D trickiest sport in town - K9 Musical freestyle

'Sometimes in dis sport, I dun even know whether I'm coming or going.'

'Eh, watch where u r going man ...'

Ever felt like dancing? Now u cn … just put on some music, grab a partner (ur owner) n blend in a few tricks, fancy moves n heelwork n u hv 1 of d most creative activity around, ‘Dancing with Humans’. Fairly new n exciting sport which hs tremendous spectator appeal. Only drawback is dat ur owner will insist on leading all d time, even tho v all know very well who hs d slickest moves.

'd leg weave, d side step n d circle round.'

2 dance categories:
Heelwork 2 Music: dog n handler perform primarily heelwork influenced dance steps n both must stay within 4’-5’ of each other throughout d routine.
Musical Freestyle: more flexible n each routine is only limited by d team’s imagination n repertoire of moves. Basically anything goes as long as it’s entertaining, sweet.

Mutts who enjoy performing tricks will do well. Just need 2 polish up on trying 2 emulate n mirror ur partner’s dance steps, which is easier said den done. Think humans fail 2 recognise dat bsides having 4 legs 2 coordinate, v still hv 2 look 2 deir hands n feet 4 d next cue. Still, I enjoy it coz get 2 twist, spin n run circles round my owner in d pretence of dancing n best of all, d audience really appreciates it.

'Most of d time, I'm doing my best just 2 avoid being stomped on.'

Even got 2 performed a few informal demos at orphanages, old folks home, pet fair n a shopping centre ... c ’Save d Last Dance 4 Me’ clip. Not too bad 4 amateurs but my partner keeps reminding me dat I hop around n bark too much. Hence, I sometimes mix up or even forget d steps. Cant help it if he continuously flashes my trick ball 2 get me all excited during d routine. How am I supposed 2 stay ‘calm n collected’ … dose words arent even in d JRT core curriculum 2 begin with. Bsides its not called freestyle 4 nothing.

Basic steps
Some basic heelwork is an advantage. U’ll also need 2 know how 2 spin, weave, run thru n circle round ur partner’s legs. Preferably, moves cn b performed in both directions, clockwise n anti … n also on all sides ie. 2 d left, right, front n back of ur partner.

Advanced moves n tricks
Advanced moves such as step backwards, sideways, pivots n side switches will add variety n flexibility 2 d routine. Reverse, back up, circling in unison n in opposite directions r nifty moves 2 hv in ur repertoire.

Incorporating tricks will enhance spectator appeal. Sit up, stand on 2, rollover, bow n crawl r handy tricks 2 hv. Jumps thru n over ur partner’s hands, legs or body will also impress.

'Especially enjoy dis 'Monkey on d back' move.'

Song selection
As in any performance, choreography n picking a suitable accompaniment is crucial. Best 2 stay away from really slow numbers n ultra fast beats. Jazz n Latin influenced rhythms work well 4 me. Dese kinda numbers hv sufficient breaks n changes in tempo in between to allow d team 2 synchronize deir individual jumps n tricks. Melodic dance anthems r also suitable as well.

Once music selection is finalised, den practice is paramount in order 2 synchronize ur movements with ur partner 2 gv an impression of coordinated movements on d dance floor. Running circles round ur owner will only work 2 a certain degree.

In dis discipline, it’s a fine line between control n enthusiasm … n in my case, my owner hasn’t much control n I’ve too much enthusiasm, heh heh. Or mayb, it’s time 4 me 2 move on n look 4 a new n more accomplished dance partner. Now, I’ve heard of dis bloke called Fred Stair who’s pretty darn good … mayb dis time, I cn lead. Dey dun call me d groove thing 4 nothing.

'John Travolta, eat ur heart out!'