ISSUE 6
DANCE NEWS AND REVIEWS EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEWS LATEST DANCE SCRITS
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Dear Readers Welcome to Love 2 Line. Here's our family tree. PUBLISHER - Suzi Beau WRITERS Elvie
Julie
Teresa
PARTNER DANCE WRITERS
Alan & Sonia
TECHNICAL TEAM Ryan
Jason
Dear Readers First of all, here at Love2Line may we wish all our readers a very Happy & Prosperous New Year We hope you enjoy this months issue of the magazine, there is certainly plenty to read and entertain you. In this issue we are pleased to speak to Heather Barton and get the low down on her Line dance career and future aspirations. We also spread our wings a little further and meet Christina Yang from Korea, a keen dance teacher and choreographer. Our partner dancers Alan and Sonia keep us up to date with what is happening on the Partner dancing scene and this month they point newcomers in the right direction by introducing some basic choreography that anyone can enjoy, complete with demonstration videos. Ellvie has her 'one that got away' and Coffee Break Fiction - all stories and poems inspired by line dance titles. This month we have plenty of dance scripts and videos at all levels including lesser well known choreographers but with great dances. Don't forget here at Love2Line we want to hear from you, teachers, dancers, choreographers. We hope to see you on a dance floor soon
Email your stories to love2line@hotmail.com We look forward to hearing from you
LOVE2LINE MEETS HEATHER BARTON Thank you Love2Line for asking me to do a choreographer's profile for your magazine. I was born in Edinburgh on the 26 July, 1962. My dad was in the army and my mum gave birth to me in the house. I have four sisters and am right in the middle with two above and two below, but I don't think I suffer from 'Middle Child Syndrome' I now live in Plean with my hubby Steve and our wee dog Milli. We have lived here for nearly 8 years now. We do love our wee house and it is in a nice, quiet area. Between us we have my two boys, Lee and Gregor and Steve's two girls, Claire and Pamela. We also have three beautiful grandchildren, Louise, Lily and Hayden.
Love2Line gets to know Heather Barton. Up and coming choreographer and Crystal Boot Nominee speaks openly about Line dancing, her family and a brush with Cancer
I took up dancing in my 30's. When I was younger I used to jive with my mum and then I took up Ceroc with Steve a few years back. We have also had a go at West Coast Swing but haven't quite mastered it yet!. My first experience with line dancing came when, sadly, my step-dad passed away.
My mum took me and my younger sister, Lainy, to Millport. I must admit, I thought I was in another world when we arrived. I couldn't believe the way the town looked, almost like in a western movie. I thought everyone was mad...but by the time I left I was completely kitted out and had learnt one dance, the Tush Push. We danced it over and over and I soon realised I was hooked. On coming home, I found a class in Bannockburn which was run by a guy called Danny. I loved it and realised that I could pick steps up very easily by just watching. (I couldn't do that now though!) I was aged 30 and had found myself a new hobby. Although it soon became my passion, I had to try and keep a level head for my work as I am a hairdresser/beautician and own my salon. Most people, however, think my job is a line dancer. I never felt the need to compete because for me, on a personal level, I didn't want the fun to go out of what I was beginning to love and, if truth be told, I am slightly shy when on the dance floor. (Some may disagree with that a wee bit ha ha.) My husband Steve being quite the opposite and the biggest show off, but a great dancer.
I did know some terminology but not enough. I did decide to take over his classes but after a few weeks thought I would do some research and found a lady called Mad Lizzie Clark who I contacted. I asked her how I could become a qualified instructor. I joined the D & G School of Western Dance (Dick and Geneva.) Liz Clark became my mentor and I trained for three years. We had to learn, not only line dancing but waltz, polka, partner dancing and then I had to sit a written exam. It was very hard work but well worth it in the end as I became a fully qualified D & G instructor of western dance.
