Events Calendar
Mario Intensive 2014 - What is it?
Staying True To West Coast Swing
Hey Folks,
The Next Mario Robau Intensive is scheduled for May 30- June 1, 2014.
There are already several couples "On The List", so, even if you are not
sure, let me know if you are interested in that weekend. This workshop
weekend is limited to 15 leaders and 15 followers (And possibly a few
local instructors). You do not have to sign up as a "Couple", but that
helps. I just make sure numbers are even, and we will do some rotating.
**** It will be assumed that all Men will be leaders, and all Women will
be followers, unless otherwise specified in advance****
Ken
*NOTE - The two workshops Friday & Saturday are open to the Public. See
Listing under "Friday Night Dance" Section
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* Intensive workshops - What are they?
Right now, our dance, West Coast Swing, is in transition. Fewer and Fewer
instructors are teaching the foundation of the dance as it was meant to
be. Ironically, the great majority these instructors, learned the very
technique(s) taught by the "Old School" dancers, that you really don't see
traveling much anymore. For some reason, this new generation has seen fit
to change the dance, and not pass along the information that made them the
dancers that they are today. Maybe they are trying to help you "Shortcut" the
process, feel the basics are unnecessary anymore, or simply forgot much of
what they learned in the beginning.
In this weekend, you WILL GET that missing information.
In answering questions from dancers about the content of the workshops, I
realized there was a HUGE misconception over what these workshops were all
about. It seems almost easier to tell you what it is not.
Anybody who currently believes that these workshops are strictly geared
towards the advanced dancers is way off base. This is NOT a weekend full
of extremely difficult moves, patterns and syncopations. As a matter of
fact, much of the first few hours you are seated, learning how to
interpret music and create your own unique style of dance. Later on you
learn to apply that knowledge. These workshops are designed to give the
"Advanced Beginner" to "Intermediate" Dancers the knowledge and technique
to propel them into the advanced category. Mario teaches you how to make
up your own syncopations, interpret music, and how to lead/follow so you
can attempt the more difficult patterns with confidence ... or at least
attempt them with a little less panic. :-)
Ironically, once involved in the intensive program, most who consider
themselves advanced dancers, find out that they are not quite as advanced
as they thought they were. Not because they can't do a lot of fancy
patterns and "Goat Ropers," but they find out that the foundation of dance
is not solid enough to execute the moves properly ... in a clean smooth
fashion. There is a lot more to dancing than spins and dips ... (and a lot
more enjoyable options too).
Speaking from personal experience, the first time I took the Skippy Blair
intensive, I realized how little I really knew about "Dancing" ... not
specifically West Coast Swing." I actually went to California around
1993-4 and stayed at the Skippy Blair "Home for Wayward Dancers" to learn
about dancing and West Coast Swing. (After her one and only intensive
series here in New England) Most dancers today are not quite that
dedicated, and are more into it for fun. That's the reason I am bringing
this level of instruction here to you. And it is a fact ... Dancing
cleaner and more precise does make dancing more enjoyable.
Reality check - Here is the Catch-22 ... Those who have been dancing
longer, may have seen some of this material before, and therefore, have to
remember less. Sadly those of us, who are more advanced, also have more
"Flaws" or "Inconsistencies" in our dancing. They are more "Ingrained"
into our dancing, and it is a little harder to correct these minor flaws
after they are incorporated into our weekly dancing. To this day I find
myself sometimes slipping into old habits learned in my early years of
dancing.
Those who are newer to the dance don't have as many mistakes to correct,
but much of this information will be brand new. Thus you need to remember
more.
There is nobody in New England above the level of these workshops. As a
matter of fact, many of those who used to consider themselves advanced,
are taking this workshop for the second or third time. And it shows. Those
folks are now winning the Jack'n'Jills and other competitions around the
country. Not just our little corner we call New England. They are also the
people they you want to dance with more often, because they are doing "IT"
right. After a couple of years of applying this knowledge, they are now
becoming truly advanced.
As time goes on, Mario adds and deletes material and teaching technique.
