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| Sean Browne & Marianne Schorb Novice Finals |
While much of America was sweltering – Canada was DEFINITELY the place to be!
We were chillin’ on the banks of Lake Ontario and burnin’ the dance floor last weekend at the Toronto Open Swing & Hustle Championships!
We were chillin’ on the banks of Lake Ontario and burnin’ the dance floor last weekend at the Toronto Open Swing & Hustle Championships!
If Toronto were in America, I’d be tempted to move there! Its a beautiful, friendly place with the best dancers in the world. TOSHC is the personification of the best kind of swing and hustle community!
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| Teacher Sean Browne & his student Kim in ProAm |
This really is the place where everyone knows your name. I walked into the hotel and everyone was so happy to see me - some people I see at lots of events - and some I hadn't seen since last year at TOSHC!
What more can anyone ask for than great dance friends, inspiring music and a spot on the dance floor!
The fabulous line-up of teachers included: Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely, Beata Howe & Terry Roseborough, Maria Cirino, Mike Topel, Tina Price, Billy Marti & Veronica Castilla – AND some amazing local talent: Byron Alley & Natalia Rueda, Maria Ford & Andre Danis, Julie Epplet, Sean Browne, Stan & Pat Vandermolen.
BUT I TRIED!
The comedy team of Beata Howe & Terry Roseborough delighted dancers and offered interesting material and concepts.
Beata is always an entertaining. She’s a unique human being and an astounding teacher.
Add Terry, who is LOVED in Toronto, and you’ve got quite the memorable experience.
Beata and Maria Cirino generously gave free 5 minute critiques all weekend.
It was worth the whole trip!
Since Beata's been MIA on the east coast for YEARS (she once taught in NYC at Dance Manhattan), we were grateful for a fresh viewpoint.
Mike Topel (head judge) gave excellent workshops. What a revelation! He’s in a class by himself. Kind, generous with his time and advice – AND a hell of a teacher. My my favorite judge because he does the job right - never mind politics.
Mike always dances with everyone – as a leader and as a follower.
Beata is always an entertaining. She’s a unique human being and an astounding teacher.
Add Terry, who is LOVED in Toronto, and you’ve got quite the memorable experience.
It was worth the whole trip!
Since Beata's been MIA on the east coast for YEARS (she once taught in NYC at Dance Manhattan), we were grateful for a fresh viewpoint.
Mike always dances with everyone – as a leader and as a follower.
Robert Cordoba & Deborah Szekely always bring a treasure trove of dance tips, style, syncopations, patterns and ideas. They have a common sense style and a direct approach. Its no wonder their lessons are always packed.
There was a WHOLE LOT OF SOCIAL DANCING! And a little bit of SPECTACULAR performance.
Billy placed 2nd with Joanna Swanson in Strictly.
Veronica placed 3rd in Newcomer with that“lucky SOB” Ric Woods.
Billy & Veronica are the power couple to watch!
Ya Know - Billy is no spring chicken either - this is a dance world where age ain't nothin' but a number. He’s hitting some of his greatest career heights NOW!
One of the most delightful moments of the weekend was watching Tina Price perform with Ken Muntz.
Their chemistry flooded the dance floor.
We don’t see enough of this stunning lady. She gave an amazing hustle lesson and has so much to offer.
Its time to get her back on the circuit.
She’s one hot Mama!
This is one of the greatest dance partnerships of all time.
When they dance, its like there is some kind of divine intervention!
We can know forever about Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers because of their films.
Its high time someone made a movie about Robert & Deborah!
Since competition is sooooo ridiculously difficult, feedback is rare and most of the judges need NEW GLASSES, I like to give a special shout out to the Newcomer and Novice divisions.
Newcomer 1. Terence Louw & Gwendoline Bugnot
2. Scott Hughes & Christine Hawrylczak
3. Ric Wood & Veronica Castilla
2. Scott Hughes & Christine Hawrylczak
3. Ric Wood & Veronica Castilla
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| Terrence Louw & Gwen Bugnot |
The competitions were a little different at this event. There was not an automatic number of finalists in the contests. For the most part, those who really belonged in the finals – got to dance – and only the top 3 placed.
In a routinely unfair process, THANX to TOSHC for having the GUTZ to do the right thing.
Novice
1. TJ Bednash & Michelle Blaikie
2. Kyle Fitzgerald & Sharon Cai
3. Jason Ng & Julie O’Brien
Julie O'Brien was an alternate in Prelims.
There is quite a different view from the cheap seats however. I loved watching Sean Brown & Marianne Schorb. They should try a Strictly some time. What chemistry!
Floor Moms never get a mention. These competitive events can be crazy and disorganized which detracts from the fun of the moment.
Not with everyone’s FAVORITE Floor Mom!
2. Kyle Fitzgerald & Sharon Cai
3. Jason Ng & Julie O’Brien
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| Kyle Fitzgerald & Sharon Cai |
Julie O'Brien was an alternate in Prelims.
There is quite a different view from the cheap seats however. I loved watching Sean Brown & Marianne Schorb. They should try a Strictly some time. What chemistry!
Not with everyone’s FAVORITE Floor Mom!
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| Louise - shepherding her flock of Strictlies |
Louise Gour is a reassuring influence AND she placed 1ST in the Intermediate J&J!
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HEY - Advanced Girls – you got real COMPETITION now!
