Info

April 2001

1. ACCOLADES FOR TANZ CAFE - DanceCrit
2. 2 more studios subscribe to DISA - Dolphins Dance & Elemental Dance - KZN/E Cape
3. This is sunny South Africa where DanceSport politics stinks - debbie
4. "I don't dance from my heart" - Joey
5. Want to find your love mates!!!... Looks and Attitude Matching to opposite sex - lydia
6. Swing Dance Scene at the LindyHop factory in vintage getup - Janet & Oliver
7. passed our licentiate exams - p&p
8. outstanding special holiday offer for readers of DanceInfo SA - ron
9. the marks have magically appeared for all to see! - milton/yvonne
10. need details on advertising our latin/argentine tango studio on your site - Bobby & Nathan>
11. PASSIONATE, SENSUAL AND TANTALIZING... Argentinean Tango - dancecrit
12. The Argentinean Tango has become the most popular dance-form at Gardels - sonia
13. learn the lindy hop and the original swing dance from the 1920's - oliver
14. SA latin couples rub shoulders with Bryan Watson and other top couples in the UK - felix/derek
15. advanced international competitive video instruction tapes - len
16. video tapes of championships from overseas - thabo
17. the biggest dance congress in South Africa will take place - one week to go - ryno
18. I am an extremely dedicated Latin dancer - frans
19. the most exciting news is that we sold four dresses at R30 each - chantal
20. getting married, looking for a private dance instructor - lesley
21. two super social spots - elsa
22. the launching of p&p international dance studio page
23. LIVE AND LET LIVE "rude social woman" - dancecrit
24. need a partner - I really mean business - thembi
25. The cost of the dress hire is only R1 per hour - chantal
26. Roy Pieterse and Meagan Kleinhans break partnership - roy
27. another studio joins the busiest dance site on the SA net - p&p
28. where is the Western Cape Competitive Dance Calendar? - chantal
29. rude social woman - patrick
30. more than 700 children are still missing in SA - neville
31. results of 2nd western cape comp - 31 march 2001 - arthur
32. bargain buys, latin dress & shoes - fiona
33. buy any garment at Turning Point and get 50% discount - antoinette
34. DO NOT OPEN "NEW PICTURES OF FAMILY" - sonia
35. a new virus called "A Virtual Card For You" is doing the rounds - lydia
36. always can't wait to read your comments! - yvonne
37. was building a dance studio for my daughter Kim - arthur
38. adjudicators are partial to their favourite couple - jimmy

This is sunny South Africa where DanceSport politics stinks Hi J
I've been wanting to e-mail you for sometime, as far back as your TV reviews, but hectic is my surname. First I must compliment you on your accurate account of the dancing on TV, it couldn't have been done better. The way you put it was, not only extremely entertaining but it was also very interesting to hear it come from THE expert, i.e. your technical evaluation of the dancing at the competitions.

Is there no way you could do the same for other comps on a regular basis? Because we found your articles    immensely educational. As a dancer, it is very healthy to read technical discussion. This helps to inspire us to want to improve.

Recently I made a brief trip to the USA. There they have thousands of glossy dance magazines and every mag has a section where a regular reporter (an adjudicator) sums up the dancing of the comp. DanceBeat is the leading North American newspaper reporting on the latest ballroom dancing and dancesport news throughout the US and internationally.  What sets this publication apart are objective reviews of the finalists and their placings, as evaluated by judges and professional teachers during various competitive Amateur and Professional events -- both International and American styles.

Come on J we need you, we want you, we can't do without you. Give us your expert, objective input

Love, Debbie

Ed
Down! Debbie! Down! THE Expert, that's me... "ex" for has-been and "spurt" for drip under pressure. Since 1995 I have pleaded with the competitive DanceSport authorities to furnish insightful articles about issues affecting the industry. Mainly by adjudicators, to give brief, objective reviews of the finalists and their placings, as evaluated by judges and professional teachers during various Amateur and Professional competitive events, and I'm not talking of reviews on dresses and how well or badly the comp was run. I talking of the nitty gritty stuff I dealt with in my TV reviews.

That's what the dancer wants and likes to read, but Debs FORGET IT, this is not the US or the UK where their adjudicators regularly and openly give a dance crit in their publication. This is sunny, sossey South Africa where politics in DanceSport stinks. Imagine this; Brain Schmidt the adjudicating reporter objectively crunching Dave Campbell's couple, or Diana Moore telling Ryno van den Berg his movements are stiff and awkward, or Cathy Gibbons tearing into Adelaide Rosenberg's pupils, it would cause a frenetic fiasco... South Africa is not ready for the REAL, and we, in my humble estimation, will NEVER be ready for the REAL. The closest we will ever get to telling it as it is, is via this website.

As for yours truly doing the reviews... that would be ideal, since J is a neutral figure in DanceSport, but Debbie, I wouldn't touch the DS politics with a 10 foot barge pole, and anyway, because I'm an unregistered member of their fraternity, the establishment think this dude is a crude cretin.

But apart from the above, the SADS officials definitely don't want to get their titties in a tangle, i.e. politically speaking, and none of them think the time spent writing comp crits is well spent - they just haven't the space or the inclination, so sadly I'm afraid, we will have to settle for all the POSITIVE things such as reviews on dresses and how well their comps are run... until the next TV show, C U D.

ACCOLADES FOR TANZ CAFE Hi Jay
Following my adverse report about Tanz Café in February this year under the heading “The Best and the Worst of
Social Dancing” I received reports that Tanz Café had a new chef and that the food had improved.

We decided to give them another look. The reports were true - the food has improved 100 per cent. We were welcomed by their new maitre d’hote, Eddie, with impeccable manners and a caring attitude. He attended to us as if we were royalty.

The one dish that really impressed me tremendously was their delicious Line Fish in a beer batter sauce, served with chips, roasted green pepper, peas.  etc. with a large side plate of fresh garden salad - makes my mouth water as I write this. My other guests were most happy with their food.

As always, the vibe was excellent with many of their students dancing the latest “rage” - Tango Argentino.
All in all our party had a wonderful time.

Well done Tanz! It’s heartwarming to see you really care for their customers and have gone out of your way to please your clientele.

DanceCrit

Ed
The mere fact that you have this to say about Tanz Café, "We decided to give them another look. The reports were true - the food has improved 100 per cent", proves conclusively that a little criticism does more good than harm, despite what many say (PARTICULARLY those GUILTY) about criticism being negative input. Negative input is one of the most potent methods of producing positive results.

Immediately after you griped about Tanz, Mareli Schroters (owner) had the good business sense and the decency to respond, in which she stated, "I have read your readers’ letters with a concerned interest. On behalf of Tanz Café (and probably every other partner dance venue) I would like to assure dance lovers that we do strive to please all our customers all of the time. Complaints are taken seriously and addressed as a matter of urgency. Dance venues aim at a very small and specific market and the satisfaction of our customers is vital for our survival, let alone our success." Well done Mareli, which is much more than I can say for the competitive side of DanceSport.

