Info

January 2001

All letters l February 2001 l March 2001

1. PROFESSIONAL EXAMS - Neville
2. letter about Michael & Beata's training program - franconette
3. skirt that was just touching the lowest part of her buttocks - simona (kzn)
4. disagree with Novice & Pre-Champ for Seniors and Masters called “Rising Stars” - milton
5. I think smoking at dance halls and in ballrooms a disgusting habit - sandra
6. Academy of Belly dance on e tv - phyllis
7. Regaardt van der Merwe and Tracy Howard, have SPLIT !!!!! - ccccc yaaaaa
8. I'm just sooooo glad i found u! - laurelle
9. HOW TO SURVIVE A HEART ATTACK WHEN ALONE & I've Learned - neville
10. untimely death of GLORIA FISH this morning - funeral, 29 January 2001 -meryl
11. does speed make dancers superior? - roy
12. Bill Clinton looked like Whinny the Pooh - brian
13. Let your Internet work and make money for YOU without spending a cent - maria
14. KZN dancers undisciplined - lynn
15. all guys that dance are gay - richard
16. when are western province competitions scheduled? - colleen
17. partner with a nice body - johannes
18. I really enjoy your website !!!! - andre
19. turning point special - antoinette
20. gardel's next social 19 January - all welcome - sonia
21. male partner needed for comps - maureen
22. comp calendar for KZN - linda
23. VIRUS WITH NO CURE - lydia
24. Freestyle Dance calendar - pam smith
25. The poor dears just don't have a clue! - tommy

There is more to being qualified as a teacher.  It is important to also have the practical dancing experience.  Throughout my teaching career I have found that having danced all over the world and had lessons with the world’s best international teachers (I do not mean those that live in London only, I am referring to those in South Africa as well), this has helped me to become an excellent teacher.  I am more than capable of teaching somebody “with two left feet” i.e. from scratch all the way to Professional level.

Dancers enjoy criticising their teachers, especially when they get to the top, but believe me we have a lot of very good teachers, and of course there are some teachers who are very, very “suspect”.  I am very proud of the training that I received and I have my former teachers, Mark Dooley and Lilian Dooley-Phororo, to thank.

Doing international competitions does not necessarily give you a 100% teaching passport because technical and theoretical knowledge is so, so important.  I know of some teachers in the country who can teach Champions but not beginners. WHY, you might ask?  I really don’t want to go there!!!!

ADJUDICATION
After I turned Professional I did not judge for a year because I was being trained to adjudicate competitions (and also travelling a lot).  I was also fortunate when I was overseas spectating at competitions, my teacher made me adjudicate (from where I was sitting of course) and to give reasons as to why and how I came up with my result, including all the things that I was looking for.  My teacher and I would then compare our results to the final result of the evening.

Adjudication is no child’s play and it is important to make sure a person is trained properly before he/she adjudicates.  This is where I applaud Gauteng for introducing a mock adjudication system.  This is important.  I remember at two different competitions that I did, I was asked by two different individuals in the panel as to “how to adjudicate”?  Training is essential and I know that the Professional National Council at its meeting earlier this year, passed a resolution that the mock adjudicating system should be implemented nationally for all newly qualified Professionals, “better late than never.”

SYLLABUS
At the Professional National Council meeting, it was recognised that the Rama Competitive dancing syllabus which some Professionals are following is out of date.  It was then resolved that the Imperial Society of Teachers of Dance (ISTD) and the International Dance Teachers Association (IDTA) work should be followed until the Council’s AGM in March were the new National syllabus will be introduced.

Therefore, Bronze - Associate, Silver - Licentiate, Gold - Fellow. (IDTA & ISTD).  If you have questions or queries please contact me on MatjieN@durbanchamber.co.za

I thank you
Neville Matjie
Fellow and Examiner - SANCBD
F. BR.LA.ISTD SANCBD L. FS.R’R. ISTD
Cel. +27 (0)83 659 3443
Tel. +27 (0)31 335 1028
Fax. +27 (0)83 8 659 3443

Ed
Neville, thanks for your help. You are a true professional. We need more of your kind in the sport. Readers who would like to visit Neville's site, here's the link

Well, to kick off – I am sure many dancers will have received their registration papers for 2001 plus the letter from Fedansa setting out certain rules and regulations (changes). Some of these need careful attention and thought.

Firstly, let me say that I disagree with the intention of replacing the Novice and Pre-Championship for Seniors and Masters, with a section called “Rising Stars”. No matter how well this section has been thought out.

Whoever thought this one up needs their head read, as at the age of the Seniors and Masters we are far from “Rising Stars”  but rather “WANE-ING STARS”!!!.   The title of “Rising Stars” should actually be applied to the young  who are up and coming in the Star Grades. I may be wrong of course – or else I have missed a point somewhere along the line!

With regard to the Master’s Pre-Champ, I feel this section could actually be left as it is, as there are presently 3 couples, namely : “Hutt’s”, Clarke’s” and “Redman / Kibble” in this section and we have requested to be allowed to join them. Should our request be granted it would mean there would be 4 couples competing.

