September 2000

a new dance... wagga, wagga me home

1. transport scam - Joan Schoeman
2. Dancesport as the talking point of the show - Wez Mayo
3. results from a competition in PDF format files within 5 minutes - Jim Warren
4. telephone scam - Victor Wilson
5. here is the answer regarding juvenile novice dancing SA'S from Cathy Gibbons - Dinkie
6. greatest get-together venue for true lovers of dance - Elsa
7. can a juvenile couple, dancing novice participate in the SA'S? - Dinkie Scholtz
8. Dancers needed for "Lindy Hop", the original swing dance form of the 1920's - Oliver Meckler
9. Addition to South African Championships - Kevin Juul
10. first coach with a Doctor title in Ballroom Dancing - PRESS RELEASE
11. detailed information regarding the correct Dress-code - Maureen
12. "Latissimo" production at Carnival City.  It is a fabulous show - Lilian Dooley
13. former undefeated SA professional ballrooom champions - Meryl & Brian
14. line dancing with zestful Zani - FGF
15. Many thanks for the updates - Yvonne
16. great website - Justine
17. eTV dance show not september but november - Wez Mayo
18. passionate about latin - need a dedicated partner - Johannes Mothibi Maema
19. felicia's show last night confirmed that E-TV - Wez Mayo

transport scam Hi Jay
In response to Carin's "telephone scam". A friend of mine who had to move flats, but didn't have enough money to pay the conventional fees, phoned cheaper transport advertised in the paper. Once packed, she signed all the papers, paid the bill, and happily waved them goodbye, and goodbye it was, never to see her personal belongings again - thank you very much.

Joan Schoeman

Ed
Who needs a crowbar, a dynamite stick, sledgehammer & chisel, and why put your lilly, licking life on the line for a steal, when you can do it slick-like; with a smile, a handshake, at your own pace, and a hearty thank-you-very-much for your wonderful gift... AND PAY THEM FOR STEALING YOUR STUFF, and then they go on to sell your precious processions at half the price as an added bonus - THAT'S THE JOB I WANT Joan.

Dancesport as the talking point of the show Hi Jay
Today's  Star "Tonight section" (28 September 2000) has a report on Dancesport on the back page.

The article mentions that on Monday 2 October, the programme "Two Way" at 20H30 on TV1, will have Dancesport as the talking point of the show.

Should be interesting.

Cheers

Wez Mayo

Ed
Wez, thanks for letting us know

telephone scam Hi Jay
Subject: Fw: POST OFFICE ? SOUTH AFRICAN CONTACTS

We have been informed of the following scam, which is targeting females in particular.
They received a phone call from the Post Office asking them to confirm their company postcode.  When this is given, they are told that they have become eligible for some gift vouchers for their co-operation and are asked to provide their home address and postcode in order to receive the vouchers.

So far 90% of the women who have provided this information have been burgled as it is assumed that their homes are empty during office hours. The police are aware of this scam and the Post Office have confirmed that they are NOT conducting postcode surveys.

Also, it has been reported if you receive a telephone call from an individual who identifies himself/herself as being a Post Office Service Technician and who was conducting a test on that telephone line, or anyone else who asks you to do the following, don't.

They will state that, to complete the test, the recipient should touch nine, zero, the hash (90) and then hang up.  To do this gives full access to your  phone line, which allows them to place a long distance international or chat-line calls billed to your account.

The information which the police have, suggests that many of these calls are emanating from local jails and prisons.

The information has been checked out by the police and is correct ? DO NOT PRESS  90 FOR ANYONE.

Would anyone reading this please pass the information on to colleagues, friends, etc., otherwise it could cost someone a lot of money.

Cheers

Carin

victor wilson replies Jay
Thanks for the updates.

Please have a look at http://www.urbanlegends.com/ulz/90pound.html and
http://www.snopes.com/inboxer/scams/jailcall.htm and decide whether you have been taken in by the hoax.

Regards,

Victor Wilson.

