10 Questions With...

[swingdj]

10 Questions With...Dance Pro...Jason Barneshttp://www.ericabergswing.com/greybox/images/pics/dance/dance1.jpg


1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?
Since 1995

2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?
It was a UCWDC event in 1995. I saw Barry Durand & Dawn Blorstad dance their U.S. Open routine in the pro show. The difference between the music, costumes, rules, and musical/personal interpretation (WCS and UCWDC) was mesmerizing.

3. How long have you been a WCS instructor?
12 years (full time 7 years)

4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS instructor?
A couple at the country bar in MN asked me if I'd teach them some WCS in a private lesson. I thought, "I'm not a teacher, but my time is worth $20 for the hour". It grew from there. The dance grew in exposure and popularity. And I was in the right place at the right time.

5. How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene?
It's Global! It's huge. Coming "unto the scene" I only know what I know. A couple moves here, a few people there and maybe some songs. Those moves, people you dance with, and songs are what define you when you start. I mean, with a lot of beginner dancers, you can tell where they come from or live. Don't you think?
But this dance evolves. The music/sound makes the dance evolve. The dancers make WCS evolve. Look at early videos of Champions/US Open etc. Even those dancers don't dance the same way today. When talking with Lindy Hoppers about why they dance a certain style, and why westies look like we do. The one thing we realized is that we all dance to the music. When westies dance fast, we'll bend our knees. When lindy hoppers dance to slow music they'll stand up just fine. The music has determined how we dance. And I think that it always will.

6. How has the music changed since you fist came into the scene?
WCS dancers are taking the small bubble that was considered to be WCS music and stretched it. In ballroom competition there are tempo (bpm) regulations/restrictions.
In the late '90s westies started playing faster music. And the people rejoiced.
To stretch the perverbial restricting "bubble", slower music was getting a lot more exposure. And the people rejoiced. Now, I'd like to think a DJ could play almost anything he/she wants, because somebody will like it. Whether it's an old favorite, or a new "bubble stretcher", somebody will like it. Otherwise a DJ wouldn't play it. It's just too bad DJs hear more from the dancers who don't like a song. Rather than hearing from the few or tons of people who enjoyed the song.

7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?
Yes, the combination of art and science I think will continue to be a never ending attempt of achieving excellence. Dance is getting a lot of exposure now because of TV. We're all pioneers as of right now. Every teacher, promoter, DJ, even the novice dancers will be looked up to when it comes to the dance movement in the 2000s. I compare it to poker in the late 1990s. Pretty soon Shannon Elizabeth and Jennifer Tilly will be dancing with us.

8. What are you comments on judging these days?
Dancing is a sport, a game. I think you have 4 choices with everything you want to do in life.
A) Play the game
B) Don't play
C) Change the game/rules
D) Play a different game

A) Most people try their best.
B) Not interested or quitters
C) Being one who stretches the bubble or raises the bar.
D) How many people go their entire life with his/her first job, first love, or first house?

If you find yourself complaining about "A", move onto "B, C, or D".

9. Who do you feel exemplifies West Coast Swing and why?
I accept everyone’s opinion of WCS. Without any one of the WCS superstars, all-stars, teachers, judges, DJs, Lindy Stars, Shag Stars, Hand Dance Stars, Country Stars, Ballroom Stars, Cabaret Stars, Hustle Stars, our WCS bubble would be that much smaller.

That's the PC answer.

After reading what I just wrote, I'd have to say Mario Robau exemplifies WCS.
How has he not changed/supported/pioneered the dance?
- As a dancer with his dance routines. (Alva's Baby Blues anyone?)
- As a choreographer (We've all went to him at some time)
- Supporting the new dancers and future of dance (AANCE)
- By bringing together different forms of dance. (Slow Whip in Houston)
- He was winning way back in the 1980s, and he still can win today (JnJ/SS with Sylvia, Blake, Samantha etc)

God tried to take him early.
He's still here.
He's still leads the way for many.
He's the man...
Still

10. Other than teaching, dancing and Dee Jaying West Coast Swing....what do you do?
I teach in a ballroom in Asheville, NC full time. I teach ballroom, country, hustle, NC2 and WCS. DJing, I couldn't keep up with the music evolving. You see? I choose not to play that game. I leave that to the pro DJ's.

