December 2000
merry xmasand a happy new year
homepage

1. why the hell aren't you an ADJUDICATOR ??? - roy
2. sad news - Cherie Scott of Zim passed away - ken (Zim)
3. DanceSport  Rejected as an Olympic Sport - Daily Telegraph
4. re Olympics: I'm actually glad that the IOC rejected ballroom dancing - elizabeth
5. re Olympics: HELLO! but walking itself is an Olympic sport - bri
6. re Olympics: let's concentrate on the aesthetic & expressive aspects of dance - Marquito
7. re Olympics: dancing is something that horses and dogs can even do ?/!#*&@ - frans
8. Thanks for your commentary on the dancing on TV - lydia
9. Michael & Beata, the highlight of the evening... what a couple! - linda
10. male partner in North West (Wigan) needed - emma
11. pro dance social comp a redounding success - elsa
12. all welcome at garbels' xmas party - sonia

 
 

sad news - Cherie Scott of Zim passed away Hi Jay
Just a note to let you know that unfortunately Cherie passed away last Sunday. (17.12.2000).

However, I will continue to keep in touch and keep you all wide-eyed about the antics that go on here.

My Family all join me in wishing you and your readers a happy festive season and a successful and healthy 2001.

Kind regards.

Ken Scott.

Ed
Ken, very sorry to hear of Cherie's death. Thanks for letting us know, and from me and all the dancers in South Africa who knew, respected and loved her, please convey our sympathy to your families.

Her death is a great loss to dancing. From 1995, when I started my dancer's mag DanceInfo SA, Cherie was the only true crusader who had the courage, I call it guts, to publicly speak out and say what she feels for the dancer. More than that, she never spared the time to write and fight for the rights of our sport - a rare quality. I can almost say, between Cherie and DI, we kept the authorities on their toes.

I will personally miss her for her pure honesty and her determined efforts to help see that justice in our sport prevailed. I know she mourned the day I announced the demise of DI the mag, and that you still prefer the good old bushman system. True, although I reach many more dancers through the net, and the numbers are increasing, it just hasn't got that same personal touch DI the magazine had.

Must keep in contact.

Cherie's death a shock

Jay, I am flabbergasted to hear about Cherie Scott as she only recently invited us to spend time with her when next we were in Zim. I didn't realise she was so sick. She did mention that she wasn't well.

Please pass on my condolences should you be contacting her family.

Many thanks for this news.

Love

Yvonne.

All the best to you for the holiday season - drive carefully

why the hell aren't you an ADJUDICATOR ??? Hi  J
I would like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. I would also like to thank you for keeping South Africa up to date with the latest in dance news internationally and here at home. About your commentary on our
dancers, why the hell aren't you an ADJUDICATOR ???!!! To tell you the truth, you know more about dancesport than most dance teachers in our country !!!

Well, I'll be off and hopefully still keep you up to date with the latest in dance news from the Mother City.

Ccccccc Yaaaaaa
Roy !!!!!

Ed
Thanks for all your support during 2000, and don't stop in 2001. We like and need dance aggie from the Mcity. My site caters mainly for the SA dancer, and the chattier we stay, the more vibrantly alive we keep it in our land.

Roy, you haven't given your views on Ray Chesterton's comments re DS rejected as an Olympic Sport. What surprises me most about this whole issue is that so many competitors actually think that the Olympics isn't a good idea for the sport. One knotty Olympic aspect is that dancers must partner someone of their own nationality, and that could pose a few dramatics for the many top European dancers.

How did you guys enjoy the SA's; the trip, the dancing, etc.? The Western Cape dancers can be very proud of what they have achieved. By the looks of it, the Cape not only mounted their vicious assault on SA dancing, but will soon also make their heavy mark internationally - great stuff.

DanceSport rejected as an Olympic Sport Dear Jay
Have you seen this?  I think that it will be a great pity if this were to continue.

Neville Matjie
F. BR. LA. ISTD SANCBD L FS. RR. ISTD
083 659 3443
www.geocities.com/matjien

-----Original Message-----
From: WWW.DANCESCAPE.COM [ mailto:info@dancescape.com
Sent: 15 December 2000 04:46
To: List Member
Subject: DanceScape NEWSFLASH: Dec. 15th, 2000

Sanity prevails at IOC (International Olympic Committee)

We should be kicking up our heels at news that ballroom dancing has been rejected as an Olympic sport. Dancing, preferably with the opposite sex, is the most appealing of contact sports, but that does not mean it should be in the Olympics.

