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Letters - June 2001
For DanceSport to allow these TV producers to expose all the messy squabbles between dance-rounds, is another pathetic blunder in their fouled cap. The focus was on Ryno and Sonja who came across in a very common way. For Ryno to have said "ek dink ek moet net die k.. van my gesig af waas" and all their arguments about who's fault it was why they didn't dance well, etc. added no value to dancing, instead, it put us off dancing. And I really didn't like the way Sonja sarcastically said, "that was a NICE Jive, a very nice Jive". I'd like to know what our poor aspiring amateur competitors feel about the cheap way our professsionals behave?
Another thing that struck me as being very plastic is, on the one hand, Ryno and Sonja are throwing daggers at each other in the waiting area, then, on the other, are all smiles the moment they hit the floor.
Regards, Reinette
Ed
Unfortunately, I haven't seen the
Summit, but what you say is in agreement with everyone's dislikes about
this series. DanceSport is renowned for criticising Jay and his forthright
"letters" column. They say it does more harm than good for the sport, but
Reinette, only two people read his "letters" column, millions see it on
TV. I say they are their own worst enemies by allowing shows like these
to be broadcast, it sounds like a funny-farm fiasco to me.
A while back, the BBC produced a similar "Blackpool" TV show. Theirs dealt with their top Juniors preparing for Blackpool - what a treat. You could feel their excitement, their anticipation, their anxiety, their enjoyment, their fanaticism to excel, and even their despair and disappointment... all the way. After that show I said, "Jay pack your bags, Blackpool here we come." The BBC took us on an exhilarating journey to the world's "dance mecca" wonderland.
On the positive side, it was suggested that Lilian Phororo and Dave Campbell, who both projected a very positive attitude towards everything, should, as experts and representatives of DanceSport, dictate how a show like this must be portrayed to the public. I was also told that despite Ryno and Sonja's constant moans about how badly they danced, they looked better than all the others on the floor, they were rawly robbed in that round.
Every competitive sport has its tensions,
jealousies and ruthless elements, but not every sport dangles its dirty
washing out in public. Dancing, being a glamorous, sophisticated sport,
should stick to the glitter. So Reinette, unless you have an iron guts
and the morals of a mutt, stick with social, it's lekkerfontein stuff.
NEWS FLASH
preliminary report as at 27 June
1st week at the championship
IDO
International Dance Organization
2001 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
disco dance / hip hop / dance show / tap dance
Maribor, Slovenia
21 – 30 June 2001
SOUTH AFRICAN ADJUDICATORS
Beverley Wood
Pam Smith
HIP HOP & DISCO DANCE DIVISIONS
- SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES
HIP HOP & DISCO DANCE DIVISIONS
- RESULTS
Cherese Mallen Tilana Smith
Luigi Vigliotti Jaren Bint
Kiesha Riviere Andre de Wit
Tamsyn Fisher
Nadia do Tanque
Further results including dance
show and tap dance to be distributed after the close of the championship
DANCEWELL NAMIBIA, as a professional Ballroom and Latin American social dance studio, strives to improve the quality of the personal and social well-being of all, through providing a forward moving, friendly, fun-filled, positive and productive school which serves the community well.
Regards, Lisa-Marie
Ed
Rumour, here in the RSA, has it that
dancing at DanceWell Studio Namibia
has taken the area by storm... everybody's dance
dilly and everybody's
learning to BOOGIE! TANGO! RUMBA! ROCK 'n ROLL!... at DW Nam... Things
are Goooooing like a Boeing.
"Laurette de Swardt is starting a six-week beginner's Latin and Ballroom course in mid-July. After training competition dancers for years, she now teaches only non-competitive dancing.
The course will be held each Wednesday evening in Milnerton, Cape Town. You need not bring a partner; you can come on your own.
If you are interested in attending the course, please contact Laurette on (021) 551 0037."
Thanks, Hanlie Pretorius
Ed
Once Laurette has established herself,
let me know and I'll list her with the Cape Town studios, and should Laurette
plan to take it a step further, she pays R50 a year and I'll design a personal
page for her on my site.