DC, believe me, when we crit and clean up a few ills, we do the business, organisation or body under fire, a tremendous favour, and no "body" even pays us. Besides all the improvements we've instigated socially this year already, DISA's outspokenness has miraculously, and almost single-handedly revolutionised the disorganisation and mess dancers experienced at their competitive events. The title a dancer gave one letter was, "A TOTAL DISASTER" till we cleaned up. In those days FEDANSA & co still had the decency and the good manners to reply and justify their case to the dancer. Here's Alan Hammond's reply to "A TOTAL DISASTER" FEDANSA now respond immediately to complaints by doing something about it (positive results), but leave the rest of the DanceSport community (the majority) believing they are guilty by adopting a mute stance. We are still waiting for one of them to reply to this question Milton asked.

DC, thanks for praising Tanz (positive input), which would not have happened had you and Mareli adopted a mute stance - BRAVO to both of you - your crit (negative input) brought on positive results.

"I don't dance from my heart" Dear Jay
As you are keen on dance talk, I thought I'd pluck this off the Internet for your mag, which I found very interesting:

"My teacher told me that 1 thing missing from my dance that is "I don't dance from my heart"
He said that dancing is not about the step. Dancing is about listening to the music and dance from my heart. Dancing is about feeling fun and beautiful.

He said "I can teach you the step but I can not teach the other stuff "

I understand what he is saying and I have seen on video those professional dancers who dance from their heart but I DON'T KNOW HOW TO DO IT. When I dance I am so concentrating on my step and concentrating on following his lead, when I am not concentrating, I make mistake

Please please please can anyone help me

Response one
I don't know what style of dance you are studying, but as a student and competitor in American Rhythm, I learn the steps "cold", getting them into my "muscle memory"; that is, knowing the step so well that I don't have to think about it anymore and can concentrate on my emotional motivation in the dance. For example, in rumba, I want to feel sensual yet with a hint of passionate playfulness. For example, with my rumba walk exercises, I put on a rumba that really moves me, that makes me feel sexy, and I walk around the studio floor focusing on a point straight ahead of me and FEEL the music pushing me. I feel the pulse of the music and let it fill me up.

It might be a little embarrassing to do this at first in front of other students, so you can always do it at home. I use to only be able to do one or the other; concentrate on hip action and foot placement or the music but I can put the two together now. Sometimes, only for a few minutes though, I would purposefully forget about technique and just go, letting the music move me allowing myself to feel very sexy (almost becoming another person) and sometimes my hips would naturally go where they were supposed to and my rumba walks were suddenly and momentarily natural and not forced. Okay, that's all. I'm sure it's different for others but this is what works for me and trying different approaches is always good. GOOD LUCK!

Response two
Unless you like (in some sense) the music, then you will not connect with it. For example, I don't do Hip-Hop, because I don't like most of the music to which it is danced.

Take music you like, any music. Listen to it and let your body move in response to it. Don't think about your feet, just get lost in the music. This will help you let yourself be "free".

Then, hopefully, whatever kind of partner-dance you are learning, you will dance to music which inspires you, to which you will also identify, and will want to free yourself to move with it.

Response three
For me, it's a combination of a deep love for dance and for music... especially if it's a great piece of music. I try to really connect with it and express it, and I imagine myself looking like some of the top dancers. That's the closest I'll ever get to looking like them!

Joey

Ed
Joey, thanks for supplying the above, very interesting. One thing your extract proves to us, is that when we battle to learn something, we're not alone. As Response one says, "I learn the steps "cold", getting them into my 'muscle memory'; that is, knowing the step so well that I don't have to think about it anymore and can concentrate on my emotional motivation in the dance"

passed our licentiate exams Hi Jay
Pieter and I passed our licentiate exams on Monday 16/04/01 passed

Jimmy Johnson marked us and we are now just waiting for the result, but he did state that we have passed for the Latin.

Regards, Pieter & Peet

Ed
Congrats to both of you from all of us, and thanks for letting us know. I would like to add the two of you to my Adjudicator's list, check it out, but I need your surnames

outstanding special holiday offer for readers of DanceInfo SA Hi Jay
I have designed a web page to be added to your Bargain Buys. The web address is; www.fairfields.co.za/specialoffer.htm

The Bargain is an outstanding special holiday offer for readers of DanceInfo SA. It's a one-off payment and they can have a holiday every year for the rest of your life

Regards, Ron

Ed
Thanks for the e-addresses, greatly appreciated, and thanks for offering DISA readers your special. Haven't clicked on every link, but your homepage looks good. I have added it to the Bargain Buys section, check it out. Sounds like a very, very special.

Swing Dance Scene at the LindyHop factory in vintage getup Hi Jay
Thanks for giving us (that's Janet Adkins & Oliver Meckler) the opportunity to inform the dance community about our passion - the Lindy Hop.

The Lindy Hop is the original Swing Dance from the 1930's and the predecessor of all Jive related dances, like the Boogie Woogie, Rock'n'Roll and obviously the Jive itself. The steps are based on a 6-count (as in the jive) as well as an 8-count. It can be danced from slow to very fast music, with the emphasis being more on interpreting the music rather then dancing to a fixed routine.

The music we dance to is the good old Big Band stuff (Glen Miller &Co.) and the 'Neo Swing' from the US. In the past 10 years America has seen a revival of the Swing music and bands are popping up like mushroom - with bands like 'The Cherry Poppin' Daddies'.

The dance got it's name during a dance marathon to honour Charles Lindberg 'hopping over the Atlantic' in his aeroplane - hence the name Lindy Hop.

Some might know the Lindy Hop as Jitterbug, as it was named later. The Swing era lost popularity in the fifties and with it the Lindy Hop. In the 80's some enthusiasts brought it back to life and since then it has spread all over the world - and has finally arrived in South Africaa.

What we want is to create a Swing Dance Scene, meeting regularly to Dance events and swinging the night away to great music, dressing up in vintage clothing - and basically reliving a wonderful bygoone era.

We teach at the Tanzcafe in Brynston on

Tuesdays   8:15 pm    Beginners
                 9:00 pm    Intermediates
                 9:45 pm    Swing Dance Party

Our next classes start on the 24.04.2001 - first lesson free.

You can also see us during Ryno's Dance Congress  at the Italian Club in Bedfordview on Sunday, 22.04.2001 1:00 pm
doing our Lindy Hop.

We can be contacted on 082-9007101 (Oliver) or at the Tanzcafe on 011-4633128.

Hope to see you soon - and keep on swinging.

Oliver - the Swing Professor - THE LINDYHOP FACTORY

Ed
Professor, a most enlightening account of Lindy Hop, which I'd like to add to the Lindy Hop section of my Dancer's Dictionary. For the sheer love of dance, I too hope that many dancers will join your Swing Dance Scene at the LindyHop factory in their vintage getup. Thanks for taking the time to send us the news, and please keep DISA posted on how things go.

the most exciting news is that we sold four dresses at R30 each Hi Jay
We held the Metro Festival on the 7th of April 2001. We started on time at 2 pm and we finished at about 11.30 pm. Not bad for a comp that had over 144 couples dancing. The program ran very smoothly and there were only a few general dances scattered through the day.

The most exciting news is that we sold four dresses (at R30 each) and this means that we are now able to make 6 more. We also hired out 4 dresses. In my opinion Linda's idea of helping the dancers in our Province to comply with the regulation dress code is paying off. Our raffle raised about R480 which will be used to purchase shirts for the boys and bow ties as well as more dresses.

