Have you ever seen a dog gracefully move in sync with its owner, performing intricate steps and turns to music? This isn’t just a cute trick; it’s Dog Dancing, also known as Canine Freestyle or Heelwork to Music, a captivating and competitive sport that showcases the incredible bond between humans and their canine companions.
Every year, dog dancing enthusiasts from around the world gather at prestigious events like the Crufts dog show in Birmingham, England, to compete on the world stage. These aren’t just casual pet owners; they are dedicated handlers who spend countless hours choreographing and perfecting elaborate dance routines with their dogs.
Best in Show is decided at the Crufts Dog Show 2023 showcasing the global appeal of dog competitions, especially dog dancing.
Performances in dog dancing are judged on a variety of factors, going beyond simple obedience. Judges evaluate musical interpretation, the creativity and difficulty of the choreography, the precision of the dog’s movements, and, most importantly, the harmonious partnership between the handler and their dog. The dedication required to reach the top levels of dog dancing is immense, with competitors investing months, even years, in rigorous training and preparation, all driven by the dream of being crowned the ultimate dog dancing duo.
This captivating world of dog dancing is now being brought to a wider audience through an ABC News Studios six-part docuseries, “The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs,” streaming on Hulu. The series follows the journeys of seven dedicated dog dancing competitors as they prepare for the renowned 2023 Crufts show. Viewers get an intimate look into the hopes, challenges, and heartwarming relationships that define this unique sport.
Meet the Dedicated Dog Dancers
The docuseries introduces us to a diverse group of individuals, each with their own inspiring story and unique bond with their dog dancing partner.
Gina Pink & Swagger: A Crufts Legacy
Gina Pink, a name synonymous with Crufts, is affectionately known as “the mother of all Crufts” within the dog dancing community. With decades of experience as both a competitor and judge, her dedication to the sport is undeniable. For Gina, dog dancing is more than just a competition; it’s “a real sense of achievement” that makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Gina Pink and Swagger, highlighting their partnership and Gina's long-standing dedication to dog dancing competitions.
Her current dog dancing partner, Swagger, a 5-year-old Working Sheepdog, came into her life through rescue work. Initially fearful and insecure, Swagger found confidence and purpose through dog dancing with Gina. She emphasizes the importance of understanding rescue dogs and providing them with the right environment to thrive. Through patient training, incorporating Swagger’s love for tennis balls, Gina transformed him into a confident performer ready for the Crufts arena. For Gina, dogs and dance are her reason to get up in the morning, a testament to the profound impact dog dancing has on her life.
Christine Bérczes & Meredith: Passion Found in Dance
Christine Bérczes from Hungary discovered her passion for dog dancing during a difficult time in her life. Initially pursuing economics to please her parents, Christine’s love for animals ultimately led her to the world of canine choreography.
Christine Berczes and Meredith in action, showcasing their Baywatch themed routine at the Crufts Heelwork to Music competition.
Living in a small Hungarian village with her family and numerous pets, Christine initially found dog dancing bewildering. However, after just an hour of practice with her Australian Shepherd, Meredith, she realized their potential. Their bond and Meredith’s intelligence made dog dancing a natural fit. Christine describes her first Crufts performance as “electrifying.” For the 2023 competition, Christine and Meredith created a fun and inventive “Baywatch”-themed routine, showcasing their unique partnership and aiming to impress the judges with creative moves.
Lorna Syrett & Nora: Healing Through Heelwork
Lorna Syrett, a newcomer to the “Heelwork to Music” scene, started her dog dancing journey just three years ago. Diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at a young age, Lorna found her Border Collie, Nora, to be an incredible source of support during her recovery.
Lorna Syrett and Nora performing at Crufts, demonstrating the therapeutic benefits of dog dancing for both handler and dog.
