Info
Info
|
|
|
SA Dance links * Comp Results comp/social * News Flash * News Abroad * Promotional points * Partners Comps & Socials Studios & Clubs * Socials & Parties * Shoes / Dresses / Beauty * Officials/Organisations * Calendar of Dance Events Dancers' Dictionary SA Champions Interviews * SA Quick Links * Recommended Studios * Looking for dance items? |
Letters - August 2001 - July letters
I've hit the down-syndrome in my dancing Hi J
First of all thanks for a wonderful website and for all the updates you send, greatly appreciated.I have a serious problem, I've hit the down-syndrome in my dancing and it seems as if I'm the only earthling with this decease. As much as I love my dancing and am desperately determined to do well, I seem to stagnate, no matter how hard I try. I am beginning to think that my lack of confidence in my dancing is blocking my progress and would really appreciate your thoughts on what I can do to boost my confidence. As much as I adore dancing, it is seldom that I feel good about the way I dance.
I have been taking many lessons for a year now, and I know my self confidence would get a boost if my teacher praised me more, but that is not his nature.
Am I the only depressed one, or do others also go through this stage. When I look around it seems as if I'm the only one with the problem.
Regards, Amy
Ed
From personal experience, I have realised, and have so often seen it when training others, that when we hit a down in our dancing or any other physical activity, that's when we are truly progressing... paradoxical, yes, that's when we are actually improving.I'm no great Squash player, but when I started, my backhand sucked. It frustrated me no-end. I decided the only way to improve the shot was to go to the court on my own and do something about it. I bludgeoned the backhand until my arm hung limp, ready to drop off. I did this for weeks, every day (no gain without pain) and the more I practised this shot, the more I felt I was getting nowhere fast. Then when I applied all my diligent blood, sweat and tears in the game, it depressed me even more. Depression not being part of my mind-set, and having learned that when I pushed myself that little extra during total dance fatigue, success was soon to emerge, so I pushed another meter. The reward, I now win more points off my backhand than any other shot... you think I should work on those other shots too? OK.
Being self-critical is an important part of any sport, it's our built-in competitive instinct, our inspiration to improve, to excel. Every sports person, including the best, hit spells of self-doubt. Dancing is no different. It is a life-long process with highs, lows and plateaus - known as the curve of learning. Here's the definition:
CURVE OF LEARNING, roughly defined, is a natural learning pattern where at the start of the learning process, no gradual or steady progress is made. Progress comes in abrupt starts and stops. One minute you're soaring, the next it's as if you're stagnating. Those who persist during the stagnation phase reap the rewards of all the time, the effort and the money spent on learning.
To alleviate the pangs and frustrations that accompany the 'slump of learning', every dancer should remember that it's during the 'down' phase that most progress is made and that perseverance is the only solution to accomplishing any physical and mental activity.
The Curve Of Learning can also be described as progress made in stops and starts, with rapid headway at the outset, followed by a sudden drop in progress and then levelling out to a steady upward trend of improvement with minor fluctuations of progress and stagnations along the way.
A year is not a long time to be dancing, no matter how many lessons you have crammed into that period. But it is long enough for you to have hit a temporary plateau. Then, just when you are at the peak of your frustration, with yourself and in your dancing, you experience a breakthrough to the next level - things simply fall neatly into place - the law of evolution. This cycle will be repeated more than once in your dancing career as you progress towards greater achievements. When you recognise this cycle, then the lows of self-doubt become easier to handle. As we learn more about the skills of dancing, so we realise how much more there is to learn; confusion and frustration is a sign of this. Frustration is therefore the actual sign of progress!
Here is a tip for all keen dancers that has helped many of our pupils feel better about their dancing. They watch a video tape of their dancing when they started; their early dance days against their latest performances. This helps you get a clearer perspective of how things are going.
Another tip; when you are dressed to the nines (costume, make-up and rhinestones) go out there believing you are the most beautiful person in the world and then dance like it, oh yes, and don't forget to imagine that the audience is stark naked, that gives you the edge on them in the confidence stakes. It's a type of role-playing - acting, an imaginary confidence booster, and Amy, remember to strut your posture, because posture and confidence go hand in hand. When you "put on" the posture, you breath in self-confidence.
