Dancers with Woofs - Club History
Dancers with Woofs is a dog dancing club organized in Mukwonago, Wisconsin. The club was formed in August 2004, to promote the sport of Canine Musical Freestyle, which is an exciting new dog sport that combines obedience, tricks, music, and costumes to produce entertaining dance routines. The sport began in the late 1980s with several dog obedience demonstrations performed to music. After the first organized competition was held in 1993, freestyle quickly grew in popularity across the US and many other countries. It has since evolved into creative and sometimes theatrical performances that are as diverse and unique as the dogs that perform them.
Freestyle dance titles can be obtained through the World Canine Freestyle Organization (WCFO), the Musical Dog Sport Association (MDSA), and the Canine Freestyle Federation (CFF). Among the club ranks are dogs of different sizes and breeds, including several mixed breeds. Freestyle demonstrations have become a favorite attraction for spectators due to the impressive display of teamwork between the dogs and their handlers, but the greatest appeal for participants, as most club members will testify, is the fun they have with their dogs.
Dancing with your Dog - Musical Freestyle
Freestyle is a choreographed musical program performed by handlers and their dogs. The object of musical freestyle is to display the dog and handler in a creative, innovative and original dance, using music and intricate movements to showcase teamwork, artistry, costuming, athleticism and style in interpreting the theme of the music. Heelwork-to-Music incorporates traditional dog obedience and the art of dressage with the inclusion of musical interpretation, dance elements, and costuming with an emphasis on non-standard obedience movements. Both Musical Freestyle and Heelwork-To-Music routines should create a visually exciting display, which is enjoyable to watch, and which is equally enjoyable to dogs and handlers executing the programs. Canine freestyle is a showcase that truly demonstrates the joys and fun of bonding with your pet.
Patie Ventre, Founder WCFO