Canine Freestyle, long update

[Wonka & Nilla]

Today, Wonka and I are mailing our entry for the Canine Freestyle (dancing with dogs) Video Competition! It will be several weeks before we hear the results though. Video Competition is offered for those who don't have a live competition nearby to attend or would rather do video because they have an aggressive dog or whatever reason. I was going to try and enter the one last December (there are four a year), but it's actually more difficult than it seems to get a good recording. You have to set up a ring that's the right size, video the ring, video the costume you're wearing, record a 'cover sheet' with the human name, dog name, routine length, song title, etc. THEN you record the routine all in one go, no stopping, no editing allowed - oh, and, of course, no treats! The video is sent to three judges who score it the same as if they were watching the routine live and then someone compiles everything and I'll get the results in 6-8 weeks. That's going to feel like forever!

We recorded it over the weekend and I was just thrilled when we got through the routine. I had to improvise a little near the end when Wonka just stood there with a blank look on his face. My improvised moves look a little dorky to me, but the judges (hopefully) won't know that it wasn't intended! And Wonka got right back into the dance when his favorite move came up right after my dorky improv. So, wish us luck for qualifying scores! If we get qualifying scores, this will complete our Beginner title and we will move up to Novice level in May when we're entered in a live competition.

In other Freestyle news... I'm working on a new Team/Group routine with two of the ladies I've danced with before and their dogs. We've finally chosen a song (Abracadabra by Steve Miller Band), one of the ladies is being a bit bi**hy about it because she said it sounds to 'pop music-y' - this is compared to her choices which were all disco. We don't have a lot of time to get a routine ready for the May competition though and I think she realizes we can't spend weeks choosing a song. I'm excited to have a song that I like though, rather than just using one that's just so-so to me.

After the live competition in May, Wonka and I will begin working on a new routine to have ready for the live competition in November. We'll need PVer's input again to choose a new song!!!

[Tyson&LuLu'sMom]

Wow, that all sounds incredibly exciting!!
I hope you get the qualifying scores you need to move up to novice, what an accomplishment!

[Snifter]

Great stuff!

Will we get a chance to see this video at some stage? Pretty please.

[shaynapug]

I'm so excited for you!!

Where will you be dancing in May???

[Wonka & Nilla]

Will we get a chance to see this video at some stage? Pretty please.

I don't know if I'm allowed to post it for public viewing before it has been judged, but I'm sure it will be fine to post after I get the results. I hope to take a practice video of our new "abracadabra" team routine in a week or two... if it looks ok, I may post that for all to watch.

Where will you be dancing in May???

In Davisburg, a little north of Auburn Hills, MI. The competition is on Memorial Day weekend. I'd love to have some PugVillager's in the crowd if anyone wants to come and watch. It's open to spectators and no charge to come and watch.

[Jodelar]

That is so exciting!!!!... I just know you & Wonka will do great!!... Wish it were closer, we'd sure be there to cheer you on!!!