*Video* of Wonka's Freestyle competition + more comments

[Wonka & Nilla]

Ok, I watched the video we took of the competition and, now that it's over, I can laugh at it. I know at the time, while in the ring, it certainly didn't seem funny that Wonka wanted to wander toward the audience, or not do some of his best/cutest moves. There is one point during the routine where I started to panic because it looked like he was going to run right out the gate! That would have been an immediate disqualification. Thank goodness he stopped and turned right around when I called.

Here's a link to the page with the video: http://wonkaweb.homestead.com/freestylecompetition.html

And here's a link to the actual file - which would open Windows Media Player on your computer to play the file: http://wonkaweb.homestead.com/files/...ompetition.wmv

Dial-up users be warned! This is a fairly large file and will take a long time to download to your computer. The video is about 3 minutes long.

For the most part, our scores seem accurate based on what I see in the video. We scored higher on the "Artistic" portion of the score (8.2 out of 10) vs. "Technical" (7.9 out of 10) and I was told by other dancers that we had an ambitious routine/choreography for Beginner A. The judge commented on the "nice dance moves," "Fantastic start and end positions" and liked the costume. We lost points on the technical score and for "loss of attention" - the attention issue affected the 'flow' of the routine and they wrote on the score sheet "watch loss of attention - you don't want this to hurt this beautiful routine." The judge told me later "Even intermediate and advanced dancers sometimes struggle with attention" - and yes, when I was watching some of the routines in the afternoon, I saw some advanced people having really "off" days where the dog was just too distracted. The only quibble I have about my scores are that I didn't get full points for "use of ring space" - as a small dog, Wonka is required to cover 50% of the ring and, with the changes I made to my routine, I really thought I did that well. Someone told me later that it may have been a 'perspective issue' from where the judge is sitting. I did however, get full points for "spectator appeal" When I watch the video, I do hear a lot of clapping!

For anyone who missed it, this thread has some pics of the awards we won and more comments on the competition:
Yes, pugs CAN dance! (competition results & pics)

[Maryjo's Gang]

I don't have sound at work... What was the song you used??

Everything looks great from MY perspective!

[shaynapug]

What a GREAT first time out!!!!! You should be so proud of both of you!!!!!

As for attention...that will come as he gets used to being in the public eye!!!

Congrats again!

[ayleash]

I have tears in my eyes at your bravery and success!

AWESOME!

[tall grass pugs]

Wasn't he a sharp cookie (loved for the break for the gate and the sudden whoa and return.) You guys boldly went where I wouldn't dare to go.

[Wonka & Nilla]

Another thing I notice when watching the video is how much I had to lead" him - much more so than usual. He usually does those 'leg weaves' fluidly, with barely any signal from me - and yet, there I was, bending over and really leading him like when he first learned the move. I'm sure all of that is due to stress.

I don't have sound at work... What was the song you used??

It was "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats
I will probably use this song/routine once more to complete my Beginner title and then decide if I want to create a new routine and try for my Novice title.

[SaraFaust]

I can't wait to watch the video! (Will do so at home tonight!)

I think of Wonka dancing every time I hear "Rock This Town"!!

[jwestoverpug]

That was great!!

[GingerSnap]

That was great! I'm sure that he'll get better about paying attention to you as he gets used to a crowd. I'm sure that's why he was needing more leading than usual also.

[Maryjo's Gang]

....It was "Rock this Town" by the Stray Cats
I will probably use this song/routine once more to complete my Beginner title and then decide if I want to create a new routine and try for my Novice title.

I thought that was what you chose. I started to sing it to the video with no sound here at work. The timing worked!

You both are fantastic and i will be wanting your autographs!