Finally, dance teachers who haven't the nature to praise their pupils, should rather sell cow dung. They don't belong in the teaching profession. Every time your teacher praises you, it's a pat on the back for the teacher. It spells good communication between giver and learner. A good teacher is like a dog trainer, he/she always looks for the slightest improvement, then praises and encourages Fido. So Fido, you're doing just great... you're a DANCER with all your limbs, your eyesight, energy, passion, vim and vigour... ENJOY.
Quintus and Irene are dancing brilliantly Hi Jay
I would like to comment on the above review made by Leon.I am very happy that he has noticed that Quintus and Irene are dancing brilliantly and that they are actually trying to incorporate authentic Latin American dancing into their style. Their basic technique is excellent and it shows even when they do more intricate choreography. The trend nowadays seems to be aiming toward a more classical style of dancing but I ask the question: "Are we not competing in Latin American and NOT Classic American?"
The descriptive manner in which the report/review was written was beautiful and I definitely think that more reviews of this quality are needed in this country of ours.
Regards, Bluewhite
Ed
Absolutely, reviews, like it or not, benefit the standard of dancing, and always make for interesting read. I see a review as an online workshop, whether it comes from the audience, a parent or an expert.Regarding your "Classic" worry; years ago the style and technique in Ballroom dancing was rudely invaded by an overpowering Ballet influence. This caused great consternation amongst officials, who swiftly stamped it out, labelling it as "too theatrical". The mere fact that you mentioned this aspect as a noticeable trend, will cause others and the authorities look up and listen. Thanks for your contribution to the sport.
like my studio details to appear on your website Hi Jay
I have just browsed on your site and thought that i would also like my studio details to appear on your website. It's an interesting dance site with all the information e.g. When you move from one province to another to know where to continue with the sport you love most, as i do.My club details :
Mdantsane, ELITE DANCE SCHOOL - East London
Maxhoba Malik Mxeki (Head Club)
073 - 160 - 2165 ( Malik)
(043) 760 - 0628 (Khumbule Ndibaza)We also have a website at: http://ellitedanceacademy.fws1.com
M.M.Mxeki (Head of Elite Dance School)
562 N.U. 1
Mdantsane
5219Ed
Maxhoba, you're on, but the web address you gave me only gives me free web space?S A Dance Sport Council Final Syllabus Hi J
Please give me more information on the video's - S A Dance Sport Council Final Syllabus. Just for information did the Syllabus change and when and how often does the syllabus change.Thanks Sharon
Ed
Sharon, I'm not sure what the chances are, but according to the names of the steps listed, nothing has changed. This is a SA national syllabus, and South Africa does not have the right to change a standard syllabus laid down by the world competitive body which has been used for 60 years.If there are any changes they are minor. South African dancers are still battling to dance an orthodox Feather correctly, Heel turns correctly, etc. that's why our dancers have problems featuring in the top 200 at Blackpool, There's just no way SADS can make or break what they themselves can't master yet, C, it's as simply as that. So remember when Feathering, swing into the Finish with Sway & Control.
"sokkie" dance tape/s? Dear Jay
I would like to know what the price is, for the "sokkie" dance tape/s?Thanks, Braam Coetzee
Ed
R39 for the Sokkie which includes 10 variations, and R34 for the tape plus whatever the postage is (if any). You can always add dances to the same tape, because 15 social dances fit onto a 3-hour tape. For every 4 dances you order one is free.Hello Again
So then, if I order "Sokkie" and "Sakkie-Sakkie", it will cost:R39-sokkie
R39-sakkie-sakkie
R34-one tape
plus postageHave I got it right?
Cheers, Braam
Is there an internet site with information about next year's blackpool Jay
Is there an internet site which I can visit with information about next year's blackpool. I want to know if there are dates available for next years blackpool, and what is the dresscode for the juveniles.If you can provide me with a internet address it will be wonderful.
Thanks, Dinkie Scholtz
Ed
Here's the link to the homepage for all Blackpool events: http://www.blackpooldancefestival.net/index.htmlHope you come right, and if you find any interesting dance news, email us.
