Move It 2008

Last weekend, I visited the Move It dance exhibition in London once again.

Saturday started very well, with a tango performance from the fabulous Anton & Erin.

After we watched that, we wandered around for a while before I went to Anton & Erin's class with Aimee, Andrea and Nicola. We did tango, which Andrea made me lead. To be fair, I think we did pretty well, except continually cocking up the kick ball-change part of the routine.

I had a sort break, and then went to a Latin class with Karen Hardy. Karen is an excellent teacher, and I can understand why those that take her classes enjoy them so much. She commented on how difficult it was to teach such a mixed-ability group, but she coped very well, making it fun for everyone. I partnered with Celeste, who also made me lead. It was good to finally meet Celeste after all this time.

Karen went downstairs for a meet & greet, but I had to go to my next class, an Advanced Tap Class with Janet Devenish from Stella Mann College. The routine was pretty tricky, and she used some ISTD terminology that I'd never heard (what the Hell is a paddle??). Also, it was difficult to see what she was doing, especially when she kept counting rather than saying what the steps were. But the routine was good, and I actually got to see it when students from Stella Mann performed on Sunday.

After the class I went downstairs, just in time to say Hi to Karen, as the girls had handily made it to the front of the queue. Karen was lovely. Mum had already told her I had been at the tap class. I hadn't even changed my shoes! Karen said she'd love to learn tap, but just doesn't have the time. Maybe I should have offered to teach her in return for Latin lessons!

The day ended with a Line Dance class with Johnny2Step. I throughly enjoyed the class, even if the choreography of the routines was pretty simple. I was quizzing Nic about Line later, and she explained that the choreography generally doesn't get too difficult. The key to success is putting your own stamp on it and using your creativity. I've always been interested in Line, but have never really had space in my schedule. I've always enjoyed in on the rare occasions I've tried it. Maybe I should investigate further.

Sunday kicked off with a fantastic cha cha performance from Ian & Camilla. They are fantastic, and I hope to see them do their cabaret at some point.

Afterwards, we went to say hello.

Nicola, Andrea and I later did Ian & Camilla's class. It was very basic cha cha and jive. I have no idea where Ian gets all his energy from, but he frequently berated the younger people in the crowd, telling them to keep up! He was very motivating. Of all the pros, he is the one that I am most intimidated about taking a class with. I won't go into why. I was great to have a taster, and he seems like an awesome teacher. Maybe some day I'll feel a bit braver and attend a workshop with him...

My final class of the weekend was one of my favourites - Learn The Routine: Chicago. Kelly Rainford from the Urdang Academy took the class. She focused on storytelling and the theatrical side of the routine as much as the choreography. Having seen Chicago about 9 times now, I had a pretty good idea about what the choreography was anyway! It was All That Jazz. I loved the class, and if I ever had the opportunity to be in a show, Chicago would be my choice without a moment's hesitation.

I had a fantastic day once again, and I hope next year will be as good.