We are starting to plan our next comp which will be the Metro Championships for the 1st of September 2001. I will keep you posted.

Chantal

Ed
Chantal, thanks for all the positive action and input from KZN. It's always great to share well-organised and smoothly run dance events with South Africa, because these type of events seem to be a rare find. 144 couples tells the world that DanceSport is definitely on the up. Those who would like a peek at Linda Meakin's KZN dance site click here

I'm sure, with the success of your dress scheme, other Provinces will want to do the same - BRAVO

the marks have magically appeared for all to see! Dear Jay
11 April 2001
Just a few words this time (!!!) .

It seems that someone must have seen our last letter on your website. The marks have magically appeared for all to see! Plus the dancers can now see if they have reached the finals as these results are also being put up in the marshalling area. Much better. Thanks for your intervention!

The toilets are also being monitored both “Ladies” and “Gents”!  I cannot speak for the ladies, but the gents toilets were 100% better and cleaner!   Well done to whoever took the initiative!

Just as a matter of interest, we noticed that in some sections, where only 3 couples participated (one was a “Latin” in the Senior / Masters section) all 3 couples were awarded trophies, even though they did not have to dance semi-finals, etc., but in our section – the “Rising Stars” (Waning Stars) where 3 couples (Masters) danced only one couple was awarded a trophy.   Can someone please explain?

I might have mentioned it before but at our age  - the ripe old age of 21 !!!, Yvonne and I dance for the enjoyment / pleasure we derive from each competition and we always feel that if we win – it’s a bonus.   Maybe if some of the younger folk went onto the floor with a similar attitude they might find that they would be more relaxed and might just be lucky enough to win.

I don’t care who the couples are but when you walk onto that floor a certain amount of tension sets in, and at times this could lead to bad posture, footwork etc. and worse!   Anyone who says this is not the case is kidding themselves.   It happened that at a recent competition I went completely blank in the Waltz, so much so that I could not even remember the basics.   Bad hey, but Yvonne was great and with her encouragement we got going, although not of the best!    Gentlemen look after those partners, they are a very important part of the partnership, you might lead but they put on the show (maybe that’s why we don’t win often enough – I (Yvonne) don’t put on a very good show!!)

That’s all for now.

Regards, Milton Demmer

Ed
Your first paragraph fills me with divine felicity, so I'll repeat it:

"It seems that someone must have seen our last letter on your website. The marks have magically appeared for all to see! Plus the dancers can now see if they have reached the finals as these results are also being put up in the marshalling area - much better. Thanks for your intervention!"

Milton, what I truly appreciated of DanceSport is that when accusations are bowled their way, they respond immediately. The officials diligently make every effort to accommodate the dancer and improve the flaw. We all make mistakes, but FEDANSA humbly and willingly acknowledge a glitch, but more importantly, do something about it - that takes manighi character. This character they show, bears testimony to the great strides they have made in perfecting their website - prompt and ever-willing to improve, which I, as a dancer, sincerely respect. Previously, it was promises, promises and only promises, now things are completely different.

To moan is your constitutional right, whether the accused or anyone else like it or not. To moan is free advice, a warning to the accused that something is wrong. Like the road sign that says, "Don't go straight, deadly drop ahead". You pay a registration/entry fee for the organisation of the event, and when things go awry it's your right to gripe. By doing so, you render the sport and your fellow-dancers a huge favour, and remember, DISA is always there as your willing servant to help keep things stabilized. Our problem in South Africa is, when things go wrong, the whites blame everything on the New South Africa and the non-whites say it's the fault of the Old South Africa, so two hoots to the rules of fairness.

As far as this sentence is concerned, you have a right to know, and I would also like to know;

"Just as a matter of interest, we noticed that in some sections, where only 3 couples participated (one was a “Latin” in the Senior / Masters section) all 3 couples were awarded trophies, even though they did not have to dance semi-finals, etc., but in our section – the “Rising Stars” (Waning Stars) where 3 couples (Masters) danced only one couple was awarded a trophy.   Can someone please explain?"

Yvonne, the weaker sex is the stronger sex because of the weakness of the stronger sex for the weaker sex... LEAD HIM and while you're at it SHOW OFF - Thanks for all the dance input.

PASSIONATE, SENSUAL AND TANTALIZING Hi Jay
I recently purchased the Tango Argentino video tape from DanceInfo SA. The dance is many things to many people. However, I found that the dance differs from the Ballroom Tango and is passionate, sensual and tantalizing - OOOH!  SIGH! Unlike the Ballroom Tango it does not have those snappy, angry staccato movements but is smoother and much more sensuous and seductive. It has a much more relaxed style and doesn’t take up a lot of room on the dance floor.

The dance is more important than the dancers and it is be danced by two people FOR EACH OTHER rather than to be performed.

I found each element and steps fully explained. By following the easy instructions exactly you will find that the moves are not difficult and, like with every dance, practice will insure that you will be dancing this Tango in its authentic style in no time.

The most important aspect of any dance is to enjoy what you are doing at whatever level. While technical excellence can give enormous pleasure it is equally possible to find pleasure in learning to Tango Argentino with each new step and be relaxed at the same time.

The video tapes, at only R138,00, are a real value for money when one considers that you could pay more than that for one lesson in a studio. The tapes have 25 different steps and I recommend them to anyone who really wants to learn this passionate dance.

DanceCrit

Ed
DC, to really enjoy Argentino is to DANCE Argentino. Unfortunately, many conventional English styled Tango dancers lose the silky, subtle, sensual glide by jerking and even bouncing the movements. This exceptional dance holds a unique place in couple dancing. The body is much closer and intimate than in any other dance form. And yet the two legs move faster and with more deadly accuracy than in any of the other comparable dances. It is this combination of sensual, meditative, relaxed contact in the upper body and swift, almost martial arts-like movement in the lower body that gives the tango its special identity, its cat-like purr and milky feel.

Someone once said, "imagine dancing on glass, slinking through its dramatic motions with timeless passion and infinite controlled". More than that, the A Tango combines melodic, lyrical beauty with its unmistakable rhythmic drive. Heady and passionate, sensual and meditative, melancholic and yet joyful, it is identifiably Argentinean and clearly, is universally accessible.

DanceCrit, I'm pleased you are enjoying the tapes. These Argentine Tango video instruction tapes have brought much joy to many South African dancers - only praise. Thanks for sharing your dance news with all.

need details on advertising our latin/argentine tango studio on your site Hello Jay
Please give us details on advertising on your site

Our details as follows
The Latin Connection, latin & Argentine Tango competitve & social dance studio
Bobby Smith
Tel: 072 149 1871
E-mail: gerhold@icon.co.za
Shop no 1
Olivedale Corner Shopping Centre
Cnr President Fouche & Olive Rd
Olivedale

Regards

Bobby & Nathan

Ed
Bobby & Nathan, as a DISA subscriber you would be entitled to a page on my site at R50 for a year's maintenance - the page is free. I add images, your logo, your details, etc. to your page and design it to your specifications. Plus you may update your page as often as you like. I then link you to the section which belongs to your scene and the service you provide.