BELLY DANCING WORKSHOP - basics for beginners and refreshers - 2 hours on 21st July, 11 am to 1 pm - booking your place is suggested!
Take care all, Charlotte
Ed
Charlotte, we wish you all the best
of Indian luck, and bring back the BD Eastern wisdom with you... share
it with us on your return.
After the workshop, we need an in-depth review of the technical aspects discussed, not how well it went. The nuts & bolts are what we're after, C Ch, because everyone who writes to me or whenever we read the soppy stuff on these other dance websites, it's always how successful the workshop ran. That is not what dancers are interested in. They need what transpired at the workshop; what made it a success. We don't want to know that Michael & Beata's workshop went great... WHAT DID M & B IMPART that could inspire dancers and be of benefit to the sport? There are more dancers in South Africa than just the handful who were fortunate enough to attend. These soppy success stories only emphasize how much money all the officials made, which definitely doesn't inform or impress the dancer.
So Charlotte, give us the exciting details of how you get your sparkling, diamond-studded bellybutton sensually gyrated.
To contact Charlotte re the workshop
click
here
We were thinking of travelling to Pretoria for a few check-up lessons, if that's ok with you.
Thanks again for all your help and a marvellous website.
Regards, Natasha
Ed
A few check-up lessons are OK with
me. Let me know when you are ready to arrive. These
tapes have helped thousands of South Africans learn to dance socially
and competitively - cheaply. Because of their popularity, some of these
tapes are on the old side from usage, a little faded, hence my low price,
but the instructions and patterns can still be clearly followed and understood.
Just recently a dancer queried the quality of my International Bronze, Silver and Gold level tapes which are only a little faded. These tapes are a treasure and I wouldn't exchange them for any other International series - I've try many. By the way, the other day I added the Advanced Cha-Cha and Rumba to my International collection and by the time I had paid the R/$ exchange rate and all, the total for the two came to R1600, so the R514 you paid for the 15 social dances you ordered, +- 200 step patterns (10-15 steps per dance) was a steal. There are social dance studios in Pretoria that charge more than R350 for an hour's private lesson and you would be lucky to learn more than three steps in that hour. Then, by the time you arrive home, what you learned has escaped you. With my videos, your instructor stays at home with you, ever-ready to serve.
Dancers who would like to read an
article about "learning from videos", this
one favourably discusses the couples responsible for putting together
the standardized International tapes that I have on video, and I wholly
agree with the writer.
Mareli Schröter, principal teacher and promoter of the Argentinean Tango in Gauteng (Tanz Café), convinced Eric Jorissen and his partner not only to make an unscheduled stop-over in Johannesburg after their visit to Marc Hoeben’s studio in Cape Town and subsequently having visited Zimbabwe to view the solar eclipse, but to fit in a workshop as well. A move that proved to be both an experience and inspiration for the growing number of Tango Junkies in Gauteng.
Eric was trained by one of the greatest – Pepito. In his own right, Eric has become a Tango maestro of international acclaim: his schedule of being invited to on an average 5 countries a month booked years in advance speaks for itself. Which is why we were so fortunate to have the benefit of a few hours sharing his vast knowledge and transparent love for what he does.
Eric started off as a Latin & Ballroom teacher, but once he discovered the Tango, knew that that was the only dance for him. He now teaches only Tango in his studio in Holland. And it is true, weekends people arrive from all over Europe and Russia to Tango the night away, only to unroll their sleeping bags on one of his mattresses when the heart is still willing, but the body has surrendered. Tomorrow is another day….
Eric promotes the Salon Style of Tango, which is in essence, the ‘social’ style that you would dance when out at a salon or café. It is the basic and original form of this dance, which can be led and followed with ease, and makes little use of the more ‘flashy’ steps that Tango show dancers would use. While every style has its place in the spectrum of Tango dancing, salon dancing is really about the dance – the feel of a connection between the three elements; the music, my partner and myself. In Eric’s own words, which I think is the absolute essence “You HAVE to be THERE".
