Festival of Trees

The Festival of Trees Champagne Reception, Luncheon & Fashion Show was sold out!  Only more pressure for us to perform well after the very disorganised dress rehearsal from the night before. 

(Right: The Boogie Woogie opening number line-up: Judy, Allan, Connie, Wilson, Lana, Markian)













Between organisers dropping out and or not relaying reliable information, and dancers wanting music edits and changes - I've had a few very frustrated days and restless nights.

(Preparation highlights and lowlights included: Manoj stepping out less than 48 hours before the show.  Markian stepping in to replace him at T-19 hours. And Paul stepping up to help edit music.)

It turned out to be a pretty interesting time (probably more fun if I'd actually had more sleep).  At the very least, we got a free lunch and people seemed to like the show. 




Things I Learned (/ Confirmed):

1. Organising dancers = Herding cats

2. Models eat.

3. Wearing really big lashes is like wearing a brimmed hat. (Yes, those are made of tinsel and feathers.)

4. Test the music on the sound system!  (And always have backup.)

Don and Elena's Phantom tango - Photo by Allan.

5. There is a lot of ballroom danceable Christmas / holiday music out there. (But it's almost impossible to find it when you need it)

6. It's easier to be a dictator.



7. A showstopping dress and dramatic music = Win

8. As nice as Josh Classen is, he's not Santa.

Dancing in the Square

Anton had built in a very generous time buffer, so when both Ashley and I arrived as planned, we were in fact much too early.  No problem, Anton simply took us on a tour of his office in City Hall.  And then later, into the main chambers!  As a reader of this blog, you can probably predict when happened next, but Ashley and Tony (who had arrived by then) was completely shocked with my fangirl response:

"You mean Mandel might actually be here watching us?!" 

He wasn't.  There was no one watching (except probably security via cameras).  But I was still happy. 

We took advantage of the view to check out Churchill Square, which was unfortunately kind of empty.  Hm... The International Day of Dance lunch festivities (part of the Fun to be Square campaign) were already underway, but where were the people?  There was supposed to be a flashmob too, but it didn't look like it happened.  Perhaps the weather was keeping everyone away? 
I couldn't believe how many emails had gone back and forth between me, Ashley, and Diana regarding costumes.  In the end, we chose according to weather from the few outfits we'd each packed. 

We'd changed, and Manoj had not arrived.  We headed out to the Square, and he still missing.  I was completely stressed.  It was only 10 minutes to show time, with music and everything set up, Manoj finally bounded in.  ("You scheduled an appointment to do taxes 1 hour before the performance?!) 

But once we started dancing.  Manoj stole the show.  He made things interactive.   He played with the audience.  And would stop in poses and have us mug for the camera.  (All photos in this post from Tracy O'Camera, more here.)








He persuaded a group of University-aged spectators to come close and surround us for the rumba.  And they, hilariously joined in by raising their arms to sway to the music and then they joined hands and spun around us.

For the samba we volta'd our way around, getting right up to people to herd them closer to the performance area. 

I didn't dance my best, but with all the attention and people seeming to have such fun it didn't seem to matter so much. 

The crowd had grown during our performance.  I was so glad to see Beth had made it along with some people from Swing and UADC. 

After our demos, Manoj still had the stage, and started leading an impromtu merengue / salsa lesson. 

The organising committee had started to dismantle the sound equipment, but still he went on.  That's dedication to dance! 

And for all that passion, spirit of fun, and charisma, I love dancing with Manoj. But with his unreliability, I don't think this would make a good long term partnership.  But I should enjoy these chances to dance while they last. 

Addition: The Edmonton Journal's photo gallery of the event, has photos of Alex and Helen. 

THAT Masquerade

"Now be taller... now shorter..."

Paul and I go through being "many", being "the sides", being "the middle", before finally being declared "finished".  Ah, the life of a model.  We were helping Jamie (one of the official photographers for the night) do some light testing.  And it was light work for some really nice photos. 

(Below: photos by Jamie / Further below: The man himself).

It was a good solid start to the evening after an afternoon of mini last minute rushes to get ready for the event.  (E.g. Paul stuffing onion bag tags into the top hat to make it fit better, me adding embellishments to my mask...) 

