Below are Cath’s Kickers bi-monthly newsletters keeping class members up to date with what’s happening.

Here are some of the dances I have choreographed.

Please click the link to download the stepsheet.

(Note that this requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free, to open the PDF file)

versatility cha - *NEW* May 2008

Before He Cheats

Grace

Maybe We’re Crazy

Pieces

Rocksteady

‘H’ & Mad Cat

“H” – aka Helen Peers – lives in Cheshire and “Mad Cat” – aka Cathy Hodgson – lives in Ripon, North Yorkshire

“H” and Mad Cat met at The Deans Chance to Dance week long event in Tenerife in September 2005. Since then, they have worked together and choreographed some dances.

Distance is no problem for both of them as with the technology of e-mail and texting each other on a regular basis, their dances have been fine tuned.

Their dances have been demonstrated to other known choreographers Pat Stott, Robbie McGowan Hickie, Charlotte Macari and Steve Mason.

The inspiration for the dance, “grace”, came after Cathy won tickets to go and see Simon Webbe in concert in Harrogate, a short distance from her home. Cathy had only heard the song on the National Lottery the previous Saturday and then heard it live in Harrogate the following Tuesday. The tickets were won at 9am on the Tuesday morning, picked up at 11am from the radio station and the concert started at 9pm on the Tuesday. The dance was then worked on during the course of Wednesday and taught to Helen the following Saturday before being shown to Charlotte and Steve on the same Saturday afternoon.

This seems to be the way that “H” and Mad Cat operation. A song inspires one of them, and they work together via phone, e-mail and text and hey presto, a dance is born.

Remember I am not a dictionary, another instructor’s terms list may be different, they may use the terms a little differently than I do. This list hopefully though, will help you to understand how to do these steps. If you have any questions, please feel free to come and ask me. I wish there was a set of official terms too, but until there is, each of us will just continue to do the best we can, interpreting all the step sheets to the best of our ability. This list will help you get through my classes.

Line Dance Terminology Download

(Note that this requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free, to open the PDF file)

Suggestions for learning and getting acquainted with linedancing

SMILE, RELAX & ENJOY!!!

Now that we have the 3 most important things to remember out of the way, let’s go over a few helpful hints to accomplishing the above.

Ask questions!

Please do not hesitate to ask for a step or sequence to be repeated if you don’t get it. I want to help, but I can’t if I don’t know you’re having a problem. The speed and detail in which I teach on any given night varies depending on the average ability of the students on the floor at that time. I always do my best to accommodate everyone but there may be times when you look around and see people of all levels on the floor. One of the toughest parts of an instructor’s job is trying to judge how to keep the majority of the people happy the majority of the time. Those who have attended regularly may get bored and then there are the newcomers who may feel overwhelmed. I always try to keep a happy medium for both. Pick a level which best suits your individual requirements.

Be patient!

You would be one in a million if you walked onto the dance floor for the first time and could automatically do this perfectly. Try to obtain the dance sheets, which are available from www.linedancemagazine.co.uk or www.kickit.to/ld. Feel free to practice the dances if you really want to get into this type of dancing fully. No one ever learned to dance sitting on a bar stool, although some people have the ability to watch someone for a few walls of a dance and then get up and do it, but I believe that the best way to learn the dance is to come on out onto the dance floor and give it a try. No one is perfect. We all make mistakes and around here we don’t make mistakes, we make variations, some of which are great variations, to say the least. Don’t give up. Stay on the floor.

Come often!

If you really want to become a proficient line dancer you need to come on a regular basis and try to attend your level of class each week. The more often you repeat a dance the easier it becomes. Some dances stay years, others go quickly. It is judged by the number of requests for the dances and the number of people out on the floor for that particular dance (popularity counts). Don’t try to learn every dance if you only come occasionally. It will be overwhelming. Pick and choose your favourites and enjoy those!

Take the alternatives!

