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The Twin Cities Open 2007
Author - Beth Knoll
Oct 01, 2007
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July 12-14, 2007
By Beth Knoll
Well, when people say and write "this is a
competition that must not be missed," they
are right! Scott and Amy Anderson are two of
the most personable, attentive, attractive and
generous competition hosts I have ever met.
No detail was overlooked. Scott and Amy had
smiles on their faces the entire weekend and all
attendees were catered to on every level. Rarely
do we come across the perfect combination of
fun, high-level competition, great music, worldclass judges that is provided at the Twin Cities Open. It was a real treat and GREAT FUN to
attend.
This year's competition was their largest to
date, with over 5200 entries. And this was no
mean feat, given that there were two other major
events occurring the same weekend on opposite
ends of the country. Kudos to Scott and Amy for
making the TCO such a fabulous competition
year after year.
So what was so great about it?
Big things: the huge 81' x 51' Boor owned by the organizers that was a dream to dance on;
the theatrical backdrop and lighting that made us all feel special;
pro/am events at every level with topnotch
dancers, often requiring multiple rounds;
professional events that featured both visiting
pros and local pros;
Saturday's show by a local group of well-known dancers presenting two theater style numbers that were innovative and compelling (I particularly loved the bus number,
where we journey with the ensemble as they
swirl with the music and each other-I detected
the hand of Gary Pierce!);
audio critiques by the judges for solo routines (wow! very helpful!);
seminars during the weekend by the world-class
panel of judges-I heard more than one of our
students say that it was too bad she had to dance
so much as she'd liked to have attended all of
the classes.
Small things:
Scott's now famous
"Goodie Basket," where he walks around
randomly during awards and daytime events
offering a basket full of candies, trail mix, and
the charming "TCO Power Bar" (Hershey's
Dark!);
free "clappers" so we could make as
much noise as possible, homemade cookies! ! ! ! !
Who else does all that? Only Scott and Amy
Anderson!
The Top Teacher Awards were very generous.
and very specifically rewarded different levels
of achievement. Bonuses were given for over
200 entries (an extra $500) and for over 300
entries (and extra: $1000). The overall Top
Teacher was Eric Hudson who. with over 450
entries (many of which were multiple dances/
multiple rounds). finished off the weekend by
winning the Professional American Smooth!
What a trooper. the whole weekend. Top
Studio Awards were cleverly divided into the
top three local and out-of state studios.
On a personal note, our studio Ballroom Parkrose,
was tickled pink to win #2, considering that
the other two studios were "local" studios from
Missouri and Wisconsin. Top Student Awards
were also supplemented by the popular "Judges'
Picks" for things like Best in Show-Joe Pelano
and Cindy La Coeur; Technical Perfection-
Natalie Palmer; Potential for Greatness-Katie
Burzynski; Triple Threat-Galina Livitina;
An Inspiration-Marcella Groh. Clever, and
really gave credit where credit was due. Our
studio loved an these winners, and cheered them
loudly.
Several things were particularly noteworthy to
me over the weekend. First, the ever vigilant
presences and good humors of not only Sco!t and
Amy Anderson, but their entire "Dream team"
of assistants (who include but limited
to): SuzAnne Kirkegaard, Tom Severson, Jeanie LaFavor, Pat Kingston , and the VERY grown :UP and poised Anderson next-generation, Marc and Meghan. Thank you to all of you who made the weekend fabulous.
Second, the outstanding and varied music
provided by Rick Popp. I got to dance to one
of my favorite foxtrots by Madeleine Peroux! I
was so excited!
Third, the unending energy, strength and sheer
dedication to their craft and their students by
several of the teachers: Eric Hudson, Dave
Watson, Jay Larson, Paul Botes, Michelle
Hudson, and Mark Webster were people who
particularly stood out to me. Never once did
I see energy flagging or hear any complaints.
Awesome.
Fourth, a few students really shone, Natalie
Palmer, Galina Livitina, Katie Burzynski and
Eileen Arcilla really stood out, for a whole
bunch of reasons, They all paid great attention
to detail, and presented themselves with grace
and confidence. And at the end of along
weekend working, there was Jeanie LaFavor
dancing! And dancing great! Congratulations
to all of you.
Overall, the Twin Cities Open is a competition
you should put on your list of Must-Do Events,
year after year after year. Oh, and don't forget
to visit the Mall of America! Whoowee !
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