Another point which we gathered from the letter is that the Star Grade Sections for Seniors / Masters will be replaced by an open medal section. The part which tickled my fancy was that it states that all couples must dance all four dances. If I am correct, a Senior / Masters Bronze only dance two dances, whilst Silver dance 3 dances, with only Gold dancing all 4 dances. Someone evidently does not know their Waltz from their Tango!!!

I suggest that they study the requirements for Bronze / Silver / Gold, before making suggestions like these. One begins to doubt how competent the committee are that was voted in, when suggestions like these are put forward!

It is also stated that couples can only be promoted once they have sufficient points. Sometimes this can take a long time, especially at this stage of their lives!! If, for example, there are only two couples in a section or where Masters are put up against Adults, which has happened to us in the past, the possibility of winning is remote to say the least!

The letter also states that Studio Heads may not promote their couples. In our case our teacher wrote in suggesting that we be promoted, as the points we required to move into another section were minimal, and they felt that we were competent enough to dance in the Master’s Pre-Champ Section. These Studio Heads are usually the adjudicators of competitions and are therefore far more qualified to promote or suggest promotion than the laymen on the committee, also their studio’s name is at stake should they promote someone who is not eligible for the next section, so I think the Studio Heads would think twice before promoting someone who was a border line case or did not have the potential to cope..

One pleasing aspect in the letter was that video cameras may now be used with certain conditions.

Now enough of the moans!

One evening we were discussing the dress of both male and female dancers back in the fifties / early sixties and in those days I bought a pair of patent leather shoes for +/- £1-10-00 (about R3), my tails cost me the enormous sum of +/- £30-00-00 (second-hand!) about R60.

A ladies dress was made up of about six or seven layers of tulle, with sequins stuck on by hand onto the top layer in beautiful designs / patterns, with a cold alkaline glue.   Everyone at our studio at the time would take part in sticking these sequins on, even if it was not your partner’s outfit / dress. There was a great feeling of companionship amongst all the dancers and everyone was eager to help where they could at the different studios and also great rivalry between the different studios in regard to the patterns on these dresses..

At the end of a competition the floor would be littered with hundreds of sequins which had fallen off during the evening. This meant that repairs would be necessary during the ensuing weeks and the whole procedure of sticking on sequins would begin again.!

Well cheerio until next time.

Kind regards

Milton (and Yvonne) Demmer

Ed
Milton, and they think I'm the demented idiot of dance, good gracious! I say, first you're a "nobody", then a "body",  then a "somebody", then a "rising star", then a "star" and finally a "forgotten star". How do the other dancers feel about the intention of replacing Novice and Pre-Championship for Seniors and Masters, with a section called “Rising Stars”, and what could the bizarre reason be? If you ever find out, let me know for the thousands of dancers who visit my site. Have you seen?... almost 25,000 visits... DISA must surely get a nomination this year.

I bet when you reminisce and recollect those days of competing in the 50s and 60s it brings back many fond memories that all seem like just the other day - pure homesickness, a yearning, happy nostalgia.

In June 1999 Deanna Steyn wrote this letter regarding the use of video cameras at comps. They have been doing it for years everywhere else in the country except Gauteng. Let me take a guest at what the conditions are; you may not smuggle a camera or anything that looks like a camera into the place of dancing.

Milton, thanks a mil for dropping a line - greatly appreciated and nice to hear from you again, but what happened at the SA's? didn't see you and Yvonne floating across the ballroom floor in all your glory.

Jay I must thank you for a most enjoyable magazine, it truly is very interesting.

Sandra Perkins

Ed
Sandra, care for a fag? In pure form, nicotine is a violent poison. One drop on a rabbit's skin throws the rabbit into instant shock. If the nicotine content of a trifle more than two cigarettes were injected into the blood-stream, it would kill a smoker swiftly. If you smoke a pack of 20 a day, you inhale 400 milligrams of nicotine a week, which in a single injection would kill you as quickly as a bullet. But Sandra, we have read so much about the harmful affects of smoking, we've decided to quit reading.

I agree that smoking is a wholesale irritant to us non-smokers, and I know that many non-smokers have a lung problem which makes them allergic or sensitive to smoke, but what worries me more, which doesn't seem to bother our anti-puffers, is the habit of social drinking. The other night on TV they were talking to one of the judges who implemented the smoking ban, and she said, "smoking in a restaurant would disturb a couple who are sitting having a quiet drink".

Now Sandra, that couple gulping alcohol quietly will soon get up in a state of happy inebriation, climb in their car and kill a pedestrian. Over the festive season, no smoke murders took place. Most of the murders, stabbings, carnage of our roads, family squabbles, suicides, divorces, child & animal abuses, foul language (ear pollution) and street brawls were reportedly alcohol-related and judge Ban says we must not disturb them with our smoke gun while they quietly prepare for their onslaught.

BAN SMOKING advertisements, NO SPONSORSHIPS from tobacco companies. Let's rather plug and promote alcohol; sponsor alcohol with mega big bucks. Let's kill the nation, mutilate our beloved ones, destroy our family life. Alcohol ads induce the nation to down that lively, lusting flavour that gets you as drunk as a skunk - socially demented. To be a REAL sportsman you must sit in a pub and drink like a barracuda, shouting, "anuder one barrrrman, hic!" Billions are spent on how to brink that extra beer, another whisky, a wine for the road.