Ed
Victor, thanks for the links, very interesting... and we can never be too careful these days with all the new-improved, sneaky scams around

results from a competition in PDF format files within 5 minutes Hi Jay
As you are probably aware the DSG group provides computerised scrutineering services at the vast majority (dare I say 100%) of the Gauteng competitions.  A new feature of the Scrutiny3 software is the ability to produce a complete set of results from a competition in PDF format files within 5 minutes of the end of a competition.

If you wish I can discuss the possibility of providing you with a set of these results and by the Monday following a competition a full set of results could be loaded onto your site.

The result sheets are identical copies of the reports produced during the competition.  The PDF format will provide you with excellent quality and will certainly pre-empt the manual entering you probably do now as well as providing a complete result for a Section.

Does this interest you?

Many regards
Jim Warren
DSG

Ed
Jim, thanks for the offer, that would be great.

Arthur Isaacs of the Western Cape uses PcScrutineer2000 and without fail, the day after the comp (Sunday), I've got their results on the web. Arthur also lists PcScrutineer2000 on their comp programmes.

For the Gauteng results I have for years relied on my faithful, loyal spectator Caroline Poley, who emails these to me on the Tuesday, but very often we don't get all the results.

The "Comp results" page is the next most visited page to the "Letters from Dancers" on my site. Thanks to Caroline, we've also started a comp photo gallery which our competitors enjoy.

My site is fast developing into the main search engine for SA Dancers, and the reason being, FAST takes precedence over FANCY - the faster I can put info on the net the better, and a computerised comp system is the ideal for achieving that.

greatest get-together venue for true lovers of dance Hi Jay
Thought our dance-lovers would enjoy this at Tanz Café:

Dance Cabaret!

Great new dance sensation at the Tanz Cafe - funky, sporty and passionate show with Chris - the greatest Sax player!
Choreographed and directed by Didi Moses.
Enjoy Latin American Dinner & dancing before and after the show.
dates:
Friday 29 September
Saturday 30 September
Friday 13 October
Friday 27 October
BOOKING ESSENTIAL
Cover charge R45

Be sure not to miss this - PURE ENTERTAINMENT

Saturday 7th, 14th & 21st October party to the sounds of the super Latin American band 'Fernando'
Learn the latest Latin line dance, wine, dine and be merry.
Booking essential
Cover  R35

New Dance Sport term @ Tanz starts Tuesday, 26th September.
Latin American, Argentinean Tango, Ballroom, Belly dance, Funk Jazz, Dance Workout, Hip Hop, Stretching.
Get Tanz connected for the best dance classes.

Tango Salon every Wednesday evening from 20h30 - watch the Tango; feel the Tango; dance the Tango.

Super lite meals and full bar every night during group classes.

Tuesdays: Wine & Dine to the colourful sights and sounds of Belly Dance!

Always something happening at the greatest get-together venue for true lovers of dance.

Elsa

Ed
It all sounds so delightfully delectable. Thanks for letting us dance-lovers know.

can a juvenile couple, dancing novice participate in the SA'S? Hallo Jay
I got your e-mail address from my sister. Both our kids are doing ballroom and latin. She said you would probably be able to answer my question or refer me to the person who will be able to.

The question is as follows :  As far as I know the latin juvenile novice, pre-champ and championship couples do not dance a paso doble. Does that mean that a juvenile couple, dancing novice, can participate in the SA'S, because
there is no paso doble in the higher sections as well ?? Somebody once told me that, and I cannot remember who. Now my child is a few points away from novice (juvenile), and I would like to know.

I would like you to add me to your address book for the update of dance info.

Thank you for your time.

Dinkie Scholtz

Ed
Dinkie, here’s Cathy Gibbons’ email Address: eastside@iafrica.com  Cathy is the fundi in the DanceSport's information bureau. Once I get confirmation on this, I'll add the details to your letter for all to see. I'm sure many dancers would like to know the answer. As far as I know, they sit the Paso out while the others do their thing.

I've added your email to my address book, and thanks for your support

Reply from Caroline Poley
Jay, as far as I know, the answer is as follows, but PLEASE, check with FEDANSA for clarification.

Novice sections do not dance Paso Doble at all (Juvenile to Masters). Juvenile sections do not dance Paso Doble either, and this goes for Pre Champ and Championship as well.

