Music is in the air – and it’s time to harness it into your perfect freestyle. If you have musical freestyles on your mind, you won’t want to miss the upcoming USDF Virtual Education Series Session, “From the Trenches: A Freestyle Primer.” It will be held Wednesday, July 16th at 8:00pm EST. You are invited to join us as we will discuss how to choose the right music for your horse, choreograph your freestyle, and incorporate the degree of difficulty to be rewarded by the judge in the show ring.
Here, get to know renowned musical freestyle designer Terry Ciotti-Gallo, who will be the presenter of the session. She is the mastermind behind such memorable freestyles as Debbie McDonald and Brentina’s “Respect”, one of the most iconic dances down centerline of all time. Also, find out why she thinks you need to attend this upcoming educational opportunity offered by USDF!
What is the number one thing you hope viewers will take away from your presentation?
That it takes planning but with a little knowledge and some dedication, the do-it-yourselfer can design a successful freestyle.
In your opinion, what is the main reason for riding a musical freestyle?
Fun. Besides, it is another way to work with your horse.
How many freestyles have you designed over the course of your career?
I have been designing freestyles for close to 36 years, so it is hard to guess. I imagine it is over 500.
Do you have a most memorable freestyle that you’ve designed, or even one that you didn’t design but has stuck with you?
My all-time favorite is Debbie McDonald and Brentina’s “Respect” freestyle. With its soul and largely Motown sound, it was a new concept for its time. It opened the doors for freestyles to be a little cheeky, have lyrics and be totally All-American. Debbie was brave to do it because it was so daring. I’m glad she trusted me with it.
My other favorite is the Avatar program Steffen performed with Ravel. It was recorded with a full orchestra. It was so beautiful and Ravel was so elegant that when it didn’t place first at Aachen, the audience booed.
What made you want to share your expertise in freestyle design with USDF’s members?
I must say that since I first started, freestyles have gotten better and become a little more sophisticated in their design. But there is always room for improvement and now we have a whole new generation of riders.
Registration Information
Ready to register for From the Trenches: A Freestyle Primer? Registration is free and is available here: Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/4617508658313/WN_dP-EJF1UTYqcx3c-WVjgBw
The USDF Virtual Education Series hosts education sessions with industry professionals over a variety of dressage and equine education topics. Each session is free to USDF members and is USDF University accredited. Sessions will be available for streaming in the USDF Education Library within 30 days following the scheduled session. Want to learn more about the Virtual Education Series, including this session? Visit our website: https://www.usdf.org/education/university/virtual-education-series.asp