[swingdj]

10 Questions With....Dance Pro...John Lindo http://re3.yt-thm-a02.yimg.com/image/25/m7/3801795022 (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTefOT985HMZoAdUSJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpaWhqZmN tBHBvcwMzBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1fc38siea/EXP=1204832531/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/search/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo .com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Djohn%252Blind o%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526toggle%253D1%2526cop%253Dmss%2526ei%253DUT F-8%26w=150%26h=150%26imgurl=www.dkndance.com%252F_i mages%252FJohn_Lindo_150x150.jpg%26rurl=http%253A% 252F%252Fwww.dkndance.com%252F2006staffbiosphotos. html%26size=26.4kB%26name=John_Lindo_150x150.jpg%2 6p=john%20lindo%26type=JPG%26oid=8947efcfa69135b2% 26no=3&tt=287)

1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?
12 years

2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?
My friends

3. How Long have you been a WCS DJ?
5 years

4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS DJ?
I love to listen and find music that moves me.

5. How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene?
It has became more about the "show" rather then the love of the dance.

6. How has the music changed since you fist came into the scene?
It has gotten slower, we used to dance to fast music that you had to dance and not just stand there.

7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?
No, we do not have our own signature like other dance styles.

8. What are you comments on judging these days?
Not enough swing and most of the time the music goes not fit the routine or couple.

9. Who do you feel examplifies West Coast Swing and why?
Mary Ann Nunez, Mario Robau, John Festa, Jessica Cox, Brandi Tobias just to name a few....when I watch these folks west coast swing they exude the love for the dance.

10. Other than teaching, dancing and Dee Jaying West Coast
Swing....what do you do? Travel, movies and SLEEP!!

[swingdj]

10 Questions with...Dance Pro...Doug Rousar http://re3.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m6/3684068153 (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTb_5MnP9HAl0BcyuJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpdnJhMHU zBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1echgpcoe/EXP=1208020428/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo .com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Ddoug%252Brous ar%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526toggle%253D1%2526cop%253Dmss%2526ei%253DUT F-8%26w=259%26h=330%26imgurl=www.michiganclassic.com %252Fdoug.rousar.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fwww .michiganclassic.com%252Fid11.html%26size=20.8kB%2 6name=doug.rousar.jpg%26p=doug%20rousar%26type=JPG %26oid=875cbfdcf0c04058%26no=1&tt=5)

1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?
About 7 years

2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?
Saw a local contest and was hooked. Didn’t even know the dance existed until then. Loved the freestyle aspect of the dance and the music.


3. How long have you been a WCS instructor?
About 6.5 years


4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS instructor?
I originally was going to be a music teacher. I had a desire to teach but life changes and I ended up doing something else with my education. I had held many lead roles in the performing arts arena such as director and choreographer so it was a pretty natural progression to teach dance. Especially one that I found such great enjoyment from.


5. How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene?
Well, you know, I came in around the time of the change when the dance was a little bigger in size and the “follower owns the slot” philosophy and soon thereafter, based on my instructors, it changed to the “We share the slot” philosophy. I had to relearn a lot of the concepts and retrain a lot of muscle memory. But I like the dance so much more now.


6. How has the music changed since you fist came into the scene?
Um, that’s tough. I still dance to a lot of the music that was played when I started. Maybe a little more hip hop and rap stuff. But I have gained a great appreciation for blues and enjoy dancing to it very much. I’m not really picky about the music. I’ll dance to just about anything being played.


7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?
Socially, the dance is fine and it’s not deviating to much from what it is intended to be. Competitively and performance wise, it may be stretching a little from what it is suppose to be.


