mark’s Welcome home party and Birthday Bash for Mark, Larry, and a special person to be announced on the night.  So please come along! Cost is $25 per person pre-booked at class to cover hall hire and catering.  Cost The $25 covers Finger foods and a Chrissy cocktail or two.

Xmas Learn to Dance special

Recently, one of my friends said to me – ‘You know, I’ve been considering learning to dance for 6 years now.’  My response – ‘Well you are 30 now – so I guess you have wasted 20% of your life just thinking about it.”

Every Xmas we offer a ‘Learn to Dance’ Gift opportunity – a discounted term 1 pass for your friends. Start working on them now and check back on the 10th December at our web site for a really good deal.  It will last for precisely 2 weeks!  And if you sell 4 of these passes, you get a 6 week class pass free!

Dance Party this Friday night 1st November

Our next Social night is Friday 1st November at the Southern Cross Club Turner.  Cost is $10 to cover hall hire.  Please make sure you attend.  Meet us for dinner from 6pm at the bistro.

Recent travels

Mark and Karolina went to the New Zealand championships during October.  Mark took out 5^th place in the Novice Final and both Mark and Kaz danced in the Pro Am.  Mark’s amateur partner Rita took out 1^st place and Karolina’s amateur partner took out 2^nd place.

We then flew to Melbourne for the Aussie Open Championship.  We caught up with Russ Turner who has settled into the Melbourne dance and social life.  Mark got to the finals again but alas, no top 5 placing in this over 60 entrant group.

November is Charity Month

We plan to make November our charity month.  All profits will be donated on our student’s behalf to a charity just in time for Christmas. Make sure you come to class!

New Term Passes in 2014

Mark is investigating the feasibility of introducing a term pass at $129 for each 10 – 12 week term.  If you would be interested in such a pass (instead of the 6 week $90 pass) please let us know your thoughts.

West Coast Swing ‘Essentials’ Course a Success

By all accounts, Glenn and Emily’s 4 hours of tuition was a raging success.  Thank you to everyone who attended.  We try our best to give you all the necessary tips and hints to make you the smoothest dancer you can be.

Upcoming Interstate Events

If you want to improve your dancing, there is no better way than attending workshops and big interstate dance parties.  Two outstanding events close to Canberra this year are ‘Best of the Best’ in Sydney and ‘Swing Escape’ in the Hunter Valley.

Best of the Best starts the 31^st January and there are 3 days of workshops and social dancing.  You will be totally blown away by the experience and meeting world champions Tatiana Mollman Bennett and Jordan Frisbee.  We are staying at the Novotel in Rooty Hill – a 4.5* hotel right at the venue.  There are at least 8 Canberran’s heading to Best of the Best. Book at www.nuroc.com.au.  Early bird pricing can be secured for $100 deposit if paid by 31 October.

Swing Escape is in the Hunter Valley at the 5* Cypress Resort Hotel.  The pros attending are John Lindo and Jessica Cox.  Again, at least 6 Canberran’s have already booked.  So car pool with us to the wine capital of Australia that will be converted to the Swing capital for the 28^th to 30^th March 2014!  Book at http://www.dancevibe.com.au/swing-escape/

Xmas closedown dates. (Yes we will need a holiday.)

Our last class for the year will be 10^th December.  Our first term for 2014 will be 21^st January.  We will let you know of any Xmas and New Year dance opportunities as we hear about them.

Bye for now.

Announcing the Xmas Party and November Charity month

Xmas Party – get your tickets in class or email Emily Montesin (monty2002monty@hotmail.com)

We have booked the Bogong Theatre in the Gorman House Arts Centre for Saturday 7^th December.  Dancing from 8pm.  We plan to have fantastic finger foods, Xmas punch, softies and some chrissy drinks from 7pm.  Please join us for a ‘Back to the 80’s Xmas party.  The ticket price of $25 covers hall hire, drinks and nibblies.  Please pre-book with Emily so we can get the amount of food and drinks right for the night.  The Bogong Theatre is around the corner from Sage restaurant.  There is parking in Ainslie Avenue (limited) and in Batman Street.  We will escort all ladies back to their car at the end of the evening.