My argument is, because alcohol intoxicates the consumer, affecting the mind and body with every drop, and has the best record for cold-blooded murder or maiming and destroying the lives of other citizens, then rather put a curb on alcohol. For instance, drinkers may not drive to a pub, they must walk to a pub, or take a donkey-cart; may only sit in the back of a car or in the boot, etc. Smoking doesn't kill others, it just irritates others, it kills those who enjoy the habit, so let them murder themselves, that's their lilly licking lives at risk. Like racing drivers, stuntmen. They know the dangers, and let me tell you Sandra, more smokers, non-smokers and racing drivers are killed by drinkers on the road than by puffing themselves to death or bolting it down the track at whistle speed. Unfortunately, most smokers drink, but it's the drinker that gives the kiss of death to the innocent.

My partner and I have been dancing for 3 years but have only competed in two competitions so far and I must tell you - it is nerve wrecking.  The most nerve wrecking part of competing is the preparation - all the lessons, blood and sweat you pour into getting steps and posture just right.

Our teacher, Colin, pointed out to us that although those have to be perfect, it is also imperative that we "act" while on "stage".  It is what adjudicators want to see.

So I would like to come out in support of Lynn's stance and say that I think it is time the adjudicators sorted themselves out a little with regards to what is important in star grade competitions - who would you rather see promoted to the next level - a couple that have wonderful footwork and promising posture but are a little lacking on the dynamic showmanship , or a couple who are lacking the footwork but can show off their big smiles and wonderful arm movements?

As Lynn points out - the couple who have weak footwork will only progress quickly in star grade, so give the shy dancers a chance too.

I would also like to know what qualifications a teacher needs to become an adjudicator? In the world of tertiary education, university lecturers are forced to publish, research and study in order to keep up with developments and in order to maintain their post.  I feel the same should apply to adjudicators and dance teachers - they too have to keep up with new trends and developments.  The steps may remain the same but people and their needs change.

I had a look at the KZN Fedansa rules the other day and guess what I discovered? under the section "Dress Code" - "Lady... full flair knee length skirt wwith straight hem.."  At the last competition I attended I saw a lady dancer in star grade wearing a skirt that was just touching the lowest part of her buttocks.  Shouldn't she have been disqualified? if we are going to write and then publish rules, then lets apply them too.

Any comments?

Regards
Simona Kahana, KZN

Ed
Simona, I agree with you, sound technique at the development stage takes precedence over all else. Technique shapes and models the dancer's potential; personality soon unfolds with natural flair. Technique, from day one, must be drilled and perfected before the frills begin, and every adjudicator should bear that clearly in mind.

I too would like to know what qualifications a teacher needs to become an adjudicator and why one dancers is favoured over the others as far as dress code is concerned

Thanks for expressing your views, it's very healthy for the sport, and let's hope someone in authority responds soon.

Thanks
Franconette

Ed
Here's the letter: tired couples in the final

Regards
Phyllis

Ed
We've chattered a few time, now I'll see you in the flesh on TV - WOW! and I hope you are going to do a Belly dance demo for us. Many dancers phone me to inquire about Belly dancing, and I know you have received several calls through my site, but we hear too little about the activities of this interesting form of dance. Phyllis, keep us up to date, we want to know what's happening.

Dancers who would like to read more about Phyllis and her Belly Dance Academy, here's her webpage

Ccccc Yaaaaa
Roy !!!!!!

I'd been dancing for about eight years - jazz & contemporary modern - until I joined a dance school where I did dancing exams for the first time. I got to prelim higher and I decided to quit because of my academics. I don't really regret leaving the dancing school though - I never got on with the teacher from the beginning. No matter how hard I tried I never felt prepared when it came to festival. The only reason why I think I got to amateur is because I'd just left my old school where the teacher tended to 'loosen' you up more before teaching you the dance steps. To me, the stretching always helped. After that I never really did well cause my teacher would give me all these complicated dances without giving me the proper training first. Sometimes I never had the stamina to finish the dance.

I've tried social dancing without exams since, but I feel like there's no motivation to go to class really - u know there's no sense of accomplishmeent. Not that I want to make dancing my profession but I would like to maybe get my teachers.

So I hope u could help by maybe recommending a few dance schools with exams, preferably in the Northcliffe/ Randburg area but I wouldn't mind going further. Oh, by the way, I was wondering if maybe I'm too old to continue classes from prelim higher since I'm 18? Thanx!

Lotz o' Luv
Laurelle

Ed
Laurelle "I'm just soooo glad i found u!" touches my tender emotions - great serenade and lyrics. 18, too old? Even if you switch the digits of your age, you are still not too old to dance. Dancing keeps the heart frisky, the body & brain fit, the young younger, the old youngerer than young, gives the lazy energy, and the more you do it the prettier you become - trust Jay, at 92 they still think I'm in my teens.

History has it, male or female with a jazz, modern, ballet or hip-hop dance background mostly do well in competitive Latin & Ballroom. So start off with private or group lessons in competitive Latin. If that grooves your fancy, scout 'round for a partner and shoot for the stars. Social schools that don't offer an exam programme, aren't very serious about teaching dancing. They serve mainly to inject a little self-confidence, but most social schools do offer exams, and they take these very serious - it's furious fun.

