This Intermediate-level Step class was actually one of my favorite routines. It got a lot of nice comments from my class. I have taped all of the breakdowns for the entire class. The first one will be posted shortly, and the other 2 will follow as soon as I can get them done, but I hope they will be posted by the end of the coming weekend.
Enjoy!
Dana
Choreography
Combo 1
Mambo off the end (4)
Abduct, cross on top, exit, 1 stomp (8)
L-Step (8)
Tap Wide x1 (4)
Revolving Door (8)
Double knee and drop into 3 squats, rock back (12)
Tick-Tock & Shuffle/walk to the front (8)
Cut the Corner (4)
Tie the Knot (8)
Combo 2
"Stall Across" (6)
Box on the floor (4)
Stomp-Elvis-Stomp (6)
"Stomp & Twist" (8)
Diagonal Crossover Cha-cha (8)
Combo 3
Up & Lunge for 3, 1 stomp (12)
Abduct x1 (4)
3 Hamstrings on Top (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Sunday, December 28, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step, 12/23/2008
Well, I taped a bunch of videos just before my Christmas break, and now I'm in the process of producing them. Here is the Easy Intermediate step routine. Also to come are an intermediate-level class with complete breakdowns.... yes, I broke down the entire class!! I still need to tape my current advanced class and the breakdowns for that one, too.
Today I taught my last Sunday class of 2008. My Sunday class consists of people with a wide range of abilities, and these are the routines that I label "Intermediate Step." I couldn't bring myself to teach the same routine that we've been using in December, so I looked through my notes from 2008 and put together a class from all of my favorite parts of various classes from the whole year. I was a bit spacey today and I didn't teach as well as I'd hoped for the last class of the year, but overall it went fine, I guess.
Choreography notes are below the video. Have fun!
Dana
Choreography
Combo 1
L-Step, x2 (16)
1 Hamstring and walk, spin, or shuffle to the front (8)
Glutes, x2 (8)
Lunges, x6 and exit at Home (16)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Walk or chasse all the way around the step (8)
Combo 2
Hangover Hamstring repeater (8)
Diagonal crossover cha-cha (8)
Double Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee walk up, Double knee (16)
Jump & Clap Repeater, x2 (16)
V-Step, x2 (8) *Second V-Step can be a squat, "tap dance", backwards V on the floor, etc.
Split Basic (8)
Combo 3
Kicks around the world (16)
T-Step (8)
Up-up and Double Squat off the front, exit home (8)
1 Knee & Mambo Cha-cha (8)
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
Double Stomp, Single Stomp (8)
Knees, x2 (8)
Today I taught my last Sunday class of 2008. My Sunday class consists of people with a wide range of abilities, and these are the routines that I label "Intermediate Step." I couldn't bring myself to teach the same routine that we've been using in December, so I looked through my notes from 2008 and put together a class from all of my favorite parts of various classes from the whole year. I was a bit spacey today and I didn't teach as well as I'd hoped for the last class of the year, but overall it went fine, I guess.
Choreography notes are below the video. Have fun!
Dana
Choreography
Combo 1
L-Step, x2 (16)
1 Hamstring and walk, spin, or shuffle to the front (8)
Glutes, x2 (8)
Lunges, x6 and exit at Home (16)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Walk or chasse all the way around the step (8)
Combo 2
Hangover Hamstring repeater (8)
Diagonal crossover cha-cha (8)
Double Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee walk up, Double knee (16)
Jump & Clap Repeater, x2 (16)
V-Step, x2 (8) *Second V-Step can be a squat, "tap dance", backwards V on the floor, etc.
Split Basic (8)
Combo 3
Kicks around the world (16)
T-Step (8)
Up-up and Double Squat off the front, exit home (8)
1 Knee & Mambo Cha-cha (8)
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
Double Stomp, Single Stomp (8)
Knees, x2 (8)
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
Breakdown of Intermediate Combo from October
Hi everybody! This is the breakdown that I used for the first 32 counts of my October Intermediate Step routine. This breakdown was requested, and I have (finally) found the time to get it taped and produced. I think the video is self-explanatory, but as always, feel free to ask questions if you have any.
Tuesday, December 9, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step, 12/2/08
Finally! I've had this routine in my computer for the longest time, and finally got it produced. This is an easy intermediate routine. In the choreography notes, I'll try to give you the base moves for the trickier moves -- just look for the * after the move, then below I'll provide the base move/progression.
Choreography:
Combo 1:
2 Alternating Hamstrings, hangover style (4)
Mambo (or 360 Pivot) on the floor (4)
Across the long way (4)
1 Hamstring (on the step, or on the floor facing the back of the room) (4)
Across the long way (4)
1 Hamstring (on the step or on the floor facing the back of the room) (4)
Double knee, Jazz square (8)*
1 Knee & Walk Back, 1 Knee & Walk Forward (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Hamstring singles, x2 (8)
Combo 2:
Double Stomp & Pivot (8)*
3 Squats & a Rock back (8)*
1 Lunge & 1 Stomp (8)*
Kicks, x2 (8)
Glute Flye Over & Shuffle home (8)
Charleston Kicks (8)
Jump Shots Around the World (16)
Combo 3:
V-Slide, Mambo cha-cha (8)*
Curb Walk (8)*
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
Abduct, x2 (8)
***********
Base Moves/Progressions:
Double Knee Jazz Square: This is a variation of a Repeater Knee. Start with a Repeater Knee. Modify to a Repeater 2 and 4 marches. Modify the marches to be a Jazz Square.
Double Stomp & Pivot: This is a variation of a Double Stomp/Single Stomp. Start with that (and add a repeater if you want the breakdown to change lead legs). Next, move the single stomp down to the floor instead of stomping on the step. Last, Change the single stomp on the floor to a pivot on the floor.
3 Squats & a Rock back. Here's my progression for this move:
1. 2 Basics + a repeater to change leads.
2. 1 Basic & 1 Mambo (where the first count is on the step) + a repeater to change leads.
3. 1 Straddle & 1 Mambo + a Repeater.
4. 3 Squats in place & a Rock back (the rock back is the last 1/2 of the Mambo) + Repeater.
5. 3 traveling Squats & a Rock back + Repeater.
1 Lunge & 1 Stomp: This is a variation of a Repeater. My progression goes like this:
1. Repeater Knee
2. Repeater 2 & 1 Stomp on the same corner with the opposite foot than was doing the knee), then exit
3. Change the Repeater 2 to Up-Up-1 Lunge. The stomp stays on the same beat as in Layer 2.
V-Slide Mambo Cha-Cha:
1. 1 Basic + 1 Knee
2. 1 Basic + Mambo cha-cha on the floor
3. 1 V-Step + Mambo cha-cha on the floor
4. Slight variation to the V-step so that it slides off the end of the step into the Mambo cha-cha.
Curb Walk:
1. 2 Basics + a Repeater to change leads.
2. 1 Basic + 1 Mambo + Repeater Knee to change leads.
3. 2 Stomps + 1 Mambo (all using the same leg) + Repeater. So, now you essentially have 3 stomps on the step & a rock back (then the repeater).
4. Modify the 2nd stomp to be on the floor on the front side of the step.
5. If you want to show the variation shown in the 2nd run-through on the video, I just do this as a "Show & Go" since it's just an option on the move I just taught.
Choreography:
Combo 1:
2 Alternating Hamstrings, hangover style (4)
Mambo (or 360 Pivot) on the floor (4)
Across the long way (4)
1 Hamstring (on the step, or on the floor facing the back of the room) (4)
Across the long way (4)
1 Hamstring (on the step or on the floor facing the back of the room) (4)
Double knee, Jazz square (8)*
1 Knee & Walk Back, 1 Knee & Walk Forward (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Hamstring singles, x2 (8)
Combo 2:
Double Stomp & Pivot (8)*
3 Squats & a Rock back (8)*
1 Lunge & 1 Stomp (8)*
Kicks, x2 (8)
Glute Flye Over & Shuffle home (8)
Charleston Kicks (8)
Jump Shots Around the World (16)
Combo 3:
V-Slide, Mambo cha-cha (8)*
Curb Walk (8)*
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
Abduct, x2 (8)
***********
Base Moves/Progressions:
Double Knee Jazz Square: This is a variation of a Repeater Knee. Start with a Repeater Knee. Modify to a Repeater 2 and 4 marches. Modify the marches to be a Jazz Square.