I took my exams 18 years ago (I think) and went on to have three classes per week with numbers staying the same for a good few years. I also did some work for the Council including 10 week courses for line After dancing for about 6 months, dance Danny decided he was giving up the class and asked me if I wanted to take it over. OMG I was over the moon but oh so scared at the same time! Back then there used to be over 100 in line dance classes.
I did a little bit of choreography back in September 2010 for one of my friend's 60th birthday. She loved Johnny Reid and two of my friends, Lesley and Hazel, decided that we could all write a dance together for her. It was called 'Rekindled.' Although it was only written for her brithday, we decided to pop it into Copperknob. It got danced a few times but, well.......enough said! Our friend loved it and that's what really mattered. The following year I wrote my own dance called 'Looking For A Good Time.' It was a good wee starter for me and was danced all over. I now have quite a few dances under my belt but some I haven't even published due to other choreographers using the same piece of music so I go back to the drawing board. I have two,dances that I am most proud of one of my own and a joint one. 'Picking Up The Pieces,' was my first dance that went world-wide and everyone was dancing it in China, Australia, USA, Malta etc. I was getting e-mails asking for the script and music and the feedback was fantastic. I had no idea to be honest, about getting it put up for votes etc. I was just over the moon that people were dancing to it. My second dance is 'Cecelia.' I have written a few with my dance buddy, Willie Brown, and it was his idea to choreograph a dance together. We are both very proud of 'Cecelia', I had thought I had seen it all with 'Picking Up The Pieces,' but this one went mad. We were both so overwhelmed with the response to it and, even more so, now that it has been nominated for a CBA in January. A year down the line and it is still in the dance charts and still being danced, so we say a big 'THANK YOU' to everyone for keeping it on the dance floor. We are hoping that 'The Real Deal' will be just as popular, but only time will tell.
Music wise, I like any kind of music and love dancing to anything but I am a big fan of country music. I am a big Patsy Cline and Elvis Presley fan and when I hear a particular piece of music I instantly do the count LOL and think 'Hmm, I could do a nice wee dance to this.!' I run my club, called The Bootleggers,' although, as I work full-time in the salon, I now only do three classes per week, Monday night, Tuesday beginners and then intermediates. I only teach about 40 dancers per week but never at the same time. My club has been fantastic and they are very supportive of me. Every month I hold a social dance and also hold two festivals per year, along with two weekends, one in Carlisle and the other in Aberfoyle. These are always a sell out and are such good fun. About 8 years ago, Steve and I started working for Kingshill Holidays and this has taken us all over, from Aberdeen to Blackpool and even Scarborough. We have been very blessed to have the chance to do this kind of work and it has bagged us loads of fantastic friends along the way. We also do private weekends occasionally. I have also been asked to go and teach at various events and I have loved them all. I sometimes teach and also DJ which I love to do because I love a mic ha ha! My latest invite was to Blackpool at Jean Webb's event. That was just great and we were made to feel so welcome. I have been asked to go and teach in Germany. I met a lovely lady called Gudrun, who lives there and we are so excited to be going even though I have no idea how I took a group of us over to Malta to dance they will understand me! Maybe I will try to and a few years ago, my Bootleggers were invited to dance in France. They have a big learn a bit of German! event with the Mayor attending and we danced there. Wow, it was fabulous. I am just amazed at the amount of invites I get and feel very loved.
My life at the moment is getting back on track. I was diagnosed with breast cancer last September and I have to say, the support I received from family and friends means everything to me. This has helped me to deal with my illness. My husband, Steve, is my number one fan and believes in everything I do and always encourages me. He is my right arm, so to speak and life without him just wouldn't exist. I would also like to mention my niece Rachel who acts as my P.A. and advertises all my dances and events. She is a great wee help.
I am now back dancing and in the process of writing two new dances so it is a case of 'watch this space,' LOL. Just like my mentor, Lizzie Clarke, I like to keep the fun in line dance and I have a saying, 'Live life to the full,' and 'Have loads of fun,' as you never know what may be round the corner. I would like to thank everyone who has supported everything I do, it is greatly appreciated as, without your support, I wouldn't be who I am today in the line dancing scene.