This link will get you to my main "Studio/Clubs" page. Once there, click "competitive" in the Gauteng frame. That will take you to the list of competitive studios who have their own page (with details) on my site, click on any one of them. The last link "General Gauteng List of Studios" in that frame, is DanceSport's official list of competitive studios in Gauteng. If you don't come right just whistle.

However, these victims can help themselves by coughing repeatedly and very vigorously. A deep breath should be taken before each cough, and the cough must be deep and prolonged, as when producing sputum from deep inside the chest. A breath and a cough must be repeated about every two seconds without let up until help arrives, or until the heart is to be beating normally again. Deep breaths get oxygen into the lungs and coughing movements squeeze the heart and keep the blood circulating. The squeezing pressure on the heart also helps it regain normal rhythm. In this way, heart attack victims can get to a hospital.

Tell as many other people as possible about this, it could save their Lives!
From Health Cares Rochester General Hospital via Chapter 240’s newsletter AND THE BEAT GOES ON ...
(reprint from The Mended Hearts, Inc. publication, Heart Response)
PLEASE SEND THIS ARTICLE TO AS MANY FRIENDS AND FAMILY AS POSSIBLE

Ed
Neville, thanks for the info. For those who would like to read about dancers and their experiences with heart attacks, here's the link

On a positive note I've learned that no matter what happens, or how bad it seems today, life does go on, and it will be better tomorrow.

I've learned that you can  tell a lot about a person by the way he/she handles these three things: a rainy day, lost luggage, and tangled Christmas  tree lights.

I've learned that regardless of your relationship with your parents, you'll miss them when they're gone from your life.

I've learned that making a "living" is not the same thing as making a "life."

I've learned that life sometimes gives you a second chance.

I've  learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands. You need to be able to throw something back.

I've learned that if you pursue happiness, it will elude you.  But if you focus on your family, your friends, the needs of others, your work and doing the very best you can, happiness will find you.

I've learned that whenever I decide something with an open heart, I usually make the right decision.

I've learned that even when I have pains, I don't have to be one.

I've learned that every day you should  reach out and touch someone.  People love that human touch - holding hands, a warm hug, or just a friendly pat on the back.

I've learned that I still have a lot to learn.

Have a day... any kind of day you want.

REMEMBER: People will  forget what you said.
                  People will forget what you did, but
                  People will never forget how you made them feel......

Neville

I regret to inform you of the untimely passing of GLORIA FISH this morning - President of SADTA Modern and Tap Division. Gloria took ill last week and was admitted to hospital on Saturday 20, Jan 2001. She was finally diagnosed as having cerebral malaria, and never recovered. Gloria will always be remembered as a true "Lady of South African Dance".

Please be good enough to inform members that the funeral for the Late Gloria Fish will be held on Monday 29 January 2001 at 11h00 at St James Presbyterian Church, 3 Oxford Road (0ff Sovereign), Bedfordview, Johannesburg.

MERYL WILLIAMS

Ed
Thanks for letting our dancers know. Gloria was a great figure and ambassador to SA dance. The pleasant occasions I had of talking to her, leaves many charming memories. Gloria may rest in peace, but her diligence and superb work will be long remembered and continued by both scholars and masters of her field.

Take a look at the Belgium couple, they have so much speed yet accuracy and balance prevails in there dancing. My question to you is, if a couple has more speed in there dancing does it give them a certain superiority over the other couples ?????

Cccccc Yaaaaa
Roy !!!!!

Ed
On Sunday 14 January 2001 I saw that particular eTV programme "the best of Ballroom & Latin dancing". The speed of those Latin couples made our dancers of the SAs look somewhat pedestrian by comparison. It's not only the speed that turbo charges them several spheres above ours, but also how they use their speed to garnish their actions, style and musical interpretation.

Controlled speed is what separates the excellent from the ordinary. How fast a couple snap into a freeze, squeezing every beat in the bar of music to the absolute limit, and then belting out of it with formula 1 surge; that's the stamp of A1 Latin class - pure syncopation with a dash of strike--ability. True, their speed, accuracy and balance displayed total command, commitment and dynamic energy. To achieve those qualities, it takes what the Belgium couple's coach said, "you just can't keep them out of the studio, they love to practise".

Did you see the one male slowed down a little in the Jive (showing his tiredness, I ask you) and how obvious it was against the rest? I also enjoyed the commentary, music and the camera work of that championship. Besides the fact that each couple that reached the final first performed solo for the camera, making it easier on the eyeballs for us viewers, the camera was also kind to us when they danced as a group. But it still doesn't penetrate my thick crust why these operators have this "close-up of the feet & big nose" fixation. It was SO nice when they showed the whole couple and nothing but the whole couple a lot of the time. If only they'll do it the whole of the time, and then when the couple freeze for 10 measures, let us study the rhinestones.

On Sunday 21 January 2001 during the 10-dance championship I asked myself, "why are you not enjoying this; the dancing is great, the outfits are exquisite, the venue super, the commentary the same. What's your problem?" Then it struck me like a bolt of bricks, THE MUSIC. These poor dancers were trying to squeeze orange juice out of a lemon... it was AGONY. Now Roy, don't tell anyone I told you this, because if you do, both of us will be shipped to Siberia. Once-upon-a-time in 1910, Victor Sylvester Sr who at the time was the Elvis of strict-tempo Ballroom music, you know, the dude with the violin sound, whom many still love, but Roy, the music they played at the comp in question was pre-Vicky stuff. You can only play it on "His Master's Voice" type of gramophone... the one with the spiral horn and crankshaft... IT HAIRY

Roy, when are you sending the Cape Comp Calendar? Us Gautengers have the brains of an elephant, we never mislay our memory - you promised, remember?