The workshop consisted of mainly basic moves, variations on the basic ‘salida’ in 4, 6 or 8 counts and some more elaborate moves, ‘barridas’ and ‘mordidas’ that can be easily led and followed in the social dance situation. Eric demonstrated why the correct body posture, walk and positioning of the body axis is so important to successful and comfortable lead and follow (as, in fact, is true in all dancing). Students were showed clearly how the man’s subtle lead and/or foot placement could nudge the lady into a certain reaction. Also how the lady can be given an opportunity for some self-expression without disturbing the entire flow of the dance
As in any one-off workshop, time is a limiting factor. But an experienced teacher does manage to impart little gems of knowledge, tips and hints that serve to broaden the student’s knowledge immensely
One cannot walk away from such a session uninspired. Having watched Eric and his partner dance, and understanding the many hours they spend on the floor, served once again to stress the importance of practice, repetition. dance, dance, dance because you love to, till people watching can actually see the pure enjoyment and appreciate the dance with you.
I think I speak for all when I thank Mareli of Tanz Café for organising this unique opportunity for Tango dancers, as part of her ongoing quest to spread her love of Tango and her hard-won knowledge to all who want to absorb... and thank you to Eric and partner for inspiring us with their knowledge and enthusiasm.
As a footnote: I have said it before, and I will say it again. I find it incomprehensible that people, who profess to love dancing and wish to improve, do not take advantage of the amazing workshops offered to them by masters of international standard. Still being relatively isolated in South Africa and not having that many opportunities, each should be grasped and used positively to improve the standard of our dancing. Yes, I am speaking to the teachers of Tango who did not take advantage of a learning session with an international and sought after maestro that was offered virtually for free (as opposed to the mega dollars he commands elsewhere), and would have benefited themselves as well as all their student and students to be!!!
Cheers, Elsa Lakic
Ed
Lots of Argentine Tango news, great
stuff - thanks a mil EL.
Studio: The Dance Place
Area: Pretoria, Gauteng
Manager: Karl Vörster
Contact No: 082 478 2746
Teaches: Latin American, Ballroom,
Cumbia
Address: Times 4, Burnett Street,
Hatfield, Pretoria, Gauteng
Website URL: http://www.danceplacehome.homestead.com
Thanks, Karl
Ed
Karl, done. Now let's get the dance
cycle rolling by you asking your pupils to send their email addresses my
way for regular updates, and whenever you have dance news send it.
Regards, Terrence
Ed
Good question; the answer, how would
you stop contracting colds and flu while mingling with other humans who
sneeze and cough their germs all over you? You can't. Any mail you receive
could be a carrier, and the jerks that prank viruses personalize them to
fool us. Your friend or family member innocently opens a virus-infected
file which was personally addressed to them by another friend or family
member. Once opened, it attaches itself to the names in their address book,
then boffs the bacteria over everyone they send mail to from their address
book, and if you open their mail or the file, you're instantly infected,
and the germ globally encroaches the mail web like wild weeds. The worst
part of it all is that you don't even know you have become a carrier, and
your friends and family don't know they have it either.
You can however take precautions. The first is to download Norton's anti-virus utility programme. These guys specialize in combating viruses, or at least tracking them down and then adding the name of the new virus to their list for detection and repair. Dr Norton recommends that you download their new virus list daily, and then scan your disks regularly for viruses. I check my disks daily and I am amazed at how many repair jobs Norton has to do. I don't know who the carriers are, for that matter it could be you Natasha. The first time I had my disks scanned by the Norton anti-virus programme, 583 infected files were found and fixed.
The second option is, if you don't
have Dr Norton to perform the operation for you, read your email unopened.
Be very, very careful of which files you open, a malicious virus can wipe
your disks clean.
We would like to note that the visitors of your site will like to find many different Dance CD titles (more than 300 different ones made by almost all important world producers of dance music CD's) and major brands of Dance Shoes (SUPADANCE, INTERNATIONAL, DIAMANT, FREED OF LONDON). And the brand TopDream and Millenium (Korean brands) are of excellent quality and function with attractive prices.
We offer VERY GOOD PRICES especially for DANCE CD's (ALL ARE IMPORTED ORIGINAL) and DANCE SHOES(TOPDREAM and MILLENIUM). The DanceSport-enthusiasts among your site-visitors will enjoy buying at our CD shop and Dance shoes shop.