complete video instruction tape on Belly Dancing - a first in South Africa Hi Jay
I thought you and all your readers would like to know that I have just completed a video instruction tape on Belly Dancing - a first in South Africa. The recording has been very professionally produced and comes with a workbook that every dancer can easily understand and follow. The price for the video plus workbook is R250 (excluding postage).Readers who are interested must contact me @ (011) 787 6880 or 083 377 8964 Fax: 011) 781 3819
Thanks
Regards, Phyllis
Ed
Phyllis, it sounds great, and according to the inquiries I receive for Belly Dancing, your video & workbook can be a tremendous help to those in tutorless areas or the shy type who would prefer to try it privately at home first. I believe Belly Dancing is becoming a rave in the States as a fitness programme.Those who would like to meet Phyllis click here
fees for the hip-hop exams to be held on the 21 September Hi All
Please note the fees for the hip-hop exams to be held on the 21 September. These fees are due no later than Thursday 30 August as I am going to pay the fees on Friday 31 August. Any students that have not yet paid will not be
entered.The fees are as follows:
Pre-Level 1 R50
Level 1 R55
Bronze R55
Level 2 R60
Level 5 R80
Medals R50Everybody has to do an exam and a medal as well. For the medal you do a dance. In order to have the exams at the studio we have to have as many entries as possible that is why everybody has to do a medal.
The exact timetable for the day will be available on Friday 7 September.
If you have any questions please let me know.
freestyle international disco dance/hip hop/dance show/tap dance world junior championship results Hi JayIDO
International Dance Organization2001 JUNIOR WORLD CHAMPIONSHIP
disco dance / hip hop / dance show / tap danceMaribor, Slovenia
21 – 30 June 2001SOUTH AFRICAN IDO REPRESENTATIVE
Beverley WoodTOTAL ENTRIES :
2000+ juniors 12-15 years
22 countriesSOUTH AFRICAN ADJUDICATORS
Beverley Wood
Pam SmithHIP HOP & DISCO DANCE DIVISIONS - SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES
Cherese Mallen Tilana Smith
Luigi Vigliotti Jaren Bint
Kiesha Riviere Andre de Wit
Tamsyn Fisher
Nadia do TanqueDISCO DANCE DIVISIONS - RESULTS
1. Disco Dance Solo Female 66 entries
C Mallen 41st – 49th
K Riviere 41st – 49th
T Fisher 41st – 49th
2. Disco Dance Solo male 31 entries
L Vigliotti 13th – 16th
3. Disco Dance Duos 54 entries
K Riviere & T Fisher 37th
L Vigliotti & N do Tanque 48thHIP HOP DIVISIONS - RESULTS
1. Hip Hop Solo Female 68 entries
T Smith 24th – 29th
N do Tanque 56th – 60th
C Mallen 61st – 66th
T Fisher 61st – 66th
K Riviere 61st – 66th
2. Hip Hop Solo Male 48 entries
L Vigliotti 25th – 30th
A de Wit 34th
J Bint 43rd – 47th
3. Hip Hop Duos 54 entries
T Fisher & K Riviere 32nd – 34th
A de Wit & J Bint 35th – 37th
L Vigliotti & N do Tanque 38th – 41stTAP DANCE AND DANCE SHOW DIVISIONS - SOUTH AFRICAN REPRESENTATIVES
Tilana Smith
Leigh Meredith
Michelle Ribelo
Tonia CastanheiraTAP DIVISIONS - RESULTS
STUNNING RESULTS HERE – WITH ALL THE GIRLS REACHING FINALS!!!
1. Tap Dance Small Group 12 entries
T Smith 2nd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
L Meredith
M Ribelo
T Castanheira
2. Tap Dance Solo Female 39 entries
L Meredith 3rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
T Smith 11th
M Ribelo 13th
T Castanheira 18th
3. Tap Dance Duos 18 entries
T Castanheira & M Rebelo 3rd!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
L Meredith & T Smith 5th!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!DANCE SHOW DIVISIONS – RESULTS
1. Dance Show Solo Female 45 entries
L Meredith 11th
T Smith 16th
M Ribelo 32nd
T Castanheira 36thWTC for DANCE : Points summary as at 1 August 2001
dance show - disco dance/freestyle - hip hop
(tap dance ranking list available from SADTA Stage Branch)WORLD TRIAL CIRCUIT for DANCE rule book available at the KwaZulu Natal Championship
This may also be purchased directly from the SADTA Stage Branch : tel (011) 907 7280
Available to professionals only
R100-00 per copy
