Dancing with dogs

Dance Competitions for Dogs

Alison and her border collie Badger joined Dancetime in October 2013. They had been entering various competitions through Paws and Music Association and wanted to improve their musicality and style.

Alison worked hard at perfecting her routine and in November the pair came 1st in 'Musical Dressage' and 6th in the 'Heel Work to Music' competitions. This gave them Distinction at level 2.

In the dance routine both handler and dog are judged for accuracy, content and interpretation. Different footwork patterns are required within the routine. Synchronised movements for both handler and dog are required in addition to the dog's elements and the choreography must utilise the available space to the best advantage.

In December Alison and Badger's hard work was rewarded by coming first once more in 'Heel Work to Music'. Winning this competition  has moved them up to the next class.

This dynamic twosome should be competing next in March.

Adult Disco and Line Dance

Groovers

Congratulations to our Groovers who performed so well at our recent display.

 

The Groovers class combines fitness and fun. We first warm up using muscles not used in our day to day life. Stretching and raising our heart rate then we dance a few disco/freestyle routines to our favourite ‘Oldies’ and new music. Line dance follows with routines to a variety of rhythms; Latin, popular music and country and western. Gone are the days of hands on hips, hats and jeans. Some of the footwork is very challenging and the dances vary from a slow waltz to fast disco.

Dancing is recommended for overall fitness and health. It certainly keeps the grey matter working as the learning of new routines and dancing in time requires a lot of concentration.

Groovers is a friendly class and small enough to see the steps being taught and to be given individual help as required. Routines are taught slowly and clearly with old favourites constantly brought back.

Why not join us?

Tuesday at The Studio, Standon Stables, Standon Lane, Ockley, RH5 5QR         6.00 - 7.30pm

 

Dancetime Annual Display

Dancetime Display 25.01.14

On Saturday 25th January pupils of Dancetime took part in our annual Dance Display. We are so proud of everyone who performed. They all worked so hard to polish each dance and looked fantastic.

As usual the display featured a range of styles including Ballroom and Latin American, Freestyle, Contemporary, Line Dance and fun dances incorporating costumes for the younger dancers. Our Wigglers performed 'Ma Baker' dressed as bandits in scarves whilst our Springers and Groovers dressed as cowboys for a line dance and our Twirlers impersonated sailors for their 'Sailor' dance. Pupils adapted quickly and efficiently to these props which really helped to add character to their performances.

                    

There was also a cheer dance which the Springers and Steppers performed beautifully. Poms and a football were incorporated making the dance enjoyable to watch bringing colour and cheer into the hall.

A special mention goes to our youngest soloist at four years old, Evie Blackburn, who danced 'Get Lucky'. Evie has only been with us for 5 months and has already improved so much, learning tricky steps and gaining enough confidence to stand up in front of everyone alone. We are so proud of her!

 



 

The afternoon also displayed some of pupil's own choreography. The Steppers made up a team dance 'Ready Or Not' showing off their skills and allowing them a chance to experiment with different moves. We encourage this a lot in class as it develops personal style and requires working together to try out new steps. The team dance was received very well and we were impressed with how much their standard of dance has advanced since last year.

 

Thank you to everyone who came to watch our dancers and support them. We hope you enjoyed it as much as we did.