Junior sections and up dance Paso Doble in Pre-Champ and Championship.

SA's is only for Pre-Champ and Championship dancers.

Caroline

Jay,

here is the answer regarding juvenile novice dancing SA'S from Cathy Gibbons.

Regarding SA entry

At this stage anyone of pre-champ or higher status in their age group may compete for the title.

All juvenile sections are 4-dance, however, still is not open to a novice grade dancer. They must be pre-champ or higher even juvenile.

PS Wild Coast , 21st October Sun City , 14 October are open to all contestants

Cathy Gibbons (National Secretary)

Regards

Dinkie Scholtz

Ruud Vermeij becomes the first coach with a Doctor title in Ballroom Dancing Hi Jay
A unique premiere for our dance world:

Ruud Vermeij recently got his Ph.D.- degree in Ballroom dancing.

After studying for his master degree, Ruud Vermeij from Team Amsterdam, was the first coach introducing the universal dance principles from Laban in competitive Ballroom dancing. He published his Master study material in the book "Latin. Thinking, sensing and doing Latin American dancing".

Mr Vermeij decided to continue his research in both Standard and Latin American dancing. This Summer he concluded his Doctorate which included research on creating a dance profile for dancers. Major issues in his thesis were: the style of the dance itself, the style of the teacher and/or choreographer and the personal style of the dancers.

Mr Vermeij found that in this group of styles dancers often fall victim to the energy of the competitive nature of the institution. His dance profile has brought us a step closer how to deal with personally orientated strategies. His work may help dancers to cope with and to contribute positively to the practice of Ballroom dancing. A 410 page document summarises the depth of his research and analysis. His doctorate work stretched over a period of five years. His new book is now in process.

PRESS RELEASE

P e t e r A. T o w n s e n d

Ed
You mean, they haven't heard of Jay, the 1st Prof in dance. Well! Well! Well! Thanks for the info.

Dancers needed for "Lindy Hop" - the original swing dance form of the 1920's Hi Jay
Would you please add the following in the category 'partners for comps & socials':
Dancers needed for "Lindy Hop" - the original swing dance form of the 1920's. We are looking for social dancers - beginners welcome - as well as for dedicated dancers for a show. Please contact Oliver on 082-9007101'

Thanks a lot

Oliver Meckler

Ed
That's interesting, Lindy Hop in the new millennium, sounds like fun to me.

Addition to South African Championships Hi Jay
Just to inform u that Kevin Juul and Sharon Daniels were the professional standard winners in the South African Championships in 1994, 1995 and 1996. Would it be possible to enter this information on your list of South African Champions. For more info you can call Kevin on 0832899004. Question?? Why is there no ten dance champions listing.

Thank you.

Kevin Juul

Ed
Kevin, thanks for the info. Will add yours to the list. Re 10-dance champs, no-one seems to have a list. Arthur Isaacs has promised to help me get the names of the champs from the Cape area.

information regarding the correct Dress-code Jay
Is it possible for you to provide me with detailed information regarding the correct Dress-code of each section - competitive dancing - ballroom and Latin.

Thanks Maureen

Ed
Maureen, here’s Cathy Gibbons’ email Address: eastside@iafrica.com  She’s the main outfit-fundi. And when you get it, transport it Jay's way for the perusal of all our dancers who feel the same about the dress-code as you do - in the dark

In the meantime, here are two links that deal with your question in brief, and the third one is how the rest of the world does it:

• Thanks to a spectator - disajuly2000.html#dressc
• Thanks to Pam of KZN - disajune32000.html#ruleskzn
• Competition Rules l lnternational. This one can give you a very good idea of the dress-code used abroad

All FEDANSA or any other DanceSport Body, for that matter, needs to do is send THE RULES, THE DETAILS to me for all to see, and when there's a change to the rules, we simply update it.

"Latissimo" production at Carnival City.  It is a fabulous show
Lilian Dooley Hi Jay
Re events for next year, I will have some very exciting announcements to make soon. But in the interim could you mention the "Latissimo" production at Carnival City.  It is a fabulous show featuring some super dancers, which project the work we all love, and is tremendous entertainment for the public in general .

