Deborah Szekely
Saturday, May 17, 2014
West Coast Swing Workshops
Deborah Szekely (pronounced "say kay") began dancing at the age of three and has been competing ever since. She trained in ballet, tap, and jazz. When 10 years old, she
performed at the Harvest Moon Ball with her Junior company dance troupe. When 16, she competed on "Star Search". During Deborah's first year of medical school, she decided to follow her passion
for dance. She left medical school (what's up, doc?) and began teaching line dance at "Denim and Diamonds" in NYC, as well as jazz at Dance Manhattan. She also waited tables to make ends meet.
Deborah met West Coast Swing in 1994 and was hooked at once. In 2001 she won the US Open Champions' Jack & Jill with John Lindo. Deborah is a five time US Open Champion, an eight
time Grand Nationals Champion, a four time NASDE Champion, and a two time Phoenix Champion of Champions winner. Her workshops are fun and informative. Deborah is one of the most social
West Coast instructors on the weekend event circuit. She currently travels about 40 weekends a year teaching, competing, and spreading her love of WCS all over the world.
Schedule of Events:
(prerequisite for classes: one beginner series)
3:15 - 4:15 Question and Answer with Deborah Szekely: A Conversation
Deborah has found this format to be extremely popular (she must be good at it). Seize your opportunity to be there as Deborah
responds to any and all questions about her experiences on the tour, her vast dance background, or the recent explosion of
west coast swing around the globe. Ask her why it's happening!
4:30 - 5:30 Movement for West Coast Dancers
As Deborah sees it, west coast movement differs from both "regular" movement and ballroom movement. Learn how west coast swing movement
has been influenced by jazz and other disciplines in the world of dance. There are few people on the planet who can deal so well with this topic.
5:45 - 6:45 Blues vs Contemporary
Deborah has won competitions dancing to all kinds of music and with all kinds of partners. Learn what's in her bag of tricks and how blues music draws out some things
and contemporary others. It will change the way you physically respond to music.
6:45 - 8:00 Homemade Gourmet Dinner
8:00 - 9:00 Musicality With Choreography
Deborah will talk about how to marry pure musicality with partner oriented choreography. No one does it better on the fly, no matter who is leading her, than
Deborah. She has won major titles worldwide in three different decades and she's still going strong. As part of this class, she will teach some choreography to a specific
piece of music.
9:00 - 12:00 Dance with Deborah and the Tunes of Joshua Albert
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