If you’re new to linedancing, I try to give alternatives, mainly where turning is involved. I am fully aware that there are people who don’t like turning, and there are those who physically can’t turn, so I try to find an alternative and adapt it accordingly into the dance. Sometimes, I may find an alternative to the more intricate steps. Feel free to use these alternatives, as long as you are comfortable with them. From there, you can go on to add the original choreography back in when you’re more comfortable with the dance. Keep your steps small. You will stay in balance better and be able to fix problems more easily. Keep your knees softly flexed and keep weight to the balls of your feet. It may take you some time to adapt to your own, comfortable dancing style, and I will offer snippets of advice wherever I can.

Turn technique!

We do a lot of turning in line dancing. The better you are at it, the more fun you will have. Stay down in your turns and turn your head first.

Learn terminology!

When you hear linedancing terminology ie all the different dance steps/styles, initially, it will be like a foreign language. It will take a little time for you to learn to translate terms and get the message to your feet. Be patient. See line dance terminology. But please do NOT be put off by this comprehensive list, you will be amazed at how many of the steps you will incorporate into your linedancing within the first 3 months.

Dance floor etiquette!

With the proper dance floor etiquette we can all have a fun and a safe place to dance. See etiquette.

Comfy feet!

The main no no is strictly NO STILLETOES!! There are a wide variety of dance sneakers and shoes available, (take a peek at www.planetdancedirect.co.uk). Cowboy boots are still worn today in linedancing, but it is up to the individual’s choice of footwear, so long as you are comfortable and can carry out the steps comfortably without risk of injury to yourself or others!! I personally prefer dance sneakers and the greek style low heeled dance shoe. Each to their own!!

Music variety!

Line dancing is done to all kinds of music now, from pop to Latin, to country and just about anything else you can name. Not every piece of music is to everyone’s taste. If you don’t like the piece of music just wait 3 minutes until it ends and you never know, you might like the next piece of music!! I try to incorporate something for everybody.

Please remember some of the people want the new and “funky” stuff, some want the “golden oldie” dances, some want to be kept as up to date as possible, some like to revise dances more often than others. I will always do my best to mix it up and keep the majority of the people happy the majority of the time.

The bigger picture!

Why not consider, when you are comfortable, broadening your horizons and visiting other clubs for social events. There is usually something happening in the local area each weekend. This way, you will meet more people, see what kind of music and what kind of dances are being done elsewhere. Why not go on a linedancing weekend? These are great fun and incorporate workshops and being taught new dances, alongside live bands, and a great atmosphere. It gives you the opportunity to dance in a non-teaching environment and meet new people. You will also see how, geographically, music and dances vary. I have found that what I taught last week may have been taught in Newcastle a month ago but hasn’t been heard of in Lincolnshire yet!!!!

Be patient when things may not be exactly going your way. I am doing my best to please you, and believe you me, it’s a tough job being an instructor and linedance DJ. Thank you for coming to my class. Your presence is very much appreciated. I love teaching linedancing and want everyone to have fun.

If you have any problems, please come see me before or after class.

• NEVER come onto the dance floor carrying food, drinks, glasses, cans or lighted cigarettes
• NEVER stay on the dance floor to talk if the music has started, move off the floor
• NEVER walk through a line of dancers to cross the floor, always walk round or wait
• DON’T start a different dance unless it is acceptable, if necessary, split the floor
• DON’T wear stilettos, spurs or carry guns/knives for safety reasons
• DON’T stop dancing to teach, find an alternative, suitable area
• IF the floor is crowded, take smaller steps, use caution, enjoy the closer company and apologise for any bumps even when not your fault
• IF the dance floor is empty and you are starting a dance, move to the front of the dance are so others can fall in behind
• IF you must leave the floor during a dance, do so with caution to avoid accidents
• REMEMBER, the dance floor is for everyone. When dancing in lines, keep the outside lane clear for partner/couple dancers
• REMEMBER, everyone was a beginner once. If you are a more experienced dancer, be supportive of the new comer and encourage them
• REMEMBER, the right of way for outside lane users, don’t block their way. If needed, start a new line rather than risk blocking their progress
• REMEMBER, the line of direction for partner dancers is anti-clockwise and don’t go against this, maintain the correct outside track and no cutting corners
• KEEP YOUR HEAD UP, KEEP SMILING AND ENJOY!!!!