We are also using this opportunity to create more exposure for dance, as well as to create opportunities for dancers to earn a living from their talents.  The show runs from Wednesday to Saturday, with shows at 21h00 each night, as well as a 17h00 show on Saturdays... it would be great to have support from the dance community.

Yes there were dancers on the list, I will email them to you.

Regards,

Lilian

Ed
On the 28 July a friend sent me this Latissimo letter which I emailed to all the dancers on my update list. As far as I know, many are going to the show this month. At the time, I put that letter on the "flash News" page of my site as well, it's still there.

Regarding the dancers on the list, all I need are their names, I'll extract their email addresses from your letter. I'd really appreciate it if you could remind dancers who do have email to sent their address to me, the more email addresses I have of dancers, the merrier - I collect dance email addresses for my SA DanceSport communication system and as you can see, my site is getting mega busy.

line dancing with zestful Zani Hi Jay
As mentioned earlier, Zanidu Line Dance club is expanding rapidly. As an introduction to line dance for the easterners, the other clubs met at the new venue (Menlo Park Scout Hall) last Monday where they gave a spirited demonstration of their extensive repertoire. Afterwards everybody met at a restaurant where the entire outside stoep had been cleared and enclosed. Here the girls socialised - drank, ate and of course danced till they dropped. One of the advantages of Line Dance is that new dances can be quickly learnt because of the repetitive style of the dance. So, learn while you dance and have fun is the motto.

The evening turned out to be great fun and I would suggest that such an evening should be arranged on a regular basis to bring the various clubs together. Unfortunately, what was once again painfully clear, is that men (apparently) CANNOT DANCE, since they were conspicuous by their TOTAL absence!

The line dancers are much in demand and doing frequent shows at homes for senior citizens. The verve and energy of the dance is much enjoyed by the ooms and tannies. Problem is that these demos are mostly scheduled during week mornings and most of the current club members are working girls. In order to overcome this, Zani is planning on starting a morning session, where she can catch and then 'in-span' the non-working class! Contact Zani for more detail on 012-654 1734 or 082 789 2054. You will get fitter, feel better and make others feel better while having loads of fun!

Thanks FB

from FGF

Ed
FGF, you're right, Line Dancing, verve, vim, vine and vinegar are vot keeps the vigure vit and virile. Men who can't dance, that's absolutely disgusting - the reason I prefer dancing with the fairer sex.

former undefeated SA professional ballroom champions
Meryl & Brian Thank you for DanceInfo SA updates, Jay
Dancelot's next party: Saturday 30 September 2000, Athlone High School for Girls, Frederick Drive, Observatory, 20h00 to midnight.  Open to all.  Bring own eats and cooler bag.  Tel. Brian:  0833-2525-97 or Meryl 0833-2525-96 - book early.

Christmas Dance on Saturday 09 December 2000.

Regards

Meryl

Ed
Meryl, thanks for the info

many thanks for the updates Hi Jay
Milton is waiting for me to print your letter, which even I have been too busy to read, to read your comments.  He loves your comments and can't wait to read them! Keeps asking when will I get my printer back - hopefully within a day or two.

Jay - do you know off hand whether Roy Bennett has email or even his fax number? I would like to ask him to change the name of our coaches. Somehow I have misplaced his phone no. / fax no.  -  it goes with the territory!!!!

Hope I am still in time!

KIND regards

Yvonne D

Ed
Someone once accused me of talking too much. Yvonne, now wouldn't you say that's ridiculous? What I'm really trying to do is stimulate dance talk, and there's no better way than waffling your vocals on paper. But the kind of talk I feel is healthy for the sport is profusely proscribed, of which the title is, "The Truth". Dancers may not tell the truth without getting pilloried.

Roy does not have email. You would need to email Alan Sasnovski
Here's Roy's fax # ( 011 ) 916 3371 but I think you should contact Avril Bennett Tel. 011-893 4280

The best place to look for numbers of officials is from my homepage - it's dancer friendly

great website Hi Jay
Thank you for a great website. Please could you give me details on listing a Studio on this site.