There was a small scramble too to figure out who would be at our table (Maria had to cancel last minute...)  When the dust cleared, I was pleasantly surprised to see Ryan H.  Darren named him our resident (don't call him a foodie) "culinary guru" and "ettiquette master" and he playfully gave us pointers on the meal. 

Amanda shared that her and Darren's last private lesson concentrated on changing facial expressions during a routine in order to further enhance and emote during particular moves. She quickly switched between coyness, delight, contentment... Darren, not missing a beat, showed that he was not only Master of Ceremonies for the night, but also was "Master of Expressions" - a look of surprise, a look of horror...

And someone asked if a turkey was really just a Grade B chicken...

The TA first dance was called.  I'm usually a bundle a nerves at this point, and eventhough I was dancing with Tony (and with all these pointers from Benoit), I was the same.  Why the heck were we fumbling with masks?!  Did we really need another item of complication (as if floor length gowns, slippery and uneven tile floors weren't enough)?!  I forewent mine, but Tony kept his. 

And then after - yes!  Time to dance for fun!

After some (more) pictures (of course). 

"Evil John" (regular John with a goatee) missed out on phoots with the girls.  But didn't miss at all on his ingenious plan: Using a tent of programs to hide the water jug, the catering staff were foiled, and it wasn't cleared away.  We managed to have easy access to water for the rest of the evening.

I was delighted Darren still danced with me, making up social moves (since I wasn't up on all his competition stuff). And I got a dance too with Shane (who dressed up as a pirate and wore a really cute little mask pin).

Performances came next mid-dance.  We cleared the floors and settled down excitedly for the exhibition. 

Don and Angeline glided across the floor, so graceful and elegant. 

Sheena and Kevin's tango was powerfully intense, set to more Gotan Project.

Christiana sat in a chair in the middle of the dance floor and for a moment we asked, "Um, where's Ryan?"  And then we saw him walk purposefully to her.  They danced a rumba to Duffy's Warwick Avenue. 

To cap it all off, Jim and Elena, blew in with a Samba that was too fast for any of my pictures to turn out.  (I should really know by now when they appear, to just put the camera down.)

It was all so gorgeous I clapped until my hands vibrated. 

And then we clapped some more for TA and volunteer awards.  And guess what?  They remembered!  I was called up for my 5 years of TA service. 

It was a pretty spectacular night. 

Laugh, Cry - Get Back To Work

Thanks again to all my fantastic friends who have asked about this and came out to support me.A summary of the 2011 UADC In-House Competition with videos and photos here.

__________________________________________________________

"Two numbers?"

"I'm a lucky guy - dancing with two ladies."

In the marshalling area, I stretched.  St. John's Cultural Centre has this nice "bar area" (positively luxurious compared to the squished hallway at Polish Hall - with just enough space to dance a little) where competitors queue for their event.  Tony and I had warmed up on the floor earlier, testing the routines to make sure they fit with all the chairs, but here waiting, I was struggling to calm my nerves. 

He asked me: Is this your first comp?  "Nope.  But I always get this nervous."  Especially, I thought to myself, because we're in a semi-final, and I can see exactly who we're up against.  

They called our number (64).  He gave me a half smile and presented us.  We danced. 

In what seemed like no time, we were back in the marshalling area.  It was there that Tony finally cracked his composure with a high-ten and full smile.  He had done great!  I was cautiously hopeful, remembering all the mistakes I made. 

The call back was a surprise.  There wasn't a posting - Jim simple called our numbers in order, inviting us back onto the floor. 

We danced.  We returned to the marshalling area.  Tony was even happier.  I was happy too - yes, I messed up a couple of times, but was a million times better than the first round.  We returned to our chairs to wait for the awards results. 

"You were robbed!" 

The two of us stood alone.  I was a bit confused.  When Jim shuffled some papers and spoke off-mic to the scrutineers, I thought, "Oh, they did make a mistake - how else are we last?"  But there wasn't a mistake. 

The return to our seats after photos was a bit strange.  Frustration and empassioned comments followed us - most notably from Brian and Kevin.  I could only smile and thank them.  I think I was in shock. 