For once, the International Olympic Committee has shown commendable self-restraint to reject ballroom dancing as a sport along with presumably mud wrestling and hula dancing. The decision to outlaw dancing, might break the collective hearts of several million Line Dancers whose minds are full of Johnny Cash song and whose eyes are on Olympic Glory -- but it is the right one.

For those of us whose stomachs curdle thinking of synchronised swimming as an Olympic sport, admitting ballroom dancing as well would be a quickstep towards suicide. No man wearing a dinner suit and a haughty look should ever be in contention for an Olympic gold medal.

A headwaiter's job maybe. But never an Olympic final. Dancing isn't sport. It's fast walking to music. How difficult can it be? They teach horses and dogs to do it in the circus. And on two legs as well. Most men have no concept of dancing as a pastime. It holds more mystery than the Sphinx. I don't even know why ballet girls have to dance on their toes. Can't they just get taller girls?

It's that kind of irrefutable male logic about dancing that mystifies women, who are born with a gene committing them to spend their whole lives urging men to dance in social situations.

I am not inexperienced in appraising dancing. There used to be a cabaret performer in this town whose novelty was to dance in body paint. We'd sit around watching her routine and waiting for the novelty to wear off.

But even with that sensitively artistic background, I am glad ballroom dancing tripped over its own feet on the way to Olympic selection. It is time frivolous Olympic sports were trimmed, not increased. Synchronised swimming and trampolining would be the first to go, followed by tennis, baseball and soccer - because they already have major tournaments away from the Olympics.

RAY CHESTERTON

Ed
Neville, thanks for the info. For quick read, I've borrowed Ray Chesterton's full article which appeared in the Australia Daily Telegraph, but the article I'm after is the one drafted by the International Olympic Committee.

The only information I could find re the Olympic recommendations is this one and the main thing it talks about is down-scaling the 2004 Athens' Games. Here's the gist of it:

"With these challenges in mind, the IOC Executive Board decided on 13 December 2000 that no new sports would be admitted to the programme of the Athens 2004 Olympic Games.

As always, the IOC commits itself to the continual development of the Olympic programme, and therefore this decision does not relate to Olympic Games beyond 2004. In this regard, we welcome the requested additions from Recognised Federations as a clear indication of the desire to continue to develop the standard, raise the profile and encourage participation in your respective sports. We would encourage you to continue such efforts as fundamental objectives of your federation."

I think, as a reporter, Ray was merely trying to rough things up, and I'm sure it did stir a furore or two. "Dancing isn't a sport. It's fast walking to music. How difficult can it be?" Tells me this guy hasn't the foggiest, and if he hasn't a clue then he should rather zip the lip, because when he opened his mouth on this one, his 3rd left foot fell out. Ballroom... walking? that's a good giggle. My experience is that although Latin dancing is faster and appears more energetic, ballroom done properly is quite a few gears more strenuous, ask any experienced 10-Dance couple. Ray, I won't ask you for the next Slow Fox., that's for very sure.

He, however, has a point with his "wearing a dinner suit" statement, and it's obvious that it is the Standard ballrooms that are bothering him. The public's  perception is that tail suits resemble an undertaker's gaudy getup, and no matter how convincingly we try to persuade them otherwise, the silhouette of an undertaker without his top hat keeps conjuring up.

We allow toddlers and ballroom exhibitions to be danced without tails, why don't we keep the Masters and the Seniors in tail suits as their traditional wear (befitting to their category) and modify the rest with a 2001 look - a happy compromise, not only for B/R dancers, but also for our critical public. Remember, tails were once worn by Latin dancers, that changed, but it's the image that tails portray that worries most. Ballroom is a sport now, so soon crash helmets will be introduced as a floorcraft protect, but not without keen resistance.

Here follow a few interesting responses to Ray Chesterton's publication:

HELLO! but walking itself is an Olympic sport

When I see comments like those of Mr. Chesterton, It strikes a blow against my belief in an intelligent humanity. Some people just can't think. It's unfortunate that those who can't think can talk/write. He downplays dancing as an olympic sport, because as he describes it, it is little more than "walking to music." HELLO! but walking itself is an Olympic sport, to say nothing of doing so with style, poise, rhythm, technique, speed, power, balance, control, etc. AND all this co-ordinated with a partner at the same time!!!