Regards
Brian Groenewald (George)

Ed
Sorry about that, and it wasn't even Reyno's fault. The makeup artist is the culprit. The whole idea of makeup is to glorify the subject so as to enhance his/her appearance under artificial light, particularly at close range. When beautifying the subject, the artist must allow for the degree of paleness or darkness. Even some of our black dancers looked spooky. Makeup should add a natural appearance or complexion, not be a distraction. When we notice the makeup, then the artist is to blame, not the performer.

Bill Clinton looked like Whinny the Pooh the other night on TV.  Frankly, I think they overdo the makeup bit, it's just a theatrical whim. Take when they interview people on the spot, at random. Whether it be in the street or in a nightclub, they never look cadaverously ill without makeup, or do they quickly run, make them up and then interview them?

I doubt whether what I said will affect Reyno negatively, particularly if he has another look at that recording. He should thank me for mentioning it because a number of dancers dittoed my clown statement. Next time he must tell the artist to cool it with the base. Reyno looks like a champion, dances like a champion, is a champion. Champions don't have it in their makeup to let a little thing like makeup deter them, that's only for losers.

Brian, thanks for expressing your thoughts. Bringing this subject out into the open will make dancers more particular about how much base they allow the artist to plonk onto their face.

NB: my email reply to your letter was rejected by Telkom.

My earnings for next month have just been calculated to be approximately $4,000 (R32,000).  I'm not sure if you consider that a lot of money, but I'm very pleased with it, especially as my only out-off pocket expense has been $25, and their subscribers don't need to pay a cents, if they so choose. There are thousands of other similar schemes that want you to pay before you actually earn and they insist you pay a monthly fee. Going Platinum does NOT expect a CENT but the one-off $25 membership fees is a big benefit as a subscriber.

To me, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to start something huge... they say, "opportunity knocks at every person's door once in a life time, but most miss it".

Here are a few reasons why I joined Going Platinum:

1. It's a brand new co-operative concept that provides total interactivity and a feeling of community unparalleled on the web today.
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4. Incredibly, there will be over 400 different ways that you will generate revenue for yourself.  EVERY time you go online you'll generate revenue from, let's say, checking your e-mail, booking a holiday, finding out the sports results, getting the weather forecast, general surfing, etc. In fact, you'll earn money from EVERY online activity that you're involved with!
5. There are no monthly "out of pocket" membership fees.  How many times have you been in (maybe your current one?) a program that demands you pay a monthly amount, irrespective of whether you've made any money or not?  GP firmly believes that unless you've made money, you shouldn't pay money!  How refreshing!
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9. In six months time there will be two distinct groups on the Internet: a) Those people who have joined GP, made significant amounts of money, and are looking forward to the first Company Cruise to celebrate their decision to join and, b) The other group will contain all those people who ignored this opportunity and yet can remember the chance they had to join, but chose to let it pass them by!! LOST OPPORTUNITY
10. Internet Service Providers (ISP's) like Yahoo, Hotmail, Aol, etc. have had it their own way for far too long. Not only have the majority of ISP's been charging you a monthly access fee, but they have also been pocketing vast sums of money (billions RR$$££) from the advertising revenue generated by your presence online. In other words, you are the reason they are getting richer by the second, and yet they see fit to charge you for that privilege!! Scandalous! Now, at last, there's a new kid on the block, Going Platinum, and they are experiencing unprecedented growth (one new member every ten seconds!!). Not only will Going Platinum (GP) provide you with totally FREE access to the Internet, but they will also share with their members all the revenue that your presence online generates!! Your income is limited only by your imagination!  It took me about 30 seconds to decide if this was the next big thing - and if I wanted to be a part of it.

"It's Your Internet, Your Computer... Profit from it! Let it work for you"

Come and join the "party" right now!

Sincerely,
Maria

Ed
Maria, I'm sold, I've joined the party. Here's my personal GP webpage with all the details of how it works: http://www.goingplatinum.com/member/getrichj check it out. What I like is, all you need is a computer and the internet plus the desire to make money and share the experience and the profits with friends, family and charity. Think of it, we slave our guts out getting educated and then can't find a job, or find a job with a boss who demands from morning to night and still it's not right. Here you are your own boss helping others benefit - GREAT CONCEPT, even if it doesn't work. Will let you know how things are going, and thanks for the opportunity.

Another example - a couple of years back a fellow Professional from the Western Province was judging the Star-Grades at the Prix.   Afterwards he said "Lynn, what are the Judges in this Province looking for because there is some lovely dancing being overlooked!"    I understood where he was coming from. When I adjudicate Star-Grades I want to see balanced posture and I am particular about the use of the feet and correct footwork as this is the foundation. I am not interested in this stage in dynamic movement and the ultimate shape. Many couples are trying to bat it around the dance floor resulting in wild uncontrolled dancing and it seems that they are trying to work from the Top downwards instead of starting at the Feet!