8. What are you comments on judging these days?
It’s not all that easy. I feel too many people are caught up in the competitive scene and are often harsh on the judges without truly understanding their job. Before you knock it, try it J I think more events should open up mock judging so people can experience it. That said, I think there are some people who just shouldn’t be judges. Great dancers don’t necessarily make good teachers, likewise with judging. All-in-All I am very happy with the judges in today’s competitive scene.

9. Who do you feel exemplifies West Coast Swing and why?
Tough. Just like there are so many facets to West Coast Swing, there are a number of individuals that exemplify certain aspects of the dance. The knowledge I share and use to continue to better my dance comes from many individuals. Depending on what I am teaching, whether it’s music theory, musicality, connection, kinesiology, etc… I pull from different dancers, instructors and pros. I studied from many pros “growing up” and found that they all have their strengths and weaknesses.

10. Other than teaching, dancing and Dee Jaying West Coast Swing....what do you do?
Well, first, I don’t Dee jay, I play music. Completely different J Aside from that, I do theatre and choreography. I also cut music for studios and other performance couples. Socially, I also bowl, shoot darts, play Xbox 360 and hang out with my friends. I watch, or go to, a ton of movies. I enjoy outdoor activities like camping, but not in the winter. Wisconsin is cold J

[swingdj]

10 Questions with...Dance Pro...Deborah Szekely http://re3.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m6/3463044624 (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0WTb_wPnv9HC.EAE12JzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBqMjRpazg 1BHBvcwMxMARzZWMDc3IEdnRpZAM-/SIG=1go67dv1b/EXP=1208020879/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo .com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Ddeborah%252Bs zekely%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526ei%253Dutf-8%2526js%253D1%2526x%253Dwrt%26w=134%26h=186%26img url=www.libertyswing.com%252Fimages%252Fstaff%252F robert%2526amp%253Bdeborah.gif%26rurl=http%253A%25 2F%252Fwww.libertyswing.com%252Fevent_details%252F staff%252Frobert_deborah.html%26size=12.2kB%26name =robert%20deborah.gif%26p=deborah%20szekely%26type =gif%26oid=77548214b11fa452%26no=10&tt=69)

1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?

13 years


2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?

Well I used to work at Denim and Diamonds in NYC holding several jobs one of which was teaching line dance. One of My friends asked me if I swng I and said "yes east coast and he said no west coast" well I loked at him a little dumb founded since I had never heard of that .. But he showed me and I kind of got it.. then started to frequenting North River Bar where John Festa was the DJ and that's when I saw the true dance and fell in love. The rest is history.


3. How long have you been a WCS instructor?

10 years


4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS instructor?

Well I have been dancing all my life. I am classically trained in Ballet, Tap and Jazz and was a teacher of those since the age of 16. After Hooking up with Steven Neeren First as a partner I then Baceame partners with Rober Cordoba. He was already a WCS instructor so the natural transition was that I started teaching with Him and the rest is history again.


5. How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene?

I think In watching some dancers the dance is unreconizable and doesn't look like west coast. It's almost like we have lost our Identity as a dance. Very sad.


6. How has the music changed since you fist came into the scene?

For me The music had drasitcally Changed!! I remember dancing to music 130-150 bpm.. Now we dance much slower, which I do enjoy.. But I do believe that the faster music needs to come back. we need both. That's what seperates the men from the boys so to speak. How well they can adapt to both tempo's of music.


7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?

**** no!!!


8. What are you comments on judging these days?

This is a touchy subject.. I believe that Judging is a skill and can not be taught in a six week course. I from the school of you can only judge something that you have actually experienced. i.e. you shouldn't be judging lifts unless you actually have done them. You don't have to do them well but you at least have had to try it to understand the mechanics that go into one. Just someone telling you about it doesn't give you the knowledge to judge it. I think it was Socrates who said " the only way to acquire knowlege is through experience" I believe this to be true.