A-B Workshop - Learn to Linedance

A 3 hour workshop aimed at absolute beginners incorporating the dance steps for 8 dances to 13 tracks by Country duo Brushwood utilising Val Myers A-B Programme.

A-B “L”

A-B “Corner

El Corner

A-B “Waltz”

A-B “Ticket”

A-B “Whirl”

The Freeze

Simply Mambo

Pre-Beginner workshop

A 2 hour workshop aimed at those returning to linedancing who need a bit of a refresher course incorporating the following dances:-

El Corner

A-B “Ticket”

A-B “Whirl”

The Freeze

Cowboy Charlston

Cowboy Strut

Please click on the link to take you to the chosen playlist.  Please note, the majority of my classes are beginner/improver level but there are some intermediate dances thrown in for good measure.

(Note that this requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free, to open the PDF file) 

June 2008

May 2008

April 2008 

March 2008

February 2008

January 2008  

December 2007

November 2007

October 2007

September 2007 

August 2007

Our monthly socials are held at Calcutt & Forest Moor Village Hall, Blands Hill, Knaresborough, 8.00pm to 10.30pm at a cost of £4.00. Bring your own refreshments and a plate for the beggars banquet.

Calcutt & Forest Moor Village Hall is a lovely venue for our socials with a car park, great dance floor and a fab friendly atmosphere!

Remaining socials for 2008:-

26th July

23rd August

20th September

25th October

22nd November

20th December

Below is an alphabetical list of dances taught for all levels of dancers since November 2005. 

(Note that this requires Adobe Acrobat Reader, which can be downloaded for free, to open the PDF file)

      list of dances taught

As the site takes shape, I plan to keep you more updated with what is being taught at classes.  The list covers new dances and older dances which are re-visited.  All dance scripts are available at www.linedancermagazine.com

You may notice that some of the dances have an abbreviation next to them.  These are how I personally perceive the dances myself having line danced since 1997 and been teaching since 2002 and having provided line dance disco’s to a variety of events.

ab = absolute beginner level

b = beginner level

imp = improver level

int = intermediate level

c = classic dance (golden oldie???)

_________________________________________________________________

June 2008

amor de hielo (int)

laid back and low key (int)

Irish spirit (int)

Smokey places (c)

one more midnight (imp)

just for grins (c)

versatility-cha *NEW - choreographed by Mad Cat*

____________________________________________________________________

6.15pm to 7.30pm = beginner level

7.30pm to 9.00pm = improver/easy intermediate level

9.00pm onwards = intermediate level

7.00pm to 8.30pm = improver/easy intermediate level

8.00pm to 9.30pm(ish) = intermediate level

For bookings, event information and general enquiries;

Cathy Hodgson

01765 606 988

07891 862 428

djmadcat@cathskickers.co.uk

• www.robbiemh.co.uk - official website of choreographer Robbie McGowan Hickie
• www.nexus-energy.co.uk - Nexus-Energy - Classes, Events, Dance Floor Hire, Dancewear and more…
• www.linedancermagazine.co.uk - Magazine dedicated to todays linedancing including step sheets, events, reviews, etc.
• www.johndeanlive.com - Official website of John Dean 
• www.kickit.to/ld - Stepsheet resource
• www.bwda2000.com - Britain’s leading Instructor Training organisation.  Many of today’s best known instructors and choreographers did their initial training with the BWDA2000.
• www.diamondjack.co.uk - official website of Diamond Jack
• www.magill.countrymusic.co.uk - official website of Magill
• www.j2step.com - official website of choreographer Johnny 2 Step
• www.westerndancers.karoo.net - official webiste of choreographer Steve Mason
• www.ppluk.com - official website of Phonographic Performance Licence UK