Double Stomp & Pivot: This is a variation of a Double Stomp/Single Stomp. Start with that (and add a repeater if you want the breakdown to change lead legs). Next, move the single stomp down to the floor instead of stomping on the step. Last, Change the single stomp on the floor to a pivot on the floor.
3 Squats & a Rock back. Here's my progression for this move:
1. 2 Basics + a repeater to change leads.
2. 1 Basic & 1 Mambo (where the first count is on the step) + a repeater to change leads.
3. 1 Straddle & 1 Mambo + a Repeater.
4. 3 Squats in place & a Rock back (the rock back is the last 1/2 of the Mambo) + Repeater.
5. 3 traveling Squats & a Rock back + Repeater.
1 Lunge & 1 Stomp: This is a variation of a Repeater. My progression goes like this:
1. Repeater Knee
2. Repeater 2 & 1 Stomp on the same corner with the opposite foot than was doing the knee), then exit
3. Change the Repeater 2 to Up-Up-1 Lunge. The stomp stays on the same beat as in Layer 2.
V-Slide Mambo Cha-Cha:
1. 1 Basic + 1 Knee
2. 1 Basic + Mambo cha-cha on the floor
3. 1 V-Step + Mambo cha-cha on the floor
4. Slight variation to the V-step so that it slides off the end of the step into the Mambo cha-cha.
Curb Walk:
1. 2 Basics + a Repeater to change leads.
2. 1 Basic + 1 Mambo + Repeater Knee to change leads.
3. 2 Stomps + 1 Mambo (all using the same leg) + Repeater. So, now you essentially have 3 stomps on the step & a rock back (then the repeater).
4. Modify the 2nd stomp to be on the floor on the front side of the step.
5. If you want to show the variation shown in the 2nd run-through on the video, I just do this as a "Show & Go" since it's just an option on the move I just taught.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Making Videos
Over the past 2 years, I've received several questions about how I make my videos. I work for a gym that doesn't allow me to video tape my actual classes, so when I decided to start making videos, I had to come up with a way to do it that didn't involve taping in a gym. My husband was familiar with some video-producing software, so he set up a green screen in our basement, put my step in front of it, and we were off!
I tape my routines on my video camera, bring the video into my computer, and then tell the software that everything that is the color of the green screen is to be "clear." Then, I underlay a photograph in the background (pre-modified to add my name), and the software knows that wherever the green screen is actually shows the photograph instead. That's why sometimes in my videos it looks like I'm stepping on something in the photograph -- that's when I have stepped onto my green screen, which does extend onto the floor.
Next, I overlay the music, carefully aligning the beats so that it looks like I actually used that music when I was taping. Last, I put in the words, and render the video into the format required by the websites I use. The whole process can take about an hour, depending on whether I goofed during the taping and need to cut and splice parts together. That can be very time consuming, so I try really hard to be perfect when I do the taping!!
I've had a lot of fun making these videos... selecting the background pictures, figuring out how to sneak my name in somewhere onto the photograph, and selecting the music. So, that's how I do it!
I tape my routines on my video camera, bring the video into my computer, and then tell the software that everything that is the color of the green screen is to be "clear." Then, I underlay a photograph in the background (pre-modified to add my name), and the software knows that wherever the green screen is actually shows the photograph instead. That's why sometimes in my videos it looks like I'm stepping on something in the photograph -- that's when I have stepped onto my green screen, which does extend onto the floor.
Next, I overlay the music, carefully aligning the beats so that it looks like I actually used that music when I was taping. Last, I put in the words, and render the video into the format required by the websites I use. The whole process can take about an hour, depending on whether I goofed during the taping and need to cut and splice parts together. That can be very time consuming, so I try really hard to be perfect when I do the taping!!
I've had a lot of fun making these videos... selecting the background pictures, figuring out how to sneak my name in somewhere onto the photograph, and selecting the music. So, that's how I do it!
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
Intermediate Step, Nov. 17, 2008
Hi Guys!
Here's an Intermediate Step class for you. I really had fun with this one, and my class commented several times that they enjoyed it, and said it was a "really good workout." Yeah -- I hope so -- that's why we do this, right? :-)
Choreography:
Rock on Top, exit & Pivot (8) *be sure you are at the end of the step when you pivot
Shuffle & Walk away, pivot, and walk back to the step (8)
Tick-Tock 3, exit front & stomp & exit (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Turn & Stomp the Floor, x2 (6)
Up & lunge x3, exit home (10)
"Stomp & Twist" (8)
Shuffle forward & straddle, shuffle backwards & straddle (8)
Knee Lift Over, x2 (8) *see notes below
Hamstring exit (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
"L-Stomp" (8) - this is just a syncopated double/single stomp (aka 8-ct mambo)
Chasse Rock (4)
Reverse Turn (4) - this can also be a mambo, a pivot with or without propulsion
1 Knee, 1 Elvis (4)
Across the long way & box on the floor (6)
Repeater 2 (6)
Revolving Door (8)
1 knee & walk back/forward (8)
*Note: If your class can handle more syncopation, check the video for the 2nd run-through. The Knee Lift Overs are syncopated together and condensed from 8 counts to 6, then you have to do a double hamstring exit to make up the extra lost beat. Everyone will do the last hamstring together, so if you have different levels in the class, they will all meet up again on that last hamstring.
Here's an Intermediate Step class for you. I really had fun with this one, and my class commented several times that they enjoyed it, and said it was a "really good workout." Yeah -- I hope so -- that's why we do this, right? :-)
Choreography:
Rock on Top, exit & Pivot (8) *be sure you are at the end of the step when you pivot
Shuffle & Walk away, pivot, and walk back to the step (8)
Tick-Tock 3, exit front & stomp & exit (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Turn & Stomp the Floor, x2 (6)
Up & lunge x3, exit home (10)
"Stomp & Twist" (8)
Shuffle forward & straddle, shuffle backwards & straddle (8)
Knee Lift Over, x2 (8) *see notes below
Hamstring exit (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
"L-Stomp" (8) - this is just a syncopated double/single stomp (aka 8-ct mambo)
Chasse Rock (4)
Reverse Turn (4) - this can also be a mambo, a pivot with or without propulsion
1 Knee, 1 Elvis (4)
Across the long way & box on the floor (6)
Repeater 2 (6)
Revolving Door (8)
1 knee & walk back/forward (8)
*Note: If your class can handle more syncopation, check the video for the 2nd run-through. The Knee Lift Overs are syncopated together and condensed from 8 counts to 6, then you have to do a double hamstring exit to make up the extra lost beat. Everyone will do the last hamstring together, so if you have different levels in the class, they will all meet up again on that last hamstring.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Video Site is Down
Well, the website where I posted my breakdown videos is now, evidently, out of business. Rest assured, I have all of the videos on my computer, but it will be some work for me to post them onto YouTube and then link to here. So, hang in there, and I'll see about working backwards in these videos to get them to where they work again.
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Dana
I apologize for the inconvenience.
Dana
Sunday, November 2, 2008
Experiment with Quicktime video
Here's an experiment for us. I'm going to embed the latest breakdown video two different ways. First, I'll use Quicktime. You'll have to press the "Play" arrow at the bottom of the box to make the video play. Second, I'll embed a thumbnail link. Please let me know if you can or can't see either one of these videos by adding a comment to this blog entry. If one of these methods seems to work for most people, then I'll try using that method in the future instead of the Flash version. Unfortunately, Flash seems to be better quality than Quicktime.