I send updates each week to the thousands of dancers in my address book, which means that the more updates you email me, the more often my visitors and dancers will be directed to your page for details.

Should you feel your connection with dancers through my site will benefit you, then your annual fee of  R50 is paid into my account and confirmed by email.

My Account details are:
First National Bank
J.J. Helm
Branch: Sunnyside, Number 25-06-45
Account Number 510 6100 7775

Thanks for your interest, and hope you join our DISA club soon.

The Argentinean Tango has become the most popular dance-form at Gardels Dear Jay
Apologies for not updating Gardel's page lately but I've been waiting for definite details.  I now have these in hand and pass them on to you for update:-

The Argentinean Tango has become the most popular dance-form at Gardels and with this in mind, Ralph will be hosting Wednesday night Tango Salons every second Wednesday.  Next Salon details are as follows:-

Tango Salon

Every Second Wednesday at

"Gardels"

From Wednesday 11 April 2001, Ralph will begin hosting a Tango Salon Night
for all dancers and lovers of the Argentinean Tango.

**Next Tango Salon**

Next Salon:  Wednesday 25 April  @ 7.30 p.m.

 There will be a Pizza/Pasta menu from Gambini's Restaurant available for the hungry!

Cover Charge: R25 per person

Venue: Ralph's Dance Studio, Sunninghill

A great night of the wonderful Argentinean Tango!

(Phone Ralph on 082 481 9400 to book or for more info or email casano@netactive.co.za)

 I shall update the Wednesday night Salon details as I have them.

Thank you, Sonia

Ed
Sonia, to be sure your updates are part of the weekly bulk send, frontside of Wednesdays is your safest bet. Thanks for all the information... Tango A is hot and sizzling.

learn the lindy hop and the original swing dance from the 1920's hi jay
thanks for sending me your danceinfo update - i really enjoy reading it. would you be interested in a write up about the lindy hop, the original swing dance from the 1920's? we are presently the only couple teaching this dance - at the tanzcafe  - and we would like to spread the news to grow our swing dance community.

looking forward to your reply

oliver meckler
THE LINDY HOP FACTORY

Ed
Lindy hop and the original Swing dance from the 1920's is what we would all like to hear much more about, but more than that, to know that you are the only to teach it - WOW ! that's great news... Oliver, GIVE IT to us, we want it all. Thanks for the offer, much appreciated, and let us know when your classes are held.

SA latin couples rub shoulders with Bryan Watson and other top couples in the UK Hi Jay
Thought your readers in the Cape and the rest of South Africa would like to know which couples from Gauteng are at present gaining valuable Latin experience abroad. They are;

Darren Hammond & Simone Strybos
Martinus Schoeman & Nicoline Swart
Mark Bruce Sasnovski & Michelle Roets
Frederik de Vos & Lischen Gurovich
J Eksteen Traut & Michelle Oppenshaw

Asta la vista, Baby

Felix Moroder

Ed
Felix, thanks for your input. Derek, farther of Michelle Oppenshaw, emailed me the following, re the SA bunch;

"Had an e-mail from Michelle on chelly57@hotmail.com - said that Bryan Watson (our SA World Professional Latin Champion) and his partner visited them the other night at practice - also, "mixing it" with the pro's is to her "something else" - they are having a "whale of a time" !!!!!! and the cold weather is not even noticed with the excitement, etc. Michelle said that Grant Simpson & Hayley Hammond who arrived a few weeks before they did, already show a tremendous improvement in their dancing - placed 5th out of 55 couples the other evening"

Derek, rubbing shoulders with the top pros in the world, and watching them in action, alone is worth the trip, but it's the inspiration a trip like this injects that is the ultimate motivator.

advanced international competitive video instruction tapes Hi Jay
I'm interested in purchasing the "Advanced International Competitive Videos". I would like more information on the its content:

• Which figures are demonstrated?
• Who are the instructors, performers?

Regards, Len

Ed
The advanced Ballroom tapes (Waltz, Tango, Slow Foxtrot and Quickstep) were recorded in 1990 by Maxwell and Gwenneth Bishop, a UK couple resident in the States. For each dance, they compiled 10 to 12 groups, each comprising 3 or 4 advanced components, thus offering 30 and more high-level variations per dance. Their demonstrations spare no time or effort in explaining the techniques and details of the components in these groups. The main component of a group could be the Hinge. Here follows a Waltz sample component choreographed with other figures:

Syncopated Open Natural to Hinge, Hover to Point, Continues Reverse Spot Spins, Hover Finish, Syncopated Chasse to Right swaying to Left, finishing with a Travelling Contra Check. That's one set of the Hinge component of a group of 3 which deals with the Hinge. Maxwell and Gwenneth also demonstrate the entire routine of all the groups to count and then to music and so they do each group for each dance. Two dances can comfortably be recorded on one 3-hour tape.

Cha-Cha and Rumba are the only two I have of the advanced Latin section.

video tapes of championships from overseas Dear Jay
Attached find a list of my new prices for the video tapes. I also exchange tapes besides e-tv and other South African tv shows. I exchange with those from overseas which I don't already have.

Best Regards.

Thabo Phiri
P.O. Box 46059
Belle-Ombre, Pretoria
South Africa
0142
Cell: 082 266 9680

Ed
Thabo, I know that Roy Pieterse of the Cape was looking for one of the e-TV videos just recently. Click here for Roy's letter

I am an extremely dedicated Latin dancer Hello J
Could you please place this ad in your "partners" section:

I am a 22 year old, 1,86m tall, male.  I am an extremely dedicated Latin dancer, to the extent of being fanatic about Latin. I am in the Adult Gold section. I am looking for a girl with a passion for Latin dancing as well as a
burning need to PRACTICE!!!!! If you are what I am looking for please do not hesitate to contact me! NO CHANCERS!!!
I am training in the East Rand, with lessons in Jhb. Contact Frans at fcoomans@hotmail.com

Cheers, Frans Coomans

Ed
Frans, I've also placed your ad in the "Partners" section. Thanks for your support

two super social spots Hi Jay
Haven’t written in a while, have three things to share:

1) Tanz Café. Since the day, 3 years ago, when I first discovered this venue, I have made no secret of the fact that it is my favourite spot. In them thar far-off days, my partner and I were once 2 of the 4 guests for the evening; these days we are lucky to get the pot stand in the kitchen if we haven’t booked! The point is, throughout Tanz has remained the same: great ambience, personal attention for 6 or sixty, up-market without being snooty, lively without being ‘loud’, magic mix of music provided by Mareli who reads her guests like a professional DJ, well-organised special event functions planned for the entertainment of the dancer.

Mareli, owner and driving force behind Tanz, has the knack of turning every dance night into a party! Her boundless energy also extends to her teaching - since I have been fortunate enough to take some classes in the Argentine Tango, I have gained even more respect for her professionalism in presenting a class or preparing for a show.

It hasn’t been all plain sailing as can be expected in any establishment – but any problems or complaints have been addressed and suitable action taken.

This years’ birthday celebration promises to be as enjoyable as ever. The programme for the  party night on Wednesday 18th April will feature a  Milonga and Tango show , with the Michael Costello’s canvas ‘Tango’. on show.

