NYDF
NYDF exploded this year with entries, bringing more excitement and energy to an already well-attended event. Thursday started off with two firsts. Gary had his first Rhythm competition with Vanda and Ozlem danced her first Rhythm competition with Michael (and her first comp after a several year break). Gary has been making big strides (no pun intended) on his foot speed and leg extension in Rhythm. Ozlem seems to have found a home in Rhythm as it’s a great style to channel her nascent Latin energy. She made it to the finals of her Bronze Scholarship out of a quarterfinal.
Thursday night we got a chance to enjoy some dancing, dinner, and a show by Eugene and Maria at the NYDF gala. We couldn’t have asked for a better band, dinner, or company.
Friday was, again, an early start at 7AM. Barbara had her first Smooth competition with Mayo so it was the first double Tessitore event. She looked at home on the dance floor filling Mayo’s frame and moving very musically. Gary continued to develop his posture and movement and was one mark away from moving to the next round of his scholarship: a pretty tough thing for the male amateurs to do when competing with the ladies. Gretchen and Michael got a later start, but then again it pays to be dancing Open when it comes to start times. Gretchen had a fierce new look to go along with some big upgrades to the open partnering of her Smooth. The timings were sharper and the lines clearer, even on a crowded floor. Miki and David also danced as a couple both Friday and Saturday for Smooth and Ballroom. Their leg action is getting so much more consistent and it’s helping them maintain a fuller shape. David did a great job navigating the floor and Miki followed effortlessly (at least it looked that way - which is what counts).
Saturday we had a light day in terms of time on the floor but it was big in terms of focus. Sophia and Michael performed her piece to “You Pulled Me Through” and this time the nailed it. Theater arts always requires a lot of preparation because of the risk factor, but the toughest and most rewarding part is when you have a routine that is very tightly choreographed with one movement blending seamlessly into the next. Sophia hit a lot of very subtle musical accents along with all the big aerial movements.
Sunday was Latin day and all Open so we got a more leisurely start. Once started there was nothing leisurely about it though. The ballroom was packed and even Mercedes had a full final, which is not always the case for Senior II Latin. Her Cha Cha was much improved in crispness of foot placement and the new routines in Samba and Jive worked well as upgrades for the Open level. Jerry danced out of his mind. He made it to the finals of his Championship in the Open A division and really began to hold his own with the male professionals.
Love you madly NYDF - see you next time.
good looking people at the gala