Freestyle is a new canine sport with roots in obedience, but requiring many more movements from the dog and handler, in a routine set to music. There are several styles of freestyle in the US. CFF is more oriented towards showcasing the dog and their movements, with the handler being as inconspicuous as possible, similar to equine dressage. WCFO and MCSI are more flamboyant, with more emphasis on handler costuming and movement and a variety of moves from the dog. Both types have many supporters and are great fun for you and your dog!
Introductions to Freestyle
If you're new to freestyle, here's information to get you started.
Dancing With Dogs
A more comprehensive introduction to the basics of freestyle.Canine Freestyle
Here's an introduction to the sport from Dog-Play, specifically on MCSI Freestyle, so a bit out of date.Musical Freestyle
Yet another little introduction to the sport.History of Freestyle
A little bit of history on the evolution of this new canine sport, from WFDF.Getting Started With Freestyle
Article from CFF on how to get started in Freestyle.Freestyle Training
Links to articles on training your dog to do musical freestyle.
Music, Rhythm and Freestyle
A nice article from CFF on choosing music.Elements of Freestyle Music
An excellent, comprehensive article on choosing music from Caroline Levin.Choreography: How to Begin
How to start putting your routine together.Jumping into Choreography
Article on putting a routine together, from a dance page.Kur Design Tips
A monthly column on designing a musical kur routine (equine freestyle).Direction
Direction and movement's effect on your routine.Creative Development of Movement
CFF's movement-oriented approach.Mary Jo's Freestyle Journal
This is a complete one-month journal I wrote for the freestyle list while preparing and competing in the 1999 Uptempo competition. Lots of advice for training in here!Scandinavian Freestyle
Articles on freestyle training translated to Finnish and Swedish. Also some wonderful photos of dogs performing.Freestyle News and Photos
Links to online news articles or photos on freestyle.
Dances with Dogs
Broken images, but otherwise a nice article.Freestyle!
Article on Laurel Rabschutz and Gus from the Show Dog Super Site.Sit, stay, cha-cha-cha
Article on freestyle from the Wisconsin.Woofing it!
Article featuring Diane Battis and Cassi. Also visit Diane's homepage.Freestyle Performers
Mari Beth and her dogs Lad and Newman.Kathleen and Acer
Photos and a slide show.The Singing and Dancing Greyhound Comedy Show
Not your typical freestylers!The Canine Freestyle Federation, Inc.
Freestyle Videos
Like to see dogs performing freestyle? Here are some online videos.Cha cha cha with your Chihuahua
Link to the CNN video on Freestyle. Requires the Microsoft video plugin for your browser.Patie Ventre and Dancer
MPEG file of their routine from the Superpet Expo in Edison, New Jersey.Taz in Freestyle
I've put up a couple of my sheltie Taz's freestyle routines in several parts. The first is a CFF routine in practice, so the routine is not at all polished, nor am I in appropriate attire. You can even hear an obedience run-through going on in the ring next to me! The second is our routine from the Uptempo competition. You can purchase the complete Uptempo video from WCFO, I also have a page with photos captured from the video. The files are in Real Video format; you can download a free viewer from Real Media. Please note that these are NOT streaming video, you will need to download the files to your system to view them.
Taz's CFF Routine Part 1 - 3.0 meg
Taz's CFF Routine Part 2 - 2.4 meg
Taz's CFF Routine Part 3 - 2.5 meg
Taz's CFF Routine Part 4 - 2.8 meg
Taz's Uptempo Routine Part 1 - 2.5 meg
Taz's Uptempo Routine Part 2 - 2.7 meg
Taz's Uptempo Routine Part 3 - 1.5 meg
Freestyle Discussion Forums
Need more interactive help for your freestyle training? Here are ways to get help.WorldFreestyle List Archives
Here are the archives and subscription information for the WorldFreestyle email list.CFF Freestyle List
CFF has their own discussion list specifically for CFF-style freestyle.Alternative canine freestyle list
Alternative canine freestyle listDancing with Dogs List
A new list specifically for UK Heelwork to Music.Freestyle Organizations
Pages online for the various freestyle groups.Canine Freestyle Federation
The home page for CFF features articles from their newsletter, upcoming and past events, etc.World Canine Freestyle Organization
Newest organization, they incorporate classes for both Heelwork to Music and Musical Freestyle.IN-Style
A canine freestyle organization serving Iowa and Nebraska.The Tortellini Dancers
Freestyle group from the Wilkes-Barre Dog Training Club.Shadow Dancers
Freestyle group in Southern CaliforniaPaws-N-Music
Info and pictures from this UK club.Paws 2 Dance
Canadian club founded by Ray and Shannon Underwood.Heelwork to Music
Information on the British version of Freestyle.Musical Dog Sport Association
Information on the British version of Freestyle.Freestyle Events
Information on upcoming events.CFF Events Calendar
Upcoming events, classes and seminars.Freestyle Products
Where to order books and videos on training freestyle.Dancing Dogs Video
Don't miss Sandra Davis' new website with information on her training videos and new book!MP3 Resources
MP3 sites have full-length music you can download and enjoy, and CDs to order that are half the price of regular music CDs.MP3 Help
Here's a nice introduction to MP3 and what you can do with it. MP3.com
Probably the most popular MP3 site, you can listen to the music over streaming Real Audio before downloading the full CD-quality MP3.MP3.com Search
Use the box at the top center of this page to search for artists similar to your popular favorites.Epitonic.com
Another good MP3 site.Tucows Music
And more MPs (as well as other formats).MP3 Players
Thinking of getting a portable MP3 player? Check here for lowest prices, reviews, tips, etc.
Minidisc Resources
I'm a big fan of the Minidisc format, and feel it offers a lot to freestyle enthusiasts.Why should I buy a MiniDisc recorder/player?
Introduction to Minidiscs and why you should even bother with them.Minidisc Page
The MiniDisc Community Page
The minidisc format was created by Sony and they are still leaders in the technology.
HUGE site will all kinds of information on minidiscs. Minidisco.com
This is my preferred site for getting players and discs, great prices and FAST shipping.Online CD Stores
These are places you can go online to listen to clips of music and order CDs.CDNow
About 30 second Real Audio clips on many albums.Amazon.com
Amazon is now a great source for music as well, and features lots of sound clips.Music Boulevard
Clips available in Mpeg (high and low quality), many also as Real Audio. Excellent site.Costume Sites
Sources on the web to help you get that perfect freestyle costume.The Costume Page
Comprehensive links to all kinds of costume sites online.The Costume Site
More costume links.Display and Costume
Wonderful online source for costumes. Lots of photos, and good selection and prices.Rubie's Costume Co.
Wide variety of halloween costumes and accessories.Discount Dance Supply
Dance supplies, shoes, dresses, etc.NY Dancewear Company
More dance supplies.Just For Kix
The usual dance stuff, plus videos on various dance styles.Pumpers
Lots of dance costumes, separates, etc.Decorative Novelty
Good for props and mylar decorations.Dancer Online
Visit the Mall for more dance costumes.
© Copyright 1995-2006 by Gordon Thomas