Future alterations and adjustments for the next 2 years provided without any further chargeQualifying Heats to date : Battle of The Giants 26-28 April 2001
Free State Championship 1-2 June 2001DISCO DANCE SOLO MIXED - DISCO DANCE SOLO MIXED - DISCO FREESTYLE SOLO FEMALE
CHILDREN 11/UNDERT JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/OVER
Blom 20 N Gomes 14 L Sturrock 22
N Theron 8 J Verrion 12 T Fourie 18
S Jooste 8 K du Plessis 11 C Mallen 15
L Hendry 7 N do Tanque 10 J Kohler 9
C Lindeque 7 L Vigliotti 8 T MacDonald 8
K vd Berg 6 T Palm 8 K Scott 7
C de Castro 5 J Snyman 7 N Hooman 6
J Makings 5
J v Vuuren 5DISCO FREESTYLE SOLO MALE DISCO DANCE DUOS DISCO SHOW DUOS ADULT 16/OVER JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/OVER
M Moroder 20 L Vigliotti & N do Tanque 10 N Dawson & C Mallen 18
N Dawson 15 K & A Scott 15
R Hewitt 14 M Vilonel & H Bennett 10
J Elliott 7
A v Wyk 6
S Saunders 5
G Golding 5
M Gomes 4HIP HOP SOLO FEMALE HIP HOP SOLO MALE HIP HOP SOLO FEMALE CHILDREN 11/UNDER CHILDREN 11/UNDER JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS
K Orgill 12 D Hammond 10 T Smith 12
L Rose 10 J v Wyk 8 M Hendriks 10
S Strybos 9 T do Tanque 7 L Theunissen 9
T Blom 8 J Ezaza 8
L Stark 7 M Masangana 7
C Jv Vuuren 6 I Leotwane 6HIP HOP SOLO MALE HIP HOP SOLO FEMALE HIP HOP SOLO MALE
JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/0VER ADULT 16/0VER
L Vigliotti 10 T de Sousa 10 M Moroder 12
G Olekeng 8 T Tobin 7 R Hewitt 10
J Meyer 7 J Stead 6 S Jubber 9
B Pienaar 6 S Lindeque 2 A v Wyk 8
L Ferreira 2 R Olivier 7
C Kriel 2 C Bullock 6
R d'Artnall 2 J Traut 2
A Behrens 2HIP HOP SMALL GROUP HIP HOP SMALL GROUP
JUNIOR 15/UNDER ADULT 16/0VER
no 146, BOTG (IVY) 10 no 287, BOTG (RZ) 10
no 443, BOTG (PB) 8 no 350, BOTG (DB) 10
no 142, BOTG (IVY) 7 no 219 BOTG, (PS) 7DANCE SHOW SOLO MIXED DANCE SHOW SOLO MIXED DANCE SHOW SOLO MIXED
CHILDREN 11/UNDER JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/0VER
Women Rule 10 M Kruger 10 A v Wyk 17
N Theron 10 T Smith 10 Like That 10
Oops, I Did It Again 8 M Fivaz 8 Moonwalker 16
A Makhubela 8 M Rebelo 8 F v Niekerk 6
Entertainer 7 C Coetzee 7 M Mombert 5
L Meredith 7 T Tobin 4
Dancin' Till Dawn 7
Coyote Cowgirl 6
T Castanheira 5
J Jacobs 4JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/0VER DANCE SHOW DUOS DANCE SHOW DUOS
J du Plessis & N do Tanque 10 Creation 10
Entrapment 10 M Zoutman & C Palanyadi 8
Wazz Up 8 K Petersen & G Abrahams 7
M Abrahams & T Jacobs 6DANCE SHOW SMALL GROUPS - DANCE SHOW SMALL GROUPS - DANCE SHOW SMALL GROUPS
CHILDREN 11/UNDER JUNIOR 12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/0VER
Cosmic Girls 20 Phalasala (African Brew) 8 MIBs 18
Oh La La 7 Dance With Me 10
Miami 7DANCE SHOW FORMATION - DANCE SHOW FORMATION
12-15 YEARS ADULT 16/0VER
Final Showdown 10 Cats 10
Fiesta 8IDO WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
2001*** 9-11 November 2001 1. Adult Hip Hop solo, duo, small group, formation
Essen, Germany 2. Adult Disco Dance solo, duo, small group, formation
*** 30 Nov - 1 Dec 2001 1. Adult Dance Show solo, duo, small group, formation
Riesa, Germany
*** 7 December 2001 1. Adult Tap Dance solo, duo, small group, formation
Riesa, Germany 2. Senior Tap Dance small group, formation2002 (applied) 13-15 June 2002 1. Adult Disco Show solo, duo Koszalyn, Poland
(applied) 18-20 October 2002 1. Adult Hip Hop solo, duo, small group, formation
Bremen, Germany
(applied) 25-27 Nov 2002 1. Adult Dance Show solo Dunavjuaros, Hungary
*** 28-30 November 2002 1. Adult Dance Show duo, small group, formation
Riesa, Germany2 studios are no longer on your list Dear Jay,
Thanks for posting the Junior World Championship results.I notice that 2 studios are no longer on your list :
Pam Smith Dance Studio LATIN, BALLROOM, SOCIAL, FREESTYLE
P O Box 3325
Kenmare
174510 Terenure Avenue
Kenmare
KrugersdorpTel : (011) 664 7441
Fax : (011) 664 7204
e-mail : pamsmith@mweb.co.zaBeryl Cilliers Dance Studio FREESTYLE, SOCIAL, LATIN, BALLROOM
P O Box 1200
Scottburgh
4180Tel/fax : (039) 978 1347
e-mail : nick@scottburgh.co.zaMany thanks for your hard work in the dance world and I will let you know about anything really exciting coming up.
