DANCE NEWS AND REVIEWS
ISSUE 12 OCT 2016
EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW WITH
SIMON WARD
VISIT OUR WEBSITE HERE
Dear Readers Welcome to Love 2 Line. Here's our family tree. PUBLISHER - Suzi Beau
WRITERS
Elvie
Hayley
PARTNER DANCE WRITERS
Alan & Sonia
TECHNICAL TEAM Ryan
Jason
Here at Love2Line we have put together another issue jam packed full of interesting articles, stories and club news. We are sure there is something for everyone. This month Hayley Wheatley puts the spotlight on an up and coming choreographer Dustin Betts. We read about Mark Guichard and his new radio show in connection with Conscious Sounds and we have an exclusive interview with Muliti Award Winning Choreographer Simon Ward. We have our regular features so you can sit back and relax with a cup of tea and biscuits and read our Coffee Break Fiction. Digest our Fascinating Facts to increase your knowledge to shock your fellow linedance friends. We have lots of step sheets this month with a variety of styles and levels so I'm sure you can find something that suits your taste. We have a choreography competition just for fun. We have selected 3 pieces of music to get your creative juices going. Please read the rules carefully. We can't wait for your entries. Wow there is so much in our Love2Line magazine. We hope you enjoy it and don't forget, we would love to hear from you.
You can contact us with your stories, ideas and club news on love2line@hotmail.com
FASCINATING FACTS Here at Love2Line we know how you line dancers love your facts so here are some more interesting ones for you to enjoy and amaze your friends and family with your knowledge.
1. Agatha Christie’s maiden name was Agatha Mary Clarissa Miller - (How many times have I not been able to sleep trying to work out the murderer in her books!) 2. Pentheraphobia is the fear of one’s mother-in-law - (I bet a few of you fellas suffer from that particular phobia!) 3. The Frisbee was invented by Walter Morrison after he and his wife enjoyed flinging pie tins at each other on a beach. The tins had Frisbies Pies embossed on them. - (I do hope that they had eaten the pies first)
4. In some countries lighting up fireworks on New Year’s Day is believed to dispel evil spirits and unpleasant memories - (Wonder if that will work on November 5th?) 5. Globophobia is the fear of balloons - (Oooh yes definitely one of my phobias. I hate it when they burst) 6. Chit’lins are deep-fried hog intestines served with a hot sauce (Suddenly I don't feel particularly hungry) 7. Abba’s song Waterloo was originally called Honey Pie - (So glad they renamed it, it wouldn't have had the same impact)
8. ‘Typewriter’ is one of the four 10letter words that can be typed on the top row on a keyboard. - (I bet you are all looking at your keyboard now, come on - own up!)
Have You Met The Thrillbillies /Have you ever had the pleasure of meeting Dave Anderson & Edward Cox and seen them perform as The Thrillbillies? Not only are they entertaining in their stage performance but they sing a multitude of songs which will suit any audiences both listeners and dancers alike. See them in action.
STRAIGHT FROM MY HEART SUSPICIOUS MINDS TAKE THESE CHAINS TEENAGER IN LOVE CHEAP TALK WHERE CORN DON'T GROW MILE SHY OF PARADISE KNEE DEEP SAME THING BITTERSWEET MEMORY INSPIRATION I JUST WANNA DANCE FLY LIKE A DOVE I SEE ME THIS IS ME TELEPATHY GENTLY ON MY MIND EASY FEELING DISAPPEARING TAILLIGHTS MEMPHIS LOVE FATHER AND DAUGHTER THE BREEZE WALKING AWAY DON'T CLOSE YOUR EYES BACK IN YOUR ARMS AGAIN VERTICAL EXPRESSION MY NEW LIFE FADING LIGHTS ROCK N ROLL IS KING GENTLY ON MY MIND SHOEBOX ROCK N ROLL IS KING ONE WAY TICKET RHYME OR REASON PLACES SOMEBODY LIKE YOU SILVER LINING HEAVENLY CHA WHO PUT THE BOMP FLY HIGH TRIPLE MIX SHOEBOX DREAM LOVER PLAYING TRICKS COUNTY LINE A BAND'S GOTTA DO ANOTHER SONG ANYTHING GOES BELLE OF LIVERPOOL BETTER MAN BETTER TIMES BLUE NIGHT
BUFFALO TALES CLOSER HOT TAMALES DRIVEN GAMES PEOPLE PLAY KNOCK KNOCK HAVE YOU EVER SEEN THE RAIN I SAW LINDA INVISIBLE IS IT FRIDAY YET DISAPPEARING BUBBLES MESSED UP IN MEMPHIS JOYRIDE PLAYING TRICKS WHERE WE'VE BEEN WHISPER MY NAME BORDERLINE SOMETHING IN THE WATER SWEET LITTLE LIZA SWEET MAUREEN/LAMTARRA RUMBA LAMTARRA RUMBA TEMPTED TOMORROW VOODOO JIVE WAGON WHEEL ROCK PEACHES AND CREAM IF TOMORROW NEVER COMES IF YOU WANNA BE HAPPY IT'S A HEARTACHE KNOCK KNOCK LET YOUR LOVE FLOW LOVE CHANGES LOVE POTION LOVE WORTH WAITING FOR MAKE BELIEVE MEMORIES ARE MADE MEMPHIS TENNESSEE MERCURY BLUES MISTY MORE THAN I CAN SAY NOW I CAN DANCE NOW OR NEVER ON THE ROAD AGAIN PEACEFUL EASY FEELING RESTLESS RUNAWAY SAVE THE LAST DANCE SECRET LOVE SHE'S NOT YOU SOMEONE MUST FEEL
THEN SHE KISSED ME TOM JONES MEDLEY UMBRELLA VERTICAL EXPRESSION VOODOO VOODOO WALK RIGHT BACK MEDLEY WHEN YOU WALK IN THE ROOM YOUNG GIRL YOU'RE 16 YOU'RE THE VOICE MARVIN GAYE SHE BELIEVES IN ME
LOVE2LINE CHORE
Here at Love2line we like to highlight budding choreographers as well as supporting well known choreographers. We have decided to run a choreography competiton just for fun, The music has been selected by the team and we look forward to receiving your entries. Thank you to those who have already expressed an interest. Please make sure you don't miss the deadline. Winner will have a choreographer profile interview and have their dance published in the magazine. Good luck! Here are your music choices.