As always, Mareli is sure to have some great latin line dances lined up for all to participate in and special South American dishes to choose from.

2) Sylvia’s social evenings at the Lion’s Club is definitely the Pretoria social dancers’ event to look out for , many of whom are very happy that Sylvia persevered when things seemed a bit slow to take off at the very beginning (can that also be about 3 years ago?).

It is extremely gratifying to see people from so many different studios get together on the floor and do what we go there for – dance and party. In  her refined and caring way, Syl finds time to make everybody feel welcome, comfortable and at home: this of course while she squeezes in more dances than anybody else!

Although last Friday must have been a record take, there was still enough space to swing your partner around. I took 2 young ladies with,  whose experience of dancing is mostly confined to  jiggling  in a circle to house. They enjoyed the evening , including their test runs on the floor immensely - because  it is all about the danceer, whether casual social, serious social or a competitive dancer out for a jol with the non-professionals. – everybody goes there to have fun.

I believe Sylvia is planning some socials other than the scheduled ones, so anybody interested, give her a call for more info.

3) I am ecstatic to see P & P have taken the plunge and joined DISA's cyber community. Have been nagging them for years – at last, somebody must have taken them in hand.

Pieter & Peet, break a leg with your Licentiate's, and Jay, I happen to know they have studio exams coming up soon, hope to see the results PLUS photos as Dancewell does. – nag them!

Love, elsa

Ed
Elsa, sizzling social news. Thanks for passing it on.

getting married, looking for a private dance instructor Dear Jay,
My fiancé and I are getting married in September and are looking for a private dance instructor. We are based in Bedfordview so someone in the Bedfordview / Kensington / Edenvale area would be ideal. We don’t particularly want to go to a studio. Is there anyone you can recommend?

Thanks, Lesley

Ed
Lesley, I doubt whether you'd find a roving private instructor, but who knows, maybe your letter could muster a response. Here are a few alternatives; Click Dance By Design Jon & Cheryl Tudhope in Bedfordview who teach social and competitive. Or Dancelot Brian & Meryl. This link will take you to my list of Studios/Clubs in all areas, and as a last resort, you could do what many social dancers do, i.e. teach yourself privately in the comfort of your home by ordering the social dances you would need from these video tapes.

Roy Pieterse and Meagan Kleinhans break partnership Hi J
The latest break-up story.  I want to confirm that Roy Pieterse and Meagan Kleinhans are as from today not dancing together anymore. Due to personal reasons.

Ccccc Yaaa
Roy !!

Ed
Always sad to announce break-ups, particularly yours with Meagan, which I thought was destined to great things after you placed 2nd in the 2000 SA's, and I scored you a "tie for 1st."

Roy, for the girls to know whether they match or for them to arrange a try-out, we need details: Area, phone numbers, style, level, ambition, etc.

need a partner - I really mean business Hi Jay
Please put this ad in the partner section.

I'm looking for a hard working male partner to dance adult Novice/Pre-Champ ballroom and Latin. He must be willing to work hard and progress all the way to the top. He must be someone with goals and willing to achieve them, he must have stamina to dance for a long time without losing the pace, He must be between the age 20 - 28 yrs, taller than 1.55 cm,  So please no chancers

I really mean business.

Below are my details

Name: Thembi
Area: Pretoria (Arcadia)
Age: 26 yrs
Section: Adult Novice/Pre-champ Latin and Ballroom
Height: About 1.55 m without shoes
Contact no: 082 887 0343
E-mail: thembelihle.myeza@za.didata.com

Ed
Thembi, I've also placed your ad in the "Partners" section. Thanks for your support

The cost of the dress hire is only R1 per hour Hi Jay
I am the assistant secretary of the Metro Fedansa Committee and we are holding our first comp of the year on this Saturday the 7th of April.

Our aim is to improve the dress (Star Grade sections) of the dancers who take part and have organised dresses for hire for the underprivileged dancers out there. The cost of the dress hire is only R1 per hour. Linda Meakin must be congratulated on her hard work as it seems that she has managed to get sponsorship to make the dresses. However, we are not sitting back expecting sponsors to pay for everything.

We have started our own fund-raising project (raffles, etc.) and hope to have the Natal dress code up to scratch shortly. At the Illovo competition on the 24th March, all dancers who collected their numbers for the year were handed the different examples of the acceptable dress for the ladies (we got these examples from Avril Bennet - Fedansa Gauteng).

I will let you know how the competition went on Saturday.

Thanks, C

Ed
Chantal, I think the idea excellent. Hats off to those involved and to the DanceSport officials who initiated it. This is the kind of info DanceSport urgently needs, i.e. to promote the positive side of the sport. It is so easy to dwell on the negative when allowed, and DS have this nasty habit of always allowing dancers who gripe, free reign. What the officials seem to forget is that there are two sides to every sport. Good to hear the constructive side, because the officials who decided, "Because of politics in ballroom at present, we are unable to give you info of competitions in the Cape for 2001" need their heads read. They are doing more harm than good to DanceSport in the South Africa.

I have also placed your dress-hire programme in the "Bargain Buys" section as a special benefit to dancers. Good luck for the comp on 7 April. and don't forget to let us know how things went.

LIVE AND LET LIVE “Rude Social Woman” Hi Jay
I refer to the letters with reference to “Rude Social Woman” who refuses to dance with men other than her instructor. I read with much interest the replies from Egotist, Melissa, Peggy, Gordon and Patrick. I find them all to be correct and respect their opinions. However, I note that in some of the letters it appears that the Cat is Meeowing and showing its claws. I say live and let live. If it really annoys you and you are not getting your “share” take it up with the dance instructor.

The episode your correspondents refer to reminds me of the time I started dancing. After a few months of instruction it was exam time - my first - and nervousness was creeping in. One week before the exams my partner “blew out” leaving me stranded. I approached one of the lady instructors and asked her if she would dance with me for my exams. I was told directly, without a bat of an eyelid: “No, I will just make you look good.” Can you imagine how I felt being rejected. Nevertheless, I did not complete my exams and was determined that I would go onto be a better dancer than she was. After many years of instruction from some of the best dancer instructors in South Africa, among which include Brian Schmidt, Meryl Williams and others, I have been told that I am an above-average dancer. This same lady instructor occasionally frequents the same dance venues as I do - and is now more than friendly than ever wanting to dance with me. Being an “officer and a gentleman” I do so and occasionally ask her for a dance or two to which she happily accepts.

There appears to be a general lack of Dance Etiquette and manners on the dance floors - with dancers banging and barging into the backs of other dances. I have been broad-sided and had a heel or two stomped into my ankle many a time - all without an apology. If I may suggest here a few tips on Etiquette:

It is the gentleman's privilege to ask a lady to dance unless the dance is announced as “Ladies privilege.” A gentleman may receive a refusal simply because of a poor approach. I have heard a man ask a lady: “Hey, you, do you wanna dance?” or simply walk up to the lady with an outstretched arm with the hand beckoning to come on. Come on guys, let’s be gentlemen. It is not necessary to use excessive formality but reasonable courtesy should be the order. To a stranger say: “May I have this dance?” or to someone who is known to you: “Shall we dance.” Once she accepts don’t walk ahead of her - walk with her onto the dance floor side by side. Once on the floor remember that other couples are also there. Avoid a collision, if possible, by taking smaller steps or altering your line of dance. If a collision does take place always apologise to the other couple - even if its not your fault. After the dance with your partner always walk her back to her seat or her friends. After the dance both lady and gentlemen should, of course, thank each other.