WELL I NEVER
Here at Love2Line we enjoy anything quirky, hence our new little spot called 'Well I Never.' Perhaps some of you line dancers are in quiz teams or just enjoy learning new bits of trivia. Here are six little facts and figures that hopefully you may find fascinating 1) Many of us will have learnt the dance Pink Stiletto's but did you know that in Carmel, California, women need a permit to wear heels higher than 2 inches. This is because the streets are cobbled and therefore there is a danger that they could sustain injuries. Think I'll stick to my trainers!!!
2) August was originally named Sextillis because it was the sixth month in the Roman calendar.
3) The largest and most complete Tyrannosaurus skeleton discovered to date has been given the nickname 'Sue' which also happens to be the name of our lovely editor of Love2Line
4) The first known fireworks display in England was at King Henry VII's wedding in1486. Just imagine, no health and safety checks back then. 5) If you write with your left hand you might be interested to know that it is International Lefthander's Day on August 13th. I actually can write with both hands, wonder if there is a special day for that? and finally
6) Did you know that Please Mr Postman by the Marvelettes was the first number 1 record released by Motown in 1961. Wonder if anyone has choreographed a line dance to it?
MEA CULPA Standing in Trafalgar Square, surrounded by crowds of people and excited, swooping pigeons, the girl was absorbed in taking photographs. Her friends were back at the hotel, as they didn’t want to go sight seeing. Having been here before they were more interested in late night partying and having a lie in.
Coffee Break Fiction Welcome to Love2Line’s fiction corner where you can sit down, relax and enjoy reading a story inspired by the title of a line dance. This month’s story is inspired by one of my favourite dances ‘Mea Culpa’ choreographed by Alison Biggs and Peter Metelnick. Mea Culpa actually means ‘through my fault’ and is an acknowledgment of having done wrong. Whether Jimmy gets his just desserts you will have to find out at the end of the story. So get yourself a coffee and chocolate biscuit and sit down and enjoy.
This was Mai Ling’s first trip abroad. London was so different from the tiny, peaceful village in China, where she lived. All the sights, sounds and smells fascinated her, making her feel like an alien from another planet. Her family had clubbed together to buy a new camera especially for this trip, and Mai Ling promised them she would have loads of photos to show them. A wave of homesickness washed over her but she would soon be home and couldn’t wait to tell her family about her trip. The predator leant against a wall. Nonchalantly he took a drag on the remains of a cigarette. He hadn’t anticipated working today but when he saw the young oriental tourist taking photographs, he changed his mind. Jimmy didn’t usually go for a solo job. As a professional pickpocket, he worked with his mate, Hackney Bob. Bob’s role was to distract the victim, whilst Jimmy did the lifting. They were a good team and the fact that they had never been caught was due to their skill and cunning.
Life had never been better for the lads. London hosting the Olympic Games meant an abundance of gullible tourists, all waiting to be fleeced. It had been too easy, like taking candy from a baby. Jimmy flexed his fingers, the tools of his trade. He was proud of his “career”, having come from a long line of pickpockets. His dad used to take him round Billingsgate Market when he was a kid and taught him the trade . It was definitely easier being a pickpocket now than in his dad’s day. Mobile phones, MP3’s, I.pads were much easier to lift than wallets tucked into pockets. He glanced at the young tourist again. She had a backpack which probably contained a purse and mobile. Her camera looked good quality as well. Backpacks were just right to slip your hand into. Easy peasy. Rubbing his hands he decided to go it alone. No need for Bob today. Even if the girl realised he was fleecing her, one little push would topple her. When the girl walked off, Jimmy followed at a safe distance. He reckoned that eventually she would make her way to the tube. That was the best place to pounce, as it was crowded with people jostling and pushing. Mai Ling was totally unaware that she was being followed. She walked along taking photographs and then placed the camera in her backpack before making her way down to the tube station. Jimmy rubbed his hands. This was turning out even better than he had imagined.