EOGRAPHY COMPETITON
ENTRY 1. Entry forms must be completed and emailed to love2line@hotmail.com. Entries must be received by 14th November 2016. Late Entries will not be accepted. 2. The competition is only open to line dance choreography. 3. Competitors can only make a single Solo entry ior each piece of music. 4. An individual can enter as a duo or group. 5. The choreography should be for the full length of the track 6. The choreography can be phrased, repeating with tag bridge or restart. 7. The choreography must be entered in either of the following categories: Absolute Beginner, Beginner, Improver, Intermediate, Advanced. 8. Entrants may submit a demo video along with their written step sheet. 9.Entrants entry must be in step sheet format identifying sections/counts/ phrasing etc All judges decisions are final
Love2Line meets Multiple Award Winning Simon Where were you born? I was born in a city called "Wollongong" in the state of New South Wales (NSW) in Australia. Wollongong is approx 1.5hrs south of Sydney along the coast. If you ever get to Sydney and have time, hire a car and head south. There are some of the most beautiful spots and beaches along the NSW south coast. Kiama is where I grew up which is a stunning seaside town about 30mins south of Wollongong.
The first class I ever went to was at a venue called "The Woolshed" which was close to Wollongong back in 1992. It was all country and at a beginner/improver level. Lots of partner and contra dancing dancing too. Advance at the time would have been something along the lines of Jo Thompson's dance "Dance Ranch Romp". It didn't take long to start competing with a local group at regional Where do you live? competitions which I then went onto I currently live in the city of Sydney. Sydney and Perth to advance my skills. Absolutely love the place and wouldn't want to live anywhere else. (except for Spain Highest achievement in competition was winning the Advanced Male and Masters How old were you when you started Male solo sections at the CWDI dancing? International Championships in I started when I was 16yrs old. Knew California in 1999 & 2000 and I also won everything about nothing lol many Australian Championships dating back to 1994 along with back to back Australian Cups at Mayworth in 2010 & 2011 with Maddison Glover.
Love2Line Meets International Choreographer Simon Ward from Sydney
When it comes to teaching and choreographing I am a 4 x winner of Australia’s Choreographer Of The Year in 2012, 2013, 2014 & 2016. In 2009 I won a Crystal Boot Award for Advance Dance Of The Year with "Turn Me Loose". I have also been nominated for International Instructor of the Year in 2010, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016 along with International Choreographer of the Year for 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 & 2016. I'll get one of those awards one day lol.
n Ward How did you discover line dancing? I use to show horses professionally and knew a lot of people from the circuit that went Linedancing. I always had friends that were older than me and one night they were all going to the pub which I couldn't go as I was too young. One of my friends mothers asked me if I wanted to go Linedancing with her since I was going to stay home by myself which I looked at her mortified that she would suggest such a thing!!!
I was awarded Male Instructor, Dance Personality and Dance of the Year at the Dancers Choice Awards in Las Vegas in 2012 and also took out Male Choreographer of the year for 2013. Denmark’s International Instructor and Choreographer of the Year for 2013, 2014 & 2015 and in Malaysia my dance “Outta Control” was voted dance of the year for 2013. I was also recently awarded Dance of the Decade for “Beautiful In My Eyes” at the 2016 Crystal Boot Awards which was a huge honour for me. And just as things couldn’t get better I was the inaugural recipient and first inductee into Australia’s Linedance Floor (Hall) Of Fame at Mayworth 2016.