DanceUniverse.co.kr
Room #1201, Korea Business Center
Bldg., 1338-21 Socho-dong, Socho-ku, Seoul, Korea 137-860
TEL: 02-3474-8586 FAX:
82-2-3473-3716 E-mail: danceuniverse@danceuniverse.co.kr
We are now introducing your site listed
in our introduction page of Ballroom Dance Links - International
http://www.danceuniverse.co.kr/links/links-intl.htm
link: http://www.danceuniverse.co.kr/danceshop.php
Thanks.
DanceUniverse.co.kr
Dong Hi LEE (President)
Ed
Dong, thanks for supplying the info
for your link with us.
I am curious on how some of the Latin American dancers stick those sequins down in their hair parting. What do they use?
Regards
Shelly
Ed
Shelly, I haven't a clue, but I'd
also really like to know, so I'll approach one of my sequins-sticking gurus
and get back to you. While I'm doing that, maybe a helpful dancer will
come to our aid.
Here's the answer; Press-stick,
and they even use it to keep their earrings on, so says my expert Gayle
Etsebeth, a dancing Hairdresser.
I think dancing should be part of every school cirrocumuli, even if just for a basic course.
Ed
I like the school cirrocumuli idea,
but the SA education Department thinks not, and most school kids agree
with the Ed Dept. The competitive dancing you see on TV is for the insane
addict. In NZ they apparently have DanceSport as part of their curriculum
for scholars between the ages 7-8, but I'd say from 14-15 is better, it's
closer to the matric ball. Their classes are once, twice a week for 8 weeks.
The studios that teach these school-goers even arrange low-key inter-school
fun comps for their pupils.
Every scholar should be taught the basics of ballroom, not only to prepare them for their Matric Dance, but also for weddings and business functions. The basic dances you'd need are 2-step, Boogie, Waltz and a Latin. In Pretoria the Sokkie is a must, because that's the main "langarm" Varsity dance, danced to rave music. The main studios that specialise in teaching these social dancers in Pta, and to all age groups, are, DanceWell Social Studios and Sylvia's Dance Club and their prices are reasonable.
The social studios that don't accept
under 21's do so because their courses include lengthy legal contracts
which automatically exclude minors, unless their parents are willing to
sign and pay for them. These studios are usually also very expensive.
Thanks, Maureen
Ed
The person to contact is Avril Bennett
of FEDANSA @ 011-9163371 and when she tells you, send it our way for our
other dancers who might want to know.
What is Ryno actually trying to achieve? I feel the show on E-TV was quite disgusting in view of the attitude they have towards each other. What happened to team spirit. Surely the little ones are looking up to them and with views as they have, I have very little hope for the sport in the future.
I have my personal views about Ryno's dancing and his behaviour but that is my opinion and would not go telling everybody on television shows. Maybe he should try being more supportive and inspire people and loose his stinking attitude.
I am sure Michael our champ could give him a few tips.
Anonymous
Ed
Thanks for the note. I'd like to
know your personal views on Ryno's dancing - that would be interesting.
That TV show merely spilt some of the beans of the grim, disgusting mess
DanceSport SA is really in at present. The authorities will have to start
working "for" the dancer and stop thinking of their own selfish interests.
The fact that you had to write undercover on this issue proves my point.
But A, fear not, Ryno is in big trouble with the authorities, and it now gives them another reason to hold a meeting to oppress dancers from speaking out publicly.
I would like to know how the "Dress People" feel about Trilobal for the girls bronze - dress. I made one which does not look to bad. I experience real trouble to get lycra in Heidelberg. Do you think this stretch-velvet is preferred to Trilobal. Which other materials can be used. PLEASE HELP
Thanks, Maureen
Please dancers, let's lift the standard of dancing in South Africa, not lower it.
Cccccc Yaaaa
Roy !!!!
Ed
Roy, it's not the dancers, it comes
from the top. What you say is mild compared to what happens among the officials.
