Friday, April 13, 2007

Let's Get Ready To Rumble!!!

2 weeks ago, IntoSalsa posted information for their second annual salsa competition. Chimere and I competed last year, which was a fun experience. There is a video clip of us that I posted on YouTube and mySpace. There were a few discrepancies that occurred in last year's dance competition (during qualifications and the finals) that did not rub me the right way. I addressed these issues to the promoters and hopefully this year’s competition will be more consistent.

I really like that they have created both a professional and amateur division. One issue that we had last year was the that non-pro dancers did not want to compete against the more advanced level dancers. I really think the pro and amateur division is going to increase participation. Also, the promoter has given the dancers early notice of the competition (about 3 months!). Last year we were given about 2 or 3 weeks, which was very stressful when attempting to put a routine together.

I have decided that I will compete this year. I have learned a great deal from last year’s competition and would like to raise the level of my performance. My dance partner will be Jennifer; a music major from Indiana University. She is an excellent dancer who has a passion for dance. We should make a good team and give Indy a good show.

There is one minor issue, which I will have to overcome. I am recovering from a rotator cuff injury. The pain was gone for awhile, but has returned. I think the reason is because I have stopped all my physical therapy exercise (due to the stress of a new project I have been working on). So if I want to survive the training for the competition, I better get back into the gym.

I would encourage all dancers to go out and find a partner and give the dance competition a try. It is not about winning, but giving it your best and showing off the video clip of your performance to your friends and posting it on your mySpace homepage!

For those who want to compete, but do not know where to start, myself and few other freelance dancers are willing to coach (for a fee) those who plan to compete in the amateur division. Contact information can be found on my salsa lessons page at SalsaIndy.com

See you in the preliminaries!