 Essentials of WCS course this Sunday 13th October @ 1pm

Moving to do the Intermediate level lesson requires a recognisable and definite lead, excellent frame from the Follow, rolling footwork from both parties, recognition of the importance of the Anchor and Stretch principles of WCS.  The moves are based on the side passes, push breaks and whips we learn in Beginners but often use Delayed Rhythms to start the dance and deploy syncopated footwork patterns.  This 4 hour workshop on Sunday covers therse principles and more.  It is $35 pre-booked and $45 at the door.  Come join us for a fun afternoon of learning and laughter.  If you haven’t already pre-booked, please email Emily Montesin (monty2002monty@hotmail.com) who together with Glen, Beth, Randall and Shannon will ensure you learn what is needed to be a good lead or follow in an Intermediate level class.  The workshop is held at the Southern Cross Bowling Club in McCaughey St Turner.  It starts at 1pm.

 

Term 4 underway

Thanks again to all the Intermediate dancers who come along to Beginner’s class.  Your excellent lead and following is essential to our new starters picking up great habits.  We applaud you and thank you. We are at week 2 of the Intro to WCS course and next week will see us consolidate the two types of passes, the Push Break and start mixing up our hand leads and levels.  I recommend that when two Intermediate level dancers meet for part of the lesson, try out the moves being taught but with a syncopation  or footwork variation thrown in to improve your own skills.  Remember – don’t disturb the connection. ;-)

 Start prepping your friends

You know, many people spend months if not years talking about their ‘interest’ in learning to dance.  And the thing is, we have all experienced the same expression, and trepidation in attending. And then once we start, we enjoy it so much.  So, now is the time to start encouraging your friends and talking up the wonder of dance and the excellent social atmosphere that exists.  If you can do this, then I promise to have a Xmas New Year special available for sale only through you that will be a great Xmas present, a significant monetary saving for them and for you.  Time to talk us up!

Next Social night Friday 1st November

Our Friday once a month social is on the Friday 1^st November at the Southern Cross Bowling Club in McCaughey St Turner.  All Saints Day becomes All Dance night. J We meet at 6:30pm for a Burmese meal at the club bistro with dancing from 7:30pm.  The $10 cover charge covers Hall Hire and the usual nibblies.  Mark it in your diary now.

November is ‘Charity month’ – please attend to make the donation huge!

We plan to donate all profits from Audacity to charity in November.  We think this is a sacrifice worth making.  You can help by making sure you attend every lesson in November.  Don’t forget that in-between the Beginner’s and Intermediate lesson we leave a good 45 minutes to an hour for social dancing.  What an excellent way to prepare for the Xmas party!

Triple step Trivia a success

We went to Trivia last Thursday at the Southern Cross Club.  It was a great night and we will try it again in a few weeks.  The trivia is free and they allowed us to use the dance hall afterwards between 8:45 and 10pm for free.  What a great and inexpensive night!

Last night’s Intermediate routine

The moves from last nights Intermediate routine.  Starter Step (4) – Throw-out with a syncopation on the Anchor that involved a leg raise and one weight change (6); Big Arm move (based on a Left Side Pass with inside turn – 6); Extended Push Break with angling allowing the Follow to syncopate a Bum Roll (8); a Double Big Arm move (6) and a Whip with Outside Roll into Arm Lock, a Push Break press added on and an interesting walk out to a side pass.

 Wish us luck in NZ and Melbourne

Kaz and I are away at the NZ Open and Australian Open in Melbourne for a week.  Be back soon.

2013 October Newsletter

Next 10 week Learn West Coast Swing term starts 8th October

Know someone wanting to learn to dance.  We can have them proficient in West Coast Swing by Christmas!  Invite them and we will donate $50 to charity.  That is because we are donating all profits in the month of November to a charity in time for Xmas.  The Intro to WCS course is $149.

Free Trivia and Dance this Thursday 3rd October

Come join us at the Southern Cross Turner Bowling Club this Thursday 3rd October for the club’s free trivia night.  Challenge your egg-head teachers who claim to be better than all the rest!  Be there by 6:45pm for Trivia registration.  The club has great Burmese food selection.  You also get to watch the master of greyhound racing selections work his magic on the Dapto Doggies!  Dance from 8:45pm.  (Trivia finishes at 8:40pm and we will have our DJ equipment there for some free WCS dancing and tuition.  Dancing concludes at 10pm.)

Dance party 4th October - Cancelled du to the long weekend :-(

There is no Friday night dance party on the 4th October due to the second consecutive long weekend.  So you definitely need to attend Trivia Triple Step Thursday to get your West Coast Swing dance fix.  Our next dance party is planned for the 1st November.  Same time, same place.  Happy Labor Day everyone!

Workshop - Sunday 13th October -‘Essentials for West Coast Swing’

This four hour course starts at 1pm at the Southern Cross Club Turner.  The 4 hours of tuition prepares you for our Tuesday Continuing level classes.  $35 prepaid or $40 at the door.  We go through important technique tips and work to instil key learning outcomes into your dance.  It is a fun day - and Em and Glenn are the chief funsters!  Please pre-book with Mark.