review of the western cape world trial comp held 28 july 01 Hello Jay
FEDANSA World Trial Competition, held at the Belhar Sports Centre on 28 July 2001.After defrosting from the worst venue in the world ever, I could of finally come alive. On arrival at the competition venue I noticed many competitors with blankets and flasks. I was quit puzzled as for the need of these items, but 5 minutes later I understood why. The organisers of this competition ( FEDANSA ) obviously never gave this venue much thought as I can't see how competitors were expected to perform in an ice box like that venue.
Amateur Latin
In this section there were 8 gladiators ( 4 couples ) contending for the title. This section was full of contrast from competitors crawling, to rolling, to absolutely fabulous dancing. The section was won by Grant Mandon Baartjies & Viveca Peterson who produced an outstanding performance. From the moment they stepped onto the floor I thought of them as champions. Viveca was tanned a dark chocolate brown with a fully stoned black creation, and I mean FULLY STONED !!!. Grant wore a well tailored black outfit.Their performance dazzled the audience with Viveca rolling off Grant's leg & Grant splitting through her legs. Their performance was high-impact from the very first dance. While watching Grant & Viveca I realised that they have a style that is completely exclusive to them.
BUT !! the biggest surprise of all hit me when I watched Quintas & Irene demonstrate the true art of Latin American dancing. This couple embodies the true essence of Latin dancing. Q & I have produced a performance that I have yet to see from our local couples. Relying on there superb technique & basic fundamentals I was mesmerized by the sheer beauty of there dancing.
Irene wore a plane black outfit with not one stone in sight. I just couldn't stop admiring her beautiful legs & feet. The quality she produced & the confidence she portrayed showed me how much she has matured since the SA champs last year. Unlike other couples who dependant on jumps, kicks & other gimmicks, this couple demonstrates the true authentic Latin American style that is used by the top couples in the world & will ensure their success in the future. Good Luck Quintas & Irene.
In third place was Graig Messina & Denia Demonze who just never got going. The quality of their performance that we are accustomed to in the standard section was not on par with the Latin.
The fourth couple who was a pre-championship couple (Roy Pieterse & Nadia Marlie ) could easily have taken third place, but unfortunately they weren't marked. Roy, an extremely rhythmical boy with his partner Nadia will fit quite comfortably into the amateur championship section in the near future.
Youth Latin
This section had a battle royal going on with some partner changes. This section was won by Lana Isaacs & Riegard van der Merwe who produced a performance of a lifetime after tripping over her ex partner's foot in the samba. Lana performed like nothing I have ever seen, they dominated that section from the start.Riegard, who was previously a conservative latin dancer has finally broken that mould and has emerged as a talented young dancer. Together Lana & Riegard with the help of there coach & trainer Kim Isaacs, will certainly light up the floor in the Latin circuit.
In second place was Andre & Beata with a mediocre performance that I'm not use to seeing from this talented couple.
In third place ws Gary Messina & Tracy Howard. This couple walked on the floor like champions but unfortunately faded early in the five dancers and were never contenders for the title. Tracy had a nice latin outfit but Gary however, through ill advice, wore something that just didn't work 4 him.
In conclusion our dancers have to realise that kicks, jumps, rolling & crawling can't replace the good technique demonstrated by our World Champions Bryan Watson & Carmen.
Yours in dancing
Leon
Ed
Leon, thanks a ton for the review. It would be great if more dancers would express their comp feeling. I've linked your comments to the results that Arthur Isaacs sent me.