Tony prepped for his Latin event with Ashley.  I cheered with Paul, Beth, and Wendy for my students and friends.  It was fun, though half of my brain was still on our Standard results.  Tony and Ashley did an amazing job, but before we could find out how they fared, the rumoured first (and unscripted) Jack and Jill Competition kicked off. 

A chaotic 45 minutes later, (where by the grace of the audience my randomly matched partner, Steve, and I got a few more exciting chances to dance), we were back on the program.  Tony and Ashley were crowned Silver Latin winners and we cheered and cheered from our section. 

Later, at Aunt Linda's birthday dinner, Mom said it was good we didn't win - if we did, it would mean me spending more time dancing (an unproductive thing).  Kevin and Celina unknowingly shamed me by asking, "What do you think about Japan?"  I'd been so self-centered about the Comp, I haven't given Japan much thought at all. 

It was actually another couple more days before things were feeling a bit more real.  There was still a little disappointment, but there was the realisation nothing that bad had happened as a result.  Tony hasn't declared he never wanted to dance with me again (in fact, seemed eager to work some more).  My standing in the club seems to not have changed.  And Paul still says he's proud of me.  I do, however, need to have a good think about what it is I want from dance.  In the meantime, back to work-work, and more dance-work! 

The Night Before In-House

Lana: I'm sorry I don't do what you lead.
Tony: That's o.k., that's like all girls.

Screwing up on cue is just as hard as trying to do something right thing the first time... or so it seemed.  Tony and I laughed as we tried to test our contingency plan (the just-in-case-moves we should use if I messed up in the exact same place in QS, again).  All this, because I kept messing up on messing up! 

"Maybe we fixed it," He hopefully suggested - before I proved him wrong.  Le sigh. 

Well, that was yesterday.  Tonight, I'll be going through the routines (what I can remember of them) in my head, while packing.  Tony's not nervous.  But, as I told Paul, this is the biggest event of this dance season for me, so I am.  We didn't put in enough time to be major contenders - but I'm still hoping for a decent showing. 

O.k. time to go home.  Breathe, breathe, breathe.  Wish me luck!

(Dance) Partner Relations

"The girl comes to you." 
"NO. YOU go to the girl!"

I couldn't believe we were having an argument about this.  Isn't it obvious?  No, he's a relatively new TA... and he doesn't know.  I couldn't believe I'd raised my voice.  Shouldn't have had a coffee. 

It seemed like a good idea at the time with OPDS and TA training in the same night.  And I needed energy for it all and to packing in practice for the comp.  But I think it made me more tense and jittery, and then I had trouble sleeping too. 

I wished I was dancing with Tony the entire time so we'd be practicing then too, but also so I didn't have to deal with little things -- the quirks, unpredictability, minor irritations that came with dancing with other people.  He made it easy.  He was familiar, he knew the rules, and gave the right signals and leads.  But, in TA training we were supposed to rotate partners. 

And, I know, however much I didn't like it, I was sharing: He and Ashley were also to practice -- though they looked so amazing already.

 

Three Latin dances in a row was pretty hard.  Both of them just kept going, following the routine past the music.  And then Tony would take a break to run through something with me. 

I can't believe their energy! 

And watching them made me a bit sad.  Tony and I were getting better (during OPDS, Kevin and Brian gave us pointers and fixed some things), but I know we're not at the same level together.  And I was the weak link... Le sigh.  There is still five days.  Must cram in more practice. 

Johann Strauss Ball

Helen and I were the "budget debutantes" (her words).  Not that anyone would suspect her gorgeous one shouldered gown was anything less expensive than the others (in fact, she made it herself).  But both our dresses were definitely not ball gowns.  (I mentally started calling mine "Snow White's day dress" and didn't feel so clever any more...).  But, despite these insecurities, the night went well.

Tails from Rem's collection, white tie from Derks.

We arrived on time for our dress rehearsal, to find the space overrun with "the Ballers".  This Calgary formation group was invited to dance at approximately three balls a year (think of all those dresses!) and had performed at last year's Strauss Ball as well. 