Chance to Dance  /  Kingshill Holidays  /  Christmas Party with Glenn Rogers

Chance to Dance with John Dean

remaining Chance to Dance events 2008:-

12th to 19th September - Chance to Dance in Tenerife with John Dean, Glenn Rogers, Roy Dale, Charlotte Macari, Phil Partridge and Cathy “Mad Cat” Hodgson

10th to 12th October - Chance to Dance at The Cairn Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire with John Dean, Magill, Steve Mason and Charlotte Macari

7th to 9th November  - Chance to Dance at The Cairn Hotel, Harrogate, North Yorkshire with John Dean, Glenn Rogers, Robbie McGowan Hickie and Cathy “Mad Cat” Hodgson

for further details and to book, please visit www.johndeanlive.com

Kingshill Holidays

I have recently been booked to lead/DJ/instruct at the following Kingshill holidays

17th to 19th October - Langdales Hotel, St Annes by Sea

31st October to 2nd November - Clifton Hotel, Scarborough

14th to 16th Novmeber - Parkway Ramada Jarvis, Leeds

for further details and to book, please visit www.kingshillholidays.com

Christmas Party with Glenn Rogers

Cath’s Kickers present an evening of line dancing at The Manhattan Club, Beech Avenue, Harrogate on Friday 19th December with live entertainment from The Outrageous Glenn Rogers and line dance disco DJ Mad Cat.  Full details to follow.

I hold classes on Monday and Thursday evenings at The Knaresborough United Reformed Church Hall, Windsor Lane, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, a compact venue but very grateful for it.

I cater for the absolute beginner linedancer through improver level and intermediate level and am available for workshops. 

Please click on Monday and Thursday links to see which class and time suits your level.

last updated - 30TH JUNE - social playlists available to view

*NEWS*  *NEWS*  *NEWS*  *NEWS*  *NEWS*  *NEWS*  *NEWS*

Those of you who subscribe to Linedancer Magazine, check out 2 page feature on pages 17-18 entitled “a woman of passion!!”

Welcome to my website combining my love of line dancing along side my passion for music.  I started line dancing in January 1997 and never thought that 11 years down the line I would be an instructor and DJ with my own classes in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire.

From a personal point of view, the concept of “modern” line dance is the combination of the line dancing I have learnt and developed over the last 11 years and the wide variety of music which we dance to including country, pop, latin, irish ….. and so the list goes on.

Cath’s Kickers was established in 2002 when I gained a distinction in levels 1, 2 and 3 with the British Western Dance Association 2000 and qualified as a Line Dance Instructor.

Welcome to my website combining my love of linedancing along side my passion for music.

I undertook linedancing in 1997 as a hobbie with the aim to dance “hillbilly rock, hillbilly roll” at my wedding in May of the same year, sad, yet true …. and I did it!!! Never in a million years would I think that I would be where I am today - i.e. a fully qualified line dance instructor with a history of classes in Knaresborough, Ripon and Burton Leonard, North Yorkshire, Otley, West Yorkshire, or to be working alongside The Deans, Glenn Rogers and Roy Dale in Tenerife as well as providing mobile disco service for weddings, 40th birthday parties, kids parties etc!!!

The name “Mad Cat” seems to have stuck and I suppose you have to see it to believe it! Cat being short for Cathy and the mad bit is me to a tee!! I would like to thank Barbara from Ripon who came up with the name “Cath’s Kickers” for the linedancing club, and I am sure that you can imagine that “Cath’s Kickers” on the back of a t-shirt can be misinterpreted and has therefore caused quite a few laughs!

In February 2002, I was asked to oversee the teaching of a class in Otley, West Yorkshire, for a short period. This lead me to undertake my British Western Dance Association 2000 teacher training course in Preston and gained level 1 and 2 in September of that year and obtained level 3 in December 2002.

My passion for music is expressed through dance as well as through listening to the music I play at Disco’s. I’m never still. I boogie along behind the decks at disco’s and keep everyone entertained whilst getting them to dance too. I have provided articles for Linedancer Magazine and pro-mobile magazine for DJ’s.