Invariably it is these couples who are being marked - they shoot up into the Dress sections and suddenly wonder why they are not achieving. Meanwhile the other couples being overlooked eventually just give up in frustration. I think there is a need for training for Adjudicators - an Associate qualification is not necessarily the only criteria for judging a Star-Grade. And surely every Professional should never stop learning and improving - we owe it to our pupils to give the best of ourselves.

The KZN Fedansa Committee are another story. The dancers are undisciplined - allowed to wear what they want on the dance floor and dancing out of syllabus is overlooked. As a Professional, if one tries to invigilate, one is accosted for doing so! I pointed out in a letter to the KZN Committee last year that at the Western Cape, where I adjudicated, the dancers were told that if they wore the incorrect dress and if they dared to dance one step out of syllabus they would immediately be disqualified. I told them that the Western Cape dancers are proud to be dancing for their Province. They are called out onto the floor and presented with Provincial Track Suits - their Committee sponsor the top dancers in each section to travel to competitions elsewhere in S.A. - they are proud of their Dancers.

What do KZN do for their dancers? I must say that for the first time ever Andrew Hall and Derina Lea (whom I train) received a letter from the KZN Committee congratulating them on their performance at the S.A. Nationals. They even congratulated their KZN Finalists in the Programme for Samba by the Sea - so maybe there is a tiny light at the end of the tunnel and it means that they are going to show some interest in their dancers in the future.

Lynn  Lea  KZN.

Ed
Lynn, don't worry, being unpopular with the DS officials is my favourite pastime... welcome to the club - we have lots in common, like telling it as it is. By saying what you said, you have done your Province a great favour, and it couldn't have come more timely. The recent SA's spelt it out loudly, "KZN NEEDS THE KISS OF LIFE" and to think Bobbie Irvine and Nicole Cutler, two of the world's greatest female dancers, hail from Natal. By the way, I've received three letters with similar views but denied publication. On a personal note, well done with Andrew & Derina, a tremendous credit to you as trainer and a great achievement for your area.

But let's talk workshop. During a recent DanceSport TV programme Felicia asked Jon Tudhope, "what do you think DanceSport needs most at this stage?" Jon said, "sponsorship to get the top trainers from abroad to come to South Africa to give lectures to our adjudicators and trainers, then they could impart all that knowledge to their pupils". Here we have Matthew and Nicole Cutler, of the best in the world, and nobody bothers to attend. That is a patent insult, particularly to Nicole who is a home-town girl. It shows there is no real urgency or desire in banana land for improvement, it's all lekkerfontein stuff... SOCIAL DANCING.

"KZN dancers are undisciplined - allowed to wear what they want" and "Western Cape dancers are proud to be dancing for their Province. They are called out onto the floor and presented with Provincial Track Suits - their Committee sponsor the top dancers in each section to travel to competitions elsewhere in S.A. - they are proud of their Dancers." sums it up neatly and sweetly. Thanks for your input.

I don't know how to put this, but most of my friends and many of the people I know seem to think that all males that take dancing lessons or who dance must be gay, that they are a bunch of pansies. That never entered my mind before I started dancing. It does seem to bother me now. How does one convince them that not every male dancer is gay. Now I ask myself "is Michael, Ryno, Jay, Donnie all gay?"

Regards and thanks for all the interesting news on dancing in South African.

Richard

Ed
So what if they think we are gay. In many ways that's a compliment. Have you ever met a dumb gay? I haven't. Normally they are far superior to the average earthling in the brain-box depot. 3/4's of all the artists we admire and hero-worship on TV and on stage are gay - veritable virtuosos. Most macho looking male models we see in and on the covers of magazines are gay. I haven't yet met a gay who doesn't dress with impeccable taste and smells shower fresh - hygienically refined. Gays have a special talent for colour schemes and furnishing their homes that even females envy, and they are very efficient in their work. Most gays are extremely "straight" forward individuals, yet tactful - OK, they can be bitches, but on the talented side it's a compliment. Their artistic temperament for acting, singing, music, dancing is the thing that attracts them to these art forms. Just because Elton John is gay doesn't mean we mustn't like his songs.

When thousands of gays, in their gaudy get-ups, parade the streets to celebrate Gays Rights' Day; the side of them that most don't want to see - that's rebel with a cause. Cause they just want to remind the world (us so called "normals") that there are millions of gays in the world and that gays are also people, who have a right to their space on mommy earth, and there is nothing to be ashamed of. And let me tell you Richard, your lawyer and your dentist were also in that parade holding hands, and that big girl in the pink tutu, she's one of our Springbok front rankers, and remember, she had nothing to do with how her mommy and daddy hormones were distributed. It's the power of the universe that is responsible for that; like who will be short and who will be tall, who will be pretty and who will not, who will be brainy/doff, etc.

But the "perception" is the issue here. Since Ballet is a more refined, effeminate, classical form of dance, it has played a major part in making the average male associate male dancers with being effeminate, and I am afraid that perception we'll never be able to change,  particularly in South Africa where boep and boerewors, at da end of da day is da order of da day. But let's read what other dancers around the globe say about the gay perception. To save you time searching through all the letters on the net, here are three answers in reply to a similar question to yours:

J USA
A few years ago I was in Brazil when the world cup of soccer was in the US. What struck me as cool was the way dancing was perceived in South America. I was talking to this girl I met in a night club in the middle of the Amazon, and I commented on how neat it was that the men enjoy dancing in her country. You know what she said? She said that when a boy learns to walk he is taught two things that are of equal importance, football (soccer) and samba. And from the lady's point of view, how well a man dances is an indication of how good he is in bed. So if you suck as a dancer, the presumption is, you suck in the sack.