9. Who do you feel exemplifies West Coast Swing and why?

Triple rhythms, anchors, it being slotted


10. Other than teaching, dancing and Dee Jaying West Coast Swing....what do you do?

LIke for fun? Shoot pool, Play Darts, Golden tee hang with friends when I have the time, Sleep, Sell Skincare..... You know try to enjoy life as much as possible!!

[swingdj]

10 Questions with...Dance Pro...Mike Topel http://sp1.yt-thm-a01.yimg.com/image/25/m6/3678507359 (http://rds.yahoo.com/_ylt=A9G_bHJUfAdIl3EBv7uJzbkF;_ylu=X3oDMTBpdnJhMHU zBHBvcwMxBHNlYwNzcgR2dGlkAw--/SIG=1g5tnes9v/EXP=1208536532/**http%3A//images.search.yahoo.com/images/view%3Fback=http%253A%252F%252Fimages.search.yahoo .com%252Fsearch%252Fimages%253Fp%253Dmike%252Btope l%2526fr%253Dyfp-t-501%2526toggle%253D1%2526cop%253Dmss%2526ei%253DUT F-8%26w=699%26h=924%26imgurl=www.swingncountry.org%2 52Fphotos%252Finstructors%252FMikeTopel-cropped%252520more.jpg%26rurl=http%253A%252F%252Fw ww.swingncountry.org%252Fmike_topel.htm%26size=297 .4kB%26name=MikeTopel-cropped%20more.jpg%26p=mike%20topel%26type=JPG%26o id=7b4bc835162da108%26no=1&tt=9)

1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?
I started in early 1994.

2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?
My dance partner, Heidi, whom I used to throw in the air a lot, insisted we learn it. I thought it was a stupid dance for people who didn’t like to be airborne. After awhile, it grew on me.

3. How long have you been a WCS instructor?
I started part-time for a bar in late 1994, but went full-time in 1998. That took a leap. Spent a good many years “earning” it afterward. Kind of like a friend of mine who boasted he was a black belt in karate to some bullies, and then had to earn it for real just in case anyone jacked with him.

4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS instructor?
Initially, it was because the local instructors sucked so bad…SOMEBODY had to do it. After getting lots of coaching, I became frustrated that so many (past) instructors couldn’t make a cogent argument, or provide rationale for some very simple physics, psychology or physiology that was apparent to me in the dance. You know, when they would bark me down with their pedigree or doctorate or book deals. I thought, this must piss off other students too.
I had coaches tell me where I shouldn’t put my left foot. It’s such a big friggin’ floor…it would have taken them less time to tell me where I SHOULD put my foot. It seemed so obvious to speak in the active voice (ironic I’m using the passive voice in this sentence, though, eh?), and be constructive when demonstrating.
And jeez, if you’re reading this, I’m not talking about you.

5. How has this dance changed since you first came onto the scene?
Some scary demonstrations of flash & trash that I first wanted to emulate, then got tired of. West Coast with an East Coast down-and-down movement, to a Hustle-like phase, to the Shag phase, to the Lindy phase, to the Swango phase. No more phases! It’s not cute anymore. Maybe I just hate accordions.

6. How has the music changed since you first came into the scene?
Speed…first up, then down. I got a fill of country, then blues, lots of disco, jazzy-swingy stuff, much slower blues, then a buttload of R&B. Throughout was a lot of pop music that lived a stellar life when some superstar couple put it on the floor, then died a slow death as everyone tried to relive those performances.

7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?
Uh, when I’m judging, I think…oh, no no no no no. But when I’m dancing, I don’t notice. There will always be innovators and there will always be purists. Which wins: the unmovable object or the irresistible force? I haven’t felt really limited by staying in Swing Time. Sure, I pause, stretch, lose a triple here and there, but I can’t fathom why some dances have to drift into pole dancing. Must be a shortage of poles.