As Jimmy predicted, the tube was swarming with people who were not in the least bit interested in what was going on around them. He pulled his beanie hat further down in order to disguise himself as there were quite a few security cameras dotted about. Better to be safe than sorry. Mai Ling stopped to study a map of the tube system and it was then that Jimmy decided to make his move. As the police led a dazed Jimmy away, he still couldn’t work out what had happened. He had walked stealthily up to the girl but instead of walking away with a load of goodies, he had found himself flying through the air landing with a thud on the ground. The police thought it was hilarious. Poor Jimmy, how was he to know he had picked the wrong target. Mai Ling was not just a tourist but also the star of the Chinese Olympic Judo team.
Dance Reviews Gerry's Reel
Slamming Doors
32 Count 4 Wall Improver
48 Count 4 Wall Intermediate
Music: The Corrs Gerry's Reel
Music: "Slamming Doors" by Ben Haenow
Choreographer: Maggie Gallagher
Choreographer Rob fowler
Gerys reel has a fantastic rythm and beat to the dance.32 count4 wall high improver level dance. Choreographed by Maggie Gallagher. The dance has been written to Gerry's Reel by the Corrs which is a quick Irish style tune. The music allows you to put great stomps in places with enthusiasm. This is an amazing upbeat and quick dance . The beginning of the dance ,I would say, is the trickiest but don't let that put you off as after a couple of walls you will have cracked it. This is a new favourite of mine. Carla
Slamming Doors is what I call a slow floaty dance. A stunning waltz. Although this dance has a 48 count they in a 3 count step sequence which makes the style of the dance easier to pick up. This is fast a current favourite dance. The steps flow really nicely and nothing too tricky to learn. I love the cross 1/4 lock back drag. It has 2 restarts both with step changes. Wall 4 and wall 7 which takes a little getting used to. Its a popular dance at our class and Im sure people will be dancing it all over the world.
Send us your reviews love2line@writeme.com
Aint Misbehavin
Diva
48 Count 4 Wall Intermediate
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate
Music: "Misbehavin" by Pentatonix
Music: "Diva " by Frankie Moreno, Single
Choreographer: Guyton Mundy, Jo Thompson Szymanski & Amy Glass
This dance is fast becoming one of my very favourites. The music is great it has a real funky beat. I particularly love the double hitch step which fits in so well with the music and gives it style. It's not a difficult dance to learn with no tags or restarts. It's defiantly going to be a hit with dancers everywhere.
Choreographer: Ria Vos
This dance is defiantly a fun dance with its catchy music that you want to sing along to. It's quite fast paced but it's easy to pick up. I love the shoulder pops and the swivel heels toes. With just one restart and a fun tag it's bound to be popular.
Here are our Hot picks and recommended dances for the month. This month we have split the scripts into levels to make it easy for you to choose a dance.
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CHRISTINA YANG My ballet tuition was at a private academy but I studied dance at college IDTA (International Dance Teachers Association)
This month, we are pleased to have been able to interview, choreographer and dance teacher, Christina Yang from Korea and member of Triangle Line Dance. I was born in Chuncheon, a small town in Kangwondo, Korea. There are a lot of beautiful lakes there and it is famous for one of the most scenic marathon courses in Korea I live in Seoul, Korea now and have been there since I was at High School. For as long a I can remember I have danced, I think from around 7 years old. At first I learnt ballet as a hobby. Since then I have also learnt Modern dance and also Korean traditional dance.
I think that my ballet training and dance training influenced my dance style very much because I have done them for such a long time. However, I am trying to learn other dance styles such as funky, salsa, swing and Argentine Tango to achieve more variety. Choreography has been a big part of my dance career and training and six years ago a friend introduced me to Line Dancing. At this time Line Dancing wasn't too well known in Korea and despite already being a trained teacher I decided to study this dance style. When I went to the Line Dance Association to get my license I met a teacher who was very important to my dance life. My mentor in Dance Sport taught me the foundation of dance but my line dance mentor helped me to discover my potential and enthusiasm for dance. Thanks to her encouragement I became more professional in my attitude and three months later I received a prize in my first International line dance competition for intermediate open level.