It would really be nice to see dance studios include some etiquette in their syllabus. Dancing is graceful - let’s NOT take this wonderful form of recreation and fun into the pits.

DanceCrit

Ed
DC, "live and let live" reminds me of an article once written in my DISA mag, when the writer referred to me as "Live and let Die", and I thought I was a benevolent humanitarian, just goes to show.

Thanks for a super article. I'm sure it will awaken a few provoking thoughts among many social hackers. In 1995, we had many hefty debates on this subject, part of which I included to my Dancer's Dictionary, check it out: Dance Etiquette

You mean the lady instructor actually said; “No, I will just make you look good.” That's both rude and egocentric, and DC, you didn't even "live and let die" shame on you.

buy any garment at Turning Point and get 50% discount Dear Jay
Please add to the shopping list that turning point have a great special for the whole of April 2001. Buy any garment and get it complimentary at 50% discount.  Leavelets are available at the shops.

Thanks very much, Antoinette

Ed
Now that's the way to use DISA. Why? 1stly, your SPECIAL is added to the letters and the homepage (the 2 most visited pages). 2ndly, visitors can make a tour of Turning Point's page for details of what you offer. 3rdly, your special announcement becomes part of the "Bargain Buys" section. 4thly, I enjoy publishing things that benefit the dancers. Thanks for the news.

bargain buys, latin dress & shoes Hi Jay
LATIN DRESS & SHOES
Regulation medal-grade latin/ballroom dress, black lycra, size 32/34, long sleeves, worn once for exam. R150.00
Black latin shoes (Dancewell) straps over toes & T-bar.  Size 6. Worn once. R150.00
Call FIONA on 082-5749691.

(Thanks, Jay!), Fiona

Ed
It's a pleasure. Check the "Bargain Buys" page as well, and good luck.

where is the Western Cape Competitive Dance Calendar? Dear Jay
I would like to know when you will place the Western Cape Competitive Dance Calendar on the Web. My partner and I love dancing in Cape Town as the competitive standard is high (especially the Standard Section) and the competitions are always well run. Last year we danced the World Trial Event in Cape Town and it was a real eye opener.

In Natal our comps starts in the afternoon and finish at about 12 pm or 1 am. In Cape Town they seem to start at 9 am and run in the early hours of the next morning. The competitions are supported by not only the dancers but their entire family (including Grandma and Grandma).

I would like to know the competition dates ASAP as I have to book my air tickets at least 3 months in advance and also reschedule the weekends I work.

Please could you assist us.

Chantal (KZN)

PS: Our sections are Novice Standard (5 Points to go) and Gold Latin (10 points to go)

Ed
I would love to have the WC calendar on my website. I asked Roy Pieterse to steal the calendar from FEDANSA, he didn't answer me. I asked Arthur Isaac, he words were, "Because of politics in ballroom at present, we are unable to give you info of competitions in the Cape for 2001"

Search me why, since all I'm doing is spreading the wonderful news of dance, trying to keep the dancer well-informed, FREE of charge. I thought that to be the beauty of the net, and the more positive input DanceSport can output, the better for their image and the sport, which at the moment, according to many, is somewhat tarnished.

Chantal, let's try another way. Here's Arthur's phone numbers: 083 270 74 71(c)  021 543 2112(w) 021 703 5769(h) 021 704 25 64 (h) for info. His email. Arthur is very helpful and he works as fast as Jay.

I also heard many great things about the Cape comp organisation, and I know all about their standard of dancing. To find out what I said in my review of their dancing, click here

"Our sections are Novice Standard (5 Points to go) and Gold Latin (10 points to go)" That's cool. When you move up send us your promotions - good luck.

rude social woman Hello J
Since social dancing has been in the spotlight of late, I pulled this letter off the net with a few replies to it. Knew you would like it, but what do the South African social dancers think of this type of behaviour?

"We have one lady who is very rude to the men. She only wants to dance with the (married) instructor and turns men down in the hope of the instructor seeing her sitting out and coming to her rescue. He's a fool and doesn't see her game.

She has been outright rude to some of the men who have asked her to dance. I've personally witnessed several of these episodes. The men who asked her in these instances were your average dancer at a party. Nothing unusual about men-all nice, good hygiene, good dancers, pleasant personality. (And no, I'm not about to point out her behaviour to her.)

My question is: When you go to a social event, shouldn't you be expected to act in a socially acceptable manner? In this case it happens to be a dance and it is assumed that one goes there to dance and have social contact with others who have the same interest. She is single and goes there to dance. Shouldn't the socially acceptable behaviour in this case be to dance with whomever asks unless the person has been rude to you, has hurt you in some way, has poor hygiene, or is drunk?

The women dislike her because of her attitude. She expects other women to dance with the toads (in her mind) while she gets to dance with only princes."

Replies:

"Egoist
Is she hurting anyone but herself by turning down these invitations? I don't think so. It is her prerogative who she dances with as much as it is your prerogative to label her as rude and undesirable and refuse to socialize with her. So, do so and get on with your life.

Also, how do you know that she doesn't have valid reasons to turn down those invitations?

Finally, who do you think you are to tell me who I have to dance with?

Melissa
Egoist, the point is that she is going to a SOCIAL dance where socially acceptable behaviour is called for.
If she is so picky about whom she dances with, then she should not go to an event where it is POLITE to accept invitations except for certain instances (body odour, drinking too much, rough partner). Trust me, this is NOT the case with the men. I have seen her turn down even the nicest and best dancer present.

She obviously has a thing for her married instructor and I, for one, think it should be kept out of the studio and away from all of our viewing. And don't say not to look at it. It is very hard to avoid in a small studio.

Peggy
Even in a small studio, it's best to MYOB when someone's acting like a butt. Especially over a man. Especially in a small studio. The studio would probably not be happy to lose a customer, just because the other students disapproved of her.
Besides, no one should be forced to dance when they would rather not. Even at a social event. You make it sound like grade school (do you have gum for everyone?).

Gordon
At social dances it is expected that men or women will accept invitations to dance. It is rude and un-gentemanly (or un-ladylike) to refuse a polite request to dance, at least once. But I would just ignore this obnoxious lady. She will only isolate herself.

lindy_girl6
Yeah, I think this lady is in for a rude awakening. I'm not a guy, but I bet that a lot of guys would just see her for what she is, and they will steer clear of her. She will soon find herself very lonely. Not only that, but people talk, and maybe some of the guys will dance with some of the other women and make a comment about that particular lady's rudeness. Then the women too will think she's weird and everybody will ostracize her. Well, after all, she's done it to herself."

Cheers, Patrick

Ed
What I've seen male and females do at socials, is refuse a dance, masquerading as "death-worn" then immediately accepting a raucous Rock 'n Roll from the next invite and all you see is feathers and fluff. That's what you call a wholesale crunch. Maybe someone should do the same to the rude tooties, no, that won't work because she has only one target in sight... hot for her teacher's bod.

