It didn't start well, in fact, this function kicked off on a disastrous note. First our one speaker blew taking the amp with it - no music, but just before I decided to do all the singing as a help-out, Donald Shimper came to your earball's rescue.  Then, one of the main stage lamps decided to pass to its reward and fizzed. But not to be out-done by its smaller cousin, the main stage bulb blew, reducing us to one little lamp. But who's to complain, it was the first cadenza in 16 years. You didn't even know this all happened, because everything started as scheduled and ended efficiently earlier than scheduled.

If your video wasn't handed in on time, then that's probably the reason why I didn't mention your superlative artistry on stage, because I only review or see the exhibitions that I record. What's more, to be mentioned in my video review, an exhibition must create a special atmosphere, an aura. This atmosphere can only be achieved when the performers gel harmoniously well, in rhythm, style, confidence and execution, and above all, their show must entertain. No glitches, no scratching for flees and no hearing the male or female's lead as he/she shoves the other around looking confused. It must be distraction-free.

My award (an ice-cream each) for the best video performance of the day goes to, the Tango of Daleen Spies and Brenton Watt... What? you mean to tell me that Watt can Ballroom... you could have slow foxed me over with a feather. This time, Brenton brought his Ballroom boots out of the closet, with a BANG! amazing, hip hip hooray. And you thought he could only Rumba, Cha-Cha, Samba, Mambo, Jive and oh yes, Merengue.

Before I begin with my review, here are the exhibitions that earned 999% from me, for all or most of the following reasons:

Show of confidence (errorless);  choreography (unique or well thought out routines applied to theme and music); suitable outfits & stage effects; good technical interpretation; stylish stance & posture; use of arms, feet, body action and leg lines; good floor personality and presentation; rhythm & musical expression plus audience response or appeal.

Demos that earned a video 999%

Daleen Spies & Brenton's Tango recipe incorporated all the spicy styles required to qualify for my top video exhibition of the day, with that little dab extra. While watching them dance, I felt totally relaxed; a sense of assurance that nothing could go wrong, that this couple knew what they had come to do - ENTERTAIN and they achieved that with elegant ease. I was intrigue by their nifty, simple-in-structure choreography and the slick way Brenton switched Daleen from one position to the next. Her lines were clinically smooth and well defined, their movements LIKE ONE, and their ending striking. An extremely well characterised Tango which held my attention all the way with its sophisticated arrogance. Very unfortunate not to have qualify for our 2001 Top20 contest.

Elaine Nel's Argentine Tango was the only exhibition on the day to receive maximum points - an average of 999%. What makes this alll the more remarkable is that never before in the history of DanceWell's 80 exhibition functions has this happened - it's a miracle. Elaine's movement, feeeling and chemical attraction for this dance and its passionate music puts her style in a bracket of its own. She held her Buenos Aires, salon-type look & stance throughout. She stalked her slows sedately, flicked her quicks and kicks with deliberate intention. Officially, hers was the best demo of the day, and the only thing that prevented her from earning the top video award as well was a slight twitch at the very end - a superlative performance.

Lizinda Vlooh's Mambo with Brenton...  pure, subtle perfection. It oozed style, movement, rhythm and feeling. Lizinda uses her natural talent and Ballet influence to full advantage these days, and wow wee wow wow! it stuns - the stage she sets ablaze. I enjoyed their music and the interesting and attractive way they adapted their moves, arm styles and body actions to the delicate nuances of the melody and beat. Unlucky not to have scored an average of 999% to qualify for the Top20. Someone said their exit spoilt it, I thought not - super doooper stuff from entrance to exit. Did you hear the applause?

The classic slow Waltz definitely has a crush of Pat Rdedelinghuys. Dressed to the nines in lily white chiffon and silver glitter, Pat floated suavely across the stage making the intricate patterns of our Gold Viennese Waltz (adapted to slow tempo) appear child's play. Not one step wrong, posture & head in place, movement soft and effortless from start to finish. This one officially qualifies for the our 2001 Top20 contest and on my video scoreboard, earns joint 2nd with Elaine Nel's A. Tango and Lizinda Vlooh's Mambo. Great entertainment, classical atmosphere and a grand example of grace and elegance from a great, great grandmom - you're never too old to refine the stage with finesse.

Lipstick, powder and paint... you've got it! beebabaloola. Dressed in 50's fashion, wide green frock with large white polka dots, groovy sneakers and brimming over with youthful energy, Elsa Lakic jived her jitterbug joints to a jolt... this one bustled. In the Chicken Walk, not to be outdone by her rivals,  Elsa showed a leg a leg a leg and did it with cute, curt precision. I never knew Elsa could act... and I ask you with tears in my ears, no Oscar nomination? Another great performance by a girl who has joyfully won her section umpteen times. This one she just missed by that one chest hair of her partner. In my book, Elsa's Jive positively belongs to the maximum points' brigade, the 999 club, and would be a sizzler in our Top20 contest - don't mummify it, just keep it in the cooler.