When I first walked into the venue I was totally shocked in what I saw. There were about 400-500 people majority with cowboy hats on having the time of their lives. I just didn't expect that. I didn't get up at first as I thought I was too cool though it didn't take me long to join in after a couple of weeks. I was the odd one out otherwise as everyone else was up. My first official dance I learnt was the "Tush Push" but with heel taps on the spot rather than heel touches in front. I honestly thought I was the hottest thing on the planet dancing that dance. And then went I learnt a variation in the shuffle, boy did I think I was the coolest hippest dude ever. I was totally hooked from that time on and I was like a sponge, I just had to learn more and more. When did you first start choreographing dances? I started choreographing about 2yrs into it, around the same time I started teaching. I had no idea about phrasing, I just went with my gut instinct and if it felt good I was going there. I actually never saw myself as a choreographer and still struggle today as I doubt my ability all the time. I've learnt over the years to trust yourself and it's not what you do, it's how you do it.
What was your first dance? Oh god, do I have to tell you ?? It was a dance called "The Rhinestone Cowboy" and yes it was to Glen Campbell's song of the same name. I was brought up with country music in my family and I had no choice but to know all these popular country songs. Because I wanted to be original (even back then) I stole some moves from Jane Fonda's jazzercise video lol. I thought I was so cool. How Jane Fonda and Rhinestone Cowboy worked is beyond me but it was taught in the local area at the time and I was very proud of myself. I wish I'd kept a step sheet or video of it now as I look back and realise that it is an important part of my linedance history. Which one are you most proud of? Ooo this is a hard one. I have so many now from the past 20+ yrs. More now than ever I like to choreograph for a reason/purpose. I like to choose songs that have a message (more of an underlining one in most cases) and I get asked this question a lot. I guess I would have to say "Beautiful In My Eyes" for obvious reasons. Winning Dance Of The Decade at the CBA's this year was a huge deal for me as that dance has so much meaning and I never thought in a million years when I choreographed it at the time that it would reach all corners of the globe like it has. If I had to chose another one it would probably have to be "Hairspray" with Rachael McEnaney. Reason being is that when I was staying with Rachael in Florida at the time, I played her the song at around midnight and I was like "Let's Do It" and she was like "No Way". I was doing everything to convince her as she could tell the phrasing was way out there and that it would be a mammoth task and a risky one. We continued that night to all hours of the morning (with the help of a few light refreshments) and we came up with what you see today. I knew the song back to front so I knew in my heart that it would work. It was everything and more when we finally took it to workshops and events. I couldn't of done that dance with anyone else as the woman is a genius. The energy in the room when that dance is played at events is something else. The most current dance that I am most proud of would be "A Lesson In Love" co-choreographed with the fabulous Dee Musk.
Where do you get your inspiration for dances? The song has to come to me. If I go looking for music (which is usually when I am under pressure) I will spend hours listening to dead end tracks where I will end up giving up totally frustrated. Somehow the music always manages to find me one way or the other and when it does you just know that that is the one. I will spend a lot of my time listening to the track while driving in my car or with my earphones in when I am lying in bed, on public transport or just relaxing somewhere. I close my eyes (apart from when I'm driving) and visualise a room full of dancers dancing to the track and if I can see that vision becoming a reality. I also listen out for hooks in the track that will give the dance that little bit of oomph that all dances need. I have no preference of style, I love them all but sometimes one particular style will come to me more often than others. As long as I can deliver my interpretation of the song and do it well that is all that matters to me. What genre of music do you prefer? I love all types I really do. I connect with a lot of different genre's. As mentioned before I was brought up with country music and have always listened to it since so I do have a soft spot for country music even though my choreography tells a different story. I love my 80's & 90's tracks as you can have the best sing alongs to them plus they take me back to some of the best years of my life. I have choreographed multiple waltzes, cha cha's and nightclubs so I can't really say that I have a preference. Away from the linedance scene, My favourite thing to do is to go to music festivals and enjoy the wide range of entertainers the festival has to offer. Where has line dance and your choreography taken you to? places, countries, events, people you have met? It still blows my mind today that linedance has provided me the opportunity to travel to so many destinations around the world. As a child where I am from, traveling the way I have was just a dream. I have traveled all over my home country Australia as well as to New Zealand, Singapore, Indonesia, Malaysia, Brunei, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, Japan, Sth Korea, Vanuatu, New Caledonia, Fiji, Mexico, Hawaii Islands, United States, Canada, Alaska, Netherlands, France, Spain, Turkey, Belgium, Sweden, Denmark and of course the United Kingdom.