8. What are your comments on judging these days?
As a judge: it’s so easy to shorthand. It really is easy to see good dancers, and appreciate and reward them. Quality of dance (from what I remember even a few years ago) is increasing. That is not to say that the dance itself, or the direction of the dance is always improving, but a novice this year can kick last year’s (metaphorical) intermediate.
As a dancer: I couldn’t give a rat’s @$$ what the judges think (while the dance is going on). If they don’t score me well, I remind myself (sometimes for hours) not to care, since my attitude was I couldn’t give a rat’s @$$. In the moment of the dance, things are going to come together: my training (crap, I forgot to extend my ankle again!), the music, my partner’s skill, our ability to perform and project. If it doesn’t…oh, well…there’s another day and more drills.

As an observer: some judges mystify me when they’re unable to qualify their score. I don’t have a problem with a judge giving one performer a first place and another performer a 10th, opposite of EVERY other judge, if they can qualify their answer in a rational way. If they cannot, I think their scores should be tossed. The good judges I’ve seen have been good doers. That is, they’ve done an anchor, so they know when it’s wrong; or, they’ve done a lift, and understand why she’s flopping around up there.

9. Who do you feel exemplifies West Coast Swing and why?
The girls. They’re stricter, demonstrate more physical stamina, and have to put up with lots of puppeteer crap. If you can follow a lead and STILL hit that friggin’ plink in the music despite his pushiness, I have to give you kudos: Tatiana, Brandy, Deborah, Debbie, Sharlot (and sixty-eight other pros). Guys who “get” it: Mario, Festa, Lindo, Angel, Mark, Wayne (and seven or eight other guys—yes, you’re on the list if you’re reading this). God, Wayne could make me laugh.

10. Other than teaching, dancing and DJing West Coast Swing....what do you do?
Well, I teach and dance a lot of other dances, except Foxtrot, Quickstep, Peabody and Tango (Argentine as well as that monstrous incarnation, International). If I can’t stand to have the music on in my car, I refuse to do the dance. I have some income property that should help me with retirement. I hope I don’t need health insurance; if something big comes up, I may be screwed, so I’d go back to graphic design, computer support, web or something in front of a keyboard.

[swingdj]

10 Questions With Dance Pro....Arjay Centeno http://www.portlandswing.org/images/arjayandmelissa.jpg


1. How long have you been dancing West Coast Swing?

I've been dancing West Coast Swing roughly 7 years now. But I've been a dancer of many forms for about 12 years. Other forms of dance I've learned are International Standard Ballroom which consist of the five dances, Waltz, Foxtrot, Vien. Waltz, Tango, and Quickstep. I've also learned International Latin which consist of the five dances, Cha Cha, Rumba, Paso Doble, Samba, and Jive. I learned a little Lindy Hop, a little Hustle, and dance other dances like Nightclub and Mambo/Salsa. My original passion for dance was Hip Hop.

2. What got you interested in West Coast Swing?

I cannot lie. I got into West Coast swing because I wanted to meet this girl named Melissa Rutz. I was at the time dancing Ballroom and Latin, but working the desk on weekends at one of the local ballrooms during the West Coast Swing dances. Melissa would come in and wanting to meet her I showed an interest and would inquire about it with her. (Yes folks that's right!!! she was the first to show me the ropes)

Taking this question to the next level though.....
I wasn't really hooked on West Coast Swing until I was introduced to the community. When I was exposed to all the bonds and interactive relationships West Coast Dancers had with each other, I was immediately intrigued. Melissa and I first started competing together in Ballroom and Latin. Going to WCS events really was just a hobby like most people intend. And at that point Melissa nor I would have ever thought we'd make WCS our current profession. We quit attending Ballroom/Latin comps all together so we could go to more WCS events.

3. How Long have you been a WCS DJ?

I wouldn't say that I'm an official WCS DJ. I've never been contracted as one. But I've definitely spent hours behind the booth playing my tunes. I also DJ all our classes at home and love playing for some of the dances nationwide when offered the time. But I'd love to someday make it official and do so. However, everyone knows it makes it difficult to social dance when you're monitoring the booth. As for how long I've been a DJ? I guess as long as I've been dancing. I think there is an art form and a passion and certain criteria to being a good DJ.