As regards line dancing I began choreographing dances in 2012 and began to work in earnest when I formed ‘Triangle Line dance’ with Stella Kim and Ssaboo in 2014. Actually, it was under the name ‘Triangle Line dance’ that I first received recognition as a choreographer, so it is very special to me. We all have different talents but share the same goals and views regarding dance so are a good influence on each other. We are best friends, helpers and competitors to each other.
I have choreographed many dances so far and each one is precious to me but if I have to choose a favourite one then it has to be ‘Just The Two Of Us, ’ ‘Walk Away’ also has a special meaning for me as my father loved this song and often played the record when I was a child. When I became a choreographer I always wanted to choreograph a dance to this song. When I had done it, my father was overjoyed. That was the most rewarding thing for me. In addition, ‘Just The Two Of Us’ was the first of my dances to be published. I want to be a storyteller using music with dance. It is my hope to find a story in the heart of the music and then bring the story into the dance then people can hopefully feel the story in the music whilst dancing. I hope to be able to communicate the emotions that music can deliver.
The One That Got Away Ellvie’s Escapees - Teacher & Dancer for over 20 years, she shares her passion for line dancing and finds hidden gems long since forgotten or never discovered.
My word, the weeks certainly do fly by and it's time for another 'one that got away.' Here at Love2Line we hope you had a wonderful Christmas and New Year. I guess you are all back line dancing and already there are loads of terrific dances waiting to be learnt. For this month’s ‘one that got away,’ I have chosen 'Upside Down' choreographed by Kate Sala and Robbie McGowan Hickie. It is a 48 count, intermediate, 4 wall dance written to the music ‘Upside Down’ by Paloma Faith. Luckily I was able to dance this at quite a few socials and didn’t have to resort to just dancing it in my lounge. Very occasionally we have revived it a couple of times. However, it does seem to have slipped under the radar which is a shame because it is such a good dance.
I love the choreography, especially the cross, back-back heel swivels in section 3. The last section is also very quirky. For me, probably the trickiest bit in this dance was the timing but once I got that in my head it was just plain sailing There is only one restart on wall 2 and you can hear it coming up by listening to the music. The music ‘Upside Down’ by Paloma Faith is absolutely brilliant. It just makes you want to get on that dance floor. The steps of the dance fit so well with the music and if you have never had a go at doing this dance I would highly recommend it. So come on teachers and dancers out there. Get this dance out in the open once more. Until next month’s ‘one that got away,’ happy dancing to everyone out there. Happy dancing. Ellvie
As with all new ventures it is a case of trial and error and ironing out teething problems. We hope that our magazine will entertain you and help maintain your passion for line dancing. We would love to hear from you about your line dancing experiences. Tell us how you got started. How do your family and friends feel about your dancing or do they share it with you? Have you been on any dancing holidays and would like to share your memories and adventures? Have you any questions that other line dancers may be able to help with?
This magazine is for you so don’t be shy, we would love to hear from you.
Hi there everyone and a Happy & Prosperous New Year to you all. Firstly Sonia and myself would like to thank so many of you who have contacted us since we started the monthly column in Love2Line. It is great to find so many of you interested in rekindling lost passion for partner dancing. Alonside our monthly feature we have a mailing list which many of you have joined. This keeps you up to date with the latest news in Partner dancing, whether it's socials, trips or latest choreography. If you would like to be added to our mailing list please contact us. One of the most popular questions we are asked is how to get started in partner dancing and which dances are best for a beginner. There are so many dances on our website but we recommend the following dances to start you off. The dance scripts have been published in this issue. The first is “ WE LOVE JOANNE “ this is a very easy dance done to the popular music track “ Love Done Gone “ by Billy Currington. A video of this dance can be viewed at the following link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLwTFKO03LM
Another nice easy dance is “ 1St STEPS WALTZ “ this is danced to a Reba McEntire track titled “ We’ll Waltz in Love Tonight “ here is a link to the video of the dance. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E3M0ailWVDY We would like you to let us know if you have a go at these dances. We hope our monthly feature will encourage you to try partner dancing. We also include dances which you can share the floor with line dancers such as " Baby I'm Right " by Chris & Trev. This dance is choreographed to the same track as Heather Barton and Willie Brown's 'The Real Deal' music by Darius Rucker which is very popular by Country Singers on the circuit.
