Tampa Bay Classic

Perhaps it’s because I missed out last year, but this time around, the Tampa Bay Linedance Classic was more fun than I ever have had.  Perhaps the addition of Maggie Gallagher had something to do with it, or perhaps it just was the great workshops that I got to pick from.  I don’t know, but I had a lot of fun this year and event director Arline Winerman along with her #1 coordinator Jennifer Cameron did a bang up job on organizing this event.

Arline Winerman dressed up in Event Theme Style of Countries from all over the World

When you are honored to instruct along with so many talented folks, it isn’t always possible to attend every workshop that I wanted, however, I can tell you that I learned some wonderful dances.

Dances I already learned and have previously recommended were Battlefield (Junior Willis); Coochie Bang Bang (Scott Blevins); If I Could Change (Ruben Luna and taught by Kathy G); Fiona (Michael Barr) and Hey Mama (Scott Blevins).   

Rob Glover & Scott Blevins

The dances that Glen and I taught were all hits at Windy City and were enjoyed by the Tampa Bay folks:

Break The Dawn (Team International): Fun dance.  The music didn’t wow me until I put the dance with the music. 

Bad Influence – Kinsers and Furnell – As previously noted, my favorite dance of 2009.

Booty Music – (Team USA): Glen did a terrific job teaching this and I enjoyed the dance and his class.  (Especially considering it was done early on Sunday.)

Bracken Ellis-Potter taught Sin City Swing

Classes I attended or heard recommendations from my students for:

Craig Bennett Taught Some of The Weekend's Top Dances

Playing With Fire – Craig Bennett: This was also taught at Windy City and I missed out on it the first time, but it’s no secret that this one has caught on quickly. 

Sin City Swing – Gary Lafferty  (taught by Bracken Ellis-Potter): The music was fun and I’m sure the dance is equally good.  Missed the class but definitely want to check this one out.

Michael Barr Doing One of his Demo's

Rain Against My Window – Michael Barr: Already a hit and has been taught in the Chicago area. 

Swing By My Way – Cooper and Daugherty (taught by Marilyn McNeal): Tricky dance that has music that definitely grows on you as you listen to it a few times.  If you’re looking for something out of the ordinary, this is a great dance to check out.  By the way, it’s been awhile since I got to attend a class from Marilyn and she is a wonderful teacher who deserves the great following she has.

Marilyn McNeal has a popular Floridian Following

Eve Yeaton was the Saturday Night Dinner Show Host!

Sambalera – Rob Glover: Glen highly recommended this class and related about how wonderful of an instructor Rob was.  A great person to start the day off with at a 9am class!

Sexy Chick – Maggie Gallagher: A definite teach for me!  The music is infectious and the dance hit the mark flawlessly. 

Maggie Gallagher & Mark Cosenza

Argentina – Maggie Gallagher: A tough dance to great music that is worth every bit of effort to master.  I’ll be teaching this one at the upcoming Las Vegas Explosion. 

Bitter Pill – Amy Christian (co-choreographed with Scott Schrank): Looked like fun

Amy Christian Performing at The Saturday Night Show.

 but missed the class.  Will have to have another look at this on YouTube.

When I Go Away – Patrick Fleming: Had a lot of folks attend his class and the dance looked like fun but the class was not at a time I could attend.  Another one to check out on YouTube. 

Straight Thru – Neville Fitzgerald: Another dance I loved the music for and many from my class recommend I check out further. 

Rosie Multari kept the beginner room hopping!

I’d also like to recognize Rosie Multari, one of the nicest instructors out there,  who brought a lot of energy to the event and presented some fun beginner dances that DJ Louie enjoyed playing in Open Dance.  Ferrell Mazzato and Vivienne Scott also kept the beginner room hopping! 

Popular Canadian Instructor Vivienne Scott.

The Dinner Show was emceed by the Windy City Event's own Eve Yeaton and featured a multitude of dancers young and old.  I don't want to be guilty of singling out one specific act, but it was a show worth a look on the Event DVD.

John Robinson hangs out with Pauline and Big Dave during open dance.

As for Open Dance, both Big Dave and Louie competed for dancers each night on their respective dance floors with the present and past hits.  Both kept the floors active and played what the dancers wanted.  All day both Big Dave and Louie also worked with the Instructors as they presented their dances, making them feel at ease as some of them (such as Maggie Gallagher and Francien Sittrop)

DJ Louie St. George & Event Coordinator Jennifer Cameron

 presented their creations to the Americans for the first time.  Along with reviews and a beginner dance room hosted by DJ Olivia, there was lot of choices for dancers each night.

I'm really looking forward to 2011! 

Pics Courtesy of Kaz Ozaki!