Course Details
This course is designed for those who have never created a freestyle routine or who struggle with putting a routine together. We’ll go over music selection, sequencing behaviors, musicality, use of transitions, handler interpretation, creating meaningful verbal cues, show attire, freestyle vs heelwork to music, what judges are looking for and more! There are several organizations that convey musical freestyle titles, and this course will help you be successful in any of them!
Some may choose to use the course as a catalyst to create a routine with a single piece of music through out the six weeks. Others may choose to create short sequences with different pieces of music and explore the possibilities! Either way, you are sure to be inspired no matter what level you register for!
Instructor: Julie FlaneryJulie Flanery (she/her), CPDT-KA has been working professionally with dogs and their handlers since 1993. She focuses on the needs of the dog and helping people form a strong relationship, through clear communication, and positive reinforcement. She has placed Obedience...(Click here for full bio and to view Julie's upcoming courses)
Syllabus
This syllabus is a general outline. Some topics will cover multiple weeks or over-lap with other week's curriuculum. Creating a musical freestyle routine is a creative process and is not always linear. Flexibility is an asset and change is a constant in the creation of a one-of-a-kind freestyle routine.
Wk 1:
- Considerations and an Overview of the Process
- Assessing transition behaviors
- Freestyle or Heelwork?
- Choosing Music
Wk 2:
- Choreography: Getting Started
- Getting it on Paper
- Musicality and Sequencing
- Opening and Closing Poses
Wk 3 and 4:
- Sequencing
- Punctuation Points!
- Transitions and Flow
- Mapping it out
- Costume Considerations
- Integrating Props
- Scoring Considerations
Wk 5:
- Handler Interpretation
- Timing of cues
- Over-lapping sequences
- Choreography Cues
Wk 6:
- Training, Practice, or Rehearsal?
- Back Chaining
- Ring Preparation
- Reinforcement vs Stamina
Prerequisites and Equipment
RA550 Transitions and Flow (at any level) is a pre-requisite for gold level dog and handler teams. Teams should be able to perform primary transition behaviors of spins, circles and passing through the handler's legs. Gold level teams should also have a few addtional behaviors they may want to incorporate into a routine. These do not need to be complex or difficult behaviors, but they should be fairly fluent and the dog should be responsive to the cues. Verbal cues are preferred but it's fine if the dog needs some aid with slight hand cues or body prompts.
With little exception, this course is not about teaching new moves and behaviors, but using existing behaviors or behaviors that are far enough along in the training process that they can be included in the choreography, or sequenced together with other behaviors.
Students will need access to a music player with speakers or the ability to project sound (The instructor and fellow students need to hear the music. Players that only use earbuds will not be appropriate unless connected to speakers). Students will also be presenting possible music choices so should have access to either an online music library, or personal CD music library.
While it is not always necessary to have a large working area, at least a room sized area will be needed to be able to work sequences. Larger areas will be beneficial. Working areas may be indoors or outdoors.
Gold level students will need the ability to video their exercises and upload to YouTube, to be able to submit video for coaching.
Course Testimonials
A SAMPLING OF WHAT PRIOR STUDENTS HAVE SAID ABOUT THIS COURSE...
Julie is a wonderful teacher . She has the very special blend of being able to organize a course while at the same time allow for individual interpretation . She has a fantastic eye, quick sense of humor and a love of dogs so that their needs and happiness comes 1st . I am so very lucky to have found her classes and so is my dog Thank you Julie
Thank you Julie for your wonderful insights! They help me on my journey with Jack to become a better trainer, dancer and companion in freestyle and beyond!
Another great class! Wish I would have had this info years ago! I've mostly been flying by the seat of my pants until I started to take the online courses. Both my musical freestyle and rally freestyle competition scores have gone up after completing the corresponding courses. So I thank you, Julie!
This choreography class has been amazing! Julie's outdone herself with this one. Clear, thorough lessons, excellent and helpful feedback! Julie's classes are always a positive learning experience. C/T Ellen S.
This class was very different from other courses that are "train the dog". Whereas we did address some training, this was about the handler and how to put on the creative hat to select music for a freestyle routine and then choreograph that routine. I found it fascinating. Sandy Goodstein
I have put together 2 routines and my dog has completed Novice freestyle. Boy was this an eye opener on what I could have done prior to my first routine. Great job to Julie for breaking things down. Everything you would ever want to know is there.
Julie Flanery is phenomenal! Excellent instructor! Sees what is there, comments in such helpful. positive, non-threatening manner. Leads the students forward, from where they are at, towards where they want to end up at. Always came across in a kindly and non-judgemental manner.
Registration
There are no scheduled sessions for this class at this time. We update our schedule frequently, so please subscribe to our mailing list for notifications.
Registration will open at 11:30am Pacific Time
RA610 Subscriptions
 Gold |
 Silver |
 Bronze |
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| Tuition | $ 260.00 | $ 130.00 | $ 65.00 |
| Enrollment Limits | 12 | 25 | Unlimited |
| Access all course lectures and materials | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Access to discussion and homework forums | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Read all posted questions and answers | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Watch all posted videos | ✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Post general questions to Discussion forum | ✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| Submit written assignments | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Post dog specific questions | ✔ | With video only | ✖ |
| Post videos | ✔ | Up to 2 | ✖ |
| Receive instructor feedback on |
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