LOVE2PARTNER DANCE
We have a very exciting year planned and are looking forward to all the events & festivals and meeting up again with friends old & new on the dance floor. Here are this weeks latest video uploads to our website http://alan-and-sonia.webs.com and youtube :-
" Angels & Alcohol " by Carol & George Stayte " Angels & Alcohol " by Carol & George Stayte ( Alternative Music Track ) " Baby I'm Right " by Chris & Trev " Loads a Trouble " by Fiona & Ian Smith Best Wishes & Happy Dancing Alan & Sonia
JULIE LOCKTON BEGINNER/IMPROVER Ticket to the blues, Until the dawn The Sweetest Song Love me like you Gently does it Tell the world, Lay Low Leighann Loves to dance Sinatra and chardonnay Heavenly cha
INTERMEDIATE Your place or mine, Slamming Doors Save the day Darling hold my hand Boiling point Aint Misbehavin Uptown funk Rock this Factor Don't let the sun go down The Bite
ALL TIME FAVOURITES Deeply Completely Syncopated Rhythm Saved my Soul For Someone Special Footloose Forever and a Day His only need Is tomorrow mine Uptown Funk Mad 4 it
SUZI BEAU'S DANCING DIVAS BEGINNER / IMPROVER
INTERMEDIATE/ ADVANCED
Gerry's Reel My Guy Play That Sax (my dance) Black Magic EZ (My dance) Peligrossa Honey I'm good AB (My dance) Skip the line Ticket to the blues Big Blue Tree Locklins Bar
Aint Misbehavin Save the day Slamming Doors Diva Rock this factor Hit the base Sax (Maggie) Painkiller Black Magic Slam goes the door
SARAH MASSEY McCANN
BEGINNER Until the dawn Ticket to the blues Places Under the moon of love Rain Baby kisses Shattered dreams Skinny Genes My everything Stroll along cha cha
INTERMEDIATE Better when im dancing Slamming doors Save the day Rock this factor Hit the base Diva Black magic Take back Footplay
IMPROVER Love me like you Skip the line Lay low The real deal Eureka The Bomp Tell the world Modern Romance Your loving arms Boy girl thing
My name is Rosalyn Harris and I was introduced to Line Dancing in 2005; I somewhat reluctantly went along to a class with my mum and sisterin-law. The first few weeks posed quite a challenge, but after a couple of months I felt like I was starting to remember things and “find my feet”. Months and years passed and I have progressed from a hour’s beginner class once a week, to 8 1/2 hours a week, split between two classes and a social per week. I also studied with BWDA2000 earlier in 2015 and am now a qualified instructor. Earlier this year, a lovely new hall opened in Guernsey (the Cobo Community Centre), and it was agreed that I would take on one Tuesday social a month (4th Tuesday of the month). The first of which was Tuesday 27th October and was a resounding success.
Earlier this year, I started my business called Donkey Linedance; Donkey as I live in Guernsey, Channel Islands where inhabitants are affectionately termed “Guernsey donkeys” due to our stubborn nature. I hope to create fun and memorable line dance events and I am promoting one for a good cause this year on Saturday 19th March in aid of the Line Dance Founcdation Charity and I would like to inform readers so they can get involved.
Fully support the Line Dance Foundation Charity to help support Line Dance Teachers who fall on hard times, There are several events occurring around the world for this charity and we hope you get involved. For more information on local events check out the webiite by clicking on this page