As we waited nervously for our turn, we went through the logistics of entering and exiting the space and where we were to sit. 

After a rushed rehearsal, we were back to waiting.  Then, guests appeared including some UADC dancers and Heather and Alex! 

Diana, Tyler, Heather, Alex, Andrea, and Anton.

The doors to the main hall opened and the official event started.

After presenting the dignitaries, we sat down for dinner.  I was still all nerves - how was I going to manage not getting the dress dirty through a full meal?!

Anton, however, distracted us well.  We learned of his study in political science (Fairness versus Freedom).  He told us his European vacation plans.  And he taught us the etiquette called for in a formal dinner and dance.


Austrian folk dance group's performance mid-dinner.  Photo by Heather.

Things that stuck included:

1. All the men are supposed to stand whenever a lady gets up,
2. A lady is to be escorted where ever she needed to go.

We ended up playing a bit of a game, ladies randomly stood to see if the men would remember to do just that.  But joking aside, I could see the sense in having an escort.  These dresses were ridiculously difficult to move in.  I found myself fumbling with the chair, trying not to get the dress caught under the legs.  When we did get up to perform, doorways and hallways seemed way too narrow and our dresses didn't even have the hoops, petticoats, and springs that would have been more common for the times.

Anyway, after dinner, the Lieutenant Governor of Alberta, said a few words.  The Ball is part fundraiser and part talent showcase for the Johann Strauss Foundation, which promoted Austrian culture.  He spoke of the importance of diversity in culture and how it was wonderful to be invited to the event.  While I was also happy to be part of this, I felt a giggle rise each time he referred to the Ball's namesake as "Johnny Strauss".  This was then followed by similar sentiments from Mayor Stephen Mandel, but which ended with a twirl. 

This year's scholarship winners (both vocalists) performed a few pieces. 

And then, it was our turn.  To a live version of the Blue Danube, we waltzed. 


Our debutant waltz.  Photo by Heather.

I was so happy when it was over - I could finally relax!  Guests filled the dance floor, and we filed off for photos (some poses directed by Jane were hilarious).

Paul and I took the rest of night easy, but when he heard the start of the Emperor's waltz, we rushed back to the floor. I guess this could be considered "our" Viennese Waltz (though its identification was done by the Tubas the day before).

Later in the night, "the Ballers" did their performance.  Below is a portion of their over 4 minute routine - yes, also to the Blue Danube. 

Admittedly, I was a little jealous - I'd hoped we'd be doing an elegantly choreographed routine as well... with more smiling :P

And there you have it.  With the help of my gallant cavalier, I have been introduced.  Society, look out! 

More photos from the day here. 

Partnered A-Go!

Yay! I have Standard partner! 

Tony is new on the TA corps, but obviously had a lot of competition training (with D&D no less).  It felt great when we danced together, and after trying out some of his routines with me today, he's agreed to compete with me!  In-House competition here we come!  Granted, I was hoping to dance in the Latin category too, but I know it'll be challenging enough to learn four Silver level routines in about six weeks (*gulp*). 

But first, there's Strauss Ball.  Since dancers for "an Edmonton presence" had been called in last minute (scheduled, cancelled, and now back on the program), the expectation wasn't for a huge choreographed display... but we still needed to look nice.  Paul was spectacular to step in so that I could take part. 

Today's rehearsal started out as a Viennese Waltz lesson (for people attending the event who needed a brush up), but soon morphed into one for a Viennese Quadrille.  Apparently, it was traditional for guests to perform this formation dance at midnight.  Paul was pulled into the group and lead through the called moves. 

He did pretty well.  Though was probably quite flustered at all the newness. 

Finally, our group commandeered the floor for our practice. 

Turns out, we really needed it. 

Paul and I had practiced in the long, quiet hallway at work "the basics" (prep, natural and reverse turns) of Viennese Waltz, and he was getting it.  But of our group of eight couples there were some true beginners.  There were collisions on the small floor and problems turning...

In the end, Anton and the VW instructor* added some elements and cue points to make us look like we're dancing as a group. 

Turns out, we're also part of the honour party.  Duties include presenting special guests - we got a crash course then too on where to stand and how to act. 

