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| "Home of Standing Still... Only Faster and Slower" | |
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Blog Archives
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Sunday February 24, 2008Da Dance Camp…Chicago…now we all know how much I love Chicago. I have a confession…Ron Oberman is my hero. This weekend I actually got a chance to watch Ron throughout the weekend. I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen the man NOT having a good time. He cheers on every single competitor, and is always (and I mean ALWAYS) there to help out with any and everything needed. The world needs more Ron Obermans. The weekend was refreshing in that it actually promotes new dancers and does a wonderful job of making dancing approachable. All the teachers I saw were very open and available to students, and there was an air of genuine concern for teaching. I applaud Stephanie Kusibab and all the rest of the Swing and Country http://www.swingncountry.org/ staff for a well run weekend. Congratulations also to Stephanie for this being the 10th year of a wonderful idea. Many great dancers from the Chicago area got their start at Da Dance Camp, and quite a few make it a point to attend in order to give back. Way to go guys…and really Ron Oberman is my hero…OOH LA LA!
-Mario
Sunday February 17, 2008On a plane once again…this time I’m headed home from Sacramento, California. Dani Canziani and her committee and volunteers put together yet another wonderful Capital Swing Dancer’s convention. Combining top level competitions, workshops, plenty of social dancing, and a wonderfully friendly atmosphere has become second nature here apparently. Although I don’t head out to the west coast as often as I used to, I’m very happy to come to this event. I’d like to send out a shout to the Evil Maven’s…much love there. I’d also like to send a salute to the powers that be over the weekend, for standing up in favor of actual dancing (it is after all called STRICTLY SWING) as opposed to the idiocy that has all too often been rewarded in this industry. The behavior of certain individuals during the first round of the Champions Strictly Swing division was insulting to those that actually desire and try to earn their way into the final rounds, and I for one am proud that the line was drawn to discourage people from assuming they will automatically progress to the final round based on name rather than talent. This type of behavior is hardly professional, and should never be rewarded. In my humble opinion, we can never expect to be taken seriously if we don’t take ourselves seriously first. Perhaps the winds of change are actually present, and we are headed toward an era of dance first, clowning second…I can’t wait.
-Mario
Sunday January 27, 2008I'm sitting on the airplane on my way home from Newark, NJ. John Lindo was kind enough to set up an intensive weekend for me at the Nash Ballroom. In all my travels, the Nash has to be the best dance facility I've encountered; plenty of room, great floors, and an extremely professional staff make it a wonderful location. Saturday night we all went to dinner to get away from dancing. It was refreshing to see such a close-knit group of people getting along away from the dance. John is blessed to have a core group of individuals that truly like each other's company regardless of the setting. Thanks to John and company for letting me share that family atmosphere even if only for the weekend. Special thanks to Kim and Allison for all the hard work they do helping John get things ready. I'm looking forward to staying home next weekend for the Super Bowl. After that, I'll be hitting the road pretty hard for the next few months.
-Mario
Tuesday January 15, 2008Another year and another Americas' Classic Championships has come and gone. This year we had record crowds, records competition entries, and record fun. Being our first year as an official NASDE event, ACC was being watched and we really came through with flying colors. At the risk of sounding biased, I really have to say that the staff at ACC has to be the best in the country, starting with our professionals who ACTUALLY DANCE with our customers to the registration staff putting in 18 hour days with nothing but smiles all the way to the volunteer staff that goes WAY beyond the call of duty to ensure everyone and everything gets taken care of. I am blessed to have these individuals in my life and as a part of my business. I have to send out the most special of all Thank You's to my partner, Cher Peadon. She is truly the reason this event succeeds. Her tireless dedication to the dance and the dancers is evident in everything she does year round for this event. Thanks Chata for believing in me and seeing our vision of what a dance event should be. Congratulations to all the winners this year, especially those that won the AANCE tour. With 18 events so far, it will keep growing for sure. I have always believed this dance lives through the novices rather than the pros, and seeing the faces of the AANCE winners proves to me that we are doing something right.
www.americasclassic.com -Mario
Sunday December 2, 2007So I'm flying home on an expressjet from Cincinnati. Mike Andreyko put together a very enjoyable weekend of workshops and dancing. It was nice to see Jason and Sophy Saturday night. To Sophy and Danelle, thank you both for dancing with me in the exhibitions. All in all, a fun weekend where new friends were made and old friends were visited. If you're ever in the Cinci area, be sure to look up Mike and the club. Thanks also to Freddy for coming down from Columbus to DJ both nights.