4. What got you interested in becoming a WCS DJ?

Probably my selfishness to want to hear my songs! I guess I got tired of always requesting songs. But I always appreciate not having to worry if people like my music, so sitting back and listening to other djs suits me just fine sometimes. I also get a good feeling when the crowd really responds well and want to thank you in person for keeping them on the floor happy.

5. How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene?

When West Coast Swing was first introduced to me, many locals and friends informed me of the dance following 2 or 3 generic trends, i.e....schools of thought of how the dance should be done. It's nice to hear as a pro that students think we bring another dimension/perspective/approach to the dance.

In general, I noticed a change from fast intense dancing with lots of powerful movements and spinning. There is still a bit of pattern heavy combinations but now I see a lot more attempts to texture the dance and giving it a little bit more personal flavor.

6. How has the music changed since you fist came into the scene?

Music has gotten away a bit from good blues. Routines have slowed down a bit. But in a good way I would also say my taste in music has changed. I used to really love all the hip hop and contemporary music not just for WCS but just to listen to at home. Now my appreciation for music has changed to include more blues, rock, and even a little country.

7. Do you think the dance is going in the right direction?

Dance is art. Just like general art, I don't think art can't be labeled as "right" or "wrong." Is it going the way I'd like it to go? I don't think quite yet. I think there is still a lot of imitation and emulation in this dance. "monkey see monkey do" I'd rather someone do something because they agree with my view of the dance(or someone else's view) and choose to follow similar principles, not because they like my(their) moves and want to look like me(them), or lead the same "next bada$$ pattern"


8. What are you comments on judging these days?

I think that judges and pros are not on the same page. They should be, we are both two parts of the structure that the community bases its development on. The judges bend the scoring the way they view it. The pro dancers experience something first hand and may see it change differently than the judges may see it. But to the community, we represent the same goal of unity. (don't misquote unity for monotony, we can have unity composed of individual uniqueness and different perspectives) The teachers teach one thing and judges sometimes disagree.
One major flaw to this is lack of communication. Judge/teachers hear through students what another teacher/pro/judge says and disagree. The battlefield for illustrating differences ends up being on the competition floor. Students/competitors get confused as to why scores are very inconsistent.

My feeling is that scores can and should be inconsistent but because of really good dancing and good competition making it difficult for judges to place competitors. Scores should not be inconsistent only because of extreme differences of dance philosophy.

9. Who do you feel examplifies West Coast Swing and why?

The all night social dancer. There is too much emphasis on competition and the self value of ones worth by the number of points an individual carries. West coast swing is a street dance that encourages retaining ones uniqueness and individualism. It also preserves the element of lead and follow. Competition is good but there are more and more students I'm encountering that "just want out of their respective division, or just want to get to the next level, or win a comp. In doing so, they become more obsessed with how they look and not how they feel. As mentioned before, more cookie cutter dancers trying to beat the next person. Competition has also encouraged flash and trash.

To partially answer the previous question before about "How has this dance changed since you first came unto the scene? " Something that's changed is audience reaction. Everyone used to "oooh and aahhhh" over subtle changes of footwork or smooth transitions. Competition has made audiences desensitized to this magical feeling. Now a roll on the ground, backflip and handstand is almost required to get a reaction out of the audience. This changes the dance tremendously because dancers try to fill that void. That's not west coast swing.

10. Other than teaching, dancing and Dee Jaying West Coast swing.....what do you do?

I love to play sports....ultimate frisbee, golf, bowling, table tennis and basketball. I'm a major pc gamer and play games occasionally on the road. My favorites are sports games, strategy games and puzzle games. (not so much on the rpg games)
Non electronic games are fun as well, decent boggle player, love quiddler, munchkin, and some casino card games.

I have experience in graphic design and work on Boogie by the bay fliers every year, have worked on the usopen program cover, and play around with designing my website.

I hope to someday pick up the violin again and play more non-classical pieces and revisit my classical background as well.

I hope to also get back into painting and sketching artwork for hanging on my wall.