Dress rehearsal is the afternoon of the Ball.  My fingers are crossed.

 

* The VW instructor who's been to balls in Vienna told us social dancers there turned in one direct to avoid the cross.  So, while we were "keeping it simple" we at least had that bit of fancy in our steps.

Tangled

"Will you marry me?"  I stared, shocked, at Manoj.  "I mean dance-wise." 

First week back at training and, I do have to say, it feels great to be dancing.  Especially with Manoj, who can lead and make me laugh.  Though, it doesn't look like we're going to be assigned to teach the same class so, no, we're not going to be married dance-wise.  Fingers crossed, I will get a good partner this term... and maybe a competitions partner too... (pretty please?)

Took the kids, Celina and Kevin, to the movies yesterday on Lorena's kindness (free movie ticket vouchers).  It's pretty impressive what packages they have now have for the kids (a small popcorn and a Kinder Surprise). 

http://www.librius.net/b/23331/read

The verdict on Tangled (the Disney interpretation of Rapunzel): "The best movie ever!"  Um... that would be Celina at the end credits.  Kevin wasn't as enthusiastic, but he did say he liked it and thought it was funny.  Speaking as an adult (or the closest in the vicinity), I was impressed by how moving and witty the banter was (yes, I cried).  And the two main characters really had some depth. 

It also rekindled my love for cast iron frying pans.  Obviously, it is the weapon of choice for discerning young ladies. 

The A-Team's Last Dance

"And then, we do a double rainbow!" 

The final class and we were teaching alternative arm stylings for ruba cuban rocks and cucarachas... and Allan is talking about "rainbows".  I didn't think any one still taught it!  I think it's pretty silly and laughable so I don't. 

Even with that laugh though, the class seemed to drag - and then it's was all over.  It wasn't exactly an easy term - though I certainly felt like I knew what was going on with the club since Judy and I would have a chance to talk on the ride home. 

Anyway - will hopefully recharge by next term. 

Back to Dance

TA training on the weekend had exactly what we needed: A review on how to teach.  Finally!  This was sorely lacking since my return and I think we (as a club) suffered for it.  It was fine to learn the moves and practice them, but there was a gap between doing something ourselves and then trying to get someone who has never done the move before to do the same (D&D never forgot this). 

Aside from the dancing, there was also business.  And... the numbers are not good.  At this point in time, we have lowest number of members to date (of any recorded year).  Someone also said we were the only university dance club to not be directly taught by professionals.  I wonder if this is true... and if that has an effect. 

It sad to see things go into decline, but there just seems to be so many factors.  More ballroom dance studios, other dance styles becoming more popular...

There was again the rehash of the two ideologies that divide us almost every year:
1. "The club is a social club" - We should emphasize fun.
2. "The club is about learning how to dance" (and is potential training ground for competitors) - We should focus on learning the steps and technique. 

Which will make people join again? 

The class I am assisting, seems to have one instructor in each camp.  Last night, my first class back, I was already fighting off urges of grabbing the mic. (Of note: We have a deaf student, who is learning through a sign language interpreter.)

It ended up being a very, very late night, when one of the instructors reviewed what was expected and asked questions on what can be improved... etc.  Helpful information, but really by 10:30 p.m., I just wanted to go home. 

Today, I feel pain, but at least I don't feel like a lump on a log.   Must schedule in extra stretches for the ankle.

What Paul Sed and Sunshine

Paul said "Spain" because Paul sed "Spain".  And you know what?  They were right!  While Paul (the later) might have and gotten an extra mussel, Paul (the former) only got another one of my cooking experiments. 

Regardless, our weekend time together was nice with quite a bit of sunshine and cleaning. 

P: What are you doing?
L: Hunting wabbits...

After wielding the uphpolstery attachment on vacuum with relative skill and decimating the dust bunny population (somewhat), we relaxed with Sunshine Cleaning. 

Paul seemed convinced Amy Adams and Emily Blunt were the same person (albeit with a wig) - which I guess means it was a good casting since they play sisters. 