Each intensive is slightly different than the last one, and as the dance
evolves, the workshops will continue to evolve.
Many have asked me if they think they should attend. I hate saying yes or
no. Truthfully, I think everybody should take them, BUT, if you can't lead
or follow the 8-10 basic patterns in West Coast Swing with anybody you ask
to dance, (Providing they know the basic patterns also), then maybe you
should wait for next time.
Everybody progresses at a different level. Some are ready for this after
just a few months of dancing ... others may take longer.
Call me if you are interested. Better yet, Call and e-mail ... that way I
also have it written down ;-)
1) Schedule
2) Cost
Hotel Info - The week before the event, I look around for a "Deal" on
hotel rooms. If you need a room, let me know.
1) The schedule for the weekend is;
Friday - 4:30-7:00 PM Intensive
7:30-8:45 PM Workshop
9:00 PM - Midnight - Dance
Saturday - 10:30 - 5:00 PM - Intensive
7:30-8:45 PM Workshop
9:00 PM - Midnight - Dance
Sunday - 10:30 - 3:00 PM - Intensive
Important - There is no way to take just one or two days. Mario is very
adamant about this. Also, you really need to be at the Polish Home by
5:00PM Friday. The first 2 hours set up the rest of the weekend. If you
miss the first night, you may or may not be able to "Catch Up".
2) Cost . the cost for the entire weekend . 12 hours of Intensive, both
dances and both workshops is $300 Per Person..
Thanks,
Ken
http://www.djkenm.com/
860-749-5434 Home
860-559-6179 Cell
-----------------Flyer info for 2013 Intensive------------------------
MARIO ROBAU JR.
Intensive Dance & Instructor Training
-
** 12 hours of the best dance training available**
Polish Home, 9 First Street, Windsor Locks, CT 06096
**** Do you wish to excel beyond "The Average Dancer"? ****
-
Intensive Workshops - Limited to 15 Leader and 15 Follower spots open to
the public*. The success and popularity of these "Intensive Dance
Training" weekends can not be overstated. This weekend is a must for
anybody who wishes to be an excellent social dancer, a competitor or
instructor. Learn how to progress from just repeating moves and patterns,
to actually dancing. Learn the fine points of Leading, Following,
Syncopations, Musical Interpretation and other techniques that will
separate you from the majority of dancers on the dance floor. Designed for
dancers that are above the "Beginner" level.
-
* NOTE - I do save 5 additional spaces for local instructors. If they
choose not to attend, there may be additional openings. I may or may not
choose to fill those 5 extra spots.
-
You will be videotaped at the beginning of the weekend on Friday, and then
reviewed* on Sunday Afternoon. NOTE - If you are not available to be at
the Polish Home by 4:30PM on Friday, and can not stay until the end of
the workshop on Sunday, you will miss valuable information. There is no
way to attend one section or one day . all or nothing. * If the weekend
runs on time, there will be a critique session offered for those who wish
to have their dancing critiqued. So ... HINT, HINT ... Be there on time
!!!!!
-
Intensive Schedule
-
Friday - 4:30-7:00PM
Saturday - 10:30AM - 5:00PM (Bring your lunch, or we can have it delivered)
Sunday - 10:30AM to 3:00PM
-
Also Included - Public Workshops and dances
-
Friday - 7:30-8:45 PM - Novice/Intermediate West Coast Swing
Friday Dance - 9:15PM - Midnight
-
Saturday - 7:30-8:45 PM - Intermediate/Advanced West Coast Swing
Saturday Dance - 9:15PM - Midnight AM - $10.00
-
Also . this weekend . due to the amount of information presented, All
workshops will start on time. Plan on being here at least ½ hour to a
minimum of 15 minutes before the start of the each session.
Please contact me directly at 860-749-5434 or 860-559-6179 for pricing, if
you are interested in the "Intensive Weekend". You must register by
calling or e-mailing me directly . This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - There is no "Form" for
the intensive registration.
This will be the only intensive weekend in the Northeast this year.
**** It will be assumed that all Men will be leaders, and all Women will
be followers, unless otherwise specified in advance****