Of course, I oppose the issue at heart, but what is the main criterion for being in the Olympics? Is it that the activity be a sport? And what is the definition of sport? Is it that it be an "Olympic-level" sport (is there a distinction between this and just any sport)? Or is the criteria for inclusion in the Olympics something else?

Webster simply defines SPORT as "A diversion of the field ... or under cover... especially athletic games." ATHLETIC is defined as "Of or pertaining to anyone trained or fit to contend in exercises requiring physical agility, stamina, etc." And GAMES is defined as "A contest, physical or mental, according to set rules, undertaken for amusement or for a stake."

So, that was easy. Obviously competitive ballroom dancing is a sport (at least as defined by Webster). Whether this sport belongs in the Olympics is the only question that remains (and so there should be suitable and CONSISTENT criteria for deciding what becomes an Olympic event). And if there are such criteria, obviously they are not being upheld judging from what is in and what is not in the Olympics.

KEEP DANCING!

Ballroom Bri

I'm actually glad that the IOC rejected ballroom dancing

How right you are! My little sister missed going to the Olympics this year for race walking because of illness. I point this out because she took up race walking after she had to stop dancing (not ballroom) due to injury. Margaret found race walking, and other track and field sports much easier than dancing! :-)

That aside, I'm actually glad that the IOC rejected ballroom dancing. The would have changed the sport too much, you could already see it starting with more featuring of solo dancing, losing the floorcraft aspect of it. IMO, Blackpool is the defining competition for ballroom dancing, and hopefully always will be.

Elizabeth

let's concentrate on the aesthetic & expressive aspects of dance

Yess! Competitive Dancing is much more than "just" sport. It's a well-balanced training for body, mind and soul. I'm really glad that this commercial-minded olympic idea for our beautiful dancing world now seems to be over. Maybe we can take a turn now and get back to concentrating on the aesthetic & expressive aspects of dance. Nevertheless, that Ray-dude surely is a terribly stupid f***g idiot...

Marquito

dancing is something that horses and dogs can even do Hi.
I read the article at www.dancescape.com "Sanity prevails at IOC" and to say the least I was outraged.

People must try to understand the difference between dancing and dancesport. You get dancing which almost everybody can do.  Sorry, let me rephrase that: You get dancing, which EVERYBODY can do. You see people at disco's or clubs, who try to socialize with other people. The best way to do this is to "dance".  Albeit dance it is not
dancesport!

According to the dictionary dancing is moving your whole body to the music.  But if that is dancing then Dancesport = dancing.  Yes and no?  The major difference between the two is dedication.  With this I mean the kind of dedication you get from Athletes and Gymnasts who spend hours practising to perfect their performance.

Well, my partner and I practice for about two hours a day, four to five days a week (excluding lessons) and we are currently only at GOLD level!

People that "dance" will get up at a party and shake their body, just to try and impress the girl or guy standing next to them. But before or after the party/club/disco, etc., do they really spend half an hour trying to perfect this "dancing"?

It is a shame that dancesport has become synonymous with other forms of dance. I dare people who think that competitive dancing is something easy and dancing is something that horses and dogs can even do in the circus, to take one months lessons with a qualified competitive dancesport professional.

The lessons are usually 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the coach. Furthermore I would dare these people to spend two hours everyday to practice what they learnt, as well as keep in top physical shape by going to the gym.
And then, if that is not enough, I would dare them to go to a big competition like the SA Championships and dance in front of thousands of people.

Everybody can dance (moving your whole body to the music) but not everybody can become a good competitive dancer. Look for example at Michael Wentink and Beata.  I'd like to see any Olympic Athlete show the same speed, stamina, agility, perfection and dedication in their sport!

If I have a look at movies like "Strictly Ballroom" which by the way is an Australian production, then I can understand why Ray Chesterton wrote this article.

Australians can't dance and mr Chesterton probably gave "dancing" a shot a few years back and found that it is too difficult.  And now he is probably the guy sitting at the bar, having a drink with his friends and trying to avoid all contact with the dance-floor.

When they brought out hundreds of "dancers" at the closing ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games though, I was shocked and ashamed!  Almost all of those people couldn't dance a step if their lives depended on it!  They
probably contacted the social dance studios in Sydney and asked them to make an appearance in the Closing Ceremony!  But not even social dancing can really be compared to Competitive dancing which is much more stressful and where the competitiveness between the dancers are much, much, MUCH more intense.  (I have nothing against social dancing. I started dancing as a social dancer.)

