Your Guide to the Fall 2016 Arthur Murray District Showcase
The Arthur Murray District Showcase is right around the corner, so we thought we would put as many resources for those participating, spectating, or getting a jump start on the Spring 2017 showcase.
The Dinner
Dancing or not, don't miss the dinner on Saturday, September 17th. With a "Fire and Ice" theme, the ballroom at the San Jose Marriott will be converted into a visual spectacle. Formal or cocktail attire is recommended, but adding actual Fire or Ice to your attire is not recommended.
Dinner tickets may still be available, but not for long. Check with your studio Office Manager for details.
The Show
Performing for the first time at this Northern California event is Daniele Scalise and Alla Andriushchenko from Lamezia Terme, Italy, where they own an Arthur Murray Dance Studio.
Coming from the world of International Standard and Latin competition, this pair have also begun competing and performing in American Smooth - so this show could offer a wide variety for those in attendance.
Aside from their incredible skill on the dance floor, you couldn't meet a nicer couple, and for those taking coaching lessons with them following the showcase will realize that instantaneously.
The Hotel
The San Jose Marriott is located in downtown San Jose, and the beautiful and convenient location has several key things every dancer needs: A Large ballroom, great service, and a Starbucks in the lobby.
Due to the amount of participation in this two day event, we suggest that you contact the hotel immediately to check on room availability.
The Event
This seems like a common theme, but this District Showcase will set a new record for entries for the event. The two day showcase is like a weekend conference in developing dance confidence. With a panel of Arthur Murray Consultants leaving feedback, it is designed to evolve the participating students over the course of the event, and "showcase" the strides they've made in preparation.
The Guide
Anything that wasn't mentioned above is covered in our Downloadable E-Book - including a rough outline of the schedule, a summary of the events, and tips for making this the most productive dance event on your calendar.
Helpful Reminders
1. You will feel more nervous in your first 10 freestyles than at any other time.
2. Remind your teacher that quick and easy reminders can be repeated as frequently as they'd like.
3. You are always dancing against the best version of you, and so is everyone else.
4. One of the quickest ways to overcome nervous energy is to smile, scream, and cheer for others while you're waiting to dance.
5. Allow for at least 30 minutes of buffer time for anything listed on your dance agenda.
6. No matter what happens, your teacher is incredibly happy that you trusted them to attend this event. There is nothing you can do to disappoint them.
7. It's hard to get negative if you sit with a group of happy people.
8. It's easy to get negative if you sit alone with a pessimistic voice in your head.
9. You may not resemble the dance version of you from the studio until you're halfway through.
10. The best way to keep the progress from the District Showcase is to build on it immediately the week afterwards. Adding a Coaching Lesson will kick that into a higher gear.
11. Taking a long vacation after the event is over will cause a loss of progress.
12. You may notice dances throughout the day that you'd like to try at the next showcase. Write them down or you'll forget.
13. You'll know you've made progress when your feet hurt and you're too tired to care.
14. Set your visual input filter to positive.
15. Share the positives with other students, share the areas of improvement with your teacher.
16. Celebrate when you finish, and do the same when the other students do too.
17. Read through Dance Progress Explained: The Curve of Learning
Final Thought
You've heard it before, but the District Showcase is a big event, but it's not the destination. It's a milestone, a highway sign, a way to gauge your current progress as part of a bigger process. There will be things that are more refined, and other things that need development. We all understand that, even the judges. When it's all said and done, the most important feedback you'll receive is from that voice inside your head that says, "Wow, you really can do this".
Happy Dancing!
