2011...Paris - Australia - Dance Clips

So much has happened since our last post! Again, our lives are so busy, we lost track of time. We promise to be more regular with our blog this year, as we have some awesome things coming up. You'll also be able to follow us on twitter - @JordanTatSwing

This January we hit Paris and Australia back to back. France was a quick 4-Day trip, with 14 hours of workshops and 1 performance over 2 days. It was definitely a packed schedule. We're so happy with how far France has come over the past 8 years, and the constant flow of new dancers.

We spent 2-1/2 weeks in Australia. It is the most intense schedule of our year. Over the course of 12 days, we taught 18 hours of workshops, 68 hours of privates between us, and 4 shows. The trip starts at the Sydney Salsa Congress at the Olympic stadium. We did our "Uprising" routine on Friday night and our "Gravity" routine on Saturday night, and were very grateful for the standing ovations. Everyone at that event was so supportive, and we had such a great time meeting new people and seeing old friends. It's absolutely one of our favorite events of the year. We danced all night both Friday and Saturday doing Salsa, Zouk and of course West Coast Swing. This event has over 6,000 in attendance over the weekend. It really was great exposure for West Coast Swing. We had a workshop on Saturday, and it was filled with about 400 people that were doing West Coast Swing for the first time. That was an incredible feeling! Someone posted a clip from the class, take a look (click here)

The next weekend in Sydney was Nuroc's "Best of the Best" Event. Thinking back to the first time we were there in 2006, we have witnessed so much growth in numbers, as well as the quality of their dancing. We are just so proud of the Aussies. It was also Australia's first World Swing Dance Council sanctioned Jack & Jill. Now there are events in the UK, France, Australia, and more countries joining on this year. What a great time for our dance!! It truly is becoming an International sport, and being recognized more than ever by other dance genres around the world.


After working so hard for 12 days straight, we had 2 days to relax and lay in the sun on Bondi Beach. Thanks Charles & Michelle for another great trip. We can't wait till next year!!

Here are a few clips from our trip:

"Gravity" front view from Sydney Salsa Congress

"Uprising" from The Best of The Best Weekend with Nuroc Dance Company

Lead & Follow to "What's My Name" from The Best of The Best Weekend

3 NEW POSTINGS - UPRISING Is Here!!!

We're so excited to announce our new routine is finally here. It feels so great to be back on the floor. As you can see from the photo, this routine is definitely different, and that's what we strive for. It is so hard to leave our previous routines, which we become so attached to over the year. The only way we can is to go in a complete different direction. The music we chose inspired a completely new look, and feel to this routine. We want to thank all of the individuals who appreciate our work, and who realize that West Coast Swing can go in different directions, and bring many more people to our dance.

The picture above was taken by Liza May, our wonderful friend at Grand Nationals. This was our debut competition since dancing at the US Open last year. With all that we've been through with my knee surgery, winning Classic was truly a dream come true. Can't wait to perform this routine all over the world. Next stop...Liberty Swing.

RESULTS FROM MY SURGERY!!!!!

I never really mentioned how serious my knee surgery was. I personally didn't want to think about it anymore than I had to. From December 9th, until Mid-May, I truly didn't know anything positive about my knee as far as the surgery was concerned. The doctor was hesitant in promising anything, until he truly knew, which is understandable. However, my whole life and livelihood was on the line the entire time. I never knew if I could truly dance again, because if the surgery didn't work, we had to start over, and our options were limited.

On the way to the French Open in May, I got a call from my doctor stating that the CT scan has shown that my microfracture was a success. The "dead" part of the bone was actually starting to bridge to the good bone. I was so happy to hear that news, that I was truly speechless. It has changed my life in so many ways. For the first time since age 15, I'm pain free. I'm so grateful to God for all my blessings. I'm thankful for the great doctor, and wonderful friends, and to all of you who have prayed and shown their support for me. All I can say is THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!