Competitive Dancing looks easy when done with style by people like Michael and Beata.  When you look at any other sport at the Olympics it also seems very easy, but what will happen if you tried matching the performance of
Michael Johnston???

Frans Coomans

Ed
Frans, well put. The Australians truly degraded DanceSport with that fiasco display at the end of this year's Olympics. I feel the top brass of DS should have grabbed this golden opportunity with both their OWN hands, to showcase the power, the glamour and the excitement of our sport.

Billions watched the end of the Games, not millions, billions. They should have had the 10 best of the best on display, not 500 learners, groping around looking like a bunch of lost fairies in a thunderstorm. It spoilt what was one of the most spectacular Olympics ever, but our sport bore the brunt. Remember the lawnmower maniac on that day? I thought the dancing was a sequel to it.

To find out who agrees/disagrees with Ray from around the world, try this link, you will enjoy the feelings, and you will also be amazed at how many vote against DanceSport as an Olympic sport.

Thanks for your commentary on the dancing on TV - lydia Dear Jay
Thanks for your commentary on the dancing on TV. It's the extra technique class I need.

I tape the Dancesport episodes, then print out your commentary and replay the tapes with your analysis close at hand. So your efforts are not wasted!

Just one question, episode of 22 Nov. -You said Werner of Werner & Lene steppped incorrectly on the toe or flat in the Tango forward & promenade movements. There are not too many more options but is the correct way to step on the HEEL?

Letter #2
Thanks very much Jay. We missed our review on dancing on TV last Wed. night, didn't we? but roll on this Wednesday.

Thanks again
Lydia Conrad

Ed
Lydia, I'm pleased you find my TV commentary of some use. I wouldn't say it's an analysis, more a superficial opinion of the scant glimpses I see. The two things it could achieve are, 1. to create dance talk and 2. to give social dancers a rough, technical view of what makes one couple look prominent on the floor, and another average.

In social and competitive Tango a forward step is, placing the foot, heel first and going immediately on to the flat foot. Bring the rear foot forward with the toe skimming the floor. Lift this foot slightly from the floor just before it reaches the supporting foot. So you see Lydia, it's not only a heel first, it's a definite placement of the heel.

Michael & Beata, the highlight of the evening... what a couple! Dear Jay
Thank you for the email - I agree with your comments (re regional DanceSport websites), wholeheartedly.

I am having a meeting with Fedansa KZN today with a view to hosting an official website for them which will also keep track of local membership, etc.

Tony and I would really like to thank you for your very kind comments on our performance at the Rama Rhythm Challenge. We thoroughly enjoyed the competition. DanceSport did dancing proud with the excellent facilities and organisation.

Thank you for your good wishes for the SA Champs held at Carnival City.  Once more an excellent function. The highlight of the evening was obviously the dancing of Michael & Beata. What a couple!

Regards

Linda

Ed
Although the internet is not the most popular means of communication for most South Africans, it's fast becoming forced onto them. We still want to read things from magazines, books and newspapers. Our studios is a good example of that. We have a kind gentleman, by the name of Pat Murfin, who prints out coloured copies of our results, photos and the letters from the net and binds these in a neat studio folder for all to read, and even the ones with internet prefer it that way.

I like the simplicity and the directness to info of your site, it's quick, informative, easy-to-navigate and local, with many links to the right places - no unnecessary garbage, the way the average visitor likes it.

Hosting an official site for KZN is a great idea, and call it DanceSport KZN. That gives DanceSport in KZN identity, that special banana flavour, or is it shark? Let each site be a personal reflection of the dancers and people of that area - keep it geographical with links for Africa.

I think it's wonderful that you and Tony still enjoy all the excitement of competing. You should one day send me a profile of all the thrills, spills and experiences you've had together in your dancing career. The dancers love reading about the fun and frolics of those in-the-know.

Pro Dance Social comp a resounding success Liewe Jay,
The social comp run on Saturday 25th November can be summed up in one word - three, actually – a resounding success. Competition was fierce but conducted in a friendly and sportsmanlike manner. Enthusiasm ran high and although I agree that Mambo Kings deserved the ‘Grootbek ‘ Trophy, Pro Dance must have run a close second! Shame on the Dancewell studio owners who had only one entrant, no banners, no support – let us see you next year in full force and competing for the top studio award. This single entrant who started off feeling like an orphan, would however like to express thanks and a big smile to all the other studio supporters who cheered her on the floor as if she was their last hope. You calmed the nerves a bit, made me feel at home – I hope you could see me smile!