Too many events to mention and I would hate to miss someone out. And I have met some of the most amazing people in this industry that you could ever meet, again I would hate to miss someone out. To have some of the most important people in my life come from linedance is the reason why I want to give so much back to the industry as it has given me so much personally. I have also had the opportunity to be a part of several music videos, tv shows and movies. Most famous person I have had in my class would probably be Geena Davis best known from the movie Thelma & Louise. If you werent a dancer what would you be doing now? This is a really good question and personally I don't have a bloody clue. I started so young and I don't know any different. I used to teach dance full-time for many years but I started to get sick of it and was losing my passion for the sport. It was then I identified that I needed a back up plan. Dance was not going to be forever, especially on the international scene. I could also get injured or sick and then where would I be. 16yrs ago I decided to put together a Plan B, I was a high school drop out so there wasn't a lot really that I could do apart from scan groceries. I applied for about 10 jobs in the local paper one day and I was fortunate enough to score one as a casual bank teller. As the years went by so did my skills and ability in the finance industry so I decided to grab it by the horns and make a go of it. Today I am a Senior Branch Manager for my company's Sydney city branch which I thoroughly enjoy though I do struggle with the balance as I turn work down at dance events on a weekly basis which does frustrate me. I love my dance life so much. If I wasn't doing either of the above I did want to be an air steward or a rockstar as a kid What are your future aspirations in dance? I actually feel like I have achieved all there is to achieve for me personally. I'm sure there is more and this does not mean I want to slow down though I am content in all that I have achieved in linedance. The problem I have is that I am extremely competitive and I don't mean that with others, I mean it with myself. I always want to be better and I want to be pushed to be better by others. If I teach a dance at a workshop and I do just an ok job, well that isn't good enough for me.
All my workshops have to be 100% and the dances I teach have to be top notch. It is an unrealistic expectation I know but I will always strive to be at that level. I do wish though that I also got technique lessons when I was younger as everything I do and know is self taught so I do encourage the younger generation to get lessons and educate themselves . Tell us something about yourself not many people know I once stole a chocolate bar at the supermarket when I was on my way to school and got caught by the head cashier. She took me in the office to give me a lecture and call my parents which then I proceeded to wet my pants in front of her. I was wearing those old light grey school shorts so you can imagine what shade they were going when I lost control of my particulars. I never stole again after that day Thank you
MIKE RAISES MONEY FOR CHARITY On Sat 22nd October Mike hosted a full day charity event at the Nova Centre in Prestatyn, North Wales. He tells Love2Line his experiences running his first ever event and how he turned it into a success raising over ÂŁ1200.
Then during the evening Derek Magill Darby performed and entertained us all evening.
At 10 am I nervously turned up at the venue to set up. Jean Webb was already there waiting for me. As I started to set up the hall my anxiety grew as I expectantly awaited the 60 dancers who reserved tickets. I hoped they would all turn up.
There were also shoe and jewellery stalls and tombola table and during the break for dinner Lesley liggins undertook her 2mile danceathon where she danced 20 consecutive dances (joined by a few dancers) In what seemed like a flash midnight arrived and it was regretfully time to finish. The day was a complete success with ÂŁ1200 raised which will be split between Macmillan cancer support, and tommys charity.
My nerves steadily grew but I tried to combat them keeping myself busy. The doors opened at 11:30am and people started to arrive. They kept coming and coming and coming and I couldn't beleive that a total of 110 dancers arrived to take part in the day. 12:00 I nervously started the first track Hooked on Country because I like to keep to traditions haha. Thorne hill entertained us with two amazing sets during the afternoon session, with dance workshops in between Christine Jones and Steve Rutter.
The floor was full for the duration of the event. I have included a playlist of the dances that I played throughout the day.
I would just like to thank everyone who helped on the day, and especially all the dancers who came out to support the event. Same time next year?? lol
A little love trip Ain't misbehaving Amame Better when I'm dancing Beethovans boogie Borderline Come as you are Corazon diamontĂŠ California blue D.N.T. O Dear friend Deeply completely Dizzy Drift off to dream Electric reel Feet don't fail me now First comes the night Fireball Get us in trouble Girl crush Greystones Heavenly cha Hooked on country I see me It's up to you Lay low Lipstick powder and paint Locklins bar Lonely tonight Manjaro Cecilia One shot Patsy fagin Pieces Pot of gold Razor sharp Remember when Sadie dress Save the day Skip the line So just dance dance dance
Solo amor Some girls will Stop staring at my eyes Strip it down Swamp thang Take me to the river Teddy's girl Tell the world The bomb Thinking country Titanic Tropicana parking lot Uptown funk Vertical expression Walk in the room Well do ya Your loving arms
If you are looking for a place to visit that is steeped in history and has stunning scenery, then why not take a break and go to the Isle of Anglesey? To get to the island from the mainland you travel over the amazing Menai Suspension Bridge designed by Thomas Telford in 1826. It is an amazing feature of engineering. Anglesey has an ancient, colourful history and was first recorded as Mona by various Roman sources. There are numerous megalithic monuments on the island which show that humans were living there in prehistory. The island is also associated with the Druids and over the centuries has been invaded by the Romans, Vikings and Normans.
One town to visit is Beaumaris which has a beautiful castle built by Edward 1 in the 13th century as part of his campaign to conquer the north of Wales. Although it was never completed, the architecture is amazing being built of local stone with a moated outer ward. Anglesey's entire coastline has been designated an area of outstanding natural beauty and this is obvious from its lovely sandy beaches and little bays. If you love nature and walking then there is the 125 mile Anglesey Coastal Path to enjoy. For bird lovers I would suggest visiting the South Stack Lighthouse and cliffs. There you can enjoy trying to spot the puffins or if you are lucky the rarer breeding pair of Choughs. Also you can see colonies of Guillemots and Razorbills.