Nora provided Lorna with the motivation to get out of bed each morning, playing a vital role in her rehabilitation. Growing up watching Crufts, Lorna always dreamed of participating. Despite her insecurities as a new handler, Lorna finds immense joy and freedom when dog dancing with Nora. She describes the feeling as “poetry in motion,” where everything else melts away, and it’s just the two of them connected through dance.
Sachiko Kuniyoshi & Alena: Representing Japan on the World Stage
Sachiko Kuniyoshi from Yokohama, Japan, is a seasoned dog trainer who has dedicated her life to helping people connect with their dogs through positive reinforcement methods. Her expertise and dedication, combined with her Border Collie Alena’s exceptional intelligence, earned them a coveted spot at Crufts 2023.
Sachiko Kuniyoshi and Alena, representing Japan in the international dog dancing competition at Crufts.
Sachiko felt the weight of representing Japan on the international dog dancing stage but was also incredibly proud to share Alena’s skills with the world. She describes Alena as exceptionally clever, emphasizing their strong bond built on positive training. For Sachiko, competing at Crufts alongside talented dog dancing competitors from around the globe was a moment of immense pride.
Marianne Elise Methi & Vega: Mentorship and the Dog Dancing Spirit
Marianne Elise Methi and her Border Collie, Vega, are past Crufts champions, having won the international competition in 2022. While not competing in 2023, their dog dancing spirit remained integral to the event as they mentored newcomer Lorna Syrett and Nora.
Marianne Elise Methi and Vega, champions and mentors in the dog dancing community, guiding newcomers to success.
Marianne’s journey with dogs became even more profound after losing her hearing at 17. She credits dogs with giving her the courage and strength to face the world. For Marianne, dogs are not just a hobby; they are a way of life. Her willingness to mentor others highlights the supportive and passionate community within dog dancing.
Jennifer Fraser & Daiquiri: Driven by Passion and a Grandmother’s Legacy
Jennifer Fraser’s love for dogs was ignited by her grandmother, Peggy, who ran a kennel in Canada. Jennifer credits her grandmother for her success in the dog training world, stating, “She taught me everything she knew and she really led me down the right path.”
Jennifer Frasier and Daiquiri in a dog dancing pose, illustrating their dedication and training for the Crufts competition.
Working with dogs helped Jennifer cope with childhood trauma, reinforcing her belief in living life to the fullest. She began competing at Crufts in 2022 with her Australian Shepherd, Daiquiri, achieving second place in their debut year. Driven and passionate, Jennifer trained rigorously with Daiquiri in the months leading up to Crufts 2023, determined to claim the top prize.
Isa Randle & Lucky: Breaking Stereotypes with a Chihuahua
Isa Randle, a professional dancer and teacher from London, brings her artistic background to the world of dog dancing. Her dog dancing partner, Lucky, a Chihuahua, became her companion after a difficult breakup.
Isa Randle and Lucky, showcasing the unexpected agility and charm of small dogs in dog dancing competitions.
Inspired by her bond with Lucky, Isa hopes to challenge the stereotype of Chihuahuas as “barky and little ankle biters.” She believes they are “real smashing little dogs” capable of amazing things, including dog dancing. However, Lucky’s mitral valve disease put their dog dancing future in jeopardy. The docuseries follows their journey as Isa seeks life-saving surgery for Lucky, leaving viewers to wonder if they will return to the Crufts dog dancing arena.
The Allure of Dog Dancing
“The Secret Life of Dancing Dogs” offers a heartwarming glimpse into the world of dog dancing, highlighting the dedication, passion, and extraordinary bonds between handlers and their dogs. It’s a sport that demands incredible patience, training, and artistry, showcasing the remarkable capabilities of dogs and the depth of the human-animal connection. Whether you are a dog lover, a dance enthusiast, or simply looking for an inspiring story, dog dancing and this docuseries are sure to captivate and move you. These dedicated individuals and their amazing dogs are truly going for gold, not just for the prize, but for the love of the dance and the unbreakable bond they share.
