Forrest Vance told them, “I’m going to give you my philosophy”, and then asked them for their best basic, “4, and, 1, 2, 3, 4, and, 1, 2, 3…….”. All level students, both American and International style dancers attended the technique workshop. Vance saturated the air with movement and asked the attendees to “listen” with their eyes. He almost overloaded the group with information, answers to their questions and his secrets to success. “Nothing I do just happens. I decide where I am going to look, if my leg will be bent or straight.” He explained the difference between a break and a rock step, a chasse, a chaine, a spot turn, spin and spiral. You need to know the terminology. I want you to know the lingo.” Vance asked for questions from the dancers as he demonstrated the similarities and differences between American and International styles. “I like to watch, because then I can bring light to what I see.” He offered rules, exceptions and how-tos on leg action, hip action, power, and speed. He stressed the importance for each dancer to think about the entire body – so that the audience could and would feel what the dancers were doing. “GOOD. WOW! Some of you are really starting to feel that.” Vance shared what he looks for in dancers and couples when he is judging a competition. He talked about the musical accents in Cha, Cha and how to create excitement with aggressive or passive steps. The group continued to drill as they were told again, “It’s a choice. The man must decide in advance …..” More practice as Vance called out “step, hip, step, hip, I see a lot of butt lock. Try to keep your hips free. Give me some change! Shake it out.” The group laughed. A big message appreciated by all was, “It’s not a one-sided relationship. It’s equal. What she does, he does! Spin, Split, Kick! More discussion and questions from the group and more advice and instruction on how to keep the body percolating – and how to offer more, and avoid empty steps. The Champion’s overriding message to the group - “EVERYTHING IS A CHOICE. NOTHING JUST HAPPENS!” What a great choice for each dancer to attend a workshop designed and delivered by a ballroom champion – Forrest Vance. Contact Forrest Vance for lessons, coaching, choreography by email: fvance1@aol.com, phone him at: 480-473-1678. Visit his websites: www.forrestvance.com or www.peopleschoicedancesport.com. | 
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