Funny what happens when you cross the equator!

Bob B Australia
Bro, I dance Hustle in the clubs and no-one calls me gay. In fact I get guys asking me where I learned all the time. Ladies love guys who dance. The problem is that gay men interact more in dance, so the ratio is a bit higher. Not a problem for them I guess. A tip. It's usually the guy who likes dancing the lady's part often when he ain't a teacher, gets to do all those feminine moves. That's a dead give-away. Avoid them and u should not have a problem. But regular guys take the heat once in awhile. Deal with it. If you're not gay then you should not let it bother you.

Nick USA
I don't know what it's like in Australia, but in the dance clubs in US and also in Europe where I have visited, it's really not a big deal if someone is gay or not. If you go clubbing the atmosphere is pretty relaxed, at least those I've been to. Yes, guys come on to girls, girls come on to guys, guys come on to other guys, girls come on to other girls. If it's not your scene, you just say no, that's all. If you're young, chances are, we're all into experimentation anyway.

My friends think it's cool that I take some social lessons -- salsa, cha cha, etc. It doesn't enter into our conversations at all about being straight, gay, or bi, etc. -- just that we like to dance, and it's cool to be able to do other things than just standing there flapping our arms or shaking our heads to techno sounds.

For those who would like to read all the letters, here is the link

I do think that Michael & Beata, once back at their best, can chomp the rest.

Thank you
Colleen

Ed
I asked Roy Pieterse of the W. Cape the same question a few weeks ago. This is what he said;

"We usually get our comp calendar at the first competition. Unfortunately I don't know when the first comp is, but as soon as I get the calendar I'll send one to you (including all the make-ups & break-ups)"

I'll let you have the dates the moment they are sent to me. What puzzles me is, how will Roy know when the first comp is. Surely they must register long before the time. Let's hope some co-operative DS Cape agent comes to our rescue soon - in the name of SA dance.

Colleen, my reply to your email didn't get past first base, something missing in the address.

My name is Johannes Maema, aged 20. I'm looking for a girl aged between 17-21 +-. The height 1,49m - 1,60m to do Adult Latin American (I'm 1,64m). She must be passionate about DanceSport, Dedicated and have a nice body. I dance with Dave Campbell. Interested? Contact Joe at 011-791 3849 (H) / 083 760 2570 A.S.A.P.

I enjoy your website very much, especially the letters. Keep up the good job.

A FAN

Johannes

Ed
Nice body makes me listen, but if you visited my site, then why didn't you email your ad. Only stone-age people use a fax these days.

I've also put your ad in the "Looking for a Partner" section, GOOD LUCK and let me know when you find the lady with the body.

Please could you advertise Gardel's next Social which will be the first one for this year.

Date:  Friday, 19th January, 2001
Time: 8 pm

Many thanks,

Sonia Burdett

Ed
Thanks for the update, and may Garbels have a great 2001

Here's the letter:

"I am delighted that ballroom dancing will NOT be a part of the Olympics. Dancing is an art - not a sport. Latin dancing has already become too much like gymnastics and has lost all relation to the rhythm of the dances, let alone the technique! If given a test showing the syllabus figures correctly, I am sure that the majority of professional Latin dancers would fail. Standard is better but becoming tainted because of all the quick-and-quicks, where previously, a simple quick, quick would suffice. And has anyone heard of a SLOW, or is that just too demanding, or would that make the lack of technique too obvious? As a long-time judge said while watching some professional dancers TRY to dance syllabus, 'The poor dears just don't have a clue!' - compris"

Regards and a happy new year.

Tommy

Ed
"Dancing is an art - not a sport. Latin dancing has already become too much like gymnastics" That's a cold-blooded Olympic contradiction in terms, wouldn't you say? Most Latino & social dancers will agree with Compris' "Latin has lost all relation to the rhythm of the dances", and "where are the Slows in Standard?"

I too am astonished, but after having read all the for's and against's about the Olympic saga, I'm all for voting AGAINST the acceptance, until the Am's and the Pro's sort out their differences. DS will also have to find a marking system which meets the demands of the IOC, and European dancers must divorce their soul dance mate of foreign origin for a home-town girl/boy. The art/sport argument is inconsequential. That's purely a perception of non-dancers, who know little more about dancing than a Saturday night social jig at the club. It was years ago that the IOC recognised Ballroom dancing as a sport, hence the name of the game being changed from "Ballroom Dancing" to "DanceSport"; Ballroom Dancing contains too much art.