*Note: I removed the links to the video. Stop by soon for new working links. ~Dana
*Note: I removed the links to the video. Stop by soon for new working links. ~Dana
Friday, October 31, 2008
Problems with Videos not Displaying
So, I've been notified that my videos aren't showing up -- they appear as a broken link box instead. Well, this is no good. No good at all! Now first off, let me assure you, I'm not a Microsoft Basher! Hey, years ago, I even earned my Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer certification, and I worked as a computer technician fixing issues exactly like this!! But..... despite my usual enthusiasm and unbiased view of Microsoft products, this issue with videos not showing up appears to be, well, a Microsoft issue.
I personally haven't been having any trouble with it, so when I was told that the videos weren't showing up, I did some research. I noted that not only are the videos not showing up on MY blog, but they are not showing up on several of my video-posting buddies' blogs either!
Unfortunately, I can't tell you why the videos are showing up as broken links, but I can tell you that this ONLY happens when I use Internet Explorer. When I view my blog (and the other blogs) using my Firefox browser -- NO PROBLEM! When I tried it using the Opera browser, again -- NO PROBLEM! So, while I don't have a fix for this (yet! -- but I'm still convinced it is somehow related to the Flash plug-in and Microsoft Internet Explorer), if you would like to try the Firefox or Opera browsers, they are free. And, then you can watch all sorts of fabulous breakdown videos that aren't on YouTube!
I personally haven't been having any trouble with it, so when I was told that the videos weren't showing up, I did some research. I noted that not only are the videos not showing up on MY blog, but they are not showing up on several of my video-posting buddies' blogs either!
Unfortunately, I can't tell you why the videos are showing up as broken links, but I can tell you that this ONLY happens when I use Internet Explorer. When I view my blog (and the other blogs) using my Firefox browser -- NO PROBLEM! When I tried it using the Opera browser, again -- NO PROBLEM! So, while I don't have a fix for this (yet! -- but I'm still convinced it is somehow related to the Flash plug-in and Microsoft Internet Explorer), if you would like to try the Firefox or Opera browsers, they are free. And, then you can watch all sorts of fabulous breakdown videos that aren't on YouTube!
Breakdown of Combo 2 - Advanced Step
Finally! Here's the breakdown that I used for Combo 2 of my most recent advanced step class. I was actually surprised at how short this breakdown is -- the whole video only takes a little over 4 minutes. Typical breakdowns for advanced classes are generally between 6 and 8 minutes. But, that just means it contains less layers to remember! I hope this is helpful! Enjoy!! ~Dana
Thursday, October 30, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step routine, 10/30/08
Here's another easy intermediate step class. And that's all I have to say about that. Have fun!!!
Choreography:
Double stomp & pivot (8)
L-Step (8)
Scissor & 2 Jacks (8)
Over the Top Grapevine (8)
Shuffleturn x2 (8)
3 Squats & Rock back (8)
Abduct, x2 (8)
Revolving Door (8)
Diagonal Crossover Cha-Cha (8)
1 Knee & Walk back (8)
Chasse Over, x2 (8)
Jump Shots, x2 (8)
Lunge for 6 (16) (exit the front)
Knees half around the world (8)
Tap Wide x2 (8)
Split Basic (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
V-Slide mambo cha-cha (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Choreography:
Double stomp & pivot (8)
L-Step (8)
Scissor & 2 Jacks (8)
Over the Top Grapevine (8)
Shuffleturn x2 (8)
3 Squats & Rock back (8)
Abduct, x2 (8)
Revolving Door (8)
Diagonal Crossover Cha-Cha (8)
1 Knee & Walk back (8)
Chasse Over, x2 (8)
Jump Shots, x2 (8)
Lunge for 6 (16) (exit the front)
Knees half around the world (8)
Tap Wide x2 (8)
Split Basic (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
V-Slide mambo cha-cha (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Thursday, October 23, 2008
Breakdown of Combo 1 from Oct 21, 2008 Advanced Step Routine
Okay... Here you go. This is the way I broke down the first 32 counts of the Advanced Step routine from October 21, 2008. It's pretty straightforward, I think. Have fun with it!
Wednesday, October 22, 2008
Advanced Step Routine, Oct. 21, 2008
I really, really like this routine. I love the beginning with the Stomp & Switch into the Mambo... and then Combo 2 was a big favorite, too. I just like saying "Tick-Tock Tango" and the Reverse Flye Over into the Knee on the Floor is a really fun move, too. I will have the breakdown video for Combo 1 up later today, I hope, and the breakdown video for Combo 2 will be coming along shortly. It's taped, but not produced yet. Enjoy! ~Dana
Choreography
Combo 1:
Stomp & Switch into a Mambo off the End (6), x2 (12)
Across the long way (4)
Up-Up, Twist/untwist, walk or spin to the front side (8)
Rock on Top, Straddle & Pivot (8)
Combo 2:
Tick-Tock Tango (10)
Repeater 2 (6) *Option on the video is the Rollout Repeater
Flick Kick (5)
Reverse Flye Over into a Knee on the Floor (7)
Basic Over (4)
Combo 3:
Reverse Skate & Ski (8)
Up-Up, Switch & Hold, Switch & Exit (7)
Stomp Walk Back, Twist & Switch (7)
Drag & Switch Pivot (5)
Double Stomp & Spin over to home (5)
Choreography
Combo 1:
Stomp & Switch into a Mambo off the End (6), x2 (12)
Across the long way (4)
Up-Up, Twist/untwist, walk or spin to the front side (8)
Rock on Top, Straddle & Pivot (8)
Combo 2:
Tick-Tock Tango (10)
Repeater 2 (6) *Option on the video is the Rollout Repeater
Flick Kick (5)
Reverse Flye Over into a Knee on the Floor (7)
Basic Over (4)
Combo 3:
Reverse Skate & Ski (8)
Up-Up, Switch & Hold, Switch & Exit (7)
Stomp Walk Back, Twist & Switch (7)
Drag & Switch Pivot (5)
Double Stomp & Spin over to home (5)
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step Class
And, here is the easy intermediate routine. This is my easiest class of the week, where I aim for relatively simple choreography that takes a minimal amount of breakdowns and enables the class to focus on getting a great workout. It's a great mid-week stress reliever! Oh, and try not to laugh too hard at the fact that I cut off my head in the video! Those are the consequences of setting up the equipment and doing all the taping by myself!! I need some roadies! Anyhow, Have Fun! ~Dana
Choreography:
Up & lunge for 3 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Glutes, x2 (8)
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
4 Squats going over (8)
Squat rock back, knee exit (8)
4 Squats going over (8)
Squat rock back, knee exit (8)
Kick (4)
Scissor over, triple step home (8)
T-Step (Up & Straddle, Up & Exit) (8)
1 Inner Thigh (4)
Across the top x2 (8)
Abduct x2 at home (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
1 Knee walk back (8)
L-Step (8)
Mambo & 1 Jump Shot, x2 (16)
3 hamstrings on top (8)
Revolving Door (8)
Choreography:
Up & lunge for 3 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Glutes, x2 (8)
Chasse Rock, x2 (8)
4 Squats going over (8)
Squat rock back, knee exit (8)
4 Squats going over (8)
Squat rock back, knee exit (8)
Kick (4)
Scissor over, triple step home (8)
T-Step (Up & Straddle, Up & Exit) (8)
1 Inner Thigh (4)
Across the top x2 (8)
Abduct x2 at home (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
1 Knee walk back (8)
L-Step (8)
Mambo & 1 Jump Shot, x2 (16)
3 hamstrings on top (8)
Revolving Door (8)
Intermediate Step class
Well, it's been a while, but I finally managed to get 2 new routines onto tape, and then I finally found the time to get them produced. This one is what I consider a "hard intermediate" level class. I'll post the "easy intermediate" routine after this one.
I often don't do the breakdowns for the intermediate classes, but I can do it if anyone wants to see how I broke down a particular section. Just let me know.
