ABOUT CELEBRATIONS UNLIMITED
|
Celebrations Unlimited was created over twenty years ago when a band failed to make its scheduled appearance at an American Legion Dance. Dan Hurley quickly arranged to rent some equipment, packed up his music collection and salvaged the event. That night ignited an old love for music and dancing that continues today. Since that time Dan and his wife Chris, have planned, coordinated, entertained, played the music, and taught popular dances at countless weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, retirement parties, dances, workshops, music promotions, and fund raising events, all over the United States, Caribbean, and Canada. In 1989, Celebrations Unlimited went in a new direction. Helen Bergenty arranged to have Chet and Meredith Gould, dance instructors at Illusions Country-Dance Club, teach country western dancing at Our Lady of Mercy Parish Center. Of course Helen convinced many of her friends this was a must thing to do. It was very successful, but the instructors had a commitment with the club that would not allow them to continue. This is when Christine Haddock was volunteered to become the dance instructor. This wasn't difficult, as Chris really loves to dance. Only one problem Chris only knew the two dances that Chet and Merideth had taught. Quickly gaining full stride as many new dancers do, Chris went everywhere through out the land seeking dance knowledge. Excellent counsel came not only from the Goulds, but Jim and Deanna Kinch. The early advice these four people provided and continue to provide cannot be measured. Celebrations Unlimited proceeded to add country-dances, promotions with country singers, dance instructors, dance classes, and dance workshops to their repertoire. Dan and Chris are both members of the National Teachers Association of Country Western Dance, Independent Teachers Association, and New England Western Dance Association. Chris is a past-president of New England Western Dance Association and Dan is a past vice-president. While both severed on the board of directors for several years. Chris also maintains her dance accreditation with the National Teachers Association in basic fundamentals, Linedance 1, Linedance 2, Couples level 1, and is working on the next levels by attending several NTA workshops. To increase her partner skills Chris also serves as the zone N director for NTA. She also attended classes at Arthur Murray Dance Studios, was even talked into entering competition dancing and won Gold for the Waltz and Silver for the Swing at the Summer Southern New England Competition 1997. Chris has attended NTA Conventions, dance workshops and dance clinics all over the country working to be the best dance instructor she can be. Chris has a great attitude about dancing. It has to be fun! She has been blessed with the patience of Job. Even when her classes are over she can be found working with dancers that didn't complete the lesson or working on an entirely different dance. Dan more as a sign of support and seeking more knowledge to be a better disk jockey has passed the NTA Basic Fundamentals test. Dan Hurley is our music and technical director. He is a graduate of Elkins School of Broadcast Electronics and Connecticut School of Broadcasting as a student and instructor. He holds a FCC (Federal Communication Commission) 1st class Broadcast and Engineering License. He also spent several years as an air personality on radio in Waterbury CT, Hartford CT, Albany NY, Boston MA, Arlington VA (W.DC), and Chicago IL. This gave him mountains of experience to share with the guests, clients, and friends of our company. To expand their knowledge of what is happening in the music world Chris and Dan have made several trips over the past years to many areas of this country. Together they have danced in over thirty of the 48 original states. Separately Dan has watched in all forty-eight, Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. Chris has actually danced in 41 states plus Canada and Mexico. Not to long ago they added the Caribbean to their list of places they have danced in. |
Celebrations Unlimited has produced many successful events. To date the largest event was a dance workshop weekend with Joanne Brady. Topped off with a concert presentation by Scooter Lee. In the beginning there were some glitches. No event ever gets away without some. Taking the time not to panic, Chris and Dan solved whatever glitch arose as it happened. Thus they were able to insure a great time by all their guests. Always in a learning mode Celebrations Unlimited continues to improve their performances with each unique experience. In 1999 in association with Jaspers Restaurant and Dance Club, they produced a weekend dance workshop with Jamie Davis. She is the current and three time World's Line Dance Champion, International Choreographer, and Instructor. The weekend was a huge success and even inspired Chris to complete her first dance choreography entitled, "Rub It In 2000". Several other events have been produced by Chris and Dan. Barry Amato and Jamie Davis Workshops along with Scooter Lee Concerts. 2004 brought in association with Crystal’s Nightclub they produced several appearances in Connecticut by Barry and Dari Ann Amato. There have been several highlights and memories created for Chris and Dan during the past ten years. Spending time in Nashville, Tennessee was one. Meeting with record company executives, artists, songwriters, aspiring artists and songwriters. Dancing at the Wildhorse Saloon, site seeing, a surprise concert (actually a dress rehearsal) at the original Grand Old Oprey. Shopping for country duds at more stores than anyone's brain has decision space for. Then dancing every night at clubs of every imaginable size and shape. Appearing on TV's "Club Dance" was unique for them to say the least. Then there was the time Chris was asked to demonstrate country line dancing at a local nursing home. Several of the regular dancers who attended her classes volunteered to go with her. This has evolved with Chris' leadership into what is now known as Celebration Dancers-Demonstration Team. Purely a social group of dancers that promote line dances. In the early nineties Celebration Dancers, a social group of dancers formed to promote Country Dance was formed. This group of strictly volunteers has performed at schools, nursing homes, fairs, several bizarres, civic organizations, dance clubs, and were the opening night headliners for the St. Ann's Italian festival in New Britain Connecticut before hundreds of people on two separate occasions. This group has only one requirement for membership. You must have fun dancing. Certainly the events and places Chris and Dan have attended created many memories. More importantly the opportunities to meet and socialize with countless people has meant more to them. Establishing friendships and acquaintances beyond the scope of Celebrations Unlimited will stay with them for life. While still working with Celebrations Unlimited both Chris and Dan has teamed up to instruct and dj at area dance clubs such as Jaspers Country Dance Club and Restaurant, Crystal’s Nightclub, and the Fireside. Recently they opened their own “Dance Hall” where Chris not only teaches the old standards, but the latest "smokin" red hot nationally known dances. Dan will spin your favorite requested songs of yesterday, today, and tomorrow just for your dancing pleasure all night long. Over the years Chris and Dan have worked for every imaginable group, association, club, individual, and charity fund raiser. They have worked in a barn, boat, garage, churches, cruise ships, on the beach by a lake, and the boardwalk next to the ocean. They have traveled all over the USA, Canada, and Mexico to work at many dance events. Even though the goal of Celebrations Unlimited remains the same today as it was back in 1979. That goal is to make your event the most organized enjoyable, pleasurable, and Fun experience you ever had. Let us help you take the worry out of your event. Celebrations Unlimited is not the star of the show. You are! We only polish the stars to a fantastic shine. |
| Name | |
| Subject/URL | |
| Message | |