ValleyRD Mailing List: Report on Bennington 2008

[Robert Heiser Jr. (w7ikt]

Here is a report on some new dances we may see in the future.

Bob

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Report on Bennington 2008

We just returned yesterday from the 19th Annual Bennington College Round Dance Festival in Bennington, VT.  There were three halls with simultaneous teaching & dancing -- all with good wooden floors.

 

Ralph & Joan Collipi, festival directors, taught "No Se Tu" (Bolero Ph 5 by Sweat; nice Luis Miguel vocal) -- very soft 5, no modified figures

 

Dom & Joan Filardo taught:

 

1) their new Ph 4+2 FT "Taking a Chance on Love".  Great Renee Alstead vocal; has an interesting same footwork section in LOP/Wall with front vines, etc.

2) Cunninghams'  Ph 4+1 Cha "Hot Stuff".  A fun dance with a lot of same footwork basics done in tandem & a circle vine 7 in butterfly.  The music was indeed hot stuff!   Palomino STAR 235

 

Al & Carol Lillefield taught:

 

1) their beautiful Ph 4+2+1 rumba "My Reflection 4" (Christina Aguilera vocal).  Excellent clinic teach we hear.

2) Schmidts' basic Ph 4 Single Swing "Jump, Jive & Wail".  Good Ross Mitchell music, limited number of familiar jive basics, all in QQSS timing, perfect for introducing the rhythm to dancers comfortable with basic triple jive. The pretzel turn made it interesting.

3) Shibatas' brand new (introduced New Years Eve in Florida) Ph6 FT "For Once in My Life" (Michael Buble music).  A pretty doable Ph 6, not a killer.  Has a Double Reverse Overspin and a Same-Foot Throwaway (which is easier than it may sound.)  Good music--another winner for the Shibatas.

 

Curt & Tammy Worlock brought to the snowy north two more beautiful dances from their New Years Eve affair:

 

1) "Flying", the waltz (URDC 2007) by the Sechrists (offically a 5+2, but definitely "dances like a 6" because of its very original choreography).  Great music from Casa Musica.

2) "La Mentira", the new Shibata 5+1+1 rumba to Enrique Chia "Sentimental Piano" music.  Unusual choreography & music; also "dances like a soft 6", but well worth the effort it takes to learn it.

 

The four leader couples and their helpers all worked very hard to bring the dancers a high-class and fun weekend -- and as usual I probably gained weight from all the good food the College served us.

 

Roy (& Janet) Williams

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