An excellent workshop by the consummate teacher and dancer Jillina.  It started off late because poor Jillina was left, forgotten in the lobby of her hotel and finally took a taxi to the workshop venue when at 2pm, she realized no one was picking her up.  Can you believe that?  Where’s the respect?  She felt terrible, but of course, we didn’t mind waiting for her, all 60 plus of us.  I was excited to see some of my fellow teachers to the north, Linda and Ruth who are always so fun and never catty like some fellow dancers I know.  It’s always refreshing to talk with them.

 

Jillina started with a great cardio warm-up followed by a review (for most of us) of some technique in a large circle so she could keep her eye on everyone of us.    When someone needed help, she went right over and corrected them gently.  Jillina is a focused professional who emits warmth and concern without sappiness, and demands excellence without intimidation.

 

She began the main body of the workshop with combinations to music that was not the choreography selection.  A nice change to prevent us getting over-tired of the choreography music which we would be hearing a lot of.

After the combos, she began the choreography using the combos just taught.  I noticed this followed the format of her excellently produced and edited instructional videos.  The choreography was fun, and she insisted we improvise in certain parts, actually giving a cd prize for the improv that had the most “heart”.

 

At the break, the woman could hardly get away to the bathroom with all the fawning over her and insistence on taking her photo posed beside everyone with a camera.  Okay, I asked, but I was one of the first, and I actually had a conversation with her because we’d met before. Someone just happened to walk by and ask if I’d like them to take my photo with Jillina, so once I had permission, well, what could I do?

 

At the final stages of the workshop and throughout, Jillina moved participants around, so everyone could get a good view, and even positioned herself at the back of he room a couple of times to be more visible.  She is no diva and I love her for that.  The choreography was delightful and we had plenty of time to go over it.  A good cool-down was also included along with some positive affirmations that she got us to recite.  She went over the time a bit, because it had started late, and I’m sure she would only have had time to possibly grab a bite (if she was lucky) get to sound check and into hair and makeup before the BDSS show that night.   Amazing.