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Luna Tunes Cynthia Collins Satisfied Clients Price Lists TMJ Ulcers Freestyle Clinics These freestyle clinics are fun for all who participate. Riding to music that fits your horse can be one of the most enjoyable experiences rider's can have in dressage. Music can help riders greatly to ride a consistent tempo. Holding this clinic could help to promote freestyles at your local competitions and Regional Championships. Riders and auditors will leave with a greater understanding of the beginning of the freestyle process. They will see first hand how the appropriate music can enhance the horse's gaits. They will also observe how choreography is developed based on musical phrases in the music selected. Freestyle clinics are available for GMO's and small private groups of riders anywhere in the United States. These should be scheduled for two days. The cost is $75 for each 45 minute session, plus expenses. The expenses may be covered by the hosting group through grants, auditor fees, or split between the riders. Clinics should schedule 6 to 8 riders per day. Please see the middle of this page for grants that are available. Since I am a freestyle designer and choreographer, I do not deal with the training of movements, the horse, or the rider. That is something the rider should seek the advise of a skilled trainer. Although the riders should be working toward the level of the freestyle, be it Training level to Grand Prix, they do not need to be completely proficient at that level during the time of the clinic. However, the rider does need to be able to control the horse safely during the clinic. Auditor's are encouraged to participate during the music selection phase of the session. Rider's are encouraged to watch other rider's sessions. Rider's should have one of the following goals in mind while riding in the freestyle clinic. 1. The rider desires a complete competitive freestyle. There is an additional cost for this service, however, the rider will receive a discount on the freestyle fees. On the first day, the horse's gait tempo's are measured. The horse's movement, body build, and level, is observed in order to select appropriate music. Next, music is played while the horse trots, canters, and then walks, to see which type of music looks correct with the horse. During this session, the rider is asked not to perform movements as only the gaits are needed for music selection. Rider's may bring music they have to be analyzed to see if it might be appropriate for their horse. All tracks on the CD should be labeled ahead of time for the correct gait. On the second day, choreography will be discussed and developed. The rider may need to ride sections of the choreography several times while choreography is being created and adjustments are made. Because this section only deals with the timing of the music during the movements, correctness of the movements is not emphasized. However, the movements must be ridden correctly once the rider becomes familiar with their music and choreography in order to perform the freestyle. The rider will be sent or e-mailed the choreography. Then the rider must video tape the riding of the choreography and send that, along with a 50% deposit, to Luna Tunes. The freestyle will then be designed. The final payment will be due at when the freestyle is done. 2. The rider desires to improve their rhythm and tempo through the use of music. This can be especially beneficial to lower level riders to help with the first two levels of the Training Scale, rhythm and relaxation. If desired, a riding CD can be made of the music found for an additional fee. As many song choices can be found during the time permitted. The horse's gait tempo's are measured. The horse's way of going is observed in order to select appropriate music. Next, music is played while the horse trots, canters, and then walks, to see which type of music looks correct with the horse. The rider will experience how the appropriate music at the correct tempo will increase their understanding and ability to ride correctly. 3. The rider wants to work on their existing freestyle, either to improve on it or change it to a different level. During their session, we will discuss music changes and/or choreography changes that will improve their scores. 4. The rider wants to come, ride to music, learn about the development of freestyles in order to put together a freestyle them self. Although the rider does not receive the music selected during these sessions, they will understand the type of music that is appropriate for their horse along with the tempo's of their horse's gaits. 5. Rider's want to participate in a Pas de Deux or quadrille. All rider's who are going to ride in the Pas de Deux or quadrille, should ride during all sessions. Music can be selected or riders can bring their own music. Choreography can be created or existing choreography can be worked with and/or improved. Working together as a group will be emphasized during their session in order to produce a higher scoring presentation. Lecture A lecture and video presentation is highly recommended. This can be held either with the freestyle clinic or separately. The lecture covers the USEF rules and the USDF and FEI requirements for all levels of freestyles. Questions can be answered at any time during the presentation. The video shows freestyles I have designed for myself and clients from First Level through Grand Prix. The technical and artist aspects of the freestyles are discussed during the presentation. The lecture is $150 and takes about 2 hours. The lecture is recommended the day prior to the clinic as participates should possess this knowledge before their sessions. A TV and VCR or DVD player should be provided for the video presentation during the lecture. Grants available GMO's may apply for up to $750 in a grant from the "Dancing Horse Fund" through the Dressage Foundation for freestyle education. This foundation has been very generous by giving grants to many of my freestyle clinics. Grants are awarded to "promote participation in, and improve the quality of Musical Freestyles at all levels of Dressage." This grant is also available to private groups. Adult Education grants may also be available for up to $2000 from the "Violet Hopkins Fund" through the Dressage Foundation and may only be used by GMO's. You must apply for these grants at least 90 in advance of the scheduled clinic. To apply for funding assistance for both grants, contact: The Dressage Foundation The Wells Fargo Center 1248 "O" Street, Suite 732 Lincoln, NE 68508 (402) 434-8585 Past clinics I have had very successful clinics in the past. They have been enjoyable for the participates and myself. These have been held in Dallas, San Antonio, and El Paso, Texas; Prescott, Phoenix, and Tucson, Arizona; Columbus and Cincinnati, Ohio; Lexington, Kentucky; Shreveport, Louisiana; Memphis and Nashville, Tennessee; Atlanta, Georgia; Wisconsin; Chicago, Ill.; Alabama; Kansas Kona, Maui, and Oahu, Hawaii; San Diego, San Juan Capistrano, Temecula, Santa Clarita, Sacramento, and Redding, California. Future clinics I have numerous clinics scheduled for this year. Please contact me if you would like to find out about a clinic in your area. I am currently booking clinics for 2008 and 2009, so please contact me as soon as possible for available dates. These clinics are very popular, and with my own competitions, Technical Delegate jobs, and clinic schedule, my calendar fills quickly. You may always schedule a time and, if there is a change or cancellation by your group, there is no fee charged. Clinic Guidelines In order to ensure a successful freestyle clinic, the following guidelines should be followed. Arena - A full sized dressage court measuring 20 meters by 60 meters with proper footing and marked letters is be required in order for choreography to be developed. - Please make arrangements so that the arena will be properly watered and dragged before the start of each days the sessions and again during lunch if the needed. - It is strongly suggested that a covered arena be used in case of inclement weather. Sound System - A sound system consisting of an accessible CD player and speakers, tested in advance, needs to be provided. A wireless microphone is desired, if available. If a GMO is planning this freestyle clinic, these can be purchased through a grant from the Dancing Horse Fund. Riders - All riders MUST sign a release for Luna Tunes Freestyles before any session can start. - All riders MUST wear approved safety headwear and proper footwear during all sessions. - Safety is always given top priority. If a rider has any concerns during a session, she/he should notify Cynthia Collins immediately. |