Within the comp camp, the bitchiness simply sizzles. They maliciously castigate
each other, use their authority to suppress dancers who squeak publicly
against them and the system. They set the example; "what you do, speaks
so loud, I cannot hear what you are saying". It's all so very hypocritical,
a facade. Like you say, it does NOTHING for the standard of our dancing.
It was Ryno who said, "If you're fat and ugly you can't dance". Ryno also said, "I'm learning to think before I speak" but on the "fat and ugly" score, I saw his foot fall out of his mouth - it just came out wrong. What Ryno meant was, dancing competitively is like modelling to music, you need the right measurements, proportions; in the same way models are screened, a couple's aesthetic silhouette helps attract.
As an interesting side light to the
F & U; Ryno once reviewed a comp for me. In it he accused one
girl of being overweight. The mother afterwards said that her daughter
wanted to commit suicide after reading the statement - Ryno, you never
learn, but give me the straightforward approach anytime above the hypocrite.
Dancing in our country is bogged by too many hypocrites and too few genuines
- our future standard stays bleak.
Roy, let's take you as an example.
You were innocently outspoken, sincerely voicing your feelings about what
confuses you. Now the grapevine tells me that the authorities have cut
out your tongue, thrown you into a dark, rat-infested dungeon ready to
rot - you're DOOMED... Roy, I ask you with tears in my ears... HOW THE
HELL CAN THIS COUNTRY'S DANCING IMPROVE with Gastapos at the helm? You
tell me Roy, because I don't know, and they still have the uncultured audacity
to criticise the honest, sincere work I voluntarily do for the sport.
None of them have the guts to answer
a letter like this, but they don't mind manipulating you guys with their
"gallows threat" because they known your passion and love for the sport
will accept any form of intimidation. They know they've got you by the
short and curlies. It was little wonder the sour connotation amongst our
top Latin dancers on TV the other night was nothing short of bitter &
twisted.
Too old to dance? Dancing keeps you
young an frisky. In competitions, OLD could be a distinct advantage on
the mature, experienced side.
Thank you.
Ed
Afraid, I don't know of the one in
Porche. The only workshop I know of that's being held in June is the one
that Michael & Beata will be giving on 15th in the Community Hall,
Bedfordview. It's free. They'll be tackling etiquette, elements of good
basics, floorcraft, appearance, personality, etc.
Contact Desiree May (011) 884 5135
or Sylvia Kutumane (011) 397 6434. Maybe they can help you with the Porche
one.
Please explain.
Thanks for all your help and advice. I really must meet you some day.
Jeanette
Ed
We call it the 2-step (social Foxtrot).
Arthur Murray was the dude who popularized it in the 30's. At the time,
everybody was hocked on social ballroom, but not "every body" could comfortably
handle a body in front of them, so Murray and his wife Catherine (Catherine,
the technician) simplified matters for the average 3-left-footer. She borrowed
a basic or two from Quickstep and pilfered a pocket from slow Foxtrot.
Then Cathy collated an easy-to-learn social (rhythm) Foxtrot, using the
basic Quickstep timing (slow, slow, quick, quick) as the "catalyst" rhythm,
and fused the Fox to add spice and identity.
U C Jeanette, Slow Fox has a social problem; because the feet are seldom brought together, which gives it its tremendous length of movement and continuity, you need oodles of space to executed and enjoy it to the full at your local jol. What's more, Slow Fox can only be danced to slow tempo and Quickstep to quick. Rhythm Fox can be done to both because 75% of the patterns stem from the SSQQ timing and the feet are brought together at the end of the step to signal its demise, thus giving the operator ample time to breath and manoeuvre around a crowded floor. All the steps are specifically designed for social dance conditions.
Here's a home-town version:
Rhythm Foxtrot
Overview : The Rhythm Foxtrot is
a straightforward and rhythmic dance, and rather sociable at that. It has
the standard slow-slow-quick-quick timing of the classic Slow Foxtrot,
but takes much less effort to master and is an excellent dance for a beginner
to learn. This is the first dance one will learn at the Stellenbosch dancing
society, and is always danced in competition until the higher levels, where
the couples move on to the Slow Foxtrot.