Sincerely,
Jordan

Brazil

We're a little behind in posting...and we apologize for that. Ever since we started back to work full time in March, it has been non-stop.

In April, we had to pleasure of going to Brazil for the first time. It wasn't the smoothest start to an event, but it was one of the most memorable. We were scheduled to leave on a Wednesday, but our flight was canceled, and we were bumped to the next day. That flight made it fine to Miami. When we left for Brazil, about 1/2 hour into our trip, we had to turn around and make an emergency landing back in Miami because the plane's radar went out. We were surrounded by fire trucks and emergency vehicles, but we were all fine. We now had a 3 hour layover until the plane was fixed. All we knew is we were already a day behind, and due to go to work within a few hours of our arrival. We started off, and this time everything went smooth, or so we thought. We arrived in one piece, but without luggage from Friday morning until Saturday evening, only 30 minutes before our performance!! We were in such a bad mood, having to meet everyone and start teaching in the clothes we were traveling in. Needless to say, their enthusiasm made us forget how uncomfortable we were. It was one of the best receptions we've ever had. THANK YOU BRAZIL. We really love you guys!!

The event really boosted their interest in West Coast Swing, and we had a great time dancing all the different Brazilian styles, especially Zouk. They've wanted to bring us out for 5 years, and it was finally here!! The dancing was amazing and the friends were even more so. We look forward to returning there again in December.

NEW ROUTINE ON THE WAY!!!!!!!!!

After months of searching, we've finally found the perfect song. We've had the music cut, and we're back in the studio with 45 seconds finished. We don't plan on rushing my recovery, and after waiting this long, we will respect the doctor's advice. Hopefully I'll have a full release soon, and we'll be back on the floor and debuting this new routine in May! We always try to be different....and this routine is no exception! We CAN'T WAIT to share it with all of you.

The Highs and Lows of the Past 3 Months...

The roller coaster ride has been bumpy to say the least. One week prior to the US Open we performed and taught at the Ritz Carlton in Singapore, and then on an Asian Salsa Cruise. We were hesitant in accepting this gig, being so close to our biggest competition of the year. All we can say is we made the right choice!!! The trip was one of our most memorable, being exposed to different dance styles we had never heard of, and exploring many new cultures. We made friendships that will last a lifetime, and we look forward to seeing all of them again some day. The cruise started in Singapore, next Malaysia, and finally Thailand, before heading back. It was wonderful exposing so many new dancers to West Coast Swing, which has become one of the most satisfying parts of our job. To see people experiencing the feeling... you know the one we've all had before... when you know you're hooked on West Coast Swing, and you can't get enough. It takes us back to when we were kids.

This cruise became a good way to not stress about the Open. We were literally too busy. Instead of sitting around at home, practicing day and night, we were performing throughout the trip. Practicing for the shows became such a habit, that flying in from Singapore on Friday afternoon felt like we were at the next port, and it was time to perform. We literally landed at 1 PM Friday, stopped by the house, switched suitcases, and walked on to the Open floor to dance Strictly Swing. It was the first time in 14 years of dancing at the Open that we didn't have that sick, nervous feeling in our stomachs.

Classic Prelims were Saturday afternoon where we danced "How to Save a Life" for the last time on the competition floor. The performance felt like a great way to end a routine that we truly loved. Later that night, we danced Viva la Vida in the finals. We felt honored to be a part of a Classic Finals that some said was the best yet at the Open. We drew an early number, which seems to always happen to us at this event. Dancing what we feel was our best performance of Viva, we thankfully took first place. We truly appreciate all the support of our friends and fans out there. You're the reason we still love what we do! It was also great having our friend and Champion Ballroom Dancer, Maxim Kozhevnikov, there to show his support.