-Mario
Sunday November 11, 2007I'm sitting at Logan Airport waiting to board my plane home after Swinging New England. I have to send major props to Neil Klein and Willow Colson-Wall for putting together a VERY friendly event. Plenty of social dancing in a relaxed atmosphere always make for a very enjoyable weekend. I have to say the best thing about the weekend was Saturday night. The bookends competition is…memorable…let's say I now know more about Kevin St Laurent and Marty Klempner than I ever wanted to know. But that's not the best part. After all the competitions were over, Peter Strom DJ'd a "crossover" set in the lindy room. Not a single "BOOM BOOM BOOM" song in the mix…imagine actual swing music for hours on end. I hardly stopped dancing for almost 4 hours…really. I have long thought the music was missing something. I now know that I've rediscovered my passion for dancing, and that much of my weariness rested with the music. I hear Peter and a few others are having a party in Atlanta a few weeks from now…I think I may actually go check it out www.swingandsoul.com
-Mario
Wednesday October 31, 2007I have just been informed that Craig Hutchinson has passed away. One of the true legends of dance is gone. Craig was INSTRUMENTAL in building West Coast Swing not only in the Washington DC area, but throughout the Northeast. Back in 1989, it was Craig along with Margaret Batichuk from NYC that brought us WCS teachers out to the East coast. Prior to that time, there were small pockets of relatively unorganized dancing east of the Mississippi river. Keep that in mind next time you attend Liberty, VSO, Summer Hummer, Swingin New England, or any event on the east coast. His book "Swing Dancer" illustrates countless variations on footwork and pattern and transcends time…it is as useful today as ever for those willing to study its detail. Personally, Craig was a mentor who always took time to help students and peers alike. It was Craig that wrote one of the scoring programs used at most dance events to this day. He founded the Potomac Swing Dance Society, and taught in the DC area for over 40 years. I am honored to have known him, and will remember him fondly. The dance world has lost one of its greatest sources of knowledge and wisdom…
-Mario
Monday October 29, 2007I said it before, Chicago is MY KIND OF TOWN! Julie Hein and Maren Oslac have put together one of the friendliest events I have ever attended (after 24 years that's saying something) during my time on the road. A weekend with plenty of general dancing, workshops for Beginners as well and higher levels (Beginner's track of workshops is a brilliant idea) and the All-Star Hour for charity were pure genius. Add to that a DJ Challenge and costume contest for Halloween and you get one heck of a weekend. Big Hugs go out to Julie, Maren, BJ, Tobi and the rest of the Chi-Town crew. I will see you all in January for University of Mario (Holy Cow 15 years of traveling to Chicago). For more info go to marioinchicago.com
-Mario
Sunday October 14, 2007Few events across the country hold themselves accountable for maintaining a fair and balanced playing field for their competitions based on actual dancing rather than tricks. Still fewer events believe that the top "pros" should be held MORE accountable than beginners. I would like to applaud Boogie By The Bay, Andy Bouman, Beth Bellamy, and especially Kelly Casanova for their actions over the weekend in San Francisco. For far too long, many "pros" have believed themselves beyond reproach for the rules, thinking that as the "elite" they are justified in acting as they please in meetings and competitions. Boogie decided to draw the line and finally declared that many of the antics have gone too far, and they have my full support in their decision. After all, if these people are indeed the best, shouldn't they be able to dance our dance better than anyone else and not have to rely on acrobatics and clowning in order to hit things in the music? It's not like they haven't heard these songs before…it's not like they won't hear them again next week at another convention. I can assure you that like Boogie By The Bay, Americas' Classic Championships believes in swing dancing. Big Huge Thumbs Up to Boogie, and may you continue to fight the good fight. I'll continue to work for you as long as you'll have me.
Dallas has always been my second home. Thanks to Robin McBride, Robert Nelson and the rest of the gang at Texas Classic Push Club for putting together a great day of workshops followed by a fun dance in Fort Worth. Eric Montes came out and it was good to see him and catch up. Texas Classic holds lessons every Wednesday night at Sandunga Dance Studios. If you're ever in big D on a Wednesday night, go check them out!
-Mario
Tuesday October 2, 2007Maria Cirino has become quite the event director. Swing Niagara, now in it's 4th year, has become quite the event. With top staff, plenty of workshops in several dances, and competitions for all levels, Swing Niagara has become a very well attended event in Buffalo. It's always refreshing to be at a laid back event with plenty of social dancing. Special thanks to Connie for dancing with me in the Pro-Am…I'll dance with you anytime. I'd also like to wish Dave and Shelley all the best at their wedding this coming weekend. It's always great to see two wonderful people that deserve the best in life. Canada was certainly in da house, eh! And let's not forget about the Tribal Belly Dancing. I can see the jack and jill contests already…
-Mario
Tuesday September 25, 200740 isn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be, probably because I was finally able to buy the truck I've been wanting for over 15 years. That's right, yours truly is now the owner of a brand new 2007 Dodge Ram Quad Cab with a Hemi! Man, is it ever nice to have an engine again!!!!
Last weekend took me to the DC area for an intensive sponsored by Dean and Dawn Garrish. It had been a few years since I had been in the area, and it was nice to get back there and see some old friends. I started going to DC back in 1989, and it was great to see Dean, Dawn, Annie, Barb, Cam, Terry, Dan, Jim, Peggy and the others over the weekend. I hope to get back there more often because it's a great dance scene. If you're ever in the area, check out Dean and Dawn's dances on Wednesday and Thursday nights. Go to www.deananddawn.com for more details.
