Any West Coast Swing dancers who want to take their dancing to the next level have a great opportunity coming up in Portland! The competition Come Rain Come Shine (CRCS) will be bringing top professional dancers from all over the United States from June 4th 6th, 2010. It is not necessary to compete at this event. You can attend to simply watch the competitions and take advantage of the amazing workshops!
Here to share more about CRCS is Andrew Slac. Andrew is a professional partner dancer, specializing in Lindy Hop and West Coast Swing, as well as Jazz and Broadway. He currently runs Come Rain Come Shine, a West Coast Swing dance convention in Portland, Oregon.
Portland Dance Examiner (PDE): “When and how did you first get started in social partner dancing?”
Andrew Slac (AS): “I grew up in theater and dance. What really got me, was when I saw the movie Blast From the Past with Brendan Fraser and thought the Club 40's scene was incredible. It was all simple stuff, mind you, but he was really selling it. I took a class at PSU, a few years later, thought I was the best dancer ever, got told by my teacher that I needed to CALM DOWN, and have loved it ever sense.”
PDE: “What was the vision behind Come Rain Come Shine?”
AS: “CRCS was supposed to be a big party, a place where my talented friends who hadn't gotten that much exposure could get work. There are plenty of unknowns who never get a chance to shine, so I wanted to offer that chance. I wanted an event that felt homey and friendly, but could still inspire and kick your [butt] a little. A friend of mine said she could get Chuck Brown to teach and it just went on from there. “
PDE: “Why should people attend this event?”
AS: “Our main goal is to make sure everyone has something. If you're a bit new to the whole West Coast Swing thing, this event is a great way to ease in. Our more intimate setting allows the event goers to get to know the professionals they admire, and make some friends as well. For those who like competition, we've got five WSDC certified divisions for you to participate in. We play a wider range of music than the standard WCS event, giving great variety. If you've been dancing for some time, the greater variety of music will help inspire you. In our classes, we encourage our instructors to teach what they love at a pace for the class. It makes for an easy environment to grow, but still provides a challenge. Simply put, Come Rain Come Shine is a party, first and foremost. It's a fun, affordable, no pressure event where you can become a better dancer and have a blast.”
The next several weeks leading up to CRCS, this column will conduct interviews with the professionals taking part in this great event. Keep checking back for your chance to learn more from some of the best West Coast Swing dancers in the nation coming to Portland. Get ready to be inspired!
Comments