Johan Dippenaar & Angelique de Almeida Matos (Michelle Loots) Mambo. What impressed me most of all is the uncomplicated simplicity with which they DANCED, so confident, so assured. And the reason being, as a very newly formed pair, they used work well within their compass and executed them properly - applying all our attractive laid-down Silver figures, hip hip hooray. That's the problem with some demos, they attempt groups and figures way beyond their limitations. Johan & Angelique's floor personality charmed me no end, and Angie's smile made me fall in love all over again... call me gaga, I'm gaga. Their swivels, kicks, spins and arm movements were a treat to behold... they came, they saw and they conquered the couple's section with their pizzazz and their chic mauve outfits. This partnership is destined for GREAT things. Qualifies for the 2001 Top20.

Olé! Liana Grobler's Paso Doble produced class, passion & punch, and I'm not talking "pour in to a glass stuff", I'm talking potent power. Her roll, to represent the matador's cape... and Liana moulded well showing arrogant spanish panache, imposing head movements, precise footwork and the wonder wave of her cape. A majestic, flawless presentation of this grandiose spanish ballroom dance. Her dress, blue & silver folds, did much to bring out the sparkling personality of her partner and enhanced the dramatics of their bullfight in the ballroom - Olé! José! But why the haste to leave the stage? Liana's dancing is flourishing in leaps and bounds.

Angelique de Almeida Matos & Pierre van Niekerk's Xmas Waltz, although very effective, at times appeared not together - a slight looseness between the two that distracted me. But Angelique's manger with baby brother nestled in it, 2 sheep, daddy as one of the wise men of Jerusalem and mommy as mother Mary, a total family affair (except for the sheep) boggled the mind. Their "stage effects" gets my vote for the most stunning setting on video. So Angelique, don't forget to collect your ice-cream at the studio next time round.

Jan & Rienie Heath's Gold Slow Foxtrot contained all the elements necessary to put it in the 999 club. Their movement flowed nice and easy. They danced all the gold variations, from one to ten, neatly and with smooth technique and good control; made no errors and they presented all pivot and weave movements with attractive lines and style. To score high in the ballrooms against the more exotic Latins or the radical modern is somewhat difficult but Jan & Rienie's S F equalled the intense competitive task in more ways than one - a most enjoyable demo to watch.

The next group of demos almost earned a 999 from me & V:

Johan Dippenaar & Michelle Loots' Rock 'n Roll... great balls of fire. This guy is good, and he is getting gooderer and gooderer by the beat. For his age, he thumps a mean pattern... with vicious precision. His natural style exudes talent and flair. His musical and physical propensities could get him to the apex of dance very soon. Their demo was short & sweet. Short is OK, sweet is fine, but that's for the elderly. We want velocity and longevity, we need to see all the vibrant, spirited variations of the R 'n R fully exerted and extended. The few they did were danced with so much vigour I could feel the heat from my video machine. Their kicks had cheeky snap. His voomha and their outfits said, "we're as loose as a goose, square like a chair" THE COOL CATS, and what a slide out, but it arrived ahead of the music, making a nasty announcement that something went wrong. This cost them a 999 from me. Qualifies for the 2001 Top20.

Qumè Bezuidenhout doesn't like the Waltz, but the Waltz likes her. Dressed in smart pastel drapery, she glided across the floor with the confidence and ease of a seasoned Pro. She looked well rehearsed and polished and smiled pleasantly to the judges and her audience all the way. Once Qumè has eliminated the slight bounce from her Ballrooms, then boys and girls, this girl is going to be good, but at the moment Qumè only knows one word... CHA-CHA

Carin Leita & Brenton Watt's Argentine Tango won the award for the most appropriate outfit and their demo claimed the Top Female Scholar trophy too. I was greatly inspired by the interesting little actions and moves with which they peppered their act, and Carin's lines & shape show up well on video. Now she needs to relax her knees a little and present more confidently - knows what she is doing but gives the game away by looking unsure, a bad habit that must be annihilated sooner than later.

Ronel Grobler's Jail house Rock 'n Roll had the vital spark to earn it a 999, save for one gremlin at a vital spot, although not noticeable to most and quickly rectified, it was there. This performance produced dynamic action, speed, well synchronized movements, pure 50's rhythm and brimmed with character & personality - a most entertaining demo. Now I know where I recognised her face from in that convict outfit, Police File.