I like this sentence, "She expects other women to dance with the toads". So that's what women think of men who can't dance - TOADS. All you toads out there, learn to dance privately at home, order these tapes and change into a prince.

more than 700 children are still missing in SA Dear Jay
I thought that we might support this course.  It is not a hoax!

Dear Sir/Madam
The South African Police Service’s Bureau for Missing Persons needs your help!
I’m sure that there isn’t a South African who doesn’t know about the joys and sorrows of the Nadia Neethling case. Nadia was one of the lucky ones, currently more than 700 children are still missing in SA.

Approximately 2 400 000 South Africans uses the Internet, this leaves no doubt that the ‘electronic eye’ is the way to go.

Computer Associates Africa http://www.ca.com/offices/africa/  and SA Yellow Online http://www.sayellow.com  responded by designing and hosting the Missing Children Website http://www.missingkids.co.za, thus assisting the Bureau in its public awareness campaign.

As we are all aware, it takes a lot of time and money to make surfers aware of your site. And time is the one thing ‘our’ children do not have...

We need your help in promoting the Website by forwarding this email to all your friends, family and colleagues.
Although we don’t have any money to offer, SA Yellow Online - South Africa’s largest online commercial directory, has made an announcement that they will give each website that add a link to the Missing Kids website a  priority listing for six months at no cost, on their directory http://www.sayellow.com.

Even if you don’t want to add a link to our website you can still make a huge contribution by printing out posters of missing children in your area from our website, and make them available to those not so fortunate to have Internet access.

JOIN US IN OUR FIGHT TODAY! It is not only you that will benefit, but each and every family in South Africa that had the misfortune of having to report a child as missing.

Captain Fanie van Deventer
Manager - Bureau for missing persons

This is not SPAM  this is about your future and the future of South Africa (Our Kids!)

Neville Matjie
Fellow and Examiner - SAD&DSC
F. BR.LA.ISTD SAD&DSC L. FS.R’R. ISTD
Cel. +27 (0)83 659 3443
Tel. +27 (0)31 335 1028
Fax. +27 (0)83 8 659 3443
MatjieN@durbanchamber.co.za
www.geocities.com/matjien

adjudicators are partial to their favourite couple Hi Jay
Do you think that adjudicators are partial to their favourite couples on the floor? Often I think another couple should win because they performed the best, but the results prove otherwise.

Will the "Best couple" ever get the first place. Any comments!!!

Regards, jimmy

Ed
According to the winners and the placings of the TV comps I reviewed last year, the judges definitely had it right, with perhaps one or two exceptions, and then the difference wasn't worth squabbling about.

My Dancer's Dictionary, which is a compilation of many expert views on judging, covers and answers many of the discrepancies surrounding this topic.

Here are 3 answers from the net to a similar Q

Tigger
Often I think judges are all too complacent in their decisions - too much "well they won last time so they must be the best" with not enough actual adjudicating and analysing on the day.

Judges tend to judge couples they know on how well they CAN dance, rather than what they do on the day.

For a hypothetical example, Couple A might have won the last four major competitions against couple B. Couple A win the next competition even though couple C danced better. Because the judges assumed the quality of Couple A's dancing, rather than actually opening their eyes.

Paul
Judges only get 1m 45s to make up the places for 6 couples. I think using prior knowledge to drive expectation is the only way they stand a chance of doing this. And the champion always gets the benefit of the doubt.

It might take some time for judges to notice that couple B is now better than couple A but it should happen.

Not being able to believe that I just defended something I complain about all the time, I am off to lie down....

Natalie
Don't you think your opinion of who "performed the best" is just as subjective as that of the judges?

another studio joins the busiest dance site on the SA net Hi there, from Pieter and Peet.
We made a deposit of R50,00 into your bank account - our annual fee for a page on your site. We have attached our logo. We teach Social and International at Westdene and Brixton and Bryanston.

Both of us will be doing our Licentiate exams on 16 April. Will inform you of the results.  If you need the deposit slip please contact us and we will forward this to you

Pieter cell 083-254-3909
Peet cell 082-859-1813

Regards, P&P

Ed
Pieter & Peet, thanks for your support and welcome aboard. No need for the deposit slip, saw it in my e-account. Once we've got your page designed to your particular specifications, with colour, a photo, your logo, animation, etc. we'll show everybody. As a matter of interest, if you were to have a page designed by those who advertise the job, it would cost you R6000, i.e. conservatively speaking, and hundreds per month for the maintenance of it. C, J is a nice guy.

Most studios think, by having a webpage, and then plonking it onto the net will make everybody see it - a good giggle. That's like going out into the woods to hunt for food, shooting, and hoping something runs in to the bullet, sorry! no food on the table tonight P&P. DISA is logged with all the major sites on the net, and despite that, surfers still have problems finding it - the vast infinity of cyberspace.

How do we do it? I have thousands of subscribers in my address book (increasing by the day) and hundreds who have book-marked DISA as one of their favourite sites. I engineer the visits by sending weekly updates because most dancers haven't a clue when it comes to the Internet, I just blast them with all the interesting, exciting dance news, whether they like it or not, and you know something P&P, they are even getting to enjoy it. It will still take years before there will be no need for Jay's orchestrated visits - when dancers and the public will be able to find their way easily around the net all by themselves.

Six years ago when I bought my first modem, there were -+ 500 Internet users globally, now they tell me that there are 2 400 000 South Africans who use the Internet, so the net is definitely the way to go, go, go, but being on the net means sweet fanny annie. I have several studios and businesses with a page on my site sitting there waiting for something to run in to their bullet.

The key words are AWARENESS, EXPOSURE, COVERAGE, FREQUENCY. For instance, Tanz Café and DanceWell Social Studios, (check them out) are household names on my site, and believe me P&P, they yield a lot of awareness and business from DISA for their meagre 50 bucks, by frequently emailing their news and activities. Tanz Café have their own website but use DISA as a launching pad, as their busy vehicle to general visits, because their own site doesn't do that for them, and their own site is much more professionally arranged than mine.

Here's the secret, once your page is up and running, we'll announce it. When the two of you become Licentiates, we'll announce it. When your studio arranges forthcoming events, we'll announce it. When your pupils pass an exam or do well at comps, we'll announce it. When you have a nice photo to publish, we'll splash it. When you have some dance talk to talk we'll talk it, and remember, announcing dance news is a willing priority with me.

Dancers who would like to tour the pages of studios and dance businesses on DISA, click here

always can't wait to read your comments! Dear Jay
Thanks for your reply - always can't wait to read your comments!   I have printed it for Milton.

My days of being able to access your web site are numbered as I believe I am soon to be put out to pasture (whether they will be greener or not is still to be seen - one thing I do know is that the cream  (money!) will be a little thin!)

I believe that some people have a problem trying to access the ............? where the results are printed so I have never worried as I believe our accessing the website is monitored and I don't want to make waves at work!

Kind regards, Yvonne D

Ed
Always nice to hear from you and Milton. It would be great if more dancers would write about their joys and experiences of competing. Mind you Yvonne, two years ago when DISA received 11 letters in a month that was considered a mammoth delivery, in March 2001, 40 letters arrived, so dancers are a-buzz and the net is a-swinging.