Here's 3 excerpts from letters re the name being changed from Ballroom Dancing to DanceSport. The BallSport is my favourite;

excerpt 1
"There is however one thing that does bother me, and that is the use of the phrase ballroom dancing. This does not exist anymore and unfortunately when people still continually use it, don't expect outsiders to respect you. The phrase is both embarrassing and a focus to poke fun at. So please use Dancesport to describe our sport, both social and competitive. We live in the 21st century. Leave Ballroom Dancing back in the 19th and 20th centuries where it belongs. Then we might have a chance of being accepted for the 2008 Olympics. We might also just start to get the respect we deserve - Steve"

excerpt 2 (in answer to 1)
"Although I understand the term, 'DanceSport' and how it is important to position for the Olympics, it is funny to me how 'Ballroom Dancing' has become the 'bad word'.

Like it or not, and whatever you want to call it, Ballroom Dancing is the origin of DanceSport. A rose by any other name is as sweet (yikes, I can't believe I'm quoting Shakespeare).

Anyway, it is humorous to me how elitist people are becoming; "oh, no, I don't do ballroom dancing ... I do DANCESPORT!!!"

How about this:
* Soccer could be renamed BallSport
* Hockey could be renamed StickSport
* Skating could be renamed IceSport
* Boxing could be renamed PunchSport
* Football could be renamed PigskinSport
* Track & Field could be renamed RunSport
* Swimming could be renamed WaterSport

Well, we must move on to the 21th century you know, and not get stuck using terms from the past!!! So there."

excerpt 3 (in answer to 1)
"There's an old saying that if a science has to put 'Science' in its name, then it's not REALLY a real science. For example, 'Political Science' or 'Social Science' versus 'Chemistry' or 'Physics.' Yes, the saying is kind of a joke, but it also kind of holds true.

And I feel that way about sports. To me, calling competitive ballroom dancing 'dancesport' is a little odd. If I say 'dancesport' to non-dancers, they don't really know what I'm talking about. But when I say 'competitive ballroom dancing' their eyes light up and they say 'oh, I've seen that on TV, wow, that's so cool.'

I've never received disrespect from real live people for what I do. The only disrespect I've had is from uninformed media hacks trying to make a quick joke for a quick impression. Of course, I've only been at this for 5 years, so I could be wrong. I have friends whose parents have told them that being a dance teacher isn't a 'real' job, and that she should be an accountant... so I can sort of see where this is coming from."

Thank you for the new dance calendar - we now know what to expect regarding the year's competitions.
Please note the following dates for the Freestyle Dance calendar :

• BATTLE OF THE GIANTS ALL STYLES DANCE EXTRAVAGANZA
• SUN CITY
• Thursday 26 April to Saturday 28 April (27 April and 1 May are public holidays)
• IDO (International Dance Organization) WORLD DISCO/FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIP
• SUN CITY
• SUNDAY 29 APRIL
• 3 DIVISIONS : ADULT SOLO LADIES - ADULT SOLO MEN - ADULT DUOS/COUPLES

• KWAZULU NATAL FREESTYLE CHAMPIONSHIP & FESTIVAL
• ILLOVO BEACH, SOUTH COAST
• THURSDAY 9 AUGUST - SATURDAY 11 AUGUST (9 August is a public holiday)

With best regards,
Pam

Ed
Pam, thanks for the info and have a great 2001

• 24th March - RDTA South Coast Festival, Illovu
• 9-10th June - SADTA Natal Dance Promotion "Shall We Dance" Playhouse Theatre, Durban
• 9th August (National Women's Day) - SADTA Gold Cup, DLI Hall, Durban Thursdday
• 10-11th August - KZN Freestyle Festival & Championship, Illovu, South Coast
• 3rd November - SADTA Kent House, Amanzimtoti Civic Centre, South Coast

Keep up the good work and all the very best for 2001

Regards

Linda Meakin

Ed
Linda, thanks for the info, greatly appreciated. I have added it to the SA competitive calendar check it out.

Good luck in 2001 with your dancing.

Those who haven't yet visited Linda's grand DanceSport KZN website, click here and bookmark it to your favourites

THIS IS A VERY DANGEROUS VIRUS. TO THIS DATE, THERE IS NO KNOWN ANTIVIRUS PROGRAM FOR THIS PARTICULAR VIRUS. PLEASE, FORWARD THIS INFORMATION TO YOUR FRIENDS, SO THAT THEY WILL BE ON THE ALERT. ALSO CHECK THE LIST BELOW, SENT BY IBM, WITH THE NAMES OF SOME E-MAILS THAT, IF RECEIVED, SHOULD NOT BE OPENED AND MUST BE DELETED IMMEDIATELY, BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN ATTACHED VIRUSES.

THIS WAY YOUR COMPUTER WILL BE SAFE.

THE TITLES ARE:
1) buddylst.exe
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19) Win a Holiday (e-mail)

DO NOT OPEN THESE E-MAILS AND PASS THIS INFORMATION ON TO YOUR FRIENDS AS SOON AS POSSIBLE.

Lydia

email Maureen Minny

Ed
I've also put your ad in the "Looking for a Partner" section, GOOD LUCK and let me know when you find a partner.

Do you have any idea where I can get hold of copies of the photos taken at the prizegivings of the normal FEDANSA competitions, like those in Germiston and Benoni ? (For example, you published the photos from the Competition on 12 August 2000 on your results section)

DanceSport SA say that they only will have photos from the Provincial and National champs.

Regards

Andre

Ed
email  Caroline Poley she supplied those photos, and I'm sure Caroline still has the prints.

THANKS ANTOINETTE