Danté van Niekerk Gold Slow Fox with papa bear Pierre I found most enjoyable to watch. Exquisite outfit and stage effects, lovely arm movements and style. Not easy to do, but Danté does it with natural ease... smiles (radiating smile) and projects her friendly personality to all, all the time. Advanced steps need a little technical paint and marvel at how Pierre is able to change from a beast, to a father Xmas or a fully clad formal ballroom dancer, within one session, beats me. I need 4 sessions to change my shirt.

Amelia Visagie & Pierre van Niekerk's Mambo monster and fish net get-up and stage effects get a definite 999 from me. They looked so authentic and I loved their music, but it was spoilt by what seemed to be an unrehearsed exit, which told me something went wrong. Amelia's dancing is improving in chunks by the exhibition.

Brenda Carsten's fun festival Mambo proved two things, she can swing her hips belly-dance style, and she can use her arms with a flourish. Judging by the effect on video, her outfit seemed not suitable enough to strike a high note, and I think the judges concurred, because her performance had zero little green men in it,  Brenda looked confident personified from start to finish, and WHAT a slide at the end - her first ever.

Michelle Marshall & Brenton Watt's Cha-Cha came over casual and cool. Striking entrance, what with the hip wiggle & pull and the nice & easy flicks, swiggles & sways. A very interesting routine to watch and Michelle sure has a glamorous smile which she used to great effect. When her arms were up in open position it look WOW, but when they drooped it looked dour - a pity. Michelle, like Carin Leita gave me the impression of being unsure which belied her actions. Brenton... did you got a problem? Don't let it become a contagious epidemic.

Iza Fourie & Pierre van Niekerk's Bolero "The Rose" for stage effects and their ornate costumes gets a very high from me - brilliant, it simply illuminated the stage. This one had all the makings of hauling in the bacon. Their music, The Rose, an all-time classic stirred the audience, and Iza's movement & style soothed, but somehow they weren't always in symphony with the tune and this must have affected their score, it harried me.

Jeandré Short & Brenton Watt's Vienesse Waltz needed much more profound movement and thrust to measure up to the exquisite 18 century costumes they donned. She looked magnificent in her long flowing gown and I didn't recognise Brenton is his colourful Caesar jacket. They came, they saw, but they didn't conquer... it could have been victorious.

The way Sanet van Niekerk klaaped that mugger at the end of her demo with hubby Pierre, told me, "YOU DUDES, DON'T MESS WITH THIS DOLLY SHE'S DEADLY". Whoever this guy was, he went flying, and I mean FLY as in "take off and leave the gravity of mother earth behind you permanently". I don't think many realized that this show was all about the present day muggings in SA. On video, the muggers were a major distraction from the demo, and Pierre, by looking to see what the muggers were up to, made it an even bigger distraction. When the muggers eventually mugged Pierre of his pants, there was only three things that came to mind... those legs, those legs, those legs.

Jessica Anne Lazenby's Cha-Cha with Pierre van Niekerk shared the win of the Female Scholar section with Carin Leita and Alison Guzman, which automatically qualifies it for the Top20 2001 contest. I loved her green outfit. Sexy-cute probably describes it best and it suited her perfectly, enhancing many of her Latin actions. Once Jessica eradicates the slight bounce and closes the gap on count two, then faulting her dancing will be a nightmare for any judge. This girl has charisma & style second to none, few can equal her stage personality and presentation - it adorable.

Robert Rixon-Fuller & Elsa Lakic' Argentine didn't look as effective on video as it did live. It, however, deserved to win the Professional section. I enjoyed their intricate little syncopated foot-flicks, sits, lunges and smooth Café-style approach, and Elsa's dress, WOW! what a leg? very authentic. Three things would have made this demo a stunner, 1. had Robert dominated more, he seemed tentative. The male must dominate, it's the law of nature. 2. had Robert worn a white shirt with black bracer and a black, white-rimmed hat and a cigar... (see Robert, it's your fault) and 3. if their routine included a few cheeky get-away steps. It all seemed too stationary for too long. Qualifies it for the Top20 2001 contest.

Sarah Lubbe & Pierre van Niekerk festive Samba created manighi action on stage with all their colourful supporting dancers and props. I enjoyed the fun, holiday atmosphere they created with their by-the-sea outfits. While I watched theirs, I changed into my bikini to experience the total 3-D effect and feeling of being on the beach, it was so amazing.

Paul de Beer & Michelle Loots - West Coast Swing. Elvis resurrected, "when my baby left me, I had no tale to tell" High collar, glitter, bell-bottoms and mean hip gyrations. Nobody told me of West Coast Swing in the 50's, interesting? Paul has a very natural rhythmic style, and for most part he displayed this ability, but showed uncertainty at times. He could also have made much more of the entrance when he jigged all on his little lonesome at the start - I mean Elvis jerked that pelvis, that's what immortalised him .