Intermediate:
1. Keith Chow & Louise Gour
2. Andre Danis & Anna Reguero
3. Donnie Neron & Maria Fernanda Krutz
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| Julie Epplett & Andre Danis 1st in Masters |
Even so, that was one amazing dance Julie had with Chris Matsuno. Maria and David keep the bar HIGH. It was quite a spectacle!
Is there anyone who doesn’t know that once upon a time David was Maria’s student? Interestingly, it was Andre Danis (DJ OldSkool) who suggested the partnership and some serious magic was created.
Maria is the kind of person you notice - anywhere. I'm not sure if its because of her hip hairstyle or because she's down to earth, understated and cool:
"Every year, TOSHC showcases more and more Canadian dance talent honing their skills in competition. But the social aspect is still the best - this year's social dancing was off the hook, as were the conversations, room parties and table parties. I'm so proud that we Canadian Westies have an event that gives us the opportunity to welcome International dance friends and pros and to share everything we have to offer - from great dancing to REAL beer and legendary "Canadian spirit"!" MF
We were treated to a special performance by David and Maria. It was a very emotional and physical piece.
Originally more of a “So You Think You Can Dance” choreography, it has been adapted to include more west coast swing.
Everyone is always enthralled when these two dance.
This routine would make a wonderful entry in cabaret at the US Open.
David is a dance prodigy and we all wonder how far he can reach.
There was lots and lots and lots of social dancing throughout the weekend – between contests and all night long!
The music was crispin’ - DJ's included Stan Vandermolen, Donnie Neron, Andre Danis and Joe Mahoney.
Maria is the kind of person you notice - anywhere. I'm not sure if its because of her hip hairstyle or because she's down to earth, understated and cool:
"Every year, TOSHC showcases more and more Canadian dance talent honing their skills in competition. But the social aspect is still the best - this year's social dancing was off the hook, as were the conversations, room parties and table parties. I'm so proud that we Canadian Westies have an event that gives us the opportunity to welcome International dance friends and pros and to share everything we have to offer - from great dancing to REAL beer and legendary "Canadian spirit"!" MF
Originally more of a “So You Think You Can Dance” choreography, it has been adapted to include more west coast swing.
Everyone is always enthralled when these two dance.
This routine would make a wonderful entry in cabaret at the US Open.
David is a dance prodigy and we all wonder how far he can reach.
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| Joe Mahoney Pic courtesy of Julie Epplet |
There was lots and lots and lots of social dancing throughout the weekend – between contests and all night long!
The music was crispin’ - DJ's included Stan Vandermolen, Donnie Neron, Andre Danis and Joe Mahoney.
Joe always seems to be surrounded by an entourage at these events. Its not easy to get a dance. But not this weekend !!! Best dance of the weekend for me!
I apologize to any of my readers who don't recognize these people and their names. But its not MY fault!
You too can come to this most wonderful dance event - I promise you - everyone is really spectacular! http://www.toshc.com/
The event was held at the very comfortable Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and we had FREE shuttle service. There are quite a few places to dine within walking distance.
Except Starbucks - which matters -because the OVERPRICED hotel coffee IS LOUSY!
You too can come to this most wonderful dance event - I promise you - everyone is really spectacular! http://www.toshc.com/
The event was held at the very comfortable Sheraton Toronto Airport Hotel and we had FREE shuttle service. There are quite a few places to dine within walking distance.
Except Starbucks - which matters -because the OVERPRICED hotel coffee IS LOUSY!
After all that dancing and stressful competitions, pigging out on ribs and chicken really hit the spot! http://www.swisschalet.ca/
Also, this hotel location offers easy access to downtown Toronto. The bus stops right in front (#58 Malton) and delivers to the subway in front of the Lawrence Way Shopping Mall (with a grocery store). You can be downtown (Union Station) within an hour for $3.
Everything downtown is walking distance or a short subway connection: the CN Tower, the financial and entertainment districts, Greektown, Kensington Market – and my favorite - Harbour Front! 10 minutes walking distance from Union Station and you are at this wonderful 22 mile lake front park with cafes, nature trails, bike and roller blade rentals, beaches, ferries to the islands -and - all clean and not at all touristy!
Adding the perspective of a local dancer and photographer is like adding pink to a sunset!
Judy Arnold said ...
ReplyDelete"Nice write-up! Like these articles, they cover a lot of areas, are very informative and insightful. I am not familar with you or your articles but I have ticked you to save."
Michael Wagner said ... "Its high time someone made a movie about Robert & Deborah!"
ReplyDeleteBilly Marti ...
ReplyDelete"Love the article but comment about spring chicken may be too much. It sort of overshadowed positive aspect. Still love you : )."
Barbara Roe said ...
ReplyDelete"I enjoyed your article on TOSHC."
Mary Adams said
ReplyDelete"Thank you very much for the great article about TOSHC"
Catherine Jones said ...
ReplyDelete"I missed the opportunity in Toronto of saying hello and getting to meet you. I read your writeups -- such a good job. Hopefully we'll meet at another event, Swing Niagara perhaps?"
Ric Woods (the lucky SOB) said ...
ReplyDelete"Thank you so much for the kind words on TOSHC and the dances. Will I see you at Niagara Swing in September and what event do you recommend in October??
Ric Wood (Lucky SOB) said ...
ReplyDelete"Thank you so much for the kind words on TOSHC and the dances. Will I see you at Niagara Swing in September and what event do you recommend in October?"
Steve Randall said ...
ReplyDelete"Your article is very good, I love it. I like how you worked in the pictures - very pleased that you liked my pictures enough to use them. Everyone that I've talked to also liked your article."
looks like a great event
ReplyDelete