When they put you out to greener pastures, find a friend with a computer, then sign up with Hotmail for your own email address. Let me have that e-address and I'll send the DISA updates to your Hotmail Post Office. You then, once in awhile, go and enjoy a cuppa at your computer friend's place and print the letters out - that's what friends are for, C.

was building a dance studio for my daughter Kim Hi Jay
Firstly, let me put you in the picture. My interest in ballroom was put on hold to the end of last year, as I was building a dance studio for my daughter Kim. It is now completed (145 square metres). Will send you photos.

Secondly, I am not aware of a letter written about a Cape official that influenced my decision not to send you the results. Please sent me a copy of the letter you refer to.

Thirdly, I was not aware that the Cape results interested so many people.

Roy sent you an Excel file with the scrutineering sheets for each section danced at the competition, including the names and studio they belong to. I think if I was a dancer I would prefer to see where I was placed by the individual adjudicators and the placings in each of the individual dances. You the expert. There must be a way of either zipping the file (no problems) or reformatting the file for the web.

I am in the process of buying a digital camera and I could supply you with the winner's photos.

Because of politics in ballroom at present, we are unable to give you info of competitions in the Cape for 2001

Cheers, Arthur

Ed
Thanks for taking the time to write and clear things up. Building a studio for Kim must have been an exciting project - the dream of every dance teacher.

True, there is a lot of interest in the comp results. I've had several dancers writing and wondering what's wrong with DanceSport in the W. Cape. Their constant wail is, "we have no results, we have no calendar on the net." Quite frankly, all I'd like is a link to the results in the Cape for the convenience of those who visit my site.

I've never claimed to be a computer expert, but what I know is that the experts normally make it so complicated, so I'd rather keep it very simple than be hailed an expert. Here's one example from the letter ahead of yours; "I believe that some people have a problem trying to access the ............? where the results are printed so I have never worried" and Arthur, .............? is another name for Scrutiny3. Excel and Word are not web-friendly and it's going to take years before they get that right.

Below is the simplest way to list the comp results, i.e. Place, First & Last names, Judges' scores, Studio/Where from and a Photo of the winning couple. All you need is a simple little programme for the essential in- and out-puts, like the one I designed for our set-up, and it takes me two minutes to explain how it works to a casual volunteer - no experts needed.

Celtic Open Youth Standard Championship

1. Simone Segatori / Lara Astolfi [1,1,1,1,2] Italy
2. Christopher Short / Joanne Clifton [2,3,3,4,1] England
3. Emanuel Valeri / Annalisa Guarda [3,2,2,3,3] Italy
4. Cristian Venosa / Genny Lombardi [4,4,4,2,4] Italy
5. Mark Elsbury / Kerri-Ann Donaldson [5,5,5,5,5] England
6. Marc Christensen / Therese Hulck [6,6,6,6,6] Denmark

Celtic Open Youth Latin Championship

1. Evgenii Smagin / Rachel Heron [1,1,1,1,1] England
2. Yuriy Kutikov / Liliana Giterman [2,2,2,2,2] U.S.A.
3. Alan Krasilnikov / Anya Katsevman [3,3,3,3,3] U.S.A.
4. Clive Uter / Katie Lee [5,5,4,4,4] England
5. Marc Christensen / Therese Hulck [4,4,6,5,5] Denmark
6. Paul Young / Nadine Martin [6,6,5,6,6] Northern Ireland

Here's the website these results came from, check it out

The nasty Cape letter I referred to had to do with Lily Ford and the late Cherie Scott of Zim who replied to Lily's letter. This argument caused quite an unnecessary stink for FEDANSA.

Every sport has its politics, but DanceSport is very undemocratic. It is as if the dancer is captured in their cosy concentration camp. The authorities seem to have so much to hide. Transparency is taboo, openness is just not part of their agenda. Arthur, you must hear what social dancers think of the competitive officialdom, and remember the social section makes up the majority of DanceSport. A competitor recently told me exactly what the officials of the competitive side say about Jay and his honest website... but I'll zip the lip for now.

DO NOT OPEN "NEW PICTURES OF FAMILY" Hi Jay
This just came in so I'm passing it on

DO NOT OPEN "NEW PICTURES OF FAMILY"

It is a virus that will erase your whole "C" drive.  It will come to you in the form of an E-Mail FROM A FAMILIAR PERSON I repeat a friend sent it to me, but called & warned me before I opened it.

He was not so lucky and now he can't even start his computer!

Forward this to everyone in your address book.

I would rather receive this 25 times than not at all.

Also: Intel announced that a new and very destructive virus was discovered recently. If you receive an email called "FAMILY PICTURES," do not open it. Delete it right away! This virus removes all dynamic link libraries (.dll files) from your computer. Your computer will not be able to boot up

Regards, Sonia

Ed
Thanks Sonia, the family and friends' virus fools most, ask Jay, he knows. I've added it to the list of viruses

A  new virus called "A Virtual Card For You" is doing the rounds Hi Jay and all computer owners
When the e-mail attachment is opened, it sends itself to everyone on your contact list and it freezes the PC, causing you to have to reboot.  As soon as the reset button is pressed, or CTRL + ALT + DEL is used, it permanently damages your Hard Drive.  Therefore, DO NOT OPEN ANY E-MAIL WITH THE SUBJECT:   " A VIRTUAL CARD FOR YOU ".

Another virus doing the rounds is called "AN INTERNET FLOWER FOR YOU ".   The same rules apply - DO NOT OPEN ANY E-MAIL WITH THIS SUBJECT.

Once again, please remember that you should not open any suspicious e-mails or file attachments at all.  Rather be safe and if you suspect it may be work-related, send it to the Helpdesk who will verify whether it is safe or not.   Please remember that you should not send anything that may be confidential to the Helpdesk, as we have to open the file to verify whether it is safe or not.

Thank you.

 Cheer Lydia

the biggest dance congress in South Africa will take place - one week to go Hi J
With 1 week to go before the biggest dance congress in South Africa will take place, i thought it would be an ideal time now to just once again remind all Latin American and ballroom dance fanatics about the biggest and one and only dance congress in South Africa.

Dancers, friends, families and whoever might be interested to attend this event better hurry. 15 of South Africa's top lecturers will be lecturing at the Italian club in Bedfordview, Jhb on Saturday and Sunday, the 21 and 22 April. Entrance is R65 for adults and R45 for 18 and under. The first lecture will start at 10 am and the last one will finish at 17:30.

The Sunday lectures are R20 for adults and r10 for under 18.

Once again, the Saturday evening. This spectacular dinner dance and cabaret showdown is a must for all dance fanatics.

Not only will there be a fantastic sit down dinner be served, but guests will be able to show themselves of on the dance floor to the music of Ian Mansfield. The highlight will be the 10 world class professional cabaret shows by Ryno and Sonja; grant and Tebogo; Rafick and Jenine; and Vick and Cat. Latin American and ballroom dance shows at its best including south Africa's number 1 theatre arts dance couple.

Tickets are R140 pp, and strictly black tie.

For any information or pre bookings, please phone Ryno van den berg at 082 6333 183.  The one and only organiser of this incredible event.

Thanks

Ryno