My Blog

Time Warp - featuring Carla & Nick, April 8th

Mon, 13 Apr 2009 15:09:18 -0700

This past week, Nick and I were featured on the Discovery Channel’s show called “Time Warp.”
We didn’t get to see the segment before it was aired, but we did get to see some of the filming because they want to show you what is really happening when things are slowed down. They wanted our gut reactions right after we danced something. However, when the show aired, most of the editing took out the actual commentary that occurred. It was super fun to film though & probably the most fun I have ever had doing something in the “biz.” The hosts and the pretty much the whole set were really down to earth and fun to be around all day. At one point they told us we didn’t need to smile and “put on a show anymore” because they were only filming our feet.” We kept dancing and then they actually stopped and said, “you guys are really having fun, aren’t you?” That was so funny to me. Of course, we were having fun!! We were dancing and were allowed to do pretty much whatever we wanted in terms of dancing! How awesome is that!

We actually spent the majority of the day doing dancey-dance stuff and only about an hour total doing the aerials. Of course, they kept mostly the ariels stuff in the end. Speaking of ends, my derriere did get some serious air time as did Nick’s awesome arms!

All in all, it was a very educational experience and I learned a lot more about how we move and how to teach things since I have seen things in ultra slow motion. I wish I had all the original footage and could use it as a learning tool. We saw the swingouts from so many views slowed down and it was cool to see where energy was being redirected & how we were really relying on each other for certain things. And where we could work on things too. Always lots to work on!!

My favorite part is when they show the spin in slow motion and play this really beautiful music during the slow-mo part. : ) That made me happy to hear that music then - the spin was slowed down by a factor of 10. Wow!

I hope you enjoyed the segment and if you have not seen it yet, please feel free to check the following links to watch it.
thanks
Carla

http://www.facebook.com/ext/share.php?sid=175238595103&h=P6jSv&u=uTr3Z&ref=mf

http://www.facebook.com/posted.php?id=1216621042&share_id=78831338884&ref=nf#s78831338884

My Sister’s Work on Display

Sat, 31 Jan 2009 23:04:48 -0800

I am so excited to announce that my twin sister, Carisa Kozicki (*this is a photo I snapped of her snuggling with her doggie, Olive) will display some of her wonderful artistry starting tomorrow at a place called Juice & Java in Mechanicsburg, PA. She is hosting a photography exhibit featuring 12 portraits of some of her canine clients as well as some stunning arrangements of seasonal photography. I am so happy for her and can not wait to see either a video of the display and or photographs of the photographs. Regardless, this is a great occasion to celebrate. If you are in and or around the area, swing on by and take a gander at her amazing prints. No, actually, I take that back, grab a coffee and plan on standing and enjoying the prints for a while. Sip and let it all sink in and enjoy the scenery that enfolds in front of you.

My sister has worked really hard and continues to do so; she knows how to capture animals, people, & occasions in rare moments really truly showing the beauty, hilarity, and amore this world has to offer. Her photographs help preserve the moments of your life and steal moments away from time in the best possible way. I love her work and am so inspired that she has taken the steps to go out on her own and launch such a great business in such a competitive field. You want beautiful photos and an easy to work with photographer? You want a reliable photographer with a down to earth approach, but still amazingly professional? You want stunning photographs at the end of the day? Book her! Book her! check out a small sampling of her work at http://www.ckphotog.com or http://www.carisak.com
She will travel to photograph events too. Weddings, fashion shows, special events, you name it!

You go, Cris! Cheers to you and I know your exhibit is going to be fantastic!

Carla’s Adventures

Mon, 26 Jan 2009 17:09:18 -0800

I am just getting started with my blog, but am excited to finally have one and am eager to share my stories.

Currently, I am in Austin, Texas enjoying a relaxing day post “Lone Star Championships.” This was a very well-run event and tons of fun. I highly suggest marking it on your calendars for next year. It is an event that will make you jump up and down with excitement. I felt totally rejuvenated in my dancing even after being here only the first night / early-bird party night on Thursday. Very friendly, very welcoming, and amazing dancing all weekend long.

The weekend teaching schedule was quite mellow, comparatively speaking, but nonetheless, I am still exhausted; a true sign of a good weekend of late night dancing and good company.

I had the pleasure of teaching with the Mike’s and with Nina this past weekend. (*Mikey Pedroza, Mike Faltesek, and Nina Gilkenson). Classes were well attended and super fun. Falty and I expounded on the virtues of improvisation in Swing Dancing. We provided some useful tools / exercises to help people express their ideas about the music and about dancing. Quick summary of some of the places where we draw inspiration for improvisation in your dancing: jazz steps, rhythm steps, tap, using the music, using other people (people watching), learning all your jazz routines and steps on both sides of the body, using your partner’s ideas, & THE MUSIC ; )

That is all for now. I am still quite sleepy and am in need of another dose of “English breakfast” fortified with honey and soy milk.