Choreography:
L-Step (8)
Hangover hamstrings (4)
Across & lunge 2 off the end (8)
Abduct, Step on top & Swivel, exit home (6)
Alt Stomps (6)
“V” – 2 Knees (6)
Double Lunges from the top, tap-tap, ham exit (10)
Mambo cha-cha (4)
Cut the Corner (4)
Tick-Tock, Straddle, 1 stomp (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Quick over x2 (4)
Stomp & Pivot (4)
Up-Knee, Twist/Untwist, knee exit (8)
Shuffle & 2 stomps (8)
Over – Elvis – Over (8)
Stomps ½ Around the World (6)
Basic Over (4)
1 Knee & Rock on Top (6)
Reverse turn into 1 knee on floor (8)
I often don't do the breakdowns for the intermediate classes, but I can do it if anyone wants to see how I broke down a particular section. Just let me know.
Choreography:
L-Step (8)
Hangover hamstrings (4)
Across & lunge 2 off the end (8)
Abduct, Step on top & Swivel, exit home (6)
Alt Stomps (6)
“V” – 2 Knees (6)
Double Lunges from the top, tap-tap, ham exit (10)
Mambo cha-cha (4)
Cut the Corner (4)
Tick-Tock, Straddle, 1 stomp (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Quick over x2 (4)
Stomp & Pivot (4)
Up-Knee, Twist/Untwist, knee exit (8)
Shuffle & 2 stomps (8)
Over – Elvis – Over (8)
Stomps ½ Around the World (6)
Basic Over (4)
1 Knee & Rock on Top (6)
Reverse turn into 1 knee on floor (8)
Friday, September 19, 2008
Breakdown of Alternate Combo 2 (Advanced)
I taped this a while ago, and then got really busy with my regular job, so I snuck in producing this video so I could get it posted for you. I really liked this breakdown, because I thought it was smooth and easy to follow, and doesn't really have any "weird" layers.
I hope you can see the words. I've been told that the ads sometimes won't "go away" if you push the X. If that continues to be the case, I'll see if the Revver website can fix it.
Keep Stepping!
Dana
I hope you can see the words. I've been told that the ads sometimes won't "go away" if you push the X. If that continues to be the case, I'll see if the Revver website can fix it.
Keep Stepping!
Dana
Saturday, September 6, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step Class
Okay, here's that Easy Intermediate Step class I promised. One thing I like to do is to mix up the Repeater Knees in my classes. For example, I will use a routine like this one for 3 or 4 classes, but each class I will change to a different repeater knee. It gives people new ideas and gives the combo a little bit of a different flavor each class. Have fun!!
Choreography:
1 Hamstring & Grapevine away/to the step (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Lunges, x6 and straddle at the end (16)
1 Abduct (4)
Chasse (or walk) all the way around the step (8)
1 Abduct (4)
Kick, x2 (8)
1 Knee & Walk back/forward (8)
L-Step (8)
Tap Wide, x2 (8)
Revolving Door (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
Double knee & walk to the front (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Double knee & walk to the front (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
Straddle, x2 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Split Basic (8)
3 Hamstrings on Top (8)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Rock on Top, exit, 1 stomp (8)
Knee Straddle (4)
Basic Over (4)
Choreography:
1 Hamstring & Grapevine away/to the step (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
Lunges, x6 and straddle at the end (16)
1 Abduct (4)
Chasse (or walk) all the way around the step (8)
1 Abduct (4)
Kick, x2 (8)
1 Knee & Walk back/forward (8)
L-Step (8)
Tap Wide, x2 (8)
Revolving Door (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
Double knee & walk to the front (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Double knee & walk to the front (8)
Hamstrings 1/2 around the world (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
Straddle, x2 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Split Basic (8)
3 Hamstrings on Top (8)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Rock on Top, exit, 1 stomp (8)
Knee Straddle (4)
Basic Over (4)
Friday, September 5, 2008
Alternate Combo 2 for recent Advanced Step routine
Happy September!!
I taped an alternate Combo 2 for the Advanced Step routine from August 28 (they have the same background picture). So, if your group can handle a lot of advanced choreography, you can use this one instead of the simpler one shown in the other video. I hope to tape the breakdown of this combo this weekend, and it will also have the same background picture. I also will be posting an Easy Intermediate routine within the next day or 2, in case that's your thing!
Choreography:
Stomp & Switch, into an up-up (4)
Ball change (down-down up) & exit home (4)
Mambo off the end (4)
"Open the Box" (5)
Reverse up, Elvis & shuffle off the end, Spin to face front (6)
Stomp & hold, shuffle up, crossover & exit (9)
Enjoy!
I taped an alternate Combo 2 for the Advanced Step routine from August 28 (they have the same background picture). So, if your group can handle a lot of advanced choreography, you can use this one instead of the simpler one shown in the other video. I hope to tape the breakdown of this combo this weekend, and it will also have the same background picture. I also will be posting an Easy Intermediate routine within the next day or 2, in case that's your thing!
Choreography:
Stomp & Switch, into an up-up (4)
Ball change (down-down up) & exit home (4)
Mambo off the end (4)
"Open the Box" (5)
Reverse up, Elvis & shuffle off the end, Spin to face front (6)
Stomp & hold, shuffle up, crossover & exit (9)
Enjoy!
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Advanced Step Routine
On Sunday I was able to tape 3 new routines, one of which was the intermediate routine posted below. I'm just producing them in the order I taped them, so here's an advanced step routine for you. This routine also went through several iterations before I was happy with it, so in the very near future, look for a short combo (32 counts) that was my original Combo 2 for this routine. It's quite a bit more advanced than Combo 2 in this routine, but by easing up on the complexity, I was able to give everyone more time to practice everything else, and they were able to remember it much better. I have a really great breakdown for the alternative Combo 2, which I hope to tape soon. Look for the same background, and that means that the videos go together.
Choreography:
Combo 1:
Up-Up, Swivel & Switch (4)
Box on the Floor (4)
10-count Revolving Door (10)
Knee lift over & walk/spin home "Figure 4" (6)
"Double Kick Box" (8)
Combo 2:
Double Stomp & Switch, x2 (8)
1 Kick (4)
Mambo off the end (4)
Tick-Tock, Jazz Square Cha-cha (8)
Repeater Knee "Stomp-Elvis-Stomp" (8)
Combo 3:
Reverse Rock 3 (5)
Drag to the front side (3)
Chasse Tango (8)
Shuffle down the board into a 3-ct turn, x2 (10)
Alternating Stomps (6)
Have fun!
Choreography:
Combo 1:
Up-Up, Swivel & Switch (4)
Box on the Floor (4)
10-count Revolving Door (10)
Knee lift over & walk/spin home "Figure 4" (6)
"Double Kick Box" (8)
Combo 2:
Double Stomp & Switch, x2 (8)
1 Kick (4)
Mambo off the end (4)
Tick-Tock, Jazz Square Cha-cha (8)
Repeater Knee "Stomp-Elvis-Stomp" (8)
Combo 3:
Reverse Rock 3 (5)
Drag to the front side (3)
Chasse Tango (8)
Shuffle down the board into a 3-ct turn, x2 (10)
Alternating Stomps (6)
Have fun!
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Intermediate Step, August 26, 2008
It's been a while, but here's a new intermediate routine. This one took the long road in coming.... I modified it nearly every time I taught it, after realizing (painfully) that I had been trying to cram just too many moves into a one-hour class. This is the final product, and it worked quite well in a one-hour class.
Also, I still have some breakdown videos that I am hoping to get done. I'm going to try to get to those, pending time and annoying injuries that like to crop up on me.
Also, I still have some breakdown videos that I am hoping to get done. I'm going to try to get to those, pending time and annoying injuries that like to crop up on me.
Choreography:
Stomp & Shuffle up, 2 Elvises, Shuffle down, & box step (12)
Chasse to the front (4)
Knees halfway around the world (8)
L-Step (8)
5-knee repeater (12)
1 Basic (4)
Hangover Hamstrings (4)
Stall across, stomp & exit (8)
1 Kick (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
Pivot (4)
Taps around the world (8)
L-Stomp & Drag home (8)
Tie the Knot (8)
4-Knee Repeater (10) *"Knee-Switch-Switch"
Alternating Stomps (6)
Split Basic (8)
1 Knee & Walk Back (8)
Split Basic (8)
1 Knee & Walk Back (8)
Friday, August 8, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step Routine
This one is an easy intermediate routine. The second time I run it, you can see 3 different repeaters from the first time through, and a couple of other slight variations on some of the moves. However, I try to keep the variations simple enough for newer steppers to be able to at least try them out without getting flustered. My easy intermediate routines tend to be more repetetive to give newer steppers a feeling of success, while enabling the veterans to get a good cardio workout and put in their own variations if they want to. Enjoy!