Many Thanks

Justine

Ed
As a Subscriber you are entitled to a free page on my site and pay R50 for a year’s maintenance. I design your page for you and add animated dance images, photos, colour, etc. to your page, and you tell me what you want changed. You, on the other hand,  may update your page as often as you like. The idea is to update your info regularly, to promote what you specialize in.

With every update, I insert a flashing update image to your name and send your page directly to the thousands of names I have listed - I update once a week. As a subscriber, visitors will be able to access your page to see all the details. Non-subscribers can’t be accessed.

Should you decide to subscribe, you pay the R50 into my account and email to confirm and construction begins.

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

Thanks for your interest.

passionate about latin - need a dedicated partner Dear Jay
How do you do? I was helping a friend to repaint a studio for the season, when I came upon some pages of your DI magazine. I was so happy even though it was last year's copy.

I'm writing because I want to know how I can get my hands on your magazine every time there is a release. Also I want to know everything concerning dance sport throughout SA and the entire dance arena.

I'm 19 years and passionate about my latin. I'm just about to start competitive dancing with Dave Campbell, provided I get a suitable dedicated lady partner very soon. Latin is my life, my passion and my dream to find myself competing in the SA camps very soon. My phone number is, 011-791 3849

Thanks

Johannes Mothibi Maema

Ed
Johannes, I'm doing just fine. I've added your request for a partner to the "partners wanted" page, who knows? your dream of dancing in the SA's this year might still come true - hurry! hurry!

eTV dance show not september but november HI Jay
I tried to get the time schedules for the dancesport verified from the tv guides & website, but to no avail.

I then got hold of their customer care centre and the lady confirmed that it only starts on Wed 1 NOVEMBER at 18h05 and weekly thereafter - far from the September date the guy mentioned.

As for new dance venues, not much has appeared (been too busy with gigs), except for a virtual Johannesburg landmark, namely The Clay Oven restaurant, situated on the cnr of Main & Witkoppen, in Sandton, just up the road from the Fourways Mall.

This place has been there for almost 40 years now and they now have latin nights on Thursdays with a latin dancing couple in attendance, while Friday & Saturday are normal disco evenings with a latin cabaret as well. The floor is not too big and is well worn while the music is mostly modern top 20 stuff, with some oldies thrown in  - not your best ballroom/latin  venue I can assure you. However, the best part is the food  and the price i.e. a buffet with an enormous choice of excellent dishes at a price of R49-95 pp on Friday/Saturdays.

The point I am trying to make hear is that one (two actually) can have a very enjoyable dinner/ dance evening out for R150 a couple including a tip, which is very rare today. We managed a few boogies, swings cha-cha's and mambo's while floor space was available, so all in all a good dinner/dance venue for the price.

When we return, which we will certainly do on a regular basis, I shall continually approach/pester the owner about laying a new floor....

When it comes to the best venue for our social dancing however, the Dance Palace in Florida takes a lot of beating on a Saturday night.

Cheers

Wez Mayo

Ed
Wez, thanks for all the info, greatly appreciated

Felicia's show last night confirmed that E-TV Hi Jay
In answer to Lydia's question, Felicia's show last night confirmed that E-TV will be having weekly slots for Dancesport from September (that's next week!) through to February 2001. Nice one again E-TV !

Regards

Wez Mayo

Ed
Thanks Wez, straight after her show I emailed Felicia; "Hi Felicia, I run South Africa's main DanceSport site on the net called DanceInfo SA. My aim is to promote all forms of dance. At the beginning of 1999 I proposed a TV show for DanceSport entitled "DanceSport Needs Steroids".

Here's the page with the format of my proposal. It might have merit for both TV and the sport: http://www.oocities.org/danceinfosa/disatvshow.html

Cheers, Jay"

During 1999, when there were rumours that she was moving to eTV, I phoned her several times and left messages, because I know she loves dancing, but her machine never replied. Maybe I'm not diplomatic enough. I always try not to be too diplomatic because a friend once told me; "to be diplomatic is to say, 'nice doggie, very nice wooffie,' until you can find a rock"

How's the dancing and Rienie's health? Still enthusiastically waiting for your special list of "places to go dancing". The dancers want it from the expert.