Freestyle competition 4.5 weeks away now

[Wonka & Nilla]

It's now just 4.5 weeks until Wonka and I compete in our first Canine Freestyle competition. I'm excited, but nervous as well. We've been practicing and he's getting a bit better with a few things, but I'm still worried about him losing too much focus without the treats.

I got an email listing all the people signed up to compete and there will be 48 routines spread over two days. There are five of us in the "Musical Freestyle Beginner A Off Leash" category. I'll be competing on Satruday, November 8th. It is open to the public to watch, so if any Michigan or Ohio pugvillagers are interested in coming to watch it would be great to meet you. The competition venue is between Detroit and Flint. I hope to get more information soon that will tell me if I'm going in the AM or PM.

I wanted to thank everyone here at PugVillage again for all the support! I consider this my "PV Routine" because you guys helped me pick the song ("Rock this Town"), helped me with my outfit, and gave me tons of support when you saw the videos. You guys are the best!!

For anyone new who hasn't seen Wonka dance and wonders what I'm talking about :cheshire: here's a link to his dancing videos: http://wonkaweb.homestead.com/freestylegroup.html

[Mechelle]

WHOHO I can't wait to see the video!!!!

I love watching these videos, I still watch them from time to time...that very last one STILL cracks me up (when ya'll danced as a group) I love it I love it!!!!

[shaynapug]

tell me where!!

Am showing in Fort Wayne, IN the weekend of 11/1 and probably in Grand Rapids the following weekend. Hope it isnt' then!!

[Wonka & Nilla]

tell me where!!

Am showing in Fort Wayne, IN the weekend of 11/1 and probably in Grand Rapids the following weekend. Hope it isnt' then!!

It's in Davisburg (between Detroit and Flint) on Nov. 8th. Let me know if you want directions and more information.

Right now I still don't know if I'll be competing in the morning or afternoon, but I hope to find out in the next week or two.

[Wonka & Nilla]

WHOHO I can't wait to see the video!!!!

I love watching these videos, I still watch them from time to time...that very last one STILL cracks me up (when ya'll danced as a group) I love it I love it!!!!

Thanks Mechelle! It makes me sad that we can't do that group routine in competition like we orginally planned - it would have been so cool! The little Pom passed away this summer and my instructor decided not to teach anymore because she was so upset and is still heartbroken about it. I don't know if she will eventually get another dog and dance again... everyone heals from a loss of a dog at different rates.

There will be a video filmed of the entire competition. I don't know how long it takes for them to get it out to the people though. I may have my DH film my routine just so I have a copy of it more quickly.

[shaynapug]

It's in Davisburg (between Detroit and Flint) on Nov. 8th. Let me know if you want directions and more information.

Right now I still don't know if I'll be competing in the morning or afternoon, but I hope to find out in the next week or two.

If, for some reason,I don't enter Grand Rapids...I'll be there! Otherwise, will have to watch the video!

[Wonka & Nilla]

I've been trying to get input from a variety of sources lately to help me with my routine. I had a couple of more advanced freestylers, who will be in the same competition but at a different level, watch Wonka and I on Sunday and they really liked it. As soon as I finished, one lady said to the other "And this is a Beginner A routine!!!!????" That made me feel good! They said I had a lot packed in and should be able to use the same routine for my Novice level (next step after Beginner) if I want because it's advanced enough. One big challenge/problem that they pointed out and commented on is that we spend most of the dance right in the middle of the floor. Because Wonka is a "small dog" he is supposed to cover 50% of the ring during the routine. The ring is 34ft x 64 ft. I think I may just have to take a small deduction for not covering enough space and hope I make up for it in the artistic portion of the judging. Part of the problem is that "Jive/Swing" dancing (what I'm attempting to sort of copy) is usually done mainly in one area... the other problem is that I just don't know what steps to use to move across the floor more. They suggested I start my routine off to one side instead of in the middle... but unless I change something else, I'll still end up in one spot - just one off-center spot instead of the middle!

I also had someone who does a lot of Musical Theater watch us. She'll be the lead in an upcoming production of Singing in the Rain. She doesn't know anything about dog dancing, but she knows about performance/showmanship and she gave me some pointers on hand movement, a few tweaks to steps to make them more interesting. I'm trying to get some of her suggestions worked in, but it's hard to make changes to the routine at this point - even small ones. One thing that she said is "in theater and dance we're always told 'look up, make eye contact, smile at the audience' but with this it's different." I'm always afraid if I look up I'll step on Wonka! That would be bad!

[ZoeZoesmom]

One thing that she said is "in theater and dance we're always told 'look up, make eye contact, smile at the audience' but with this it's different." I'm always afraid if I look up I'll step on Wonka! That would be bad!

Ack! No you don't want to step on Wonka! Sounds like you are doing your homework seeking out advice and pointers from others, I am sure you will do well. I have always enjoyed you and Wonka's routines.

[CountryPug]

I wish I had a faster internet connection so I could watch the video of you two. I'm working on getting a faster connection, but it hasn't happened yet. I'm missing out on so many good videos. I bet you two will do great at the competition.

[Bethy]

I simply LOVE to watch freestyle! Will you be having a video taken, so we can all see your routine?