January 27-8, 2007

FNB 2-Year Anniversary Blues Workshop
Andrew Sutton, Laura Glaess and Mihai

10 hours of classes with at least 5 hours of them taught by all 3 of us. We each have some ideas on what we believe are important elements of blues dancing and dancing in general. Laura will be flying in three days early and we will create a collaborative workshop with these ideas in mind.

It is our belief that if we put our ideas together we will have a much stronger approach and more inspiring ways to show you what we are passionate about than we each would on our own. We look forward to sharing our passion for blues dancing with the San Francisco community!

We received positive feedback on...

• the workshop as a whole
• "best workshop of many I've taken" from several people
• the chemistry between the three of us
• how prepared we were
• how passionate we were about teaching

We received constructive criticism on...

• not ensuring leader/follower balance (organizers)
• not rotating often enough at times
• not clarifying that Sunday would be a concept workshop, even though most people enjoyed it
• the off-axis stuff and aerials being not so necessary or consistent with the other work
• letting the workshop go an extra hour, past 7 p.m. on Sunday, which made it more difficult for people who had to leave to socialize at the end

1. Physics - I love the idea that almost everything is leadable and I love to break it down and show how.
2. Musical Interpretation - Letting the music affect me is what makes me feel like I am dancing.
3. Balance - Balance is what gives me control over my body so I can interpret the music how I want to.
4. Teamwork - I feel I have much better dances when I listen to my partners input and combine our knowledge and ideas.

1. Communication - I love listening to my follower and being inspired by her.
2. Playful Creativity - Through relaxation and a non-judgmental approach, I am able to do something unique almost every dance.
3. Stability - I love to make my followers feel safe and give them room and encouragement to play.
4. Aspects of Tango - My passion for Tango has helped my technique and doubled my options when it comes to being creative.
5. Musicality - As a DJ, I love blues music and understand it in ways that help guide my movement.

1. Communication - I use my musicality & creativity to communicate with the lead so he understands my idea of the song.
2. Bravery - I let out what I'm feeling during the song and don't worry if I'm being judged (most of the time).
3. Connection - I try to fill out the connection so it just feels nice ;) I want to go with him everywhere.
4. Attitude - I try to be supportive of the lead's ideas and find joy in what he gives me.
5. Trust - I am trusting of the lead and trustworthy for the lead. This bond frees us to confidently create things together.