Of course one village you cannot miss is the one with longest name. Yes, you know the one Llanfairpwllgwyngyllgogerychwyrndrobwlllantysiliogogogoch. Phew I'm exhausted just typing it! Don't forget to have your photograph taken standing next to the sign.
We've discovered Kathryn Rowlands who runs two classes, mainly Country but likes to mix it up with a bit of pop. She runs two daytime classes and welcomes anyone. Mondays 1pm-3pm (except Bank Holidays) Improvers Tuesdays 12pm-1pm Catch-up class Beginners welcome There are so many other places to visit so Both classes are at St Anne’s Church Hall, Dale why not treat yourself and go there Street, Menai Bridge, LL59 5AH. yourself and enjoy this beautiful island. There is a small car park. If you are missing your line dance classes whilst enjoying the island then why not go to a local class in the area?
WILLIE BROWN's FUN FUNDRAISING CHAS is the only charity in Scotland that provides vital hospice services for children and young people with lifeshortening conditions. They are currently supporting over 415 families, as well as a significant number of families who receive bereavement support. The services are funded through the generosity of many supporters who help them to raise the vital funds needed to provide these hospice services. It can cost up to 10 million pounds a year to fund these projects and our very own Award Winning Choreographer Willie Brown came up with a unique and engaging
idea to raise money. At Eurodance earlier this year Willie approached many international choreographers and artists and asked them to sign the charity shirt. Here are pictures. In the not too distant future Willie will be organising a charity social and the shirt will be raffled. Willie and his dancers have managed to raise ÂŁ6000 well needed pounds for the charity in the last 4 years. We think he is doing an amazing job and we support him 100%. If any of you event organisers are interested in helping out, donating or fundraising or purchasing tickets please contact Willie by email on williebrownuk@yahoo.co.uk
MARK MAKES A DIFFERENCE WITH MUSIC
Conscious combines a passion for music and WHAT IS CONSCIOUS dancing with a strong ethical value system. Conscious is a Community Interest Company (CIC). Primarily we are an events Conscious says 'we create events or activities management organisation that aims to that focus on music and the arts. These provide fun ethical events that are positively events are all centred around a charitable impactful in the local community. core raising awareness and funding for Profits from our events are passed onto the causes that need help in and around our designated charities we are promoting at the communities. By linking social activity with a time, thereby aiding charities that need charity, we hope to foster strong community funding, but also driving awareness and ties and at the same time bring people visibility towards these worthwhile causes together in a happy, safe and fun-filled through the various channels we operate in. Mark Guichard talks to Love2Line about his environment. involvement with conscious and his contribution to the promotion of our favourity hobby - Line dance.
I started the show about 2 months ago a chance meeting with the boss of Conscious sounds radio We discussed the possibilities and Shirley Jackson said whilst line dance would be completely different to what the station normally do I was able to show some of the events that we run and how our community also raise money through dance for various chatities and local causes.
. I have two shows the first of which is my Tuesday night all request linedance show 10 pm to midnight and then Sunday morning 10 am to midday which is my teach of the week chart show I wanted to share current teaches with the hope of getting consistency and accurate detail on what was really happening on the floor. I have had feedback I could only dream of and am truly overwhelmed I want My aim is and has always been to demonstrate to make my shows better in any way I can through my shows that line dance perceptions and am open to suggestions on what people are wrong and we dance and play music across would like the shows to be the whole spectrum and perhaps by doing this attract more people to the hobby we all love CLICK HERE TO LISTEN TO THE LATEST SHOW
About the LDF Where it all began The Line Dance Foundation (LDF) was founded in 2007 by Betty Drummond of Linedancer Magazine with the aim of establishing a charity to support those people involved the Line dance business who found themselves in difficult circumstances through illness, accident or other distressing circumstances which affected their ability to work and earn a living. Who benefits? We help anyone who is involved in Line dance on a profession basis be that part-time or full time, anywhere in the world and in any capacity be it Choreographer, Instructor, Performer, DJ or Event Organiser. Details of the donations we make to beneficiaries are kept completely confidentiality. However, sometimes beneficiaries are happy to let it be known they have needed and received help but disclosure will never come from the LDF. How to nominate If you know someone you think needs our help then making an application is easy. Simply CLICK HERE to get a Grant Application underway.
Our UK bank details If you would like to make a donation direct to our UK bank, here are our details: Account name: Line Dance Foundation Sort Code: 20 - 80 - 33 Account: 03 993 086 For international transfers: IBAN: GB86 BARC 2080 3303 9930 86 SWIFTBIC CODE: BARCGB22 Registered charity no. 1164708 consent of the Charity Commission.
.COFFEE BREAK FICTION
The previous evening George had been going out on a stag night. He had told her not to wait up but knowing what state he would be in, Janet stayed up to ensure that the door was locked and that he didn’t set the house on fire with the chip pan. Just as she expected he rolled in at 1.30 a.m. reeking of alcohol, grinning stupidly, the worse for wear. Dropping his jacket on the floor he mumbled that he was going to bed and staggered up the stairs. Janet sighed and picked up his discarded leather jacket. As she hung it up, a paper fluttered out of one of the pockets. Picking it up she noticed that it was a receipt. Curious she opened it up and was shocked to see that it was a receipt from Brent’s, the most expensive jeweler’s shop in town.