Choreography:
Repeater Knees, x3 (24)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Hamstrings x2 (8)
Split Basic (8)
Walk/chasse around the step (8)
Glutes x2 (8)
Mambo off the end (4)
Go Across (4)
Go Across again (4)
Knee Exit (4)
Mambo off the other end (4)
Go Across (4)
Go Across again (4)
Knee Exit (4)
Kicks, x3 (12)
1 Basic (4)
Double/Single Stomp, x2 (16)
Rocking Horse, x2 (16)
1 Knee & Walk back/forward (8)
Abduct Straddle, x2 (8)
Jump up & Straddle Down, x4 (16)
Abduct Repeater (or Pendulum) (8)
Tap Wide, x2 (8)
L-Step (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
L-Step (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
Shuffleturn, x2 (8)
Double knee & Walk/Spin to the other side, x2 (16)
Abduct, x2 (8)
Jump Shots, x2 (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
2 Squats & 1 Knee, x2 (8)
Repeaters shown in this video:
Knee - Elvis - Knee
4 toe taps & 1 Knee
1 Knee with 2 fast side-to-side lunges ("Knee swish-swish")
Knee Straddle Box
Over, 2 Toe Taps, Over ("Over & Toes")
Stomp - Elvis - Stomp
And, let's not forget the other 8-count lead changers in there, which include Rocking Horse, Pendulum, L-Step, Double Knee & Walk to the other side, and 2 Squats & 1 Knee!!
Choreography:
Repeater Knees, x3 (24)
Mambo cha-cha, x2 (8)
Hamstrings x2 (8)
Split Basic (8)
Walk/chasse around the step (8)
Glutes x2 (8)
Mambo off the end (4)
Go Across (4)
Go Across again (4)
Knee Exit (4)
Mambo off the other end (4)
Go Across (4)
Go Across again (4)
Knee Exit (4)
Kicks, x3 (12)
1 Basic (4)
Double/Single Stomp, x2 (16)
Rocking Horse, x2 (16)
1 Knee & Walk back/forward (8)
Abduct Straddle, x2 (8)
Jump up & Straddle Down, x4 (16)
Abduct Repeater (or Pendulum) (8)
Tap Wide, x2 (8)
L-Step (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
L-Step (8)
Glute Flye Over, x2 (8)
Shuffleturn, x2 (8)
Double knee & Walk/Spin to the other side, x2 (16)
Abduct, x2 (8)
Jump Shots, x2 (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
2 Squats & 1 Knee, x2 (8)
Repeaters shown in this video:
Knee - Elvis - Knee
4 toe taps & 1 Knee
1 Knee with 2 fast side-to-side lunges ("Knee swish-swish")
Knee Straddle Box
Over, 2 Toe Taps, Over ("Over & Toes")
Stomp - Elvis - Stomp
And, let's not forget the other 8-count lead changers in there, which include Rocking Horse, Pendulum, L-Step, Double Knee & Walk to the other side, and 2 Squats & 1 Knee!!
Sunday, August 3, 2008
Latest Advanced Step Routine
Here's an advanced Step routine. I know I had a request for breakdowns of the last advanced routine, but vacation, work, and now a sick kid are probably making those requests OBE (that's "overcome by events" for all us non-military types). Since I didn't type in the moves for this routine, I'll post the moves here for you.
Choreography:
Mambo off the end (4)
"Open the Box" & exit (5)
Drag to the front (3)
Reverse turn straddle (4)
Double kick, ball-change & box (8)
Tick-tock, pivot cha-cha (8)
Chasse, Double Drag (6)
1 Kick (4)
Reverse up, Elvis, chasse off the end & turn to face front (6)
Stomp & Hold, Shuffle up, Crossover & exit (9)
Shuffle & Pivot (7)
Chasse up, switch on top & straddle (6)
Drag (3)
Reverse up & stomp the floor (3)
Cut the Corner (4)
Drag & Switch, Ball-change up onto Step, then over (8)Chasse over into a Tango (8)
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Disney World Hints and Tips
Hi guys!
Okay, this is WAY off my usual topic, but since we just got back from Disney World, I thought I'd share some of our experience, in case it can help make someone else's trip more enjoyable. We stayed at the Beach Club Resort, which was wonderful because we could walk to Epcot in about 5 minutes.
So, here goes:
MAGIC KINGDOM:
We didn't get to spend as much time there this year as last year due to a huge rainstorm that came through, but here's my take. If it’s not on here, we didn’t do it:
Rides:
Space Mountain - a great ride, but it's not as smooth as newer coasters. It's a 1-person to a row ride, so you won't be able to sit with smaller kids, and they could get scared since it's an inside ride that is in the dark much of the time. I got a headache from this ride, but my daughter loved it.
Splash Mountain - fun ride, and it takes you through an inside cave with water, so it's a good way to cool off if it's a really hot day. The big hill at the end is really fun, and you do get wet, so that helps cool you off, too.
Tom Sawyers Island - you walk around and look at stuff. It was okay. There are extremely dark caves you can walk through, but my littlest got scared in them.
Swiss Family Tree house – you just walk up the stairs and look at stuff. Nothing to do, but the view from the top is pretty good.
Jungle Cruise – we didn’t go on this one this year, but the animals are pretend and it was quite cheesy.
Mickey’s Philharmagic – This is a 3D movie and it’s fantastic!
Cinderella’s Golden Carousel – This is a fun ride, and last year my daughter rode on a horse right next to Mary Poppins (a live actress), who talked to her throughout the ride.
Ariel’s Grotto – your kids can meet and get a picture with Ariel (a live actress). Sometimes there is a long wait.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – My kids went on this and enjoyed it.
Toontown – we didn’t go there this year at all, but we went last year. It’s for the really small kids. Not a lot to do, but there’s a lot to look at for the little ones. And, you can meet and get a picture with Mickey Mouse after you go through his house.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – My husband and my youngest went on this. Kids love to drive!
Restaurants:
Crystal Palace – We went to the buffet character breakfast. The food was good, and the kids enjoyed seeing the characters who come to your table and will give autographs and let you take pictures.
Columbia Harbor House – decent food, nothing really special.
Pinocchio Village House – Pizza and other stuff. Pretty good pizza.
Plaza Restaurant – We didn’t like this restaurant too much.
EPCOT
Rides/Attractions:
Turtle Talk with Crush – this is GREAT! Very entertaining.
Living with the Land – good attraction. Educational
Soarin’ – FANTASTIC! A Must-Do!
Circle of Life – Excellent little movie about taking care of the Earth.
Test Track – great ride – very fast.
In the World sections of Epcot, I recommend going into the Mexico attraction, the Canada attraction, China (they had ongoing shows of Chinese acrobats when we were there in July). Most of the countries have little things to do, and all have stores.
Innoventions – it was okay. We went last year, but not this year.
Restaurants:
Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada – very, very good steak.
Tutto Italia in Italy – good Italian food, and a lot of it.
Akershus Royal Banquet – We had dinner there last year so we could see all the princesses. They do a great job with the princesses and their costumes, and you can get a portrait with Belle from Beauty & the Beast (NOT free!). However, the food last year was not very good. Norwegian food is a bit too “different” for us, I guess. They may have updated the food since last year.
Food Court inside The Land – lots of different types of food if you have people with different wants. The food was pretty good quality, too.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Rides/Attractions:
Rock n’ Roller Coaster – This was one of the best roller coasters I’ve ever been on. Very, very smooth ride. Loops, corkscrews, and all inside a building!
Tower of Terror – I liked this, but my 7-year-old was terrified. It’s a vertical drop ride.
Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage – this was a good show.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid show – this was a good show.