Susanne Kaluza's Sakkie with Pierre van Niekerk. Sue, one Q, did you put on mega weight rump-side, or was that a stuffing? This demo, decor and all, had me spellbound 3/4's through the show. They created a keen Kaapse flavour with their Cape coloured ensemble and music. Pierre's little stint with the sax looked classical and their choreography was cute, then the music disappear, and we said "huh?" and an anticlimax set it to spoil what could have been a hit.

Drummer Boy Pat Murfin and his partner Ursula Baumann in their nifty red hats and matching top, white trousers and drums dangling from the hip made a pretty picture on video. Their entire Tango-Samba medley show was done in shine position and without a flinch. For appropriate outfit theirs gets a high from me. It stunned on stage.

Terry Marx & Bianka Wasley's Swing fulfilled most of the criteria for producing an admirable, top notch demo. Terry's dancing appeared much more relaxed and natural in style and his showmanship ability is beginning to manifest itself nicely. He looked like he was having tons of fun - a grand improvement.

The ending of Fia & Madeleine Louw's Waltz with Pierre van Niekerk, i.e. when he danced with both at the same time, looked great on video, a pity more of their exhibition wasn't done in threesome. Both Fia & Madeleine's dresses were as usual, SPECTACULAR and gets a 999 from me.

Gayle Etsebeth always comes up with the goodies when it involves spectacular dresses, apart from showing a sexy leg or two. This time was no exception, her selection surpassed QE & A1, and in my book should have featured as a standout on the winners' chart as well. Sometimes subtle beauty is overlooked for the extravagant, animated look.

The Rumba act, Beauty and the beast by Raquel Monteiro & Pierre van Niekerk I feel got mugged. Their outfits should have comfortably made the top 5 on the day. A well thought out exhibition, and Roquel has a lovely natural style and ability. Raquel is rapidly maturing into an outstanding dancer, this girl has mega untapped talent still to show. But her basic work like Cuban Motion and pushing the foot in to the floor and tracking the feet to achieve the earthy, sultry Latin look, needs mega practise.

Live on stage I thought that Jo Reinhardt's Xmas tree, fire place and lounge chair had a strong chance of taking the trophy for stage effects , but it was not to be. It sure projected a cosy, festive season feeling. Sadly, on video because her items where spread too far apart, the whole effect was lost. One thing that worried me in Jo's show was Pierre's forceful lead throughout. At times she almost lost her balance because of it. Jo seemed quite sure of what she had to do, or was it the slippery floor?

I take my stetson off for Gert-Jan Goudkamp who survived unscathed after a whirlwind Line Dance stint with Michelle Loots. Gert-Jan, I knew you were good but not that good. Their feet hardly touched the floor as they manoeuvred through what appeared to me to be a veeeery complicated routine, phew! I'm exhausted. I want to learn that one. Gert-Jan's best exhibition performance to-date... my stetson is off.

Michelle Leita & Pierre van Niekerk's Mambo did one sure thing, it revealed Michelle dynamic natural talent & floor personality. She has oodles of body rhythm and a great way of showing it. Once her dancing has been technically toned and trimmed to a nicety, she's going to be a star - great floor personality and spectator appeal. At present she tends to lean too far back and needs to improve her Latin foot placements and knee & hip action - sometime she can practise at home in her bikini.

Alison Guzman & Pierre van Niekerk's Waltz. Gowned in a beautiful white silk frock, and dancing to classical music, Alison produced many lovely lines and some superb shapes with her stately stance. I also liked the way she used her dress in open position and their choreography to an extremely difficult piece of music was great, but uncontrolled. Often they were out of tune with things and her knees need a little more flex, a softer tone.  Although hers was quite a spectacle and one of the best in the female scholar section, it  didn't warrant the win. It must have been Alison's captivating personality that charmed the judges out of the tree. Qualifies for the 2001 Top20.

In conclusion. As you know, I get to see all the exhibitions close up on video. To err is human, to be perfect is Jay-Jay, so hear me out on this one. If you are dancing for your Silver shield stick to the Silver groups and figures, avoid anything beyond Silver, bar the odd Gold pattern as an entrance or exit, that's if you have already done it as an exam. I see beginners hobbling agonizingly through Gold and even International steps when they can hardly walk correctly in the basics of the 2-Step. Their feet don't come together properly, they step wide-legged during forward and back walks, then attempt these advanced pattern which make things look even worse.

To do a good to excellent exhibition, you need not be alternative - less is more. Bryan Watson, South Africa's current World Latin-American Professional Champion wins because of the way he uses the basic work. All the others try to be different and while doing so sacrifice quality, he just keeps getting better with the basics .