Ask any dancer what they want, and it's usually more dancing.
If you haven't heard the news already, as of 2016, the Arthur Murray Northern California Showcase is now a two day event. With the historic growth of the event, a second day is not just a luxury item.
It's a necessity.
A really fun, dance developing, good-problem-to-have, necessity.
There are many purposes for the ballroom dance participants at this event, but there is one, all-encompassing, benefit to the event: Dance Confidence.
Dancing in front of people can seem like a form of torture, but this event is designed to make each and every dancer numb to it. We break down the process in this article.
Every participating student dancer, regardless of level, will have at least one moment they'd like to do over again. We call it the Morning After Effect. Those times when you list the things you should have, would have, and could have done.
With a two day showcase, that Morning After Effect doesn't have a chance to last very long. Instead of waiting 6 months until the next District event, the second day offers a one day turnaround time. Any laundry list of the "should have, would have" regrets can be acted on the following day.
For some more ideas on what our students, teachers, and traveling consultants think of the showcase, have a look at this video.
There's a big Country secret to getting Country comfortable at a District Showcase - and you don't even have to like Country dancing. Country Western offers as a way to blow through the nervous energy, wear jeans, and learn some secret ballroom and latin dance skills along the way. We start the day with country, by design, to kick off the day with something fun.
Closed category just means that you are dancing the patterns from the level you're working with. Closed Smooth means that this segment features the Foxtrot, Waltz, Tango, and Viennese Waltz. There are chances to dance each of these ballroom dances multiple times to allow your body to get acclimated to the environment and adrenaline (yes, even in Waltz).
For some more answers to Frequently Asked Showcase questions, check out this article.
By now you're a pro at the whole "Closed Category" thing. If you're reading this mid-showcase, this is the point when you should utilize the bottle of water you brought, or a towel from your hotel room. This segment features dance like Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Bolero, Mambo, Merengue, Hustle, and Samba... and plenty of fast paced fun and perspiration.
To close out the evening, there will be a segment full of specialty dances. Dances like Salsa, Bachata, West Coast Swing, and Argentine Tango take center stage to cap off your day of dancing.
We are proud to announce that the floor show this spring will be put on by current United States Champions Emmanuel Pierre Antoine and Liana Churilova. As Arthur Murray consultants, the pair make their District Showcase debut, as we debut the new format.
Here's an example of what to look forward to:
The day begins Sunday morning at 8:00am with breakfast. For those staying at the hotel, the commute is just a quick elevator ride downstairs.
"Open Category" gives you the option of dancing patterns outside of your specified level. It is not required, but you also have the option of dancing pre-planned choreography. Unplanned, spontaneous choreography is okay too, but that may not be considered choreography.
The Standard includes the International style version of the Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot, Viennese Waltz, and Quickstep. These dances give all students an opportunity to work on the fundamentals of the ballroom dances, with both new, and familiar, patterns.
The follow up to your closed rhythm should be an afternoon of the open category. Choreography is not mandatory but this is a great chance to use routine material, or your favorite group class combination.
Cue the Paso Doble, crank up the Jive music, and get ready to let loose with the International Latin Division. Now as an official category at the District Showcase, the International Latin is an incredibly popular category that is sure to keep the dancers, and those watching, entertained.
Quickstep, Waltz, Foxtrot, Tango, and Viennese Waltz receive the Open Category treatment. With the open category, International Standard dancers get a second opportunity to showcase their ballroom skills.
The District Showcase cranks up the energy with the fast, sexy, and exciting American Rhythm. The open category eliminates any restrictions on patterns and choreography which makes this a must dance, must watch portion of the program.