Here is another short story for you to read which has been inspired by the title of a line dance. In this issue the story has been inspired by one of my favourite dances at the moment Corazon Diamante. What has George done to annoy Janet? Has he been a naughty boy? Grab a coffee and a A feeling of dread coursed through her biscuit and take time out to sit down and she sat down on the sofa. The receipt was for a Corazon Diamante necklace and find out what happens. costing £400. Corazon Diamante, ‘The darkest hour is just before Diamond Heart. It sounded beautiful but dawn.’ Janet wasn’t sure where she the receipt was dated five months ago. had heard that saying before. Was Christmas and her birthday had passed it from Shakespeare? Some pearl of since then and George had never bought wisdom from her gran? Perhaps it her any jewelery. Who had he bought was the lyrics from a song she had the beautiful £400 necklace for? once liked. Whoever said it, it was certainly true as she lay tossing and turning, frowning at the bedside clock that showed it was 4 a.m. The sound of snoring at her right side reminded her why she was unable to sleep and she glared at the sleeping form of her husband, George. He lay on his back, mouth wide open with one arm stretched outwards. Sleeping like an innocent child. Innocent? She maliciously jabbed her elbow into his ribs and smiled in satisfaction as he grunted and turned on his side. Who would have believed that only a few hours ago life was normal?
After the shock had worn off she began to feel angry and ran upstairs to confront him but he had passed out in a drunken stupor. There was no choice but to wait until the morning. So here she was unable to sleep, feeling angry, hurt and devastated. Janet was confused; their marriage had always been good so why had he spent all that money on another woman? Finally, exhausted, Janet fell into a deep sleep and was awoken by clattering sounds in the kitchen. With a jolt she remembered the events of the night before and hastily jumped out of bed to rush down and confront her husband. To her annoyance, George was in the kitchen, looking refreshed, like he didn’t have a care in the world.
‘Morning babe. There’s tea brewing in the pot. Sorry if I kept you up last night. Had a bit too much to drink I’m afraid.’ Before she could speak, he picked up his car keys, and planted a quick kiss on her cheek. ‘I’m just going to the gym for a couple of hours to clear my head. Be back before lunch. ’ As he dashed out of the door he turned round. ‘Oh yes and my mate Gerry will be popping round to pick his jacket up.’ ‘His jacket?’ Janet spluttered feeling confused. ‘Yes. We have similar jackets and I picked his up by mistake last night. I just rang him to let him know. He’ll drop mine off when he comes round. Bye babe. See you later.’ George blew her a kiss and rushed out. Janet sat hysterically. Ellvie Wood
down
and
laughed
MOVIN' ON UP Spotlight On Rising Choreographers With Hay What was it that encouraged and inspired you to choreograph? I did my first ever choreography when I was 13, but I never did anything with it. Then during my last year of show choir, I choreographed and taught a 20 minute production from the broadway show "Chicago". Around December last year is when I became more serious about choreography, thats when I came out with my first dance "Faded Daydream".
Dustin Betts is a young but overwhelmingly talented dancer that comes from Virginia in the USA. He possesses a unique talent for dance and has been described by some as having a “lovely presence on the dancefloor”. While we see his latest dance “Pieces” become increasingly popular all around the world, I grab the chance to catch up with Dustin and find out more about the man behind this new name on the dance scene.. Dance is obviously such a big part of your life. How long have you been Line dancing for and what first attracted you to this type of dance? I learned my first line dance around age five, but I was off and on with dancing for about 10 years. My parents worked in a bar together before having me. My mom was the dj, while my dad was the instructor. Easy come easy go was the very first dance I ever learned. My parents are the whole reason I got into line dancing. At least once or twice a week we would go out as a family and dance.
Your dance “Pieces” won the USL DCC competition and has now taken the dancing world by storm. What was it about the track that made you choose to write a dance to it? When I first heard Pieces, the music gave me chills. So I knew then I absolutely needed to choreograph a dance to it.
What Is your favourite Line dance at the moment and why? My favourite dance would have to be "Round Your Finger" by Joey Warren. I just absolutely love the flow and musicality of the dance. All the steps just piece together so effortlessly, it's entrancing to me. What do you do with your time when you aren’t dancing? When I'm not line dancing, I work for my family business in the flooring industry as an estimator. Which choreographers inspire you? The people that inspire me the most to choreograph and teach would have to be Rachael McEnaney-White, Joey Warren, and Debbie Rushton. I absolutely love the styles and techniques of these people.
yley Wheatley
How do your family and friends feel about your line dance hobby? All of my friends and family love that I dance and choreograph, and they will always encourage me to do my best.