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – Fantastic show! Very entertaining.
Star Tours Star Wars ride – good ride.
Backlot Tour – not as good as I thought it would be. The Lights! Motors! Action! show would have been better, although we didn’t see it.
Look for actors doing comic routines outside on the road towards the Tower of Terror. We saw them last year, but not this year. Kids will enjoy the High School Musical show. The big parade has characters from all the cartoon movies.
Restaurants:
Brown Derby – good food and lots of it.
Hollywood and Vine – we had lunch there. It’s a buffet and characters from Playhouse Disney come around. The food was okay -- not great, but not bad.
Sci Fi Dine-in Theater – This is an interesting restaurant. You sit in old-style cars-shaped “tables” and it looks like you are at a drive-in theater. Cheesy old sci-fi movies play on the big screen. The food was just okay.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Rides/Attractions:
Lion King Show at Camp Minnie/Mickey – Very, very good show.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Excellent. I suggest going there first thing in the morning in the summertime. Once it gets super hot, the animals are lying down or sleeping. Take your camera!
Pangani Exploration Trails – good walking tour with animals and birds.
Maharaja Jungle Trek – another good walking tour
Kali River Rapids – fun water ride for when you get hot. Someone in your boat will get soaked, and everyone gets at least a little wet.
Expedition Everest – an extremely interesting ride. Nice and smooth, and not your average roller coaster.
Discovery Island trails – nice to walk around. Some animals are tricky to see, so you have to keep your eyes peeled!
It’s a Bug’s Life – a creepy-crawly adventure. My husband and daughter went, but not me or my littlest. They enjoyed it, though.
Restaurants:
Pizzafari – good pizza and PB&Js.
Flame Tree Barbeque – ribs and other BBQ food. Fairly greasy ribs, but good.
Blizzard Beach: (we didn’t have much time here due to inclement weather)
We went on Teamboat Springs (twice!). It was great fun.
The lazy river was fun.
Downtown Disney
This is all stores to buy stuff.
Other Restaurants:
At the Beach Club Resort – Cape May Buffet – good breakfast buffet and dinner clam/mussels buffet.
At the Polynesian Resort – Ohana’s is an interesting restaurant. You don’t order your food. They just bring you an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. It’s all you can eat. Food was pretty good and they had some hula lessons during dinner, too. Plus, if you eat late, you can see the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom out the windows.
At the Contemporary Resort – California Grill is a good restaurant, but expensive, and includes things some folks don’t like, such as sushi. My daughter and I split one entrée and it was plenty for us both.
Also at the Contemporary – Chef Mickey’s – we went there for the breakfast buffet character meal. The food was very good and the characters are good about seeing all the kids. You get the chance to get a portrait taken before you get seated (NOT free).
*Note: the Contemporary Resort is undergoing renovation currently just outside of Chef Mickey’s. It was quite loud when they would start pounding, due to the open nature of the hotel.
At the Yacht Club Resort – The Yachtsmen Steakhouse – pretty good steak restaurant, but somewhat expensive. Portions weren’t huge.
Other notes to make your experience better:
Fast Passes — If you are staying at a WDW resort hotel, take advantage of as many Fast Passes as you can. As soon as you are able to get another Fast Pass, do it. Skipping those long lines of people makes it possible for you to go on more rides.
Fireworks are at 9:00 p.m. at Epcot, and 10:00 p.m. at Magic Kingdom.
Extra Magic Hours: If you are staying at a WDW resort hotel, you can get into a park one hour early each day before the general public can get in. The park that opens early changes each day, so check the schedule at your hotel. Then, one park stays open late just for Resort guests. Again, check the schedule. We didn’t stay late at any park due to my littlest needing to go to bed, but we did go to the early Magic Hours, and it was really nice to be there without the huge throngs of people.
Okay, this is WAY off my usual topic, but since we just got back from Disney World, I thought I'd share some of our experience, in case it can help make someone else's trip more enjoyable. We stayed at the Beach Club Resort, which was wonderful because we could walk to Epcot in about 5 minutes.
So, here goes:
MAGIC KINGDOM:
We didn't get to spend as much time there this year as last year due to a huge rainstorm that came through, but here's my take. If it’s not on here, we didn’t do it:
Rides:
Space Mountain - a great ride, but it's not as smooth as newer coasters. It's a 1-person to a row ride, so you won't be able to sit with smaller kids, and they could get scared since it's an inside ride that is in the dark much of the time. I got a headache from this ride, but my daughter loved it.
Splash Mountain - fun ride, and it takes you through an inside cave with water, so it's a good way to cool off if it's a really hot day. The big hill at the end is really fun, and you do get wet, so that helps cool you off, too.
Tom Sawyers Island - you walk around and look at stuff. It was okay. There are extremely dark caves you can walk through, but my littlest got scared in them.
Swiss Family Tree house – you just walk up the stairs and look at stuff. Nothing to do, but the view from the top is pretty good.
Jungle Cruise – we didn’t go on this one this year, but the animals are pretend and it was quite cheesy.
Mickey’s Philharmagic – This is a 3D movie and it’s fantastic!
Cinderella’s Golden Carousel – This is a fun ride, and last year my daughter rode on a horse right next to Mary Poppins (a live actress), who talked to her throughout the ride.
Ariel’s Grotto – your kids can meet and get a picture with Ariel (a live actress). Sometimes there is a long wait.
Dumbo the Flying Elephant – My kids went on this and enjoyed it.
Toontown – we didn’t go there this year at all, but we went last year. It’s for the really small kids. Not a lot to do, but there’s a lot to look at for the little ones. And, you can meet and get a picture with Mickey Mouse after you go through his house.
Tomorrowland Indy Speedway – My husband and my youngest went on this. Kids love to drive!
Restaurants:
Crystal Palace – We went to the buffet character breakfast. The food was good, and the kids enjoyed seeing the characters who come to your table and will give autographs and let you take pictures.
Columbia Harbor House – decent food, nothing really special.
Pinocchio Village House – Pizza and other stuff. Pretty good pizza.
Plaza Restaurant – We didn’t like this restaurant too much.
EPCOT
Rides/Attractions:
Turtle Talk with Crush – this is GREAT! Very entertaining.
Living with the Land – good attraction. Educational
Soarin’ – FANTASTIC! A Must-Do!
Circle of Life – Excellent little movie about taking care of the Earth.
Test Track – great ride – very fast.
In the World sections of Epcot, I recommend going into the Mexico attraction, the Canada attraction, China (they had ongoing shows of Chinese acrobats when we were there in July). Most of the countries have little things to do, and all have stores.
Innoventions – it was okay. We went last year, but not this year.
Restaurants:
Le Cellier Steakhouse in Canada – very, very good steak.
Tutto Italia in Italy – good Italian food, and a lot of it.
Akershus Royal Banquet – We had dinner there last year so we could see all the princesses. They do a great job with the princesses and their costumes, and you can get a portrait with Belle from Beauty & the Beast (NOT free!). However, the food last year was not very good. Norwegian food is a bit too “different” for us, I guess. They may have updated the food since last year.
Food Court inside The Land – lots of different types of food if you have people with different wants. The food was pretty good quality, too.
HOLLYWOOD STUDIOS
Rides/Attractions:
Rock n’ Roller Coaster – This was one of the best roller coasters I’ve ever been on. Very, very smooth ride. Loops, corkscrews, and all inside a building!
Tower of Terror – I liked this, but my 7-year-old was terrified. It’s a vertical drop ride.
Beauty & the Beast Live on Stage – this was a good show.
Voyage of the Little Mermaid show – this was a good show.
Indiana Jones Stunt Spectacular – Fantastic show! Very entertaining.
Star Tours Star Wars ride – good ride.
Backlot Tour – not as good as I thought it would be. The Lights! Motors! Action! show would have been better, although we didn’t see it.
Look for actors doing comic routines outside on the road towards the Tower of Terror. We saw them last year, but not this year. Kids will enjoy the High School Musical show. The big parade has characters from all the cartoon movies.
Restaurants:
Brown Derby – good food and lots of it.