In general, I think it would be great if more studios entered: each has a contribution to make towards greater diversity, new ideas and renewed inspiration for others. Particularly studios in far-lying areas or smaller towns must benefit from this input- be it new steps for the teachers or ‘I am going to dance like that girl in yellow’ from the students. As for the practicalities of putting a comp twice the size together – that I leave to Greg.

Which brings me to the organisation, and here one word will suffice : SUPERB.  From the minute we arrived for registration (before first cock-crow) everything was in place and set up. There were no queues, no glitches and everything done with a smile, even though I suspect some of the helpers had had very little sleep and now faced a day on the floor!  The venue was great with plenty secure parking and change rooms adequate with enough rails supplied by the thoughtful organisers. Events started on time, in fact I think they finished earlier than anticipated, and the music as well as sound was excellent.

BUT the smoking! If I have one complaint it would be that smoking should be disallowed in the hall – it is out of place in a sports venue and it is no fun sitting in the line of fire from a chain smoker from 7 to 7. I cringed every time I saw that glowing tip pass inches from a flow of chiffon. As for the gatherings in the change room over a fag – apart from the fact that you can’t breathe while you are trying to change a sweaty body into skin-tight clothes in the space of one session, I can guarantee that all those beautiful and expensive costumes hanging on the rails came out smelling like week-old smoked herring.

I found that the entrants had all gone to a great deal of trouble with grooming and attire – there were some superbly beautiful dresses and I suspect some parents’ pockets are sadly depleted after having forked out for several new costumes. These would have been in vain if the dancing was not up to standard, but here nobody fell short. We have some amazingly talented dancers, and all were well-taught, diligently prepared and seemed relaxed on the floor. After all, that is the name of the sport we practise, HAVE FUN - ENJOY.

So Gregory Scholtz, thank you for the hard work and congratulations to you and Pro Dance on a well-run comp that produced so much pleasure for so many (every entrant came away with at least a medal and a certificate).  No questions, Greg, let the social dancers do this every year. Shout if you need help – and I hope you had a quiet Sunday!

Groete,

Elsa

Ed
I'm glad you said liewe Jay and not liewe Heksie, but I know which one you mean.

It sounds like a whole lot of organised fun which mustn't be missed next time by any of the social schools. AGREED! smoking must definitely be banned period, and now we need the results of this comp before it becomes old-hat.

From all the DW DISA followers I say very well done on winning the Exhibition award for your Argentine Tango with Robert (see photo), plus the two other awards in the exam section - great going.

Feedback has it that the reason for DanceWell members and other social schools not participating is that the entry fee was a little prohibitive... feeble excuse. I think they were petrified.

male partner in North West (Wigan) needed Hi Jay
Thanks for your reply to my e-mail. My name is Emma and I am 19 years old. I am 5ft7" tall and live in the North West (Wigan). I would like a partner who also lives in the North West and is preferably able to travel. I have been dancing for about 3 years but have only recently become serious. I want someone who wants to go to high levels in dancing, competetive but also wants to enjoy themselves. I currently have lessons with a teacher from Liverpool and am also a member of Manchester Dance Society. To get in touch, please e-mail me or telephone 0771 329 5053 at any time. Thanks. Emma

Please could you let me know what page this will be on, and if you have any other info about good places to look for info about partners could you let me know.

Thanks

Ed
Emma, it's a pleasure and it's free. I assume you are looking for a competitive partner, not social?

You get double exposure; your ad goes in as a letter (this page, the most read page) and I've also put it on the "partners needed" page. What I suggest, since male partners are hard to come by, is to list yourself with all the trainers/schools/clubs in the North West. Here's a link which will get you to the names and contact numbers of the trainers in your area. No gain, without pain so guess what you will be doing for the next couple of weeks - that's right jiving with your fingers.

all welcome at garbels' xmas party Dear Jay

Gardels' next party has changed from the advertised 8/12 to Friday 15/12.  This will be a special Christmas Celebration Party.  Please could you also add that the parties are not just for Gardels students but they're for anyone who loves to dance and to party.

Many thanks,

Sonia Burdett.

Ed
I've also added it to your page.