West Coast Swing Dance Events

Ever thought about a little WCS holiday?  Mark and Karolina are booked in at the following events coming up in October.  New Zealand West Coast Swing Open October 11 to 13.  Melbourne Australian West Coast Swing Open October 18 - 20.  We meet like minded people and have a blast at these events.  The workshops are key to improving our WCS and to ensuring you get all the latest tips and tricks at our dance classes and workshops in Canberra.

Future Plans

We are also heading to Raw Connecton's Swingtimate on the Gold Coast in December, NuRoc's Best of the Best in January 2014 in Sydney, DanceVibe's Swing Escape in the Hunter Valley in March and Raw Connection's Swingsation in May 2014.  Talk to us and we will assist with low cost accomodation and travel options.

Meg - Get well soon!

Meg - our own little bundle of joy and happiness - always smiling, patient, tolerant and makes you feel great about yourself and life! But our friend Meg's body has given her a hiccup and she is recovering from an operation.  She will be back in November.  We miss you Meg - get well quick.  Everyone in class wishes you well.

Charity time

We plan to make November our charity month.  We like to build our community and make a difference.  Please spread the word and get to class.  All profits for November will be donated on our student’s behalf to a charity just in time for Christmas.  This is where you can make a difference.  Get your friends to join us for our 10 week Introduction to WCS classes.  That in itself will generate a $50 plus donation to charity!

Party time - book the date in your calendar now!

And speaking of Christmas - keep the 7th December (a Saturday) free for our Christmas Party.  Put it in your diary now!  We will provide an inexpensive dinner/ or nibblies, dancing and drinks.  So - keep the date free and pre-pay in class.  Mark is finalising a suitable venue and we will update you in a week or so.

How many of our students use Twitter?

We do have an account. It is @Audacitydance.  We don't use it that often but we can use it more frequently if it helps tell you about newsletters, promotions, class changes, etc.  Let us know.  Email mark@audacitydance.com.au

Winter Solstice - the Dance druids are in action

Winery Tour - Saturday 22nd June

Canberra Wineries are renowned for their superb cool climate wines.  So - the dance druids from Audacity are having a wine tasting social!  Join us at 10am in West Row Civic to board the Dionnsus Express (well actually it will be a Deane's bus) to Murrumbateman and beyond!  Enjoy a packed picnic lunch, four wineries, afternoon tea all for $99.  This event is truly social - so why not invite your friends?  We return by 5pm in time to go spruce up for our dinner at the Zen Yai restaurant starting at 7pm.

Register by emailing Mark at mark@audacitydance.com.au. Bookings close 9pm Friday 14 June.

Why the Winter Solstice theme?

Have you checked the date?  Friday is the shortest day of the year and we need some fun events to perk up the landscape.  And that is why we have arranged for Samantha Buckwalter to come out from the US to rev us all up.  She is giving up a week of her summer to brighten our lives - and that she will. 

Introducing Samantha

Did you know Sam is a champion dancer trained by the WCS master himself, Mario Robau?  She has taught all over the world.  Samantha has many accolades - too many to list here.  Samantha will take our Tuesday night dance class on the 18th, will teach a Leader's Styling workshop on Thursday, a Follows Styling workshop on Friday and thre group workshops on Sunday.  All workshops are $40.

All the Event details

Can be found at http://audacitydance.com.au/html/winter_solstice_event.html

The Dinner Dance

7pm on Saturday night the 22nd June at the Zen Yai Thai restaurant.  Cost is $40 and you must pre-book with Mark!

Dance Parties

Friday night 21 June - after the Follows Styling workshop - a Dance Party from 8pm at Salsabor Dance Studio on East Row in the City. $10 (unless you have a free pass.)

West Coast Swing Events we love and are attending

Audacity Dance hits the CMJ West Coast Swing Championships in Sydney this weekend.   The largest Canberra WCS contingent to attend an interstate event to date - we just keep on growing!! Good luck to all competitors!!  We’ll be cheering!!
Join us at the following events later in the year: Mary Ann Nunez workshops in New Zealand in August; Melbourne Australian West Coast Swing Open in October; New Zealand West Coast Swing Open in October.

New Team Routine

Intermediate students will be performing our ’Goin to Vegas’ routine at Stomp 26.  Teaching commences with a ‘smash it’ session on Sunday 16 June.  More news on that soon!