May
December
December
2003
October
Not that old chestnut!
“…Too Many Dances…we ask two choreographers to respond… How do you slow the number of dances produced anyway? You can’t stop creativity.
I know that I try to limit the number of dances I produce, but when I hear the right piece of music, well the steps just start pouring out.
And I fully understand the desire for choreographers to “make it” in the business. They keep producing more material in the hopes that one dance will take off. And if one does, then they’ll need another hit, and they bring out more and more. (Peter Metelnick)
... As soon as they (choreographers) release a new dance it is picked up and tried fairly quickly therefore the shelf life of that particular dance may only be a month or two at the most.
Most event organisers like guests to produce something new when they appear at their events which creates momentum for continuous production. Add to this the production and promotion of “unknown” choreographers and it’s easy to see just how quickly dances can multiply.
(August 2003 – Page 26) Too many dances!
We ask two choreographers to respond ... and this is what Peter Metelnick and Alan Birchall had to say on the subject.
Peter
There has always been a wealth of dances out there. What any good instructor will do is look at his/her class level and select dances that are suited for their ability level. There may be a lot of dances but how many
of them are GOOD ones? Instructors need to be able to recognize good dances from simply popular ones, because popular and well-choreographed dances do not always go hand in hand.
How do you slow the number of dances produced anyway? You can’t stop creativity. I know that I try to limit the number of dances I produce, but when I hear the right piece of music, well the steps just start pouring out. And, I fully understand the desire for choreographers to ‘make it’ in this business. They keep producing more material in the hopes that one dance will take off. And if one does, then they’ll need another hit, and they bring out more and more.
I am trying to refrain from doing anything new because Brokenheartsville, Everywhere, Irresistible and And They Dance are all still popular, and I’ve learnt that there is no sense trying to compete with yourself. However, as touring choreographer I am in bind because I have to present new dances, not only because it is expected of me but the customers pay
Alan
This is a big issue, and I think there are several reasons for people thinking there are too many dances. Basically it isn’t diffi cult for anyone to write a dance and submit it to any of the big dance sites or mailing lists or magazines. To a great extent this is exactly what is happening.
and more people are wanting to choreography.
However, the more well-known and popular choreographers who are invited to teach at events and workshops are almost duty bound to offer something new. Then, as soon as they release a new dance it is picked up and tried fairly quickly therefore the shelf life of that particular dance may only be a month or two at the most. Most event organisers like guests to produce something new when they appear at their events which creates momentum for continuous production. Add to this the production and promotion of ‘unknown’
Last month we published some of the comments
More
from our Readers’ Survey, which clearly showed the level of disquiet about the number of dances being produced.
Also many readers voiced their concerns about the diffi culty of today’s new dances and the amount of tags and bridges.
www.linedancermagazine.com
Hard to think of a time when the expression “X Factor” meant something other than a Simon Cowell Saturday night TV show… but in January 2003 (X factor fi rst series was Sep 04) we gave that title to Linedancer magazine club of the year Red Hot Ravers at the Coppenhall Working Men’s Club in Crewe. Dave Blake assisted by Syd Wagstaff at the time said of their win at the CBA: “I had to go up there (to collect the crystal Boot) alone and Tim Ruzgar was there by his booth, visibly happy for us. It took me hours to calm down and relax.” (January 2003 – Page 29)
OUR TRIBUTE TO RONNIE...
PARTNERS IN LINE
Laurel & Hardy On The Floor!
MAGGIE IN MAJORCA LINE DANCE IN LONDON LATIN IN LINE VAL & PETE’S BOOTSCOOTERS Cover 86 - July
Laurel and Hardy on the front cover! Look-alikes Gary and Jim were the subject of a feature where they explained their act and why Line dancers seemed to love them…
TV Stars
“…Alan, Barb and friends recently played host to a fi lm crew from BBC’s Birmingham Pebble Mill Studios. Broadcaster-presenter Sue Beardsmore wanted to to do a story about people whose jobs had changed – from one extreme to another!…Filming then moved to the Sutherland School in Gibbons Rd. where a Beginner and Improvers class was taking place.
Club members were invited to join in wearing their Feel the Beat T Shirts for added effect. There was a real sense of occasion as Alan taught one of his own dances, Livin On Love to the beginners, followed by Vivacious to Michael Jackson’s The Way You Make Me Feel to the more experienced dancers. (The fi lm was shown on April 1st) (May 2003 – Page 37)
NEW DANCES INCLUDE: LA TENGA I’M ALREADY THERE SHOUT OUT LOUD SUMMER HOLIDAY
No. 86 – July 2003 £2.80
The monthly magazine dedicated to Line dancing
KAREN HUNN Exclusive
Forerunner …
pecial because the nd how vital they are to Line success.
hat Jenny Jones has become a gh our dancing together at
wn the country. Once again, orn and grow through Line
ood to know that Linedancer part in that. Dave, in the
ch loved by his dance friends. were recently invited to the
is and Les, class members who
cing with the Ravers for years. renewed their Marriage vows
ny and party in the evening. Les Linedancer, “Line dance was one why we are still together. Dave brought so much happiness to us
and it is a credit to them both. Say k you to them from us.” For Dave exactly this kind of message that
worthwhile.
Dave and Syd insisted that we use nity to thank club members, friends for supporting them over the years.
mility and enthusiasm are just two ns why things have worked out so e club and if you’re in Cheshire and ing Dave, Syd and friends you know cial welcome awaits…
“All the clubs we visited d but Dave and Syd h
FACT FILE
TUESDAY NIGHTS from 7.30pm to 10.30pm. A a new class which inherited from Linda Marshall who left to have a baby. Venue
The Old Fisons Sports
And Social Club (“Now the Aventis SSC but people use its old name”), Holmes Chapel. £3.50 per class.
WEDNESDAY/SUNDAY from 7.30pm onwards, the established class at the Coppenhall WMC, Crewe. £2.50 per class.
XMAS SPECIAL
Sean Kenny Live! 22nd December 2002 at the Coppenhall WMC, Crewe. Tickets £6. Fancy Dress optional.
Phone (07736) 318494 for further information or e-mail, davidblake@
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