After being on such a high from The Open, we knew we had some hurdles approaching. I have always had a knee condition, and had planned to get it checked out in December. I spoke with the doctor before the exploratory procedure and the plan was to do a minor scope, putting me out for 2 weeks, and then planning the surgery for the following year. That way we could schedule around it. I woke up hearing that the extensive procedure had to be performed, or my dance career could be over. That was one of the hardest things I've ever faced. The doctor was amazed how long I had been dancing on my knee in that condition, and said he had no other options but to go through with it. My doctor is the main surgeon for the San Diego Chargers, along with many other athletes, so I knew I was in good hands. The bad news - a 3 month recovery, when we were supposed to be in Paris in early January and Australia for 3 weeks in January/February. The stress of my career and passion being threatened, but also having to re-schedule or find replacements was horrible. My lifestyle went from traveling over 250,000 miles last year to spending 8 hours a day in a CPM machine bending my leg up and down. I was now using crutches, and spending most of my days on the couch. This is the longest break I've had from dance since I was 11 years old. You have no idea how much you take for granted just walking, let alone running or dancing. I went for my 6 week check-up at the doctor's this week and was told that everything so far looks great. Thank GOD!! I am now able to walk slowly without a brace, swim and use the stationary bicycle. I think that is why I'm able to start back on the blog. Life is getting better.

Thanks so much for the kind words from so many of you. We are sorry we cannot be out there for a while, but we promise to be back as soon as possible. A new routine is coming SOON! I want to thank Jessica and my Mom for the countless hours of care, and Tatiana, who this has affected so much, but has been 100% SUPPORTIVE.

West Coast Swing Debut at the KREMLIN!!

We were honored to be asked to dance at the Kremlin Palace (similar to the White House of Russia). We really didn't know what to expect, but we knew it had to be top notch. We had less than one month to prepare, as well maintain our usual work schedule. We arrived on Thursday night and stayed at the Marriott Aurora. From Friday morning on, every second was well planned. We went sightseeing to the Red Square with a private guide. We were treated to fabulous dinners at the Ritz Carlton, (even tried Russian caviar), and other amazing places. We were taken to the Bolshoi Ballet, where we watched Swan Lake. BEAUTIFUL!! On Saturday we were taken to a private showing of the famous Pushkin Art Museum in Moscow.

Saturday night was the Invitational Latin Competition with the top 32 couples in the world. It was a black-tie event with the men in tuxedos and the women in gowns. There were Russian politicians in attendance, and the entire event was being televised on Eurovision. The dancing was just INCREDIBLE!!! After 2 rounds, they had the top 7. This night made us anxious because we would be returning for the televised show the next day dancing along side the top 7 finalists.

The picture above is 1st and 2nd place at the event. They were very welcoming and showed a lot of respect for our dance. Michael & Joanna even asked which of our numbers that we would be dancing. We were flattered.

Ok...the big night is here. This picture shows Tatiana is with Boyco (Hair Stylist to the Ballroom Stars). You'd think after all our performances, we'd be used to this by now. Tatiana was never as nervous as she was prior to this show. Right before our 8:30 PM performance (around 8 PM) I went down to the ballroom with my friend, Maxim, to double check the order of dance. We hopped in the elevator which came to a screeching halt. The next 15 minutes became the longest 15 minutes of my life. Luckily I was with someone who spoke fluent Russian, because he got on the phone and let them know we were trapped. It still took forever, considering I wasn't completely dressed and knew I only had 30 minutes to begin with. When help arrived, the doors were pried open and the elevator had stopped between floors. We had to slide out on our stomachs and run to the dressing room. Our partners looked at us obviously wondering where we were. I was just happy to be rescued and now the performance seemed easy.


Our first number was "How to Save a Life" and the second was "Viva la Vida." They were so well received, and we are so grateful to experience all of this. At the end of the evening at the after party, the event organizer made a toast to recap the entire event. He mentioned how great it was to have us there, and how bringing West Coast Swing brought a new feel to the event. What a great feeling to hear that.



We want to personally thank Celia (middle) and Maxim (in back) for all they have done for us, and for helping to make all of this possible. They are not only great friends, but very supportive to West Coast Swing. You both make life very exciting for us.