-Mario
Tuesday September 4, 2007Wow what a whirlwind the past two weeks have been…St. Louis for workshops then Dallas Dance! First off, St. Louis was like going home for me. I used to visit quite often when I competed with Val LaFemina back in the late 80's and early 90's and hadn't gone back for several years. I must say the entire community made me feel welcome and it was like a reunion for me to see so many great dancers from the good old days. Val LaFemina, Star Morris (the ONLY woman to ever spin at a 45 degree angle), Melissa (it'll always be Missy to me), Papa Joe, Mama Helen, Angie, Dale Rouggly, Elliot Silk, Bob Brown were among those that I saw. I didn't realize how much I missed being around those great spirits until I was able to be among them again. The entire St. Louis community was a blast and I danced the whole weekend away…really I did.
Dallas Dance has grown into one heck of a weekend. Well over a thousand in attendance from all corners of the world (France and Australia included) make this a definite event to attend. Terry Rippa and the entire volunteer staff put together a top-notch event. As event director for ACC, I'm extremely pleased to have this event as one of our qualifiers for the AANCE tour. My favorite dance of the weekend has to be with Rose Marie Mallady, one of the lady's that took me under her wing when I first started. She is the best pure follow I have ever had the pleasure to lead. My father and I used to say "to see if it's really leadable, try it with Rose…if she can't follow it, then it's not leadable." My induction to the Hall of Fame brought back a flood of memories after seeing the video compilation. To think I was 19 years old when I attended and won the first Dallas Dance in 1987…my how time flies. Thanks to Samantha for carrying me once again in the strictly…
-Mario
Sunday August 19, 2007MY KIND OF TOWN…Chicago is. What a great weekend at the 20th Chicagoland Dance Festival. Randy and Jennifer Jeffries did a wonderful job as they do every year, and my northern family came out to play. BIG HUGS to my Chicago girls BJ and Julie! It certainly was great to see Donnie as well. Don MacDonald has to be the consummate Pro to dance with in competition. Congrats to Maren on winning the Classic challenge with Jason. Mona Broussard has to be one of the best DJ's in the country world and she lived up to it over the weekend. She always takes great care of both competitors and spectators alike. Rounding out old home week was the world renowned Dave Getty…I used to see the guy every other week and now it seems we're lucky to be in the same place once a year. I don't get to as many C&W events as I used to, and it's really nice to see all of my friends from that world. If you get a chance to attend next year, you won't be disappointed. Great dancing, plenty of workshops and competitions, and wonderful hosts and volunteers always eager to help make this a GREAT place to be.
-Mario
Tuesday August 14, 2007Just got home from a GREAT weekend in Columbus at the Mid-Ohio Boogie Bash. This has to be one of my favorite stops of the year. Picture an entire weekend WITHOUT contests…just workshops during the day with a sit down dinner followed by a night of pure dance. What a blast! Thanks to Georgia Watson for inviting me again to this wonderful breath of fresh air. It was nice to see my twin brother Sam West along with his lovely wife Lisa (thanks for the dance) and the rest of the staff. Try some of Sam's chocolate! If you don't know what I'm talking about, you really need to find out…go see Sam.
-Mario
Wednesday August 1, 2007Dance Houston was this past weekend, and it was enjoyable to be home for a change. Terry Hopkins did a great job as usual running the event and actually had awards early! Thanks to Samantha for Strictly, Debbie for Slow Whip, and my ProAms (Cher, Laura Jean, Vicky, Michelle, Suzanne, and Ann) for wonderful dances. As always, it was a pleasure dancing with all of you. Cher Peadon, Robert Cordoba, Deborah Szekely, Terry Roseborough, Kerry & Alisha Turner, Angel & Debbie Figueroa all came into town to dance and support our local community. Congratulations to Samantha Buckwalter for winning Top Teacher for the 2nd time in Houston. She is well on her way to becoming one of the best on the circuit. Robert Cordoba and Deborah Szekely are still in town and are teaching my group classes tonight which should be a special treat for my students.
-Mario
Sunday July 15, 2007I just arrived at home after spending my weekend at the Grand Prix of Swing in Kansas City. I would like to thank the following ladies for honoring me on the Pro-Am floor - Sue, Lefty, Groupie, Stacie, and Ilona were an absolute pleasure to dance with. I was equally honored to have the opportunity to dance with the one and only Jessica Cox, one of the best in the business. Thanks to Stan and the rest of the organizers for a fun weekend. As always, KC was most welcoming to one and all throughout the course of our stay.
-Mario
July 1st, 2007What a year! Healthy in June 2006, stage 4 cancer in August 2006, and now cancer free again as of March 2007. Facing your mortality really has a way of simplifying your life. What were once life and death issues are now petty problems and the priorities in my life have revealed themselves. There are not enough words to describe my gratitude to everyone that has given me encouragement and prayers and support over the last year. God has given me a second chance, and I don't intend to take it lightly.
As you can see, there have been a lot of changes to my website. New logo, new outlook, new merchandise and fresh ideas abound. Without revealing too much, let me just say that you are going want to check this website often. Special thanks to my absolute all-time favorite niece, Bam-Bam, for her tireless help in getting this all up and running. I would also like to thank The Groupie for all of her help. If it weren't for you two this project never would have happened.
-Mario