Rose (Adams) is a responsible single-mother trying to earn enough money to send her son, Oscar, to a private school.  Her sister, Norah (Blunt) is drifting, not sure what she wants to do in life, and seems still haunted by their mother's death when they were children.  Rose starts up Sunshine Cleaning after her lover (her, currently married to someone else, high-school sweetheart) suggests she takes up crime scene cleaning. 

While Adams is perky as expected (and required for such a storyline), she and Blunt had the chance too to put in a great emotional performances.  The actor playing their father does a great job evoking the laughs as a "get rich quick schemer" and "awws" as loving grandfather. 

Between the death, the reveals, and the family, I'm reminded of another "sunshine" movie: Little Miss Sunshine.  But of course, Little Miss still takes the crown. 

Also, for this past weekend: First TA tryout session of the season.  We're short on guys again, so I fill in as a guy.  I'm glad to be dancing and to see some of my students there, but sad too that not everyone from last year is back... par for course.

Here's *drumroll* Jackie!

"She's really nice."
"You say that like it's a bad thing."

Jackie's in town!  Not missing a beat, she joined us for dance class, gamely trying out the utterly foreign Two-Step.  (Though I'd hate to admit, considering we're in Alberta, this is our dance.) 

Despite injury (*smack head* forgot to warn her about open-toed shoes), she seemed to have fun and ended up doing quite well in the class. 

I wondered if she suffered any jetlag since she was so energetic and friendly - she chatted with everyone!  

Awkward me, however, was, predictably, awkward.  I had to remind myself that this was the same person who had emailed with me back and forth for months now, and that I didn't have to worry.  But of course I did. 

Anyway, in our attempts to introduce her to fun and interesting things in Edmonton, we took her out to a Korean restaurant for lunch.  Tonight, she'll experience Feast. 

Hustle and Bus

Gerald is engaged to Robin!  Hadn't expected anything that different from the hustle dance class, but since it has been a whole year since I saw Gerald, there is some news: His new (to me) assistant is also his fiancee.  They met at a dance hall in South Korea, and she teaches dance too. 

I was also surprised, when Paul came out with his moves.  While everything fell apart whenever I pointed my fingers skyward (Saturday Night Fever style), Paul shone.  I'm sure he's hiding a lot more dance moves, but I guess it's hard to let loose. 

Gerald, by the way, has the Jemaine strut. 

Head home and it is raining again.  Downtown I duck into a shelter that's one stop away from the library.  In the corner, just barely out of the wet, was a man sleeping.  I know they're trying to improve downtown security since the stabbing several weeks ago, but getting rid of the bus shelter in front of the library just seems like displacing the problem. 

Tango - Take Two

Spring class started with a bang: Argentine tango!  Always so glad when there's a class, but not surprisingly, it was virtually the same lesson we've had year after year.  So, time to kick it up a notch: Learn the guy's part.  Don and Allan had a similiar gender-bending idea. 

What I (re-)learned:
1. Leading is really hard - especially if your follow doesn't want to to follow
2. Don is still enviously sexy as "the girl" (even without the shimmies), but
3. It's still really weird to feel his leg hair when he does the "caress" embellishment *shiver*

Taking Over Danceland

Danceland was once a Chinese restaurant.  At some point it switched to being one of the cheapest (if not safest-looking) places for some dance practice downtown. 

Ryan booked the place to "commemorate" his birthday.  Perfect excuse for me to finally check it out. 

It was pretty much like I remembered it, smaller, with fewer tables, and no more dim sum (but awfully familar looking carpet...).  A small, but lovely hardwood dance floor took up the centre.  The bar worked nicely as a place to set food and drink. 

Plenty of past TAs and current Elite dancers came for the potluck and dance. Some brought their own music, plugged into the system, and  played DJ.

Ryan stood proudly and posing for cake cutting.  Hm... with his dance partner in white, they kind of look like they're getting married...

(Below: O.k. Ryan kiss the bride!)

(Left: Happy Nigel.)

Would have liked to stay longer to dance and chat with all these people I haven't seen in a while, and to indulge in more goodies... but it was getting late. 

Beth and I headed out to the bus stop - with one minor delay: Coat hangers.  They seemed too cool to not photograph... or at least they did at the time.  Beth was baffled; I must have really needed some sleep.