Canine musical freestyle began in the early 1990s in England and Canada as an outgrowth of competition obedience (heelwork to music). The popularity of this sport rapidly grew after it was introduced in the USA.
To develop guidelines for this new sport, Musical Canine Sports International was created in Canada. In those early days, routines were 3-6 minutes long, ring space was 40 x 80’, and Pup-peroni (a division of Heinz Pet Products) sponsored events and compensated exhibitors for their performances.
In August 1994 the Gaines Regional Obedience Tournament in Springfield, MA featured the Cycle Canine Freestylers and Doggie Square Dancing as the noontime entertainment. The freestylers were Jackie Scapicchio, Allison Jaskiewicz, Janice DeMello, Celeste Meade, Terri Arnold, and Donna Duford. It was Donna Duford & PBGV Chie’s performance of “In The Mood” that captured the hearts of several of our founding team members.  In January 1996, Donna Duford gave a workshop at Tails U Win in Manchester, CT. The overwhelming response to the workshop led to monthly classes and in 1997 the class participants formed “Top Hat & Tails Canine Dance Troupe”. On October 10, 1997, we had our first team performance to the “Can-Can” by Hooked on Classics at the fall Camp Gone to the Dogs in Vermont. Later that year, Pup-peroni sponsored team members Donna Duford (and Chie), Nancy Triou (and Pal), Laurel Rabschutz (and Gus), and Betty Lewis (and Halo) to perform at the Bay Colony Cluster show in Boston, MA on Dec 4-7th. The Canine Freestyle Federation was formed in 1995 and began holding competitions in 1997. In 1998, team member Laurel Rabschutz and her Newf, Gus, competed at the second CFF competition where they tied for second place.
In 1998, team members Donna Duford, Rebecca Fischer, and Laurel Rabschutz (with assistance from Jackie Proko) performed at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers annual conference and trade show in King of Prussia, PA. This event brought the media and coverage of freestyle was on CNN and in numerous newspapers around the world. The team began receiving requests for demonstrations and workshops from humane and rescue organizations.
| ORIGINAL FREESTYLE TEAM MEMBERS
Donna Duford and Chie (PBGV)
Jody Crosby and Scout (Gordon Setter)
Rebecca Fisher and Alex the Wonder Dog (Yellow Lab)
Jo Gaebel and Cala (Cairn Terrier)
Donna Gray and Ice (Poodle)
Donna Killam and Koda (Aussie)
Betty Lewis and Halo (Whippet)
Carrie Neri and Keisha (Aussie)
Jackie Proko and Shot (Aussie)
Laurel Rabschutz and Gus (Newf)
Nancy Triou and Pal (FC Retriever)
Chris Walsh and Skye (Aussie)
Joannah Whitney and Kelty (Scottie) & Patsy (Kerry Blue)
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Top Hat and Tails Early Years
In 1999 the World Canine Freestyle Organization was founded (formalizing the association Patie Ventre had with MCSI and Pup-peroni). At the Bay Colony Cluster in Boston, WCFO hosted a fun meet. Individual routines were performed by Jody Crosby, Jackie Proko, and Laurel Rabschutz. A team routine to “I Get Around” by the Beach Boys was performed by Donna Killam, Jackie Proko, Laurel Rabschutz, and Nancy Triou received first place in the Team Division.
In 2000 a CFF competition was held in New Hampshire and team members Betty Lewis, Jody Crosby, Donna Killam, and Laurel Rabschutz were among the exhibitors.
The first WCFO Groomer Expo Invitational in Hershey, PA was held in September 2000. Laurel Rabschutz and 11 month old Rollo were among the invitees and received a cash prize for their performance.
Later that year, in Boston, held in conjunction with the Bay Colony Cluster shows, WCFO held its first North American national competition. Exhibitors included Donna Killam, Jo Gaebel, Carrie Neri, Laurel Rabschutz, Betty Lewis, and Sandra Sullivan
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