Hollywood and Vine – we had lunch there. It’s a buffet and characters from Playhouse Disney come around. The food was okay -- not great, but not bad.
Sci Fi Dine-in Theater – This is an interesting restaurant. You sit in old-style cars-shaped “tables” and it looks like you are at a drive-in theater. Cheesy old sci-fi movies play on the big screen. The food was just okay.
ANIMAL KINGDOM
Rides/Attractions:
Lion King Show at Camp Minnie/Mickey – Very, very good show.
Kilimanjaro Safaris – Excellent. I suggest going there first thing in the morning in the summertime. Once it gets super hot, the animals are lying down or sleeping. Take your camera!
Pangani Exploration Trails – good walking tour with animals and birds.
Maharaja Jungle Trek – another good walking tour
Kali River Rapids – fun water ride for when you get hot. Someone in your boat will get soaked, and everyone gets at least a little wet.
Expedition Everest – an extremely interesting ride. Nice and smooth, and not your average roller coaster.
Discovery Island trails – nice to walk around. Some animals are tricky to see, so you have to keep your eyes peeled!
It’s a Bug’s Life – a creepy-crawly adventure. My husband and daughter went, but not me or my littlest. They enjoyed it, though.
Restaurants:
Pizzafari – good pizza and PB&Js.
Flame Tree Barbeque – ribs and other BBQ food. Fairly greasy ribs, but good.
Blizzard Beach: (we didn’t have much time here due to inclement weather)
We went on Teamboat Springs (twice!). It was great fun.
The lazy river was fun.
Downtown Disney
This is all stores to buy stuff.
Other Restaurants:
At the Beach Club Resort – Cape May Buffet – good breakfast buffet and dinner clam/mussels buffet.
At the Polynesian Resort – Ohana’s is an interesting restaurant. You don’t order your food. They just bring you an appetizer, salad, main course, and dessert. It’s all you can eat. Food was pretty good and they had some hula lessons during dinner, too. Plus, if you eat late, you can see the fireworks show at Magic Kingdom out the windows.
At the Contemporary Resort – California Grill is a good restaurant, but expensive, and includes things some folks don’t like, such as sushi. My daughter and I split one entrée and it was plenty for us both.
Also at the Contemporary – Chef Mickey’s – we went there for the breakfast buffet character meal. The food was very good and the characters are good about seeing all the kids. You get the chance to get a portrait taken before you get seated (NOT free).
*Note: the Contemporary Resort is undergoing renovation currently just outside of Chef Mickey’s. It was quite loud when they would start pounding, due to the open nature of the hotel.
At the Yacht Club Resort – The Yachtsmen Steakhouse – pretty good steak restaurant, but somewhat expensive. Portions weren’t huge.
Other notes to make your experience better:
Fast Passes — If you are staying at a WDW resort hotel, take advantage of as many Fast Passes as you can. As soon as you are able to get another Fast Pass, do it. Skipping those long lines of people makes it possible for you to go on more rides.
Fireworks are at 9:00 p.m. at Epcot, and 10:00 p.m. at Magic Kingdom.
Extra Magic Hours: If you are staying at a WDW resort hotel, you can get into a park one hour early each day before the general public can get in. The park that opens early changes each day, so check the schedule at your hotel. Then, one park stays open late just for Resort guests. Again, check the schedule. We didn’t stay late at any park due to my littlest needing to go to bed, but we did go to the early Magic Hours, and it was really nice to be there without the huge throngs of people.
Thursday, July 3, 2008
Intermediate Step Class
I hope you'll enjoy this intermediate Step class. This is my current Sunday routine, and that class has a range of abilities, but also they challenge me to come up with doable, yet fun, yet "almost" advanced choreography. They are the greatest!
Choreography:
Abduct, step on top, then straddle, stomp & exit (8)
Slow Reverse, straddle & rock back on the front (8)
Diagonal over, pivot (8)
1 Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee & walk forward (8)
Stomp off the end, tick-tock & cross, exit (8)
"2 & 6" (Reverse & stomp, spin & stomp & exit) (8)
1 Kick on the step (4)
1 V-step on the floor (4)
1 Kick on the floor (4)
1 V-step on the Step (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
1 Knee & 1 Elvis on the floor (4)
Shuffle or walk to the end of the Step (4)
Go Across the long way (4)
Stomp Across (8)
Revolving Door (8)
7-Knee Repeater (16) *See video for all the moves
Rock on top, x2 (10)
Repeater 2 (6) *Rolloff Repeater option is shown in the video
Quick Over (2)
1 Lunge (6)
Quick Over (2)
1 Lunge (6)
L-Step (8)
Hamstring straddle, x2 (8)
Have a great time!
Dana
Choreography:
Abduct, step on top, then straddle, stomp & exit (8)
Slow Reverse, straddle & rock back on the front (8)
Diagonal over, pivot (8)
1 Knee & Walk back, 1 Knee & walk forward (8)
Stomp off the end, tick-tock & cross, exit (8)
"2 & 6" (Reverse & stomp, spin & stomp & exit) (8)
1 Kick on the step (4)
1 V-step on the floor (4)
1 Kick on the floor (4)
1 V-step on the Step (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
1 Knee & 1 Elvis on the floor (4)
Shuffle or walk to the end of the Step (4)
Go Across the long way (4)
Stomp Across (8)
Revolving Door (8)
7-Knee Repeater (16) *See video for all the moves
Rock on top, x2 (10)
Repeater 2 (6) *Rolloff Repeater option is shown in the video
Quick Over (2)
1 Lunge (6)
Quick Over (2)
1 Lunge (6)
L-Step (8)
Hamstring straddle, x2 (8)
Have a great time!
Dana
Tuesday, July 1, 2008
Easy Intermediate Step
This is an easy intermediate routine. Enjoy!
Choreography:
L-Step (8)
Diagonal Pivot (8)
Abduct Repeater (or Pendulum) (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
Curb Walk (8)
Walk or Shuffle around the step (8)
Kick, x2 (8)
Lunge, x6 and straddle at the end (16)
Double Squat, x2 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Glute Flye Over (4)
Pivot (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
Pivot (4)
Hamstrings around the world (16)
3 Hamstrings on Top (8)
Repeater 2 and walk to the front (8)
Shuffleturn, x2 (8)
Basic Over into Mambo Cha-cha (8)
Hangover (4)
Across, x2 (8)
Knee exit (4)
V-Slide, Mambo cha-cha (8)
Glute, x2 (8)
Choreography:
L-Step (8)
Diagonal Pivot (8)
Abduct Repeater (or Pendulum) (8)
Rocking Horse (8)
V-Step, x2 (8)
Curb Walk (8)
Walk or Shuffle around the step (8)
Kick, x2 (8)
Lunge, x6 and straddle at the end (16)
Double Squat, x2 (8)
Repeater Knee (8)
Glute Flye Over (4)
Pivot (4)
Glute Flye Over (4)
Pivot (4)
Hamstrings around the world (16)
3 Hamstrings on Top (8)
Repeater 2 and walk to the front (8)
Shuffleturn, x2 (8)
Basic Over into Mambo Cha-cha (8)
Hangover (4)
Across, x2 (8)
Knee exit (4)
V-Slide, Mambo cha-cha (8)
Glute, x2 (8)
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Advanced Step, Combo 3
Here's the final combo of my last Advanced class. This combo was a lot of fun, and you can change out the repeater knee at the beginning for any repeater you want.
Choreography:
Repeater Knee (8)
Turnstep into Elvis, x2 (8)
Full-circle turnstep (8)
Stomp Across (syncopated option shown in video) (8)
Have fun!
Choreography:
Repeater Knee (8)
Turnstep into Elvis, x2 (8)
Full-circle turnstep (8)
Stomp Across (syncopated option shown in video) (8)
Have fun!
Thursday, June 26, 2008
Advanced Step Routine, Combo 2, June 24, 2008
Here's Combo 2. No shortage of syncopation around here!
Have fun!
