Vernon and area dancers are donning their 10-gallon hats and cowboy boots to learn western moves with Canadian champion country dancers Cindy and Richard Tymko this weekend.
The couple is at City Dance studio in Vernon today and Saturday for a series of workshops as well as social dances, where participants will be able to practise their moves
“This is a great opportunity for anyone who loves two-step, west coast swing, nightclub two-step, polka, and triple two-step to learn from world-level instructors,” said City Dance instructor Heather Stranks.
The Tymkos have been dancing and teaching together for the past 18 years. They began their partnership competing as a couple in the country and swing dance worlds. In those first couple of years together, they won the 1996 Pacific Coast Classic Swing Dance Champions (Portland, Ore.), the 1996 North West Regional Classic Swing Champions (Seattle, Wash.) and the 1996 River City Classic Swing Champions (Edmonton, Alta).
Since then, they have focused their efforts on teaching and coaching students through their dance company, Rhythms of Dance, in Calgary. They are also master level certified judges on the country circuit for the United Country and Western Dance Council.
Both have received top teacher awards at several local and international dance festivals. In January, Richard Tymko received the top male teacher at the UCWDC World Championships in Nashville, Tenn.
In the 2011/2012 dance season, the Tymkos decided to compete once again and danced against the very best at the World Country Dance Championships. A successful outcome was accomplished with two first place dances and a fourth place overall.
In 2007, the Tymkos had a baby girl, Isabelle, and now at age five she shares the love of dance with her dad in the pro-am junior primary divisions.
The couple also share their love of dance by teaching and coaching country, swing and ballroom to students of all ages across North America. They enjoy their life passion by judging at the dance events, coaching couples, competing with their pro-am students and performing and competing themselves.
“We are very happy to be invited to share our dance expertise with our friendly neighbours in Vernon and surrounding areas. Let the fun begin,” they said.
All passes and tickets for today and Saturday’s events can be purchased through City Dance. Call 250-307-4955 or e-mail info@citydanceok.com.