What advice would you give to someone wanting to try their hand at choreography? My advice to newcomers would probably be to just try your best. Everyone has their own style, opinion, and energy they give off in everyday life, so why not apply that to your dancing skills and stand out a little. If you're doing what you love, don't stop doing it. Dustin is a lovely person and a real rising star. He is set to travel more and with an opportunity arising for him to teach in Jakarta next year there is no doubt that we have more of his lovely choreography yet to come.
All Day Long - Gary Lafferty All Week Long - Peter Metelnick Amame - Robbie Mcgowen Hickie Black Coffee - Helen Omailey BosaNova - Phil Denington Caught In The Act - Ann Ward Chill Factor - Daniel whittaker Chilly Cha Cha - AT Kinson Closer - Mary Kelly Commitment - John Sandham Feet Dont Fail Me Now - Peter Metelnick Fly Like A Bird - Hedy McAdams Forever And A Day - Pat Stott Galway Girls - Chrissie Hodgson Grundy Gallop - Jenny Rocket Have Fun Go Mad - Scott Blevins Heart Of An Angel - Willie Brown Into the Arena - Michael Vera-Lobos Islands In The Stream - Karen Jones Its Up To You - Kim Ray Jรกi da Boogie - Max Perry Just a Kiss - Robbie McGowan Hickie Just a memory - Maggie Gallagher Just For Grins - Jo Thompson Szymanski Now Or Never - Kathy Hunyardi Kellys Cannibals - Lizzie n Bev Clarke King Of The Road - Pedro &Jo Thompson Symanski Lamtarra Rumba - Tony Chapman Live Laugh Love - Rob Fowler Mack The Knife - Rachael McEnaney White Shakatak - Kate Sala Mamma Maria - Frank Trace Smokey Places - Michele Perron Midnight Waltz - Jo Thompson Szymanki Somebody like you - Alan Birchall Pizzirrico - Dynamite Dot Stop It - Rob Fowler Pot of gold - Liam Hrycan Telepathy - Chrissie Hodgson Quando When Quando - Terresa and Vera Tempted - John Sandham Razor Sharp - Steven Sunter Titanic - Simon Ward Rebel Amor - Roy Verdonk & Wil Bos Toes - Rachael McEnaney White Scotia Samba - Lizzie & Bev Clarke
DANCES OF LEGENDS
Dance Reviews HURTS
TAKE ME TO THE RIVER
64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate
48 Count 4 Wall Intermediate
Music: It Hurts -Emeli Sande
Choreographed by Maggie Gallagher
As soon as Emile Sande released this track I know I wanted to dance to it. As I envisaged dancing to it Maggie came to mind a track to complement her fast and furious dance style and this dance doesnt disappoint. I've taught it at my mixed level classes and despite the high intermediate level title I has proved to be achievable with most. The song receives quite a lot of air time on the radio so beware, you may find yourself wanting to dance in the supermarket isles. Big thumbs up form me and my dancers
Music, "Take me to the River" by Kaleida
Choreographer: Roy Verdonk & Jonas Dahlgren
48 Count 4 wall dance by Roy Verdonk & Jonas Dahlgren. The music is by Kaleida is enchanting and the steps fit perfectly with the rhythm and the feel of the music. The dance is Intermediae with 2 easy restarts on wall 2 and 5 and 2 x 4 count tags on wall 1 and 3. This is a floor filler adn not only have I taught it at my classes but I have dances it at every social I have attended. I am sure this will be popular for quite some time as the music is timeless. well worth a look.
Send us your reviews love2line@writeme.com
GRAND MASTER SEXY 64 Count 2 Wall Intermediate Music Too Sexy by Inna
Choreographer: Karl Harry Winson
Another fun dance by Karl. 64 Count Imtermediate but my improvers managed to conquer the choreography. The music took a while to grown on me and I have to say dancing the steps to the music helps that along very nicely. It is a bit of a marmite dance and some don't like the music. I like the step combinations and whilst there is nothing too tricky, they are interesting enough to keep the good dancers engaged. Give it a go!!
LOVE JUNK 32 Count 2 Wall Improver Music:: Love Drunk, By Steve Moakler. Album: Steve Moakler
Choreographers: Simon WArd & Chris Watson
This is a cute little improver cha cha. 32 Counts and 2 walls by Simon Ward and Chris Watson. The track Love Drink has been really popular at my class and the dance has been well received. One easy restart with a step change hasn't proved unachieveable for my improvers but several have modified the last few steps to take the turn out which is quite fast. Overall an enjoyable little dance with music to sing along to.
DIARY OF A LINE DANCER
I am sure that most of you fellow line dancers will have been aware of the news that made headlines about a month ago. 'Killer Clowns Hit the UK.' was one I remember. Apparently this craze has been going around in America for quite a while with people dressing up as clowns, jumping out and scaring people. Now most people just associate clowns with men (or women) dressing up in silly colourful, baggy clothes, painted faces and badly fitting wigs. However, I am, what is called, a Coulrophobic, which means, I am terrified of clowns! I bet you are wondering how I came to be scared of these, apparently, harmless beings. When I was about 4 years old, my mum took me to a circus. I was sitting on the front row patiently waiting for the show to begin when, out of nowhere, a clown came somersaulting towards me landing right in front of me making me jump. Of course I began to cry and the clown sloped off looking for some other poor child to scare I suppose. From then on, clowns were to be avoided at all costs. As I was growing up my mother used to give me various gems of advice, one of which was, ' don't talk to funny men. ' I thought she meant clowns and so there was never any danger of me doing that.