Dana
Choreography:
Up-Up, Swivel & Switch, Box on the floor (8)
Reverse Flye Over, Drag home (6)
Kick-Ball-Change up, Ball-Change Up, Exit (6)
Rhythm V-Slide, mambo (6)
Rock on Top, Down & swivel (6)
Have fun!
Dana
Choreography:
Up-Up, Swivel & Switch, Box on the floor (8)
Reverse Flye Over, Drag home (6)
Kick-Ball-Change up, Ball-Change Up, Exit (6)
Rhythm V-Slide, mambo (6)
Rock on Top, Down & swivel (6)
Wednesday, June 25, 2008
Advanced Step Combo 1, June 24, 2008
Here's Combo 1 of my most recent Advanced class. This combo has a lot of fast feet at the beginning, and I kept telling my class that they'd be better off on a lower step. They had fun with this one, though.
Have fun!
Dana
Have fun!
Dana
Tuesday, June 24, 2008
At long last, the breakdown for Combo 3!!
I know, I know... It's about time, Dana! Honestly! On Sunday I dug in and taped all those routines that I spoke about before. Now, I just have to produce them and post them, so get ready for a bunch of new routines at all levels of Step! Woo Hoo!
So, here you go. Thanks for being patient!
*Quote from my daughter when she was about 4 years old: "I don't like patience! Patience takes too long!"
Enjoy!
Dana
So, here you go. Thanks for being patient!
*Quote from my daughter when she was about 4 years old: "I don't like patience! Patience takes too long!"
Enjoy!
Dana
Sunday, June 22, 2008
Breakdown for Combo 3, again! and other stuff...
I have received a few requests for this breakdown, so I dutifully taped the breakdown today. Look for it in a few days. How long is "a few days," you ask? I have no idea! I'm spending my day (it seems) creating a new Advanced class for tomorrow (with its breakdown). I taped a bunch more routines today, too: 1 easy intermediate, 1 hard intermediate, and one advanced, so stay tuned! Thanks for all the nice comments.
Keeping Step Alive!
Dana
Keeping Step Alive!
Dana
Saturday, June 14, 2008
Breakdown for Combo 3
Hi guys,
Well, I went to work on the breakdown video for Combo 3 of that Advanced Step class from May 2, and UGH! Now I KNOW I was tired when I was taping that one!! It was the 6th video I'd taped that day, and my brain was obviously not in gear anymore! As I was reviewing the video, I realized that I had left out a few layers, and during taping I had stopped and restarted so many times due to flubs and mis-steps that the editing would have been horrendous. If I hadn't left out layers, then I'd go ahead and post the video anyhow... but I don't want to post a breakdown video with layers left out.
So, if you really want to see how I broke down that last combo, send me a note, and I will make a point of re-doing the video (preferably while my brain is completely functional). Otherwise, I'll probably just move on to the next videos. I teach 3 different levels of Step every week, so I already have 3 more routines to tape, and (like always) it's just a matter finding the time to get them taped, produced, and posted.
Take care!
Dana
Well, I went to work on the breakdown video for Combo 3 of that Advanced Step class from May 2, and UGH! Now I KNOW I was tired when I was taping that one!! It was the 6th video I'd taped that day, and my brain was obviously not in gear anymore! As I was reviewing the video, I realized that I had left out a few layers, and during taping I had stopped and restarted so many times due to flubs and mis-steps that the editing would have been horrendous. If I hadn't left out layers, then I'd go ahead and post the video anyhow... but I don't want to post a breakdown video with layers left out.
So, if you really want to see how I broke down that last combo, send me a note, and I will make a point of re-doing the video (preferably while my brain is completely functional). Otherwise, I'll probably just move on to the next videos. I teach 3 different levels of Step every week, so I already have 3 more routines to tape, and (like always) it's just a matter finding the time to get them taped, produced, and posted.
Take care!
Dana
Thursday, June 12, 2008
Breakdown of Combo 2 from Advanced Step Routine of May 2, 2008
Here's the breakdown video for Combo 2 of my Advanced Step routine from May 2, 2008. I have almost completed the breakdown video for Combo 3, so look for that one shortly! ~Dana
Monday, June 9, 2008
SJ's Intermediate Step, May 27, 2008
I'm a bit late in posting this routine on my blog... I guess in the flurry of new videos, it got lost in the shuffle somehow. Too bad, because this is a fun routine! I hope you enjoy it as much as my classes did!
Choreography:
Tick-Tock & Drag, x2 (16)
Pivot & chasse (4)
2 lunges (8)
Cut the corner (4)
7-knee Repeater (16)
Abduct (4)
V-Step (4)
Split Basic (8)
Charleston kick (8)
Revolving Door (8)
1 Knee, 1 Elvis (4)
Shuffle up, Cross on Top, exit (6)
Double Knee (6)
1 Knee (or shuffle down board) into 3 sets of Double Squats (14)
Rock back on the floor (2)
Rock on Top, down & Box chasse (8)
Repeater knee (8)
Hangover (4)
Stall across, step down, stomp & exit (8)
1 Kick (4)
3 Hamstrings on top (8)
L-Step (8)
Have Fun!!!
Choreography:
Tick-Tock & Drag, x2 (16)
Pivot & chasse (4)
2 lunges (8)
Cut the corner (4)
7-knee Repeater (16)
Abduct (4)
V-Step (4)
Split Basic (8)
Charleston kick (8)
Revolving Door (8)
1 Knee, 1 Elvis (4)
Shuffle up, Cross on Top, exit (6)
Double Knee (6)
1 Knee (or shuffle down board) into 3 sets of Double Squats (14)
Rock back on the floor (2)
Rock on Top, down & Box chasse (8)
Repeater knee (8)
Hangover (4)
Stall across, step down, stomp & exit (8)
1 Kick (4)
3 Hamstrings on top (8)
L-Step (8)
Have Fun!!!
Tuesday, June 3, 2008
Breakdown of Combo 1 from Advanced Step routine of May 2, 2008
I have finally found time to produce the first video of the breakdowns of that May 2, 2008 Advanced step routine. Actually, this was one of my favorite routines of all time! I hope that this is useful to you and that your classes enjoy the choreography as much as my classes did. I'll try to get the other 2 breakdown videos produced and posted for you real soon! They're all videoed -- I just have to have time to put in the words! Take care and keep stepping!
Dana
Dana
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
A Note About the Ads in my Videos
I've had some questions about the ads that pop up at the bottom of my videos. I have been using a revenue-generating website to post my videos. Essentially, they get my video and, supposedly based on the content of my video, attach ads for products that may appeal to people who are interested in my videos (in other words, they try to match up the video's intent and the items being advertised). For the most part, they do a pretty good job at this.
Whenever anyone clicks on the ad, it generates a tiny bit of revenue for me. It's not much, I assure you, so every little bit helps.
The big problem with the ads is that they cover up my choreography notes at the bottom of the screen. I have tried putting the words somewhere else on the screen, but the bottom left corner just seems to be the best location to me. Remember that I always post the entire choreography on my blog for every video that I post here, so you don't have to copy it from the video as you are watching it.
And, if those darn ads are just bugging you too much, you can click the little "X" in the upper right corner, and they should disappear.
I have taped 3 videos demonstrating the breakdown that I used on my last Advanced Step routine, and I hope to work on them very soon. I also have taped another Intermediate Step routine, which is also on my "to-do" list.
Take Care, and Keep Stepping!
Dana
Whenever anyone clicks on the ad, it generates a tiny bit of revenue for me. It's not much, I assure you, so every little bit helps.
The big problem with the ads is that they cover up my choreography notes at the bottom of the screen. I have tried putting the words somewhere else on the screen, but the bottom left corner just seems to be the best location to me. Remember that I always post the entire choreography on my blog for every video that I post here, so you don't have to copy it from the video as you are watching it.
And, if those darn ads are just bugging you too much, you can click the little "X" in the upper right corner, and they should disappear.
I have taped 3 videos demonstrating the breakdown that I used on my last Advanced Step routine, and I hope to work on them very soon. I also have taped another Intermediate Step routine, which is also on my "to-do" list.
Take Care, and Keep Stepping!
Dana
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