Background : The Rhythm Foxtrot has the same origins as the Slow Foxtrot (which is the standard Foxtrot). The Rhythm was developed with the express purpose of having a dance much like the very popular (back then) Foxtrot, but without the serious intricacies and amount of traveling, making a more sociable Foxtrot. It is even possible that the Rhythm Foxtrot is more like the original Foxtrot than the evolved Slow Foxtrot.
Syllabus : Beginner - "Balance steps (sideways)", "Quarter turns", "Natural pivot turn", "Reverse pivot turn" Intermediate - All from Beginner and "Promenade step" Advanced - All from Intermediate and "Grapevine"
Yes, we must meet some day. How's
your Argentine Tango?
If you have deleted the Sulfnk.exe file from C:\Windows\Command folder and want to know how to restore the file, and to read all about it, you will have to go into http://service1.symantec.com where you will find the instructions on how to restore the file.
Regards, DanceCrit
Ed
In future, I'll think twice before
relaying virus messages; thought I was doling the PC community a favour.
Whenever a new, improved virus is sent my way, I'll add it to my Webpage
which lists a collection of virus names.
Thanks for the cure, and sorry to
all who were inconvenienced by my alert letter. Had I been using Windows
98 and not 2000, then operation repair would have been another job for
me. I still regularly receive the "HA HA HA SNOW WHITE" mail virus, but
I've got my mail guru tracing the culprit, and when we catch her, it won't
be the Argentine Tango we'll be demonstrating.
What a change, no more bright lights and everyone brought their own snacks and refreshments. Even the line dancing was nicely inter-spaced with “normal” dancing. The music was strict tempo with plenty of Ross Mitchell’s arrangements. The organisers really went out of their way to please ... the tables were tastefully laid with flowers. Chips, nuts and raisins were placed on all the tables.
I recommend this venue to the social dancer. The floor is large, good music and a nice vibe. There are a number of single folk there and the line dancing gives everyone an opportunity to meet and dance with each other. Parking is very safe with the Army taking care of the security ... guns and all.
Hennie holds a dance on the first Saturday of every month and bookings can be made with Harold (011) 822-3589, Justine (011) 608-1170 (w) 640-5646 (h). Cost: R25,00 per person.
Incidentally, some time ago the BBC Television ran a series of International dance competitions on their channel. The competitions were between various European countries under the title “Come Dancing.” Ross Mitchell’s orchestra were in attendance.
Happy Dancing
DanceCrit
Ed
Great news. Thanks for letting us
know. I have added your commentary to the "Social"
page as well.
Tango
Salon @ Gardels on Wednesday 6 June, '01!
From 8 p.m. onwards.
Delicious Pizza/Pasta menu from Gambinis.
R25 Cover Charge.
Call Ralph on 082 481 9400 to book
or to find out more about the
wonderful Argentinean Tango.
Check out our website for all that's Happening @ Gardels
http://www.gardels.freeservers.com/home.htm
Email: casano@netactive.co.za
Thank you Jay, as always, for your prompt advertising of the above.
Thanks for the compliments, I am really flattered.
As for the question u asked me, I will answer it when i get back. I am just busy arranging some shows here in London for Sonja and i for our trip to Germany and America in September. A fundraiser in pounds!!!!
As for the British, Sonja and I danced our hearts out but unfortunately, the results did not come our way. We are otherwise very happy with ourselves and our dancing, but will definitely work harder for next year. All I can say is, it is very, very tuff. But life still goes on and we smile!!!
There were a lot of South Africans this year and the support was fantastic!!!!!!
Ryno
Ed
Latin and Ballroom competition is
fierce internationally, and it's getting harder for our dancers, because
although the Olympics is not quite a reality yet, its motivation is very
real abroad. Even the Aussies are dancing better. My guess is, South African
coaches and officials will have to quit their political approach and pool
together as a country.
Good luck with your fundraiser
SULFNBK.EXE Warning
Reported on: April 17, 2001
Last Updated on: May 29, 2001 at
06:22:42 AM PDT
The following hoax email has been
reported in Brazil. The original email is in Portuguese; it is followed
by an English translation.
CAUTIONS:
Regards, Rene
Ed
Rene, try this
link but I doubt whether the photos are on