Now I don't want you to think that I was a wimpy kid who would cry at anything Oh no, this is the little girl, who was found in her great aunt's huge oak wardrobe, covered in fur coats and mothballs, trying to find her way to Narnia to meet the great lion Aslan. I also was a dab hand at climbing trees, fighting with my brother, falling into nettles, rolling in mud and could kick a football as well as David Beckham. Over the years I never had any dealings with clowns. Occasionally I would see one on television or in a magazine but nothing that really bothered me. Then one fateful night I was watching a Stephen King horror film called 'It' and there before me was the most evil clown I had ever seen. He had the harmless sounding name, 'Pennywise' and was dressed in a harlequin suit with a ruffle round the neck, white face and red nose with a bright red wig which stuck out at the sides. At first he had an innocent smile on his face but when he smiled, it was a horrible leer which revealed sharp pointy, shark like teeth. That did it, I was behind the sofa in an instant. This confirmed what I already knew, that clowns were evil.
Therefore, when I saw the news that clowns were stalking our streets in the UK I really hoped that I wouldn't see one. Could you get charged with assaulting a clown with a handbag because I guess that's what I'd do if one came up to me. I scour the news every day and things do seem to have tapered off so let's hope the clowns have disappeared. At our recent line dance Halloween social I geared myself up for maybe having to share the dance floor with a clown or two but luckily there were only ghouls, ghosts, vampires and witches. I can happily cope with those.
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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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.
The One That Got Away Last week Suzi taught us a dance called Hu rts by Maggie Gallager and that triggered a dance memory of one that I used to teach at my classes back in 2008 which was called It Hurts. This dance is a 4 wall, 48 count dance choreographed by Kathy Chang and Sue Hsu, to the music 'It Hurts' by Lena Philipsson. It is classed as a Beginner/ Intermediate dance but I would say it falls in the middle, say high improver level. It was certainly a very popular dance at my classes but somehow seems to be another good dance that has been lost in the Bermuda Triangle. This is a shame because this dance has everything, great music, a powerful song with a great beat and some interesting choreograph that most dancers would not have any problem with.
One of my favourite sections is Section 4 with the Right and Left kick ball touches with touch 1/2 unwind and Left shuffle forward. This fits in so nicely with the music. There is only one restart on Wall 3 which you can soon pick up by the music so nothing to catch dancers out. The floor was always full when we did this dance and it is such a shame that no-one seems to do it any more. So all you teachers out there why not give it another chance and breathe life into it once more. I'm sure you won't regret it.
Love2Line Parter Dancing Hi there Folks, just back from teaching at 2 Festivals, one at Paignton & then on to Benidorm. There won't be many festivals left now before the end of the year. It’s been a great year for partner dancing with plenty of new dances to get our teeth ( or feet ) into. We have submitted a couple of Partner Dances & a couple of Line Dances for this months Magazine, both being taught at our last 2 festivals and were received very well by the dancers. Here are our latest website updates and additions to our RECENTLY ADDED MEDIA & A - Z pages :8 New Partner Dances :“ Blue Eyes “ by Carol & George Stayte ( Taught at Benidorm ) " Good At Waltzin' by Dave & Lesley Mather " Just For A Day " by Terry & Caroline French " Man Woman " by Alan & Sonia Cole ( Taught at Paignton & Benidorm ) " One Promise Too Late " by Angela & Peter Kimber ( Taught at Paignton & Benidorm ) " Rhythm Of The Rain " by Chris & Trev " Wasted Time " by Paul & Sharon Hergert " What You Want " by Ann Williams " Wind Willow Walk " by Tom & Pat Clark 2 New Line Dances :" Moonlight Drive " by Diana Dawson ( Taught at Paignton & Benidorm ) " Some Days You Gotta Dance " by Michael Schmidt ( Taught at Paignton & Benidorm )
All of these can be found on the website http://alan-and-sonia.webs.com
We would just like to thank Estelle & Andy ( Paignton Dance Break ) & John & Jan ( Benidorm Dance Break ) for inviting us to teach at their Dance Festivals. It seems to be all system go for “ Halloween Parties “ around the festivals & dance classes and then everyone planning and looking forward to the Christmas Period, giving us time to get together with Family & Friends alike. Don’t forget if you have any queries about Partner Dancing or would like to be added to our Western Partner Dance Newsletter that we send out by e.mail periodically then get in touch with us via e.mail at :alan.sonia@btinternet.com Happy Dancing & Browsing Alan & Sonia
BLUE EYES
RHYTHM OF THE RAIN
JUST FOR A DAY
WIND WILLOW WALK
WASTED TIME
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.