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Nick and Aubree on the day they did an xxxxx for xxxx xxx xxxxx.
Today'Z Thoughts
Dear Dancers,
Thank you for dancing at Universal Dance Center. We try to offer the best instruction, the best prices, and use the best music.
Universal Dance Center is the kind of dance school that produces exceptional dancers. We appreciate your participation.
I am seeking election to the local chapter USADance board. I would like the opportunity to expand my abilities to promote dancing as an activity by being involved with this group. If you are a member of USADance and receive a ballot, please cast your vote for me.
Dancers are great, and dancing is a great thing for everyone - let's all do more dancing!
I spoke briefly with Aubree today and learned a little about the performance that Nick and she provided for the charity event in Utah. First, on Monday, they were invited to dinner at the home of one of the organizers of the event. She met, among many other important and well-known people in the entertainment industry, the producer of two of the biggest singing stars we have ever known. Everyone was very interested in Nick and Aubree and their wheelchair dancing.
On Tuesday, for their performance, they were introduced by Barry Marrow, (I will add a link later). She said that she had a problem hearing the first notes of the paso, and had to verbalize some instructions to Nick once they were in motion. Thankfully, Nick is great at handling changes of plans and he knows how to follow an instruction (more about that in Phil E DanZnewZ another day). Part of their samba travelled more that expected, and then they had to bend another section more than normal. Dealing with little inconsistencies and surprises, remembering what to do, putting a tremendous athletic demand on your body, coordinating it all to a new space, new clothes, a new group of spectators and still being able to perform takes skill, planning, practice and confidence. Nick and Aubree are amazing. After their dance, they were called back to the stage for more bows and Nick was asked to say a few words. I think at this point the original plan was to play Nick's journey, but something went wrong, or the director changed his mind and they had Nick speak for himself. The other entertainment included singers. Aubree claims they had the best and most impressive voices she has ever heard. The only standing ovation, though, was for Nick and Aubree. Hearing about this adventure was great, but I was actually surprised to learn some people cried. I had lots of thoughts and hopes for the trip and the performance, but I have begun to dismiss the emotional power of wheelchair dancing. For me at this point, it seems like such a normal, regular, expected thing to do.
Sincerely,
Sandra Fortuna
Wednesday, Nov 18, 2009
Brian and Ali will appear today on Claudia's Show. Here they are on an appearance Friday, Oct 30, on a morning TV show.
Today: International Only practice session 7-9, $10
Nick and Aubree have a FABULOUS three dance medly that they performed at a charity event in Utah on Tuesday night. I am hoping they had plenty of opportunities to make important connections. I am sure they had a successful performance that will give them gems for memories. Thank you to all the Universal dancers who have helped support this project by attending Universal special events, taking advantage of some of the private lesson specials, and watching them rehearse.
This Week At Universal: Julie Gowan opened Phil e DanZnewZ first, and she wins a FREE November group class. There will be another winner. It will be the person who opens the Phil E DanZnewZ and brings this week's readership to 47%. Next week's issue contains a report on a local showcase, more Terminology Topic, pictures, a reader's thoughts on dancing and of course, Sandra's favorite links.
Tonigt, there will be an international only practice session, 7-9pm, Wed, with 7-7:15 review of samba choreography in the silver room. Sandra is not here til Monday, her Friday, Saturday and Sunday classes are also cancelled. Monday is the regular schedule.
There is a story in a magazine, BEST, of Brian and Ali, with these pictures.
What is Intro to Pdr? This is the beginner level of Latin technique and styling for single dancers and dancers who realize that dancing solo allows the dancer to discover his or her skill, movement and styling potential. In this class there is lots of practice, drill and repeat until the technique and style is improving.
Next Week at 6:45 on Tuesday: We are collecting registrations for a continuity style group class that would be working on a little more normal level than the gold/open class which meets at 9:00 Tuesday, and a little less technical level than the 6:45 Thursday class. It will be introduction and review of the basics.
Wheelchair Dancing: You all know that the money we collect from parties goes to bring Nick here to dance with Aubree. The studio is their sponsor. Thank you for your support of Universal dance socials and practices. ALL of the party and practice money goes to pay his travel and hotel (I did use $12 for parking during their audition yesterday, but otherwise we never tap into that fund). BRIAN WELLS contributed his portion of his Oct 24 dance party to our fund. Thank you to Brian Wells and to all the Universal dancers who attended his event. Without that kind of support and participation, I may not be able to continue this project. Dancing On Wheels is in the news, too. Nick and Aubree learned a cha cha yesterday and are getting ready to perform in Utah at a BIG charity event. I am excited about the possibilities.
Next Cancellations for Sandra's Classes: Ohio Star Ball & America's Ballroom Challenge, Nov 17-22. Best wishes to Bill and Patti Underwood, Helena Kostik who will be competing this year. Thanksgiving, Wed Nov 25-Sun Nov 29.
Schedule: A revised November schedule can be found on this FloorCast. There are new classes on the November FloorCast. Find current schedule and class descriptions for classes and parties in a special issue of Phil e DanZnewZ.
Strictly Come Dancing videos from week one are here, and from week two are here., from week three are here. Thank you to Brenda Hague. .
Universal and the Media: ABC news came to the studio a few weeks ago to do a story on dance related injuries with regard to all the injuries suffered by the celebrities on this season of DWTS. They used the story on an 11pm news medical report. Here's the link.
